February 28, 2010

What a great week. The New Orleans anniversary was so much fun. I got a lot of good feedback on our new GM Kat!!

Jackson won 3rd place in his wrestling tournament!!! He was so proud and he got a medal. He won 3 out of his 4 matches. The one he lost was based on points. Its interesting in wrestling that you don’t get points for dominating the match only turnovers create points. Well his coach is going to work with him on creating more points. I swear with a little more skill he could win the gold!! It was so exciting.

The bars rocked this weekend. Nashville, San Antonio, Memphis , and OKC good going!!! It was a slow winter now I am hoping we can get back on top of the bills and start making some real cash!!! Holla

Hoka Hey Bike challenge. We have 2 riders so far entered. Lee and Trey. Man I wish I could enter but I want our team to win and both Trey and Lee have riden for 20 years. I think I would slow them down especially in bad weather. But I am driving the support vehicle so I am officially on the team!

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February 23, 2010

This weekend the battle was won by Nashville!!! awesome numbers. San Antonio still really strong!! Holla!! I just have too much on my plate the next few weeks. I was supposed to go to Daytona bike week with my entire crew but Jackson has his first wrestling match so I may miss the showcasing of my new retro styled Coyote bike. I am being deposed for a lawsuit early next week and then Trey and I are going on a cruise. I don’t know why but I feel stressed out to get everything done.

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February 22, 2010

Hell yeah I will sponsor you!!! Hoka Hey Challenge here we come!! I am going to sponser Max ( investor and veteran) and Kevin to do this motorcycle challenge from Key West to Alaska!! They will be covered head to toe in Cool Coyote Gear!! Max has that military type of determination and Kevin is so nuts they really may win!! Plus two good looking guys representing Coyote!! Again Hell Yeah!!

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February 19, 2010

Forgot to add this. My boyfriend tattooed his nickname for me on his bicep. If that aint love you can kiss my ass

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February 19, 2010

Again a beautiful start to the day. Lee designed a freaking kickass wrap for the Coyote trailer. I can’t wait to see it. We are still tweaking a few things but it is going to be so incredibly cool!!!! San Antonio, even when they have a bad night, its still a great night!! Thank you SA!!

Again great start to the day but now I am getting the emails from Jeff W about bills . Credit cards are extrememly high and we are low cash. Nothing ruins a good mood like money troubles!!! Bars get DEVCO some dividend checks so Jeff wont have heart attack and I will be happy!!

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February 18, 2010

Tis evening I headed down to the New Orleans bar to meet Chantel. The bar was dead expectedly after Mardi Gras but I was affected by something I saw afterwards. I was in my car returning home and I was at a stop light. I noticed that there were two homeless people chatting at the stop light. The reason I believe they were topless was because of the cart they were pushing around and their appearance. I didn’t get the impression that the two people were together but just passing each other. What I noticed is that both of them seperately were marked up on their clothes with Go Saints and fleur di lis. I got very misty eyed thinking that these people probably only have one jacket and they were willing to write on Saints logos on their only possession. Wow I am moved by that

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February 18, 2010

OK. Long day!! Kevin and I spent the day loading the truck and trailer with my bike and a portion of the portable bar. I really was under the absurd impression that this would be a very quick project. Needless to say, Kevin showed up at my house at 9 am and he just left 15 minutes ago. I cant wait to see how my bike looks after it gets customized. I can’t wait.

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February 18, 2010

Hot damn finally back home!! Chantel tallied Mardi Gras, we did about the same as last year. I was hoping we would exceed last years numbers but I think people over did it superbowl weekend and the weather was unseasonably cold for New Orleans never exceeding 48 degrees. Well at least we had two extra great weekends with the NFC championships and then the superbowl!! Monday night I called Kevin asked him to ask Vodoo to drive the Coyote truck from Lauderdale to New Orleans. I was expecting him on Thursday. Yesterday afternoon I receive a call saying the truck is in front of the New Orleans bar. Holy shit he got here quick!! Now we are getting ready for Daytona Bike week!!!

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February 12, 2010

By the way, if I didn’t already mention this, I had a ball at the NY anniversary. The girls looked great. A lot of new bouncers. And I got to see so many old friends. I love that. How great to have regulars come into one of your bars that were coming there 17 years ago!!! Awesome. Of course I got too drunk and my friend molly ( worked at Coyote 17 years ago) also got drunk. But at least it was just her who threw up in the morning!!!

I was asked to post my Buffalo Chicken wing recipe. Now this might sound strange but I guard this recipe with my life. I guess my fear is that one day some of the chains will get it right and ruin it for the Coyotes with kitchens. But in the spirit of giving I will give two bits of advice about making buffalo chicken wings . 1. DO NOT BATTER THEM!!! This is a reoccurring mistake at tons of restaurants. There is no need. 2. when deep frying the wings dont do the recommended 9 minutes do 13 minutes ( with a good fryer) They taste better a little crispier.

Had Mardi Gras kickoff meeting tonight. Good luck to everyone working Mardi Gras and to all the bar!!! Lets make some money!

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February 11, 2010

This morning I made a very off colored joke. Trey was telling me that some of his employees are Jesus freaks and they all wear bracelets that have the  initials WWJD on them. ( what would Jesus do) I may have written this before. Well today I was in a joking mood and I said to Trey how about ordering a WWJD cock ring? I know my mother would be disgraced but I am who I am. Well I get a call from the NY bar’s bank today saying that a man found a bundle of money with a NY bar deposit slip on it. I called Jacqui immediately and she has been frantic retracing her steps looking for it. It ends up that Jacqui went to church this morning to light candles and the man found it in church. Jacqui promptly called me and said ” do you think the money and the cock ring comment are related?” The lord works in mysterious ways.  For all the christian people out there sometimes my mouth lacks a censor!! Also for the record although I do not lean toward any religion I do respect those who do!!

Ft Lauderdale seems to be rallying. Awesome

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February 10, 2010

I am so jealous!!! Drew Brees went to another bar after the victory parade and taught them the saints pregame chant. God Damn it I wish he came to the New Orleans Coyote!!! Jackson, myself , one of his little friends, and his parents walked to the victory parade. In New Orleans part of normal life is going to parades. They have parades all the time, obviously Mardi Gras being the biggest parade season. I have never seen a parade so crowded. It was fun bringing the kids there. They were both wearing their Drew Brees jerseys and waving saints flags. But fuck it was crowded. I could barely see anything. I actually put jackson on my shoulders. He’s 66 lbs I am about 110 lbs. Let’s just say that sucked!! I handed Jackson my camera and his friend who was on his dad’s shoulder’s my phone camera. I asked them to take video and pictures. Gabe who was obviously higher up since he was on his dad’s shoulder took only short 3 second clips. Jackson thought it was funny to take pictures of the tops of people’s head. Out of 100 pictures and videos I swear there are only two good ones. I am glad that my son and I were able to actually be part of New Orleans history but damn I could of seen more on TV without waking up with severe back pain!!!

Regardless, I am still in an emotional state after the big win. Jackson asked me the other day why people keep on saying that this win signifies New Orleans being back?  He has blocked out a lot of what happened during Katrina. When we moved back we would drive past abandoned or destroyed houses every day. Some of his friends lost their houses. But in his little mind he was so happy to be back home. Most of his friends moved back home and his life slowly got back to normal. So my answer was this:  in a city where so many people lost everything, for 2 hours every Sunday they had hope. For 2 hours every sunday they got to forget their problems. And the most important thing was for 2 hours every Sunday noone could say that New Orleaneans were losers or their city was a mess. For those two hours every Sunday , in a city that was almost destroyed we got to compete with everyone else and now regardless of Katrina  OUR little city’s football team are world champions!!!

All this partying and celebrating has me so backed up on work. Plus mardi gras is on. Some of the traveling staff started showing up today. I am going to stop by the bar tomorrow and Friday to helpgive the managers a break but I need some time to recuperate!! Lee and I are customizing my bike to tour around with. Man it is going to look sweet. Very retro!!! Mardi Gras then Daytona Bike week!!!

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February 9, 2010

IMG_3318I haven’t felt well for the last few weeks. I can’t seem to shake it. I think all the traveling is affecting me.  I have been in 5 cities in less then a month. I am worn out!! But I will ” man up” as my son says to go down to the Saints Parade. It is going to be completely nuts today. It truely like a national holiday in New Orleans. Schools are all half day today. The traffic is nuts. yesterday thousands of people took off just to greet the saints players at the airport!  I have to get all of my Saints wear out again today. I have worn a Saints shirt everyday for a week because I didn’t want to jinx the team if I didn’t give 100% to my fanness. Lol I read Scott Fujitas blog. Very interesting.

New Orleans Saints LB Scott Fujita’s Super Bowl XLIV diary

By The Times-Picayune

February 09, 2010, 5:31AM

Saints linebacker Scott Fujita’s daily activity leading up to Super Bowl XLIV vs. Indianapolis.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Destination: Miami

“It’s okay to be pleased, but never satisfied.” — Dick Vermeil

Coach Vermeil was my first head coach in the NFL. He’s a legend in the coaching profession, and his reputation as a man who cares more for his players’ well-being than the game itself is unquestionable. He taught me to never accept complacency. So here, in the week leading up to the Super Bowl, some would say we’ve arrived. The Saints did it. Job well done. But let’s get one thing straight: We’re here to win the whole thing. The Saints are on a mission. No group of people deserves a Super Bowl Championship more than the people of New Orleans. They have been patient, their support has been unwavering, and to be perfectly frank, they haven’t had many people looking out for their best interest. But we have been. We care. We’re in this thing together.

Let’s be honest, the leadership in New Orleans since Katrina hasn’t exactly been stellar. But those who have nothing, look to us. Those who’d like to return but can’t, look to us. Those who want nothing more than a fair shake, look to us. Why? Because we have our stuff together. We recognize our role, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. They can count on us. Like I said…we’re in this thing together.

Our first day in Miami was exciting, but hectic. Airport security…flight to Miami…bus to hotel for check-in…bus to University of Miami…change into gear for practice…bus to Dolphins facility for indoor practice due to rainstorm…practice…bus back to the U…shower and change…bus back to hotel…meetings.

I heard from Coach Vermeil and Gary Gibbs (our Defensive Coordinator in New Orleans the previous 3 seasons) this morning, who called to share their excitement and best wishes for all of us. Also ran into Bill Parcells at practice today, who was my Head Coach in Dallas in 2005. I hadn’t seen him in a few years, so it was great to catch up. He told me how proud he was of me, and that I looked older(?). Not quite sure how to take that last part. I owe him a lot. His desire to trade for me in 2005 really helped get me out of a stale situation in Kansas City, and I credit him with helping get my career back on track.

We had an NFL security meeting this evening…you know, the “what to do’s” and “what not to do’s” the week of the Super Bowl. The security rep from the league referred to us as “gents” about a dozen times. That might not sound very funny, but picture a room full of immature, overgrown men who have been riding buses all day and are looking for a laugh at someone else’s expense. Needless to say, I don’t know if anyone could take this guy seriously.

Highlight of the day: Being the first Saint to step off the plane in Miami.

Low-point of the day: Not getting a Nike schwag bag in my hotel room. All the guys who are endorsed by Nike got sweet Super Bowl schwag, with about $5000 worth of merch, including some products from their ACG line, which I love for hiking and for outdoor use. I was endorsed by Nike for seven years, but they voided my contract (after several warnings) for “spatting” my cleats on game-days. Some of us spat, or put tape around our cleats, to keep them tight. Nike, apparently, doesn’t like that their precious Swoosh gets covered up. Oh well. Wouldn’t be that big of a deal if it weren’t for every teammate rubbing it in my face, parading around in all their cool new gear.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Media Frenzy

“Go Saints go! Who Dat!?” — My twin two year-old daughters, Delilah and Isabell, upon seeing a Saints flag with a fleur-de-lis on it. (I’m guessing they’re not the only ones shouting “Who Dat” these days)

Today was really our only scheduled “day off” of the week, but we had a two-hour “Media Blitz” at the stadium. Here’s some advice to all you readers: If you ever want to get your name in the paper, play in the Super Bowl. I’ve never seen such a media frenzy in my life. I’m talking hundreds, maybe thousands of reporters, from all over the world, here in Miami to ask questions about this game. This wasn’t just the local beat writers we deal with everyday…this is Suzy Colbert, Rich Gannon, Ed Werder, Steve Mariucci (I was wondering who kept slapping my rear as they walked by…come to find out it was Mooch), Michael Silver (Go Bears!), FujiTV (yes, the one from Japan), two guys sent by Will Ferrell to high-five everybody, some dude from Leno trying mess with us, a crazy chick in a bikini asking legitimate questions, this lady from a fashion mag presenting me with a “best hair” award and asking what products I use (weird, huh?), and even Telemundo. I made the mistake of saying a few things in Spanish to the fella from Telemundo (I know enough Spanish to get myself out of a jam), so he followed me the rest of the afternoon to get a full sit-down in just Spanish, without translation. For some reason, “Lo siento, yo solo hablo un poco espanol” didn’t register with this guy.

I was quite popular with the reporters from Japan. They came an awfully long way to meet the big white guy with the Japanese name.

I spent the rest of the afternoon with Jaclyn and the twins, knowing it would be the last block of free time I’d have with them before we get into the bulk of the work week. Much needed…my wife and kids are awesome.

I brought my Flip Video camera to document the whole week. And believe me, I had every intention of using it frequently. But here’s the problem — each player had a new video camera waiting for him in his room today. The result: Every guy on the team recording every moment together. So essentially, you’ve got a whole bunch of knuckleheads videotaping each other videotaping.

My wife’s mom flew out to help with the girls for the week. She babysat tonight so Jaclyn and I could have a romantic dinner together…with the aforementioned Mike Silver from Yahoo! Sports. I encourage everyone to email Silver personally and berate him for his third-wheeling tactics. He’s lucky Jaclyn likes him so much…there’s no way she’d tolerate an evening of me commiserating over Cal’s turn-of-the-century football troubles with any of my other Berkeley buddies.

Highlight of the day: The Media Blitz. Talk about a platform to get your ideas out there…some would say it’s every Berkeley grad’s dream!

Low-point of the day: The Media Blitz. It’s really, really, really hard to answer the same question a hundred different ways.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Back to Work

“Trust me, once we get to Miami, and we’ve got all the distractions and the media to deal with, the time you spend with us will be your sanctuary.” — Gregg Williams

Who would have thought that six hours in the meeting rooms and three hours on the practice field everyday with the same guys who have been saying the same things for the past six months would be our sanctuary? But Gregg is right. Super Bowl week is just different. Everything is more exhausting, every demand and request escalates, and the fact that we’re preparing to play our 23rd game (that’s right, 23rd!!) is becoming a reality. The sense of normalcy that comes with just sitting in meetings with the guys is really kind of cathartic. Coach Payton keeps telling us to get more sleep than usual, and now I see why. You really need it.

Today was a full work day, sort of a 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. schedule, so there’s really not much to report. Jaclyn’s mom watched the girls again tonight so she and I could grab a bite to eat, sans Silver.

Highlight of the day: The stench in Miami’s locker room. Two of my teammates and buddies, Jon Vilma (JV) and Jeremy Shockey (Shock) both played at the University of Miami, or the “U” as they call it (I refuse to call it that in front of them). People from the U are different; they have this passionate sense of entitlement. Every time we go somewhere new together, they act like they own the place (I hope you get that I’m being facetious, if even just a little bit). Anyway, JV and Shock are quite proud of the U, and they continually remind us of that. Well, we’re practicing at the U this whole week, and I’m betting those two clowns have been pretty pumped up about it. So when we stepped into that place of refuse they call a locker room, the sense of joy, accomplishment, and togetherness the whole team (minus two players) shared at that moment took our team’s bond to new heights. Imagine a combination of litter box, doggie kennel, and burnt hair…that’s what the locker room smelled like. This is where all those vaunted National Championship teams were born? I make this vow: JV and Shock will never hear the end of this.

Low-point of the day: Itchy corduroy. The Super Bowl gift in our rooms today was a big black Saints robe, made of corduroy. I love corduroy. Teammate Troy Evans says I’m like an anthropology professor with all the corduroy jackets I own. But this robe is itchy. Very itchy. Bummer.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Stand Up and Get Crunk

“When the media’s gone, the band stops playing, and the fans are no longer cheering, the only thing left will be you and your thoughts. You need to be able to answer yourself one question: Did I do everything possible to win this game? If you can’t answer that question the right way, it will haunt you.” — Bill Parcells

Coach Payton relayed Bill’s message to the team the other day. There’s a lot of hoopla the week of the Super Bowl — Bill knows that…he’s been there a few times. As a player, you’ve got to be able to keep your eye on the prize, and especially on what’s required to get you there.

Today was another full day of work, and our last day with any media obligations. So at least that’s behind us.

The rest of my family started arriving in Miami today — my folks, Jaclyn’s dad (Gary), and my brother Jason and his fiancee Stephanie. They all have that Super Bowl glow, which was great to see. Jaclyn and I are so excited to be able to share this experience with them. Seeing the pride in my parents’ eyes really reminds me how big this moment is. They know more than anyone how long I’ve dreamed of something like this. And I think we need to make a t-shirt for Gary that states, simply, “HERE TO PARTY.” This guy is ready to roll. The over/under on high-5’s by Gary this weekend is currently set at 500.

There was a family reception at the team hotel this evening. True to New Orleans, the Saints know how to put on a party — live music, fancy lighting, tropical drinks, Cuban food stations, fresh-rolled Havanas, the works. Jaclyn and I dropped in for a bit with the kids; one of our girls was drawn immediately to the dance floor. She spent the next 30 minutes doing the salsa with the Cuban entertainers, and was visibly unhappy with me when I told her it was bedtime. Our exit wasn’t very smooth.

Highlight of the day: Joe Vitt getting un-Crunk. By now, I’m sure all you readers have heard the Saints’ anthem of 2009 — “Stand Up and Get Crunk.” To say it’s awesome when played in the Superdome would be the understatement of the year. Well Joe, our linebackers coach, usually gives the guys a little pep talk before we start practice everyday. Gregg Williams had one of our strength coaches play the song (at a really high decibel) to get the juices flowing, and to force us to concentrate in loud conditions. Apparently Joe couldn’t hear himself think, and for the coach who regularly preaches “poise” and “composure,” this was not his finest moment. All the LBs wished they had their little handy-cams with them to catch this tirade on film. The language used was definitely too passionate for this column. It was pretty epic, and we all had a good laugh after practice about it.

Low-point of the day: No food waiting for us after practice. Talk about a disgruntled group of players. D-Sharp got on the phone to order a bunch of pizzas…pronto.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Who Dat Invasion

“The people of New Orleans love the Saints not because they provide a distraction from their fall, but because they are a reflection of their rise.”

Saints fans are pouring into Miami. Maybe it’s just my imagination, but I’d say we have the Colts outnumbered, at least 10 to 1….another example of how deep this connection runs. What this says to me is, ticket or no ticket, they’re with us. Black and Gold is taking over the city…sort of a Who Dat Invasion. I read an article the other day in the Times-Pic (New Orleans’ local paper) — a letter from the Who Dat Nation to the city of Miami. The gist of this letter? “Hey Miami, you think you’ve ordered enough beer, but think again. We’re different.”

The passage above is a text my wife sent me last week. She heard it on-line somewhere and knew I’d love it. One of the best things about this journey is that I get to enjoy it with her, someone who appreciates the connection and “gets it” like I do. Remember how cool Adrianne was in the Rocky movies? Well Jaclyn is my Adrianne.

The week is winding down, but the tension is building for the big game. I get constant reminders about how special this week is. One of my best friends and former teammates, Kawika Mitchell, came in today with his family. He won a Super Bowl with the Giants in 2007, and I know how much he wants this for my family and me. Kawika kidnapped our brother-in-law Brandon tonight to showcase some of the Super Bowl festivities. My guess is that they’ll return in a drunken stupor.

My high school buddy, Nate Haros, has been texting motivational passages all week from some of our favorite movies. This game is about all the guys I grew up with too. Joe Vitt always reminds us to never forget where we came from. There were a lot of people who loved us when there was no upside to loving us, and I’m honored to play in this game for them.

Highlight of the day: Jaclyn’s email. My wife sent me an email this morning reminding me of all the things we’ve been through the last 10 years together. Pretty powerful stuff. Like I said, she’s my Adrianne.

Low-point of the day: Bed check. Today was our first night of the week with curfew and bed check. Not a big deal…someone from the staff goes door to door, pokes their head in your hotel room, and makes sure you’re in your room sleeping. We’re used to this when we go on the road. But this guy, whoever it was, comes all the way in, blurts my name out a few times until I respond, and even turns my freakin’ lights on! It took me at least an hour to fall back asleep. My off-season mission is to find that person and ruin a few nights’ sleep for him.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Won’t Be Long Now

“Well, there is no denying it…I would love to be strapping it up with you fine gentlemen. Exhaust yourself and enjoy a victory for this city and for yourself. You control this thing. Be courageous, be smart, have fun” — 37

Steve Gleason, one of my favorite teammates of all time, sent the above text to me this evening. He’s a New Orleans icon, widely known for blocking a punt in the early part of the Superdome re-opening game on Monday Night Football in 2006. That was one of the most electric moments I’ve ever witnessed. I wish he could play in this game as well.

Mike McKenzie, another great teammate I had in New Orleans, was the quintessential locker room hype man. He’s the guy who gave me the nickname “Asian Assassin.” As game-time would approach, he would always chant: “Won’t be long now damnit!” For whatever reason, that always got me fired up. He got into Miami today to support us. He’d do anything to be able to suit up with us tomorrow.

Mark Simoneau, one of my teammates and closest friends, has played in a couple Super Bowls in his career. He told me this evening that what he remembers most about playing in those games was feeling like a kid again…a kid who’s just out there, running around, having fun. Can’t wait to have that feeling.

The anxiety is building, and I’m ready to get this thing going. This is starting to feel like the longest week ever. We had our team walk-through at Sun Life Stadium today, and all the guys were asked to bring their sons to practice. That was a special moment.

As a team, and especially as a Linebacker corps, we experienced a tragedy this season when Adam Zimmer, our assistant coach, lost his mother. Adam is very close with Scott Shanle, Mark Simoneau, and me. We think of him like a brother, and we know how difficult it was for him at just 25. Shanle and I played for Adam’s dad, Mike, in Dallas. The linebackers were able to attend the service for his mother in Cincinnati…I’m so glad that we were able to be there for him. Today Joe Vitt played a video for us about the Zimmer family and what they’ve been through this year. It was powerful. We play this game with Adam and his family in our hearts and minds.

Highlight of the day: Seeing “Jawbone” crying like a baby. Anthony Hargrove, aka Jawbone (because he talks so damn much), is one of our defensive lineman. The story of his journey in the last few years has been well-documented this season. He’s been through a lot, to say the least, and to see him come through all that and prosper is a testament to what a good man can do with a second chance. He broke down crying on the field during our practice today…again, another reminder of how big this moment is. I’m so happy for him.

Low-point of the day: That I have to wait another 24 hours to play this game.

Super Bowl Sunday, February 7, 2010

Time to Make it Happen

“There are those that make it happen, those that watch it happen, and those that stand around and wonder what the hell happened.” — Drew Brees

This will be my last entry before we take the field this evening for Super Bowl XLIV. Usually I sleep pretty well the night before a game, but I have to admit, I laid in bed last night just thinking about stuff longer than I normally would. So many things cross your mind at this point.

I remember the night before I left for college, I had trouble sleeping. I felt an overwhelming need to wake up my parents and thank them for adopting me, almost as if I was never going to see them again. So I did.

Last night I had a similar feeling. I felt the need to thank so many people and I began to reflect on so many things. So many people have been a factor in my being where I am today, and I am forever grateful.

To Jaclyn, my wife, my rock, my Adrianne, for “getting it.” To my parents, for giving me the love and support required to chase my dreams without fear. To my girls, for making me smile everyday. To Jason, for always being my biggest fan and most loyal supporter. To Grandma Lillie for her perseverance, and Grams for being the real Saint. To Gary and Donna for letting this kid marry their daughter. To Shannon for her courage. To Joe Vitt for believing in mutts like me. To Lyle Setencich for making me feel I belonged. To Dave Bregante for questioning my courage and toughening me up. To Dr. Clem Jones for giving me another chance to play this game. To Brian Husted, George Contreras, Dave Wilde, Randy Stewart, Dick Vermeil, Bill Parcells, Sean Payton, Zim & Zim, Top Dawg and the Snow Patrol, and everyone at Yee & Dubin. To Dave Fleming for telling my family’s story. To Mike Silver, who, like his dad, stands up for the little guy. To Dave Zirin for sounding the voice others won’t. To every teacher who challenged me to think critically, and to every teammate I ever played with. To every Saints fan who makes this about more than just football. To each of you, and to anyone I may have missed, thank you. I share this day with you.

Highlight of the day: Waking up and realizing that I’ll be playing in the Super Bowl today.

Low-point of the day: How could there be a low-point?…I’m about to play in the Super Bowl!

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February 8, 2010

Memo . The New Orleans bar was nuts yesterday. The bar was packed to capacity with people watching the game. Trey and I promised that we would make buffalo chicken wings for the bar. We cooked for 4 hours making hundreds of wings. When we drove to the bar the traffic was at a standstill with parades and superbowl people heading toward the french quarter. We ended up parking about a mile away and we had to carry all the wings there. That sucked balancing all the trays and walking through hoards of people. But the wings were eaten within a half an hour of getting there!! Delicious! I can’t even explain the energy in New Orleans yesterday. Its indescribable. The bar was so loud every play good or bad. After they won people were just crying and hugging each other. It will be one of my fondest memories of living in this city. Unbelievable. Jackson and I are going to the Saints Victory parade tomorrow. I am so excited!!!

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February 7, 2010

I am so excited about the superbowl today!!! Go Saints!! I am making 300 buffalo wings to bring down to the bar!! I watched the news today and Oschner hospital in New Orleans gave every baby born in the last few days a saints onsie. So cute to see all the newborns in Saints clothes!! It is crazy here today. Also Mitch Landrieu won the mayoral election in New Orleans. What a great day!!!!!

Go Saints!!!

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February 2, 2010

I am leaving tomorrow for NY. Thursday night is the 17th or 18th anniversary party!!Lol. Awesome. Called some old friends so i am excited to see people I haven’t seen in a long time!!!

I am so excited about the superbowl. I hung a saints flag from my outside window!!! I can’t wait till sunday. I am heading to the New orleans bar to watch the game on Sunday. I get dibs on the seats close to the big screen!!!!! Its so exciting!!

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February 1, 2010

Last week Jackson’s school did a charity drive for the people in Haiti. I was in Austin at the time so I thought his dad took care of it. This morning I asked Jackson what he and his dad did for the charity event. ” Nothing . Dad forgot.” Well then I went on to say ” Jackson you are 1o years old. Do you know how fortunate you are and how unfortunate the people in Haiti are? …” This went on for awhile. Now I feel stupid because the school doesn’t know I was away. Well we will have to make up for it. Someone asked me recently why people are doing so much for another country? I think there are a few reasons. 1. we are all people on this planet regardless of citizenship. 2. I think there is some Katrina shame. Because are own government didn’t do enough for the city of New orleans ( or gulf states) and 3. We are lucky here. In the US we have resources other countries don’t have. Watching the news and hearing the stories really makes me want to adopt a child. Jackson and I have been speaking about it recently. He is alright with it as long as its a girl so that he remains the prince of the house!

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