You Owe Me a Coke, Seppy

On the evening of the Superbowl last year, Mike (Bahr) posted his lamentation that he was denied the opportunity to see something he has never seen before when the Patriots couldn't muster enough talent to acheive a completely undefeated season. This year, Mike can make no such lamentation. The world will now see the Arizona Cardinals represent the NFC in Superbowl XLIII (43) on February 1st. Heck, Mike may even see two things he has never seen if the Cardinals go on to win the Superbowl. This doesn't seem likely since it appears the Steelers will win the game. The Ravens were the Cardinals' best shot at a victory. However, if the postseason has taught us anything, one can never write the Cards off. To that end, I will think positively.

As for the Eagles - they played a great second half. They reminded the Cardinals that they do not walk on water. Unfortunately for them, it was too little effort too late. I do have to hand it to Andy Reid, Donovan McNabb, and Brian Westbrook. Those guys lose with dignity and honor. They are class acts, and I respect that. In fact, I have always been a fan of theirs. I hope the pricks that call themselves Eagles fans realize what they have. Philidelphia fans (save for Mike who recognizes the problem) tend to lose their loyalty when their team loses. Well, losing in the NFC (or AFC) championship still equals a great season.

Mike - I look forward to my Coke. Too bad you won't be out here to watch the game. Though we were friendly rivals today, I know we will be rooting for the same team in two weeks.

A Happy 10 Years

I just got back from my ten year anniversary trip with the wife, and it was great. I won't get into the minutia of the trip, but I can say my memories of the awesomeness of skiing are accurate. Sunrise Park indeed rivals some of the ski resorts (Copper Mountain, Keystone, Breckenridge) I am familiar with. The only major difference is - as I have mentioned in a previous post - there are no bowls. Since bowls are irrelevant to me, there are no complaints here. To top it off, the Apache people are very helpful and well spoken. I appreciate their hospitality while I was on their reservation. Of course, I was dumping money into their pockets, so I guess we all got something out of the relationship.

Anyway, I need to find skiing buddies. Kristin's prolapsed ankles got the better of her and in addition to the usual learning curve, making turns (especially right turns) was very difficult. She hasn't written on skiing entirely just yet, but she has advised me to find other people to ski with if I want to do it more often.

We were only able to hit the slopes one of the two days we planned to go due to the difficulties, so on Friday, we decided to see what the White Mountains had to offer. It turns out that there isn't much in the winter outside of skiing, but we did manage to go to the base of the mountains (where the temperatures were somewhat tolerable) where we went to the Kinshiba ruins - an ancient Zuni/Hopi pueblo. After about two miles down a dirt road, we found out we needed a permit to visit. Since we never saw the visitor center, Kristin and I decided to walk the ruins anyway (sorry Apaches). We did abide one aspect of the sign at the entrance: we brought respect, took pictures, and left footprints.

After the ruins, we galavanted around the Show Low/Pinetop?Lakeside area only to find that these towns have nothing going on. We did catch a movie, did some shopping for things we needed anyway, and relaxed until the evening. We decided to go to the Hon-Dah casino since it was right there and won $20 more than we went in with, so that was cool. Afterwards we went to the best steakhouse I have ever eaten at: Charlie Clark's (in Pinetop). If ever you find yourself in the area - eat there. These latter events were all a part of our actual anniversary.

While my anniversary celebration was going on, my buddy Jeff was most likely enjoying his bachelor party planned by Mike (Bahr). I look forward to hearing about that. Today is bittersweet for me. On one hand, I am reunited with my kids who I surprisingly missed (felt like I hadn't seen them in weeks). On the other hand, today is Jeff's wedding. I wish he and Roxy a lifetime of happiness, and I am sorry I couldn't make it. I am there in thought, obviously.

Okay, so let's talk football. I am picking the Cardinals and the Ravens to win their respective games. The Ravens have been defeated twice by the Steelers this year by small margins and I think they have the Steelers' number now. The Cardinals will defeat the Eagles for the following reasons:

1. Even though they won, the Eagles got the crap kicked out of them by the Giants.
2. The Cardinals do have an edge with the homefield advantage.
3. The Cards are on a tear, and their confidence will intimidate the Eagles.

Should I be wrong about the Cards game, I will pull for the Eagles during the Superbowl. I like the Eagles, and they are an exciting team. I just don't think they will win.

As for my Superbowl victor - based on my picks for the game, it is hard to say. The Ravens are dynamic this year. Their unpredictability has been their edge. Then again, the Cardinals' post season unpredictability has been theirs. I will have to evaluate the games tomorrow to make my pick.

The Coke bet is on!

This weekend was a football fan's dream. Three out of four playoff games ended in upsets. Most importantly were the NFC playoff games. Combined, they mean the Cardinals will have homefield advantage in the NFC championship game.

Last night, Mike (Seppy) and I decided that if the Eagles won, we would have one of our traditional Coke bets. I am taking the Cardinals. I can't believe I am saying this, but I have little doubt they will be in the Super Bowl this year. Of course, a beaten-up Eagles team won't hurt their chances.