Close; no cigar

After a phenomenal season, the Hornets finally lost their second game of the year in the state finals. It was tough to lose by only three points and be so close to the pinnacle, but the boys should be proud of their season and making it that far. It's the most successful team Hackett's ever had. My grandfather coached a team that lost in the state finals in the 1940s, and people still talk about that team!

Taylor played great; I'm so proud of him. I think he's ready to move on and get started with the rest of his life.

161-11 ain't a bad career.

(Photo credit: Rick Altes)

Sore loser

After nearly two weeks of super travel, I finally succumbed to exhaustion. I literally stayed in bed all day yesterday, sleeping until 5 p.m. I'm still worn out today, but I did manage to get in two meetings, innumerable e-mails, and--most importantly--a cut and color. I also ran three miles tonight to shake off my sloth.

But it's not like my tiredness wasn't worth it. I managed to make all of the state tournament games last week in Carlisle to witness an overtime, a last-second miracle shot, and an intense semi-final game. All were wins. All took years off my life.

Last Friday night the Hornets took on East Poinsett County, which features a blue-chip junior who's being heavily recruited by the SEC and beyond. I admit he's very talented. His attitude? Not so enviable.

After getting a charge call with about eight seconds to go (which, to be fair, could've gone either way), he allowed one of our players to drive down the floor, into the lane, and throw up a bank shot at the buzzer.

As it went in, our fans screamed. He collapsed on the floor, refusing help by two of our players. Then he knocked over the water cooler and stormed the stands with his fists blazing.

I understand that athletes are sometimes given a free pass when their talent is great, but seriously, no team needs that attitude on their roster. I'm seriously hoping Pelphrey decides he has enough punks on the court and withdraws his scholarship offer.

At least the media hasn't shied away from telling the whole story. I pray this young man has an attitude adjustment, and soon. No one likes a sore loser.

The buzz

So proud of Taylor! The Hornets managed to pull out a win at the buzzer and will play in the state semi-finals tomorrow night. I think I screamed myself hoarse. My cousin Kendra said I jumped higher than the players when that shot went in.

Man, I have heart palpitations. Is there a defibrillator nearby?

Here's some proof that not all boys suck.

Taylor made

Rick Altes took this pic of Taylor Tuesday night in Carlisle. Check out the acrobatic move. And check out Arney up there in the stands holding a sleeping Hope.

I'm still tired, but I made it back to NLR. I need to go to bed.

I did manage to run three miles tonight on the hotel treadmill. The unfortunate part is that it was the grand opening of this hotel, so they kept parading Chamber folks through the gym to watch me sweat. It is very motivating to run in front of a mirror. Two miles in and my thighs still looked huge, so I kept running.

Hopefully there's time for a nap tomorrow before the game. If not, it's going to be a long Saturday.

Miracle on the Hardwood

The Hornets managed to pull out a win in overtime last night. They were about 10 points behind when Blake fouled out in the third quarter. I thought they were going to get trounced by a quicker, smothering defense. But they didn't give up. Taylor determindly drove into the lane for a short jumper, then later had a key steal and the end of regulation. All of the boys stepped up big time to continue their season. It was a little nerve-wracking, but a great game. Elite 8 on Friday night.

He's such a playa

Taylor and the Hornets begin play in the state tournament in Carlisle tomorrow night, which was going to work out great since I had a college fair scheduled in NLR tomorrow morning. That was, until I was waiting for my car to be serviced before going to Little Rock and got a call from the county clerk.

Stupid jury duty.

Luckily my good pal Krista (AKA glutton for punishment) is game to play hooky with me tomorrow afternoon and drive four hours to watch the ball game.

Speaking of, guess who was the player of the week? That's right... our sweet little Tator Bug.

3peat

Congrats to my sweet Tator Bug and the Hackett Hornets for winning their third regional championship in a row. During his six years at Hackett, they're 158-10 (that's a .940 winning percentage)... not too shabby!

Off to Little Rock tomorrow for work, then I'll stay for Taylor's game in Carlisle Tuesday evening.

Rest of the pics from the game are here.

Arkansas, not Australia

I spent the past four days driving across northern Arkansas. I had a great time in Mountain Home, relaxing and cooking. Melbourne was a different story. The Hornets made it to the state semifinals yesterday before getting beat in OT by the home team. There were some bad calls, but we had our chances and didn't take advantage of them. Taylor played great, and I'm really proud of him. The great news is that they are a team of juniors who are now hungry to come back next year and win the whole thing. All in all, 33-2 isn't a bad year.

On Friday morning I had a massage, followed by a nap, lunch, and shopping. Friday evening we met some of Chris and Estella's friends at the country club for a three-hour meal of prime rib, tiramisu and lots of talking. Yesterday Estella taught me how to make eggs benedict florentine for brunch, then I went to the game. Last night we made shrimp and grits for dinner, then saw "Taken" at the theatre (four stars... intense, but very good).

Now I'm back in Siloam, doing laundry and getting ready for a busy week. And still feeling smitten, but that's another story.

More good news...

Taylor's team won their game today. One game down in the state tournament, three to go! Woo-hoo!

Puppy love

Those of us with older brothers know what it's like to have a crush on one of his friends. I remember trying to impress Brad's friends while growing up. They usually ignored me.

Hope has a colossal-sized crush on her brother's friend Blake. I don't know if she realizes that Taylor even plays basketball. For her, they're Blake's games. How many five year olds have their sights set on a 17-year-old? She's like the Anna Nicole Smith of the preschool set.

Here's her face paint for the game last night.



I'm happy to report that the Hornets were victorious in the finals of the regional tournament (three years in a row!). And after the game, the leading scorer didn't hug his mom or a girl his own age, but the cute little girl with the big ol' crush.

Good news, bad news

First, the bad news... Evidently my former future husband Tom Brady took a wife. Guess that dream is dead.

The good news? Taylor is playing in the finals of the regional tournament tonight. They're now 30-1. (The only team to beat them is who they're playing tonight.) Oh, and I get to eat Whattaburger again tonight. More good news!!

Weekend update

At least one person has been waiting for me to post (thank you, Debbie), but I've been out of town since Wednesday, staying in hotels and with family, eating out and in my car, and driving. And driving some more. I filled up my car three days in a row.

Last week I momentarily considered renting out my extra room as a bed and breakfast. Granted, a Diet Coke is considered breakfast in my world, but still... I paid 120 bucks for a hotel room on Wednesday night in NLR that was less than luxurious. My guest bed is more comfortable than a hotel's. My towels less scratchy. I could totally slam some doors in the middle of the night and turn the TV up loudly, so I think it could work.

On Thursday night I checked into the other end of the spectrum... the Hilton at Branson Landing. Thankfully it's off-season and I got a great room rate, but it was one of the nicest rooms I've seen in quite a while. Too bad I was there a mere 10 hours. Upon arrival, the desk clerk asked me if I wanted self-parking for $8 or valet for $12. HELLO... it's 9 degrees outside and I'm a pretty, pretty princess, so what do you think I chose?!? I think the valet was in keeping with the comfortable bed, flat screen TV and fabulous tub. The couple yelling next door? Not so great.

After a productive meeting and lunch at Macaroni Grill (yum!), I attended the big Hartford vs. Hackett game Friday night, and it was painful. Let's just say the mercy rule was enforced during the fourth quarter. Good for Taylor, bad for my alma mater.

I was so tired that I slept until 10 a.m. on Saturday, then Taylor and I went to see Chance play basketball in the afternoon. Chance had 20 points (AKA 75% of the team total) and got the offensive award for the day. He really, really wants the ball... so much so that he follows his teammates around while they dribble and yells for them to throw it to him. If he could pass it to himself, he would.

Brad and I went out to dinner last night, then I drove back to Siloam. Today I've just been doing laundry, taking naps, and catching up on my DVR. Thankfully there's no travel this week, and it will be great to get back to my routine. I haven't been on the treadmill since Wednesday and I can feel my rear end getting bigger.

The Hornet Buzz

As earlier reported, Taylor and the Hornets are playing in the state semifinals this afternoon and (hopefully) finals tomorrow. If you want to keep up with the score, check this out.