“The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever.” President John Adams in a letter to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776.

Living overseas for 5 years taught me more about patriotism than the 23 years prior that I had growing up as a privileged American. Living in an oppressed western African nation where freedom and liberty are just a dream showed me how blessed I was to have been born a citizen of the United States, and especially a southerner. More than ever before I began to appreciate how profoundly awesome it is to have the RIGHTS to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I came to fully grasp what so many of my forefathers sacrificed just to live freely, speak freely, worship freely, expect justice, and to possess an equal protection of the law.

Because of my years abroad, the 4th of July is no longer just a day off for me. Its no longer about a party by the pool with friends & family or a day of fun on the lake. It will never again be just a day of cookouts, parades, & fireworks. Independence Day for me will hopefully always include those things, but only in celebration of the liberties & freedoms I so abundantly enjoy, at the great expense of so many during the last 232 years, and by the immeasurable grace of God Almighty.

As I sit here writing this all I want to do is thank God for His wisdom, grace, love, and mercy in guiding the creation of this magnificent country. At the same time I feel compelled to beg His forgiveness for my sins and the sins of my country. Everyday I see changes in the way we live our lives, gravitating towards what mankind wants and further away from what God intended. I firmly believe that our social fabric is at stake if we continue to separate ourselves from God’s ways. But also, the degree of liberty we enjoy today is dependent upon Americans believing in a transcendent moral order for the way in which we live. I believe that America is exceptional, not because we made it that way, but because we experienced God’s undeserved blessings upon this nation.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  2 Chronicles 7:14

When we say, “God bless America,” we are asking God to treat our nation better than we deserve. The inclusion of God in America is what has historically been the best part of our country! The precious gift of God’s blessing is what has set us apart & made this country so extraordinary. And still seeking His blessing is a way of making sure that we can define our future in new and more promising ways. It is also a way of honoring the words in George Washington’s eloquent farewell address: “Religion and morality are indispensable and our national greatness, unless we allow them to be subverted and obliterated by secularism.”

But no oration or prayer I have to offer is as powerful as the ones given each year on this day to our Representatives by the Congressional Chaplain. This one in particular spoke to me today and was delivered July 2, 1969 to members of Congress on the Senate floor by the Rev. Edward L. R. Elson:

“We thank Thee, O God, that the freedom we celebrate in coming days is not an attainment, but an obtainment that it is Thy precious gift to man as part of his createdness. We thank Thee for the daring of our forefathers in reclaiming their “ancient rights.” We thank Thee, too, for the heroes’ valor, the patriots’ devotion, the prophets’ vision, and for all the blood and sweat and toil by which our freedom was purchased. As we commemorate our national independence accept again the declaration of our everlasting dependence upon Thee. In all our joy and thanksgiving enable us to remain a nation “under God,” and give us grace and goodness to minister to mankind in His name. Amen.” (Source: Congressional Record-Senate, 91st Congress)

Amen, indeed. May God continue to bless America.

Uga VI (”Uga V’s Whatchagot Loran”) 1999-2008

So I’m sitting here at Duke Medical Center waiting to meet with another doctor. Luckily they have free wi-fi so I was was taking advantage of the time to read up on all my daily Georgia news. I have a list of blogs and news sites that I check daily. Religiously.

Anyways, I clicked on the ajc first (I don’t know why I do this since they are always last on breaking UGA news) and then I looked at Rivals for a sec, then onto Scout. That’s where I saw it - Uga VI has passed away, just shy of his 10th birthday. Josh Kendall, who writes for the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, posted the story on Scout as well this morning.

For those of you non-Dawg fan readers that visit my blog, you are sorely mistaken if you think this isn’t big news. It is very big, just ask Sports Illustrated, ESPN, the prestigious Downtown Athletic Club in NY, or even Clint Eastwood. Any and all Uga’s past, present, or future will always be big news - and not just to those of us who live and breathe all things Dawg.

I’ll be honest, the story stunned me for a moment. Its been a tough week already. Whether you’re a diehard Diamond Dawg fan like myself or not, every Bulldawg fan was heartsick over the miracle run to the College World Series that ended without the grand trophy. And Bulldawg Nation is none too pleased with Billy Humphrey’s recent visit to the pokey and consequently his well-deserved expulsion from the team. So seeing the headline that The Legendary Uga VI had passed was just more sad news on top of bad news.

Its sort of fitting when you think about it though. Of the six Uga’s, none have been more successful and more lauded than Uga VI. He was a winner in every sense of the word, owning more victories (87-27) than any other Uga, including the National Championship holders Uga I and Uga III. He has 2 SEC Championships, 3 BCS berths w/ 2 wins in the Sugar Bowl (2003 & 2008), and more wins over top 20 ranked opponents than any other Uga in history. Georgia athletics has 35 National Championships in a variety of sports. Nieteen of those came under Uga Vi’s tenure. How ’bout that Dawg! So, after his years of service to the fans who loved him and the great state of Georgia, it is no surprise that he’d choose to leave now. His passing just reminds us that despite a tough loss in the CWS, our title as the most succesful Athletic Department in all of Div 1 college sports this year is just the beginning of great things to come.

As much as he was a gentle giant and loved the attention from children & adults alike, he was a badass, make no mistake. Mr. Seiler once said he was affectionately called “The 4-Legged Beast.” Two seasons ago after I’d moved back to the states Dad, Rob & I had a picture taken with Uga before the South Carolina game. Now I’ve been around Uga’s all my life, but this one nearly scared the hell out of me! He was a monstrous 65 lbs and was especially ornery that morning. Bulldawg fan or not, I knew I’d draw back a nub if I got too close!

I could spend all day talking about Uga’s importance to The University of Georgia, his fixture in college football, his notorius status as the best college mascot, and his foray onto Hollywood’s big screen. But, beyond who he was to his fans and the public, he was one of many beloved family pets to the gracious Seiler family of Savannah, Georgia. It is astounding to think about all that family has sacrificed over the years (personally, professionally, physically, and monetarily) for Georgia. With a heavy heart and a spirit of sympathy: thank you to the Seiler family for giving us Uga. He was indeed a Damn Good Dawg.

I’d forgotten that Uga VI was named after Larry Munson’s partner in crime, Loran Smith. In typical Loran fashion, he wrote eloquently today about his namesake in the best tribute I’ve read.

All of Bulldawg Nation can’t wait to meet UgaVII this season and see how he extends the family legacy and winning traditions of Georgia. And, just my two cents Seiler family, but I really hope Uga VII is named for Larry Munson. Next to Uga, there’s not a better DGD.

Go Dawgs!

 …The mighty Diamond Dawgs have struck out.

Damn.

I do not remember a time of late where I felt so heartbroken about a Georgia loss. It ticked me off when our Women’s Tennis Team had their dreams of a National Championship dashed by Yech’s much lesser program. When the Dawgs lost to South Carolina and UcheaT last year, it made me so mad my blood boiled! I screamed, ranted, & raved for days.

But watching the Diamond Dawgs work so hard, capture some of the most thrilling wins I’ve ever witnessed, and then lose it all in two games… Heartbreaking just doesn’t quite describe it.

Kit and I were talking after the game Wednesday and everytime he’d even mention it, I couldn’t talk about it. I still don’t want to talk about it.

I feel crushed and I’m just a fan. I cannot begin to imagine how low Perno and the team feels.This is no doubt the most talented team to ever grace Foley Field to date. They deserved that CWS trophy. I refuse to believe Fresno State was the Cinderella the media made them out to be - the facts are on my side. And I refuse to believe they wanted it more, they were more talented, or they deserved it more. Again, the facts are on my side. So I have to believe Fresno State just played a couple of better games than we did. That’s all.

When I woke up this morning and read some more news on the Diamond Dawgs and their magical year, all I could think about was a line from my brother’s favorite story (really a poem) when we were kids. At bedtime our parents would read to us and we could each pick out 1 story we wanted to hear. Rob almost always picked Casey At The Bat. 

“Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright,
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and little children shout;
But there is no joy in Mudville — mighty Casey has struck out.”

Next year’s team will be full of new faces, personalities, and eventual stars - no doubt. Coach Perno continually proves that he’s one of the best recruiters in all of college baseball. So as heartbroken as I am right now, I know this isn’t the last you’ve heard from the Diamond Dawgs at the College World Series.

Thank you Coach Perno and the Diamond Dawgs from this diehard fan, for a fantastic season. Congratulations on making it to the Championship game - finishing 2nd is an accomplishment you should all be extremely proud of. I know I sure am.

Go Dawgs! 

Unbelievable! Dawgs win!!! After last night’s win by the Tarheels, Georgia is now the only undefeated team to enter the Championship series on Monday. Despite Josh Fields nearly giving the game away (4 freakin’ runs in the 9th?) we escape with the win and sweep the bracket.

I’m a huge Diamond Dawg fan and a true homer, but I never thought we’d get past Miami. Hell, I was worried that Stanford would even up the series and force a game two for today. Never in my life am I so glad to say that I was way wrong!

Perno made a big deal to the team about how history repeats itself. A little lame, but it worked apparently. His 1990 National Championship team had to get by a heavily favored Stanford team looking for 3 consecutive CWS titles. And now this squad had to do the same. Whatever works.

I happen to think it has a lot more to do with redemption than history. Last year’s pathetic season was too much of an embarrassment for arguably the most talented team we’ve ever seen at Georgia. This year though has been all about hard work, tough opponents, confidence - maybe even borderline arrogance. But mostly, its been about a dertermined group of athletes focused on redemption. Lately I’ve been seeing this quote from Gordon Beckham in a lot of articles that speaks to that edge:

“We came here to play, and now we’re in the National Championship Game, and you couldn’t ask for more. All we wanted to do was be playing on the last day.” [emphasis added]

Every game it seems someone different in the lineup has a brilliant day. I think back recently to Olson’s MVP performance throughout the Regionals & Supers. Peisel’s clutch hits against Miami in game one at the CWS.  Stephen Dodson’s command pitching & Matt Cerione’s 2-out, bases loaded, single to win game two against Stanford. And then yesterday’s parade of hits by Rich Poythress to send Stanford home & sweep our bracket. Outstanding.

I’ll be biting my nails Monday night, for sure. But more than anything, I’ll be watching to see which Bulldawg gets his due for another brilliant day. Hopefully it will be accompanied by many of these…

Go Dawgs!

Btw, There’s a great article up this morning on espn.com about yesterday’s game. In it there’s a great quote from Rich Poythress where he talks about his injury last year and how that affected his attitude coming into this season. It earns him Damn Good Dawg status for life:

“Poythress had shown plenty of “want to” in the fall of 2006 and last spring. After tearing an ACL while trying to avoid a tag during his first at-bat of a fall scrimmage, he worked hard at rehabilitation and was lucky enough to be able to return four months later.

“That was a reality check. I told a bunch of people that more than anything it made me appreciate the opportunities I get every day,” Poythress said. “A million kids would give the shirts off their back to play baseball for the University of Georgia. I’m still trying to take advantage of that.”  

I’ll say it again…GO DAWGS!!!

Well, not quite, but if we win the MNC this season, we’ll certainly have a fantastic argument.

I hope all Dawg fans know that the University of Georgia is the only athletic program to have had:

1. a team play (not to mention win BIG) in a BCS Bowl
2. the Men’s Basketball Program in the NCAA Tournament
3. the Women’s Basketball Program in the NCAA Tournament
4. the Baseball Team compete in the College World Series 

And that list doesn’t include another National Title in Gymnastics, Equestrian National Title, Swim Team in the NCAA final top ten (Diving program as well), Softball Team competing in the Regional Playoffs, Women’s Tennis NCAA Tournament final top ten finish, and another National Title for the Men’s Tennis Program.

I’m sure I’m leaving something out here, but that’s all I can think of for now.

Unbelievable year. It’s great to be a Georgia Bulldawg!

Go Dawgs!

I was just reading a piece from the Red and Black about the Diamond Dawgs going to the College World Series and the last lines nearly made me spit out my sweet tea!

“but Wolfpack coach Elliott Avent was less than enthusiastic when asked how they compared with the juggernauts of his league, including a possible first-game matchup with Miami.

“I could say something, but that’s not fair,” he said. “Georgia’s a
great baseball team, they’ll found out in maybe a week how they really compare.”

I can’t help but laugh really. This is just one of several snotty comments from this guy. Unbelievable. And who could forget him making an issue out of Dodson’s dirty hat on Friday. After realizing Dodson was not trying to cheat, he still insinuated on national television that something was up. And this is the moral compass of the program? Nice.

All week I’ve seen postings on mesage boards from NC State fans talking about how classless our team was during that series. Apparently its absolutely uncouth and in poor form for a player to have un unbottoned jersey. Seriously? And we’ve been slammed because some players would “flip their bats” after slamming a home run, or take their helmets off as they were crossing home plate. To the wolfpack this is absolutely inexcusable and a display of poor sportsmanship.

Yeah, but a Pitching Coach giving Georgia fans the finger and quotes like the one from Head Coach Avent above are completely within Emily Post’s guidelines of respectable behavior? Was it an accident that their pitchers hit 8 of our players (Gordon Beckhmam was hit 3 times), all above the letters, and always when they were losing? Oh, and let’s not forget what NC State pitcher Drew Taylor intentionally did to Lyle Allen right after getting burned AGAIN for a home run by Joey Lewis. I guess that’s what passes for class & good sportsmanship by Avent & Co., huh?

I went to Saturday’s game and the fans around us couldn’t have been nicer. Maybe that had something to do with the fact they were whippin’ our asses at the time, I don’t know. But we met some very gracious people who had nothing but great things to say about the Classic City, our fans, and our program. Too bad the NC State program didn’t share the same warm, fuzzy feelings of their fans.

Whatever Coach Avent. You showed what poor sports and sore losers you & your team really are. With this behavior and pathetic attitude its no surprise to anyone that your program can’t earn a trip to Omaha. Oh well, we’ll be happy to send you a postcard. Thanks for the memories asshat.

Go Dawgs!

So when I logged on to this here corner of the internet, I was for a moment a little afraid that WordPress would fire back a quick ”REJECTED!”-esque response. To my surprise, I apparently do not rank amongst the list of official M.I.A. bloggers afterall. Wonders never cease.

Anyhoo, I have no legitimate excuse except that life has handed me a few dips and turns as of late.  Winter term was a bitch, to put it mildly, and spring term quite frankly was even worse. As it turns out, planning for a summer break was a smart move on my part; unfortunately an act of necessity rather than frivolity though. No, I did not fail or get kicked out! << Shut it Bill >> But for the last 7 weeks I’ve been dealing with a health situation that’s had to take priority. I go in for surgery again tomorrow for the 3rd time, and most definitely the last. So, a big thanks to those that have prayed and continue to do so. They’re much appreciated and coveted. XOXO

I’m gonna be back in Athens by early July, come hell or high water dammit. Classes don’t start for me until after Labor Day, so I’m determined to have some fun this summer and get ready for Georgia football in the Fall. I’m officially a grown-up season ticket holder this year and I’m not missing a single home game. Go Dawgs!! 

Speaking of which… everyone who knows me knows that I love baseball (Go Braves! But you suck Glavine & Hampton) and have always loved the Diamond Dawgs. I actually got to go to a game Saturday (big mistake in retrospect, but it was worth it!) I got to meet Brian Jordan, who was so gracious & funny btw, and will have that pic posted soon. It’s on Rob’s phone at the moment so maybe I’ll get it by Christmas. Hint Hint.

Anyways, I’m determined to watch the Diamond Dawgs play Da U on Saturday night, regardless of being hopped up on pain meds. And I’ll be on my knees for the duration praying for a win. I’m so tired of seeing us go straight to the loser’s bracket. I’m pretty sure either Holder or Dodson will start Saturday night leaving Montgomery for game 2. For the love of Pete, please let the pitching be solid! That’s our only hope of getting to game 3, imo.  Montgomery is a sure thing, but Holder, Dream Weaver, Dodson, and even Moreau have not looked on their A game more times that I can recall lately. And Josh Fields’s last 2 outings were shaky at best. Good God, he looked downright embarrassing at times Sunday. Not good.

No worries about the lineup though. Guys like Massanari, Allen, Peisel, Olson, Cerione (what a cutie pie!), and Poythress have been hot and are conistent enough to even get our pitching staff out of jams. Oh, and then there’s this guy too, Mr. All-American ….

What is it with guys and Guitar Hero? Whatever, the kid is a freak with a bat and I’m just glad he’s still a Dawg gunning for the trophy in Omaha.

And, I hate to end things on a sad note, but I just got an email saying former Georgia QB John Rauch passed away yesterday. He was way before our time, but you can’t be a true Dawg without a little knowledge of Mr. Rauch. He did what Herschel did and what Stafford, Knowshon & Co. are dreaming of doing this season: Won the National Championship. I’m proud to say I was in Sanford when he was inducted into UGA’s Circle of Honor a few years back. It was one of the few times I ever had to hand my Dad a tissue. He was the epitome of a Damn Good Dawg and his accomplishments on the field & in coaching are legendary. Rest in peace Mr. Rauch.

So I guess that’s all for now y’all. Thank you again for all of the well wishes, cards, flowers, phone calls, food, and espcially the love!

Go Dawgs!

I came across this relatively new blog last week, Stuff White People Like, and can’t stop lurking. Sometimes I don’t know whether to laugh or be offended.

My favs so far are:

#2 Hating their parents
#50 Irony
#62 Knowing what’s best for poor people
#67 Standing still at concerts

Okay, so I realize I’m a couple of days late in getting this post up but I just totally scrapped my original post in favor of something more personal. I’m just in that kind of mood right now.

I’m a Baptist, even though I grew up with some Episcopalian influence from my Dad’s side of the family and a Methodist Pastor in my mom. I kind of like that I’m mixed. The Episcopalian’s gave me real wine for communion, and a counter-balance from the real fundamental stuff I heard in Baptist Sunday school. The Methodist’s gave me an appreciation for social service in my community, and social justice globally. They always supported me in prayer, and encouraged my mission work overseas. And the Baptist’s gave me a love for Bible study, Hymns, a way to apply God’s word into my daily life, and the fellowship with other Christians I really need in my life.

Make no mistake, not one denomination is perfect. None of us are. Each come with their own set of questions, doubt, and even hypocrisy. It wasn’t until I was older, when my faith became my own, that I realized that God is the only perfect part of the equation. The church, even though Christ’s bride, is imperfect because its filled with imperfect humans. But the influence of each church and congregation, flaws and all, have helped to guide, protect, and shape my faith and who I am. My faith is very important to me. I was raised in church but spent my years of college away from church, with the exception of being a Chreaster of course. I know what my life is like without faith and I don’t ever want to go back. That’s not to say I don’t have moments of frustration, doubt, and even anger. I do, believe me. That’s sort of the reason for this post.

I lost my Dad before New Year’s. He had just turned 60. Not to be dramatic, but I still think I’m in a state of shock. It’s hard to fathom, comprehend, and imagine some days. Others, I just don’t want to get out of bed. I’m trying to live my life in a new town, a new school but it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to put on a happy face….especially since everywhere I turn lately I see my Dad. If there was one thing I did to make my Father proud, it was following him to Athens. It’s just a little ironic that I move back here 2 weeks before he passed away. I just assumed he would’ve experienced this with me.

I’m not angry or bitter at God though; I just don’t understand why. I probably never will. I am angry, no question. I’m pissed if you wanna know the truth. I’m disappointed in myself for not being a better daughter. I’m ashamed that I’ve taken that anger out on others, especially someone really close to me. And I’m frustrated that I can’t seem to figure out what to do next, where to go from here, etc., on my own. I’m just not happy, no matter what I do. I’m miserable a lot and I’m sick of it. The only thing I know to do is turn to God. I’ve been doing this all along, but not enough apparently. I’m holding onto stuff that’s beginning to eat me alive. I’ve seen what bitterness and resentment can do to a person and I refuse to let that happen to me. So I called the only old friend I have in Athens and decided to go with her to the Ash Wednesday service at her church, First Baptist. I was a little late, but am so glad I went. It was beautiful, solemn, and carthartic for me.

Ash Wednesday service is one of my favorite worship services of the year. If you’ve never been, you should go, if only to experience it once. The Lenten and Easter season mean more to me than Christmas, which is saying a lot. It’s just such a cleansing time and an opportunity to prepare your heart for Holy Week. Ash Wednesday for me is symboilc, but so purposeful. It’s when I can approach the altar in true repentance, seeking forgiveness for my sins and let go of past wounds. The struggle for me this year is that I haven’t held up my end of the bargain. I went to the alter Wednesday night and was marked with the sign of the cross from the ashes of last year’s palms. Yet I left there without leaving my biggest burdens. I sought to be forgiven, but wasn’t ready to forgive in return. That’s pretty selfish & arrogant, considering it’s really all God has asked of me, you know?

“And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those
who trespass against us.” Luke 11:4

I can’t go back to the altar during Holy Week and certainly not on Easter Sunday without obeying what little God has asked of me. I can’t go back to Him seeking grace & mercy for my life without first being willing to extend the same to others. And I can’t go back to worship my risen Lord & Saviour with a heart of anger. No way.

WWJD. That’s been on my mind the last couple of days. What would Jesus do with me right now? Don’t answer that. Seriously though, that’s the question I’ve been asking myself…. What would He do? What is He asking me to do? How do I get from where I am right now to where I need to be, where He wants me to be? I don’t know, but I know how to find out.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be open to you.” Matthew 7:7

One of the most interesting parts of the season of Lent is it’s length - 40 days. Forty days from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, excluding sabbaths. The number of days Moses was on Mt. Sinai in the presence of God (Exodus 24:18). The period that Noah was adrift on the ark (Genesis 8:6). The duration of Elijah’s journey to hear God’s voice (1King 19:8). And most importantly, the exact amount of time Jesus spent in the wilderness (Mark 1:13) after His baptism.

If it worked for Moses, Elijah, Noah, and Jesus then it will surely be sufficient for me. So, this Lent I have more than one sin to absolve. Who am I kidding? Let’s face it, I’ve got more than I care to count! But for this season in my life I’m choosing to focus on setting myself free. Free of the anger, guilt, resentment, bitterness, and shame that’s weighed me down lately.  Free to move forward and rejoice in the blessings I have, not mourn for the ones I’ve lost. And free to truly love & cherish those who love & cherish me.

I know that I won’t be leaving church on Easter Sunday fully and completely healed of my Dad’s death. That’s gonna come eventually, but not any time soon. I know that. But I also know that when I leave the altar on Easter I’ll be a lot closer to the grace & mercy I so desperately seek and want to extend to others, than I am right now. 

Back in August I switched from Veriz0n to Cingul@r and got what I thought at the time was a cool new red Samsung Sync (Go Dawgs!). I bought into the whole “more bars in more places” thing. What a steaming pile of poo that has been so far.

For the umpteenth time since August my phone decides to drop calls at random…. and always at the most inoportune times.

I was just talking with my best friend. To preface the conversation she says to me “don’t be mad, ok?” I’m listening to her intently and not mad at all actually. And as if on cue, the freakin’ call drops.

So this is what I have to say to Cingul@r…