Fonzie Jumps the Shark

Anyone remember the Happy Days episode where Fonzie jumped a shark on water skis? Someone mentioned it on the radio this morning and boy did it bring back memories. I remember watching these episodes (it was a 3 part edition) as a kid, being all worried that The Fonz might fall and be chomped to bloody bits. I recall everyone watching nervously as Fonzie wobbled around in the water, showing us that skiing was not his forte, yet determined that his bravery WOULD NOT be challenged!

Did Fonzie succeed? Hell yes! And man was I relieved. So cool. Magical master of nookie that he was. We all wanted to be him. I was seven years old at the time.

Fast foward 30+ years. I watch this same video on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72nPf4UaemU) and I can't help but think it is ridiculous! Why in the hell does he keep his leather jacket on? Who does that? Seriously?

I know this much, I HOPE to one day see a man skiing down the Warrior River here in 'Bama wearing a leather jacket. At that point I will have seen it all!

Harp & Sapporo

This afternoon I'm leaping into my "Beers of the World" ten pack...

 My first choice, "Harp Lager" was from Ireland, and scared me because it proudly states in multiple places on the label that is "From the brewers of Guinness." Guinness, being the ONLY beer in the world that I detest and I've tried hundreds, maybe a thousand.

The brewers of Guinness might make it, but this beer doesn't taste like even a distant illegitimate cousin of Guinness. It's good, almost too good, very Americanized. Maybe just a tad nuttier than say, a Bud Light, but other than that it tastes familiar.

Next up, "Sapporo". This is Japan's oldest beer. It's dry, but after the first few swigs your palate adjusts and you are in it to win it...just like these guys-->

I'm feeling pretty good already, but imagine that after a few more "countries" I will be just as hap, hap, happy as these two.

Back to School

This morning was school registration for the girl child. It still seems weird to me that they start in the beginning of August. I remember when I was a kid we always started around Labor Day, and that was a super exciting time because it coincided with the start of college football.

The girl child was super excited to register, as usual, which is odd as she has been getting horrible grades the past two years. That fact doesn't deter her love of school supplies. She has loved paper and pens since she was literally a year old. When registration was over I took her to HellMart to go ahead and pick up a few of the supplies that were on sale. I had to rush her up at least five times, and I didn't want to LIVE there, just purchase a few things.

Speaking of school, I had a meeting with a college adviser yesterday. I am thinking of getting a Healthcare Reimbursement Associates Degree. I still have to go back and meet with financial aid. See what would be covered and what would be loans. I also have to decide if my desire to do this is great enough to push me to 6pm-10pm classes three nights a week after being at work all day. I'm just not sure.

Mmmmm...Paper and Ink

Made my annual book store stop for Fantasy Football magazines. Fun because I love FF, and fun because I love the smell of the book store! I walk in and breathe deep as if I am smelling the best perfume known to mankind.

The draft is August 28th. I want to be prepared this season. Last year, for the first time ever, I won NOTHING. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Oh, I was close, but close doesn't count. There was no excuse, not even the fact that I had LaDanian Tomlinson on my team.


I had dropped Mrs. Leslie off at World Market since it is in the same shopping area and she has zero interest in football magazines. As soon as I had chosen my info packed, great smelling magazines I hurried back to her so I could look at all the different beers they carry. I was going to do the "Create Your Own Six Pack", but then she showed me a "Beers of the World" ten pack! Of course I bought it, and am looking forward to tasting ten different beers of the world Hopefully not all at once...but with me you never know.

Summer Cold

Summer cold. Oxymoron? Should be. What I mean is, I have a cold in the middle of summer. Not sure that has ever happened to me before. Hope it never does again. I have been miserable all week. Couldn't even stay awake through my beloved Ghost Hunters last night. Now THAT is saying something.

I had to go to work because I wasn't FLU sick (aka, KILL ME sick), but it was still stinksville. Happy to report it is on the downswing now, and hope to be better by the weekend. Not that we have any big plans with it going to be in the 100's here this weekend. For those who've never been to the South, let me just tell you that when you take hundred degree temps and couple it with mega humidity, it's a bad equation for all involved.



Had to take Mrs. Leslie to the eye doctor on Tuesday, and though her vision isn't horrible, she needs glasses. I don't wear them, so I wasn't sure what they would cost. My guesstimate was in the $200 range. Nope. $1200, reduced to $400 after the insurance pays it's part. Wowza. For that price they better give her x-ray vision AND invisibility powers!

Happy Birthday Hope

Last week we celebrated my niece's 1st birthday. She liked her gifts, but hated the cake. Actually cried when she touched it. I'm going to remind her of that when she gets older. Here is the birthday girl:

My mind is non-stop on college football right now. The season is 41 days away. I am always excited about football starting, but this year more than others for some reason. Maybe it's because we ('Bama) are defending National Champs, but really I think I have just been missing the entire game.

I'm ready for Fantasy Football as well. Bring it!

How to Eat Watermelon

We had a nice 4th of July with the family. Had beer, fireworks, and grilled a simple menu of sausages and hot dogs, with strawberry pie and watermelon for dessert. Watermelon can be tricky to eat, so nephew showed us how it was done:

We watched the most disturbing movie last night: The Stoning of Soraya M. It's based on a true story, which makes it even more disturbing. Even though it caused me to have nightmares, I still would recommend it. I'm hoping Netflix sends something on the light side next time. I know I have I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell on the list, better go bump it to the top!

Chicago: The Musical

Last week we went to Memphis to see my youngest brother, Adam, do his last performance in "Chicago: The Musical." He has been touring with that show for the past year and a half, but since getting a new apartment in Manhattan with his partner Charlie, he wants to stay in one place now. So the next show I see him in will be in NYC.

We had a great time, and I wish we could have stayed longer. 

Here are the pics: