1) I can't go to bed since I have to work another 15 minutes. My head is pounding, but my stomach feels darn good after that pumpkin cream cheese pie. Thanks Claim Jumper. Considering how large the portions are, the price isn't too insane.
2) I checked my facebook news feed around 10 p.m. and it was the absolute mushiest it has ever been.
3) Watched Goldfinger, Casablanca, and the Green Mile in a 24 hour stretch. And a few minutes of Lethal Weapons 2 and 3 when I was at the gym for good measure. That's a pretty good run of movies.
4) Mom is gone for a week. Only 14 people on this tour. They better tip her generously. Unfortunately, no more tours for her until March.
5) I want to be excited for Sunday night, but I don't know what to expect. After last time, I'm not sure what to feel anymore. Lord knows I won't be able to attend the next event. But most everyone will be there, so it should be cool and all. Even Lamar says she is likely to attend. Are you kidding? I thought it was Groundhog's Day when I read that jazz.
6) The Rangers are rebuilding. Rebuilding. But losing two games by a combined score of 13-4 in Tampa and Pittsburgh is an absolute embarrassment. They really are two years away from contending again with such a young defense and so many mediocre forwards. The scary question is how good will Gaborik and Lundqvist still be by then. It scares me a little.
7) One week till ROH comes back to Chicago Ridge. Doesn't seem that close. No Bryan, No Nigel, No Davey. I need something to really get excited about it...
8) Five days till Guy Fieri in Rosemont. The question is will I go to Smoque or Kuma's before the show for dinner. And I can even go to Kuma's afterward, they are open till 2 a.m. Great job by them. Of course I have to work Friday, but it's nothing a few cherry Cokes won't fix.
9) How did Tommy Bahama have 60 percent off select merchandise at Carson's today and I didn't buy anything? And as beautiful as it was, how can a t-shirt cost $78.00? I would not pay $78.00 for a t-shirt if Ali Larter was wearing it.
10) I love this new office chair that I not only brought, but managed to assemble. Gotta love that soft chestnut leather and extra lumbar support.
Song pick: "How's the World Treating You?" James Taylor and Alison Krauss
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
The day of thanks has arrived
Thanksgiving is officially here as I start writing this post. I must say I got up at 5:15, worked 7-4, drove into the city for two hours (the traffic was horrendous all the way down the Kennedy), grabbed dinner at the Flat Top Grill and made it to the Addams Family show at 7:30 with a few minutes to spare. Crawled through the front door around 11:30 p.m. I should be asleep.
Now I don't have a perfect life. I certainly don't have a perfect family. And during the holiday season, it's that much tougher since death and distance get in the way. That's just the truth of the matter. But I thought I would take a different route in this post. I am going to write a list of 50 things I am thankful for in 2009. This is not pre-planned. I'm basically writing the first 50 decent things that come to mind.
1) Friends I can trust at CT (although I have been slightly betrayed with the date of this progressive dinner)
2) A good relationship that I learned a lot from
3) Feed My Starving Children
4) My new car
5) Electric blanket on my bed
6) Space heater in the basement
7) Friends I used to have
8) Jeremiah Weed sweet tea vodka
9) Vince Lombardi's legacy
10) The toughness of Chad Pennington
11) The greatness of Henrik Lundqvist
12) Two jobs
13) Free gym membership
14) Elliptical runners
15) The locker room renovations are finally done
16) Ring of Honor
17) Bryan Danielson
18) Rosa's and everyone I hang with after the shows
19) The ability to eat a two-pound burger
20) NY bagels
21) Parents (usually, anyway)
22) Meeting John Ortberg
23) Finished another Donald Miller book
24) Trip to Las Vegas
25) Banana cream pie at Emeril's Delmonico
26) Bar blackjack, because that's the only place I won money
27) Hoover Dam
28) The woman who hit on me at the Barry Manilow concert
29) Omir Santos' home run off Jonathan Papelbon
30) Mama's of Corona
31) Downtown jury duty (enjoy your 10 years Stephen)
32) Sally
33) Garrett's cashew caramel corn
34) Ben and Jack's steaks
35) Road trip through eastern half of US
36) Amish Country
37) Flight 93 Memorial
38) Festival of the Vine
39) The Stingrays
40) Wii games
41) Garbage plates at Frankie's Diner
42) Brian Coffey sermons
43) Resolved insurance issues that lasted five months
44) Courage to sing "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow" with Q on karaoke
45) Softball with First Baptist
46) Wheaton Academy 10-year reunion
47) Reminiscing while looking forward
48) Wildfire prime rib and Jeff Dunham live on my birthday
49) So much great new music
50) I'm not dead
Now I don't have a perfect life. I certainly don't have a perfect family. And during the holiday season, it's that much tougher since death and distance get in the way. That's just the truth of the matter. But I thought I would take a different route in this post. I am going to write a list of 50 things I am thankful for in 2009. This is not pre-planned. I'm basically writing the first 50 decent things that come to mind.
1) Friends I can trust at CT (although I have been slightly betrayed with the date of this progressive dinner)
2) A good relationship that I learned a lot from
3) Feed My Starving Children
4) My new car
5) Electric blanket on my bed
6) Space heater in the basement
7) Friends I used to have
8) Jeremiah Weed sweet tea vodka
9) Vince Lombardi's legacy
10) The toughness of Chad Pennington
11) The greatness of Henrik Lundqvist
12) Two jobs
13) Free gym membership
14) Elliptical runners
15) The locker room renovations are finally done
16) Ring of Honor
17) Bryan Danielson
18) Rosa's and everyone I hang with after the shows
19) The ability to eat a two-pound burger
20) NY bagels
21) Parents (usually, anyway)
22) Meeting John Ortberg
23) Finished another Donald Miller book
24) Trip to Las Vegas
25) Banana cream pie at Emeril's Delmonico
26) Bar blackjack, because that's the only place I won money
27) Hoover Dam
28) The woman who hit on me at the Barry Manilow concert
29) Omir Santos' home run off Jonathan Papelbon
30) Mama's of Corona
31) Downtown jury duty (enjoy your 10 years Stephen)
32) Sally
33) Garrett's cashew caramel corn
34) Ben and Jack's steaks
35) Road trip through eastern half of US
36) Amish Country
37) Flight 93 Memorial
38) Festival of the Vine
39) The Stingrays
40) Wii games
41) Garbage plates at Frankie's Diner
42) Brian Coffey sermons
43) Resolved insurance issues that lasted five months
44) Courage to sing "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow" with Q on karaoke
45) Softball with First Baptist
46) Wheaton Academy 10-year reunion
47) Reminiscing while looking forward
48) Wildfire prime rib and Jeff Dunham live on my birthday
49) So much great new music
50) I'm not dead
Sunday, November 15, 2009
SOJ SOJ SOJ SOJ SOJ
Same old Jets. The year is finished as they drop to 4-5, losing to the Jaguars at home 24-22. I am embarrassed yet again as an isolated Jets fan living in Chicago. Because no one around me can understand the pain and anguish I have to suffer through. One guy said to me at the bar "You could have been a Bears fan." I don't know how many shots were in him, but that may be the most illogical thing I have ever heard.
Analysis: As soon as Sanchez' first pass was picked, I knew they were in trouble. In the third quarter, he then threw one of the worst interceptions I have ever seen right into the linebacker ala Richard Todd in the playoffs. It was a miracle the Jets forced a turnover to keep Jacksonville out of the end zone. While Thomas Jones ripped off big chunks every time he ran the ball, there seemed no sustained inclination to run the ball down the defense’s throat—again. That is on OC Brian Schottenheimer. He can pack his bags. And Braylon Edwards is garbage. Nice drop on that 2-point conversion. That allowed Jacksonville to win the game with a 20-yard field goal instead of tying the game.
Likewise, Kerry Rhodes should just go to Hollywood and become a media star. He has made Sam Garnes look like Rod Woodson. No one has disappointed me on this team more than him. Carl Banks said on Friday that Rhodes has settled for just being an average safety when he is capable of being great. #58 is exactly right. Broken Rhodes has not made one impact play all year. As a whole, this defense made David Garrard look like Joe Montana, as he floated down the field on that final drive. The defense hadn’t given up a first down in the entire second half. All they needed was one more three and out and it would have been over. Did the defense have another three and out in their bag? Nope. On a key play, not yet in field goal range, Broken Rhodes blew a coverage and the Jags completed a pass over the middle that put them in range to win. That would led to the shortest game-winning field goal in history, high school games included. The defensive front 7 looks like they are allergic to the QB, they cannot get near one unless six guys are blitzing. There's very little else to say.
Rex, have another donut.
Analysis: As soon as Sanchez' first pass was picked, I knew they were in trouble. In the third quarter, he then threw one of the worst interceptions I have ever seen right into the linebacker ala Richard Todd in the playoffs. It was a miracle the Jets forced a turnover to keep Jacksonville out of the end zone. While Thomas Jones ripped off big chunks every time he ran the ball, there seemed no sustained inclination to run the ball down the defense’s throat—again. That is on OC Brian Schottenheimer. He can pack his bags. And Braylon Edwards is garbage. Nice drop on that 2-point conversion. That allowed Jacksonville to win the game with a 20-yard field goal instead of tying the game.
Likewise, Kerry Rhodes should just go to Hollywood and become a media star. He has made Sam Garnes look like Rod Woodson. No one has disappointed me on this team more than him. Carl Banks said on Friday that Rhodes has settled for just being an average safety when he is capable of being great. #58 is exactly right. Broken Rhodes has not made one impact play all year. As a whole, this defense made David Garrard look like Joe Montana, as he floated down the field on that final drive. The defense hadn’t given up a first down in the entire second half. All they needed was one more three and out and it would have been over. Did the defense have another three and out in their bag? Nope. On a key play, not yet in field goal range, Broken Rhodes blew a coverage and the Jags completed a pass over the middle that put them in range to win. That would led to the shortest game-winning field goal in history, high school games included. The defensive front 7 looks like they are allergic to the QB, they cannot get near one unless six guys are blitzing. There's very little else to say.
Rex, have another donut.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Mets off-season
We are one hundred days until pitchers and catchers and after losing over 90 games in 1009, it cannot came soon enough for the New York Mets. Following two collapses and a complete washout in the last three years, 2010 will be a landmark year for this franchise. And Mr. Full Autonomy knows he will be fired if he doesn't fix this situation. Same for Uhhhhhhhhhh...
So here's my breakdown of the Mets' biggest needs and what I want to see:
Starting pitcher: The Mets hit under 100 home runs for the year, yet I see their biggest need as pitching, which says a lot about the sorry state of this team right now. Johan is our #1 and he's coming off elbow surgery. I will go on the belief that he will be ok. Mike Pelfrey was one of the biggest disappointments in baseball last year. It started on Opening Day, when he allowed Jody Gerut to homer in the first at-bat in CitiField history. Falling off the mound, licking his hands, it was terrible. I can't view him as more than a #3. John Maine and Oliver Perez have been tremendous disappointments. Jon Niese was looking really good until he tore his hamstring on the mound. Fernando Nieve, same story, except he was running the bases. Tragically, I just realized I still had that game on my DVR. Why I did not delete it that night, I will never know. Pat Misch and Nelson Figueroa should be in the bullpen, if not in Buffalo.
So in a ballpark built for pitching, this team still needs that legitimate #2 starter. Roy Halladay is available in trade talks. To acquire a second pitcher of his talent would be amazing. His contract does expire after one year though. With a mediocre farm system, I don't want to trade my top four prospects for a guy who may bolt after one year. If they sign Doc to an extension, maybe.
My top free agent hope is John Lackey. He is an absolute bulldog. He has pitched big games, he wants the baseball in a big spot. My one concern is he has been injured the last two years. And don't want to read that he wants pitch in Texas. CC Sabathia wanted to pitch in California. And how did that work out? The alternatives are not pretty. Jason Marquis, Rich Harden, Randy Wolf, and Jon Garland are nice, but we have enough back of the rotation starters as is. I want Hallday or Lackey in the Mets rotation next year.
Left field: Almost every expert I have heard or read wants the Mets to get an elite player here. Matt Holiday and Jason Bay are the two big names. My feeling is this: I can live with the Mets not hitting a lot of home runs again. What I cannot accept is the terrible defense, bad baserunning, and poor fundamental play that plagued the Mets from April through September. And neither of these guys are particularly good on defense or quick. I would prefer Holliday since he is younger and known for being great in the clubhouse, but he does not deserve a 10-year, $200 million contract ala Mark Teixeira.
If they can trade for Carl Crawford, who wants out of Tampa, the 1-2 punch that would give the Mets along with Reyes would be amazing. I don't know how much Tampa would want. But I would pursue Crawford hard. BJ Upton would also be nice, but I doubt he is getting moved off a down year.
Second base: Luis Castillo must be traded. I don't care how good his stats were. He's 34 with bad knees, and is only going to deteriorate. His defense is no longer the same, and I'm tired of seeing him bunt on half his at-bats. Orlando Hudson has begged to be a Met. If he doesn't come, I'd like Felipe Lopez who can play almost any position. Brandon Phillips is apparently on the trading block, and I would be thrilled to pry him out of Cincinnati. Chone Figgins would be good but signing a 32-year old who relies on his legs? Not too sure I would give him $10 million a year for 4 years.
First base: I am guessing Adrian Gonzalez will cost too much to acquire in a trade. Carlos Delgado cannot come back. Prospect Ike Davis may be ready in 2010, but Omar can't afford to wait until 2010 for a prospect. And unlike the Pope, I am willing to give Daniel Murphy another chance at first base, but only as a platoon player. I believe Omar needs to bring in a solid right-handed veteran who has leadership skills and is known for playing with toughness and grit. If Xavier Nady was healthy, I would grab him, but he may not be going into 2010. Other options include Mark DeRosa, Kevin Millar, and Hank Blalock. Would Troy Glaus be interested? And if they want to go with a lefty and relegate Murph to the bench, Aubrey Huff and Nick Johnson would be fine.
Catcher: Thank God Brian Schneider is gone. Josh Thole should play in Buffalo this year. And I think Omir Santos is a more than capable backup. Benjie Molina is a fine hitter, but 36 years old is too much. And I think my grandmother could outrun him now. Ramon Hernandez, Rod Barajas, Yorvit Torrealba, and Miguel Olivo would all be fine for me.
Other moves: I would bring in Mark Loretta as a backup infielder, though if Alex Cora came back, I would be ok with it. Some possible bullpen additions could be Joe Nelson, Chad Bradford, Matt Herges, Rafael Soriano, and Takashi Saito.
Bottom line: If the Mets open 2010 with a #2 starter, and three solid additions to the starting lineup (with at least one having good speed), I will get somewhat optimistic. I just don't think this many holes can be plugged in one off-season.
So here's my breakdown of the Mets' biggest needs and what I want to see:
Starting pitcher: The Mets hit under 100 home runs for the year, yet I see their biggest need as pitching, which says a lot about the sorry state of this team right now. Johan is our #1 and he's coming off elbow surgery. I will go on the belief that he will be ok. Mike Pelfrey was one of the biggest disappointments in baseball last year. It started on Opening Day, when he allowed Jody Gerut to homer in the first at-bat in CitiField history. Falling off the mound, licking his hands, it was terrible. I can't view him as more than a #3. John Maine and Oliver Perez have been tremendous disappointments. Jon Niese was looking really good until he tore his hamstring on the mound. Fernando Nieve, same story, except he was running the bases. Tragically, I just realized I still had that game on my DVR. Why I did not delete it that night, I will never know. Pat Misch and Nelson Figueroa should be in the bullpen, if not in Buffalo.
So in a ballpark built for pitching, this team still needs that legitimate #2 starter. Roy Halladay is available in trade talks. To acquire a second pitcher of his talent would be amazing. His contract does expire after one year though. With a mediocre farm system, I don't want to trade my top four prospects for a guy who may bolt after one year. If they sign Doc to an extension, maybe.
My top free agent hope is John Lackey. He is an absolute bulldog. He has pitched big games, he wants the baseball in a big spot. My one concern is he has been injured the last two years. And don't want to read that he wants pitch in Texas. CC Sabathia wanted to pitch in California. And how did that work out? The alternatives are not pretty. Jason Marquis, Rich Harden, Randy Wolf, and Jon Garland are nice, but we have enough back of the rotation starters as is. I want Hallday or Lackey in the Mets rotation next year.
Left field: Almost every expert I have heard or read wants the Mets to get an elite player here. Matt Holiday and Jason Bay are the two big names. My feeling is this: I can live with the Mets not hitting a lot of home runs again. What I cannot accept is the terrible defense, bad baserunning, and poor fundamental play that plagued the Mets from April through September. And neither of these guys are particularly good on defense or quick. I would prefer Holliday since he is younger and known for being great in the clubhouse, but he does not deserve a 10-year, $200 million contract ala Mark Teixeira.
If they can trade for Carl Crawford, who wants out of Tampa, the 1-2 punch that would give the Mets along with Reyes would be amazing. I don't know how much Tampa would want. But I would pursue Crawford hard. BJ Upton would also be nice, but I doubt he is getting moved off a down year.
Second base: Luis Castillo must be traded. I don't care how good his stats were. He's 34 with bad knees, and is only going to deteriorate. His defense is no longer the same, and I'm tired of seeing him bunt on half his at-bats. Orlando Hudson has begged to be a Met. If he doesn't come, I'd like Felipe Lopez who can play almost any position. Brandon Phillips is apparently on the trading block, and I would be thrilled to pry him out of Cincinnati. Chone Figgins would be good but signing a 32-year old who relies on his legs? Not too sure I would give him $10 million a year for 4 years.
First base: I am guessing Adrian Gonzalez will cost too much to acquire in a trade. Carlos Delgado cannot come back. Prospect Ike Davis may be ready in 2010, but Omar can't afford to wait until 2010 for a prospect. And unlike the Pope, I am willing to give Daniel Murphy another chance at first base, but only as a platoon player. I believe Omar needs to bring in a solid right-handed veteran who has leadership skills and is known for playing with toughness and grit. If Xavier Nady was healthy, I would grab him, but he may not be going into 2010. Other options include Mark DeRosa, Kevin Millar, and Hank Blalock. Would Troy Glaus be interested? And if they want to go with a lefty and relegate Murph to the bench, Aubrey Huff and Nick Johnson would be fine.
Catcher: Thank God Brian Schneider is gone. Josh Thole should play in Buffalo this year. And I think Omir Santos is a more than capable backup. Benjie Molina is a fine hitter, but 36 years old is too much. And I think my grandmother could outrun him now. Ramon Hernandez, Rod Barajas, Yorvit Torrealba, and Miguel Olivo would all be fine for me.
Other moves: I would bring in Mark Loretta as a backup infielder, though if Alex Cora came back, I would be ok with it. Some possible bullpen additions could be Joe Nelson, Chad Bradford, Matt Herges, Rafael Soriano, and Takashi Saito.
Bottom line: If the Mets open 2010 with a #2 starter, and three solid additions to the starting lineup (with at least one having good speed), I will get somewhat optimistic. I just don't think this many holes can be plugged in one off-season.
More of the same
1) Watched "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" last night. Excellent film. I agree with Quentin Tarantino, this may be the best directed film ever. The close-ups transitioning to the wide-panned shots, the build-up and anticipation of the final scene. Very compelling.
2) I'd like to play Whirlyball again.
3) Just got two more books that I have to start on. Let's see, I finished the Hulk Hogan book last night. And I have three more on my nightstand I am partially finished with.
4) Why does Itunes have so many tracks that are only available by purchasing the entire album? A new Eddie Rabbitt record just came out with 18 songs. I own 16 already. On of the other two is a song I have wanted for years. Now it is finally available for download, but only with the entire record. Disgraciad!
5) I have nothing to do on a Saturday. And I'm not really sure I want to go anywhere. I could go to the gym, get food, do some shopping. I've been awake two hours and I have not gotten out of the basement. Oh, another Rangers disaster begins in three hours.
2) I'd like to play Whirlyball again.
3) Just got two more books that I have to start on. Let's see, I finished the Hulk Hogan book last night. And I have three more on my nightstand I am partially finished with.
4) Why does Itunes have so many tracks that are only available by purchasing the entire album? A new Eddie Rabbitt record just came out with 18 songs. I own 16 already. On of the other two is a song I have wanted for years. Now it is finally available for download, but only with the entire record. Disgraciad!
5) I have nothing to do on a Saturday. And I'm not really sure I want to go anywhere. I could go to the gym, get food, do some shopping. I've been awake two hours and I have not gotten out of the basement. Oh, another Rangers disaster begins in three hours.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Extra bullet points-live ammunition
With some extra time on my hands, here are a few things I've had on my mind.
1) Wheaton Academy closed last week for two days due to swine flu. That's a scary thought. St. Charles East, which is a mile from my house, had to close too.
2) If you're going to wear a cowboy hat in heavy wind, wear a neck strap so the wind does not blow the hat into the next zip code.
3) I won a $5.00 gift card to Target for my bartending role for the Halloween contest at work. Dollar rack, I will be on the lookout.
4) I have five books on my night stand right now that I'm in the process of reading. I don't know if I can bear to finish Marley and Me.
5) These Cubs fans are fondling themselves because they now have an owner who sympathizes with their pain. And now a lot of them are confident they will in a World Series with new ownership. Spare me. The Cubs are the lovable losers. People have sympathy for that franchise. I, on the other hand, root for teams that absolutely blow and I ain't getting any sympathy around here.
6) By the way, would they trade Derrek Lee for Luis Castillo? They can have Murphy or Ollie P too. I'll throw them in. Maybe we can work something out.
7) Billy Graham said our checkbook is like a holy register. It shows what is most important to us. In my case, I guess that means it's gasoline and maintenance bills.
8) Now I'm going to lament. I knew I got my hopes up too much. I screwed up any chance I may have had. And on a note from tonight, the pressure on me to put on a legendary performance in Quelf was too much. No wonder I withdrew. And that screwed everything up. Then again, there may not have been anything to screw up. It may not have existed in the first place. God help me, I couldn't even eat.
9) It's time like this I want to retreat in my work. And that's when I seem to enjoy what I'm doing in the office the most. It acts as a buffer, a distraction, a misdirection for what's really bothering me.
10) Oh, and the Rangers suck too. 1-2 on this road trip.
Song pick: "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You" Hank Williams
1) Wheaton Academy closed last week for two days due to swine flu. That's a scary thought. St. Charles East, which is a mile from my house, had to close too.
2) If you're going to wear a cowboy hat in heavy wind, wear a neck strap so the wind does not blow the hat into the next zip code.
3) I won a $5.00 gift card to Target for my bartending role for the Halloween contest at work. Dollar rack, I will be on the lookout.
4) I have five books on my night stand right now that I'm in the process of reading. I don't know if I can bear to finish Marley and Me.
5) These Cubs fans are fondling themselves because they now have an owner who sympathizes with their pain. And now a lot of them are confident they will in a World Series with new ownership. Spare me. The Cubs are the lovable losers. People have sympathy for that franchise. I, on the other hand, root for teams that absolutely blow and I ain't getting any sympathy around here.
6) By the way, would they trade Derrek Lee for Luis Castillo? They can have Murphy or Ollie P too. I'll throw them in. Maybe we can work something out.
7) Billy Graham said our checkbook is like a holy register. It shows what is most important to us. In my case, I guess that means it's gasoline and maintenance bills.
8) Now I'm going to lament. I knew I got my hopes up too much. I screwed up any chance I may have had. And on a note from tonight, the pressure on me to put on a legendary performance in Quelf was too much. No wonder I withdrew. And that screwed everything up. Then again, there may not have been anything to screw up. It may not have existed in the first place. God help me, I couldn't even eat.
9) It's time like this I want to retreat in my work. And that's when I seem to enjoy what I'm doing in the office the most. It acts as a buffer, a distraction, a misdirection for what's really bothering me.
10) Oh, and the Rangers suck too. 1-2 on this road trip.
Song pick: "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You" Hank Williams
Saturday, November 07, 2009
NYC recap-November arrives
Every time I have visited Dad, he always woke up before me. That was not the case this morning. I was up by 6:30 and could not get back to sleep. I realized that the window was slightly cracked, bringing the 30 degree chill into my room all night long. And I was just sleeping with one sheet, since he only has one blanket in the house. I decided not to make too big a deal of it, but at least I was able to get a flannel sheet for the following night.
We headed for the Metuchen train station. The weather was around 60 degrees with a fair breeze. All in all, quite comfortable for fall in NYC. We got to the Stage Door deli about 10 minutes before Brian arrived. And with the marathon going on, the Verrazano Bridge was closed. So he had to drive into New Jersey from Staten Island and then drive through the Holland Tunnel. He looks pretty good. I guess his next big treatment is in about six weeks.
I hate to say it, but our waitress was terrible. Once I got my sandwich, it took another five minutes to get mustard and pickles. This is a freaking deli! Those items are as essential to the table as salt and pepper. The heavyweight (corned beef, pastrami, turkey, Swiss cheese) was very good, though I probably could have eaten more. Then we headed into Border's, right outside the Garden. Brian bought Susan the latest Rod Stewart record. I looked at the price of one CD, remembered how much Border's charges for everything, and left.
Then into the Garden, the World's Most Famous Arena. I sat between Dad and Brian. First, Brian has a remarkable level of hatred with Wade Redden. And considering the 6-year, $39 million contract, I can't blame him. And I now find it ironic that Dad tells me I should be more positive with my teams. He must have ripped 15 players on the team. And that was just during warmups! Anyway, the Rangers won 1-0. The returning Marian Gaborik scored the game's only goal in the second period. And I was getting text updates for the NFL. The Jets still suck. Same old Jets.
And Dayna must be a prophet. The last Scripture she sent me before I left was Isiah 33:17:
"Your eyes will see the king in his beauty and view a land that stretches afar." Well, I didn't make it to church on Sunday. But I shared this verse with Dad and Brian and it came to fruition. The King, Henrik Lundqvist, recorded the shutout in goal, and was named the #1 star of the game. So I saw him in his glory. I just wonder what is the land that stretches afar. I hope that refers to the promise land of a Stanley Cup.
On the train ride home, we had a 45-minute delay.Apparently Barack Obama was in Newark to lend support Jon Corzine in his bid to remain the governor of New Jersey. Great job again Barack, he lost to Chris Christie. Dinner was at Outback. Great lamb and bloomin' onion.
We headed for the Metuchen train station. The weather was around 60 degrees with a fair breeze. All in all, quite comfortable for fall in NYC. We got to the Stage Door deli about 10 minutes before Brian arrived. And with the marathon going on, the Verrazano Bridge was closed. So he had to drive into New Jersey from Staten Island and then drive through the Holland Tunnel. He looks pretty good. I guess his next big treatment is in about six weeks.
I hate to say it, but our waitress was terrible. Once I got my sandwich, it took another five minutes to get mustard and pickles. This is a freaking deli! Those items are as essential to the table as salt and pepper. The heavyweight (corned beef, pastrami, turkey, Swiss cheese) was very good, though I probably could have eaten more. Then we headed into Border's, right outside the Garden. Brian bought Susan the latest Rod Stewart record. I looked at the price of one CD, remembered how much Border's charges for everything, and left.
Then into the Garden, the World's Most Famous Arena. I sat between Dad and Brian. First, Brian has a remarkable level of hatred with Wade Redden. And considering the 6-year, $39 million contract, I can't blame him. And I now find it ironic that Dad tells me I should be more positive with my teams. He must have ripped 15 players on the team. And that was just during warmups! Anyway, the Rangers won 1-0. The returning Marian Gaborik scored the game's only goal in the second period. And I was getting text updates for the NFL. The Jets still suck. Same old Jets.
And Dayna must be a prophet. The last Scripture she sent me before I left was Isiah 33:17:
"Your eyes will see the king in his beauty and view a land that stretches afar." Well, I didn't make it to church on Sunday. But I shared this verse with Dad and Brian and it came to fruition. The King, Henrik Lundqvist, recorded the shutout in goal, and was named the #1 star of the game. So I saw him in his glory. I just wonder what is the land that stretches afar. I hope that refers to the promise land of a Stanley Cup.
On the train ride home, we had a 45-minute delay.Apparently Barack Obama was in Newark to lend support Jon Corzine in his bid to remain the governor of New Jersey. Great job again Barack, he lost to Chris Christie. Dinner was at Outback. Great lamb and bloomin' onion.
NYC recap-Halloween
I'm taking the Mindy Smith approach to this blog. I don't write for weeks, then I come back and bang out three entries in 18 hours. Onto the action.
Saturday, Oct 31: Woke up in Chicago at 3:45 am. This is the second time in three days I woke up st 4 am or earlier. As I write, I'm in bed/pull-out couch in Edison. The clock on the wall says 10:45 p.m. But we gain an hour tonight, I don't know if the clocks were adjusted, I have been up for at least 19 hours, I don't know what time it is!
The monorail from the parking lot Terminal 2 at O'Hare was like a theme park ride. Five minutes stopped at Terminal 5, a bumpy trip, and a lot of sudden starts and stops. I actually asked out loud "Is the driver drunk, what the hell?"
The airport was empty and I had no trouble getting on. 28 rows in the plane. Firt class was maybe 3/4 full. Coach was a different case. There were no more than 20 people. I had a whole row to myself, which was pretty good. Surprisingly, not too many customer service reps on board. Inside joke. And we were delayed 45 minutes thanks to a fuel leakage. But the flight got in 30 minutes ahead of schedule.
As I was walking past security in Newark, former ECW wrestler Balls Mahoney was there. I'm pretty sure it was him. But I think it's not wise to go up to a guy who's 6'3, 300 pounds, has more tattoos one arm than teeth in his mouth, and say "Hey Balls!"
We went to the Sprint store. In Illinois, we have one in every town. In NJ, it's one per county. So I signed the waiting list like I was waiting for the doctor. All I needed was a new belt clip for my case. I somehow found myself in a conversation with a black lady about politics. She was talking about property taxes, job issues, housing, and other major issues in New Jersey. We were two days from the governor election, so I guess it was big on a lot of people's minds. The kicker was when I said "At least Blagojevich is not your governor." Her face lit up and she smiled for one of the few times. "Oh, I love Blago! He's funny!" It was at that point, I realized we don't want our politicians to be corrupt. But if they are, we can accept it more if they entertain us in the process.
Cheesecake Factory for lunch. Appetizers: southern fried chicken sliders, and crispy artichoke hearts with lemon-garlic aioli. Dad had a beef stir-fry and I had some great jambalaya. Excellent stuff. We went home and played Phase 10 and Sequence with the Flyers and woeful Hurricanes playing in the background. For Dad's pride's sake, I will not divulge the results of those games. Dinner that night was Kona Grill, which I didn't really enjoy as much as I did when I went to the one in Lombard. Had some decent tuna. We left around 5:30 and it was already dark. For me, it felt like 10 p.m.
We came home and watched Toronto-Montreal. The Canadiens were wearing these horizontal-striped uniforms that should have some with their own airsick bags. Brutal. The game was close, at least. Also watched a little Knicks-Sixers which turned into a double OT loss. And the crows is so dead. Who can blame them?
Now I'm chilling with the lights off, shuffling my Ipod between Mindy, Dan Seals, and Randy Travis gospel music. Time to sleep.
Saturday, Oct 31: Woke up in Chicago at 3:45 am. This is the second time in three days I woke up st 4 am or earlier. As I write, I'm in bed/pull-out couch in Edison. The clock on the wall says 10:45 p.m. But we gain an hour tonight, I don't know if the clocks were adjusted, I have been up for at least 19 hours, I don't know what time it is!
The monorail from the parking lot Terminal 2 at O'Hare was like a theme park ride. Five minutes stopped at Terminal 5, a bumpy trip, and a lot of sudden starts and stops. I actually asked out loud "Is the driver drunk, what the hell?"
The airport was empty and I had no trouble getting on. 28 rows in the plane. Firt class was maybe 3/4 full. Coach was a different case. There were no more than 20 people. I had a whole row to myself, which was pretty good. Surprisingly, not too many customer service reps on board. Inside joke. And we were delayed 45 minutes thanks to a fuel leakage. But the flight got in 30 minutes ahead of schedule.
As I was walking past security in Newark, former ECW wrestler Balls Mahoney was there. I'm pretty sure it was him. But I think it's not wise to go up to a guy who's 6'3, 300 pounds, has more tattoos one arm than teeth in his mouth, and say "Hey Balls!"
We went to the Sprint store. In Illinois, we have one in every town. In NJ, it's one per county. So I signed the waiting list like I was waiting for the doctor. All I needed was a new belt clip for my case. I somehow found myself in a conversation with a black lady about politics. She was talking about property taxes, job issues, housing, and other major issues in New Jersey. We were two days from the governor election, so I guess it was big on a lot of people's minds. The kicker was when I said "At least Blagojevich is not your governor." Her face lit up and she smiled for one of the few times. "Oh, I love Blago! He's funny!" It was at that point, I realized we don't want our politicians to be corrupt. But if they are, we can accept it more if they entertain us in the process.
Cheesecake Factory for lunch. Appetizers: southern fried chicken sliders, and crispy artichoke hearts with lemon-garlic aioli. Dad had a beef stir-fry and I had some great jambalaya. Excellent stuff. We went home and played Phase 10 and Sequence with the Flyers and woeful Hurricanes playing in the background. For Dad's pride's sake, I will not divulge the results of those games. Dinner that night was Kona Grill, which I didn't really enjoy as much as I did when I went to the one in Lombard. Had some decent tuna. We left around 5:30 and it was already dark. For me, it felt like 10 p.m.
We came home and watched Toronto-Montreal. The Canadiens were wearing these horizontal-striped uniforms that should have some with their own airsick bags. Brutal. The game was close, at least. Also watched a little Knicks-Sixers which turned into a double OT loss. And the crows is so dead. Who can blame them?
Now I'm chilling with the lights off, shuffling my Ipod between Mindy, Dan Seals, and Randy Travis gospel music. Time to sleep.
End of the trail
All week long, I kept thinking how ordinary this week seemed after the previous week included Halloween and traveling east. If it was ordinary, then why I do feel extra tired?
1) Great to stop by the McElwee house for the first time in maybe two years. Dinner and Bible study. I almost forgot the little things about that place. Conversations about obscure movies and 80's pop culture where I either have to be completely quiet or nod my head repeatedly like I actually know what they're all talking about. And Chris continually engaging us with deep questions about the Scripture and really explaining how the message applies to us in this world. I miss that. that's something I'd like to bring to Come Thirsty and every Bible study I participate in. And I saw two of their kids. I find myself the same things I used to hate to hear. They're getting big. I just wish I could have petted Cubbie and Scott. But the way they were chewing on their marrow bones, they seemed quite content.
2) I'm really excited for Come Thirsty Fall Festival tomorrow. Matt keeps hyping my Qwelf debut. I just hope I can live up to the hype.
3) Next two Chi-town restaurants to try: Honky Tonk BBQ and Tufano's.
4) I drank two Dos Equis beers tonight. Does that mean I had Cuatro Equis?
5) I'm trying to limit sports in here. I'll just say this. Jimmy Rollins is a jackass. And I'd take him on the Mets today.
6) I am on a huge Marty Robbins trip right now, especially his live music. Pedal steel guitar, horns, Mexican acoustic guitars. Outstanding. It's shame he died about a year after I was born.
7) Isiah 33:17: The perfect verse at the perfect time. And the person who gave it to me has no idea why.
8) God bless whoever at Rosebud came up with the all-you-can-eat spaghetti and meatballs for $9.99 on Monday. Except those bowls are made with a pound of pasta. Maybe it should be God bless anyone who can eat two of those bowls. Sadly, after a chopped salad and half a bowl, I had no room left for dessert. And Mom was smart enough to ask for the check as quickly as she could.
9) I really wonder why I got excited about music award shows when I was a kid. They are so full of B.S. But none moreso than the Grammys.
10) OK, one more sports point. Still debating whether to get a Blackhawks-Devils ticket for New Year's Eve. If I do, I will definitely wear my Rangers jersey. Maybe I'll teach Chicago a little chant that goes like this... "Maaaaaaaaaar-teeeeeeeeeeeee!!!"
Song picks:
1. "Maybe You Should Know" Kenny Rogers
2. "Mr. Shorty" Marty Robbins
1) Great to stop by the McElwee house for the first time in maybe two years. Dinner and Bible study. I almost forgot the little things about that place. Conversations about obscure movies and 80's pop culture where I either have to be completely quiet or nod my head repeatedly like I actually know what they're all talking about. And Chris continually engaging us with deep questions about the Scripture and really explaining how the message applies to us in this world. I miss that. that's something I'd like to bring to Come Thirsty and every Bible study I participate in. And I saw two of their kids. I find myself the same things I used to hate to hear. They're getting big. I just wish I could have petted Cubbie and Scott. But the way they were chewing on their marrow bones, they seemed quite content.
2) I'm really excited for Come Thirsty Fall Festival tomorrow. Matt keeps hyping my Qwelf debut. I just hope I can live up to the hype.
3) Next two Chi-town restaurants to try: Honky Tonk BBQ and Tufano's.
4) I drank two Dos Equis beers tonight. Does that mean I had Cuatro Equis?
5) I'm trying to limit sports in here. I'll just say this. Jimmy Rollins is a jackass. And I'd take him on the Mets today.
6) I am on a huge Marty Robbins trip right now, especially his live music. Pedal steel guitar, horns, Mexican acoustic guitars. Outstanding. It's shame he died about a year after I was born.
7) Isiah 33:17: The perfect verse at the perfect time. And the person who gave it to me has no idea why.
8) God bless whoever at Rosebud came up with the all-you-can-eat spaghetti and meatballs for $9.99 on Monday. Except those bowls are made with a pound of pasta. Maybe it should be God bless anyone who can eat two of those bowls. Sadly, after a chopped salad and half a bowl, I had no room left for dessert. And Mom was smart enough to ask for the check as quickly as she could.
9) I really wonder why I got excited about music award shows when I was a kid. They are so full of B.S. But none moreso than the Grammys.
10) OK, one more sports point. Still debating whether to get a Blackhawks-Devils ticket for New Year's Eve. If I do, I will definitely wear my Rangers jersey. Maybe I'll teach Chicago a little chant that goes like this... "Maaaaaaaaaar-teeeeeeeeeeeee!!!"
Song picks:
1. "Maybe You Should Know" Kenny Rogers
2. "Mr. Shorty" Marty Robbins
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