Mike's Corner

Phillip Daniels (#93) of the Washington Redskins sacks Eli Manning (#10) of the New York Giants on December 24, 2005 at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins defeated the Giants 35-20. One more win, and they are in the playoffs! This will be very odd to me, for I am not used to rooting for the Skins in January, because they usually suck. My fingers are crossed... Mike

Shaun Alexander (from the University of Alabama) has become one of the best running backs in the NFL. I'm still upset that he wasn't considered for the Heisman Trophy!!?!

I realize that Christmas is supposed to be about giving, but that is very difficult when you've had such a great Christmas in the "receiving" department. I feel like a contestant on Old School Wheel of Fortune. "Yes, Pat. I'll take that Alabama head cover, and that Digital Camera. That Alabama golf towel looks nice, too. Oh, and a Lowe's Gift Card! Is that a book about Alabama Football Tradition with a CD in the back? I'll take it! New golf shirts? Sure!!! What a cool umbrella for my golf clubs! And hold the phone... That is the most beautiful Redskins pullover that these eyes have ever seen! Go ahead and throw in the matching scarf and hat, the socks, the thermal underwear, the flannel pajamas, and the trip to Gatlinburg." I'm embarrassed by how much I received, knowing that I don't deserve even half of it. Thanks to all. Mike

I hadn' t seen my nieces since the 4th of July, so it was great spending time with them over Christmas. Obviously, the Tooth Fairy is going broke because of Audrey. Poor little thing can barely complete a sentence. They have been, as always, my favorite Christmas present year after year.

Nothing says Merry Christmas quite like www.mapquest.com. I'll bet that site has more hits during December than any other month of the year. I didn't realize until Sunday morning that I had never driven from Atlanta to Dothan, so I quickly downloaded a map and was on my way. I didn't realize until Tuesday that perhaps I should have also downloaded directions to get back to Atlanta (I got a little lost in Columbus). As usual, it was worth the trip, and will have more details about Christmas soon. Mike

I can honestly say that 2005 has been the greatest year of my life: I met the woman that I am going to marry, I became a Managing Partner with Outback Steakhouse, I'm back in the great state of Georgia (where I was born), I'm less that an hour from Jimmy and Tracy, the Redskins have a winning record, I tried Turducken for the first time (not the last), and I'm guaranteed a skydiving trip with Jimmy before the summer (although Shannon isn't too excited about that). I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Mike