World Cup 101

With the beginning of the World Cup there is always the same argument - why should I care about soccer? 

Well, I'd like to clarify why you should, in fact, care about soccer. 

1. Because like, le duh, 'MERICA 
2. The sport exist in over 200 countries, the U.S. included, so let's get with the times. 
3. It only happens every four years, you can spare a month. 

     Now I know being in South where we only care about the "real football" there is quite a bit of confusion on the rules of the game. For starters there are eleven players on the field (aka, the pitch) including the goalie. Besides the goalie, other positions include - strikers/forwards, defenders, and midfielders. 

     A standard game consists of two 45 minute periods with a 15 minute halftime in between. There is usually added time at the end of the second period to make up for the running clock during penalties and injuries. 

     One of the most exciting parts of the game to me is if the game ends in a tie. This will lead to a penalty shootout to decide the winner. Five players from each team will kick one-on-one with the goalie from the opposing team into the same goal. The most goals at the end wins the game. 

     

 Some other basic knowledge:

• Throw in- whichever team causes the ball to go out of bounds, the other team gets to throw it back in
• Goal Kick - if the ball crosses the goal line without scoring a goal and the ball was touched by a player of the attacking team; the ball is given to the defending team
• Corner Kick - if the ball crosses the goal line without scoring a goal and the ball was touched by a player of the defending team; the ball is given to the attacking team
• Indirect Free Kick - awarded to the team the fouled team. A goal may not be scored without touching another player after this kick                  
• Direct Free Kick -awarded to the fouled team, a goal may be scored directly from this kick
• Penalty Kick - awarded to the fouled team, a direct free kick that happens inside the penalty area    (goal box)
• Yellow Card - penalty card for misconduct; caution or warning 
• Red Card - penalty card for misconduct; dismissal from the game 

Stay Sassy - A. 

(Photos courtesy of FIFA) 

Puppy Tips From A New Pup Mom

      So my last post stirred up some interest, as in my mother was less than thrilled. While that's disappointing I cannot help but be proud, because for the first time my blog got over 100 views. 449 views to be exact, so thank you.

      As the semester ended and my life in Auburn got a little less busy I frantically searched for a summer job. After finding an ideal summer job I began BEGGING for a dog. I have no boyfriend, no roommate, I'm practically destitute and alone. I NEEDED a dog- this argument continued for days until my parents grew tired of hearing me talk about it conceded to my argument.
      I set some limits for myself like 1. no puppies 2. a medium sized breed 3. house trained - Well it's safe to say I didn't follow any of those and I ended up with my wonderful puppy Mr. Banks. Now, as much as I love him and have probably already spoiled him I do admit to getting myself into quite a tiring and time consuming situation.
     I've comprised 7 puppy tips for people who are contemplating getting a puppy to consider from my point of view.

1. Put anything and everything you don't want chewed on high enough that it cannot be reached by your new four-legged friend. 
2. Get them on a schedule, for all things will revolve around their nap time. 
3. Go ahead and get comfortable with yelling. You're going to be doing a lot of that. 
4. Don't be afraid to hurt the pups feelings, it's a necessary evil. 
5. If you give them an old pair of shoes to chew on, they will most likely chew on all shoes. 
6. Start discipline early. Just because it's cute when they're little doesn't mean it'll still be cute when they're older. 

Last but certainly not least… 

    

       7.   Love your puppy. The more love you show him or her the more love they'll show you. 

Stay Sassy - A.