Football Time in Tennessee

I love Tennessee. I love football. And I love Tennessee Football! The words “It’s football time in Tennessee!” were first spoken by the great John Ward, who was the ‘Voice of the Vols’ for 31 years. I get goosebumps every season opener when I hear those words, because here in Tennessee it’s more than about football. It’s about family, friends, fellowship and the sight of red, yellow and orange mountains and hilltops surrounded by crisp autumn air.

I can’t remember when I fell in love with Tennessee football. I think I always loved it; I just didn’t have the attention span for an entire game when I was little. Growing up, I remember my dad and big brother either watching the game on  TV or listening to it on the radio.

My first visit to Neyland Stadium wasn’t until November 11, 2000, where I saw the Vols slaughter the [Arkansas] Hogs with my friend, Nikki. It was my freshman year of college, I had a cold and so did the weather, but I’ll never forget experiencing the excitement and energy as the Vols ran through the Power-T while the Pride of the Southland Band played Rocky Top!

Up until 2008, I had only seen 2 men at head coach: Johnny Majors and Philip Fulmer. I always thought the long careers of both highlighted the loyalty Volunteer fans have for their team.  Misty-eyed, I watched Philip Fulmer coach his last game at Neyland with class and dignity against Kentucky in November 2008.

Philip Fulmer hoisted on players' shoulders after UT beat UK for Fulmer's last game as Tennessee Head Coach.

The past few years have been painful, but my loyalty and pride has not wavered. My boyfriend tries to sway me to the darkside, but my blood runs orange. He has the unfortunate disability of being an Alabama Fan. He’s from Alabama, so I guess he doesn’t know better. He’s never experienced that true Tennessee Pride, or he’d understand why I’ll never say Roll Tide (I know, that was a little corny). GO BIG ORANGE! {INSERT ♫Rocky Top♫ HERE}

From the Knoxville News Sentinel

High Fructose Corn Syrup

Last weekend I read a disturbing article about the effects of High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) http://drhyman.com/5-reasons-high-fructose-corn-syrup-will-kill-you-5050/. I’m not going to reiterate what the article states, so make sure to check it out on your own. Since reading the article, I have been on a mission to eliminate it from my diet, as I truly feel it is linked to diabetes and being over-weight (both of which run in my family).

In the last week of cutting it out of my diet, I have already lost 4 pounds. Here are somethings I have learned in the past week:
1. Off brand grocery items may be cheaper, but they contain HFCS when the brand name does not. For instance, Kroger brand bread contains HFCS, but brand names do not. Same goes for dried fruits not packaged by Sun-Maid.
2. Many creamy-style salad dressings and Ketchup contain HFCS. Make sure you read the label because the same flavor in a different brand may have regular sugar instead (try Hunts Ketchup).
3. It really depends on brand; read the label. It may take longer at the grocery store, but in the long run it may be better for your health. I’d rather spend an extra $10 per trip and loose weight than save that money.
This is just for starters, so I’ll make sure to post follow-up blogs.

Change in Latitude

As Jimmy Buffet sang:

“Its these changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes
Nothing remains quite the same
With all of our running and all of our cunning
If we couldnt laugh we would all go insane”

I need a change in Latitude! My house is for sell so I can relocate to a different town more like me. My current city is just too busy for this laid back country-raised chick.
Please let me know if anyone is interested in a 2 bedroom/1 bathroom house near MTSU.