In honor of the baseball season beginning, I give you a quote from the great Babe Ruth!
"I have only one superstition. I touch all the bases when I hit a home run. "
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! FINALLY!!!!!!!!!
When I got home last night, there was a FedEx slip waiting for me. I rushed up to Skokie after my workout last night in hope that my irons had finally arrived. I was right! My irons after many weeks have finally arrived. I should not be too excited though. Last night it was was snizzling outside (snow/drizzle - i heart snopp). Today it was freezing out waiting for the train. Luckily, my gym has an indoor golf area. Looks like I may check it out on Saturday.
Tiger Woods look out! Actually, anyone on the golf course should look out. I never know where the ball is going to go...
Tiger Woods look out! Actually, anyone on the golf course should look out. I never know where the ball is going to go...
Dear Hamstrings, Quads, and Glutes
I am so sorry for our fight. I understand that 100 squats in a day is not the best idea. I aslo understand that doing lunges and deadlifts the next day, regardless of the weight or lack thereof, was not the best idea. But do not give up on me. Falling back into bed this morning was a rude awakening for me. I promise I will take better care of you in the future.
Your friend,
Andy
Your friend,
Andy
Thursday, March 27, 2008
NCAA Tournament!
A co-worker of mine, Squire, told me you can print off any NCAA bracket ever from espn.com. Well, I jumped on that like white on rice! Please find below two very important brackets in Loyola - Chicago history. The first one is the 1963 bracket. If you notice, the only close game was the championship and their average margin of victory was 23 points.
Here is another great one. LU rolled to the sweet 16 but were knocked out by a great team in Georgetown. It is hard to have an answer Patrick Ewing. It took Villanova shooting over 70% from the field to beat them by 2.
In both brackets, KY is the site of the finals. Anyway, I thought these were very cool!
If anyone else wants to check out other brackets (not sure why you would), here is the link.
Here is another great one. LU rolled to the sweet 16 but were knocked out by a great team in Georgetown. It is hard to have an answer Patrick Ewing. It took Villanova shooting over 70% from the field to beat them by 2.
In both brackets, KY is the site of the finals. Anyway, I thought these were very cool!
If anyone else wants to check out other brackets (not sure why you would), here is the link.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Chris Paul - MVP
If Chris Paul does not win MVP this year, they should take away BOTH MVP trophies that Steve Nash won. Paul is putting together maybe the greatest year a point guard has ever had. If this guy played in New York, he would maybe be in the hall of fame already. Here is an except from Sport's guy:
Paul is ridiculously, overwhelmingly, incomprehensibly good. Look at his numbers since the All-Star Break: 25 points, 12 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 55 percent shooting, 49 percent on threes and an astonishing 6-to-1 assist/turnover ratio in 18 games ... and that doesn't even account for all the passes he makes that lead to foul shots. You can't play point guard any better than that. It's impossible. Other than that, you'd have to go with their foul shooting in close games -- Peja's at 94 percent, Paul and West are in the mid-80s, and every guy in their rotation is 80 percent or above except Tyson Chandler.
This team would not even be .500 right now if it wasn't for him and they are the one seed right now?!?
He is playing at a higher level than Steve Nash ever did. He somehow won the MVP twice!!!
Paul is ridiculously, overwhelmingly, incomprehensibly good. Look at his numbers since the All-Star Break: 25 points, 12 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 55 percent shooting, 49 percent on threes and an astonishing 6-to-1 assist/turnover ratio in 18 games ... and that doesn't even account for all the passes he makes that lead to foul shots. You can't play point guard any better than that. It's impossible. Other than that, you'd have to go with their foul shooting in close games -- Peja's at 94 percent, Paul and West are in the mid-80s, and every guy in their rotation is 80 percent or above except Tyson Chandler.
This team would not even be .500 right now if it wasn't for him and they are the one seed right now?!?
He is playing at a higher level than Steve Nash ever did. He somehow won the MVP twice!!!
Operation Fat Loss
As you can see on the side of the board, my weight is at 229. I did also check my waist line and it is still at 36 inches on the nose. I really am not too worried about the number but starting this Sunday I am starting a pretty intense fat loss workout regimine. It is 12 weeks long and will be tough. As we all know, nutrition is 90% of losing fat. It is time for me to start eating more healthy.
I am going to take pictures periodically to keep tabs on my progress. Rest easy. There is no chance of me posting them on this site.
I am going to take pictures periodically to keep tabs on my progress. Rest easy. There is no chance of me posting them on this site.
No shoes, no shirt, no problem
I just wanted to give a quick happy birthday to Kenny Chesney. He turns 40 today.
I will celebrate his birthday with him a little later in the year when I see him at Soldier Field...
I will celebrate his birthday with him a little later in the year when I see him at Soldier Field...
Monday, March 24, 2008
Go Hawks! Back where they belong!
Congratulations to the Iowa Hawkeyes for winning the 2008 NCAA wrestling championship. They destroyed the competition. They won by a total of 38.5 points. They ended up with 117.5 pts overall. It is their first championship since 2001.
Tom Brands, who won coach of the year, has brought Iowa wrestling back to where it belongs...on top! He brings with him a fire and intensity. He wants his wrestlers to attack at all times and they did just that. It was awesome to watch. Also, I would like to give a shout out to Brent Metcalf. He was a man amongst boys out there. He dominated the opponents and won the NCAA championship for the 149 lb weight class.
I have a feeling under Brands Iowa is going to make Gable like run at these championships!
Tom Brands, who won coach of the year, has brought Iowa wrestling back to where it belongs...on top! He brings with him a fire and intensity. He wants his wrestlers to attack at all times and they did just that. It was awesome to watch. Also, I would like to give a shout out to Brent Metcalf. He was a man amongst boys out there. He dominated the opponents and won the NCAA championship for the 149 lb weight class.
I have a feeling under Brands Iowa is going to make Gable like run at these championships!
Jason Elam
I found out Saturday night that Jason Elam is now a Falcon. It pains me to write this. Elam has been in Denver for 15 years. The only player in Bronco history to play more years was Elway (16 years). Altanta is giving him 5.11m over two years guaranteed (four year total contract) and devner was offering 2m for one year (three year contract).
Elam grew up in Snellville, GA. He is literally going home to end his career. Good for him. I wish him nothing but the best. It will be so weird seeing him in a jersey other than the Broncos. Next stop for him will be Canton.
Tom Nalen is still on the team (not for too much longer). Rod Smith was hurt all last year and will probably retire but his wheels are gone. Those two are the last players with superbowl rings from superbowl 33.
For winning back to back championships, I give the Broncos 10 years without criticism. This is year number 10. Shannahan needs to spread the responsibility around and stop spreading himself too thin. Until he does this, the Broncos will not be doing much.
Elam grew up in Snellville, GA. He is literally going home to end his career. Good for him. I wish him nothing but the best. It will be so weird seeing him in a jersey other than the Broncos. Next stop for him will be Canton.
Tom Nalen is still on the team (not for too much longer). Rod Smith was hurt all last year and will probably retire but his wheels are gone. Those two are the last players with superbowl rings from superbowl 33.
For winning back to back championships, I give the Broncos 10 years without criticism. This is year number 10. Shannahan needs to spread the responsibility around and stop spreading himself too thin. Until he does this, the Broncos will not be doing much.
Weekend in Review
Sorry for not too many post over the last five days. I have been pretty sick. If you read my wife's blog, this should not come as a surprise to you. She was sick early last week and decided to share it with me.
Anyway, I pre-bowled for Sunday night league and shot a 231 my last game and had a 541 series. Not too bad for me.
Easter was a lot of fun at my brothers. I walked into his house early with a bottle of silly string and just nailed both of my nephews with it. They were in a state of shock. They did not know what to do. I then handed them both a bottle and we went outside to have a war. 10 min later I was covered in silly string. It was a great idea by Michelle. My brother has guitar hero for PS2. A lot of the family ended up playing that all afternoon at his house. Fun times!
As for the NCAA tourney, I was sad to see Georgetown lose (my fellow jesuits) and Butler lose. Hopefully Xavier can keep representing the jesuits!
There are two items that I need to blog about seperately: Iowa wrestling and Jason Elam.
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Anyway, I pre-bowled for Sunday night league and shot a 231 my last game and had a 541 series. Not too bad for me.
Easter was a lot of fun at my brothers. I walked into his house early with a bottle of silly string and just nailed both of my nephews with it. They were in a state of shock. They did not know what to do. I then handed them both a bottle and we went outside to have a war. 10 min later I was covered in silly string. It was a great idea by Michelle. My brother has guitar hero for PS2. A lot of the family ended up playing that all afternoon at his house. Fun times!
As for the NCAA tourney, I was sad to see Georgetown lose (my fellow jesuits) and Butler lose. Hopefully Xavier can keep representing the jesuits!
There are two items that I need to blog about seperately: Iowa wrestling and Jason Elam.
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
2008 CBI! The real tournament!
CBI or college basketball invitational started yesterday. NCAA - please - overhyped. NIT - more lame big conference schools. What you need to be watching is the inaugural college basketball invitational.
Only 16 teams are invited to the EXCLUSIVE tourney. Valpo is one of those teams and I see them running the table! The Horizon league is just too tough.
In all seriousness, one aspect of this tournament that I really do like is the fact that the championship game is not a game but rather a best of three series.
Go Horizon League!
P.S. I must give credit where credit is due. Thanks Nelson for telling me about this underhyped tournament!
Only 16 teams are invited to the EXCLUSIVE tourney. Valpo is one of those teams and I see them running the table! The Horizon league is just too tough.
In all seriousness, one aspect of this tournament that I really do like is the fact that the championship game is not a game but rather a best of three series.
Go Horizon League!
P.S. I must give credit where credit is due. Thanks Nelson for telling me about this underhyped tournament!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Welcome to your 30s!
Happy birthday Fubar! And welcome to the dark side! It is down hill from here...trust me. Your invincibility will be tested.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Top 5 NES games of all time!
So, last night I was talking with Fubar about Legend of Zelda. Now, I am a nintendo guy. I have been and will be for life. In fact, the only game systems I own are Nintendo. I have a working original nintendo and a nintendo Wii. Those are all I need! Okay, now back to my point. A lot of people love Zelda and it will be number one or at a minimum in their top 5. For me, it was a great game but will not land in my top 5. Here are my top 5.
1. Tecmo super bowl - the greatest video game of all time.
2. Contra - This is very close to #1 for me. This game is awesome. Myself and a good friend from college beat the game without anyone dying. My Contra skills are amazing. This game never gets old. Never.
3. Baseball Stars - This baseball game was the first game where you could create your own team. You could buy free agents and/or put money into your own team.
4. Mega Man 2 - Another game that never gets old. There were like 8 mega man games but two was the best.
5. Super mario brothers 3 - There has to be a SMB game on this list and I find three to be the best. I mean you can fly in this one!
For those of you who do not play video games, this must have been the most boring blog ever!
1. Tecmo super bowl - the greatest video game of all time.
2. Contra - This is very close to #1 for me. This game is awesome. Myself and a good friend from college beat the game without anyone dying. My Contra skills are amazing. This game never gets old. Never.
3. Baseball Stars - This baseball game was the first game where you could create your own team. You could buy free agents and/or put money into your own team.
4. Mega Man 2 - Another game that never gets old. There were like 8 mega man games but two was the best.
5. Super mario brothers 3 - There has to be a SMB game on this list and I find three to be the best. I mean you can fly in this one!
For those of you who do not play video games, this must have been the most boring blog ever!
483
So, Sunday night bowling has turned around a little. I shot a 483, averaging a 161. We only won one game but we also won series.
Of course, I then find out that not only did my brother bowl a 600 series on Thursday but my dad did too!!! Clearly, I have a lot of work ahead of me.
Of course, I then find out that not only did my brother bowl a 600 series on Thursday but my dad did too!!! Clearly, I have a lot of work ahead of me.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Steak Knights!
Well, today is going to be a very fun day. Not only is Fubar having his bar crawl for his 33rd birthday (I do not believe he is only 30) but we are having our quarterly steak knights dinner.
What is steak knights? Well, I am glad you asked. Basically, a bunch of the guys that went to LU came up with the idea that once every three months we should get together for a guys' night out. We pick a steak place, have a few scotches or whiskeys and make an evening out of it. It is usually a ton of fun. The list of people invited is not just LU guys but basically a group of guys everyone knows. Anyway, we are going tonight to Saloon Steakhouse.
My goal is to leave work a little early, go celebrate with Fubar a little while, have some steak and then meet Fubar again for some more celebrating.
It should be a good day!
What is steak knights? Well, I am glad you asked. Basically, a bunch of the guys that went to LU came up with the idea that once every three months we should get together for a guys' night out. We pick a steak place, have a few scotches or whiskeys and make an evening out of it. It is usually a ton of fun. The list of people invited is not just LU guys but basically a group of guys everyone knows. Anyway, we are going tonight to Saloon Steakhouse.
My goal is to leave work a little early, go celebrate with Fubar a little while, have some steak and then meet Fubar again for some more celebrating.
It should be a good day!
20% down
We are now 20% through the year. Actually as of the end of day yesterday, we are 20% through. So think of any goals you made at the beginning of the year. Are you 20% there?
I am happy to report that by yesterday I had to be 30 workouts in for the year and I am actually at 35. I am glad I have a cushion because I am not going anywhere near a gym over the next three days.
I am happy to report that by yesterday I had to be 30 workouts in for the year and I am actually at 35. I am glad I have a cushion because I am not going anywhere near a gym over the next three days.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Basketball
So, last night I played basketball in what was probably the first time in over three years. Murph for months has been organizing basketball games on Wednesday. They rent out a court over at Hamlin. It is really cheap and they usually have 9-12 people. Last night they were running low on people and my workout buddy told me he could not lift. So I decided to play some ball.
Overall, I had a good time. It was pathetic how rusty my basketball insticts were. I was never a good basketball player by any stretch of the imagination but the little things were slipping from me. I was not cutting fast enough on pick and rolls, I caught myself multiple times standing around watching the offense work. We won't even get into my shooting touch or lack thereof!
Anyway, it was fun and I will probably do it a little more going forward!
Overall, I had a good time. It was pathetic how rusty my basketball insticts were. I was never a good basketball player by any stretch of the imagination but the little things were slipping from me. I was not cutting fast enough on pick and rolls, I caught myself multiple times standing around watching the offense work. We won't even get into my shooting touch or lack thereof!
Anyway, it was fun and I will probably do it a little more going forward!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Mass Confusion!
Dear Funk, Ploth and Fubar,
I would like to take this time to apologize to you. My bowling on Sunday nights has been flat out horrible. I just do not understand. I barely broke 400 last Sunday and I had a 393 two weeks before that. I just do not have any explanation for you. So please do not be angry when I tell you that I bowled a 556 last night in the Tuesday night league. Yes, this is the same league where I average 23 to 25 more pins than I do on Sundays. Do not be angry when I tell you that two of my games came out to 399, better than my series two weeks ago (191, 157, 208). I hate to say this but I should have bowled better than I did. I missed some really easy spares. I wish I could explain it but I am left dumbfounded. All I can do it hope you accept my apology.
Yours Truly,
AJR
I would like to take this time to apologize to you. My bowling on Sunday nights has been flat out horrible. I just do not understand. I barely broke 400 last Sunday and I had a 393 two weeks before that. I just do not have any explanation for you. So please do not be angry when I tell you that I bowled a 556 last night in the Tuesday night league. Yes, this is the same league where I average 23 to 25 more pins than I do on Sundays. Do not be angry when I tell you that two of my games came out to 399, better than my series two weeks ago (191, 157, 208). I hate to say this but I should have bowled better than I did. I missed some really easy spares. I wish I could explain it but I am left dumbfounded. All I can do it hope you accept my apology.
Yours Truly,
AJR
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Birthdays
I wanted to give a big happy belated birthday to my Grandma who turned 85 this Sunday. Despite not hearing or seeing that well, she is quite funny. I hope she makes it to triple digits!
Also, on a much lesser note, happy birthday to Jason Elam! His birthday was on Saturday. He turned 38. How he is the first successful kicker in Bronco history is beyond me. You would think that a city a mile in the air would have a history of good kickers. They do not. Anyway, Elam is more than likely a hall of famer and one of the only players left from the championship teams.
Also, on a much lesser note, happy birthday to Jason Elam! His birthday was on Saturday. He turned 38. How he is the first successful kicker in Bronco history is beyond me. You would think that a city a mile in the air would have a history of good kickers. They do not. Anyway, Elam is more than likely a hall of famer and one of the only players left from the championship teams.
Weekend in review: Movies, Beer and Bad Bowling
So, this weekend entailed watching movies, drinking some beer and bowling...poorly. Kathryn was in town and Michelle, Kathryn and myself spent the weekend basically at home.
Movies:
We watched three movies this weekend. Two were at home and one was at the Theater.
Mr. Brooks - Watched this Friday night. I liked this movie. I thought Kevin Costner did a great job in this movie. I highly recommend it.
Charlie Wilson's War - We went to theater on Saturday. I liked this movie as well. Mr. Brooks was better to me though.
Feast of Love - Chick flick that we watched on Sunday. Shockingly, there was a lot of sex in this movie. About a scene every 10 minutes. I thought the movie was okay but a little strange.
Beer:
On Friday night, I had the last 5 beers from my beer around the world that I had as a gift from Michelle's parents. I will write up about that a little later.
On Saturday night, Ploth and Stacia came over and we watched the Duke/NC game and played some Wii. Well, we decided the theme would be "around the world in 8 beers". Michelle described the idea on her blog. It was a lot of fun. The Tazmanian beer was my favorite.
On Sunday, I decided to have a few before bowling and also drank during bowling.
Bowling:
I think I need to apologize to my Sunday night team. I am not sure why I am bowling so bad on Sunday. I have a 162 average on Tuesday and a 143 on Sunday (soon to be 140). I can not do anything right. It really is my fault we are losing so many games. I have a lot of work to do in the offseason. I think I bowled a 404 or something like that. Not good.
Movies:
We watched three movies this weekend. Two were at home and one was at the Theater.
Mr. Brooks - Watched this Friday night. I liked this movie. I thought Kevin Costner did a great job in this movie. I highly recommend it.
Charlie Wilson's War - We went to theater on Saturday. I liked this movie as well. Mr. Brooks was better to me though.
Feast of Love - Chick flick that we watched on Sunday. Shockingly, there was a lot of sex in this movie. About a scene every 10 minutes. I thought the movie was okay but a little strange.
Beer:
On Friday night, I had the last 5 beers from my beer around the world that I had as a gift from Michelle's parents. I will write up about that a little later.
On Saturday night, Ploth and Stacia came over and we watched the Duke/NC game and played some Wii. Well, we decided the theme would be "around the world in 8 beers". Michelle described the idea on her blog. It was a lot of fun. The Tazmanian beer was my favorite.
On Sunday, I decided to have a few before bowling and also drank during bowling.
Bowling:
I think I need to apologize to my Sunday night team. I am not sure why I am bowling so bad on Sunday. I have a 162 average on Tuesday and a 143 on Sunday (soon to be 140). I can not do anything right. It really is my fault we are losing so many games. I have a lot of work to do in the offseason. I think I bowled a 404 or something like that. Not good.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Friday Round Up
Well, the weekend is here and it came fast! Of course, I only had a three day work week...
Some random thoughts.
1. Rocky IV won the favorite Rocky of all time! That really was not too shocking to me. I was more shocked that THREE people said Rocky movies are lame! SERIOUSLY!
2. Did you know the original Colorado Rockies team was an NHL team that moved to become the New Jersey Devils? Shocking...i know.
3. Ed Hightower...uh Bubba Smith played most of his career with the Baltimore Colts.
4. I am looking forward to a weekend of little planned and some good old fashioned R&R. Of course I am going to a bar tomorrow morning at 9 am to watch Liverpool.
5. What LeBron did to NY earlier in the week was insane. And the fact that he told Spike he was going to get 50 when he only had 37 pts with 7 min to go...wow. Of course he missed the triple double by just two boards. Just wow. I can not even imagine what it is like to be that good at anything!
6. My Sunday night bowling is going to turn around this weekend. It is a guarantee!
7. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Peace!
Some random thoughts.
1. Rocky IV won the favorite Rocky of all time! That really was not too shocking to me. I was more shocked that THREE people said Rocky movies are lame! SERIOUSLY!
2. Did you know the original Colorado Rockies team was an NHL team that moved to become the New Jersey Devils? Shocking...i know.
3. Ed Hightower...uh Bubba Smith played most of his career with the Baltimore Colts.
4. I am looking forward to a weekend of little planned and some good old fashioned R&R. Of course I am going to a bar tomorrow morning at 9 am to watch Liverpool.
5. What LeBron did to NY earlier in the week was insane. And the fact that he told Spike he was going to get 50 when he only had 37 pts with 7 min to go...wow. Of course he missed the triple double by just two boards. Just wow. I can not even imagine what it is like to be that good at anything!
6. My Sunday night bowling is going to turn around this weekend. It is a guarantee!
7. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Peace!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
ABQ round up
I have never been to New Mexico before so here are my thoughts.
1. ABQ is a higher altitude than Denver and has the same variances in weather. It was 73 on Saturday and 45 on Sunday. In fact, when we left the bowling alley on Sunday night at 1 am, there was SNOW on our cars. Really??? Thanks! It was just as cold on Monday.
2. The town is very spread out. I guess that is to be expected in desert...
3. The casinos are okay. Actually, I hated them despite walking away a winner. You are not allowed to drink at the tables...only in the bar area!?! However, you can smoke at the tables but not in the bar area. That is ridiculous.
4. The food I had was decent. The prices for drinks and food were great (of course I am comparing to Chicago).
5. Overall, it was a good trip.
1. ABQ is a higher altitude than Denver and has the same variances in weather. It was 73 on Saturday and 45 on Sunday. In fact, when we left the bowling alley on Sunday night at 1 am, there was SNOW on our cars. Really??? Thanks! It was just as cold on Monday.
2. The town is very spread out. I guess that is to be expected in desert...
3. The casinos are okay. Actually, I hated them despite walking away a winner. You are not allowed to drink at the tables...only in the bar area!?! However, you can smoke at the tables but not in the bar area. That is ridiculous.
4. The food I had was decent. The prices for drinks and food were great (of course I am comparing to Chicago).
5. Overall, it was a good trip.
Bowling Scores - 500, 432, 398...yikes
While ABQ was a lot of fun, the bowling left a little to be desired. I should have had a better series in team (500) than what I ended with. I got tired by the last game and overheated. In my defense, we did finish at 12:30 am. I did beat my aunt karen, jeremy and my brother in the team event. That may never happen again and it was not good for the team considering jeremy and my brother are on my team!
432/398. Well, lets just say buying a new ball and using it on the same day is not a good idea. Plus, I was getting pointers and trying to adjust. It ended ugly. Craig had a nice series for singles. That was fun to watch.
Most people bowl about 15-20 pins below average at this tourney. So I can not be too displeased. My goal next year is to break 1500 pins between the three series. I know it can be done.
432/398. Well, lets just say buying a new ball and using it on the same day is not a good idea. Plus, I was getting pointers and trying to adjust. It ended ugly. Craig had a nice series for singles. That was fun to watch.
Most people bowl about 15-20 pins below average at this tourney. So I can not be too displeased. My goal next year is to break 1500 pins between the three series. I know it can be done.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
On a cold winter's evening, on a train bound for ABQ...
Hello everyone!
This is a continuous blog of my consciousness. I got into some crazy arguments and I am typing this blog up at 11:10 pm (3 out of 5 people are trying to go to sleep). It will start off really boring (and probably end that way). Enjoy!
2:45: standing in line…the gates feel like I am in a very small airport. I have to say I am pretty stoked!
Sidenote: I carried two bowling balls, 5 to 6 two liters of liquid, a computer bad full of books and a rolling bag to the train station. I was wearing a fleece and that was to much! I was sweating…not like I am going to wear these clothes for the next 24 hours…
3:05: We get on the train. It is Uncle Mike, Aunt Karen, Mike's friend Dave, his wife Joanne, and me.
Karen talked to the conductor. We have 6 seats next to each other. I have two…WAY TO GO KAREN!
`The space in these seats is amazing. First class in a plane is the best analogy. I think it has a little more space than that. I will have no problem sleeping in this seat. FYI - ceiling in this….6'6".
3:07: Karen announces that we may have a problem because she sleeps naked…uh oh…is it time to start drinking????....not yet.
3:15: Train leaves ON TIME!!!!!!! No smoking on the train…ever…AND the first smoke break is in Iowa. Somewhere Funk is shaking his head in disapproval.
3:26: Mike asks "Are we there yet?"…it’s a new record!
I am itching to start digging into BP08. This blog is going to get boring fast. Why do I have a feeling people are going to fast forward to when I start drinking??? (5 pm)
3:38: My aunt who is sitting 2 feet in front of me calls me on my cell. Asks me if I want to meet up for a drink later….ummm, YEAH!
3:40: open BP08! Turn to Tampa Bay. They predict 89 wins. That is a little crazy considering that they won 66 games last year….wow
3:48: First stop…here already??? I am not even through one chapter of BP08
3:56: There is a crying baby in the car…uh oh.
4:05: I am sold on Tampa Bay. I need to check the over/under on wins. No way anyone has them above .500 and they will be. Any other division besides AL central and east and they will fight for first.
4:07: We made reservations for dinner at 5:45 in the dinning car. 5:45…I am travelling with "more experienced" people.
4:08: We are stopped. Freight train is using the track. Oh well. I am going no where! The baby has stopped crying.
4:10: Mets at 95 wins. Twins at 71 wins. Johan is that good.
4:15 Train is moving again.
4:48: Ripped through Mets and Yanks. Both have really good teams. Time for a nap before dinner. Who is old now???
4:58: Screw the nap! This is the most boring blog ever!!! Time to make a drink. It is 5 o'clock somewhere.
P.S. I am listening to 'Go West' by B&D right now (love that song). I am listening Kix! I am heading west!
5:06: Yum, a warm 7/7, poor man's gangster. If I finish the two liter of 7up before the 750ml, I will be ashamed of myself. I should be feeling good for dinner. A lot of flat land out my window! Shocking! I know!
5:20: Princeton, IL. Where? Whatever. I am playing some Operation Contra on Gameboy advance (an old school gameboy game). We will get into my thoughts on Contra a little later. Drink is working! YEAH! B&D is still rocking.
I am pretty sure no one is still reading…I wouldn't be.
5:30: Just got off the phone with Michelle. She is going to Flat top for dinner. I am jealous! You know the beauty of a warm drink. There is no time table around drinking. It is already warm! (I think the drink is affecting me more than I know)
5:36: I just took a sweet pic of the sunset. Mike and Karen approved.
5:45: Heading to dinner.
7:16: Holy smokes! Really, 7:16! We just got done with dinner. I had two orders of chicken wings and a glass of red wine (the beer selection was not to my liking). Let me explain. Karen/Mike/Joanne/Dave all sat at one table. I sat across from them by myself. However, they sat a guy with me, Kirk, the black Jew. Actually, he was a pretty intelligent guy and we had great conversation the whole time. He wants to meet for breakfast.
7:30: Tried calling Smitty while I was in Iowa. Lost the call. There is only one cell tower in Iowa. Somewhere in Iowa right now Tom Brands is punishing his wrestlers. AWESOME! Go Hawks!
7:42: I just said "When we land in Kansas City…"
8:17: Called Smitty again. Left him a message. We are in a station, La Plata, MO, ten min behind. I have been sitting here with Karen BS-ing. She said the George Strait is as good on a train as in a hot tub. I think he is good every where! She will figure it out eventually.
8:50: Karen makes fun of Mike for printing out itineraries and maps highlighted with out route but she is the one using them!
9:10: Karen just showed me the ticket she keeps from my graduation from college (the golden years…hahaha), May 15, 1999.
10:30 Roll into Kansas City. I would just like to say: GO BRONCOS! I gave a Mile high salute. Try to call Zavada. I do not have his number. Yes, these are drunk dialings… I am feeling good.
10:41: I just got into a huge argument with Karen. We are discussing intelligence and people's ability to become intelligent.
10:49: In the same argument.
10:50: I can't reason with illogical arguments. I am not sober either.
10:51: A person told us to keep it down. This ends the discussion.
11:02: 3 out of 5 people are trying to sleep. My belt feels tight…uh oh.
11:35: Broke the seal. Yes, the last time I went to the bathroom was at 2 pm. It's a gift. What can I say?
11:37: Back to the seat. Everyone is asleep. Well, I think Mike just has his eyes closed. He is reading a book.
11:30-12:00: Start typing the blog
12:15: I go to sleep.
7:30am (CT): I wake up. Karen informs me that going to sleep and passing out are two different things. Maybe but they end in the same result.
6:40 am (MT): I am making the switch. I head to the washroom and take a pic from the observational car. There is nothing but flat farm land in our view. Shocking! I know!
6:45am: Let me give you a few dos and donts. Do pack a blanket. It gets cold at night. Do wear socks. Your feet will get cold. Pack a pillow. I slept okay but I was freezing. I used my fleece as a blanket. I had my feet in one sleeve and pulled that puppy as far as it would go up. Then in the middle of the night. I put my feet in my backpack, zipped it up and used my fleece for over my head. That worked better!
7:00- 7:30: Finished typing up the blog.
7:32am: Arrive at Lamar, CO. CO baby! I heart the Broncos. I just saw a few Coors Light signs!
7:37am: A few more notes. I did not play any cards yesterday and neither did Karen. Mike and Dave played cribbage. Really? Neither Karen nor I played cards? That is changing today! Also, we never met for a drink in the lounge. I had plenty at my seat.
7:40: I definitely have more 7up left than Seagrams… I think I am going to play some more Contra and listen to some music.
7:49: I just got off the phone with Smitty. He has been up since 5:30am. Really? Kids…
7:52: looking for my gameboy…uh oh.
7:54: Found it! It was with my booze…To alcohol: the cause of and solution to all of life's problems!
8:31: Train just left La Junta, CO. It was a 15 min stop. I went outside in a t-shirt and jeans and was a little warm! YESSSS! Rumor has it that when we take a left to head to NM, you can see Pike's peak on a clear day. It is 100 miles away.
8:33: Took the left turn. Did not see the peak. It was a little cloudy.I am mistaken. I see it now. 100 miles away is not that far.
8:38: They just mentioned Albuquerque. Wow. 7 hours away…
8:55: Going to play some cards! YESSSSSSSS!!!
9:00: Karen, Mike, Dave and I headed to the lounge car. We sat a booth and played some Euchre. Mike has never played but he caught on quickly even though he does not think so.
10:25: Got my first loner of the day. Actually it was the first loner for anyone. Mike is playing well and I hope he plays at Thanksgiving.
10:28: Still playing cards. We went through a tunnel. It only lasted a few minutes but…
10:30: Karen gets an upset stomach panicking about the tunnel. Mike was talking about it collapsing…
10:31: Through the tunnel. WOOHOO!
10:44: I told Karen to pick up the Jack. I hardly ever do it and most of the time I usually do not even look at my cards before passing. Well, I had the other jack, ace, King and nine of trump with an off ace. We got the point.
11:00: Dave and I defeat Karen and Mike 10-5. It was the only game we actually played. For the first 90 minutes, we just kept playing hands. I really enjoyed it.
11:05: I call Michelle to see how here day is going. We talk for about 10 min before the phone started going out.
11:15: Head to the snack bar and buy a bratwurst and a diet pepsi. I took it back to my seat. It was good. The bun was okay. I also ate the rest of my beef jerky. Lunch of champions!
11:35: I just finished lunch and updating my journal. I am not sure if I am going to drink today on the train. I am leaning towards working out when I get to Albuquerque. I just can not decide…alright. I am going to do some reading for now…maybe a nap.
12:38: We arrived in Vegas! YESSSS! Wait…wrong one. LAME!
2:24: The #4 train just passed us heading toward Chicago. We just pulled into Lamy. Right on schedule. I have spent I guess that last two hours partially reading BP08 (Tigers) and playing PacMan and Contra. I have a bit of a headache.
2:25: We are leaving the station. Next stop is ABQ! I was worried about getting bored on this train but it has been quite the contrary. Also, I have decided not to drink today until tonight. I want to get settled in, find a fifth bowler and workout. Then I can let loose tonight.
2:27: The last few hours have really been scenic. It is a gorgeous landscape that I have never seen and probably will never see again.
2:28: There are about 5 people wearing Akron University t-shirts on the train. You know - the Zips. They used to be called the Zippers but that led to this. "It's the fourth quarter and the zippers are down!"
2:35: I make fun of Karen. SHe packed her bags right after we left the station. Hello. ABQ is not until 3:55.
3:00: I have been playing hearts on the computer.
3:10: We get an announcement that we are pulling into ABQ. Holy smokes! We are early. I rush to pack all my stuff. Now, Karen is laughing at me.
3:15: Off the train. It is 69 degrees in ABQ right now. It feels like 100.
3:30: We get out checked luggage.
Final notes: If the train was packed I could see this not being that fun. However, I am person who has trouble sitting for more than 30 minutes (unless I am watching TV). I was shocked at how fast the train ride went by. It was a very pleasurable experience and I would definitely do it again and recommend it just about anyone.
This is a continuous blog of my consciousness. I got into some crazy arguments and I am typing this blog up at 11:10 pm (3 out of 5 people are trying to go to sleep). It will start off really boring (and probably end that way). Enjoy!
2:45: standing in line…the gates feel like I am in a very small airport. I have to say I am pretty stoked!
Sidenote: I carried two bowling balls, 5 to 6 two liters of liquid, a computer bad full of books and a rolling bag to the train station. I was wearing a fleece and that was to much! I was sweating…not like I am going to wear these clothes for the next 24 hours…
3:05: We get on the train. It is Uncle Mike, Aunt Karen, Mike's friend Dave, his wife Joanne, and me.
Karen talked to the conductor. We have 6 seats next to each other. I have two…WAY TO GO KAREN!
`The space in these seats is amazing. First class in a plane is the best analogy. I think it has a little more space than that. I will have no problem sleeping in this seat. FYI - ceiling in this….6'6".
3:07: Karen announces that we may have a problem because she sleeps naked…uh oh…is it time to start drinking????....not yet.
3:15: Train leaves ON TIME!!!!!!! No smoking on the train…ever…AND the first smoke break is in Iowa. Somewhere Funk is shaking his head in disapproval.
3:26: Mike asks "Are we there yet?"…it’s a new record!
I am itching to start digging into BP08. This blog is going to get boring fast. Why do I have a feeling people are going to fast forward to when I start drinking??? (5 pm)
3:38: My aunt who is sitting 2 feet in front of me calls me on my cell. Asks me if I want to meet up for a drink later….ummm, YEAH!
3:40: open BP08! Turn to Tampa Bay. They predict 89 wins. That is a little crazy considering that they won 66 games last year….wow
3:48: First stop…here already??? I am not even through one chapter of BP08
3:56: There is a crying baby in the car…uh oh.
4:05: I am sold on Tampa Bay. I need to check the over/under on wins. No way anyone has them above .500 and they will be. Any other division besides AL central and east and they will fight for first.
4:07: We made reservations for dinner at 5:45 in the dinning car. 5:45…I am travelling with "more experienced" people.
4:08: We are stopped. Freight train is using the track. Oh well. I am going no where! The baby has stopped crying.
4:10: Mets at 95 wins. Twins at 71 wins. Johan is that good.
4:15 Train is moving again.
4:48: Ripped through Mets and Yanks. Both have really good teams. Time for a nap before dinner. Who is old now???
4:58: Screw the nap! This is the most boring blog ever!!! Time to make a drink. It is 5 o'clock somewhere.
P.S. I am listening to 'Go West' by B&D right now (love that song). I am listening Kix! I am heading west!
5:06: Yum, a warm 7/7, poor man's gangster. If I finish the two liter of 7up before the 750ml, I will be ashamed of myself. I should be feeling good for dinner. A lot of flat land out my window! Shocking! I know!
5:20: Princeton, IL. Where? Whatever. I am playing some Operation Contra on Gameboy advance (an old school gameboy game). We will get into my thoughts on Contra a little later. Drink is working! YEAH! B&D is still rocking.
I am pretty sure no one is still reading…I wouldn't be.
5:30: Just got off the phone with Michelle. She is going to Flat top for dinner. I am jealous! You know the beauty of a warm drink. There is no time table around drinking. It is already warm! (I think the drink is affecting me more than I know)
5:36: I just took a sweet pic of the sunset. Mike and Karen approved.
5:45: Heading to dinner.
7:16: Holy smokes! Really, 7:16! We just got done with dinner. I had two orders of chicken wings and a glass of red wine (the beer selection was not to my liking). Let me explain. Karen/Mike/Joanne/Dave all sat at one table. I sat across from them by myself. However, they sat a guy with me, Kirk, the black Jew. Actually, he was a pretty intelligent guy and we had great conversation the whole time. He wants to meet for breakfast.
7:30: Tried calling Smitty while I was in Iowa. Lost the call. There is only one cell tower in Iowa. Somewhere in Iowa right now Tom Brands is punishing his wrestlers. AWESOME! Go Hawks!
7:42: I just said "When we land in Kansas City…"
8:17: Called Smitty again. Left him a message. We are in a station, La Plata, MO, ten min behind. I have been sitting here with Karen BS-ing. She said the George Strait is as good on a train as in a hot tub. I think he is good every where! She will figure it out eventually.
8:50: Karen makes fun of Mike for printing out itineraries and maps highlighted with out route but she is the one using them!
9:10: Karen just showed me the ticket she keeps from my graduation from college (the golden years…hahaha), May 15, 1999.
10:30 Roll into Kansas City. I would just like to say: GO BRONCOS! I gave a Mile high salute. Try to call Zavada. I do not have his number. Yes, these are drunk dialings… I am feeling good.
10:41: I just got into a huge argument with Karen. We are discussing intelligence and people's ability to become intelligent.
10:49: In the same argument.
10:50: I can't reason with illogical arguments. I am not sober either.
10:51: A person told us to keep it down. This ends the discussion.
11:02: 3 out of 5 people are trying to sleep. My belt feels tight…uh oh.
11:35: Broke the seal. Yes, the last time I went to the bathroom was at 2 pm. It's a gift. What can I say?
11:37: Back to the seat. Everyone is asleep. Well, I think Mike just has his eyes closed. He is reading a book.
11:30-12:00: Start typing the blog
12:15: I go to sleep.
7:30am (CT): I wake up. Karen informs me that going to sleep and passing out are two different things. Maybe but they end in the same result.
6:40 am (MT): I am making the switch. I head to the washroom and take a pic from the observational car. There is nothing but flat farm land in our view. Shocking! I know!
6:45am: Let me give you a few dos and donts. Do pack a blanket. It gets cold at night. Do wear socks. Your feet will get cold. Pack a pillow. I slept okay but I was freezing. I used my fleece as a blanket. I had my feet in one sleeve and pulled that puppy as far as it would go up. Then in the middle of the night. I put my feet in my backpack, zipped it up and used my fleece for over my head. That worked better!
7:00- 7:30: Finished typing up the blog.
7:32am: Arrive at Lamar, CO. CO baby! I heart the Broncos. I just saw a few Coors Light signs!
7:37am: A few more notes. I did not play any cards yesterday and neither did Karen. Mike and Dave played cribbage. Really? Neither Karen nor I played cards? That is changing today! Also, we never met for a drink in the lounge. I had plenty at my seat.
7:40: I definitely have more 7up left than Seagrams… I think I am going to play some more Contra and listen to some music.
7:49: I just got off the phone with Smitty. He has been up since 5:30am. Really? Kids…
7:52: looking for my gameboy…uh oh.
7:54: Found it! It was with my booze…To alcohol: the cause of and solution to all of life's problems!
8:31: Train just left La Junta, CO. It was a 15 min stop. I went outside in a t-shirt and jeans and was a little warm! YESSSS! Rumor has it that when we take a left to head to NM, you can see Pike's peak on a clear day. It is 100 miles away.
8:33: Took the left turn. Did not see the peak. It was a little cloudy.I am mistaken. I see it now. 100 miles away is not that far.
8:38: They just mentioned Albuquerque. Wow. 7 hours away…
8:55: Going to play some cards! YESSSSSSSS!!!
9:00: Karen, Mike, Dave and I headed to the lounge car. We sat a booth and played some Euchre. Mike has never played but he caught on quickly even though he does not think so.
10:25: Got my first loner of the day. Actually it was the first loner for anyone. Mike is playing well and I hope he plays at Thanksgiving.
10:28: Still playing cards. We went through a tunnel. It only lasted a few minutes but…
10:30: Karen gets an upset stomach panicking about the tunnel. Mike was talking about it collapsing…
10:31: Through the tunnel. WOOHOO!
10:44: I told Karen to pick up the Jack. I hardly ever do it and most of the time I usually do not even look at my cards before passing. Well, I had the other jack, ace, King and nine of trump with an off ace. We got the point.
11:00: Dave and I defeat Karen and Mike 10-5. It was the only game we actually played. For the first 90 minutes, we just kept playing hands. I really enjoyed it.
11:05: I call Michelle to see how here day is going. We talk for about 10 min before the phone started going out.
11:15: Head to the snack bar and buy a bratwurst and a diet pepsi. I took it back to my seat. It was good. The bun was okay. I also ate the rest of my beef jerky. Lunch of champions!
11:35: I just finished lunch and updating my journal. I am not sure if I am going to drink today on the train. I am leaning towards working out when I get to Albuquerque. I just can not decide…alright. I am going to do some reading for now…maybe a nap.
12:38: We arrived in Vegas! YESSSS! Wait…wrong one. LAME!
2:24: The #4 train just passed us heading toward Chicago. We just pulled into Lamy. Right on schedule. I have spent I guess that last two hours partially reading BP08 (Tigers) and playing PacMan and Contra. I have a bit of a headache.
2:25: We are leaving the station. Next stop is ABQ! I was worried about getting bored on this train but it has been quite the contrary. Also, I have decided not to drink today until tonight. I want to get settled in, find a fifth bowler and workout. Then I can let loose tonight.
2:27: The last few hours have really been scenic. It is a gorgeous landscape that I have never seen and probably will never see again.
2:28: There are about 5 people wearing Akron University t-shirts on the train. You know - the Zips. They used to be called the Zippers but that led to this. "It's the fourth quarter and the zippers are down!"
2:35: I make fun of Karen. SHe packed her bags right after we left the station. Hello. ABQ is not until 3:55.
3:00: I have been playing hearts on the computer.
3:10: We get an announcement that we are pulling into ABQ. Holy smokes! We are early. I rush to pack all my stuff. Now, Karen is laughing at me.
3:15: Off the train. It is 69 degrees in ABQ right now. It feels like 100.
3:30: We get out checked luggage.
Final notes: If the train was packed I could see this not being that fun. However, I am person who has trouble sitting for more than 30 minutes (unless I am watching TV). I was shocked at how fast the train ride went by. It was a very pleasurable experience and I would definitely do it again and recommend it just about anyone.
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