Random Thoughts

1. Time has been flying around these parts. Depsite time flying, the temp has not changed. It is cold and I am TIRED of it. It is March people! No more freezing weather. Annoying.

2. Our place officially went on the market yesterday. Now, will it sell anytime soon? Only time will tell.

3. Last week Murph's campaign came to an end and it was an honor and privilege to be a part of. With that being said, standing outside for hours in 20 degree weather is not a rationale decision...ever.

4. You know what else is not a rational decision...having kids. I love Samantha but kids are not a rationale decision.

5. Bowling has started back up and I am bowling ok despite not bowling for about 9 months. Week one was not good but I have been picking it up. Also, three weeks in the Purple Otter is in 1st place. CANCEL the rest of the league!

6. I am tired of hearing about the NFL lockout/new CBA negotiations. Listen. NBA is great right now. College bball is going into conference tournaments and spring training for baseball is in full swing. Stop talking about football.

7. Lets hope LU can win a couple games in their tournament and end on a high note. I am not holding my breath. In fact, I am considering not renewing my tickets. I might get tickets off the court for the family instead.

8. My bro turned 40 on Saturday and he threw a party at a hotel with a dj/karaoke. It was awesome and having at a hotel was great. Happy birthday bro! Way to kick off your 40s in style!

9. With Michelle's parents in town this weekend, we had an early celebration for Samantha for her 2nd birthday on Sunday. It was a good time but I got teary eyed singing her happy birthday thinking about the first two years. What the hell is wrong with me? What has this child done to me?

10. The ROCK has come back! I think I count on my hand the amount of wrestling episodes (not PPVs) I have seen since the Rock left 7 years ago. I was sooooo excited to hear he made it back. I am DEFINITELY watching Wrestlemania. Consider me excited!

11. Happy Tuesday! Enjoy the week.

LU and My Broncos

Well, I now have been to TWO LU games and they have lost both times. Yikes. Losing to Butler by 2, I can understand. Losing to Valpo at home by 10 is inexcusable. Lets hope they turn around this conference record fast. I do like that the season is in full swing. I enjoy going to games so much and I feel it keeps me young...until I see the college students...they look so YOUNG! ha.

Well, McDaniels was fired yesterday. I thought it was quite strange in timing. The Broncos have been such a good team for so long that a bottoming out is just not acceptable. I do think he got a little screwed. Two big things: Our defensive starters have missed 48 games so far this year (i.e if 4 starters miss all 12 games that is 48) including Elvis Dumervil who has been out all year. Yeah, he lead the nation in sacks last year. We were 7th in the nation last year and now are 29th. Our offense points per game has increase each year he was there. He is clearly getting fired for defensive play.

I also do not like that the Broncos hired a GM with no experience at the same time as they hired a coach with new experience. He should be fired too. McD also never lost his players. They were always in his corner. McD is gone nonetheless. It should be interesting who they bring in.

Over the last 20 season, this season will mark only the 4th time they had a losing record. The next coach has a lot to do and fast!

Happy Tuesday!

November, what happened!!!!!!!!

Wow, well November was an 0-fer for me. The last 10 days of November I spent in sunny Florida and lets just say coming back to SNOW FLURRIES was not the way I wanted to come back.

Seriously, SNOW FLURRIES!!!!!!!!!!!!

I want to write up a post about the Magic-Heat game I went to. It really will be about how impressive the new Amway Center is. I mean any stadium that has 3 bars in it is A-OK with me. I first need to figure out how to get the pics off of my wife's camera.

Tonight the UNDEFEATED, 7-0 Loyola Ramblers take on the lowly 3-2 Butler Bulldogs. Sadly, this is my first game of the year. I am super excited though. Last year, the place was PACKED for this game and we lost by 2. For those of you who don't remember, Butler was in the national championship game last year.

Stat of the day: Last time Loyola started a season 7-0 was 1962-1963. Why is that important? Well, Loyola is the 1963 NCAA Champs....start believing....

Post coming soon

hSorry I have been MIA from the blog. I have been two three different cities in a four week period and to top it all off, work has been crazy. I mean I shouldn't be charging over 40 hours in a 3 day period right?

Anyway, here is a little list of the next few blogs which I hope to have written by Sunday....

1. Bar crawl in Boston on our way to Fenway
2. Drawing a line in the sand...accountability.
3. So long B&D - You will forever be missed.
4. Random thoughts on fantasy football and fantasy sports in general

Ok - back to work. Hope all is well with everyone!

Cheers!

Weekends at home

Lets just say I have been busy at work and thus my lack of blogs. My fault. Now that wireless is setup at home, I will be better about blogging.

The last two weekends have been spent at home. It was a nice change of pace consider before that I was in three different cities in four weeks. Our weekends at home are usually restful but that does not mean we do not do anything.

Usually, when we are home on the summer weekends our plans usually involve some of the following:

Friday nights

Maybe going to the gym.
Maybe hitting a beer garden for dinner (ie Village Tap)
Maybe dinner and a movie at home

Saturday

Possible Street Festival (they are always going on)
Dinner with friends (either out or someone's house)
Target runs by Michelle/Video games for me
R&R around the house
Going to the gym
Laying out by pool
Maybe a random walk around our hood

Sunday

Breakfast out (either Flat top or Lincoln Restaurant)
R&R around the house
Running errands
Maybe gym time
Possible dinner plans
possible movie
Maybe a random walk around our hood

Those are our weekends these days at home. Nothing crazy. I should also put in there - taking care of a sick toddler. Seems like lately Samantha has been sick a lot. Last weekend was no different. She seems finally over it though and is back at daycare starting today.

On a sidenote, our new tv came and wireless is running. We are back connected to the world. Easily the best feature on our tv is skype. If someone tries to connect to us, it pops up and all we have to do is hit select and we are skyping. Crazy!

Have a good Tuesday.

Random Friday

So, it has been a couple busy weeks. Who knew when you take off two weeks from work coming back sucks????

1. Michelle was out of town for work on Tuesday and Wednesday. Samantha decided it would be a good time to catch a virus. It was a fun two days for me and her! Luckily, she seems to be doing better.

2. I have become addicted to an application on facebook called Vinny's sports book Basically, it is like gambling in Vegas or with a bookie but the chips are not real money. Luckily, it is not real money because I am on a COLD streak. I am terrible at picking NBA games.

3. Heading out to the burbs tomorrow to watch both Jackson and Jeremy play basketball. It should be a good time!

4. I think Bryan has picked a weekend for his bachelor party - June 4-6. Consider me excited.

5. I have been talking about whiskyfest for a few years now. I bought a ticket yesterday. The event is April 23.

6. The Biggest Loser shows finds bigger and bigger people each season. This has to plateau at some point right? Is this show going to be filled with 1,000 lb people???? It is crazy.

7. Long live John Elway!

Have a great weekend!

Sorry Thome and Thank you Vegas

1. The Dodgers blew this series in the bottom of the ninth on Tuesday. One out of away from tying the series at 2-2 the Dodgers instead go down 3-1. I feel bad for Thome. I hope he signs with us again for one more year. In other depressing Dodgers news, Colletti signs an extension. I am not a fan. Lets hope Logan White stays and keeps this team growing. He deserves more of the credit than Colletti.

2. Well, I got EXTREMELY lucky on Monday. A few of my good friends are in Vegas for an extended weekend. They were calling me early Monday morning as I was on my way to work. Honestly, as jealous as I was, I loved the calls. You can feel the energy. Well, I told Murph we he gets a minute, go over to the roulette table and put $10 on 24. If it hits, we will split the $$$. If not, I will pay him the $10 for his time. Well, IT HIT!!!!! $350 dollars later (175 each) - Murph walked away. I love it when a plan comes together! So next time I see Murph he owes me $175 and a bottle of Makers (Cardinals losing to the Dodgers).

3. Top Chef for me was a little uncomfortable last night. It was restaurant wars. The 8 people break off into teams of 4. Well, Jessica's, Michelle's and my pick were on the same team which means if they would have lost, we would have had a 75% of losing one of our picks. Luckily, they won.

Happy Thursday!

Random Friday!!!

Before I go into my random thoughts, I want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUE!!!!!!!!!! What are you now 29???

1. Is it just me or is this whole Miguel Cabera being drunk thing blow out of proportion? How many guys have it as part of their legend that they drank like fish and played hungover? Mickey Mantle anyone???? I am not saying it is right but man, times have changed!
2. The Cardinals gave the Dodgers the game last night. For a team to win a WS, they need a few lucky bounces along the way. I hope these keep coming.
3. I do not like the trend in weather but October is an amazing month for sports.
4. Thank you Funk for sending this link...Love the initiative of this guy to rebuild the car!
5. In Top Chef, both Michelle's and my pick were in the bottom 4. Luckily, neither of them went home! That was close! Pick it up boys!
6. The Office wedding last night was hilarious. I was laughing the whole episode.
7. I love Elway! Fubar - There is no way you are wearing an Elway jersey. I have not decided yet.
8. I love Kubiak! Yes, I am bringing up random old Broncos.
9. Downtown Vegas is so much better than the Strip. It is not even close. There. I said it.
10. Have a great weekend. I am excited. We are heading to Frontera Grill on Saturday! WOOHOO!

More Random Comments

1. "Cheese is said to have been discovered by an Arab nomad travelling across the desert during the Neolithic period with milk in a container made from an animal’s stomach. The enzymes in the stomach curdled the milk." Now that is one extra treat for making your way through a desert!
2. The rematch of the 1959 World Series starts tonight. Even though I like both teams, lets hope the outcome is similar.
3. Transformers opens at 12:01 am tonight. Lets just say I am going and I am watching on the IMAX. Yes, I am VERY EXCITED!
4. No. Really. Transformers. Tonight. TONIGHT! EXCITED!
5. RIP Ed McMahon. The true definition of a wing man. Dare I say the best Wing man ever. RIP.

Have a good Tuesday!

Random thoughts

1. First and foremost, happy st. patricks day to everyone.
2. Last Saturday morning was a success. Not only was it fun having people over for breakfast but Liverpool beat Man U 4-1. YESSS!
3. Speaking of Liverpool, they had an amazing week. They play two of the best teams in the world with Real Madrid and Man U and outscore them 8-1. WOW!
4. We are about 49 hours away from operation EVAC. It is going to be a long 49 hours. I must stay busy.
5. St. Louis was fun yesterday and my walk at lunch down to the Arch was good but I was very disappointed that the bowling hall of fame is already gone even though they are not opening in Texas until 2010. I mean PwC's office is next door. It was the perfect lunch plan.
6. One day trips for work wear me out. I slept a good 8 hours last night and was still struggling to get up for work today. Yikes.
7. I feel like I am getting a little sick. Lets hope I am wrong. That is the last thing operation EVAC needs.
8. The timing of this baby has worked out for Michelle when you look at it from a presents point of view: Christmas (12/25), Anniversary (1/27), Operation EVAC (3/19), Birthday (4/30), Mother's day (5/10). Luckily we don't celebrate Valentine's day! ha!
9. I have a physical on Thursday morning. Looking back I am not sure that was the best idea. My blood pressure maybe a little higher than normal.
10. Go Horizon in the NCAA. I would love to see Butler upset North Carolina in the 2nd round.
11. Cheers!

Random thoughts

This weekend was a little hectic but we got good sleep. It really did not start out that way but ended up that way. Here is a rundown of events.

1. Had a few beers after work on Friday. I was craving a cold one and luckily I knew a few people that were meeting up. So Michelle and I met them at the bar. We were home by 7:30 and in bed by 9:30.

2. Saturday morning started with a workout. Then I headed to the LU game at 3. At halftime, we left the game to head to a birthday party. LU did much better when I was not there.

3. The birthday party was fun but I broke my diet (well drinking the beer on friday broke the diet) and had two pieces of deep dish pizza and 4 beers. We left the part at 8 and went home. We were in bed by 10.

4. Sunday, we went to the autoshow in the morning. Bumblebee was AMAZING! He says hi to everyone. Once it started getting crowded, we took off and met Ploth and Stacia at PJ Clarkes.

5. I watched people eat at Clarkes and then we headed to the movies. Ploth and I saw The Wrestler. I LOVE IT. It is a sad movie and truthful. Mickey nailed the role. I mean nailed it.

6. We finally got home at 4:30 (left at 9:30) and we went to bowling at 6:30. Funk had an awesome series, 542, his highest ever. Many more are on the way. I guarantee that. I could not string any strikes together but bowled ok. I had a 493 I think. It is around there.

7. Hope you all have a great week!

Wrap-Up

So over the last week, I have been to Vegas and back. I have also picked up a wicked cold. Anyway, here are a few facts and figures from my last week.

1. I visited Utah for the first time ever. Put my feet in the state. Yeah Utah! I give it two thumbs up.
2. After beating your immune system down in a 48 hour period, spending 2 hours in a airport and then a 3.5 hours on a flight is not the best idea. Shockingly, a day later, I was sick.
3. If at any point I have a cigarette in my mouth (I can count on one hand how many times I have done this), tell me to cash in and go take a nap. I have no business gambling money.
4. Craps table can be very good and very bad, not much middle ground on the craps table.
5. Downtown is so much better than the strip. It is not even close.
6. If you ask the pitboss for decks of cards, they hand them over for free.
7. If I was going to make a list of the top 100 people I would randomly run into in Vegas, Smitty's parents would not have made the list. Yet, these are the people I ran into!
8. When the tables are not doing well, a bar crawl is just a fantastic idea. Thanks Ploth!
9. A completely painted house looks SOOOO much better than an all white house.
10. An orange room is really bright when the light is shinning in.

Happy hump day.

Heading South

So, Michelle and I are leaving in an hour for Florida. I can now wait to head south. This negative weather is ridiculous. I have two top 5s in mind. For Wednesday, I want you to think about your favorite Christmas movies.

Safe Travels to everyone and I will post on Wednesday.

Happy Halloween and Happy Anniversary!

Today marks the one year anniversary of my blog. I can not believe I have been putting random thoughts down on paper for a year. This might not be the best idea in the long run, having documentation... Anyway, I hope you all have a great Halloween. A few random thoughts!

1. I am shocked that my Halloween costumes did not get more comments. I think I shocked everyone.
2. I am SOOOOO ready for this election to be over.
3. Today was tenant appreciation day in my building. They were handing out pumpkin shaped sugar cookies with orange icing. It was a great cookie. Thanks building!
4. Michelle and I are going to the IMAX tonight to see Dark Knight. I am so excited and I bet I see a few people dressed up as Joker and Batman.
5. Have a great weekend.

Random Thoughts

1. The weekend in Florida was good as always. The heater for the pool and hottub was a very nice addition. Christmas is going to be a good time.
2. My golf game took two steps back. I did not think that was possible. The two giant blisters on my left hand could be a part of the problem.
3. Southwest is the best airline. Is there really any argument?
4. Ahow is right. Best bowling ball ever!
5. I am very happy that the Rays made it to the WS. At the beginning of the year, when I was betting them to win more than 77 games, why did I not put $10 on them to win the WS? ARGH!
6. Not sure what my top 5 will be tomorrow.
7. Still have not decided which vehicle we are taking to FL for Christmas. We are leaving toward the 4-door car.
8. Halloween is going to come and go this year with us not dressing up. I am not a big fan of Halloween.
9. Have a good Tuesday.

Random Thoughts

1. Bloomington was a lot of fun. In the end, sink the biz...the biz sank me.
2. That was maybe the first and only tailgate I will ever be at where the bathrooms were in a building and not portapottys. That was awesome!
3. Tomorrow's top 5 will have to do with music.
4. The Dodgers are in some trouble. I thought when they took the lead in the 7th that they had control. I was wrong. With it being 3-1, it is win or go home.
5. We are driving to Florida over Christmas and struggling on which vehicle to take.
6. We are also headed to Florida this Thursday! I am looking forward to a three day weekend! Four day work weeks rule!
7. Have a good Tuesday!

Back to the grind!

Well, it is good to be home but not so good to be back to work. Boooo!

Here are a few thoughts from the last week.

- Oak Island was great. It was not crowded at all. There are golf courses everywhere.
- Horseshoes was fun on Friday but not any other day...maybe because I sucked every other day.
- Someone put a hex on my driver. Whoever did that please take it off.
- Toby's bird game was AWESOME.
- Renata's Tour de France game was ever more fun, even though I never won.
- Clearly babies like my loud colorful personality...now only if adults did too...
- Dark Knight is a great movie. Heath Ledger should win an Oscar.
- I read my first fiction novel maybe since college, A Prayer For Owen Meany by John Irving. it was really good.
- I already have an idea for top 5 this week. Get ready!

I will not be posting much since I am buried at work much like I was buried in the sand last week.

Cheers!

See ya!

So here I am sitting at my desk. I have so much work to do today but I am struggling in a few ways. Let me tell you.

1. Friar Tucks night was last night. I am not 25 anymore or ever again. I was smart enough not to close the bar but not smart enough not to be hungover
2. I leave tomorrow morning. Yes, I am excited. How am I supposed to work?
3. I have some tedious work to do...i know...i need to suck it up.

Will someone please stop the jackhammer in my head?

So no wi-fi down in NC, so no top 5 next week. I know...you are sad...

Have a great weekend and week!

Golf, BBQs and A wedding

Basically, those three things sum up my four day weekend.

I golfed on Thursday and Saturday. I made it to two BBQs on Friday. On Saturday afternoon and night, I was at a wedding. The wedding was fabulous. If anyone is ever thinking of having a wedding in Chicago, Fulton's is a great place for a reception. Wow.

Yesterday, I spent 6 or 7 hours working while watching what I can easily call the greatest tennis match I have ever watched. It was awesome. Too bad someone has to be coined the "loser" of the match. Both played phenomenal.

It was a good weekend for soaking in some sun, catching up with old friends and losing golf balls.

Back to work...for a week...North Carolina...right around the corner...

Half way home

Hello July! Half of 2008 is GONE!

Yikes...I am quickly approaching a birthday...never good...

New year's resolution? What was it? If it was linear, are you half way home? You should be. Why not make a resolution for the 2nd half of the year. Start today!

Sorry for the lack of posts...work has been hammering down lately.

Have a good day and get ready for top 5 tomorrow!