DALLAS MAVERICKS WIN GAME 3 AGAINST THUNDER!

Lord, give me strength! I tell y'all, this series is going to test my very last nerve. While up by more than 20, that pesky (translation: super talented) Thunder group clawed to within single digits.  Thought I was gonna hurl. 

Thankfully, the Mavs held them off and won 93-87.

Dirk had an off night (he's human, folks), but he still came through in the clutch to help hold off the Thunder. 

We won't talk about the refs.

Overall, our defense played much better, setting the tone of the game in the first half.  Though the second half was tough, the Mavs pushed through, made some big plays, and earned the win.

Next need for furious back and forth pacing: Monday, 9 p.m. EST. 

Big sports day overall:

Horse Racing--Animal Kingdom came up just short in the Preakness, losing to Shackleford. No chance for a Triple Crown this year. Still, it was a beautiful stretch run by Animal Kingdom, considering how far he had to come.

NASCAR: Carl Edwards won the Sprint All-Star race tonight, earning a cool million dollars in the process.

Well, I've worn a groove in the floor, made my throat hoarse, and had a soda (very bad).  Time to remove myself from the ceiling and relax...with water.

Mopey Mavericks Fan, NASCAR Needs, and Bunny Wishes

Mavs: I am never eating nuts the night before a Mavs game again. My Mavs lost last night, Mark Cuban was hit in the face by some airborne object, and the refs robbed Jason Kidd of a three-point shot. Sigh.

Dear robbing refs, please note: When the big black line stays solid on replay, it means the player's foot is not on it or over it, but BEHIND it.  If there had been a break in the big-bad-black line, it would mean the player's foot was....wait for it...on or over it.  Perhaps it would not have made a difference in the end, but fair is fair, and Kidd hit a 3. Plus, you totally devalued my Tigger-like bouncing after he made that basket. *said in slightly whiny voice*

My impersonation of an inanimate object post-game rant was quite impressive, if I do say so myself.

It's okay...next game. 

NASCAR: Off weekend for Cup racing. What will I do without a full weekend of revving engines, the vroom-vroom, and those nifty little firesuits?

Happy Easter, my friends: May bunny day bring you much happiness and a boatload of Cadbury eggs (or whatever your favorite Easter candy may be). ;)

Smile Time: Dale Jr. Has Some Fun!

I know not all of y'all are NASCAR fans, but I figured you wouldn't mind some laughs, especially around tax time.

Not only has Dale been having some fun on the track (he's up to 6th in Sprint Cup standings, after another top ten finish at Texas this past weekend), but he's also joking around behind the scenes.

When you get a chance, and if you need a smile or two, check out the video here: Dale Jr. & The Prank

Dale Jr. & Moments With Mom

NASCAR, Martinsville: After Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the lead from Kyle Busch late in the race, the crowd--both in my house and at the track--jumped to their feet. But with a handful of laps remaining, Kevin Harvick passed Dale for the win. Some drivers may have bullied past Harvick to regain the lead, but Dale didn’t…and this may come as a surprise, since it is racing, but I’m glad he didn’t.  He showed great self-control by not trying to turn or bump past the 29. 

After the race, Dale seemed a little disappointed—he wanted that win, tasted it…and he wanted that darn clock, too (the trophy for the winner at Martinsville).  He’ll get that clock, and much more, I have no doubt.  Why?  Because, once again, the 88 team showed consistent, competitive, strong, and cohesive teamwork.  Steve Letarte, Dale’s crew chief, is encouraging, supportive, and knows how to improve the car for his driver.  It’s great to see.

Highlight of the race: During an in-car interview on a red flag stop, Dale gave a shout-out to his mom, bringing loads of smiles to his pit (and everyone listening). Is it any wonder why he is so well-liked?  

Speaking of moms, I thought you might like a funny mom moment from over the weekend.  

The Crossbody Handbag: 

Mom: "Oh! Honey, you have to see this cute little handbag I got in the mail."

Me, my handbag buzzer sounding off: "Oooh, lemme see!!!"

Mom, holding something I can only describe as a crinkly mess: "See, it's just big enough to fit my essentials in when I pop over to the craft store! Now, I don't have to haul that big old bag of mine around everywhere."

Insert awkward silence.  Insert crickets.  Picture my eyes, glazed over, staring at the tiny wannabe-handbag-impostor. 

Mom: "Honey? What do you think?"

As she moved the bag to show me how it would look on her, a flash of bright white print caught me eye. 

Me, slightly alarmed: "Mom, what does it say on the front of...it?" I couldn't bring myself to call it a handbag...creature from wannabe-handbag hell, more like.

Mom: "AARP.  They sent it to me. Wasn't that nice?"

Me, vigorously shaking my head: "Oh, no. No, no, no, no, no." 

Mom: "Honey?"

Me: "Mom, do you really want to walk around carrying a bag with AARP printed on it?"

Mom, contemplating things for a moment: "It's like saying, 'here comes the old fart,' isn't it?" I grinned and nodded. "Oh, Lord. You're right. I really did want a crossbody bag, though. Just something I can carry when I need to make a quick trip somewhere."

Me: "I'll keep an eye out for the perfect crossbody handbag for my mama...and it won't have AARP on it." 

Laughter ensued. 

Guess who will be getting a crossbody handbag for her birthday.

Change, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Another Top Ten Finish!

How awesome is this? Dale Earnhardt Jr., after qualifying 33rd for today's race at Vegas, finished an impressive 8th, making it his second straight top ten finish.

What's more?  Dale is currently 10th in Sprint Cup point standings.

Happy.

Honestly, everything seems different this racing season...in a really positive way...and it got me thinking about change.

I've never been fond of the word change.  Meg Ryan sums it up nicely in You've Got Mail: "People are always saying that change is a good thing. But all they're really saying is that something you didn't want to happen at all... has happened."

For some things in life, I think she's right. 

Sometimes change is just change.  But, I think there are times when change makes all the difference in the world.  Suppose that's why you take chances...because you never know when that chance will lead to the change you've been hoping for.

Lady Luck

Lady Luck and I have never been close. Maybe it has to do with me not really relying on her help or calling her a choice name when she sticks her nose in where it doesn't belong. I'm convinced she gets sheer pleasure out of toying with the virgin...like I'm the yarn ball to her cat.

I guess it's safe to say we are at odds most of the time.

Still, I wish I had her direct line because Luck and I need to have a talk.

Yesterday, twenty-year-old NASCAR driver Trevor Bayne, became the youngest winner of the historic Daytona 500.  Oh, and this was his FIRST EVER Daytona 500. To put this win into perspective, Tony Stewart, a two time series champion, has never won the Daytona 500. 

I think just about every NASCAR fan and non-NASCAR fan was happy for this hard working, faith-driven young man.

However, what happened to Dale Earnhardt Jr. is just absurd.

Take a look at the following and tell me Lady Luck doesn't have some explaining to do:

1. Dale wins the pole for the Daytona 500 (meaning he starts the race 1st)
2. During practice, three cars jump in front of Jimmie and Dale, causing Dale to get hit from behind.
3. Pole car...gone; must move to the back-up car.
4. Because he has to move to the back-up car, Dale has to start the race in the back of the pack.
5. Dale masterfully moved up through the pack early on.
6. He lead nine laps over the course of the race.
7. By the end of the race, Dale was in position for the win.
8. With about FIVE laps remaining, he gets a flat tire.
9. Forced to pit, he has to restart 15th/16th.
10. Then, on the restart, he becomes collateral damage in another driver's wreck. Day over, car trashed.
11. From a possible win or top 5...to a 24th place finish.

BFF thought it was terrible what happened--just horrible, horrible luck.

If I could, I'd ask Luck why she feels it's necessary to continue battering the man. Don't you think he had enough of that last year?

Believe me when I say, there are other people in this world perhaps a bit more deserving of your game play. Then again, maybe no one deserves any of the rot you dish out.

Lady Luck, there's a reason your name rhymes with a less than flattering word.

Relevance and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Question: If someone said to you, "You are not relevant," would that be offensive? How about if someone said, "You [he or she] need to try to become relevant?"

I once had a couple of classmates--groupie girls--tell me that they would never invite me to a post-game party because the Mr. So-and-so's would never be interested in me.  According to them,  I "...would not be relevant to guys like that." i.e. I wasn't a groupie and wouldn't do groupie things.  Of course, relevant was a newly discovered word for them, so maybe they just wanted to work it into a sentence that day. *eye roll*

I remember thinking, what happened to people liking each other for who they really are, not what they do...or don't do? When did being genuine become an irrelevant thing? 

Relevant is like the new buzz word used to talk people down.

If you googled Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s name in the weeks leading up to the Daytona 500, all you read were headlines questioning just how relevant he still is in racing. The headlines included things like: Dale Tries To Become Relevant; Last Chance For Dale Jr. To Remain Relevant, Dale Jr: Racing For Relevance.

Really?

Then you see headlines like, Why Doesn't Dale Jr. Smile Anymore? Wow, I wonder. How much would you want to smile if someone kept badgering you about relevancy, talent, passion, blah, blah, blah??? 

Everyone is relevant in this world.  In such a big 'ol place, it's nice to know you are relevant to your mama, your daddy, your friends, and your loved ones.

As for Dale, he will always be relevant in NASCAR.  It's funny to me, really, that these people who question his relevancy fail to see the irony in what they write: if he wasn't relevant, then why are you writing about him? See? Relevant. More than that, though, he's relevant to the people that matter most in his life--his loved ones...and you can toss in a slew of fans for the heck of it. Not so shabby.

What's my point? Well, I guess it's just to think about what you say before you say it.  We're all in the same boat, no matter our name or station in life...in the end, we're all after the same general things.

***NASCAR NOTE: Yesterday, while running in a two-car tandem with teammate Jimmie Johnson, Robbie Gordon, David Gilliland, and Michael Waltrip veered in front of the 48, causing him to check up and get a little loose. When he did, Dale had to slow up and was hit from behind by Martin Truex Jr. So, even though he won the pole, Dale will have to start in the back of the pack. No biggie. You can move from the back to the front pretty quickly at Daytona...especially if you're the 88.

Why Is It So Difficult To Just Be NICE?

Brief rant: I don't understand why it is so difficult for people to be kind to others. I've seen people place jealousy over friendship, greed over family, and money over love. I've been ridiculed for my choice to wait for love...love, nothing more, nothing less.

Does it hurt? Yes, it does. I'm human. We all are...and THAT is what I don't understand. The very same people spewing venom probably wouldn't like it if they were the recipients. So, why do it? I don't get it.

Recently, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. received a new crew chief and will now share a shop with five-time champ, Jimmie Johnson. The headlines? Oh, things along the lines of the following: One Last Chance For Earnhardt at Hendrick; Last Shot For Dale; Final Ditch Effort. One headline even called him irrelevant.

How cruel can you be? He's a human being, just like you and me. No one deserves this. This man gets hit left and right; when he wins, it's a conspiracy...when he loses, the wolves unleash.

How would you like it? Day in, day out, nothing but negativity.

Today, he won NASCAR's Most Popular Driver Award...for the 8th straight year. He has earned it; people like the man, probably because he is who he is...how many people can you honestly say that about in today's society? Not very many when you really think about it. Most people have hidden agendas or are so busy trying to please other people, they have lost themselves in the process.

What is the first thing I hear after the announcement made it online? "Well, that's the only trophy he can win. Big surprise, his fans just want to make sure he has at least one trophy in his case. By the way, how's his girlfriend?"

Now, the "girlfriend" comment is something that non-fans have been throwing in true-fans' faces for a while...and I have something to say about the situation, which I will do in a separate post, even though I strongly dislike the "gossip" talk. While it's really no one's business, I feel it's time something is said 'cause this fan has had enough.

As to his driving: the man CAN drive, so stop with the "overrated" talk. Please, before you actually spew the venom, take a look at his record...do your homework. This is the kind of thing that can totally chip away at a person's confidence. I don't care who you are, no one can shoulder the weight of the world.

Look, teams in all sports go through highs and lows, ups and downs...that's the nature of sports in general. I've been through Super Bowls with my Cowboys; I've also witnessed (oftentimes with an overactive gag reflex) a 1-15 season. It's a cycle. Eventually, they will rise to the top once more. As will Dale.

I suppose my point is this: Be kind to others. Absolutely nothing is gained by cruelty.

Remember the Golden Rule? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

It's really not difficult to be a nice person. Not sure why some find it so challenging.

Dallas Cowboys--That's 3 Wins, Baby! Mavs--Thank you! Jimmie Johnson--Just Wow.

Wonderful weekend for my Texas teams!

Dallas Cowboys: Yes, yes, it's only 3 wins for my Cowboys, but, hey, they're wins. The Cowboys handily defeated the Detroit Lions today before heading into their annual Thanksgiving Day game this coming Thursday. This year will be a test for my 'Boys--we have to face the reigning Super Bowl champs, the New Orleans Saints. Yeah. I may want to have my turkey well before the game. I'm already a little gag-ish.

Dallas Mavericks: After losing to the Bulls, the Mavericks came back and defeated the Atlanta Hawks, making my family very happy. Dirk is just pure joy to watch.

NASCAR NEWS: Jimmie Johnson and the 48 team won their 5th STRAIGHT NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship. That's 5 in a row, folks. Whether you are a 48 fan or not, it is hard to be anything other than completely gobsmacked by what he has accomplished. He and crew chief Chad Knaus are one heck of a dynamic duo. Congratulations to the 48 team and Hendrick Motorsports for a 5th consecutive title.

As for my driver, well, we just have to look to next season. I imagine there will be some changes to the 88 team. Something has got to give there. If given the cars (and that special kind of chemistry between crew chief and driver) Jimmie has had, I have no doubt Dale would be celebrating wins...and probably one or more championships. I'm a believer in timing--when it's right, it will happen. 'Til next year.

Apparently, I Have A Faux Husband. Terrific.

Wake up: I fell out of the bed. Haven't done that since I was seven. In all fairness, my foot was wrapped up in the sheet. Thinking it would just slip free, I crawled out, kind-of flew forward, and...THUD.

This little mishap set up the rest of my day. Sadly, I was blissfully unaware of that fact.

Lunch: Picked up a few things for mom at the grocery store. Traditional family Thanksgiving grocery trip forthcoming. Said grocery excursion is almost always reminiscent of the Griswolds.

Delivering items to mom was eventful. Walked in and mom started talking about an episode of House Hunters from last night.

Me: "Ooh, what was the situation?"

Yes, I do like House Hunters...and Property Virgins--don't say it.

Mom: "She's a grandmother looking to move closer to her daughters and granddaughters. After the grandmother picked her house, she talked about how lucky she is to be near her daughters and have so many grandchildren...with another one of the way--one of her daughters was noticeably pregnant."

Mom, under her breath: "Ugh, witch."

Oh. My. God. There goes the flashing single sign over my head, sirens blazing.

Me: "Um, what did you say?"

Mom: "Huh? Oh, nuthin' darlin'. Nuthin."

Me: "Mom, you called her a witch. It's because she has grandchildren, isn't it?"

Mom, looking like she just got caught with her hand in the cookie jar: "Well, yes, in part. I just know I would rock as a grandma."

Me: "You would. I would love nothing more than to see you as a hip granny."

Mom: "I would love nothing more than to see you as a beautiful, sweet, adoring, wonderful mama."

Okay, trying to keep from crying. Won't cry. Won't cry. My clock isn't ticking yet, so the tears are solely for the fact that my mama thinks I would make a wonderful mommy. 

Mom: "The most important thing is for you to be happy. Never jump into anything just because...it has to be right in your heart and your instincts have to be there. You are always perfect to me, married, unmarried, whatever."

Me: "I love you, mom."

Mom: "I love you too, my baby girl."

I love these moments.

Mom: "Um, there is one little thing..."

Oh, Lord.

Me: "Mom, what have you done?"

Mom: "I meant everything I said but...there is a possibility that...I...may have...inadvertently...well...I have a son-in-law."

Me: "What?"

Mom: "You're married."

Me: "Huh?"

Mom: "Well, I was nervous. There were these big guys, so I told them my son-in-law was here and would help me."

Me: "When have you ever been nervous? And what big guys?"

Mom: "That's neither here nor there, my lovely, just know I accidentally said you have a husband."

Me: "I have a faux husband. That's just terrific. That's the only thing you could think of?"

Mom: "I can't control what my mouth does...it was the first thing that flew out."

Me: "Yeah, doesn't that worry you just a little? The first thing that enters your mind is to craft a faux husband for your daughter? I mean, why couldn't you have said Dad was with you?"

Mom: "Huh. That would have made more sense."

Great. My mom's subconscious is now acting out. 

Night: Watching the Longhorns (basketball) and NASCAR Camping World Truck race on SPEED...with my faux husband. Well, hell, why not? He's as invisible as air, right?

Reckon I'll watch Ghost Adventures later, mourn the end of NASCAR's season this weekend--hope Dale can end the season on a high note. I've got my Dallas Mavericks starting soon. Mainly, I will sit here this Friday night--date night--alone with my chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.

Oh, wait, I have my faux-friggin' husband to keep me company. Yippee.

Rant FOR Dale Earnhardt Jr....last rant of the night...promise...

Today was Dale's 36th birthday, which they reminded us throughout the race. That fact was particularly difficult given the day he had. I felt so dang bad for him--when you have your teammates running first, second, third, and you're running a lap down, well, wouldn't that tick the holy heck out of you?

He doesn't deserve to have crap cars every week; he shouldn't have to run back in the back...he's too good for that--and, yes, dear naysayers, he is too good for that. His CC made a questionable call, but that is neither here nor there at this point, since it's week after week of the same thing. How the man is keeping his composure with media and reporters is beyond me, but it speaks volumes to his character. 

Let's hope things get better for him. Something's gotta give.

Dallas Cowboys Lose Again , But Dale Jr. Finishes 4th

I love my Dallas Cowboys. I always will love my Dallas Cowboys.  Having said that, I am utterly disgusted with the start to this season. 

Ugh, I need Tylenol. 

My conclusions:

1.  Poor play calling: Predictable. I'm a girl, sitting at home, watching the game on t.v., and I can tell you the play before it happens.  There isn't that spark; there isn't any gutsy play calling. It's vanilla. Plain.  Boring.  Has Garrett lost his edge? Did he ever an edge or was his first season a fluke?

2.  Red Zone Freeze: Even when they drive it down field, they seem to lock up in the red zone. For whatever reason, the plays that got them to the red zone are not getting them into the end zone. Mix it up! This team has so many options...it's literally nonsensical that they can't get touchdowns.

3.  Missed field goals: Had Buehler made the field goal, we would have had a tie football game...and a chance to win. 

4.  Tony Romo's inconsistency: Many Dallas fans are split right down the middle on their feelings for Tony Romo--some love him, some hate him.  I don't hate the guy--I'm just not sure he's the answer. I don't think he's a bad quarterback; I just don't feel comfortable with him.  For me, it's about consistency.  Today, I saw low passes, short passes, passes behind his receivers, etc. While watching, I'm wishing Troy could run down from the booth and onto the field.  If I felt 100% about my QB, I wouldn't wish for my former QB (who I always felt 100% about).  I was watching Cutler making passes left and right, and I wished he had a star on his helmet. That's not good.  Not that Romo didn't try--he did drive us down field and had to watch Roy Williams cough it up.  His two interceptions bounced off receivers' hands and into defenders eager paws.  Still, I don't feel comfortable with him.  And yes, I've seen Romo's stats.  But, here's the thing about stats: they look fabulous on paper, but if they do not produce results off the paper, what's their worth, really?

5.  Missed opportunities. I don't think there is a need to say more.


Note: Jason Witten wobbled off the field, clearly woozy after a tough hit (the back of his head struck the turf).  He wasn't allowed to go back out on the field for the remainder of the game, but that didn't keep him from showing just how much he cares about his football team: Jason passionately and repeatedly tried to get back in the game. Bless him. His health is more important, but it was endearing to see him so ready to go back in and help the team. 




God help me, I love my Cowboys, but watching this wasted talent is literally painful. 

Forget Tylenol, I need Advil.


NASCAR: There is a silver lining to another Cowboys loss--Dale finished 4th today after starting way back in the pack (around 31st or 32nd).  This is what I hoped for him: he has enough stress and pressure to deal with on a regular basis, but without the chase to worry about, he (and his team) can just dig in and go for wins and/or top 5 finishes.  Way to go, Dale--really great driving!

Dale Earnhardt Jr. = Redskins Fan = Dilemma

Dilemma: As a fellow Dallas Cowboys fan kindly reminded me, Dale Jr., my NASCAR driver, is a Redskins fan. Said Dallas Cowboys fan also believes I am a traitor to the Cowboys because I pull for a driver who pulls for the Redskins.

Personally, I see the two as mutually exclusive. In NASCAR, it's Dale; in football, it's the Cowboys. Simple as that.

So, what is this dilemma? There is no question Dale has had a rough season...last night was no exception. You know, I'd like to see the man have something to smile about--a Redskins win would do it, I'm sure. Still don't see the dilemma? Check this quote by Dale after last night's rough race:

"I'm going to go to the Redskins game (Sunday). Maybe that will cheer me up. If they get their ass kicked, that's not going to be good. Monday will be a bad day." (Dale's Rough Night).

Yeah.  He's going to the game.  The NASCAR fan in me would love to see him find that spark he needs to head into the week.  The Cowboys fan that I am says, "Yeah, sorry about that, but ain't noooooo way.  Game on. Bring it. Grrr." Okay, I added the grr, but still...

So, to address my fellow Cowboys friend, I will NOT be pulling for the 'Skins--THAT would constitute a traitorous act against my Cowboys.  I WILL be cheering for my 'Boys with the same intensity I've always had.

However, in keeping with my need to try and find the bright side of things, should my Cowboys not make it out with a victory....GAG...I will take some solace in knowing that my NASCAR driver is a little happier.

Game on.

NASCAR: Bright Side To Dale Jr. Not Making The Chase

Dale Earnhardt Jr. did not make the chase this year...and it's really okay. Why? Because now Dale and his team have 10 weeks, nothing to lose, and everything to gain. It's the best possible remedy to a frustrating season. Think about it: if he had made the chase, media scrutiny would have quadrupled, particularly if he didn't emerge as a real contender for the title.

Now, without the additional spotlight, he and his team can get down to business, no chase-strings.  I remember not too long ago when Tony Stewart missed the cut for the chase; he let it roll off his back and drove like a bat outta hell...and he won races. 

As much as I would like to point the finger at his crew chief, Lance McGrew, I'm trying to reserve judgment. Why? Because I'd like to see what they can do as a team without the pressure of the chase weighing on their shoulders. Life's about chances.  

With nothing to lose and everything to gain, Dale could very well close this season on one heck of a high note.  Here's hoping.

"Always find the bright side, no matter how dark it is in the room...it's usually just a flick of the light-switch away."

NASCAR Rundown: Kyle Sweeps Bristol...Yippee

Kyle Busch wins the Sprint Cup race at Bristol, capping off the first ever three-peat in a single NASCAR racing weekend: Sprint Cup, Nationwide, and Camping World Truck Series.

Great driver. Gotta give him that...and that's about it.

Dale finished 13th.  He had been moving up really well--into about 6th or 7th.  After pitting, Lance McGrew, Dale's crew chief, made some adjustments, and the car just freed up way too much.  It seems like they're making the wrong adjustments week after week.  And please don't say it's the driver...it's not. My dad used to rebuild sports cars--he said as a CC, you need to listen to your driver; he's the one out there feeling the car, not the CC.

Anyway, NASCAR history was made tonight and all that good stuff.  Yippee. I'm gonna go watch some paint dry...bound to be more entertaining.

Nuthin' Like Friday Night At Bristol

Like my mama says, "There's nothing like baseball, apple pie, Chevrolet, and Dale Earnhardt Jr."  Add to it a night race at Bristol and a 4th place finish for Dale, and it's a pretty nice summer night.  I'm glad he shaved the beard--not that it didn't look good in a rugged sort-of-way; he just seems more himself without it, if that makes any sense, which it probably doesn't. (Sorry for the girl perspective...it's just something that crossed my mind when I saw him).

Kyle Busch won the Nationwide Race tonight...I won't expand--the crowd at Bristol is taking care of that one. If there are any Kyle fans reading this, I mean no offense--he's a great driver...I just don't particularly care for the kind of person he is on the track (no idea what he's like off the track). 

All in all, it was a great race...looking forward to tomorrow night's Sprint Cup race. Off to finish watching some preseason football...size up the competition for my 'Boys.

Ahhhhhh, It's Back!!!!!

To commemorate his 500th start, Dale had a blah day at Watkins Glenn.  Normally, I'd feel bummed and work overtime to find the bright side (which, I still did--he started 40th, finished 26th at one of his least favorite tracks, so it could have been much worse. Oh, and Jimmie Johnson wrecked and finished behind him. Definite bright side).  But this is no normal NASCAR Sunday, for tonight we welcome back a familiar friend.

Football is here and I feel home again.  My daddy played football--he wears his scars proudly. My mama is about as passionate a football fan as you are ever going to find.  My papaw held football parties and ordered cakes featuring everyone's team mascots.  I was born to love the game, and I do.

I am now blissfully watching my Dallas Cowboys play in the Hall of Fame game against the Bengals (of course once the regular season starts, I'm not so blissful...I'm passion personified and in the zone...don't mess with me).  After a promising opening drive, our starters showed old signs of residing in red-zone hell.  It's only the first preseason game, so I choose not to panic.

College, NFL--I love it all.

Welcome back old friend, welcome back.

*Um, strike the bliss....I've just unleashed on the refs. And so it begins.

Dale Jr. + iRacing = FUN & Memories!

I was clicking around ESPN and came across an article about Dale Earnhardt Jr. and iRacing (to read all about it, click here Dale Jr. & iRacing.) Have you heard of this? It sounds utterly amazing, and instantly reminded me of the times I would take on my dad in an arcade dual car racing game. Oh, I loved those driving games! I became very good at it, too.

One spring day, when we all decided to go to the lake, we stopped by the local arcade. Naturally, there was a racing game. I took one seat, my dad the other. With a small crowd around us, we raced. Now, my daddy is quite the driver--he's a master at maneuvering a car, particularly a sports car.

Early in the race, my dad had the lead, but I stayed close behind. I was up on the wheel from the start, but my dad was so chill, just calmly cruising. Never one to show my hand, I waited to make my move.

The crowd grew louder as the race neared its end...and my dad and I were about to give them quite a show. Thinking I probably wouldn't be able to catch him, my dad settled in...that's when I flew around him.  Straightening up, my dad let out a little, "Aw hell," as the sweat started dripping from his forehead, my forehead, and from everyone around us.

It was neck and neck until the very end, but I edged him by a nose.  It was the first time I had ever won against my dad. He was shocked, but totally proud...especially when he heard the guys saying stuff like, "Dude, the girl won! Cool."

Anyway, check out the link to read all about iRacing (it sounds incredible--I can only imagine my dad and I racing each other on something like this...don't tell him, but he'd probably win).

iRacing With Dale Jr.

NASCAR Rundown: Biffle Wins at Pocono; Elliott Sadler Survives Horrific Crash

Pocono is not usually one of my favorites tracks--it's often long, tiring, and just plain dull. Plus, it's not one of Dale's tracks (today was no exception, though he really gave it his all with what he had). Today, however, with about seventy laps to go, this track took on a life of its own. Add the threat of rain to Pocono and you've got a dang good race.

A mix of good driving and excellent strategy earned Greg Biffle the win for car owner Jack Roush, who is recovering from injuries sustained in a plane crash earlier this week.  This win is surely a much needed ray of sunshine for Mr. Roush.

Perhaps the scariest part of the day was the horrifying wreck involving the 19 of Elliott Sadler. I've been a NASCAR fan for a long time. Like most fans, I've witnessed it all...including one of the darkest days in NASCAR history when the sport lost Dale Earnhardt Sr. Today's wreck has to rank as one of the worst.

Elliott emerged from the car in visible pain as he collapsed to the ground.  After a visit to the infield care center, Elliott told reporters that he had the wind knocked out of him, but felt okay overall, other than being a bit sore from the pull of the seat belts. Thanks to all of the increased safety measures instituted after Dale Sr.'s accident, Elliott Sadler survived an otherwise deadly crash. Thank God.

Below, you'll see video of two wrecks: the first involves Kurt Busch, who lost control after getting bumped by Jimmie Johnson (After the wreck, Kurt said Jimmie drove right through him--think Kurt will retaliate? Stay tuned.).

The second--which happened almost simultaneously with Kurt's--is Sadler's wreck.  It happens at about the 43 second mark--watch the lower right of the screen.  WARNING: It's pretty tough to view.

NASCAR Rundown: Jamie McMurray Wins the Brickyard 400

We were back to racing this weekend with the Brickyard 400 after a one week break in the schedule (I go through withdrawals when I don't have my racing).  Jamie McMurray brought home the win for Chip Ganassi, giving Chip the three big wins in racing this year: Daytona 500 (Jamie McMurray), Indy 500 (Dario Franchitti), and now the Brickyard 400. Congratulations to Jamie, his team, and Chip! Jamie and his wife are absolutely adorable kissing those bricks!

The big "son of a b" moment: Juan Pablo Montoya blows a tire and collects Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the process, ruining a top 15 or better for Dale. Wrong place, wrong time.  Yes, Dale is my driver, always has been...and don't bother talking smack--I've heard it all and my skin is thick. Believe what you want, but Dale will win a championship--I am certain of it.  How am I certain? Because my gut tells me it will happen...if you knew my gut, you'd understand why I listen to it.

Anyway, it's good to have racing back...football soon to follow. Lord help me, I love my sports.