Philadelphia Eagles Blog

It’s Officially BUSY SEASON…

…in honor of this time of year. I would like to share with you this little gem that I find so hysterical.  Maybe it’s only funny for accountants, nevertheless, I hope you enjoy!

So much to do…So little time

Hi Eagles fans!

Since the Eagles football season is over, you may have thought us Cheerleaders are just twiddling our thumbs until August for the Pre-Season.  That is 100% a misconception.  All of us Cheerleaders have full time jobs, or are full time students.  For instance, I’m the public accountant of the group.  So while the Eagles “busy season” may be over, I’m ramping up for my other “busy season”.  Yup, with December 31, 2011 passing by all too quickly, that means its time to get those year-end financial statements done, and to file those taxes for good old Uncle Sam.

By the end of January, I’m busy going out on audits, not too much tax work has begun to come in through our office.  Forms from the IRS are still being updated daily, so my tax work won’t really start until mid February.  That being said, audits aren’t waiting on updated forms from the IRS, so were out and about at different clients.

That’s usually enough work to keep someone busy for 40-50 hours a week (that’s just during January of course..Come February, March and April its more like 55-60 hours a week).  Since rehearsal have been limited, and work isn’t extremely busy yet, I’ve used my “spare” time to study for the CPA exam.  I’m currently studying for audit, and have to say I feel confident in passing it this time around (yes, I failed it the first time….not enough time was devoted to my studies as there should have been, not surprising).  However, if in about 6 week you don’t see a post about me passing the exam, then assume I didn’t and don’t bring it up. Thanks!

Now the fun part, I get a few days away from my study books and the office, and get to go with some of the other ladies on the team to Mobile, Alabama for the College Senior Bowl.  Although before I can go I need to pack and do laundry, which have both fallen by the waist-side between working and studying and rehearsals.  So it may be time to get my life in order before I leave.

I’ll be sure to share more about the trip when we get back. In the meantime, check out the game on NFL Network on Saturday, January 28 at 3pm(CST).

Which word doesn’t belong: Ladies, Cookies, Talking, and Football?

Hey Eagles Fans!

I realize its been a tough weekend, not being able to watch the Eagles in the playoffs.  Last weekend, a few of us ladies got together for a Cookie Exchange.  We might be the only group of ladies you know, that have the playoff games on the TV during the day.  Sadly, no Eagles to watch, but we still LOVE football and enjoy getting into the post-season just like everyone else.

It was my first ever cookie exchange, and I had know idea what to expect.  I had to make sure I put some effort in to it.  You may or may not know, that I am extremely competitive.  So naturally, I didn’t want to show up with the worst tasting/looking cookies they’d ever seen.  So I found a creative looking cookie on line, which made “Stain glass Cookies”.  Basically, you cut out the center of the cookie, and put any type of crushed hard candy in the center.  Now, I’m no Betty Crocker, so I had Andrew help me out with it.  Actually, I basically made him do all the hard work: crush the candies, roll the dough, and re roll it out again, and again, and again.  He couldn’t get done baking with me soon enough.  He’s reward for being such a great helper: He could watch all the Football games, uninterrupted.

At Stephanie’s house the next day for the exchange, I felt like I’d seen her place before.  Then it dawned on me, I recognized it from her Esquire, Me in My Place Shoot . We all had a great time at her place, we got to catch up, since we haven’t seen each other in awhile because we haven’t had any rehearsal lately.  The best part of the day, hands down, was when we broke into teams and played Catch Phrase.  Again, my competive self came out, and of course the team I was on dominated! But even if we didn’t win, I would have still said it was a blast!  We could NOT stop laughing.  If you haven’t played this game, its a must!  I think we even convince Tracey to bring it to the Senior Bowl trip so we can give it a go with the rest of the team coming to Alabama at the end of the month.

Everyone’s cookies were great, we got to bring home a bunch, but when I brought them back to my house, they didn’t last long.  I think the entire box of cookies was gone by the next day.  That was all thanks to my parents, who “just wanted to try them”.  Oh well, I’m glad someone could enjoy them!

Stay warm everyone!

Go Eagles!

Love Michelle

Ringing in the New Year

Happy New Year Eagles fans!!  Hope you all had a safe and happy new year!  Before I could begin to celebrate 2012, I had one more thing to celebrate in 2011: Rutgers’ victory over Iowa State at the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium!

I took a vacation day on Friday, December 30th to attend this year’s Rutgers Bowl Game.  I had been looking forward to this game for weeks, since it was announced Rutgers’ accepted the bowl bid.  I have attended every bowl game that Rutgers has played in, since I’ve been born.  It’s a tradition my family and I truly look forward to each football season.

Because the bowl game this year, was so close, my dad ran a bus trip to the game.  We had three buses filled to capacity caravanning up the NJ Turnpike.

Andrew and I went into the stadium about an hour before kickoff so we had some time to walk around Monument Park.  I hadn’t had the chance to see it in the “old” stadium (which was a bit of a disappointment).  I was glad I FINALLY got to check it out though.

My whole family attended the game, and we had a great time! I mean it was a spectacular atmosphere and Rutgers was leading by the end of the first quarter.  It was a great way to end the year.

New year’s eve was peaceful, Eagles were playing the Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field at 1pm on New Years Day.  As a cheerleader, I had to arrive at the game on New Years’ Day at 9am.  In order to conserve my energy and be at my “A-Game” the next day, Andrew and I decided to lay low in Princeton to ring in the New Year.

2012 couldn’t have begun any better, than the Eagles beating the Redskins.  It was so much fun, being able to sing Fly Eagles Fly as often as we did on New Year’s Day.

Now that 2012 is underway, have you looked back at 2011 with a sense of accomplishment? or a sense of relief that its over?  Any resolutions for 2012?  I can proudly say, in regards to my 2012 resolutions, I’ve done well keeping to them!  I realize its only been two days, but I’ve committed to my goals and I’m ready to make them a habit.  I’ve heard it takes 30 days to make something a habit.  Hopefully, come February, I’ll be able to say I have some new habits!

Share with me any New Year’s resolutions you made! and if you’ve made a true commitment to it!

Merry Christmas from Michelle

Merry Christmas from Michelle, and the rest of my family.  Eric LeGrand was lucky enough to be included in our Family Christmas Card, sent out to approximately 100 of my family’s close friends and family.  Now I realize things don’t get much better than that (I hope my sarcasm is coming through clearly on the blog post!)  Eric LeGrand, I think is more honored beinging on the Season-ending December 26th issue of Sports Illustrated!

 For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Story behind Eric LeGrand, check out my blog post from a few months ago.   Eric was voted to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated by readers from over 100 countries.  The issue comes out on newstands today, Wednesday, December 21st I beleive (no pun intended).  I’m sure this magazine will be far more reaching than my family’s Christmas card!

Eric has really inspired so many people, and especially during this time of year, its hard not to bELieve in miracles.  As you can see from our family Christmas card, We bELieve.  I hope you do too!

I wish all you Eagles fans a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  Safe travels and Go Birds! BEAT THE COWBOYS!!

See you all New Year’s day at Lincoln Financial Field!

Tis the “End of the College Football” Season?

The presentation of the Heisman Trophy means one thing, the college football season must be coming to an end. And with the end of the season, I always look forward to the annual Rutgers Football banquet. I’ve attended the banquet every year since I can remember. It’s an annual tradition with my family.

This year, like 6 of the last 7 years, we celebrated the bowl bid that meant we still had some football left this season. As I get older, and get more and more removed from the team I know less players as each year passes. However, this year my good friend San San Te celebrated his final season as a Scarlet Knight.

I’m extremely sad to see him go, as well as all the other seniors, who will be graduating and moving on to bigger and better things (maybe even the NFL) I look forward to seeing what their future holds.
The banquet is also a great time to catch up with old teammates from my dance team days.

Ashleigh and I actually attended the same high school and then danced together for a few years at Rutgers before I tried out of the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders.
I’m glad the NFL season is a bit longer, I still get my football fix for a few more months. After the Eagles victory today, I can’t wait for our home game next week! Hope to see you there!
Go Birds!!

Family + Football = Fun

So the accountant in me is coming to the surface.  Here’s my equation for the weekend: Family + Football = Fun.

This weekend was full of football! I attended one, two, three football games in a 24 hour period.

Brother (Brian), Mom, Dad, Me

Game 1: Rutgers vs Ohio, Saturday at 2 pm.  My brother came in from NYC to attend the game.  Its probably the first time we’ve all been together for a few weeks.  Which may not seem like a long time to some of you, but it’s a long time for me.  My brother, Brian, now works and lives in NYC.  It’s the first time we’ve ever lived apart.  We both went to Rutgers, New Brunswick campus (surprise, surprise) and we actually lived together in an apartment in New Brunswick for a few years.  Truth be told, its bitter sweet.  (I don’t admit that to too many people) I miss my brother when he’s away, but gosh, when we’re together, we still argue like we’re kids again.  We just know how to get under each other’s skin I guess.  At the end of the day, we’re still family and love each other, and have each other’s back.

Game 2: Princeton vs Bucknell, Saturday 6pm.  I hate to admit it, but I left the Rutgers game at half.  They were winning 21-10 so I figured it would be safe to leave and head down route 1 and catch the Princeton game.  No special guests this week with me at the game, just me.  It was a great time getting to talk with the other women and wives that are involved with the Princeton Football family.  It gave me some great insight about what this season has in store.

Lauren's Squad: Eagles vs Giants

Game 3: Eagles vs Giants, Sunday 1pm.  HOME OPENER! Despite the outcome of the game, it’s a great feeling knowing football season is in full swing.  Nothing beats Game Day!  As I sit an type this blog post, I’m watching Monday Night Football, Cowboys vs Redskins.  Monday nights just don’t get much better than this.  My parents came to the Eagles game this week, it was the first game this year they attended.  My mom is pretty handy with her zoom lens and took some great shots of the squad I’m on.  It’s great to have some pictures to hold on to and remember these special moments. Here’s one of her shots:

After the game, a few of my teammates and I, went out to dinner after the game.  We met up with Lindsay, a former Eagles cheerleader.  She was one of my close friends on the squad, so it was great to see her after the game and to get caught up on her life.  We all met up with our parents and significant others’ at the restaurant.  It’s rare that our families get to meet each other as well.  We all have crazy, hectic, busy schedules but every once in awhile, we find time to get together.  Again, thank God my mom was there with her handy dandy camera, another great photo to remember our great time together!

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend.  Time to look forward to next week. Bring on the 49ers! Go Eagles!!!

Sad Football Weekend

This weekend was full of ups and downs.

Ups:

Here's Andy's Proud Parent's after the Princeton Game

1-My boyfriend, Andrew’s (or Andy, Drew, Randy..take your pick) parents came to NJ for the weekend to watch Princeton’s first football game of the 2011 season.  You might recall my earlier blog post, Meet the Parents, when I went out to Minnesota to meet them for the first time.  Now they came out here, and met MY parents. I don’t think I exhales once during dinner. I was a nervous wreck, thinking my parents would say some terribly embarrassing story about me (there are plenty too).  But luckily it went off without a hitch, for the most part.

2- Saturday afternoon I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off.  I was trying to get everything ready for the tailgate I was having prior to the Princeton game.  I’ve never thrown a tailgate before, I’ve only been the attendee at the Rutgers tailgates my dad “hosts”.  My cousin, Sara, Andy’s parents’ and a few other loyal Princeton fans were in attendance at the tailgate.  Sara described it as a very “intimate” tailgate.  There weren’t too many people, just enough to have plenty of food and drink choices, along with great conversation, and a lot of Princeton Tiger Pride.  I did NOT realize all the work that went into having a successful tailgate.  At least, according to me, the tailgate was a success.

My cousin, Sara, and I tailgating before the Princeton Game

Taylor Swift Concert

Hey Eagles Fans!

Some of you may have check out the photos of philadelphiaeagles.com of the Taylor Swift Concert.  (Click here if you haven’t checked them out yet.) I was fortunate enough to be able to score tickets in the ten minutes that they sold out.

Former Eagles Cheerleader, Lindsey, and I got to Lincoln Financial Field prior to the show starting and ran into a couple of our teammates.  It was a little strange, for both Lindsey and I, to be in the K Lot for something OTHER than an appearance prior to game day.  Lindsey and I got to catch up before the concert began.  It’s a little odd not seeing her at least 2 times a week at rehearsal.  She is doing well, keeping busy auditioning, and still dancing of course!  Once we heard the opening bands wrapping up we decided to finally make our way into the stadium before Taylor Swift came on!

It was definitely strange being in the stadium, as a “fan” and not on the field.  Lindsey and I joined my manager at my office, who brought her daughter & friend to the concert.  It’s funny to see the demo graph of the people that attend the Taylor Swift concert.  You have the “tweens”  and you have the mom’s that bring along their little girls who are barely awake by the end of the show (I wonder if the Mom just needed an ‘excuse’ to go to the concert).  You also have the dad’s of boyfriends there that we’re clearly faking their excitement the whole time. (Wishing they were at the other event going on across the street that night)

At the end of the show, Taylor & the rest of her band all put on Eagles jerseys and came out to perform on stage! I got goosebumps, it was pretty cool to see all us Eagles Fans cheer with excitement.   The picture is a little blurry, but hopefully you can make out the Eagles jersey she’s wearing.

The show was a great time! Really enjoyed spending time with Lindsey and my co-worker!  It’s nice to see people out of the office or rehearsal.

The concert was a nice break from work and rehearsals..and studying.

Please share any exciting summer concerts you attended this year or any concert experience you had.  Anyone remember their first concert they attended?  I think the first concert I attended was N*SYNC for my cousin, Sara’s birthday.

Pick Me Ups

Hey Eagles Fans!

Hope you are all keeping cool (over 100 Degrees past few days…ugh). My thought for this week’s blog was originally to write about my vacation last week.  I was down at the Jersey Shore with my family…nothing special (do not tell my parents I said that).  Don’t get me wrong, the weather was beautiful and the water was so refreshing. But I literally laid on the beach with my family and…that was about it.  Quite relaxing and a much needed break from the office. I’m lucky I could go on vacation with my family, however nothing worth blogging about.

So instead, I decided to keep it “real” here on the blogs on philadelphiaeagles.com.  Still nothing too exciting, but Real.  Past few days, I’ve been in a pretty lousy mood.  Yes, us Eagles Cheerleaders are human too, and have some rough days.  Why I was in a bad mood, really isn’t that important.  But if you want to pick something, I’ll give you a list of things that may or may not have put me in this mood (economy, debt crisis, family, friends, boyfriend, work, CPA exam, self-esteem issues, or just because I’m a woman, and thats what we do**) and you can decide which may have been applicable.

Thoughts on Game Day

Today, while I was in my “not so pleasant mood” I turned up my radio in my car and just rocked out.  I couldn’t wait to get back home, turn on my music and just DANCE.  Dancing is my “pick me up” when I’m upset.  I become someone else when I perform.  I either become the character in the song, or just dance my heart out.  It doesn’t matter if I’m dancing by myself in front of my mirror, or at rehearsal in front of my teammates, or even at Lincoln Financial Field in front of 70,000 fans.  I forget about everything bad that may have happened that day, and get lost in the music/choreography/game.

What I’m interested to know is what are your “pick me ups”?  When your upset, do you grab your sweats and “veg” out on the couch and watch a chick flick with a pint of ice-cream?  Or maybe you go to the gym to burn off some energy?  Maybe it’s shopping or just get “dolled up” and walk with your head held high?  Please share.

**that was a joke…seriously!