... False Fan ...

I've come to the conclusion that you can tell a lot about a person based on their team trend.  Deep routed questions can be answered by this often overlooked character flaw.  -- Are they a glory seeker?  Will they be there for you when you are down?  Will they be humble?  Will they move on to the cool kids with the lunchables when you show up with a bologna sandwich? --

As an England girl, and having lived in Italy and Spain... I think it's absurd that anyone would "fan" a team for reasons other than they were born into them.  My family, for instance, regardless of the number of times the home team is relegated into lesser division... disgraceful losses... disappointing sportsmanship... etc. etc. etc., they'll never wear a scarf that isn't blue and yellow.  (Football - real football- reference).  Why?  Well obviously because "we are Leeds, we are Leeds, we are Leeds!"  Traveling across Europe (and the World minus America), you'll notice that it is very rare that someone actually supports a team other than the one right down the road.  Of course, it's acceptable to support a team in a different league than the home team just so you have someone to follow in said league... but you still don't buy their jersey.  Why is Football loved so dearly around the world?  Well simply because of patriotism.  It's amazing.

With this sort of an upbringing... it sticks out like a sore thumb when I meet a Cowboys Fan with a New York accent, a Southern Belle with pink Chicago Bulls jersey, a South Dakotan "hook 'em".  The beauty behind sports is the bond between neighbor, the comrade at arms cheering in the stands, the group frenzy that lies behind every basket, goal, run, touchdown.  Think back to high school.  The excitement in the stands.  Everybody you knew (for the most part), everyone you loved, your friends, your neighbor, teacher, mother, father, brother, classmate... they all sat on the same side and cheered beside you, rooting for the home team!  What could be better?

... the answer.  For some: the glory, the popularity, the bragging rights, the win.

It's with great wisdom that I warn... beware of all who cheer for the team that has no geographical connection to them at all.  Unless there is a valid explanation - went to college there, was stationed there, my state didn't have a such and such team (and in that case they had better pick the team of the next closest state), parents were born there and it's in the blood, family member plays for them, the entire team once attended my birthday party, you're catholic, I am a girl and cheer for them because my husband does... beware.  Beware.

(Note: the one and only exception to this rule is Hillary Clinton)

... Kindle, my love ...

The girls new best friend...

I can not say enough about my Kindle.  Upon hearing about the "e-reader" I knew that one day I would HAVE to have one.  I waited patiently, found other items that were a higher priority, and continued reading good old paper backs.  I told myself that I was vintage, a precocious reader like myself need not go electronic.  As much as I knew the little voice inside was screaming out for a Nook or Kindle, I convinced myself that a true fan of the arts would never trade in the smell of a freshly opened page for the new age - go green - nonsense, and the year went by.  However, when my mother-in-law called to get the details on the Kindle from the hubby, I thought it was too good to be true.  The lie was up!  I waited everyday, counting down for the new release of the wifi-only Kindle 2, and going online to make a wish list.  

The first purchase on the little gadget upon arrival was "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo". Then I went rummaging through the Kindle store to find anything free worth reading (tons) and anything for less that $2 that I had to have (I ended up cutting myself off after about 5 of those!).  I also chose a few free samples that I found intriguing.  Then, to stay true to myself, I ordered The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn... and crossed over into the e.  

What do I love the most?  Oh, I don't know.  The light weight.  The buttons on both sides allowing for comfortable control.  The fact that I can lay in bed and easily read a book without having to flip from side to side and figure out a way to hold the book without an arm falling asleep or random pages fighting me to lose my place.  I love that when I get to a word that I want to add to my vocabulary I can bookmark it in my Oxford dictionary with three clicks... aphorism, apropos, capricious, ennui... endless possibilities.  I love that when the ladies pick the new book club reading I can purchase it with a click of a button and not have to drive to Borders.  I love that I can throw the Kindle in my purse, and never lose my page.  I love that, if I have little time to read and lots of reading to do, I can turn on the voice feature - choose if I'd like a man or woman to read to me that day and at what speed - and ta-da... book on tape!  

It is amazing.  The quintessence of electronic upgrade!  GO GET IT. 

Whole Wheat Nutella Pumpkin Bread

Thanks to a FB post, I just found this recipe online.  So happy it's FALL!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup flaxseed meal (ground flaxseed)
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 6 tablespoonsturbinado sugar
• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup skim milk
• 1 15 ounce can pumpkin
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Mix the dry ingredients (through turbinado sugar) in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the rest of the ingredients (wet).
4. Pour the wet ingredients onto the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Transfer batter to a greased loaf pan and spoon two 1 tablespoon drops of Nutella.
6. Swirl the Nutella around on the top with a knife.
7. Bake on a baking sheet for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Servings: 8-10