Today is the most important day of the year for most Alabamians. Today is the day of the Iron Bowl (named because it used to always be held in Birmingham, famous for its iron production). The Iron Bowl is the annual football game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers. As sports events go in Alabama, not even the Super Bowl comes close. This is a rivalry that truly divide the state. It has caused numerous fights in the state legislature, and violence among regular citizens has been known to break out over which one wins and loses. When I was interviewing for jobs, I made sure that I never wore either teams colors to an interview. If you wear the wrong color, it will cost you the job. To say the very least it’s an important game. Alabama is 10-1 this season, Auburn is 6-5. The stakes are high for Alabama this year. If Alabama loses, they lose their chance at the national championship. If Auburn loses, it will just cement a lackluster season. In previous years, the two teams have been more evenly matched and the chance at the national championship was on the line for both teams. And while Auburn may have a 6-5 record, never count them out. When it comes to this game, the outcome is always uncertain. If Alabama goes into this game cocky and Auburn goes in determined, Auburn could give Alabama a run for its money. This game is played differently than any other game. Coaches know that their careers depend on its outcome.

   
    
 
One major difference in Vermont and Alabama is football. It’s not much of a thing up here. Hockey, yes. Football, no.

  
  
Or, nothing at all?

  
Or, anything goes?

   
    
    
 
I have probably used more pictures of Colton Haynes on this blog than any other single person. For me, he is close to perfection and these pictures just reinforce that because of his hairy chest. Usually, Colton is shaved smooth but it is so refreshing and hot to see him with some chest hair. Not to mention the fantasies that these pictures of him naked in bed evoke…

  
I’m taking my family to tour the Ben & Jerry’s Factory today. I’ve never been either but it should be lot of fun.

  
A new life worth living. A new day worth getting up for. A new beginning.

  
While it’s the end of a long journey, it’s the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

  
From the day I first told all of you about the loss of my job and every day since, all of you have shown such love and support. From your comments and your emails of comfort to your comments and emails of congratulations, each of you have been very special to me. Thank you for your compassion. You lifted me on my darkest days, and you have rejoiced with me in triumph. You have supplied much needed help and support as well as advice. Thank you!