A rant on My Travels: The Dirty South, Cowgirl in the City Part Deux, & The Cross-town Rivalry of "Chi-Town"

I have come to many conclusions as of late in my travels around the country but the one that sticks out the most: I seriously need a lap top, because writing blogs just isn't as effective, or time efficient on a pad of notebook paper. So, I apologize that it has taken me this long to update my blog.

For those of you who don't keep up with the gossip, I have been M.I.A. in Tally recently, and spent a lot of time traveling the country, and getting things done in Tampa. I've been shooting a lot of new stuff with a local photographer, George Salmon. He does amazing work…and is going to completely up the ante on my website pictures. The galleries that are on the way are beyond fabulous, and are really unique. I can't wait!

My first outing was actually to ATL. I basically spent seven hours in a car with the parental units to go to a Braves game with them and a friend. Turner field is AMAZING, and the people I met from the franchise like their marketing director, Brian Lapidus, were super friendly and had some great advice and ideas for me. I somehow ended up on the ten story jumbo-tron, which is a little different than the one at Doak. To call it slightly bigger would be an understatement. Besides that, my Turner experience gave me a renewed sense of why I love the game of baseball. The pants. My seats were great and the only two places I think I would have rather sat were in the dugout or right field. Gee…wonder why. I'm not gonna lie, I was a little disappointed that my Braves lost the entire series to the Red Sox, and that the number of Sox fans rivaled, if not exceeded the number of Braves.. but it was nice to have a weekend away from everything and to spend time with my family. For the most part, the Sox fans weren't too rowdy or obnoxious, and it really did amuse me that the entire stadium united in a cheer "YANK-EES SUCK!" Say what you want, but I just can't hate on a franchise for being that damn good.

The Braves just seem like they have lost the energy that made them the Braves I used to watch growing up. I'm not being a fair weather fan though; I still have faith in them. I have way more respect for a fan that sticks by their team even when their record is sub-par what it usually is, than the ones that cheer for them only when they are winning. To those people, I say a real fan sticks by their team through thick and thin. And these are the only fans that truly deserve the bragging rights when their team does accomplish something amazing.

The next on the agenda…that wasn't on the agenda... was a trip to NYC. I had to make a quick run up there to take care of some business, so the actual fun part...really didn't last but a few hours. I was disappointed that I didn't get a chance to check out any of the NBA draft parties that were going on, or get to meet any of the NBA's newest players. Oh well, all in due time I guess. I did get to hang out for a little bit in the meat packing district, which was a lot cooler than it sounds. I hope I get to spend a lot more time up there soon…because I could easily get addicted to the shopping up there.

Then, I flew home, only to fly out the next day to Chicago. I really wasn't feeling the whole traveling or the club experience that night. But, as it turns out, I had an absolutely fantastic time. The people at Cabaret (where I worked the cheerleading event)…were so awesome and welcoming, I pretty much forgot I was working. They took me out to this fabulous place for dinner, and I got to cook my own food on a hot rock. No lie. A rock. Well, polished stone, kinda like the ones they use in curling. Hmmm…I think I found a use for them in the four year off season from the winter Olympics. The patrons at the club that night were really awesome and really great people. I even got to DJ a little bit, if you can call turning the volume switch dj'ing. Hey, you gotta start somewhere, but don't expect any DJ cowgirl mix tapes anytime soon. I might have had a little too much fun. I got to meet Ozzie Guillen, who from what I understand has to go through some kind of "sympathy" training. He recently made the news for a less than friendly comment he made toward a news reporter. From what I could tell, I don't know if it is actually working, but he seems like an all right guy. It was his son's birthday, so he and some of the Sox were out celebrating, well, as much as you can celebrate when you have to play the next day against your cross town rivals. I haven't seen such north south rivalry since the civil war. That town is so crazy when it comes to their team loyalty…its just, insane. I was kind of disappointed that I didn't get a chance to really see the city, or take in a game…but something tells me.. I haven't seen the last of the Windy city.

I did get to relax a little bit on Lake Michigan, if you can call wanting to toss your cookies overboard relaxing. I have never been a huge fan of the water…except for white water rafting for some reason. But...that day…I was just not having it. I don't care what they say…that lake has waves damn it!!! I have never felt so "lake" sick…in my entire life. I think I will stick to the land/bus tour next time.

If I have not enjoyed one thing these past few weeks, it’s the amount of time I have spent on airplanes. Maybe its the cramped seats…or perhaps the screaming children, but I don't think I will ever find this part of traveling enjoyable. But from the looks of things…I better get used to it…and fast. It doesn't help either when you have the flight crew from hell... could some of these people have any LESS personality. I will say this though.. if I was a stewardess.. I think my announcements would be a little different from the ones I have to hear on what seems a daily basis now... Maybe something to the effect of:

"To fasten your seat belt, it does not require a college degree, if you are unable to do so, the flight attendant will be by to assist you, and slap you in the back of the head for being an absolute moron. (You would be surprised how many people this actually gets). In case of a water landing on en route to Chicago (I am thinking to myself... are you SERIOUS... yeah... lets land in some tiny ass retention pond somewhere in the Midwest)...your seat cushion may be used as a floatation device. You may also use this little thing called a life preserver, which upon its inflation will make you look like a guy from a Tums commercial. You will then jump out of the plane and onto Southwest Airlines newest attraction, with a splash landing, where you will float for miles and be met by crew members and Gilligan with leis' and grass skirts. If you are still alive at this point, an alcoholic beverage is complimentary. If you have screaming children, you may stow them in the overhead compartment above you (kinda redundant don't you think... where else would an overhead compartment be?). We also offer a spacious playroom with a view on the wing. Any takers?.. In case of sudden pressure drop, oxygen masks will fall from the ceiling; the first minute is free, while you must deposit twenty five cents for every minute thereafter."

So, flying isn't exactly my specialty, but I guess it will soon be all in days work. No biggie, at least I'll be doing something I enjoy, and seeing all the great sights this country has to offer me. Now.. if only I could do business in Hawaii.. or the Caribbean.. that would be greaaaaaaattt.

Anyways, I gotta get back to writing my SI article now. Hope you enjoy this weeks installment. If you have any questions, go ahead and submit them here or at Si.com to be answered in my next mailbag.

Thanks for tuning in this week. See you next week.. same cowgirl time.. same cowgirl channel. And yeah.. I know I am lame.

PS. Have a safe and happy fourth of July.. And remember; only you can prevent forest fires... or the fire you set to your neighbor’s mailbox with an accidental fireworks incident. My bad. ;) Seriously though enjoy your day with friends, family, and fireworks. God Bless the USA.. and our Troops.