DONT TALK TO ME WHEN MY 'PROGRAM' IS ON. My PSA to the Male population and Sports Lovers

Hello.  My name is Gabrielle, I am a girl and I love football.  The first thing that comes to every male mind when I say this is ‘oh, she must have a thing for the quarterback.’  Well, no.  I am a NY Giants fan, no offense to Eli Manning or anything, but he is not my style; I am a NY football Giants fan because they are the epitome of New York City (and yes, I am aware where meadowlands stadium is.) 

            The Giants embody the spirit of a true New Yorker; they do not let anybody keep them down or hold them back, and just when everyone counts them down and out . . . . BOOM! They go on to win the Super Bowl after everyone had said they wouldn’t even make it to the playoffs.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I do like a man in a uniform and all, but sports are sports.  A player can be attractive, but when it comes to football I am focused on the game.  No one talks to me on Sundays during football and so help me God if you get in the way of my line of sight during playoff seasons. 

            Football is the only sport I know the ins and outs of; every 'into', every first down, 2-point convervsion, every field goal missed, I am screaming, cheering or sulking with the rest of the [usually male] sports fanatics.  I trash talk, I know draft picks [thanks 1iota for hooking me up with tix last year], I’m vaguely familiar with rosters so I  can call out the opposing team’s 5^th string quarterback because everyone else is injured and he looks scared to death on the field with the real players; I am a fan.  But for whatever reason no one ever seems to take me seriously when football season comes around. 

            For the 49ers v Giants playoffs game this season (2011) I was bartending during the game for a packed bar.  It was pretty much a mixed crowd, more men, older, but a lot of young girls sporting jerseys and oo-ing and ahh-ing whenever the ball was thrown.  They had no idea what a two-point conversion was, or why you cannot touch someone during a punt return if they are flailing their arms around.  It was then I realized that’s probably how people saw me; deer in headlights, blindly following the mass of boys to ‘stand out’ and grab their attention . . . that is, of course, until I started heckling Alex Smith (QB), and screaming at the girls NOT to start singing ‘we’re going to the ship’ before the field goal attempt because HEY! Did you not JUST see the Ravens game (sorry Cundiff) against the Patriots? 

Come football season I get very superstitious.  I wore the same t-shirt for 3 weeks of the playoffs and kept making the same bets because I thought that was helping my team win week after week.  Now did I really think the fate of my team rests on the little details of my daily choices? No. But I did them just in case. Regardless if you’re a bystander just trying to fit in during the only real sport of the winter, or if you’re actually a die hard fan and bleed whatever color it is your team wears (BLUE!!) there is one thing you never ever  do . . . and that is call a play before it happens.  [you are going to jinx us all are you kidding me?!! Again..sorry Cundiff]  Now these girls did not know any better; they were just taken aback by all the action and glory which surrounds football and your hometown team possibly going to the biggest game of the year. However, I still realized that they were just fitting in to the stereotype that I argue with every time I open my mouth about football.  I know a little bit about a lot of sports, but football is the only one that no contest I know a lot about.  So, men, in the future, hear my plight.  Not every girl likes sports just for the athletes.  Sure, that’s an additional pro, but some of us actually act just as crazy as you do.  [Also, I would like to take this moment to apologize to my junior year roommate.  Sorry I broke our TV when I launched a book at it during football season and my team lost.  It meant a lot at the time.]  So guys, feel free during your favorite sports game to invite a few ladies over.  You never know, they might just surprise you and be more into the game than you are.

Food for thought. . .

I've been debating getting a few new tattoos lately...I definitely want my favorite lyric, but then I realized there are two other quotes that I like a lot... one I could probably free write about for an hour and the other is just an amazingly truthful classic.  Now I don't want to be a walking bumper sticker, but my original lyric definitely meant a lot..keeps me grounded, and will probably [hopefully] keep me level headed and humble in perspective.  But these other ones just have so much significance all in their own, maybe not in personal significance, but certainly in life applicability.  What are your thoughts?





May the Bridges I burn Light my Way.

and of course. . .


Nothing Gold Can Stay

A Letter to a younger self. . .

This letter does not need to go out to any specific age in my past, just to my past as a whole.  But I’ll tell you right now, this letter is going to be chock full of clichés and ‘self-help book’ inspired quotes, but they are still applicable to life.

The first bit of advice I’d like to give you, younger me, is quite simple in foundation yet extremely pertinent in hindsight….don’t let people take advantage of you, and don’t take advantage of them.  Open up, don’t stay in your shell for so long that when the gates open you start sprinting.  Life isn’t a game of catch-up.  People are going to like you and dislike you no matter what, so at least make sure it’s for the right reasons.  Don’t go out of your way for people too often, because they will take advantage...even if they don’t realize it.  The best intentions can always produce the worst results. 

In love, if you have the upper-hand, enjoy it.  Do not flaunt it, or toy with it.  And if it’s not love, and it’s just convenience, don’t stick with it.  Contrary to societal upbringing, you are not defined by a significant other or a social status.  You are defined by moments, moments you make ‘right’ decisions that make you happy.  Never let anyone hold you back.  If you get a red flag from someone, acknowledge it and set it aside; if it continues to re-appear, it’s time to cut ties.  Don’t ever be afraid that you are not good enough to be with someone; if the situation isn’t right then they’re not good enough for you.  But there are always going to be situations worth fighting for.  The right person may not be found at the right time; adjust to it.  If you think they’re worth fighting for, then fight away…eventually, if it’s meant to be it will.

Don’t be afraid to burn bridges.  Life is about constant moving…and moving forward.  Take a minute to slow down for a while. Listen to the fog horns, sit on the jetty, you won’t be there for as long as you think.  But don’t return to things.  If someone/something is in the past..there’s a reason. Leave ‘em and move on.  . . but you never have a problem with that.

If you’re in a situation, there is always a way out.  God will show you a way, take it or don’t, there’ll always be another way to better things.  Everyone makes mistakes and do things they’re not proud of.  Get over it.  Don’t do it again, learn from it, move on.  Shit happens. That’s it.

Everything works out because you make it work out. That’s it. Life is more beautiful than any conception you could ever imagine.  The plan you’re making for yourself right now, Med-school, California, Music mogul. . . that’s not going to happen.  Your ‘dreams’ at the moment, the ones that you continuously change and adjust to adapt and evolve to the times. . . None of those things are going to happen. And you know what? Your life is SO much better, more beautiful, and amazing than what you thought it’d be.  You’ll lose people you love, people that you think mean the most, and then realize all those bad experiences, memories, losses, are building you up and preparing you for what you need to do and become.  Be selfless, never change, be strong for those around you. And remember, you are surrounded by more love at any given moment than you know.  There are a lot of amazing people in your life, ones you don’t think would be there, are at your aid in the darkest hour.  Love what you do, where you are, and who you are with; Because all moments are fleeting.

POUR HOUSE HERO'S BENEFIT- January 29th

Hi Everyone in the Blogger World,

I am hosting a Charity Benefit (Fundraiser) on January 29th Benefitting the Special Operations Warrior Foundation ( SOWF.) See Specialops.org.  They are an AMAZING organization.  They are a small group who do amazing things for Special Ops soldiers and their families. 

If a soldier is killed while on duty, the SOWF creates a college fund for their children in which they give them a full ride to college as well as pay for their books, housing, computer, etc.  If a soldier is severely wounded while on duty and become handicapped in civilian life, the SOWF gives monetary support for the soldier and their family.

With the crash of the Chinook Helicopter this summer, the SOWF has taken on more children than they have in previous years.  They really need all the help they can get.  Please, if you can, come down to my even on January 29th.  And if you can't, you can donate to them directly.

See the above flier or the benefit information is below:

The Pour House Hero's Benefit (benefitting the SOWF)
When: January 29th 1pm-12Midnight
Where: The Pour House of Bay Ridge (7901 3rd Ave)

*Live Bands
*DJ spinning all night
*Chinese Auction/Raffle
*Drink Specials
*Tee Shirt Give Away (while supplies last)

Please come down for this AMAZING cause and be part of a life changing event.

Rules of Ex-gagement

These are less of a set of rules, and more of a letter to figuratively smack you in the face with common sense and send you into an epiphany.

This blog is regarding Exes.  Ex girlfriend, boyfriend, dog sitter, best friend. I don’t care.  It can be applied to anyone in your life that you need to immediately cut out and then replace.  And before you all moan and groan that you could NEVER replace your boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend, because they are the absolute best in the world and you would just die without them. Let me tell you.

Shut Up.

People, no matter who they are, in some sense or another, are like shoes.  [Male or Female, you can relate to this. So, follow along]  You have this pair of sneakers [or heels] that you love OH SO MUCH.  They are the perfect color, some how fit with every single outfit, everyone comments on them because they’re awesome, they are super comfortable--you can run marathons in them-- they are just perfect in every single way. 

Well, one day you notice your shoe has a hole in it.  You ignore it, it gets super big, You try to fix it.  They can’t be salvaged, you need to throw them away.  You bitch and moan, you’re so upset…You think you can NEVER EVER in a Million years find a shoe quite like this.  Because this shoe was ‘one in a million’ (do you see the people correlation now? If not, it’ll karate chop you in the neck in one minute).  So you try a bunch of shoes on, you can’t find any…you find a pair..it gives you blisters. Whatever. EVENTUALLY, months , days, years, I don’t care, but EVENTUALLY you find a new pair and then you forget alllllllllllllll about that other pair.

This is like people. 

You never think you can live without someone until they are no longer in your life.  So, with a preface like that (yes. That was just the preface) lets get into the blog.

On the terms of a real (longer than a few months) relationship, once you break up. You should be broken up.  What is the point of keeping them around as a friend.  Isn’t that a form of cruel and unusual punishment?

………….[pretty sure it is]

Do you want to know WHY there is no point in keeping exes as friends?

1- In the beginning there is going to be the every day texts (where you’re still trying to cling to that person) that then leads into 4am booty calls or drunk text professions of love

2-It is awkward as hell for the next person.  Who wants to see the person who gave you all your trust issues and weird relationship habits?

3-No. Your ex and your new insignificant other will NEVER be friends

4- If we are talking about girls, they’re catty and there will always be that phony ‘let me show you how much better I am than you’ innuendo behind every comment.

5-If we are talking about boys, they’re territorial and there will always be that ‘my horse is bigger than yours. I’ve been there first, I’ve been there last.’ Pissing contest.

There is no winning.  There’s always going to be some awkward feeling with their name being brought up or seeing them out of (God Forbid) hang out with them is just awkward and unpleasant for the new person.  And lets hope there WILL be a new person for you..otherwise I guess this blog is irrelevant...if you plan on being alone with your ex friend forever.

I’m not saying to do what I did and mentally scar every ex you’ve ever been with just to ensure that they will not come crawling back. . . . but hey.  It’s a thought.

This has been your PSA of the day.  Welcome to reality.

VETERANS DAY!

I was reading an article today (posted here- http://www.businessweek.com/finance/occupy-wall-street/archives/2011/11/the_vets_job_crisis_is_worse_than_you_think.html) that shared with me a really really disturbing fact.  The unemployment rate (which everyone is protesting about now-a-days) for Veterans (bw 18-24) is 30%.  30%.

I can’t help but be disgusted and really catapulted (not just moved..but moved with FORCE) into motion.  People are sitting at Wall Street demanding handouts from the 1% and for what? These men and women risked their LIVES for us, our country, our freedoms.  And when they get home? People, whether it be congress or business or the country as a whole, turn their backs on them.  These soldiers went through countless deployments, been in numerous dangerous situations, they have seen things that, thank God, we will never see.  We will never know the gravity and weight of the horrifying things they have seen and done; for us. For our Nation. For Patriotism. 

How are they rewarded for their heroism, selflessness, and devotion for their country? Oh. They are rewarded by coming home to be ostracized from their community either by ‘peace loving’ ignorant people who can’t appreciate the job they did, or by business who refuse to hire veterans.

Something must be done. We cannot sit by, as a group while HEROES, real life superheroes, are unemployed. 

There are very few things I am passionate about.  Very few things I would waste my energy on to make sure my voice was heard for a cause.  But this, this seems worth fighting for.  Soldiers fought for us, for our country, for our freedoms.  Whether or not you agree with war or conflict, they were doing their job.  Do not get me wrong, this is not a post about being pro or against war..this is being pro military.  They supported us, and we need to support them. 

If you know of any job openings, please help veterans out.  A charity that really goes above and beyond to help Veterans is Hire Heroes USA (http://www.hireheroesusa.org/).  

Please try to help them. 

It is Veterans Day, and in the Thanksgiving wake, we should be thankful and grateful for those who have risked everything for us.

So today, and everyday, I want to say THANKS.

I'm becoming political. OCCUPY

So obviously Occupy Wall Street has been a movement for a little under 2 months now.  It has gotten A LOT of press, A lot of hatred and a lot of supporters...from all around the Country, if not the Globe.  But, people don't really understand what it's about.  

Now. Let me begin by saying how, for years (basically birth til I graduated college). I was a huge Hippy, Dreamer, Liberal.  Freedom for all person.  I believe that America is the greatest nation in the world, I am so incredibly lucky to live here, and New York is one of the best (I haven't been to all 50) States; I am proud to call it my home.I have lived in all of the boroughs, visited a handful of states, lived in other Countries..I've traveled. I would consider myself worldly, but not privileged.  I had to bust my ass for everything I've accomplished in my life...and being as Murphy's Law is something that follows my life frequently, nothing has ever come easy.  But, alas, I digress.  Seeing many different countries and interacting with different cultures, I can say that America is a Free Nation and really has more liberties (such as free speech and freedom to peacefully protest) which other Countries do not allow their citizens.  However the 'Freedoms' we have did not come free.  Hundreds and Thousands of men and women have lost their lives to ensure our freedoms.  They put their lives on the line for the country that they love, to protect people, STRANGERS, that could or could not care less about their grave sacrifices.

Some people enlist because of their patriotism, their love for our country and the love to keep freedom alive..but there are also people who enlist just to get an education and happen to get deployed in the process.  However by Occupy Wall Street's definition...Soldiers, making 50k+ a year would be the 1%.  
Don't get me wrong, I am all for charities, causes and protests.  But this one just doesn't make sense to me.  Sitting in a park HECKLING, rudely, violently, smell-ily HECKLING people who they deem 'rich' (which is not always true) DEMANDING that they give these occupiers money...I just don't see the point in that.  I am Blessed, by far.  But I have had to work SO SO hard for it.  More than many people will know.  I worked off the books making less than minimum wage for 10 years..I worked through high school, worked through college..missed events that I would've liked to go to, missed times with friends, even missed out on school things just because I had to work to ensure I had some money to pay for school and gas and everything else I needed.  I am lucky enough to have my parents around for help if i ever needed them (although I never needed to fall back on them, thank God). But, it has been tough.  I know the economy is bad and that unemployment is 9%.  When I graduated college, I applied to jobs everywhere...in every state before settling on 25k a yr job in NYC.  It took me 2hrs to get to and from work every day (2 hours each way) I was always exhausted, I took A LOT of shit from my coworkers...more than I should have..more than professionalism allows..and still. i did it. EVERY DAY. Day in and Day out. I went to work, I busted my ass, I took shit because I was the 'low man' on the totem pole and that's what you do.  There were days I came home crying for hours so upset about my life and my commute and not living up to my private college degree.  But I stayed. for a full year I stayed and I worked my way up and things got better.  

I know America has fallen on tough times, but dividing into groups of pettiness and indefinably caused protest isn't going to change anything.  I've seen these protestors in action.  I've seen them throw paper airplanes at a building, I've seen them come down to my job and sing telegrams, I've walked through their crowds of angry slurs and insults as I was going to get lunch.  I am certainly not the 1%.  I live in a modest apartment with my boyfriend, I drive a leased car, I have student loans, my biggest expenses are basically my partying habit and my grocery bill.  But yet as I walked to and from work for that day Occupy Wall Street came to my job, I got heckled and harassed as if I was the enemy.  This cause is so blanketed with just general hatred for big business and 'the man' that it really lost it's leg to stand on.  I cannot see the support for a group who throws airplanes of 'support letters' at a gigantic building. it's laughable.  While I do think many of the 1% (although i do not classify it as wall street people) do not need all their money...they certainly do a lot.  They work hard, put in 20+ hour days..and they have families to go home to, vacations they're late for, birthdays they miss.  They are not the soulless blood sucking money hungry machines these Occupiers make them out to be.  I am not like that.  I sit with these men and women every day and know how great they are, how hard they work, and really how stressful an environment the business world is.  It is tough, it is scary and it is ALWAYS hard work.  But we do it. We have fun, we work hard, and we produce results.

Now for people to break their backs doing their job and then have jobless (partially by choice masked in a 'doing it for the cause' attitude) people demanding them to give away their HARD EARNED MONEY for people who don't care enough to get a job...I just don't see it.  I understand jobs are tough, but that just means you need to try harder.  Set yourself a part.  Work for it.  You can't always get the job you want..certainly not in this day and age.  But you have to take what you can get.  Working in McDonald's isn't glamorous, and I'm sure it doesn't pay well or what someone with a college degree would expect to be making...but in these times you can't pick and choose.  Work in a McDonalds or dog walking or cleaning up someone's house...Watch someone's Children a couple of times a week.  These are jobs that SOMEONE needs to do..while they may not be glamorous or careers..they are still jobs and someone needs to do them.  I think Occupy Wall STreet needs to find some humility and really take any open vocation.  The American Dream was built on hard work and perseverance.  Not hand outs.  That is communism.  And really, I refuse to have any kind of treason in my country. 

Before you choose sides or think my rantings are biased..Please, I ask you. Remember the foundations that our beautiful nation was built on.  Strength, determination, compassion.  These Colors Don't Run. Look up our nations very first flag and tell me that these Occupy Wall Street protesters understand our country and it's beliefs, values, very identity, at all.

DON'T TREAD ON ME!