It seems like for six months I have been just craving 90 degree weather. So after a horribly cold week, and clouds and rain through most of Saturday and Sunday, the midwest was treated to 90 degrees and sun with next to no clouds on Memorial Day. I worked from 8-2 for time and a half. Of course, little did I know how Mother Nature would choose to play her hand.
I drove 10 minutes to Top Golf in Wood Dale. I had a Groupon for my card and I was ready to do something outside for a change, especially in hot weather. I walk in and the guy tells me I will have to wait at least 90 minutes. I took off. I didn't have my disc golf bag packed either. And the weather was too hot that I did not want to go to the closed off, confined, dungeon-esque gym. So I drove home 40 minutes and it felt like 3 hours. I felt big after the pizza and beer escapade the previous night; I just felt so ugly.
I tried to tan outside and I found myself getting angry at the trees for blocking the sun! So I headed back inside and I can't really remember the next two hours. I decided to head to the kitchen and barbecue the chicken I had marinating overnight in the fridge. Opened the stainless steel doors, no chicken. Wasn't in a tupperware container, it wasn't in the freezer. Finally, I walked outside and checked the grill. I opened the cover up and sure enough, eight various-sized chunks of charcoal are laying on the rack. Even worse, Mom left the gas on too.
And what says a Memorial Day BBQ like leftover spaghetti and meatballs?
Monday, May 30, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
One more round of misery
For the fourth straight time I attend a Mets series on the road, the same outcome ensues. They win the game I do not attend and lose both games that I do attend. My all time record for Mets vs. Cubs at that dump, Wrigley Field, is, I believe, 2-16. More 2 mile walks up north. They are starting to feel like I am walking the green mile.
I had a great time before the first game in Merkle's. Julie and Nick were there along with a few other irregulars. Jason and Norman were neat dudes. Meredith seemed to be pretty cool and I found Kim kind of attractive. She was with Jeff though, they say they're friends. Of course, once again, I was the only suburbanite there. I drank two Great Lakes beers and the owner brought us all grape bombs, grape vodka and Red Bull.
I stumbled my way to my seat, as I best as I remember. The wind turned on once I went inside, it was blowing straight in at 20 MPH. I immediately regretted not wearing a coat. Thanks to some embarrassing defensive Mets miscues, Jon Niese walks, and bloop hits, the Bubs made the score 5-1 in the second inning. As always, I hang around until the top of the sixth and caught the bus back to DeVry University.
Today, I started off with lunch at Hot Doug's. amazingly, I was the first one in line. Did the bacon cheeseburger sausage with Coke BBQ sauce and maple cheddar cheese. It was good stuff, I just don't like cheese inside the sausage. for sausage 2, I went with a three-chili wild boar sausage with chili-garlic mayo, raw milk cheddar spread, and crispy fried onions. First of all, put crispy onions on any food and it instantly tastes delicious. And the two sauces blended well, I just had to wipe off some of the mayo. And I really liked the chili powders inside the boar, I really like the taste of that meat. Fries were hot and fresh as always!
So I parked on Berteau Street around 11:15 am, knowing I had to be back by 5 p.m. to move my car. I walked the two miles in a cold wind, though the rain had let up by this point. I followed Julie and Nick inside Merkle's and there were already a couple of Mets fans inside. We BS'd for almost two hours and it was good, not quite as good as Thursday though. this time, I drank an Allabash from Maine and was given not one, but TWO grape bombs! I wish I had them during the game.
The stands were empty. Maybe 15,000 people, but I know there were rows that were completely empty. Cubs fans are not showing up now, they are no better than the Mets fans who don't go to Citi Field. Jose Reyes scored on a double and two Cubs errors for a 1-0 Mets lead which was great. But with the wind and cold, I really thought R.A. Dickey would have trouble with his knuckleball. And the Cubs got some hits off him. But Fukudome grounded the ball to first and Dickey collapsed while running to cover the bag. And he was done. Pedro Beato came in and retired Starlin Castro to retire the side. Little did I know, everything would go to shit in the next inning. Of course, Carlos Pena had no issues drilling a two-run homer to give Chicago the lead. Two runs later and I knew it was probably over. It was.
The Mets did rally to make it 4-2 when Josh Thole, somehow, dripped an RBI single to left-center. With the tying runs on base, Carlos Beltran struck out, part of his 0-for-5 performance. After the Cubs make it 6-2 the next inning, I was gone. One more horrible series in the freezing confines.
Will bake cakes later.
I had a great time before the first game in Merkle's. Julie and Nick were there along with a few other irregulars. Jason and Norman were neat dudes. Meredith seemed to be pretty cool and I found Kim kind of attractive. She was with Jeff though, they say they're friends. Of course, once again, I was the only suburbanite there. I drank two Great Lakes beers and the owner brought us all grape bombs, grape vodka and Red Bull.
I stumbled my way to my seat, as I best as I remember. The wind turned on once I went inside, it was blowing straight in at 20 MPH. I immediately regretted not wearing a coat. Thanks to some embarrassing defensive Mets miscues, Jon Niese walks, and bloop hits, the Bubs made the score 5-1 in the second inning. As always, I hang around until the top of the sixth and caught the bus back to DeVry University.
But while stewing in the concourse behind home plate, one of the few good things from these two days happened around the third inning. I saw Joe Benigno. I walked up to him and producer Ernie Acosta and thanked them for the entertainment. I mentioned to Joe about all the Jets fans at Rebel during the season. And he goes "Bro, don't even get me started about football. I'm pissed off. Bro, I'm pissed off." I shook his hand again and let him and Ernie go.
Today, I started off with lunch at Hot Doug's. amazingly, I was the first one in line. Did the bacon cheeseburger sausage with Coke BBQ sauce and maple cheddar cheese. It was good stuff, I just don't like cheese inside the sausage. for sausage 2, I went with a three-chili wild boar sausage with chili-garlic mayo, raw milk cheddar spread, and crispy fried onions. First of all, put crispy onions on any food and it instantly tastes delicious. And the two sauces blended well, I just had to wipe off some of the mayo. And I really liked the chili powders inside the boar, I really like the taste of that meat. Fries were hot and fresh as always!
So I parked on Berteau Street around 11:15 am, knowing I had to be back by 5 p.m. to move my car. I walked the two miles in a cold wind, though the rain had let up by this point. I followed Julie and Nick inside Merkle's and there were already a couple of Mets fans inside. We BS'd for almost two hours and it was good, not quite as good as Thursday though. this time, I drank an Allabash from Maine and was given not one, but TWO grape bombs! I wish I had them during the game.
The stands were empty. Maybe 15,000 people, but I know there were rows that were completely empty. Cubs fans are not showing up now, they are no better than the Mets fans who don't go to Citi Field. Jose Reyes scored on a double and two Cubs errors for a 1-0 Mets lead which was great. But with the wind and cold, I really thought R.A. Dickey would have trouble with his knuckleball. And the Cubs got some hits off him. But Fukudome grounded the ball to first and Dickey collapsed while running to cover the bag. And he was done. Pedro Beato came in and retired Starlin Castro to retire the side. Little did I know, everything would go to shit in the next inning. Of course, Carlos Pena had no issues drilling a two-run homer to give Chicago the lead. Two runs later and I knew it was probably over. It was.
The Mets did rally to make it 4-2 when Josh Thole, somehow, dripped an RBI single to left-center. With the tying runs on base, Carlos Beltran struck out, part of his 0-for-5 performance. After the Cubs make it 6-2 the next inning, I was gone. One more horrible series in the freezing confines.
Will bake cakes later.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Game 1 Recap
After getting rained out on Opening Day, we opened the season against Riverside Community Church. I liked that we are no longer wearing t-shirts. These are maroon jerseys with white striping on the side. I guess my tan won't be so full this year since I have to leave the sleeves on!
George, from last season, set the lineup since Steve was out of town. I batted second and started in left field. The quality of play early on proved we could use an exhibition game. During the first two innings, there were four double plays, two by each team, thanks to poor baserunning.
I walked and scored in the bottom of the first. On my next at-bat, I dropped a fly ball in between the SS, 2B and CF and would score. In the fourth, I grounded a single up the middle, though I hit the ball off the end of the bat. On my fourth at-bat, I hit a solid grounder up the middle, but it was turned for a force play. I also made three catches in the field, nothing was hit too hard.
We won 12-0 by slaughter rule, but since we decided to play it out, the actual final score was 13-2. Now, we have two weeks off until Game 2.
George, from last season, set the lineup since Steve was out of town. I batted second and started in left field. The quality of play early on proved we could use an exhibition game. During the first two innings, there were four double plays, two by each team, thanks to poor baserunning.
I walked and scored in the bottom of the first. On my next at-bat, I dropped a fly ball in between the SS, 2B and CF and would score. In the fourth, I grounded a single up the middle, though I hit the ball off the end of the bat. On my fourth at-bat, I hit a solid grounder up the middle, but it was turned for a force play. I also made three catches in the field, nothing was hit too hard.
We won 12-0 by slaughter rule, but since we decided to play it out, the actual final score was 13-2. Now, we have two weeks off until Game 2.
Friday, May 20, 2011
May 19
Up at 3:15 AM
6 AM flight
Sat next to two women wearing blindfolds while they slept
I talked to the gate agent and she said the flight looked good.
Somehow, I started smiling
As I stood online to hop a cab, I was still smiling
Got dropped off by the right field gate
I found Catherine right by the players entrance
RA Dickey autographed my ticket
Apple right near the subway entrance
Bases in the parking lot
8,000 kids arrive
Mets Hall of Fame with plaques, broadcaster highlights, World Series rings, game used equipment, etc.
They did a tremendous job putting it together, I just wish there were more great memories.
Weather Education Day
Mr. G and Laura Church
Boring as hell
All the kids gathered on the third base side
No BP
Disappointing, we had three or four sections to ourselves and we wanted to catch some home run balls.
Gave her the peanut butter and chocolate combo cookie from Carole's. Little did I know she would wipe 3/4 of it out within 20 minutes
Mama's of Corona
Italian special with salami, peppered ham, homemade mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and marinated mushrooms
Cascarino's Grandma pizza, which is like a margherita pizza
Caesar's Club, I can understand why stands are so empty, especially when it's cold outside. This place is gorgeous
Sushi, pizza, rotisseries, a gorgeous bar with exotic spirits, especially whiskeys and Latin rums
Comfortable sofas
Great photos of Arthur Ashe Stadium
Second row of Left Field
Jason Pridie tosses a ball to Catherine
Dillon Gee
No-hitter through five
Livan Hernandez breaks it up
Justin Turner's RBI single proved the difference
Held on for a 1-0 victory
We walked around the Mets team store for about a half hour before heading towards the right field corner and McFadden's
Women dancing on bars
Could not have a conversation
Sat outside
At 5:30, it was time to go
Long embrace
Got a little emotional as the car pulled away.
$20 as opposed to $11 for a taxi
Two flights left
Standby list
36 of 42
They told me the flights looked full
26 of 32
Only 15 standbys in the lobby
#24 almost got on
Last flight
6 of 16
We all got called together
Seat belt issues, Strap stuck behind the seat and other seat
Jazz music
Home at 11 pm
6 AM flight
Sat next to two women wearing blindfolds while they slept
I talked to the gate agent and she said the flight looked good.
Somehow, I started smiling
As I stood online to hop a cab, I was still smiling
Got dropped off by the right field gate
I found Catherine right by the players entrance
RA Dickey autographed my ticket
Apple right near the subway entrance
Bases in the parking lot
8,000 kids arrive
Mets Hall of Fame with plaques, broadcaster highlights, World Series rings, game used equipment, etc.
They did a tremendous job putting it together, I just wish there were more great memories.
Weather Education Day
Mr. G and Laura Church
Boring as hell
All the kids gathered on the third base side
No BP
Disappointing, we had three or four sections to ourselves and we wanted to catch some home run balls.
Gave her the peanut butter and chocolate combo cookie from Carole's. Little did I know she would wipe 3/4 of it out within 20 minutes
Mama's of Corona
Italian special with salami, peppered ham, homemade mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and marinated mushrooms
Cascarino's Grandma pizza, which is like a margherita pizza
Caesar's Club, I can understand why stands are so empty, especially when it's cold outside. This place is gorgeous
Sushi, pizza, rotisseries, a gorgeous bar with exotic spirits, especially whiskeys and Latin rums
Comfortable sofas
Great photos of Arthur Ashe Stadium
Second row of Left Field
Jason Pridie tosses a ball to Catherine
Dillon Gee
No-hitter through five
Livan Hernandez breaks it up
Justin Turner's RBI single proved the difference
Held on for a 1-0 victory
We walked around the Mets team store for about a half hour before heading towards the right field corner and McFadden's
Women dancing on bars
Could not have a conversation
Sat outside
At 5:30, it was time to go
Long embrace
Got a little emotional as the car pulled away.
$20 as opposed to $11 for a taxi
Two flights left
Standby list
36 of 42
They told me the flights looked full
26 of 32
Only 15 standbys in the lobby
#24 almost got on
Last flight
6 of 16
We all got called together
Seat belt issues, Strap stuck behind the seat and other seat
Jazz music
Home at 11 pm
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Opinions, Sterotyping, Tolerance
I am realizing more and more how hard it is to state an opinion if it does not reflect the mass populous of American culture. It doesn't matter if I insult someone or not, jump on someone or not, belittle someone or not. Just having the opinion and expressing it seems to be a horrible act.
Sean Avery, a very controversial New York Ranger who likes to live in the public eye, decided to publicly support the campaign for gay marriage in New York State. He is one of the first pro athletes to take that stand. Now this is not about whether Avery supported the correct side or not; I'm not going to go there. The topic is a very hot button and will probably remain so for a long time. But a lot of my FB friends who are Rangers fans wrote that they support it. Amy did, which I knew she would, since she has a few gay friends in Colorado. A few other people responded favorably to her post. But a few people talked about "antiquated religious views" and ripped the preachers and "Bible belt types" for being oppressive and out of touch.
Since I am a human being and I have a voice, I decided to make mine known. I don't appreciate being stereotyped at all. So I wrote that and I also said I supported the sports agent who tweeted that he disagreed with Avery's stance. I expected a little criticism, but I was hoping my thoughts would at least be respected. And I get ripped. I got this long diatribe from my friend saying things like "I know gay couples who are doing better than straight couples" and "If I jumped on you every time I disagreed with something you wrote, you would hear from me a lot."
I wrote back and said I didn't intend to jump on anyone and I never insulted anyone. But I felt I had been insulted along with all people who believe what I believe. Now by contrast, I don't assume that all atheists/agnostics are evil people. I believe they are just wrong. By the way, not every religion can be correct! And about Point #1, I'm sure there are alcoholics who are happier than sober, depressed people. That doesn't make getting drunk on a frequent basis a good idea.
That brings me to the issue of tolerance. American culture teaches us to tolerate everybody and what they believe. The idea is that society will grant each individual the opportunity to experience life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness without the burdens imposed by bias, discrimination or societal condemnation. Supposedly, eliminating these barriers will result in the advancement of mankind, both personally and communally. We will be happy, healthy, and live in peace and harmony.
The problem with the religion of tolerance is that, by definition, the boundaries of society become blurred and ambiguous; there can be no absolute truth. Rules once applicable to everyone now apply to no one. Topics once thought taboo are open for exploration in the name of tolerance.
Here's what I want my friends who disagree with me to know. As a Christian, I believe I am to love all people (yes it's hard), but just because I disagree with someone doesn't mean I hate them. And I certainly won't give into the messages this culture bombards me with just to avoid arguments.
So many people want to be friends of the world. Sure, there are numerous benefits to be attained by being of the world. I can attain pleasure, wealth, power and glory if I'm willing to play the game. But make no mistake about it, being of the world makes me an enemy of God.
So many people choose to believe that entrance into heaven is based on works, i.e. whether they are “good” or not. The good in their minds is a good based upon the perception of good acts outweighing bad acts. There are also a number of people who adhere to the idea of tolerance and the belief that tolerance is a universal concept that applies today and in the future.
I know this: God crated the world and he created human beings. His laws do not change over time. God is loving, kind and merciful. Throughout the Bible, God demonstrates patience, love, and care for mankind, desiring that none of us perish, but that we would all be saved through grace and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. However, God has another side. He is also holy, righteous and just. There will be a judgment. And God won't be so tolerant then. That judgment will be final and we won't be able to appeal. And despite what one may hope for, tolerating everything will not be a factor.
Sean Avery, a very controversial New York Ranger who likes to live in the public eye, decided to publicly support the campaign for gay marriage in New York State. He is one of the first pro athletes to take that stand. Now this is not about whether Avery supported the correct side or not; I'm not going to go there. The topic is a very hot button and will probably remain so for a long time. But a lot of my FB friends who are Rangers fans wrote that they support it. Amy did, which I knew she would, since she has a few gay friends in Colorado. A few other people responded favorably to her post. But a few people talked about "antiquated religious views" and ripped the preachers and "Bible belt types" for being oppressive and out of touch.
Since I am a human being and I have a voice, I decided to make mine known. I don't appreciate being stereotyped at all. So I wrote that and I also said I supported the sports agent who tweeted that he disagreed with Avery's stance. I expected a little criticism, but I was hoping my thoughts would at least be respected. And I get ripped. I got this long diatribe from my friend saying things like "I know gay couples who are doing better than straight couples" and "If I jumped on you every time I disagreed with something you wrote, you would hear from me a lot."
I wrote back and said I didn't intend to jump on anyone and I never insulted anyone. But I felt I had been insulted along with all people who believe what I believe. Now by contrast, I don't assume that all atheists/agnostics are evil people. I believe they are just wrong. By the way, not every religion can be correct! And about Point #1, I'm sure there are alcoholics who are happier than sober, depressed people. That doesn't make getting drunk on a frequent basis a good idea.
That brings me to the issue of tolerance. American culture teaches us to tolerate everybody and what they believe. The idea is that society will grant each individual the opportunity to experience life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness without the burdens imposed by bias, discrimination or societal condemnation. Supposedly, eliminating these barriers will result in the advancement of mankind, both personally and communally. We will be happy, healthy, and live in peace and harmony.
The problem with the religion of tolerance is that, by definition, the boundaries of society become blurred and ambiguous; there can be no absolute truth. Rules once applicable to everyone now apply to no one. Topics once thought taboo are open for exploration in the name of tolerance.
Here's what I want my friends who disagree with me to know. As a Christian, I believe I am to love all people (yes it's hard), but just because I disagree with someone doesn't mean I hate them. And I certainly won't give into the messages this culture bombards me with just to avoid arguments.
So many people want to be friends of the world. Sure, there are numerous benefits to be attained by being of the world. I can attain pleasure, wealth, power and glory if I'm willing to play the game. But make no mistake about it, being of the world makes me an enemy of God.
So many people choose to believe that entrance into heaven is based on works, i.e. whether they are “good” or not. The good in their minds is a good based upon the perception of good acts outweighing bad acts. There are also a number of people who adhere to the idea of tolerance and the belief that tolerance is a universal concept that applies today and in the future.
I know this: God crated the world and he created human beings. His laws do not change over time. God is loving, kind and merciful. Throughout the Bible, God demonstrates patience, love, and care for mankind, desiring that none of us perish, but that we would all be saved through grace and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. However, God has another side. He is also holy, righteous and just. There will be a judgment. And God won't be so tolerant then. That judgment will be final and we won't be able to appeal. And despite what one may hope for, tolerating everything will not be a factor.
I Like Inge
Haven't felt very compelled to write recently. I guess it's one of those bullet days. Let's have at it.
1) The Queen of Queens. Things have been getting pretty crazy with CI and myself. We're texting tons and talking literally every day. I don't know why, but the women I tend get along well with always live at least 1,000 miles away. I am hoping this one can go somewhere.
2) Was very happy on Thursday to get treated to Chipotle by my boss. Our whole team of 14 people got treated and we had 50 minutes of pure fun. I drove Haziq and Chad over to Woodfield Mall, about 2 minutes away. And I had my burrito with rice, pintos, barbacoa, tomatillo salsa, chili-corn salsa, cheese, and guacamole. Of course, with plenty of lime wedges and the smoked green Tabasco sauce as well.
3) After we got home, Kyle said that was his first time ever eating at Chipotle. None of us could believe it. Later, I overheard him say to Haziq that he should get a plaque. Now it was around 4 pm, so I had an hour to go and Thursday is typically a slow day for me anyway. So with some extra time available and most of my team on their way home, I opened up Microsoft Publisher and went to work. I designed a certificate commemorating his first visit, complete with Chipotle logos, a picture of a half-eaten burrito, and every person's name on our team. He showed it to the whole team and everyone got a kick out of it; it was a pretty good feeling for me.
3) After seven months away from the grass fields at the corner of 25 and Fabyan in north Batavia, we resumed playing ultimate frisbee soccer. The heat was pretty intense, maybe 80 degrees or so. Eight guys showed up: me and Burns ewere the only ones from CT. Dan was a newcomer, while both Joes, John, Frank, and Ben Jeffrey showed up as well. We played two games, both going to a final goal. In the first game, I forced a turnover near the sideline and fired the disc into the mesh, sealing a Game 1 win. We drew new teams for Game 2, and I assisted on Dan's winning goal. I scored five times in the games, including one from midfield. It was good to get back out there. But I know another thing. I seriously need to up my cardio workouts! I was gassed, I think almost everyone was after a solid hour. I will be out this week, but I'm excited to play as the summer goes on.
4) The weather was just insane on Friday. I walked into the office and the temperature outside was around 80 degrees. Mostly sunny, a few little white clouds scattered here and there. I walked out at 5 and the temperature had plummeted to around 50 degrees with gray skies, and a cold breeze blowing.
5) So I left work and headed to group in Glen Ellyn. At the end, I got the sad news that Craig is moving to San Diego for a new pharmaceutical job. He was an asset to our Friday group for years, always sparking the group with a discussion point. Granted, sometimes those points took 20 minutes. But we'll miss him, he won't be easily replaced.
6) So I headed home, got a couple of Scooby's hot dogs on the way. I headed to the basement for the No Name radio show, which Jim and Eddie were hosting, with the intent of the show revolving around anything except hockey. So for the first 20 minutes, we discussed old school pro wrestling, which of course, I was up for. And someone mentioned how many of them had died. Then Eddie was about to go on a rant about Barbara Walters and how she needs to leave The View.
Then someone wrote in the chat that Derek Boogaard had died. It was Friday the 13th, I thought it was a rib. But I checked Twitter and saw the tweet had come from Mike Russo, a reporter from the St. Paul Tribune. Slowly it sunk in that the news was real. 28 years old and one of the toughest men to ever play in the NHL was dead.
Last year, Glen Sather signed Boogaard to a ridiculous 4-year, $7 million deal. He only played 22 games for the Rangers before sitting out the rest of the year due to concussion issues. He didn't seem to play a huge role in the future, mostly as a bench player with too a high a salary cap hit. But supposedly, he was motivated to come back and have a great sophomore season with the Rangers. And now he's gone. It doesn't devastate me from a Rangers perspective. It's just sad that 28-year old guy died so suddenly. Nice of the Bruins to have a moment of silence before Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals for the Boogie Man. I am interested to see what the Rangers will do for him on Opening Night.
7) Bob Chinn's is known for their seafood, but their garlic rolls are pure bliss. I hope in heaven I can eat tons of garlic and have it not affect my breath...
8) Softball season is supposed to start tomorrow and of course, rain is in the forecast. Steve, Daren, the other Steve, Clay, Tim, we seem to have about half our team returning. And we will play 10 games instead of 9, which is great. The league has shrunk from 24 teams down to 13, which is substantial, but at least everyone gets to make the playoffs, which will start in August.
9) I signed up for annual membership to work out at the Norris Center. At the end of the day, it's cheap and it's two minutes from home. Those are the real advantages. But the workouts are very average, in terms of weight equipment and I can't control the TV's in the cardio rooms. But they do have a dry sauna (it actually gets hot unlike in South Barrington) and a whirlpool! That is one nice way to relax! And so I am alone on a Saturday night.
10) But there are things to look forward to. May 19. Citi Field. Catherine.
11) The New York Mets are just maddening. Infuriating. Winning streak followed by a losing streak. The good stuff: Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Jason Isringhausen, and Ike Davis. A slight nod to Justin Turner and Jason Pridie. The bad stuff: Jason Bay, Mike Pelfrey, R.A. Dickey, the entire bench, injuries to Ike Davis, Pedro Beato, and Chris Young, the lack of attendance, the lack of respect, the inevitable trading of Reyes and Beltran, and being in last place.
12) Ring of Honor returns to Chicago Ridge next Saturday night. Supercard of Honor 6. Will have to write a preview of that as the days draw near.
1) The Queen of Queens. Things have been getting pretty crazy with CI and myself. We're texting tons and talking literally every day. I don't know why, but the women I tend get along well with always live at least 1,000 miles away. I am hoping this one can go somewhere.
2) Was very happy on Thursday to get treated to Chipotle by my boss. Our whole team of 14 people got treated and we had 50 minutes of pure fun. I drove Haziq and Chad over to Woodfield Mall, about 2 minutes away. And I had my burrito with rice, pintos, barbacoa, tomatillo salsa, chili-corn salsa, cheese, and guacamole. Of course, with plenty of lime wedges and the smoked green Tabasco sauce as well.
3) After we got home, Kyle said that was his first time ever eating at Chipotle. None of us could believe it. Later, I overheard him say to Haziq that he should get a plaque. Now it was around 4 pm, so I had an hour to go and Thursday is typically a slow day for me anyway. So with some extra time available and most of my team on their way home, I opened up Microsoft Publisher and went to work. I designed a certificate commemorating his first visit, complete with Chipotle logos, a picture of a half-eaten burrito, and every person's name on our team. He showed it to the whole team and everyone got a kick out of it; it was a pretty good feeling for me.
3) After seven months away from the grass fields at the corner of 25 and Fabyan in north Batavia, we resumed playing ultimate frisbee soccer. The heat was pretty intense, maybe 80 degrees or so. Eight guys showed up: me and Burns ewere the only ones from CT. Dan was a newcomer, while both Joes, John, Frank, and Ben Jeffrey showed up as well. We played two games, both going to a final goal. In the first game, I forced a turnover near the sideline and fired the disc into the mesh, sealing a Game 1 win. We drew new teams for Game 2, and I assisted on Dan's winning goal. I scored five times in the games, including one from midfield. It was good to get back out there. But I know another thing. I seriously need to up my cardio workouts! I was gassed, I think almost everyone was after a solid hour. I will be out this week, but I'm excited to play as the summer goes on.
4) The weather was just insane on Friday. I walked into the office and the temperature outside was around 80 degrees. Mostly sunny, a few little white clouds scattered here and there. I walked out at 5 and the temperature had plummeted to around 50 degrees with gray skies, and a cold breeze blowing.
5) So I left work and headed to group in Glen Ellyn. At the end, I got the sad news that Craig is moving to San Diego for a new pharmaceutical job. He was an asset to our Friday group for years, always sparking the group with a discussion point. Granted, sometimes those points took 20 minutes. But we'll miss him, he won't be easily replaced.
6) So I headed home, got a couple of Scooby's hot dogs on the way. I headed to the basement for the No Name radio show, which Jim and Eddie were hosting, with the intent of the show revolving around anything except hockey. So for the first 20 minutes, we discussed old school pro wrestling, which of course, I was up for. And someone mentioned how many of them had died. Then Eddie was about to go on a rant about Barbara Walters and how she needs to leave The View.
Then someone wrote in the chat that Derek Boogaard had died. It was Friday the 13th, I thought it was a rib. But I checked Twitter and saw the tweet had come from Mike Russo, a reporter from the St. Paul Tribune. Slowly it sunk in that the news was real. 28 years old and one of the toughest men to ever play in the NHL was dead.
Last year, Glen Sather signed Boogaard to a ridiculous 4-year, $7 million deal. He only played 22 games for the Rangers before sitting out the rest of the year due to concussion issues. He didn't seem to play a huge role in the future, mostly as a bench player with too a high a salary cap hit. But supposedly, he was motivated to come back and have a great sophomore season with the Rangers. And now he's gone. It doesn't devastate me from a Rangers perspective. It's just sad that 28-year old guy died so suddenly. Nice of the Bruins to have a moment of silence before Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals for the Boogie Man. I am interested to see what the Rangers will do for him on Opening Night.
7) Bob Chinn's is known for their seafood, but their garlic rolls are pure bliss. I hope in heaven I can eat tons of garlic and have it not affect my breath...
8) Softball season is supposed to start tomorrow and of course, rain is in the forecast. Steve, Daren, the other Steve, Clay, Tim, we seem to have about half our team returning. And we will play 10 games instead of 9, which is great. The league has shrunk from 24 teams down to 13, which is substantial, but at least everyone gets to make the playoffs, which will start in August.
9) I signed up for annual membership to work out at the Norris Center. At the end of the day, it's cheap and it's two minutes from home. Those are the real advantages. But the workouts are very average, in terms of weight equipment and I can't control the TV's in the cardio rooms. But they do have a dry sauna (it actually gets hot unlike in South Barrington) and a whirlpool! That is one nice way to relax! And so I am alone on a Saturday night.
10) But there are things to look forward to. May 19. Citi Field. Catherine.
11) The New York Mets are just maddening. Infuriating. Winning streak followed by a losing streak. The good stuff: Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Jason Isringhausen, and Ike Davis. A slight nod to Justin Turner and Jason Pridie. The bad stuff: Jason Bay, Mike Pelfrey, R.A. Dickey, the entire bench, injuries to Ike Davis, Pedro Beato, and Chris Young, the lack of attendance, the lack of respect, the inevitable trading of Reyes and Beltran, and being in last place.
12) Ring of Honor returns to Chicago Ridge next Saturday night. Supercard of Honor 6. Will have to write a preview of that as the days draw near.
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