Tracy's World

Okay, since we all know that the New Orleans Saints are going to win Superbowl XLIV, I thought it might be fun for us Saints fans to learn a little bit of trivia about our beloved team. You die-hard Saints fans might find some of the questions tough and quite interesting. Keep reading, you might learn something!

1. Ricky Williams, former Saint is a qualified Yoga teacher. When he went to the Toronto Argonauts he began teaching Yoga lessons. He claimed it kept him off drugs.

2. When the Saints first joined the league, they were admitted to the Capital Division. The other teams in the Capital Division were the Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys, and Philadelphia Eagles in 1967.

3. Did you know that Mike Ditka traded away the Saints entire 1999 draft, plus their first round pick in 2000 to the Washington Redskins so they could draft Ricky Williams. The Redskins chose LaVar Arrington who, in his rookie season,recorded 55 tackles and 4 sacks. He later had over 400 career tackles and 23 sacks. In college, he was an All Big Ten selection, a first team All-American twice, and in 1999 he won the Chuck Bednarik and Dick Butkus awards.

4. The first season for the Saints in the NFL was 1967. The Saints were a 1967 expansion team awarded to the city of New Orleans. They were informed of the approval for the team on All Saints Day, November 1, 1966, by then commissioner Pete Rozelle. Theories are that the team name was chosen because of getting the nod of approval on this Catholic holiday, because of the Catholic population in New Orleans in general and/or because of the jazz anthem “When the Saints Go Marching In”.

5. The first coach of the Saints was Tom Fears. Tom Fears was fired in 1970 after starting the season 1-5-1. Maybe more famous for his career as a player for the Los Angeles Rams, he was the first player ever to line up away from the tackle but on the line of scrimmage. This made him the first wide receiver in NFL history. He played for the Rams his entire career 1948-1956. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970.

6. Season 21 was the first season that the Saints posted their first winning season. In the Saints 21st season they posted a win-loss record of 12-3. That was also their first trip to the playoffs. They lost the Wild Card game to the Vikings 44-10.

7. The Saints first called the Tulane Stadium home. The Saints started in the Tulane Stadium until the move to the Superdome in 1975. When Hurricane Katrina damaged the Superdome, the Saints played 2005 home games in Tiger Stadium, Alamodome and NY Giants Stadium until the repairs were complete for the 2006 season.

8. In the first 40 years, the Saints never made it to the Super Bowl. Although, in their 40th season they did make it to the Conference Championship game but lost.

9. Jim Mora coached the team to their first playoff appearance and also their first division championship by standings in the NFC West. The team saw playoff action in four seasons under Mora. He was the only coach in the teams first four decades to finish his tenure with a positive win-loss record. His regular season record with the Saints was 93-78.

10. The Saints all-time record at Tulane Stadium was 23-32-1.
Tulane Stadium was demolished in 1980. It held the first ever Sugar Bowl in 1934 between the Tulane Green Wave and the Temple Owls, with Tulane winning 20-14. The trophy awarded to the winner, an antique silver wine cooler, was made in London in 1830 during the King George IV era.

I hope you learned something you didn’t already know about the New Orleans Saints. I found these facts on a website called www.funtrivia.com. They have many more trivia quizzes to test your knowledge.

Enjoy the game and “Go Saints!!”

My daughter Haley is a sophomore in high school this year and has decided to play a sport for the first time. Her sport of choice is soccer. She signed up to play through our recreation department and found out in no time that she loved it. It came naturally to her and she has gotten good quite quickly. Her brother Mark also plays and the two of them practice together often.

Along with soccer comes the equipment…you know, the shin guards, soccer cleats ,special socks , soccer shorts and of course, they both needed  Under Armour clothing and accessories.   I have learned that there is  Under Armour ColdGear and heat gear and the kids insist that you have to have the right kind in order to enhance your soccer playing abilities.

We did get the necessities and yes, some of the Under Armour items they felt they needed most. All decked out in new accessories, they began their season with the rec department. Each practiced three days a week with a game every weekend. It was a lot of fun. I packed up my folding chair and sometimes a blanket and watched every game.

Both Mark and Haley have decided they are going to try out for the school’s soccer team. Conditioning and tryouts started this week and will last for about two weeks. Poor Haley came home last night after workouts and could hardly walk. The only thing she could say was, “Mom, it was miserable”. They ran, did lunges, sit-ups, wall sits and leg lifts to name a few. After dinner Haley took two Tylenol, took a bath and fell into bed.

This morning, as she hobbled down the stairs she said, “I can’t wait for workouts today!”  Oh to be young and resilient!

I am looking out of the window of my office right now and I see big fluffy flakes of snow falling from the sky…lots of them! It is a beautiful sight as long as I am inside looking out. However, this beach-loving girl gets the shivers at the thought of walking outside to my car.

I lived in northern Michigan for seventeen years. In Cadillac, the winters are very long and the summers are way too short. Living there while in high school was okay because I was involved in downhill skiing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and ice fishing. But as I grew older, the snow just wasn’t quite as fun.

When my children were young it was a chore to dress them in their winter suits so they could play outside. The poor kids were so bundled up they could hardly walk. When they fell over, they couldn’t get up by themselves. They looked like little penguins waddling around in the yard.

I can remember the day I decided I was leaving Michigan for good. It had reached below zero several nights in a row and the night before my decision, we had freezing rain. I woke up early and headed out to my car to go to work. I was bundled up in all the gear, had my purse in one hand and an apple for snack in the other. I slipped on a patch of ice on the sidewalk and my feet flew from under me. I dropped my purse and I could see my apple soaring through the air as I hit the ground on my back. I stood up furious and shouted out loud, “I am moving to Florida!!!” And, that is exactly what I did.

I lived in Florida about eight years and it was wonderful. I lived on gorgeous, Amelia Island and it did get cold for a few days in the winter, but I could handle it after all I went through in Michigan. My days were spent in the glorious sunshine with the roar of the ocean in my ears.

When I moved to north Georgia, never did I think I would have to suffer through snow again. I know, we only get about two inches at most, but temperatures still fall into the low teens and the wind chills your bones. Being cold is really one of the only things that makes me really mad, immediately.  I would rather be hot and sweaty any day.

So, I am planning to move back to Florida one of these days. Destin, Florida’s Emerald Coast is where I will go. Lying on the White sandy beaches and swimming in the beautiful blue water is how I picture the rest of my life. Walking along the shore watching the pelicans dive and the dolphins play sounds like paradise to me.

I began using Facebook almost a year ago, and it has proven to be one of the best things I have ever done. At first, my two teenagers didn’t think it was cool for a 43-year-old mom to set up a Facebook account. They said I was too old and that it was just for the kids to use. Well, did I ever prove them wrong!

I got everything set up; my interests, my views on religion and politics,
hobbies, and my home town. I found a nice picture of myself and loaded that up too. My account was set. “But now what do I do?” I thought. It was all blank andI had no idea what came next. My daughter Haley finally broke down and helped me out.

We looked up names of friends and sent out friend requests. But at that time not many of my “old” friends were on, so I had to add Mark and Haley’s friends at first. They were thrilled that I was on Facebook and gladly accepted my friendship.

My list started growing. Friends from high school started popping up with notes such as, “Hey Tracy, remember me?,” and “What have you been doing for the last 25 years?” It was great! Friends I haven’t talked to for over twenty five years started pouring out of the woodwork and friending me. It was like a huge class reunion on-line.

I now have almost 300 friends and more keep coming. I love reading their statuses and quickly finding out important things going on in their lives. I send a comment here and there and love to get responses. It is a great way to keep in touch with people that you never would have normally. Posting pictures is also a wonderful way to share your family and fun things you have done with your Facebook friends.

Facebook is where my boyfriend Mark and I found each other again. We were friends in high school and we hadn’t talked in over 25 years. But one day…. there he was on my screen saying, “remember me?” Well, I’ll save that story for a later time, but it just confirms to me how great Facebook is.

My advice, “Get started!” Don’t be afraid if you don’t know exactly what to do. Play around and you will get the feel for it. You will be amazed to see how many people are out there waiting to talk to you. Who knows? You may find your high school sweetheart who has been thinking of you for all those years and now has a chance to talk to you once again.

I would love to hear your stories about friends and Facebooking. Leave me an email about your experiences! tracy@tracysworld.com

I was given a beautiful wooden Native American flute for Christmas from my boyfriend Mark. Yes, I have a son Mark and a boyfriend Mark. It gets confusing sometimes.

I have played the flute in band since 6th grade. I have played for weddings and in church. I am learning the Indian flute now and it is not the same. For instance, you blow into the Native American flute instead of across it like the regular flute. The fingerings are different and it has such a mysterious sound.

The Native American flute has been reported to be the third oldest known musical instrument in the world, with excavated flutes dating between AD 620 and 670. Native Americans used these flutes for various reasons including dances, healing ceremonies, and playing love songs while courting.

Carlos Nakai, a Native American of Navajo-Ute heritage, recorded a CD named Earth Spirit I purchased it years ago and found it to be very relaxing and meditative. I was drawn to the haunting melody he produced with that little wooden flute. Little did I know that about twelve years later I would be playing the Native American Navajo Indian Wood Flute .

Right now, I don’t think anyone would want to court me based on my playing abilities! However, I am listening to How to Play the Native American Flute
and I am confident that soon the love songs will flow through this flute and I will make beautiful music that will someday be melodic and soothing.

Like I mentioned before, I am spending a lot of time with my son, trying to get him ready for college. He has taken the SAT and the ACT, applied to several colleges, and we are now working through the financial aid forms (FASFA).

When I think of all the things that we have to buy for his dorm room I get overwhelmed! So, I have decided to begin purchasing items for his dorm room early. I know that we need the essentials such as proper clothing, toiletries, and school supplies. So I am going to list some things that may not be so obvious.

1. Mini Fridge with Freezer – It is nice to have things that remind you of home in your fridge, and some things you just can’t find in the cafeteria.

2. Mementos from home -  Even those teenagers who say they can’t wait to go away to college, still suffer from homesickness once in a while. A family picture is always nice.

3. Milk Crates – No student should be without this college staple. They can be used as bookshelves, chairs, end tables, laundry baskets and storage bins.

4.Mini Laptop- There are some great mini notebooks that are light and easy to take  to class.  A printer is very handy to have in the room when papers are due.

5. Hangers – Easily forgotten when packing!

6. Braided Rug - Dorm rooms can be cold and boring. A nice braided rug can brighten it up and is warmer on the feet.

7. Dry Erase Board – This is nice to have inside your room to coordinate with your roommate. Also fun to have one on the outside of your dorm room door for friends to leave notes on.

8. Extension cords – a must have!

9. Towel Set- Don’t need to explain these.

10. iPod or MP3 Player – You will want your music.

11. Television and DVD Player- Of course they are not a necessity, but it sure is nice to sit down and watch a movie when you are in the mood. Relieves stress and provides some relaxation and entertainment.

12. Batteries – You never know when you’ll need them!

These are just a few things my son Mark and I, Tracy Matlack came up with while brainstorming. The list could be endless. Hopefully we can stay ahead of the game by organizing our time and getting things done early.

I sat with my son Mark today and we began the process of filling out college applications.  I can’t believe my oldest child will be graduating this May and will soon be out of the house and on his own.  The feelings I have are bittersweet. I find myself missing him already and at the same time, I am so excited about his future.

Mark is an intelligent, handsome, great kid. He has a heart as big as the moon and a wonderful sense of humor. We have been very close all these years and I don’t know what I or his sister Haley will do when he is not here. I will miss the guitar playing late at night, the arguments about him getting a motorcycle, and the stories he comes home with after spending time with his friends. Outside I see a strong, confident, great looking young man, but I can still see the cute little boy on the inside who loved to play with lizards.

He is interested in Sports Medicine and wants to attend University of South Florida. That is so far away from north Georgia.  He won’t be able to hop in the car and come home anytime he wants.

I think of his future and see great things for him. He is determined to be successful and has everything going for him. I have no doubt he will fulfill his dream of taking care of the players of a pro football team.

His momma is going to miss him dearly!

As you know by now I, Tracy Matlack,am the type of person who likes new adventures and challenges.  I guess that’s why when approached by my good friend Erika Rich with an idea about internet marketing, I was ready to jump in with both feet.

I have a lot of experience in working with computers and the various types of software, but I knew nothing about social networking, marketing,or blogging. To be honest, it was overwhelming to start, but my friends Erika and JoAnn Guida have taken me under their wings and have guided me through the process. There is a lot to learn!

Little by little I am getting the feel for it and am learning the ropes. I can see the big picture of what they are teaching me and how it all fits together. Now, instead of being confused and overwhelmed, I am getting excited.  The opportunities are endless.

Being a single mom of two teenagers, it is my dream to work and make a living from the comfort of my home. That dream will become a reality with a lot of hard work and determination. I have great expectations for my future and can’t wait to see the results of my efforts!

Can you tell anything about Tracy Matlack by what is in her purse? I was cleaning my closet early this morning. As I was folding sweaters and moving things around, I came across three purses that I had used a long time ago.  I guess I was being lazy when I decided to switch purses, as I didn’t clean the old ones out.

I dumped the contents of all three purses onto the floor of my closet. I began to sort things into piles. This is what I found: fifteen lipsticks, seven pens, three fingernail clippers, a yellow highlighter, one and a half pairs of earrings, a silver bracelet that I had been looking for for months, two packs of wintermint gum, two bottles of nail polish, my extra key to the house, two AA batteries, a receipt from a Holiday Inn in Dayton, a USB flash drive and a pile of coins, papers and other trash five inches high.

From now on, if anything ever comes up missing, the first place I will look is in my purses!

Singing Out!

There aren’t many places to go for fun in this tiny little town of Blairsville.  But, if someone is desperate for some fun, there is a little restaurant/bar in Hiawassee called the Yacht Club. Tuesday night is karaoke night. So, last night, My Mother, brother, my daughter Haley, Dad, Charles and Erika Rich and I went to check things out.

The place was packed and loud with singing and laughter. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. We found the only table left and quickly sat down. We ordered a couple drinks and a huge plate of onion rings. As we sat back and listened, we heard everything from Charlie Daniels to Neil Diamond. Ability did not stop anyone from jumping up to the mic to sing their song. I give them credit for having the guts to get up there and sing. And you know what? It’s all about having fun…who cares how good you sing? But, was I, Tracy Matlack, going to have what it takes to sing out in front of a crowd?

Mom, Ray, Haley and I got caught up in the excitement and quickly wrote down a song we wanted to sing and gave it to the DJ. We went off in the corner and practiced a few times until we felt comfortable with it. The longer we sat, waiting to be called up, the more nervous we got and Mom just about chickened out!  He finally called our names and we got up in front of about 35 people and sang our rendition of I’ll Fly Away. We even had three part harmony going in some places.

It was a lot of fun and we went back to our seats with smiles on our faces. We faced our fears and lived through a new experience.  Like I said earlier, I am excited about trying new things and living new adventures. This is one I think I will be doing again soon!