The Kat House » Jarred Ball

Thursday Thoughts #4

chattiekat — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 00:07:17 +0000

Time for another Thursday Thoughts post! In bold, you’ll see some of the latest Google searches that brought readers to my blog – then my responses for each.

“What exactly is a soulmate?”

I wrote A Message for My Soulmate nearly three years ago. The post gives my definition of a soulmate as well as a personal message for my own. Hopefully one of these days he will read it.

“melatonin atypical cushings”

My dog Molly was diagnosed with an atypical form of Cushing’s Disease back in April. Her body produces an excess amount of estradiol, causing an assortment of serious medical problems. I am very fortunate to live in Knoxville, as The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine is the leading authority on this particular form of Cushing’s Disease. At this time, there is no “medication” to combat the disease. UTCVM recommends melatonin supplements and flaxseed oil with lignans to control the estradiol levels. As an alternative to oral supplements, melatonin is available as an implant. The implant is quickly and painlessly inserted under the skin, costs approximately $80, and lasts 4-6 months. Molly has the melatonin implant and takes Brevail for the flaxseed oil.

“Jarred Ball”

Regular readers of my blog know full well that I have a deep admiration for minor league baseball player Jarred Ball. Jarred played for the Tennessee Smokies for a couple of seasons before being transferred to the Mobile BayBears in 2007. He then moved from AA to AAA and is now a free agent. I hope to be watching him on ESPN next season! Jarred’s father, whom I am pleased to call a friend, is one of the most kind, caring men I’ve ever met.

“What do men consider sexy?”

Reader, I’ve been trying to figure this out for 35 years. If you find the answer, please let me know.

“Ralphie May nude”

If I never see this search again, it will be way too soon.

“Tish nude”

If you feel like gouging your own eyes out, take a peek.

Of Beauty, Spiders, and Men

chattiekat — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 18:28:10 +0000

While browsing through my Google search terms today, I realized that my blog is often accessed for advice on beauty, spiders, and men. I consider myself to be quite knowledgeable on beauty topics, but when it comes to spiders and men, I’m not so sure anyone should turn to me for advice.

I have decided, however, to share my views on a few of the recent searches that led readers to The Kat House.

“Has anyone did eyelash perm and how long?”

I’ve had my eyelashes permed several times, and I’ve been very pleased. When I mentioned an upcoming appointment on my blog a while back, there were lots of questions, so I decided to post a photo of my beautifully curled lashes. The entire procedure lasts about 45 minutes and the curl lasts about six weeks. If you’re in the Knoxville area, I recommend Belleza Salon and Spa.

Oh, and I can give great advice on grammar as well. Next time, ask for that.

“How to get rid of wolf spiders”

Get naked.

“What to say when dumping a man”

There’s really no need to say anything. He’ll dump you soon enough.

“Is he blowing me off?”

If you have to ask this question, then yes. He’s blowing you off. Move on.

“Does he love me? He gave me a toothbrush.”

I have only been given a toothbrush one time. The guy simultaneously asked me to move to another state for him, and in a temporary state of insanity, I agreed. I spent an unbelievable amount of time and effort preparing for the move, and before it was complete, he got cold feet and dumped me. So no, a toothbrush does not signify love. Consider it foreshadowing for the big dump that is likely to occur a short while later. Either that, or you have bad breath.

“Show me sexy men.”

Certainly. Here are a few sexy men who have been featured on my blog.

There you have it – my tips on beauty, spiders, and men. My advice is free – and worth every penny!

Highlight of the Evening

chattiekat — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 01:53:06 +0000

The highlight of my evening was getting to see my favorite baseball player, Jarred Ball. You may recall that Jarred used to play for the Tennessee Smokies, but this season he is with the Mobile BayBears. Tonight the Smokies went up against the BayBears, and like a #1 fan should be, I was there to take lots and lots of photos of Jarred!

*sigh*

I think I’m in love.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

chattiekat — Mon, 28 May 2007 23:16:50 +0000

Kevin and I went to our first baseball game of the season last night. Our Tennessee Smokies took on the Jacksonville Suns. As usual, I was there with camera in hand to catch a few special moments for my blog.

As you know, I’ve been on a very strict diet, so I just couldn’t resist getting one of these scrumptious chili dogs!

Good Lord in Heaven, it was so yummy! And seeing as though I had already blown the diet that evening, I went all out and got a Mountain Dew as well!

Kevin stayed true to tradition and got those damn barbecue nachos.

Here are a few other highlights from the evening.

We were fortunate enough to have an honorary commentator sitting right next to us. He gave the play by play loud enough for the entire stadium to hear, and he even coached the team on. I looked down to his feet, and it suddenly all made sense.

I observed a moment of silence when Rojas stepped up to bat.

Jarred Ball, my favorite baseball player, wore the number 20 when he played for the Smokies. He now plays for the Mobile BayBears. Life just hasn’t been the same since he left the team. Expect to see him on my blog in the coming weeks however, since Kevin and I will be seeing a BayBears game at some point this season.

It was a fantastic evening at Smokies Park. The only thing that would have made it better is having my photo taken with Diamond and Slugger.

10 Reasons Brico Might Be Jealous of Jarred Ball

chattiekat — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 00:04:00 +0000

When I mentioned to Brico that there’s a remote possibility that my favorite baseball player, Jarred Ball, may take a look at my blog, his response was this. “Tish, I need you to do me a favor. You remember that post you did entitled 10 Things I Love About Brico? I need you to put that on the very top of your blog – permanently.”

While at the Smokies game last night, I told Kevin about what Brico had said. We then put our heads together and speculated on just why Brico might be jealous of Jarred Ball. Behold, the fruits of our labor!

10 Reasons Brico Might Be Jealous of Jarred Ball

Jarred gets cheers when he hits balls. Brico gets an icepack and a limp when he hits balls.
Jarred lives in Texas, where real men live. Brico lives in South Carolina, where Mint Juleps live.
Street value of a Jarred Ball autograph: $50. Street value of a Brico autograph: You’re kidding, right?
Jarred hits home runs. Brico has yet to round 2nd Base.
Or maybe it’s 3rd. There was some drinking involved.
Actually, scratch that. Maybe these guys do have something in common.
Jarred was my fantasy until I met Brico, who has since become both my fantasy and my reality.

Maybe Brico isn’t the one who should be jealous.

*This post written in good fun. My apologies to anyone who may have been offended.

Random Acts of Kindness: Are They Really So Random?

chattiekat — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 05:18:00 +0000

Every now and then, I come across a caring, unselfish soul who reminds me that there is true goodness in this world. Last September, it was the guy at Dollywood who walked by and noticed my brother Jake and I taking photos of each other. He offered to take a photo of the both of us together. Call it my overly sensitive nature, but I was so touched by this man’s kindness.

I recently had another experience that is, without a doubt, the kindest thing a stranger has ever done for me.

Many of you have read my previous posts about my favorite baseball player, Jarred Ball of the Tennessee Smokies. I recently got an email from Jarred’s father, Randy. He had stumbled across some photos of his son that I had posted on my blog. He could have very well looked at them and then passed right on by, but he didn’t. He took time to send me a personal email, thanking me for being a fan. He also offered to send me a set of his son’s baseball cards!

Randy and I have been exchanging emails since that time. He informed me that Jarred was about to have shoulder surgery, and after the surgery, he sent email updates on his son’s condition. This man has been nothing short of a godsend. He has shown me that nice people really do exist, and that new friends, who are anything but random, have the most unusual ways of showing up in your life.

When I got back to Knoxville on Sunday evening, there sat a letter from Randy in my mailbox. Enclosed were three Minor League baseball cards of Jarred Ball – a 2003 South Bend Silver Hawks card, a 2003 Midwest League All-Star Game card, and a 2005 Tennessee Smokies card. All three had been autographed by Jarred. Being the fan that I am, it truly made my day. But what made me smile even more than the cards was the kindness of the man who sent them.

Randy, thank you for everything. I will always treasure your friendship. I hope that my random acts of kindness will someday have a similar impact on a stranger. And if I’m lucky, maybe I will find a new friend the way that you found me.

Let’s Play Ball!

chattiekat — Sun, 23 Apr 2006 08:04:00 +0000

Kevin and I went to our first Smokies game of the season on Saturday night. Unfortunately, the Smokies lost 6-5 to the Carolina Mudcats. Here are a few highlights from the evening.

My first chili dog of the season

I don’t know who this is, but he was impersonating my boy Jarred Ball in the pre-game warmup. Jarred is #20, but this is certainly not Jarred. Jarred or not, he still looks great in those pants!

My first Mountain Dew of the season

There’s never a dull moment at Smokies Park!

Kevin gets these disgusting barbeque nachos at every game!

The real Jarred Ball *sigh*

I just couldn’t resist taking a photo of this giant hotdog!

We interrupt this blog post to bring you this important message.

The fifth inning munchies

See, I told you Kevin was weird!

Awww…

Things I Love Thursday #2

chattiekat — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 08:36:00 +0000

I love Minor League Baseball! Kev and I went to countless Smokies games last season, and we just got our tickets for the first game we’ll be attending this season – on April 22nd. Here are a few photos from last season to show you some of the many reasons I love MiLB.

1. Spending time with friends

2. Designated Hitter Jarred Ball

3. Chili dogs

4. On-field antics

5. The sport itself

6. The home team wins!