Xavierism

Ella & Kylie Enjoying Saturday Football!

Ella & Kylie Enjoying Saturday Football! from Xavierism on Vimeo.

Cards Win NFC Championship Game!

Arizona Cardinals Beat Philly Eagles 32-25.

I'm a Believer! GO CARDS!!!

2009 Fiesta Bowl

I am thrilled to state that I witnessed the Texas Longhorns defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes 24-21 in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl. For years and years I've been waiting for the Longhorns to return to this bowl. I would have preferred that they had played for the BCS National Championship game but this was bittersweet. We were worried that we didn't have great seats. Luckily, we had great seats. We sat to the side of The Longhorn Band. It's an incredible feeling to be seated with fellow die hard Longhorn fans at a post season bowl. A team's whole season rests on one final game.

Rodan isn't much for sports but since he's had to put up with this Sports whore, it only seemed fitting that he be a part of this great event. I woke up early yesterday morning. I couldn't sleep due to excitement. The College Football's Greatest Party, prior to the game was fun. Tickets included a meal, a drink, and Tostitos Chips and Salsa. We mingled and chatted with various fans from Texas. 

The Fiesta Bowl has rich tradition. I can remember being a little boy and watching the games with my parents and sister. So being at this game and watching the Longhorns was simply a great evening. College football comes to an end on Thursday evening. After that, I adjust to other sports. As much as I love other sports, there's nothing quite like LONGHORN football. I'm ready to do it all over again in September. 

Hook 'em HORNS!

PodCamp AZ 2008

I love the intro & beat to Duffy's Mercy. I could jam to this song over and over. Notice the many Ladies in Waiting (Adele, Duffy, Sharleen Spiteri, Joss Stone and others) are nippin' at the heels of Queen Amy? Don't get me wrong...I love all these Divas.

Thanks to Stephanie , I am registered for this weekend's PodCamp AZ 2008. What is a PodCamp? According to their site, 'Podcamp is a FREE BarCamp-style community UnConference for podcasters and listeners, bloggers and readers, and anyone interested in New Media.' For small business owners such as myself, it's all about social networking and using all the media tools to compete in today's market. I look forward to learning and networking.

Texas vs Texas Tech game. The events of Saturday's camp will end just as the Texas Longhorns continue their chase to the BCS Championship. Red Raiders are going down!

It's late. I'm excited. I'm sleepy. It's all good.

***Stephanie, did you notice your Burnt Orange link? OU Still Sucks!

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Duffy's Mercy
Current Mood: Excited & Sleepy

Longhorns #1 in Polls!

Last Saturday, I joined friends to watch The UT/ou game at The Tilted Kilt in Tempe. Turns out, this is the regular football watch for OU Exes and fans. There were a total of about 10 Longhorns fans in the joint. It was great to be on the winning side! Texas played a smart game and won 45-35. Not only did they beat the number one team, they replace the Sooners as the #1 team in the country.

The Phoenix Greek Festival took place this past weekend as well. I joined friends yesterday afternoon for a bit of Greek food & fun. I will definitely need to work out today after eating so many desserts. OPA! Overall, I had a great weekend.

This was a rough week and weekend but I'm thankful that I was surrounded by incredible friends. Thanks Stephanie for sharing these great pics. I look forward to sharing more moments with you & the gang.

By the way, The Penguins are back! I've missed my little buddies: The Penguin Cam.

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Duffy's Hanging On Too Long
Current Mood: Hungry

A Few Thoughts, A Music Recommendation, & A Splash of Pocket Lint!

***Random Play
*Melissa Polinar: Sound Vault Sessions EP
*Jennifer Vazquez: Bend
*Rosie Thomas: These Friends of Mine
*Laura Marie: Drawn
*Shannon Curtis: Boomerangs & Seesaws
*Celia Chavez: Sailor's Daughter

I love early mornings. The moments just before the sun makes it presence...the sounds of  the city proving that another day is on it's way. Early mornings are special here in this house. I can roam around the house and all three birds are asleep. It's the only time that each is a true angel.

I've been wanting to update but I've had a major case of Blah Blah's. So many thoughts and emotions have been doing their best to be turned into words in my personal journal and online blog...but they simply haven't made it. It's been two months since Father passed away. Sometimes I can't believe that it's been that long. Yesterday was rough as I thought about the last few hours with Father. It's so odd not hearing his voice or carrying simple conversations with him. It's hard to imagine life without a parent but then it actually happens, one's world is never the same. Again, thank you to all of you that continue to reach out and help me through this change.

On a recent run along the canals, I ran to the beat of my own reflections.  For the most part, I love my private time. I love running when I feel in sync with myself. It's not fun to run when I feel as though I forced to confront certain issues. Run, and run...you're running and you can't run from yourself. The inner voices get louder and one can simply go with the flow and listen to yourself go at it.  During that run, I learned a great deal about what I need to do.  Failure to succeed is a reason I hold back but I can't allow the feeling to continue because I sense regrets brewing in the dark shadows of my mind. I just gotta do it. Plain and simple...just gotta do it.

Music Recommendation:  Melissa Polinar sent me an advanced copy of her latest project, the  Sound Vault Sessions EP.  Each song included in this EP is exactly what one would expect from Melissa Polinar. The vocals are amazing as she soars with a richness as only she can. The songs are always heart felt and each has that special hook that will easily follow you through the day. I've worked with Melissa often and I love that she is a musical diva that works hard to earn the respect of fans. I'm so proud to be able to finally write about this EP. Check her out on MySpace and LastFM. The management of Xavierism approves this recommendation!

Last night's debate between Clinton and Oprahama was a turning point. I believe Clinton demonstrated why she should be the Presidential nominee for the Democratic party. I would love to see a Dream Team ticket of Clinton-Oprahama. After watching the Republican candidates battle it out in Wednesday's debate, it seems that the Democrats are more in tune with the average American Joe. I used to be one that would refrain from politics. But the bottom line is that politics is in every little thing...from the workplace, social settings, to social cliques. One quickly learns that dealing with friends or business clients that are passive aggressive by character, one must think like a politician to get things settled and or completed. It's not easy but I no longer refrain from holding back. It's my right. Each election is more important that the last and this election is no exception.

People have asked why I don't write more about the past. Part of the reason is that I used to have a journal on Livejournal. I still have an account there but it's basically links to my Vox account so that I can still read and keep up with those that write friends only posts. I have my favourites on LJ: Ami, Ayoub, Christopher, Dina, Debbie, Justin, Laura, Mario, Minnie, and Vanessa. Anyway, I wrote on that site for almost 5 years. I learned a great deal about myself, others, and blogging. I feel as though I've written all about that already. I will do what I can to write more about the stories that matter to me most. I have childhood memories that are always waiting to be in print.

I'm thankful that it's Super Bowl weekend! I'm ready to get this week behind me. It's been financially advantageous but I'm glad it's finally here. I was hoping the Dallas Cowboys would be here but since I want to see Brady go down, I'll have to cheer for the New York Giants!

As for music promotions, it's all been good. Laura Marie was in town a few weeks ago and performed a few gigs as well as spot on The Arizona Midday Show. I love Laura's songwriting and voice. She translates emotions into lyrics much like Sarah McLachlan and Natalie Merchant. She's another down to earth Musical Diva without attitude. I must say that she and her husband were to run a marathon. She is my true inspiration! She makes me feel as though I can complete a marathon as well. Sacha Sacket performed to a full house at The Paisley Violin. As always, he gave a great performance. Monday's post will include an update on the upcoming gigs I'm working on...many great singer/songwriters are heading to Phoenix and Arizona!

My coffee cup is empty. I need another cup before I get a move on. Thank you so much for your friendships.  The birds are waking up. The quiet moments in the house will be a thing of the past in about 15 minutes. Happy Super Bowl weekend!          

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Melissa Polinar's One of A Kind
Current Mood: Determined

Little Reminders

Charlotte Martin's Cover of Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town

***Random Play
*Celia Chavez: Sailor's Daughter
*Mozella: I Will
*Brandon Schott: Golden State
*Nadine Zahr: Underneath The Everyday
*Melissa Polinar: Sound Vault Sessions
*Terra Naomi: Under The Influence

Damn Aggies!

I delivered hot meals on Thanksgiving Day. Whatever pity parties I was soaked in, all went away on Thursday. I have no reason to complain. I was reminded that Life is Beautiful.

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Terra Naomi's Say It's Possible
Current Mood: Content & Chilled

"Hell NO!"

A friend called and woke my ass up at 3:30am to ask if I'd like to join her on a shopping frenzy. She plans to wait in line at a local department store no later than 6am. That Bitch is crazy! I told her I was going to send her a bill for wasting moments of my life that I'll never have back.

I'm going back to bed. I need all my strength for the Texas vs Texas A&M game!

HOOK 'EM HORNS!

Easy Grooves

Kylie watching the sprinkler water the yard.

***Random Play
*Joni Mitchell: Shine
*Laura Marie: Drawn
*Mozella: I Will
*Colbie Caillat: Coco
*Annie Lennox: Songs of Mass Destruction
*Sacha Sacket: Lovers & Leaders

***Music Recommendations:
*Annie Lennox: Songs of Mass Destruction: I believe this is one of Annie's best CDs. She uses more of her beautiful upper range and allows the songs to flow from track to track. This CD is a journey filled with beautiful lyrics and productions. Love is Blind track is about the harshness of life. She tugs the heart strings yet the listener feels the anger.  Sing is about the HIV awareness in Africa. At the end of her last track, Fingernail, I'm left with a sense of Hope concerning the matters in this present day world. A perfect CD for your collection.

*Joni Mitchell: Shine:  It's JONI MITCHELL! Beautiful arrangements and passionate lyrics to  Joni's voice and style. No collection is complete without Joni Mitchell.

Early Sunday morning. Cool air surrounded me.  City sounds. Wind Chimes whispers. Bird chirps. Early Sunday morning are best.

Glad to see that the Texas LONGHORNS rebounded from two consecutive losses and easily defeated the hicks from Iowa State.  Gotta rest up my energy and voice for the  Diamondbacks & Rockies game this afternoon.

Rodan and I were excited to see  Elizabeth, The Golden Age. I loved the cinematography but didn't think that the movie flowed quite as well as the first one. I was hoping to see Cate really sink herself into the character but other than a few scenes, I didn't feel it was grand. I do believe she should receive an Oscar nomination for this role. In my opinion, she was robbed of the Oscar from her performance in Elizabeth.   

I'm gaining ground. Steady ground.  I'm must remember that I'm responsible for my own happiness. I can't blame others and things. It's all up to me. God, my faith, my angels and saints continue to guide me. Time to head to the gym!   

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Annie Lennox's Fingernail
Current Mood: Relaxed, Easy, & Loving

It's Too High For You Too!

***Random Play
Nadine Zahr: Underneath The Everyday
Just Off Turner: Long Walk Back
Arden Kaywin: Quarter Life Crisis
Rosie Thomas: These Friends of Mine
Rachael Sage: The Blistering Sun...
David D'Alessio: Songs To Undress Your Ego
   
It's been a fabulous Birthday & 4th of July week. It's been nice to kick back and spend personal time with my feathered angels at home. Temperatures here in Phoenix have reached 115-117 degrees these past few days. Thank God for our pool. I look forward to another refreshing evening in the pool.

Last month, our Onkyo 6 CD Player died and went to Sound Component Heaven. For the last month, I've been playing my music via the computer. It's simply not the same. My sound system is connected to Bose speakers...nothing compares to the Bose speakers. So I ordered a new Onkyo DVD/CD Player. It arrived on Tuesday. It's sound quality is amazing! It goes so well with our other components. First song heard on the new CD player? Honours goes to Nadine Zahr's A Little Better. In my opinion, Nadine is the Ultimate Musical Diva. I hope to lure her to Phoenix before the end of the summer. Phoenix needs to experience musical joy that only Nadine can bring. So I'll definitely keep my readers posted on this goal.

Today, another musical diva arrives in Phoenix for a series of gigs in Phoenix & Tucson. The diva? The one and only Coles Whalen. I have paired her with David D'Alessio, Namoli Brennet, and Amber Norgaard for various gigs.

I've been keeping up with my weight training & running program. I'm quite proud of myself. A few weeks ago, I found myself emotionally tested. I had to dig deep to see the light. I credit my faith. If anything, I take my stress out while at the gym. It beats being a couch potato. I need to increase my weight lifting routines along with added weights. I've added more protein to my diet. I can tell I've gained muscle but it does bother me that I've gained a few pounds. I know it's muscles...but I wanna be a size 6!  Okay, maybe not a size 6 but you get my drift! 

Rock on, Venus! I'm so proud of her. I was hoping Serena would have smacked Justine with a wallop but that didn't happen. I love Wimbledon!

Time to clean up around the place for our special guest. Hope each of you enjoys the rest of the week!

                

Pearl Bailey & Dinah Shore Sing Mack The Knife.

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: NADINE ZAHR's Wait
Current Mood: Sleepy & Hungry