Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Fall Ball

It's official, the Cardinals are eliminated from the going to the post season.  This season started off with so much promise.  The reigning National League Central Champs came in a distant second place to the Reds...The Reds?  They haven't been in the playoffs in 15 years!  Since August the Cardinals have rarely shown up for the what should be "easy" games against horrible teams and they should have given the Reds a run for their money in September.  Instead the Cardinals will be going quietly into their winter break with a lot of annoyed fans.

This past season I did get to see 2 grand slams, one by Brad Penny ( his last game played in 2010), the other by Filipe Lopez, and only saw 2 losses, one to the Reds and one to the dreaded cubs.  A major highlight of the season was the Cards win on my birthday.  The game was started with a brawl with Yadi and Brandon Phillips (Reds) and was escalated when the pitcher, Johnny Cueto started kicking with his spikes on causing career ending injuries to Jason La Rue and bruises to Carpenter.  The Cards won that series but after that they never showed as much passion to win as they did in early August.

I just hope 2011 turns out better that 2010 did...at least we aren't the hapless cubs fans and we know there truly is a chance to win a World Series next year.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Blues City Deli

How awesome is St. Louis...I mean really?  This weekend fall kinda kicked in and the temps started to drop a bit.  There are all 3 sports going on right now...Cardinals are finishing out their, what was promising season, Blues Hockey has started, well pre-season finally started and lastly there is football.

Friday night we wanted some Pizza and we had to make a tough decision where do we go?  Do we drive down to Tower Grove and go to Blackthorn Pub & Pizza (by far one of the best), my cousin's Rizzo's Pizza Station (probably closed) Pi (which location, Delmar, of course) or try Dewey's.  We tried to go to Pi but the line was just too long.  There was a concert at the Pageant across the street and the place was packed!  So we headed back up Delmar to Dewey's.  We didn't have to wait since we sat at the bar and it was so good!



Saturday we went to Blues City Deli's Street Fest.  We got there a little later than I had hoped and the place was packed.  The line for sandwiches was down the side of the building.  We took our time figuring out what to order...we had time to wait.  I finally went outside my comfort zone and ordered an Italian Beef sandwich that did not disappoint.  We grabbed out food and sat on the curb and listened to live Blues.  It was a mini Muddy Blues and it was great people watching.





Afterwards we headed down to Soulard to get some fruit, veggies and meat.  We have now added meat to our weekly purchases from Soulard.  They are just so much cheaper than the grocery store and it's just so much more fun going down there to shop than going to Schnucks.  Saturday night we had Mexican dinner at Scott's parents house followed by from Ted Drews that we brought.

On Sunday Scott and his mom ran in the Roc Star 5k/1 Mile run walk in Forest Park.  Scott's Dad and I went along for support.  And by support, we hung out until the race started and then hung out in the car and kept warm while they ran.  We did head down to the finish line to greet them.  They, of course, had already crossed the line and were cooling down by the time we got there but we made it.  Both runners ran faster than they had thought!  After the race we headed over to Chris's Pancake house for some awesome breakfast.  Then it was the laziest Sunday in a long time.  Full of football and naps!

The biggest amazement of the weekend was what was done on the football field.  The St. Louis Rams, behind Sam Bradford, won a game.  Not only did they win, they beat a team that they shouldn't have.  They beat Donovan McNabb and the Washington Redskins!  Stephen Jackson went out in the 3rd quarter with a groin injury are Darby came in to replace him and he really stepped it up!  Who knows what will happen now.

On the college front, the Huskers also won!  They are 4-0!  Now they have a week off and then it's on to conference play.  They are still ranked #6 in the AP Poll!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Great Balloon Race

I finally made it back to the Great Balloon Race in Forest Park this year.  It had been a few years since I last went, I think I was in grade school the last time I went with my parents.  We first decided that we needed a hearty breakfast at Chris's Pancake House, which is always a good meal and a wait anytime after 10.  We decided against our original plan of parking at the Highlander and walking to the Central field since my friend Brooke was already there and got great parking in the MUNY parking lot.  So we parked in the MUNY parking lot and had an easy walk over to the field where all the balloons were going to be set up.  It was great for the beginning of the day, not so great for leaving.





We got to the park around 11:30 and walked around for a while, checking out the booths and met up with Brooke and Chris.  We then walked around some more and found a nice place in the shade to hang out for a while.  While waiting for the balloons to get ready we walked around and Austin was able to get a tour of a fire engine and on our way back to the blanket and shade area.

Then around 2 the balloons started to blow up for the picture contest.  We were able to get a front row seat to watch a balloon get ready.





Finally we were able to walk around and get up close with the balloons, by far the coolest part.





[caption id="attachment_685" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Troubles with the popcorn"][/caption]

The there was more waiting around until race time.  Of course that was ok, we had to find more shade.  It was in the 90s for mid-September and they were running out of water.  We ended up moving our blanket 3 times as the sun kept moving.  It didn't seem to phase Austin or Cooper but I was dying of the heat.  Finally, close to 5 we finally saw the pink Energizer Bunny balloon and that would be the lead balloon.



The race was second away from starting we headed closer to the start of the race.  Once we got there it seemed like there were balloons taking off every few seconds.  There were almost 70 balloons that raced and I'm still not sure where they landed but it was a fun day.  Next year we are not parking at the MUNY, we will walk to avoid the 30 minute wait to get out of the parking lot.

Here are the pictures of the balloons taking off:







Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Cards/Cubs

I was very excited all baseball season knowing I was going to able to go to a Cards/Cubs rivalry game and have awesome seats and not have to pay for them...A perk of my boyfriend's job.  So last night I went to the last Cardinals/Cubs series of the season last night...and the Cardinals really look like they have given up all hope of even attempting to fight for a Wild Card spot.  The last game we went to was back in August against the Phillies and it was fun, they came from behind to win the game with a few homeruns.  Tonight, even with Pujols out with elbows soreness the team didn't try to dive for balls hit up the middle infield or down the third base side. I had pretty good seats to see these easy plays....

[caption id="attachment_671" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Pitching pow wow in the 8th"][/caption]

What's worse, they were losing 5-1 and LaRussa kept Wainwright in through the 8th inning!  Did he not have any faith in the bullpen?  Were they completely exhausted from the night before's loss to the Cubs?  It's the Cubs!  We should be doing everything we can to win these games!

[caption id="attachment_669" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Yadi!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_670" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Holliday made it to 3rd"][/caption]

Needless to say, after a lack luster performance the Cards lost the second in a row to the Cubs, 7-2.  Colby did hit a solo homerun in the bottom of the 9th.  We actually left the game in the middle of the top of the 9th, first time this year we left before the end of a game...it was just pitiful.   At least football has started.  Go Big Red!

Monday, September 13, 2010

Shaw's Garden

On Sunday the weather was just too nice to stay inside and watch football all day long.  So we decided to check out the Missouri Botanical Gardens.  The last visit was back in March...

And it was a little chilly and most of the plants still hadn't bloomed just yet.  But in March we were dying to do anything outside, kinda like this past Sunday.  We drove down and walked around almost the entire park.  I thought it would be a little more crowded than it actually was but there was still a good crowd.  We were on an off weekend there, the previous weekend was the big Japanese Festival.  Instead we were able to walk around without running into lots of people.





I think the fish were the only ones who were really suffering, but I don't think these fish really suffer all that much.





It was nice to get out and walk around.  It is definitely a place that I could go back to over and over and still not see everything or keep remembering everything from when Andrew and I used to go there over summer vacations.



After MOBot we headed over to Bar Louie in CWE to catch some of the Rams game and grab some food.  However, they only had the Rams game on the smaller TV.  It made no sense to us so we ate and headed home to watch the game in comfort and let Reily out to enjoy day as well.



The Rams did lose but they looked a lot better than last year and it was a close game.  As a hopeful fan...there is promise....

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Huskers

Another Cornhusker win this weekend!  We headed back over to the official Husker watch party place, the Highlander and cheered them on to a sloppy victory over Idaho.  The Huskers went into the game ranked #6 in the AP Poll and #7 in the Coaches Poll.  From the beginning of the game the Huskers had a lot of penalties and looked a little sloppy on offense but Freshman quarterback, Taylor Martinez showed that last week wasn't a one time deal, he can actually run.  Although he does need to learn a little more.  Overall we did come away with a win, although we might lose a little ground in the Polls. ( we slipped to #8 in the AP and Coaches Polls)

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

I have recently found out that this is a genetic trait that my father carries and that I have to learn more about and start being tested for along with early colon cancer testing...

Here is what I have found on google health.  I have this to review until I get more info to read from the doctors at the Mayo Clinic.




Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes thick. The thickening makes it harder for blood to leave the heart, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood.



  • Chest pain

  • Dizziness

  • Fainting, especially during exercise

  • Heart failure (in some patients)

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • Light-headedness, especially after activity or exercise

  • Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)

  • Shortness of breath



Other symptoms that may occur are:

  • Fatigue, reduced activity tolerance

  • Shortness of breath when lying down



Some patients have no symptoms. They may not even realize they have the condition until it is found during a routine medical exam.

The first symptom of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy among many young patients is sudden collapse and possible death. This is caused by very abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a major cause of death in young athletes who seem completely healthy but die during heavy exercise.



The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and prevent complications. Some patients may need to stay in the hospital until the condition is under control (stabilized).

If you have symptoms, you may need medication to help the heart contract and relax correctly. Drugs include beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. These medicines reduce chest pain and pain during exercise. Medications will often relieve symptoms so patients do not need more invasive treatments.

Some people with arrhythmias may need anti-arrhythmic medications. If the arrhythmia is due to atrial fibrillation, blood thinners will also be used to reduce the risk of blood clots.

Some patients may have a permanent pacemaker placed. However, pacemakers are used less often today than they were in the past.

When blood flow out of the heart is severely blocked, an operation called surgical myectomy is done. This procedure cuts and removes the thickened part of the heart. Patients who have this procedure often show significant improvement. If the heart's mitral valve is leaking, surgery may be done to repair or replace the valve.

In some cases, patients may be given an injection of alcohol into the arteries that feed the thickened part of the heart (alcohol septal ablation).

An implantable-cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be needed to prevent sudden death. ICDs are used in high-risk patients. High risks include:

  • Drop in blood pressure during exercise

  • Family history of cardiac arrest

  • History of cardiac arrest or ventricular tachycardia

  • History of unexplained fainting

  • Life-threatening heart rhythms on a Holter monitor

  • Severe heart muscle thickness


Causes

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is often asymmetrical, meaning one part of the heart is thicker than the other parts. The condition is usually passed down through families (inherited). It is believed to be a result of several problems (defects) with the genes that control heart muscle growth.

Younger people are likely to have a more severe form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, the condition is seen in people of all ages.



The health care provider will perform a physical exam and listen to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope. Listening with a stethoscope may reveal abnormal heart sounds or a murmur. These sounds may change with different body positions.

The pulse in your arms and neck will also be checked. The doctor may feel an abnormal heartbeat in the chest.

Tests used to diagnose heart muscle thickness, problems with blood flow, or leaky heart valves (mitral valve regurgitation) may include:

  • 24-hour Holter monitor (heart monitor)

  • Cardiac catheterization

  • Chest x-ray

  • ECG

  • Echocardiography (the most common test) with Doppler ultrasound

  • MRI of the heart

  • Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)


Blood tests may be done to rule out other possible diseases.

If you are diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, your health care provider may recommend that your close blood relatives (family members) be screened for the condition.



Some people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may not have symptoms and live a normal lifespan. Others may get worse over time or rapidly. The condition may develop into dilated cardiomyopathy in some patients.

People with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are at higher risk for sudden death than the normal population. Sudden death can occur at a young age.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a well-known cause of sudden death in athletes. Almost half of deaths in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy happen during or just after the patient has done some type of physical activity.

If you have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, always follow your doctor's advice concerning exercise and medical appointments. Avoid strenuous exercise.



If you are diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, your health care provider may recommend that your close blood relatives (family members) be screened for the condition.

Some patients with mild forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are only diagnosed by screening echocardiograms because of their known family history.

If you have high blood pressure, make sure you take your medication and follow your doctor's recommendations.



  • Dilated cardiomyopathy

  • Heart failure

  • Life-threatening heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)

  • Severe injury from fainting




Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

  • You have any symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

  • You develop chest pain, palpitations, faintness, or other new or unexplained symptoms

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Busiest Labor Day Weekend

I think this year was the busiest Labor Day weekend I have had in a long time, even with Kelly visiting last year.  We had no visitors but we crammed a lot in the 3 days.  I'm not complaining one bit because we were able to do everything that we wanted to do and I was even able to get studying in every day, an amazing feat I think.

Saturday we started out at Soulard, a nice Saturday ritual, and stocked up on fruits, veggies and ribs for Monday's BBQ.  The place was packed more that usual, especially the spice/coffee store.  But we managed to get out of there with everything on our list. Here is a picture of the meat counter:

[caption id="attachment_620" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Our Ribs"][/caption]

After we finally made it out of Soulard we went straight to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church for the Greek Festival.



By the time we got there the place was packed and the lines were huge for any type of food.  But we headed for the Gyros and they were worth the wait.  We even had a pastry box of assorted pasties that were awesome!

I headed to Borders to study for a couple hours and Reily and Scott took naps.  I think I got the raw end of the deal but the studying was needed.  After a couple hours of test questions we met up at the Highlander to watch the Nebraska/ Western Kentucky game.  The restaurant was packed when Scott got there, filled with NU fans.  It felt like we were in Lincoln and not St. Louis.  We sat outside to watch the game with a bunch of Huskers, it was great watching the freshman, Taylor Martinez lead the team to the first victory of the season.  And watching them start the season at #8 was even better.  (They are now ranked #6 on the AP poll).

On Sunday we headed back to Borders so I could study some more with my study buddy, Shirley.  We studied for a few more hours and then headed to LeGrand"s for some lunch to go.

We went to the Hill to watch the Gateway Cup.  It was the third leg of the race and by the time we got there the women were racing.  We found a corner and ate our sandwiches and watched.  Then we decided to get closer to the start/finish for the next race.  As we got closer the men's race was going by and then a man crashed right in front of us.  He flipped over his bike into the iron barricades and landed on his shoulder and started screaming.  They had to stop the race and carry him off.  It was pretty bad but they said he would be ok.  After that whenever the bikers came by I would get a little nervous.  But it was really fun to go see the race and watch the bikers.







After the Gateway Cup, we headed downtown to the Muddy Blues Festival.  There was a band playing on the main stage and you couldn't even see them.  There were a ton of people there this year.  We decided to hang out at the smaller stages where you could see and hear the performers.  They were pretty good and played songs that everyone knew.  It was great people watching.  Kristen and Tom met up with us after the Cardinals/Reds and a Cards win!





On Monday I headed back to Borders to and then back home to clean and cook for our BBQ.  I tried a new recipe of bacon wrapped shrimp with chipotle lime seasoning.  They were very good and Scott made ribs for the first time that were awesome!  All in all it was a great weekend.  Now it's time to relax, well kinda.