Shark Week trumps blogging- at least in the Summer

Hi there!

My apologies for the lack of posting. My college professors are probably shaking their heads- I know I broke rule #1 of blogging 101 by not keeping this current). Promise to make it up to you all during the season.

Plus...how could I concentrate when it was SHARK WEEK?

Enough said, am I right?

Anyway, I went to the Patriots season ticket holder practice and the Tedy Bruschi/Gil Santos Patriots Hall of Fame induction on July 29th.  It was great to see these Patriots legends get honored in front of peers and fans alike. Tedy is hilarious by the way- I can see why he is an NFL Analyst. Not only does he have the experience, he is a great speaker.

After the induction, the Patriots held a practice in the stadium. Here are some of my observations:

1. QB Strength- Between Brady, Mallett and Tebow, the Patriots have depth at the position. Mallett and Tebow are learning from Brady- one of the best QB's ever. By the way, Tebow will not play tight end or any other position.

2. Offense could be shaky- notice how I italicize could be. Amendola has some big shoes to fill, and hopefully Edelman/Gronkowski can recover.

3. Defense will once again be strong- with Wilfork, Talib, Mayo, Ninkovich...absolutely.

In summary, this team is going to be good again. Haters can hate all they want but I honestly believe that this team is going to STEP IT UP a la the 01-02 Superbowl team.

Some photos from the practice:

Side note to my Patriot-ettes:

An employee at the gate gave me a heads up that the purse policy is going to drastically change this year. Ladies: If you're bringing in items, they must be in a plastic bag (airport style). The Patriots have always limited the size of the bag you bring in, but this year purses may not be allowed. Period. Please check the Pats website before heading to the game! Nothing worse than waiting in that line only to have to walk a mile back to your car to put your purse away.

xo,

Christina

I didn't know you had a son!

There's one photo on my parents' fridge that is always a conversation starter. Friends and family constantly ask, "who is that boy next to Rich?".

Occasionally, someone will say that they didn't know my parents had a son, and, whatever happened to him? (they usually dance around asking this, in fear that the mystery son has been disowned and/or deceased).

My mom usually takes a minute to laugh and collect herself, and proceeds to tell them that it is actually me, her DAUGHTER, Christina.

In the photo (circa 1995), I am adorned in the popular jock boys' gear of the time: an oversized Patriots Starter jacket, stonewashed jeans and some duck boots. To complete the look, my hair is tucked behind a wildly 90's paint-splashed cap.

For those who don't know my past, it's hard for them to believe how much of a Tomboy I was. I may look (and act...most of the time) like a lady now, but come football season I am more likely to be talking about Brady's completions than my recent trip to the mall. Sure, I still wear Patriots gear...in fact, I have too much Patriots gear...but it's cute, fitted Victoria's Secret Pink or Nike FEMALE gear.

Although I spend most of my free time with girlfriends, shopping, getting manicures, etc., my "other" side comes out often, especially in the Fall (and it's amplified on Sundays).

I grew up with the Patriots. I have been going to the games with my Dad since I can remember. And trust me, I am no fair weathered fan (don't you dare call me a pink hat). I have sat in the bleachers at Foxboro Stadium in 10 degree weather (not complaining!) when they were a losing team. Granted, I have not had to deal with that recently, but a losing record does not change my love for the team.

Right now, I am hoping to use this blog as an outlet to share my love for the Patriots. I'm not going to crunch stats and perform a complete analysis of the offensive line in every post, because that is not my intention. I want to make this blog readable, fun, and hopefully appeal to the other Patriot-ettes out there. Guys, please feel free to read along too.

I look forward to the 2013-2014 NFL season! Monday, I will be going to the season ticket holders' practice (photos and post to follow). For now, please enjoy the photo I was talking about earlier...

Until next time,

Christina