Beyond Words

Are you looking for romance this Valentine’s Day? Then you may want to move to Spain. Research by author Chrisanna Northrup revealed that the land of flamenco and paella is the most romantic country in the world. Where does the USA stand in matters of all things romantic? Not so good.

Here’s a quick comparison:

• 77 percent of Spanish couples say the cuddle several times a week, while only 17 percent of American couples do so.
• 72 percent of couples in Spain kiss passionately several times per week while in America the same holds true for a mere 20 percent.
• In Spain, 62 percent of couples display PDA several times a week but only 18 percent of American couples enjoy sharing affection publicly as often.

So, what gives? Maybe it’s the Latin in all those Latin lovers. Maybe it’s the sherry. Maybe it’s the simple love of life and all things joyful. Maybe Americans are just too uptight and tightly wound.

Whatever the case, it seems that our ability to keep the spirit of Valentine’s Day going for the other 364 days in a year is weak. One surprising finding Northrup found while researching her book “The Normal Bar” is that by simply calling each other pet names goes a long way. In addition, character is more important the physical chemistry and those who feel they have a lot in common with their spouse or significant other are happier. So are those who give and receive back rubs. Yep, back rubs. A whopping 74 percent of the happiest couples surveyed regularly give or receive back rubs. I’m down for that!

Vacations and dates are also important but sadly only 44 percent of American couples hardly ever or even never go on a date and a miserable 75 percent of us never take a romantic vacation. Perhaps most alarming is the fact that the richest couples surveyed were less likely to be happy than those with less money. Couples earning $20,000 a year or less argue less frequently than those who earn between $250,000 to $500,000. I guess money really can’t buy happiness. But we already knew that, right?

So it’s wash board abs and Victoria Secret model bodies we all want in our partners, right? Wrong! Smart USA reports that seven of 10 Americans would actually prefer their spouse speak another language than look like a model and three in five would rather their partner gain 20 IQ points then lose 20 pounds.

Where are many of these couples meeting? On-line! In fact, the University of Chicago reports that 35 percent of couples who got married in the past seven years met online. Wow!

What would St. Valentine think? The third century Roman priest is the reason we celebrate the annual February day of love. After being thrown in jail by the Emperor who wanted all men to be in the army and not get married, which Valentine disagreed with, Valentine would send letters and sign them, Love Valentine. Valentine strongly believed people needed to get married and was eventually killed on February 14, 269.

So as you hug your valentine today, think of loving St. Valentine, all those romantic couples in Spain and dream away. I’ll be joining you.

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

Can we talk? Can we talk about the dreadful Ralph Lauren-designed sweaters team USA is sporting at the Sochi winter games? Oh. Em. Gee. Really? That’s the best we can come up with – embarrassing “ugly Christmas sweater” sweaters?! At least this time they were made in the U.S.A.

If you must do sweaters, at least do them like Andorra’s traditionally-styled Nordic ones:

I’m fully aware it’s the winter games and not fashion week, but these are indelible outfits and at least some countries got it right. Germany looked fabulous and fun if not a bit flashy in their rainbow hued Bogner-designed jackets and pants. (And no, Willy Bogner says they are not in protest of Russia’s anti-gay laws so don’t even go there.)

Also classic yet stand-out statements are Canada’s vibrant red toggle coats and Sweden’s cobalt blue ones. I’m always a sucker for cobalt and I love the diagonal zippers and crazy pants.

On the other hand, what was France thinking? I’m all about khakis…on the golf course! Coco Chanel must be rolling in her grave knowing the fashion capital of the world presented something along the lines of Dockers.  Blasphemy!

Two other countries have gotten mixed reviews. I personally think Russia’s “Santa coats” were perfect for the host team and Lithuania’s lime green get-ups have won me over. Just sayin…

Although a sporting event above all sporting events, Olympic “Opening Ceremonies” are also a fashion face off. Designers fight for the right to outfit a country’s team and pay big money to do so. Having their designs front and center on a global stage is a marketing dream…unless those designs flop. Calling Mr. Lauren. The 1980s are on line two and want their sweaters back.

Fashion designers aren’t the only ones outfitting the world’s top athletes this year. American speed skaters will be donning aerodynamic suits designed with the help of Lockheed Martin and the U.S. luge team’s clingy uniforms were created by comic book publisher Valient Entertainment. I also love the fact that the U.S. free skier team will be sporting North Face jackets that have a star shape sewn inside made with fabric that has been to Mount Everest.

 
All team designs (with the exception of those worn by American figure skaters, who are allowed to choose their own costumes) are approved by the United States Olympic Committee using requirements set by the International Olympic Committee. (The rules can be found in a 33-page book called “Guidelines Regarding Authorized Identification” if you’re desperate for reading material.)  In most cases, only one manufacturer’s logo is allowed on any one piece of clothing or equipment and they are reserved for specific areas of each such as the chest or arm. In addition, size matters. Clothing logos must be no more than three square inches and those on equipment can be no larger than six square centimeters. Guidelines also say that one year’s outfits must be different from those of any previous games and the use of national colors is encouraged.

So what say you? Do you like the USA’s sweaters? What country sported your favorite?

Finally, if you’re really all about Olympic fashion this year, you might want to consider “sporting” the latest trend: dressed up track pants and jerseys as seen here:

Happy shopping and let’s go U.S.A.!!!!!

As my trusted readers know, Sunday’s are usually reserved for my weekly “Sunday Scripture” blog about something spiritual. Well, today I am breaking tradition and am writing about that other church I worship in: the church of football!

Today is “Super Bowl Sunday” and I can’t even imagine not writing about the big day. I love football. I grew up rooting for the Denver Broncos so I couldn’t be happier than to root for them in today’s big game against Seattle.

There’s only one other team I’d rather be cheering on in a Super Bowl, and that would be the Buffalo Bills, Smitty’s beloved hometown team. When we were first married, the Bills were amazing. They had big name players and they went to four Super Bowls…in a row. Yes, they lost all four of them but no other team has accomplished the difficult feat of just getting there four consecutive times. Sadly, the Bills have never been back. In fact, in Kristen’s young memory, they have never even made it to the playoffs. Still, she roots for them and wears her Bills beanie proudly on cold Norman, Oklahoma days. Someday she says, someday.

Buffalo’s Anchor Bar & Grill

But, Buffalo is part of every Super Bowl, whether the Bills are playing or not. It’s all thanks to a woman named Teressa Bellissimo and a little thing called wings. You know them, you love them: chicken wings. They originated at Teressa and her husband Frank’s “Anchor Bar and Grill” in Buffalo on a whim but today they will be found at watch parties coast-to-coast. It’s estimated that just today, Americans will eat more than 1.2 billion of the little fried snacks. So many in fact, that a recent survey showed wings are the favorite Super Bowl food, beating even pizza.

On March 4 of this year, the Anchor Bar will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the wing. Legend has it that the late-night arrival of the Bellissimo’s son Dominic to their restaurant lead to the creation of the wing. Dominic brought with him several college friends so Teressa needed a fast and easy snack for them. She came up with the idea of frying the wings and tossing them in hot sauce. The wings, normally tossed aside and used merely for chicken stock, quickly became the stars of the place. Today they sit right alongside legs, garnished with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.

In addition to the celery and blue cheese, there are other wing traditions. Number one, don’t call them “Buffalo Wings.” They are simply “wings.” Number two, don’t bake them. True wings are friend. Number three, they are never breaded, but rather simply coated in hot sauce and vinegar. Like Buffalonians themselves, wings are simple yet substantial.

Smitty and I have discovered a few local places that make good wings, but nothing compares to the real deals up in Buffalo. They are bigger, crispier and just better. They are also hot! Growing up, Smitty actually remembers putting his lips in snow just to cool them off!

I asked Smitty a couple of days ago if he wanted to grill steaks for the Super Bowl. Nope, he said. We’re getting pizza and wings. Of course. What was I thinking!?

On a side note, I’d like to congratulate former Bills’ player Andre Reed for his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction.

It’s about time.

Former Bills’ quarterback Jim Kelly and two of his “wing men” Andre Reed and Bruce Smith

Happy February everyone!  Oh yes, the month of Valentines and love.  It’s also the month of our my wedding anniversary.  This February 15, Smitty and I will be married 28 years.  Wow.  That’s more than half of my life!  I’ve always considered anniversaries much more significant holidays than birthdays. In today’s world of disposable marriages, I am always in awe of those who stay married despite the common ups and downs of doing so. It hasn’t always been easy for me and Smitty, but with God as the third person in our marriage we have somehow stayed together and I hope we always do.

Just last week we celebrated our anniversary in Las Vegas when I flew out to meet him after his week-long business trade show. Yes we gambled, ate well, and saw a fabulous show (Cirque de Soleil’s “LOVE”), the highlight was perhaps a long white limo. Moving on a suggestion from my friend Ana, I surprised Smitty with a limo ride to the famous Little White Chapel in Vegas where we renewed our vows. It was corny, but it was also cool.

The next day we were sitting at the lobby bar at Paris watching a group of young men clearly celebrating a bachelor party. We ended up befriending them and at one point the groom sat down with us and asked us the secret to staying married. Hmmmm, we thought, what is the secret? Tolerance? Acceptance? Forgiveness? Love?  Humor?  All of the above?

Today, as I’m catching up with life on this quiet Saturday, I remember to fulfill my New Year’s Resolution of reading a chapter a month of two books, one of which is Gretchen Rubin’s “The Happiness Project.” Amazingly, February’s topic is marriage. Get out! Really?

Rubin writes about her own marriage, marriage myths and truths, and marriage tips. I found the tips – quit nagging, don’t expect praise or appreciation, fight right, no dumping, and give proofs of love – fascinating and thought-provoking.

Say No to Nagging
Just the word nagging is yucky so it should come as no surprise that nagging doesn’t work. End of story. It’s important, Rubin says, for a couple to remember that tasks don’t have to be done on their own personal schedules. If it’s really important for something to get done at a certain time for you, do the task yourself. Not only will you enjoy not having to nag, the job will be done, which will lead to your happiness! It’s also important to remember that life in a marriage is not always fair. Couples often get in the habit of what’s called “unconscious overclaiming,” where we overestimate our contributions. Just do your job and don’t keep score or track of what your spouse is doing. It all evens out in the end.

Learn to Live Without Praise
Keeping score can also lead to a constant need of praise and appreciation. Rubin says “get over it.” Expecting what she calls “gold stars” for your efforts is probably a sign of either vanity, insecurity, or both. What’s amazing is that those who tend to need praise are the very ones who are the worst at giving it! Rubin suggests doing things for yourself, not for the “team” or for your spouse. What sounds a bit selfish actually isn’t. If you tell yourself you cleaned the kitchen for you, or you go to that job for you, you won’t need praise and you will be proud of yourself.

Fight Right
Still, couples will inevitably fight. The key is, fighting right. How a couple fights matters way more than how often they fight. Key number one: if you’re going to fight, only tackle one issue at a time. Don’t let arguing over finances spill into an disagreement over weekend plans. Also, avoid saying things like “you never” and “you always.” Finally, know when and how to bring an argument to a successful end. Don’t let it go on for hours and don’t end it without resolving it. Simply saying “I don’t want to talk about it anymore” will only make it fester and make matters worse.

Don’t Be a Dumper
According to Rubin, one sure way to add fuel to the destructive fire is to forever “dump” on your spouse. You know, those desires to unload your insecurities and struggles on your husband or wife. Come to find out, spouses just don’t want to hear it. Yes, bring major issues and worries to light if you need genuine support or are seeking true advice, but the “my back hurts today” or “Sally at work annoyed me again today” grumblings will more than likely fall on deaf ears. This fact though, is not the negative result. The negative result is the dumper always feeling unloved or ignored. Letting off steam is not beneficial at all, in fact, Rubin notes that studies show expressing anger doesn’t relieve it, but instead amplifies it. By simply refraining from being a constant dumper, you personally eliminate your odds of feeling angry. Again, do it for yourself. And , put a real effort into sharing happy stories with your hubby or wife, not just woes and worries. Keep in mind that it takes five positive marital actions to offset one destructive action.

It’s also important to remember that men and women simply see things differently. Remember, men are from Mars and women are from Venus, right? A female generally has more feelings of empathy then her male counterpart and men don’t want to listen if they don’t feel they can “fix it.” Knowing your wife is sensitive may help a husband listen more attentively and knowing her husband just isn’t good at doing so may give her a new perspective.

When asked the secret to a happy marriage, so many say “happy wife, happy life.” Even the pastor at our Vegas vow renewals said so. But, even if “momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy” is somewhat true, momma needs to make sure she is happy inside. True happiness has a very strong influence on marriages, as happy people are more forgiving, helpful and tolerant, while unhappy people are more defensive, withdrawn, and self-absorbed.

Show Them the Love
Part of the vows I wrote in Vegas included the line “I promise to love you even when I don’t like you.” That is sometimes a tough one to show…not feel, but show. Whatever you feel in your heart others will only see in your actions. It’s imperative that spouses show love to one other…often. This can be anything from an “I love you” as you walk out the door in the morning, to a goodnight kiss, to a kind or email, or to complimenting them in front of others. That last one is perhaps way underused but oh so powerful. Tell your spouse you love them. It’s a marriage must!

I’m a hugger. Smitty is not. Hugging relieves stress and creates bonding, so from now on, I’m going to hug for me. I like hugs so I’m going to give them. After all, every time you give a hug you get a hug!

When we were in Vegas, I bought a beautiful bracelet as an anniversary present. I love it and cherish it, but something just as meaningful happened yesterday. I was doing something in the kitchen and Smitty was in his chair watching golf. Out of the blue he said “I really liked that wedding thing you did in Vegas.” Hello! Scoop me off the floor! Those simple words made my day.

Hugging and kissing are sure fire ways to show love, but in marriage, thoughtfulness trumps lavishness. Small gestures often mean just as much as grand ones. It’s those tiny little treats and courtesies that keep a marriage alive, but so often spouses take each other for granted. Why is it we are so considerate to everyone in our lives but take everything out on our spouses, or worse, ignore them and their needs?

So, the secret to a happy marriage? There really is no one full-proof way.  It’s basically a puzzle you constantly work at putting together.  Father Pretto, who married us, told us to never go to bed mad. I think those who are happiest married are those who are each other’s best friends. BFFs enjoy being together, laugh together, and cry together. Try to be more grateful, more easy going, more enthusiastic, and more fun. Be less negative, angry, and irritable.

It’s important to incorporate a no snapping (one of my weaknesses), no criticism and no nagging atmosphere in your home, and I think it’s also essential to add simple silliness to your marriage. In my Vegas vows I of course promised to support and respect Smitty, but I also promised not to dry his golf shirts or cook with mushrooms if he promised to take out the trash and to not walk in front of me!

Spending quality time together is also imperative. Our friends Doc and MB have had a Thursday evening date night for going on 20 years now. I totally admire their doing so, but Smitty and I are homebodies. I would rather watch a great football game or movie with him then try to think of something to do once-a-week. Whatever works for the two of you, do that. I really like the idea from Rubin’s book of having one outside activity you do together (golf, tennis, running, etc.) and one inside game.

Finally, although it’s easy to focus on the annoying things about your spouse, try instead to think about the things you actually like about him or her. Even if it’s just something like “he has a full head of hair” or “she can cook mean lasagna.” Rubin talks about this in her book and really woke me up when she said to consider how you would feel if your spouse physically or mentally couldn’t do those things that bother you. Gulp.

Happy and successful couple ultimately boast mutual trust and respect and shared interests and values. The “3 C’s” come into constant play: commitment, communication and compassion. In the end, it’s all about commitment. Those vows you said are binding words. No one said marriage would be easy or even fair. It’s what you make it. It is more than the vow you once made, it is a choice you make every day.

As I sit writing this, another blast of arctic air is sweeping the country, including the south…and Texas!  Schools were closed today, traffic was snarled, and ice and sleet pretty much wreaked havoc with Austin and surrounding areas.

What better thing to blog about today then, than something else that’s sweeping the country:  the flu!  Ick, right?!

There’s no getting around it though, as this year’s flu season has been one of our country’s worst.  Much like the flu pandemic of 2009, the predominant virus this year is H1N1 with 35 states reporting widespread influenza, including many deaths.  Coupled with Austin’s intense (way above “high”) level of cedar pollen in the air creating an epidemic of “cedar fever,” sniffling and coughing is everywhere!   Cough and sneeze into your elbows people, please!

Every year I get a flu shot, which experts agree is the best way to stay flu free.  Ideally, the best time to get one is when they first come out, as they take about two weeks to build up protective antibodies in your system.

What To Do, What To Do…If You Get Sick

So what to do if you get the flu?  Do you feed a cold but starve a fever?  Do natural herbs really help?

My co-worker Chris recently had a run of the flu in her house and she swears by this recipe to build up your immune system and get you back on your feet should the flu bug bite you:  2 teaspoons of elderberry extract four times a day, 1 teaspoon of raw honey, and 1 packet of EmergenC every three hours.  She swears it worked for her and recommends starting it if you get even an inkling that you’re not feeling well.

Thank you Dr. Chris!   Now back to feeding a cold and starving a fever.  Recent medical science says you should actually feed both a cold and a fever, as your body needs energy and and fuel to fight what ails it.  Fever raises your body temperature, which increases metabolism, which results in calories burned, so taking in calories is vital.  In addition, fever dehydrates you and makes the mucus in your nose, throat and lungs dry up, which makes coughing difficult and less effective and can also lead to respiratory and sinus infections.    Drinking lots of fluids (avoid caffeine and alcohol though, as they enhance dehydration) helps keep the mucus running…right out of your body.

As for all those “magic pills,” here’s a rundown of what might work and why:

So what is that elderberry my friend Chris used?  It’s one of many herbal immune stimulants, along with Echinacea, andrographus, and astragalus.  Those three are actually considered antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory, while elderberry is high in anthocynanins and antioxidants, which help increase cellular absorption of vitamin C, which in turn protects the surfaces of your nose and mouth so viruses can’t penetrate them as easily.  Many say if you load up on these when you’re exposed you may actually reduce the risk of getting sick.  Still, some medical studies on taking extra vitamin C and zinc are inconclusive as to their benefits, and some research on Echinacea showed no benefit.   Vitamin A, on the other hand, is a true antiviral but you don’t want to ingest it on a daily basis because it can damage the liver in large doses, but for about one week while you’re sick or getting sick, a dose of 10,000 IUs a day may be helpful.

One thing I always take when I’m sick is garlic.  My mom told me about it and I swear it works.  The popular cooking ingredient is a natural antimicrobial.   I chop up a couple of garlic cloves into pill-size pieces and squirt lemon juice on them.  Then I swallow them and wait.  The garlic seems to literally sweat the bug out of you.  One note of caution:  you probably don’t want to be around a lot of people after taking the garlic!

Chicken soup doesn’t really have any magic ingredients, but it does have calories and consists of lots of liquid.  Any type of similar warm vapor may also help loosen mucus.  Hot tea, a hot shower, and even a humidifier can also help.

Over the counter remedies may relieve symptoms and your aches and pains, but they don’t really kill off any viruses or bacteria.   Antiviral drugs like Tamiflu do keep those flu bugs from reproducing however, and are most effective if you take them within 48 hours of displaying symptoms.

Sometime store-bought medicines aren’t the only solution.  A recent Penn State study found that drinking warm water with two teaspoons of honey calms nighttime coughs in kids just as well as over-the-counter cough medicines do.

Flu, Cold, or Other?

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if you have allergies, a cold, the flu or something else.  Here’s a quick glance chart courtesy “Family Circle” magazine:

How To Keep From Being Bit by the Bug

So those are some ideas on how to treat the flu, but what about avoiding it?  The Centers for Disease Control says that, in addition to getting a flue shot, washing hands with soap and water is one of the most effective ways of preventing and spreading colds.  Don’t be in a hurry though; all those doorknobs and credit card signing pens you used are chalk-full of germs.  Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before rinsing and drying them.  Afterwards, keep your eyes away from your eyes, nose and mouth!

And yes, hand sanitizer is better than nothing, but be sure to rub it into your palms, tops of hands, and in between your fingers…until it’s dry.  An ethanol-based formula with an alcohol concentration of at least 60 is recommended.

If you’re travelling, beware!  A plane, or any confined space, is the perfect place for germs to linger and spread.  In fact, those who take public transportation are six times more likely to suffer respiratory infections than those who don’t!   Take with you an immune-boosting supplement like Airborne, drink hot tea and plenty of water, and pack saline spray or nasal swabs to keep those mucus membranes moist.  Then, pray!

At home and at work, be sure to use cleaning products labeled “disinfectant,” as they’ve been tested to kill viruses.  Cleaning products that are sanitizers kill only bacteria.

Lose weight!  Obese people are three times more likely to die from the flu and extra weight may actually make flu shots less effective.

As with anything, don’t just take my word for any of this, as I don’t have “M.D.” after my name.  Consult your doctor and in the end, keep in mind that cold and flu viruses need to run their course.  The best advice is simple:  sleep as much as you can and drink those liquids!

I don’t even know where to start.

The day started off on the wrong foot.  My husband’s alarm blared on at 4:30 a.m. and, even though I thought I reset it for my normal 6:30 a.m. wake-up, I either didn’t or slept right through it.  I woke up way late, rushed to get ready, and arrived at work harried and tired.  That, I soon found out, was only the beginning.

Nothing like getting a text from your daughter away at college saying there’s been a shooting on campus and that she is in lock-down in her lecture hall to wake you up.  All students had been told to seek immediate shelter in place.  Soon after I get a text from my girlfriends in Oklahoma who also have kids at OU, the first one being “check your kids, shots fired on campus.”  I was suddenly totally awake and went to find fellow teacher Janet, whose daughter also goes to OU.   While doing so, my Assistant Director Chris tracked me down in the hallway saying Kristen was on her office phone.  OMG.  Kristen would never call the main office unless it was…an emergency.

I talked to her and she promised they were all safe and secure.  She sounded so mature and so hushed-like.   I expected her to be a little put off by the whole ordeal because she is always “so busy” with her internship job and school, but instead she was all business.  This, made me nervous.  This, was serious business.

In the meantime, I had a class of 10 little three-year-olds to take care of.  How do you talk about a shooting with your colleagues in front of innocent kids and how do you keep from having a worried look on your face or worse, start crying?  Thankfully, my class was getting ready to tour our church for their weekly Worship class and my trusted co-worker Ana took over.   In my mind it all seemed crazy, lining them up and walking them out of the class while trying to keep my emotions under control, but Ana quickly had all of them under control as I sent and received texts back and forth to Kristen, Smitty, and my Oklahoma friends.  I felt horrible and guilty texting in church, but my daughter was in lockdown!   Bless me Father for I have sinned…but please keep my daughter and all of OU safe!

I remember being somewhat comforted by that fact that I was in the church though, and I paused to pray for the situation.  I was feeling somewhat in the “everything is going to be okay mode” when I received a text from Kristen saying “cops are coming into the building I’m in, guns drawn.”  I showed it to Ana and broke down.  Tears literally and uncontrollably began pouring and I had to sit down.  I remember Ana giving me a big hug and telling me to leave, that she had the kids.  My eyes well up just thinking of the fright that overtook my body.

Hours later it was reported the whole thing was a false alarm.  A false alarm that had an entire campus terrified.  Some reports suggest those who reported the incident may have actually heard something at a nearby campus construction site.  Still, the building in question remained closed and Kristen was never able to make it back to her parked car due to active police barricades.  As Ana so prolifically said, isn’t it sad that now whenever someone hears a “bang, bang, bang,” it’s thought to be gunshots?  How sad is that?

In the end, I learned a lot during those frantic hours, including:

1. OU President David Boren and the entire OU community are well-prepared for an actual emergency.  This is very comforting.
2. The place that proved my best source of information was Twitter.  Yep, not Googling anything, not Facebook, not television, but Twitter.  On it I could read the many tweets OU students and administration sent out…constantly.
3. I am so grateful for my cell phone, on which I was able to call Kristen, text her, read Facebook posts, Google Oklahoma City TV station websites, and read all those informative tweets.  Amazing.  Not a television or radio was in sight and yet I was up-to-the-minute caught up on what was taking place.
4. OU, a medium-sized university in a small town, is a true family.  Everyone from the president to my friends and daughter to current OU football players and those in the NFL sent messages and tweets, many asking for prayers and for everyone’s safety.  No one was too important.  No one was at all flippant.
5. I work with amazing and caring women.  I already knew this, but a day like today just reminded me of it.  In a moment’s notice, Ana took over, Chris tracked me down, our director Cindy said she’d check the TV for news, and so many others hugged me and stepped up to help in whatever way they could.  I am one grateful preschool teacher.

How grateful I was to get Kristen’s call that she was back home, in bed, and doing homework.    And, although the “all clear” was sounded and campus activities were to continue as normal, Kristen confessed she was not going anywhere near campus.  I was okay with her missing class this afternoon.  Now if only I could give her a hug.

I had to laugh at myself yesterday.  I watched the NFL playoffs all day (including pre-game shows and post-game interviews) and then later settled in for some “Downton Abbey” DVR watching.   I went from playoffs to proper in seconds flat!

Yep, that’s pretty much me in a nutshell.  A crazy contradiction of styles and interests.  I love football and sports in general, but I also love swanky restaurants and a classic pair of Monolo pumps.   Football, food, and fashion.   Carla defined.

Maybe that’s why I thought I died and went to heaven when I read about Bloomingdale’s football helmet/fashion designer event.   Super Bowl XLVIII will be in New York February 2 (well, it will actually be played in New Jersey, but most fans will celebrate in NYC not Newark) so what better way to combine New York fashion with New York football then designer helmets?  I’m dying!

Now before you think this is just a boring football blog, read on!  Or at the very least, check out the pretty photos below!  I think you’re going to like this one even if you don’t like football.

The venerable Manhattan department store has teamed up with the NFL and the Council of Fashion Designers of America for “Fashion Touchdown,” a unique collection of customized haute couture helmets designed by some of today’s hottest fashion designers.  All of which will be auctioned off for charity.

In total, there are 48 real football helmets bearing everything from glitter to flowers to the Empire State Building and all 48 are to die for!  Designers include Betsey Johnson, Rachel Zoe, Cynthia Rowley, Blake Mykoskie for Toms, Rag & Bone, Diane von Furstenberg, Donna Karan, John Varvatos, Marchesa, Kenneth Cole, Badgley Mischka, Monique Lhullier, Narciso Rodriquez, Helmut Lang, Clover Canyon, Nicole Miller, Alice + Olivia, Vince Camuto, Tadashi Shoji and many others.  Here are just a few of the fun and fashionable creations:

Alice + Olivia                                   Rachel Zoe                       Clover Canyon                  Badgley-Mischka

Nicole Miller                     Narciso Rodriquez                Vince Camuto                 Diane von Furstenberg

What I wouldn’t do to have even one of them sitting right next to Smitty’s and my Buffalo Bills and Oklahoma Sooner helmets in my house!  But, bidding is sure to be high considering the helmets are now on display through February 4 in Bloomingdale’s iconic 59^th Street window.   If anyone would like to bid on one (for me?!) you can do so at Bloomingdales.com/superbowlhelmets.  (Here’s a time I could sure use that “click on a link I mention” addition I want to add to my blog!)

It’s all very fun and very pretty, but it’s also all for a good cause, with 100 percent of net profits going to the NFL Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to improving the health and safety of sports, youth football, and communities nationwide.  Monies raised will go to supporting the building of athletic fields and youth fitness zones, youth and high school football teams in need of new equipment or facilities, and much more.  Last year the program also provided $1.5 million just to launch “Heads Up Football,” a comprehensive approach to promote a better and safer game.

This excites me on so many levels I can’t even deal.  The Super Bowl in one of my favorite cities on earth with my favorite childhood team, the Denver Broncos, playing in it and designer helmets simply a click and fat check away?   Dream on, Carla, dream on.  Super Bowl tickets, lodging in NYC, flight to JFK, Rachel Zoe designer helmet, and all things New York.  Priceless.  But, way out of my price range!   You can’t penalize a girl for dreaming though, can you?

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine.”  Isaiah 43

While perhaps not literally scripture today and actually a little “off” spiritual-wise, today’s blog nonetheless has to do with the bible. In an unusual way.

It may have all started with Apple and recently concluded with North. What am I talking about? Baby names, of course! You know, those things that can often instantly denote the age of someone. Linda and Raymond? Probably in their 50’s. Jessica or Matthew? In their 30’s. Megan and Dylan? In college right now. Dakota and Dakota? High school or even younger and a boy or a girl.

All well and good, but according to BabyNames.net, 2014 will be the year of a return to traditional bible names for newborn babies. Yep, make way for little Caleb, Levi, Luke, Naomi, Shiloh, and Judith to join the ranks of already popular Jacob, Noah and Hannah. I love it!

Maybe moms and dads just like the sound of these bible-based names, but hopefully they’re also considering the meanings behind them. Naomi stands for “being pleasant and congenial,” Levi represents not jeans, but “connected” and Caleb means“to be faithful?”

After years of experimenting with unisex names like Logan and Presley and the filling of classrooms everywhere with surnamed kiddos like Jackson and Wyatt, it’s somewhat refreshing to learn the big book is predicted to be the go to source for names this year. Parents may still do their own thing however, with eccentric spellings also predicted to be in vogue.

Not content with just unique names, parents today are also choosing unique spellings for their offspring. Isaac becomes Izak, Michael becomes Mykal, Cooper becomes Kooper, and Brooklyn becomes BrookeLynn. When I see these types of names I always think of my sister Coral who, after years of being “Cora,” “Carol,” and a host of other misspellings of her beautiful name, chose to name her two sons Michael and Andrew. If her name wasn’t going to be spelled right, she made darn sure her boys’ names would be!

Another baby name trend lurking in 2014 are names from mythology like Tristan, Damon, Thor, Gaia, and even Luna…my maiden name! Oh yes, that’s another 2014 trend: Hispanic names in non-Hispanic families. Here’s to all the Maria Johnsons and Julian Smiths of the world!

And finally, even though we seem to be somewhat weary of the above mentioned celebrity kid names (Apple and North), popular culture is still predicted to reign supreme in nurseries all over America. Look for a lot of kids named Hayley and Camille after characters in “The Originals,” Piper from “Orange is the New Black,” Katrina from “Sleepy Hollow,” “Rayna” from Nashville, and even a return to Abbey thanks to “Downton Abbey’s” popularity.  One more name trend lurking:  that of of Olympic athletes.

What would I name a baby if I had one this year? I like the idea of using Luna for a girl or maybe even Windsor and I could call her Winnie (I love the Royal Family and Winnie the Pooh!) and a boy would be either Nicholas or Matthew. What about you? What names do you love? What name would you change yours too if you could?  Do I hear an “amen” to biblical names?