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Sunday, January 09, 2005

Speaking of Inspirational...



I was so inspired that when I recovered I made it into a wallpaper.

posted by Michelle at 1/09/2005 01:15:00 AM

119 Comments:

  • Oh my!! Oh oh mY!! :::thud:::

    By Blogger lala, at 1/09/2005 12:39 AM  

  • Thought you could get away with posting that in the middle of the night, did ya?

    By Blogger Verbal, at 1/09/2005 12:42 AM  

  • Well, hello Brendan's back!

    By Blogger AimsRos, at 1/09/2005 12:43 AM  

  • (insert highly pervy post that makes all the boys and girls blush)

    Huzzah!

    By Blogger a, at 1/09/2005 12:44 AM  

  • Ouch.... I fell offa my chair.. and there were little rings spinning aroung my head and then I realized they were in the shape of a tattoo.... then I realized I had pulled my monitor down with me. Adn there it is. Brendan look ing over his shoulder.. (did you see those shoulders) and the rings... and the medals.. and the eyes and the freckles and the

    By Blogger lala, at 1/09/2005 12:48 AM  

  • I must go to check on flights to see Lena. Surely she will need someone to help her!


    R-------I--------N--------G---------S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 1/09/2005 12:51 AM  

  • muscles on his back and teh freckle on his ear and the curlls in his hear and did I mention the rings? Oh and did you see the back and the shoulders? Not that I notice that sort of thing.. but did you see them?

    By Blogger lala, at 1/09/2005 12:52 AM  

  • Oh...my...lands.
    What a wonderful sight to see when first coming on the Brendan Blog.
    I mean, I love this site in the first place. But when THAT is the first thing that greets me.
    Oh the world is a wonderful place.

    By Blogger molly_mormon88, at 1/09/2005 12:53 AM  

  • Oh, and Michelle? I love that background.

    By Blogger a, at 1/09/2005 12:58 AM  

  • Now that I have had a chance to compose myself.... ummm... Okay nevermind I am so not composed!! The rings! Yay!! Almost as I imagined it.. not a cheeky expression but a really really nice picture and the rings! and the back.. and the shoulders and the skin..... and the muscle. And the man that is holding those rings in place. And I also know that he is funny! And generous! (I love my swimcap, Thank you so much Brendan) And the rings... I think I like the yellow one the best because it is so sneaky and almost invisible. But I like the blue one because it is the color of the water in Athens,, wait .. I just nooticved that teh picture goes away when I go to post. Dammit!!

    By Blogger lala, at 1/09/2005 1:02 AM  

  • Oh wait...Michelle, when you said wallpaper, you meant for your desktop and not your bedroom walls?

    ***puts down the spackle and the wallpaper glue!****

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 1/09/2005 1:03 AM  

  • Nice.

    By Blogger jenny, at 1/09/2005 1:08 AM  

  • Good gosh...God bless America
    I'm not a big tattoo fan but seriously that's the most attractive tattoo I've ever seen. Much better than Phelps' rings.

    It pays off checking the blog before heading to bed. Now I may never sleep, just sit up thinking about the rings.

    I hear you die 7 days after seeing the rings, wait maybe that's just the ring.

    By Blogger Anna, at 1/09/2005 1:09 AM  

  • Only one word for my comment on that pic: Wow

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/09/2005 1:38 AM  

  • Oh, to a be fly on the wall at *that* photo session....Uh, Michelle, exactly what are you trying to inspire us to do here? ;-)

    LOL Anna, nice ring reference.

    By Blogger crackinup, at 1/09/2005 1:39 AM  

  • I know I'm not going to get a lot of support on this, but I don't like the rings. Brendan absolutely deserves to have them, but I thought that the shoulders were just perfect before they arrived. Besides, Brendan is a champion, everyone knows that, he doesn't need to advertise. The photo is fabulous.

    By the way, last week, Cheatajima showed me his rings tattoo. Funny, but 4 of the 5 rings were misshapen and the 5th was cracked......

    By Blogger No Good User Names Left, at 1/09/2005 1:53 AM  

  • hmmm..No good user names..did you really talk to cheatajima or are you kidding? As far as the rings go I love the location. I think they look a lot better than on the hip. that is the designated location for longhorns..he..

    By Blogger jenny, at 1/09/2005 1:58 AM  

  • I think this is my favorite Bren pic of all time! His back and shoulders are just...magnificent. Seriously. And it's nice to finally see a clear shot of the tattoo. It looks great! Your wallpapers are lurvely as well Michelle. Are you sure there're only 3 of these pictures? Hehe.

    By Blogger Janine, at 1/09/2005 1:58 AM  

  • Wait a way to start off a Sunday. I think I need to lie down for awhile to recover.

    By Blogger pixley, at 1/09/2005 7:12 AM  

  • Now,that's what I'm talkin about. I knew that pesky shirt neeeded to go. Wonderful pic as always. I hate to say it but it's not my favorite of the three. I like the first one best. Not to say I don't fully enjoy but not until I see a little heart with "I love Blair" in it will I be fully impressed. ;)

    *Led off by the nice gentlemen in white to the padded room*

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 1/09/2005 7:20 AM  

  • *message delivered but the hospital*

    Lena is fine, just unable to speak coherently. She loved the pic and stated one more time that the Rings just look amazing on Pumpkin's back.

    *end of message*

    By Blogger Lena, at 1/09/2005 8:05 AM  

  • I go to bed early and look what happens ;) But I must say its such a lovely picture to wake up to, I can tell ya that! GOD! Just look @ his well defined back and shoulders -- also nicely marked with the *rings*..wooooo! *fans self* Hold me back or I might pounce the monitor

    By Blogger Kim, at 1/09/2005 8:12 AM  

  • GAH!!!!!

    Wow!! YUM!! Soooo HOT!!

    I may need to jump in to the hospital bed next to Lena's. Oh the things those Handsome boys do to us! ;)

    And another lovely wallpaper, Michelle!

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 1/09/2005 8:41 AM  

  • Hmm, what a perfect way to start my morning :-) I agree with Janine--these are quite possibly my favorite Brendan pictures yet...the three medals slung over the shoulder make the photo inspiring, and I love how the Olympic rings are in view. Very nice, very nice.

    By Blogger _cesca_, at 1/09/2005 9:44 AM  

  • Wow, I come back from a strenuous weekend, barely able to move i am so sore and I click on over to here and oh my! The pain all went away for a second and i got a little lightheaded! me likey! And i think that's all about i can must at the moment. Excuse me while I curl up with my monitor and take a nap.

    By Blogger afadingvoice, at 1/09/2005 11:40 AM  

  • The rings...the rings!!!

    By Blogger Andrea, at 1/09/2005 1:26 PM  

  • I loved all the pics...especially the last one. It was so 'dark and mysterious', :P.

    The tatts though...better than I could have imagined. I thought we were gonna see the Longhorns but, *sigh* that's for another day...maybe. *wink*

    -Maria

    By Blogger Maria, at 1/09/2005 2:00 PM  

  • Now that I have had a chance to sleep and am able to look at this photo again, I will say "DAY-UM!" Then I will also add how much I love the wallpaper, Michelle. It is really beautiful, the way you made his skin seem to glow. And the quote is the background is really lovely too. I love how his eyes and the color of the rings are the only important colors in the photo. Even the color of the medals is unimportant, one becomes very aware of the plain truth that there are three of them. An amazing accomplishment. And as the family says the back inscription is about what champions all medalist are, your treatment of that photo really brings that home. Thanks Michelle, beautiful work! [ I bet it was such a chore to work on ;) ] And thanks again Eric and John!

    By Blogger lala, at 1/09/2005 2:11 PM  

  • Still unable to articulate....

    By Blogger Lena, at 1/09/2005 3:04 PM  

  • This post has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Blogger Christi, at 1/09/2005 3:38 PM  

  • Inspiration has definitly been planted inside my little working brain! Almost done with those papers but coming here definitly gets me motivated again! :)

    I know when I'm at practice tonight, I'll envision those lovely pictures of Mr. Hansen!

    have fun y'all!

    By Blogger Christi, at 1/09/2005 3:39 PM  

  • That definitely made my day. He has such a wonderful back, and you can really see the tattoo there ;)

    By Blogger Alexandra, at 1/09/2005 5:13 PM  

  • pretty sweet pic b-bear, and if I didnt work in "professional" environment I would SO have that in my cubicle. Lena, are you okay? Hospital food stinks, I'll have to send you some alfahores and a burger...
    where is B? he hasnt posted in awhile has he?

    by the way girls, in case anyone was wondering, (which those who read Fridays postings would know I am a slightly crazed Jets fan -yes Jets fans are not a myth!!!) I have no voice - but I didnt get thrown out of the bar last night, after the Jets win! WOO HOO

    sorry bout the broncos s-mac. nothing but love for you!!! perhaps I could coax Mr. McHottie into lending his shoulder to cry on... :(

    DC - I read from an earlier post that your mom is very "newjerseyan" and I fell out of my chair...because without your explanation I knew exactly what you meant!! Jersey rocks.

    Ugh tomorrow is monday -the only reason I can bear the thought of going into work is because of my morning blog.
    Off to get ready for Carnivale!! new season!

    Hi Aunt K!
    ;)

    By Blogger swimphilly78, at 1/09/2005 5:25 PM  

  • Umm....

    *picks self up off the floor*

    I honestly don't know if I'm capable of coherent speech at the moment. I mean the rings...the shoulders....the fact that it's sort-of a profile shot......*heavy sigh*....absolute perfection....

    The black and white picture was VERY nice too. (didn't get to comment because I was without internet access this weekend; yes, it was killing me knowing these were waiting!)

    Michelle, lovely desktop. I wish I could figure out how to make things look that nice with my paint program!

    By Blogger lizook12, at 1/09/2005 5:37 PM  

  • All of three of these pics are wonderful. Call me crazy(I just drank far too much coffee), but this particular one kinda makes Brendan look like a statue. He face is so frozen and focused that he almost seems unhuman-great photography! Ok back to writing grad school apps, I wish I had some focus!

    By Blogger Heather, at 1/09/2005 6:14 PM  

  • ok...brendan looks soooo hot with those rings...he deserves them more than any one..OMG i cant get over how hot he looks

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/09/2005 6:51 PM  

  • ok, this is my first post so bear with me. I have been a fan of this website for a long time, and i love what you have done with it. Brendan is such an inspiration to me, and a whole bunch of other swimmers. And he looks sooo amazing in that pic. i cant wait so see more

    By Blogger aNdReA, at 1/09/2005 7:02 PM  

  • swimphilly - Yes, I am sad and need cuddling! =(

    Thanks for the good thoughts though. I was thinking of you as well because I was flipping through the channels and found this thing on PBS on cheesesteak..where to go (apparently there are only 2 places they thought were worth mentioning) and how to order. I've yet to have a real Philly cheesesteak and I doubt the ones they make up here come close.

    Wow that was random. Ok, guess staring at Bren-Bear and the rings will be the cure for my playoff loss sadness, for now. Yeah, I think that will work. ;)

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 1/09/2005 7:44 PM  

  • This picture inspires me! I want to swim right now! Stephie mc, a picture of yourself from last thread or the one before that, is that cap wore by Bren? Your picture reminds me of Bren in Aug 2004 Backpacker magazine.

    By Blogger Maxine, at 1/09/2005 7:56 PM  

  • Well,my mom was born and raised in Philly and she says their is nothing like the cheesesteaks. I know my uncle offers to send them to her all the time in the mail but I don't think it would be quite the same. :p

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 1/09/2005 9:05 PM  

  • Maxine - No I don't think Brendan actually wore the cap, just signed it. =) I don't think I saw the Backpacker mag thing.

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 1/09/2005 9:39 PM  

  • Jenny-Here is my Cheatajima story. Sorry, it's kind of long. I was traveling, and was invited to a party held downstairs in the hotel where I was staying. I was talking with some people when suddenly I got bumped from behind, spilling my drink. The person standing behind me had no idea I was there, and had stepped backwards into me. Turns out it was Cheatajima. He and I talked for a few minutes, I figured hey, why not, it isn't every day that you get to talk to an Olympic athlete (I refuse to say champion.) So we talk for awhile and he wants to buy me a new drink, and I let him. Then he invites me to his room upstairs, and I tell him that I will meet him there in an hour. I leave the party, stop by the hotel gift shop, and then to my room to grab some essentials for the evening; you know, perfume, lingerie, some other stuff. I go to his room, and he is already drinking. The first thing he tells me is that he has to pee, and excuses himself to go to the restroom.

    Now, I know you are thinking that I'm going there to shag him, but I had no intention of doing that. Like most people, I never like to miss an opportunity, and I saw this as an opportunity to exact some revenge. While he was in the restroom, I emptied the contents of 3 strong sleeping capsules into his drink. He came out of the restroom, and fortunately drank. Fairly soon, I could tell that he was nodding off, and before long he was out cold. Guess the alcohol helped. Then I got busy.

    I took off his clothes and put some lingerie on him. Snapped a few photos. Then I took the most shockingly obnoxious pink nail polish ever made and gave him a manicure. And a pedicure. I turned him over onto his front and used that same nail polish to write CHEATAJIMA on his back, like on the back of a football jersey. For emphasis, I outlined each letter in eye liner. More photos. I nail polished over the rings tattoo. Then I made sure his cell phone was off, he had no wake up call planned, the blackout drapes were closed, and the do not disturb sign was on the door. I had no idea what he was planning on doing the next day, but I didn’t care. He was going to be late. I had hoped that he was going to go for a swim so that others could see my handiwork, but I don’t know what happened.

    Then a few more childish moves; I made sure that the roll of toilet paper in the restroom was down to like 5 sheets, and put the rest of that roll plus all the extra rolls in my bag; then I grabbed all of the Kleenex in the room. I soaked all of the towels except one, and hung the dry one over the wet ones. I hid 2 different shoes in the little closet safe (but I didn't lock it). I took the lingerie off of him and left it on his bed, hoping that he would wake up thinking he had gotten lucky. Smug little bast--d.

    But to really knock him, I had to do something truly entertaining. There was a decent all night pharmacy within walking distance of the hotel, and they had a Kodak Picture Maker Kiosk. I cruised over there, and printed out one of the photos of him wearing the underwear that I had left on the bed. I put it in the envelope, and slipped it under the door to his room.

    I know you are thinking, "There is no way that ever happend", and you are right, it didn't, but it sure was fun to think about, and I hope I made you laugh. But if I'm ever actually in that situation, I will go through with it since there is always a demand for good photos on this blog.

    By Blogger No Good User Names Left, at 1/09/2005 10:45 PM  

  • LOL! Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! Cheatajima in panties and pink nail polish! I can just picture him waking up, finding that picture and screaming his lovely little scream!!! LOL!

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 1/09/2005 11:05 PM  

  • Oh man, how hilarious would that have been! If only it were true..then we could post the pictures on BHO and laugh forever...mighty creative i must say.

    By Blogger jenny, at 1/09/2005 11:13 PM  

  • Cheatijima in lingerie and pink nail polish...

    Excuse me, while I laugh so hard I cry...

    By Blogger lizook12, at 1/09/2005 11:42 PM  

  • OH...MY...GOSH...! i think my jaw dropped so far my stitches popped open! (just got my wisdom teeth taken out). the rings...those awesome shoulders...the curls...the adorable freckles...*sigh*

    HAHA...great story! just picturing cheatijima in pink nail polish and panties is great! haha.

    =D erin.

    By Blogger erin, at 1/10/2005 12:18 AM  

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    By Blogger lala, at 1/10/2005 12:20 AM  

  • I am weawwy afwaid wight now. I am feewing so so fwightened.

    By Blogger lala, at 1/10/2005 12:25 AM  

  • wawa, I'm scawed, too.

    By Blogger AimsRos, at 1/10/2005 12:26 AM  

  • teh cheatajim stowy was vewy fwightening

    By Blogger Kim, at 1/10/2005 12:38 AM  

  • Uh, er, uh...not sure what to say to that No Good. Let me just post a disclaimer that we here at BHO (we meaning ME) don't advocate assaulting anyone with panties and lipstick, even Cheatajima. It's quite enough to just know in our HEARTS and MINDS that he doesn't represent the Olympic ideals that a medalist should. He's a cheating cheater, but he's still a human being.

    By Blogger Michelle, at 1/10/2005 3:15 AM  

  • Late, but really scared too. I'm joining Michelle in her post.

    By Blogger Lena, at 1/10/2005 8:04 AM  

  • oh steph, its okay. I'm curious as to why you are a Broncos fan? did you mention this before?

    cheesesteaks...yummmmmm I am now drooling at 9am with the thought of meat.

    anyway, there are 3 well known c/s places here that I could recommend Genos, Pats and Jims -but honestly, when you apply for your food/beverage license in the greater philly area, you have to pass the c/s test. there are tons of places who do a decent job. We have good pulled pork sandwiches too.
    the evil city that shall not be uttered in this blog (hint:they are playing my Jets next week and I know there is a blogger on here who is a Stillers fan!) hands down has the BEST wings in the state. the Wing Pitt...wings the size of your fist, and crispy too!

    how was everyone's weekend? I'm kind of in a winter rut - so if anyone has any funny, lighthearted stories(a la Nogoodnamesleft Cheato tale-LOL) please share!!!!

    By Blogger swimphilly78, at 1/10/2005 8:24 AM  

  • You are afraid of nail polish, you guys? My college roommate had a boyfriend that would fall asleep all the time, like at parties, during movies, and just hanging out in our dorm. To play with him, my roommate was constantly polishing his nails when he fell asleep on her and it was hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nail polish on a guy isn't damaging! Exept to their egos!
    Emma

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1/10/2005 8:28 AM  

  • Emma - your roommate and her narcoleptic boyfriend - best laugh of my morning. When I was in middle school, this girl in my class ticked off her little brother, and she paid for it: and while she was asleep, he applied Nair to her left eyebrow. She woke up and wiped her face and her entire eyebrow wiped off. She freaked. Her parents told her that the joke was so mean that they condoned revenge, so a couple of nights later, when he was asleep, she squirted ambesol into his mouth and all over his lips. His mouth was numb for two days and he had to go to school drooling into a dixie cup. After that I was very careful to never ever tick off my own little brother.

    Swimphilly - I was at Pete's on Sat night, around 3 AM, with Doug. :)

    Dana

    By Blogger Dana Cara, at 1/10/2005 9:23 AM  

  • Oops ... monday morning brain failure ... Pat's. Not Pete's, Pat's. D

    By Blogger Dana Cara, at 1/10/2005 9:24 AM  

  • DC & all bloggers - let me know when you guys are in town!
    you know its funny I saw "Pete's" and didnt even bat an eye, then read it again and thought "OMG, is there a new cheesteak place I dont know about?!?!" ha

    too many college prank stories I can get into...too many.

    Che Lena donde estas, linda?

    By Blogger swimphilly78, at 1/10/2005 9:46 AM  

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    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 1/10/2005 9:50 AM  

  • This post has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Blogger Dana Cara, at 1/10/2005 9:59 AM  

  • Perhaps to add a little levity, we can discuss men from our past who had strapping shoulders/backs like that picture (albeit minus the olympic rings?) I take great solace in the fact that although that Japanese breaststroker may not be punished for cheating, he is still a scrawny, pre-puberty looking, mostly anonymous dolphin kicker, and Brendan still gets to be the jacked, American looking, classy breaststroker with immaculate form. At the end of the day, who would you rather be? (nail polish or not! ha)

    D

    P.S. I remember in lax, we'd go to championship games and our coach would paint our right index fingernails gold and our right middle fingernails silver. During the game you'd look down at your hand and think: what am I here for, gold or silver. We won once, we lost once, but both times, the passion was the same.

    By Blogger Dana Cara, at 1/10/2005 9:59 AM  

  • swimphilly - I am a Broncos fan because I spent the first 18 years of my life in Colorado.(And yes, I love John Elway! When I was in 7th grade I was going to marry him!) So anyway, that's why I am a Broncos fan..I was born into it. (Still sad. Anything semi-happy will probably cheer me up at this point!) Guess I'll root for New England now, but don't tell anyone. I don't want anyone around here to know. shhhhh! ;)

    I will make a note of the cheesesteak places. (That sounds soo good when your diet consists mainly of salad!) Much too early for this! And incidentally, the 2 places they mentioned on the show were Pat's and Geano's. I've never seen a cheesesteak in New England with cheesewhiz either, which I found fascinating. =) (easily amused, I know!)

    DC - Too funny! Ambesol!! ha!! We used to just beat on each other.

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 1/10/2005 10:15 AM  

  • swimphilly- this is where I hang my head in shame that I'ved lived in the Philly area my whole life (except college) and I have never had a cheesesteak.

    By Blogger pixley, at 1/10/2005 10:17 AM  

  • Che Lena donde estas, linda?Aca piba, estoy aca... ;)

    Sorry, international job hunting is an exhausting activity. I've sent resumees everywhere. Literally: US (Texas, he, PA, Cincinnati, Boston, Las Vegas and the lists goes on), UK (Newcastle, London, Stratford Upon Avon, among others), Holland. I tell you, it's really exhausting. And I'm stunbling upon things taht might be interesting for other people. Say, like Steph MC, Tigger, how about a 6 month creative writing fellowship in England. I'll email you the info.

    Besides, I'm trying to do all this without minimazing my wiindows, otherwise I stumble upon the Rings wallpaper and I go numb for half an hour.

    But I'm here... I'm always here...

    OK, that sounded creepy.

    By Blogger Lena, at 1/10/2005 10:25 AM  

  • I figured that after all this time of checking the blog I would finally post, since swimphilly said something about Pittsburgh. Unfortunately I'm from the steel city and definetly a Steeler fan, so hopefully they will win on Saturday. I've never heard of the Wing Pitt, but my favorite wings in Pittsburgh are from Quaker Steak and Lube, they are awesome. I also want to say that this website is awesome and so is Brendan.

    By Blogger JuiceWVU05, at 1/10/2005 10:34 AM  

  • Again with the Jets & Broncos talk! People, everyone should be spending this week mocking Randy Moss and goofing on Daunte Culpepper, not cheering for your own teams. *snerk*

    On the cheeseteak tip, there's always Big John's which resides over here in the suburbs on Rt. 70, which unfortunately is about 3 blocks from where I work. Definitely not a cause of high cholesterol. Nope, definitely not.

    By Blogger Verbal, at 1/10/2005 10:47 AM  

  • Welcome out of lurkdom Juice! And I agree, we're awesome! (And Brendan is pretty cool too. ;)

    By Blogger Michelle, at 1/10/2005 10:48 AM  

  • AHHH my eyes are bleeding someone said the P word!! we can use the "steel city," "the city in west PA that shall remain nameless"...etc

    juiceWVU is it? you went to WVU? I went to Pitt. uh oh. your hoops teams is playing really well and that is no good come march madness. but glad to have you on the blog!

    (the WingPitt is a tiny dive bar in South Oakland on Bates & Semple, across from what used to be the SOD but is now Bootleggers. Q/S and Lube is also good.)

    and pixley - i'm not sure what to say to that... are you a vegetarian? you shouldnt deprive yourself of a cheesesteak!

    By Blogger swimphilly78, at 1/10/2005 10:54 AM  

  • "Tigger, how about a 6 month creative writing fellowship in England. I'll email you the info."

    Send it along, I'll look at it. You know I have a weakness for guys that say "priv-uh-see" ;)

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 1/10/2005 11:05 AM  

  • nope, not a vegetarian. had this strange aversion to cheese for a long time so I never ate anything with cheese on/in it. Thats started to change, so I will have to grab a cheesestake sometime soon.

    By Blogger pixley, at 1/10/2005 11:09 AM  

  • Juice, was it you who said something about Quaker State and Lube? Because my family lives right around where the original one is in PA, in Sharon. I love that place!

    By Blogger Autumn, at 1/10/2005 11:22 AM  

  • I knew there was something I needed to do this weekend. I totally forgot to check here for the pictures.

    Which might have saved me from embarrassment just now. I'm currently sitting in a room with 2 other guys, and we were talking about our weekend, and car problems and whatnot. I pull up this page, take one look at these pictures....I was in the middle of saying something, but I just trailed off, and stared at the picture. One of the guys is all "JHD? Hello? You were saying...", then he saw my screen, and started laughing.

    I totally forgot what we were talking about. I have no idea what I was going to say. And now they're giving me crap about this. So thanks, Bren! This is all your fault! ;)

    By Blogger JHD, at 1/10/2005 11:25 AM  

  • Swimphilly....GO Jets! (at least until they play my colts!!!!) I don't think I ever told you that Jason Fabini is from my hometown (Fort Wayne, Indiana!!) and went to school(Bishop Dwenger) with my sisters and brother. He was in my sister Cathy's grade, but played football with my brother! My brother's senior year his team was undefeated and went on to win State Championships. That was the best year ever. Fabini was always good. He is really a good guy to. He was good friends with both my sister and brother. Everyone called him "Beany" because A. his last name is Fabini, and B. because he was tall and super skinny like a string bean! Anyway..just thought I'd share with you. I still think you are far cooler for knowing Bren-Bear and Cutie! LOL!

    By Blogger Kimberly, at 1/10/2005 11:30 AM  

  • Pixley,over the years I've come to the conclusion,cheese makes everything taste better. *Polishes off rest of dbl. cheeseburger from McD's*

    Swimphilly,I have only been to Philly once when I was really young so I don't know much about the city. But if I get a chance to visit sometime I will definitely check those places out. It sounds like you really love your city.

    JHD,I truly understand the speechlessness (is that a word??). I have two pics of Bren on my work computer and sometimes I find my mind wandering while I'm gazing at them. Today,I was actually telling some coworkers the story of the waitress and the shirtless pic. After I finished it,my friend gently told me I need to be careful I don't turn into a stalker. It almost hurt my feelings....almost but not quite. :p Believe me,they tease me all the time about my fascination with swimming and swimmers.

    By Blogger blairbecky, at 1/10/2005 11:38 AM  

  • blairbecky, pixley - my friend scott, who (swimming connection) was a classmate of Ian Thorpe's in primary school out in Western Sydney somewhere, claims that in Australia, the most common cheese that everyone eats is actually called "yummy cheese". I like how they just prefixed the "yummy" right on ther because you are both sooo right - cheese makes everything better.

    By Blogger Dana Cara, at 1/10/2005 11:46 AM  

  • DC - Is there such a thing as "non-yummy cheese" in Australia? Just wondering why they have to quantify it.

    When I talk about swimmers/swimming to non swim fans I usually get "the eye roll" I swear some people do not know what they are missing out on. More swimmy hotness for me! Ohh, I mean, us. I share. yay! ;)

    And my new wallpaper is quite distracting. I have it up at home because we can't have anything on our work stations, and while I was working on my script yesterday I found myself staring for countless minutes at the goodness which is Bren-Bear. =)

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 1/10/2005 11:52 AM  

  • "When I talk about swimmers/swimming to non swim fans I usually get "the eye roll" I swear some people do not know what they are missing out on. More swimmy hotness for me! Ohh, I mean, us. I share. yay! ;)"

    Join the It's all related to Swimming club!

    By Blogger Lena, at 1/10/2005 12:05 PM  

  • Kimberly- that is cool! Beany is awesome. My dad is a HUGE Colts fan...back from teh Baltimore days...he makes fun of me for the Jets...well he makes fun of everyone who isnt a Colts fan( I am so my fathers daughter when it comes to sports)

    and Blairbecky - yes I love my city. I'm not native philly...but it grows on you. I love my Jets, but I love Philly teams too. We get alot of flack for being a bit obnoxious, or over zealous fans, and we do have a bit of road rage...but I have friends who have visited and said they were stunned at how nice people were.

    Australia...I'm sad now. My sis is actually moving tomorrow to Sydney for I dont know how long, and I didnt get to hug her goodbye!!
    :(
    On the bright side, she can get some dirt on Ian Thorpe for me. heh heh

    By Blogger swimphilly78, at 1/10/2005 12:11 PM  

  • Philly fans obnoxious?? You know, Iggles fans throw snowballs at Santa one time and we're branded for life. ;-)

    By Blogger pixley, at 1/10/2005 12:40 PM  

  • What's with all the football talk, yo? I haven't had a football team since the Rams left California! Now I just wait for the play-offs and attach myself to the team with the prettiest uniforms. And then sometimes I have to change my mind depending on whose home v. away jerseys I like the best. I really prefer watching college footaball to pro though and this season didn't disappoint. Now, my poor Angels (oops on to baseball) may have to suffer through another name change, Anaheim Angels, California Angels, Los Angeles Angels?? What? That is redundant first of all, (translate it) and those boy are OC all the way! What is with this LA crap?! The Dodgerdogs are from LA (hate) and the Angels are so not. THe team has been established far too long for me to accept this change. I would hate to go back in history and instead of saying "I saw Nolan Ryan pitch a no hitter when I was a little girl when he was with Anaheim." I would have to say "I saw Nolan Ryan pitch a no hitter when he was with an LA team" ?? Never happened! The only reason that there aren't people out in the street protesting this is because there is rain here, big bad rain. Even God doesn't want his team's name changed! Oh..tangent much? I apologize. Go football!

    By Blogger lala, at 1/10/2005 1:09 PM  

  • I promise I won't talk about football anymore. I don't care anymore this year, honest.
    [/football chat from Steph]

    poor lala - sorry about the Angels. It could be worse. I have to wait 86 more years (should I live that long, which is probably doubtful) until my Sox win another world series considering the way they've managed to dismantle the team so that we will have absolutely no chance of winning this season.

    I miss hockey! =(

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 1/10/2005 1:15 PM  

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    By Blogger Heather, at 1/10/2005 1:33 PM  

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    By Blogger Heather, at 1/10/2005 1:41 PM  

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    By Blogger Heather, at 1/10/2005 1:41 PM  

  • woah- don't know what happened there, but it isn't allowing me to erase my multiple posts. Sorry about that. haha-

    By Blogger Heather, at 1/10/2005 1:46 PM  

  • Kimberly, I love the Colts even though i have never been anywhere near Indianapolis...i just like Peyton Manning.
    I have to choose a team to root for during the playoffs since the Cowboys didnt even make the playoffs!!(just remember they ruled the early 90s)
    Yes, Im a Dallas fan. I was raised to like them from birth or else my dad, grandfathers and uncles would have me committed. I should be liking the Houston Texans since they are closer to where im from but its all about the cowboys.

    anyway, i just thought i would put my two cents in since the topic of the day seems to be football...for this year anyway, Go Colts!

    By Blogger jenny, at 1/10/2005 1:52 PM  

  • yes, cheesesteaks and football seem to be the topic of the blog recently...and since I know Bren likes both I'm sure he wouldnt mind this...
    but I suppose I can write a funny story about swimming...oooo here's a funny one...ha ha i am giggling just thinking about it.

    okay, one of my best friends in highschool was an exchange student from venezuela...she ended up staying in the US for 3 years and graduating w/us. anyway, she wanted to join the swim team with us...she couldnt swim. well, doggy paddle, but she couldnt grasp the concept of breathing, and the stroke techniques.
    so my coach who was/is the best coach I ever had (props to Coach Matt!!) decided he didnt care if she was good or not, she was well liked, and had great team spirit and enthusiasm...so he put her in some B and C relays.
    The first relay she was in, she stopped halfway thru one lap, leaned on the lane line, took a mini-break, started swimming again, stopped again on her way back, made sure she waved to her friends in the bleachers, then finally finished.
    someone had to explain to her that she couldnt do that. she did it again in the next relay...
    so my mother, just kidding around, tells her "egda, see that guy over there wearing all white and holding a gun? if you stop again in the middle of the race, he will shoot you." bless her heart, she had no clue my mom was joking - egda's english wasnt that great...but it must have scared the crap out of her because she finished every relay race since, and ended up one of our best sprinters.

    By Blogger swimphilly78, at 1/10/2005 2:07 PM  

  • BAH! Heather, I deleted to top to posts and then you went and deleted the third. PML. Uh, can you repost? No way for me to undelete I'm afraid. Sorry about that.

    By Blogger Michelle, at 1/10/2005 2:24 PM  

  • Swimphilly... that was priceless... and such a nice story!
    I was telling lala yesterday (I think it was lala) how, despite the fact that I was (and am) slow as a turtle, I was a vital part of the Swimming Team of my club in Chile and never missed one event. The Coach (Rodrigo Banados, coach of the National Team too, like the E. Reese from Chile)used to say that I had a voice that could carry any swimmer to victory. Once oine of the guys won the race by an inch... so close. When he got out of the pool come to where we were and said "All I could hear was her (pointing at me) screaming".

    By Blogger Lena, at 1/10/2005 2:34 PM  

  • Oh thanks Michelle for helping me delete all the posts- it eventutally worked:)

    This was the post:
    swimphilly/verbal- I am headed down to Philly this weekend or next. So I will definitely need your input on where to get the best cheesesteak. I've been to a couple places, but I can't remember the names. You are lucky ladies to have such a delicacy in your city! As far as football... I am afraid that I have to stick with my N.E roots

    By Blogger Heather, at 1/10/2005 2:37 PM  

  • I was looking on the Fan Page section of the gallery..and is that Sarah Hughes who is with Bren? when did this take place?..just wonderin.

    By Blogger jenny, at 1/10/2005 3:00 PM  

  • Jenny - yes it is, and I believe it was taken at the Sports Illustrated Party in Athens. It's one of my favorite pictures of Brendan.

    By Blogger Michelle, at 1/10/2005 3:09 PM  

  • Swimphilly- I'm actually in my last semester at WVU, but my dad went to Pitt so I used to be a Pitt fan. However I'm definetly a Moutaineer fan now, altough I don't think we will beat Pitt in basketball. Thanks for the welcome Michelle, I'm glad I delurked!

    By Blogger JuiceWVU05, at 1/10/2005 5:27 PM  

  • I am a huge Pitt fan too and was so sad to hear about the break up of he and Anniston!! So so sad! ;) Yay for delurking!

    By Blogger lala, at 1/11/2005 2:17 AM  

  • I always liked the rivalry between WVU/Pitt. Both schools always had such a good times at those games!
    lala - I hear you about the other "Pitt" I love Jen Aniston...something tells me it wasnt about having a baby, but thats for another blog...

    ***OKAY Ladies - listen! Serious Brendan topic here!****
    One of my friends, I love her, but I almost slugged her...we were watching VH1, and Bob Giuney was on(the bachelor the one who lost alot of weight, then came back to his own show) anyway, she says to me "hey, he looks just like your friend Brendan, the swimmer!" AHHHHHHHH (this is also the girl who said Steph's McHottie looks like Ben Afleck... not a big Ben fan, but at least there I saw a little resemblance)

    please confirm with me ASAP that my friend is delussional and needs her eyes checked!!!

    By Blogger swimphilly78, at 1/11/2005 8:34 AM  

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    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 1/11/2005 8:55 AM  

  • thanks stephie! i knew it. good call on Jason lee btw.

    By Blogger swimphilly78, at 1/11/2005 8:59 AM  

  • WHOA! as a faithful Bachelor/Bachelorett viewer (I know, how sad am I?) I have to say THIS looks NOTHING like THIS Other than both having curls and blue eyes, they are vastly, vastly different. See the pics and compare for yourself. Bren = WAY HOT Bob = SO Not Hot!

    As for McHottie, I don't think he looks like Ben at all. If he looks like anyone famous, it's Jason Lee but only when he was sporting hunting scruff, and only when Jason Lee was in Chasing Amy. Otherwise, he is of his own unique hotness. ;)

    By Blogger Stephie Mc, at 1/11/2005 9:03 AM