I made my picks at the end of July. And now the regular season has come to an end.
All in all, these weren't my best predictions. Like many people, I overrated Philadelphia, Carolina, and Pittsburgh and never saw Seattle or Minnesota playing so well.
In the AFC, I got of 4 of 6 playoff teams correct.
In the NFC, it was terrible, just 2 of 6 correct.
My pre-season Super Bowl of Green Bay vs Houston is still alive, so I will stick with it even thought I don't think either team will make it. But here I go.
AFC
Houston over Cincinnati
Baltimore over Indianapolis
Denver over Baltimore
Houston over New England
Houston over Denver
NFC
Green Bay over Minnesota
Seattle over Washington
Atlanta over Seattle
Green Bay over San Francisco
Green Bay over Atlanta
Super Bowl
Houston over Green Bay
Monday, December 31, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Dead
Our playoffs hope are dead again. I'm too disgusted to write a long drawn out recap. Four points only.
1) First and foremost. This quarterback sucks. He doesn't stink. He sucks. I have never seen a quarterback regress so much since his rookie season. He throws to receivers who are double covered over and over again. The fact that he is guaranteed $8 million next year is a crime and is reason enough to fire Mike Tannenbaum.
2) This GM has got to be fired. There are no playmakers on this roster, no depth to speak of. And they have almost no room to make moves with since they are well over the salary cap.
3) What is with this defense? After Chris Johnson broke the 96-yard TD run they stifled Tennessee. They gave the offense every chance to come back. Once the Jets finally scored, what does the D do? 7 plays, 64 yards, capped off by a 13-yard TD run by Jake Locker.
4) And all the Giants fans reveling in our misery can go screw themselves. I could say so much more. Trying not to curse...
5) My "girlfriend" actually wants to send me a Christmas photo of her and her family where she and her brother are wearing Giants stuff? I'd rather burn that shit.
1) First and foremost. This quarterback sucks. He doesn't stink. He sucks. I have never seen a quarterback regress so much since his rookie season. He throws to receivers who are double covered over and over again. The fact that he is guaranteed $8 million next year is a crime and is reason enough to fire Mike Tannenbaum.
2) This GM has got to be fired. There are no playmakers on this roster, no depth to speak of. And they have almost no room to make moves with since they are well over the salary cap.
3) What is with this defense? After Chris Johnson broke the 96-yard TD run they stifled Tennessee. They gave the offense every chance to come back. Once the Jets finally scored, what does the D do? 7 plays, 64 yards, capped off by a 13-yard TD run by Jake Locker.
4) And all the Giants fans reveling in our misery can go screw themselves. I could say so much more. Trying not to curse...
5) My "girlfriend" actually wants to send me a Christmas photo of her and her family where she and her brother are wearing Giants stuff? I'd rather burn that shit.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Mindy Smith setlist
From SPACE in Evanston
Come to Jesus
Pretending the Stars
Cure for Love
Out Loud
Sober
Bad Guy
Follow the Shepherd Home
Santa Will Find You
If I Didn't Know Any Better
Tennessee
Raggedy Ann
Closer
No One Is To Blame
Highs and Lows
Encore
One Moment More
What Went Wrong
Jolene
Monday, December 10, 2012
Long Saturday
So sporting blue jeans, my blue Jeremy Lin t-shirt, and my classic New York Knicks leather jacket, I left home around 1:15 pm and went the ATM, where I took out $80.00 cash. Michelle was working, I made sure to say hi to her, she's really sweet and cute. The came the drive to the Cumberland blue line station, and I arrived around 2:00, which was great timing. But even better timing, was I didn't even have to wait 15 seconds for thew train to arrive. So I jumped on a car, sat down, and started rummaging through my drawstring bag.
All of a sudden I hear this husky, female voice. "Hi Adam." I looked up and it was Stacey Kolder, one of my co-workers along with her husband and extended family. The last time I had seen her husband, Charlie, was during a CEC football game where he broke both bones in his lower leg. I found out he was out of work for four months while he was recovering. Thankfully, he is now walking around without any problems.
I got off at the Damen stop in Wicker Park, which is much earlier than I normally would. But I had a particular destination in mind: Big Star Tacos. I had see this joint profiled on a Yahoo list of Top 10 taco joints in America. I had to try it out. I walked through a sea of undecorated Christmas trees and opened the flimsy door that looked like it came off someone's back porch. The centerpiece of this place is the rectangular shaped 4-sided bar. At 2:30 on a Saturday, I would guess of the 40 or so seats there, 38 were taken. And I would say all 15 or so tables were occupied as well. That is always a good sign. I grabbed a stool and ordered a limeade to drink. Pretty solid refreshing drink, though I would have liked it a little colder.
I ordered three tacos. The first was the standard pescado with beer battered tilapia, chipotle mayo, cabbage, cilantro, and lime. The fish came out very crispy and moist. The mayo added some kick as well. Very solid fish taco. Then I sank my teeth into the al pastor, which is marinated, spit roasted pork shoulder, grilled pineapple, grilled onion, and cilantro. Now I've eaten al pastor a couple of times before. Never has it been this good. The pork was so tender and had a little bit of a smokiness to it. There was just the right amount or pineapple and cilantro to round it out really well. Finally, I had the taco de panza which is crispy, braised pork belly, tomato guajillo sauce, queso fresco, onion, cilantro. This one was a little saucier than the others. The guajillo added a late kick of spice, not hot, but just a little extra kick. The crumbled queso on top really helped to round this one out.
I still wasn't full so I asked the girl at the bar about the Sonoran hot dog, which was a hot dog I had heard about and seen on TV, but never tried for myself. She warned me it was pretty big and that I better be hungry. She also said it was around the size of a small football. I said bring it on. Within five minutes, it came out. A crispy, bacon wrapped, all beef hot dog topped with chopped tomatoes, pinto beans, lime mayo, mustard, onions, and hot sauce on a bolillo roll. I ate it with a fork and had next to no trouble wiping it out. Total bill: $19, before tip. Excellent and definitely worth a return. Oh, I did chat with a blonde girl, who sat down next to me while I was working on my hot dog. She was an artist back who was just returning to town for the weekend and we struck up a short conversation. I didn't ask her name, but I didn't really need to either. It was nice for a few minutes.
After refusing a guy's request outside to let him borrow my cell phone, I took the blue line south. Once again, I could hear the whistle blowing as I was climbing the stairs. The train was just waiting for me and I got on. I went about five stops before getting off at Monroe and walking east to Michigan Ave. I went over to Millennium Park where I watched folks ice skating as the traffic whizzed by past them. I took a few photos of Cloud Gate, otherwise known as The Bean. Then I headed farther north. I made a stop in the Blackhawks store, where I purchased a pair of Original Six pucks, one for me and one for Catherine.
From there, I kept walking north all the way to Chicago Ave. On my way, I noticed a few things. The line for Garrett's popcorn were the longest lines anywhere in the city. They were 50-60 people deep out the door, never mind the people waiting inside the store. To my left, I also saw seven guys in tuxedos walking right down the middle of Michigan Ave. I had no idea what that was all about, until I heard some car horns honking. I looked to my left again, and I saw seven ladies in fancy dresses, including one in white. Pretty good time of year to have a wedding in Chicago. I also got a few photos of the Chicago River and the tree in front of WGN radio and the NBC building.
Of course, after just half a day, my camera battery was already completely drained. So around 4:00, I stopped into a Starbucks and sat down to charge my camera and phone. I listened to a little Steve Somers on my phone. Then it was time for the game. I headed west on Chicago to the red line. Once again, I got downstairs just as the train was approaching. I have no idea how this kept happening to me. I never had that kind of luck with the subways in New York. Anyway, I traveled south three stops to Monroe and then I walked north one block to Madison St. Across the street and over a block, I could see the 20 bus waiting to go. But just as I started running to get the bus to take me to the United Center, it pulled away. So I had to wait another 15 minutes for the next bus to come. But as I stood under the bus stop, two people approached me. They appeared to be in their 40's or early 50's and they were both sporting Knicks merchandise. Their names were Danny and Monica and live in Missouri. I found out they were in town celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. I found out this was part of his present. I explained a little about my life and I also helped explain their best transportation to the arena and then back to their hotel.
So we took a 20 minute ride and I got off a little early at Ashland where Q was enjoying a burger. He gave me my ticket and we walked over to the arena, entering around 5:45. We checked out the team store, I put my hand in the hand molds of the different NBA players, etc. The game started and it was pretty ugly to watch. Very competitive, but not pretty, much more of a defense-oriented game. And without Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks just had too much trouble getting open shots, especially 3-point attempts. Although the game was close throughout, the Bulls pulled away in the end, taking the game 93-85. I had never heard of Marco Bellinelli before this game, but after he dropped 22 points, I'm not gonna forget him anytime soon.
A few other things about the game. I was amazed when Taj Gibson got a double technical foul for supposedly mouthing off to the referees about a foul call. I really thought that was going to give the Knicks a huge lift. Raymond Felton is a good point guard, but he had no right taking 30 shots in this game. By comparison, nobody else on the Knicks took nine shots. Once Tyson Chandler picked up his fifth foul with about six minutes left in the game, the team's aggressiveness went way down and that's exactly when the Bulls took over. Disappointing loss, but at least they rallied to beat Denver tonight in the Garden when Melo returned to the lineup.
Then Q and I headed over to Fifty/50 for some late night grub. I got a table for three downstairs while Q as well as Adam the Jew searched for what seemed like 20 minutes trying to find parking spaces. Meanwhile, I studies the menu as the club music thumped and thumped through my brain. Once they got there, I took plenty of ribbing about the game as I knew I would. I drank two cans of Old Style light. I didn't want a light tasting beer or a wheat beer, I wanted something with some edge and pain. So that's why I picked that one. Then I got the Division burger which is a Triple Secret burger stuffed with Gouda cheese, caramelized onions, and sauteed mushrooms. Then, they top it with bacon, Swiss cheese, and BBQ sauce and serve it on a pretzel roll. One of the best burgers I have in a long long time. It has a very intense beef flavor, and it was so juicy too.
Around 11:45, I decided I'd had enough, so I had Q drive me to the blue line. Once again, I ran up the stairs at Western and the train was sitting there! During the ride, I chatted with a cute brunette (she initiated the conversation) while her boyfriend, I assume, chatted with some drunk. I guess they still had a 45 minute drive back to Rockford, which was actually going to be pretty comparable to my 45-minute ride back to St. Charles. Nine stops on the train and I was back at Cumberland, and I arrived home around 1 a.m. I just wish Julie's phone had been on during that drive; I could have used a late night chat with her.
Money spent
$20.00 CTA card
$23.00 Big Star
$15.00 Hockey pucks
$60.00 Game ticket
$10.00 UC Concessions
$10.00 Gas
$23.00 Fifty/50
$5.00 Subway parking
$166.00 Total
All of a sudden I hear this husky, female voice. "Hi Adam." I looked up and it was Stacey Kolder, one of my co-workers along with her husband and extended family. The last time I had seen her husband, Charlie, was during a CEC football game where he broke both bones in his lower leg. I found out he was out of work for four months while he was recovering. Thankfully, he is now walking around without any problems.
I got off at the Damen stop in Wicker Park, which is much earlier than I normally would. But I had a particular destination in mind: Big Star Tacos. I had see this joint profiled on a Yahoo list of Top 10 taco joints in America. I had to try it out. I walked through a sea of undecorated Christmas trees and opened the flimsy door that looked like it came off someone's back porch. The centerpiece of this place is the rectangular shaped 4-sided bar. At 2:30 on a Saturday, I would guess of the 40 or so seats there, 38 were taken. And I would say all 15 or so tables were occupied as well. That is always a good sign. I grabbed a stool and ordered a limeade to drink. Pretty solid refreshing drink, though I would have liked it a little colder.
I ordered three tacos. The first was the standard pescado with beer battered tilapia, chipotle mayo, cabbage, cilantro, and lime. The fish came out very crispy and moist. The mayo added some kick as well. Very solid fish taco. Then I sank my teeth into the al pastor, which is marinated, spit roasted pork shoulder, grilled pineapple, grilled onion, and cilantro. Now I've eaten al pastor a couple of times before. Never has it been this good. The pork was so tender and had a little bit of a smokiness to it. There was just the right amount or pineapple and cilantro to round it out really well. Finally, I had the taco de panza which is crispy, braised pork belly, tomato guajillo sauce, queso fresco, onion, cilantro. This one was a little saucier than the others. The guajillo added a late kick of spice, not hot, but just a little extra kick. The crumbled queso on top really helped to round this one out.
I still wasn't full so I asked the girl at the bar about the Sonoran hot dog, which was a hot dog I had heard about and seen on TV, but never tried for myself. She warned me it was pretty big and that I better be hungry. She also said it was around the size of a small football. I said bring it on. Within five minutes, it came out. A crispy, bacon wrapped, all beef hot dog topped with chopped tomatoes, pinto beans, lime mayo, mustard, onions, and hot sauce on a bolillo roll. I ate it with a fork and had next to no trouble wiping it out. Total bill: $19, before tip. Excellent and definitely worth a return. Oh, I did chat with a blonde girl, who sat down next to me while I was working on my hot dog. She was an artist back who was just returning to town for the weekend and we struck up a short conversation. I didn't ask her name, but I didn't really need to either. It was nice for a few minutes.
After refusing a guy's request outside to let him borrow my cell phone, I took the blue line south. Once again, I could hear the whistle blowing as I was climbing the stairs. The train was just waiting for me and I got on. I went about five stops before getting off at Monroe and walking east to Michigan Ave. I went over to Millennium Park where I watched folks ice skating as the traffic whizzed by past them. I took a few photos of Cloud Gate, otherwise known as The Bean. Then I headed farther north. I made a stop in the Blackhawks store, where I purchased a pair of Original Six pucks, one for me and one for Catherine.
From there, I kept walking north all the way to Chicago Ave. On my way, I noticed a few things. The line for Garrett's popcorn were the longest lines anywhere in the city. They were 50-60 people deep out the door, never mind the people waiting inside the store. To my left, I also saw seven guys in tuxedos walking right down the middle of Michigan Ave. I had no idea what that was all about, until I heard some car horns honking. I looked to my left again, and I saw seven ladies in fancy dresses, including one in white. Pretty good time of year to have a wedding in Chicago. I also got a few photos of the Chicago River and the tree in front of WGN radio and the NBC building.
Of course, after just half a day, my camera battery was already completely drained. So around 4:00, I stopped into a Starbucks and sat down to charge my camera and phone. I listened to a little Steve Somers on my phone. Then it was time for the game. I headed west on Chicago to the red line. Once again, I got downstairs just as the train was approaching. I have no idea how this kept happening to me. I never had that kind of luck with the subways in New York. Anyway, I traveled south three stops to Monroe and then I walked north one block to Madison St. Across the street and over a block, I could see the 20 bus waiting to go. But just as I started running to get the bus to take me to the United Center, it pulled away. So I had to wait another 15 minutes for the next bus to come. But as I stood under the bus stop, two people approached me. They appeared to be in their 40's or early 50's and they were both sporting Knicks merchandise. Their names were Danny and Monica and live in Missouri. I found out they were in town celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. I found out this was part of his present. I explained a little about my life and I also helped explain their best transportation to the arena and then back to their hotel.
So we took a 20 minute ride and I got off a little early at Ashland where Q was enjoying a burger. He gave me my ticket and we walked over to the arena, entering around 5:45. We checked out the team store, I put my hand in the hand molds of the different NBA players, etc. The game started and it was pretty ugly to watch. Very competitive, but not pretty, much more of a defense-oriented game. And without Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks just had too much trouble getting open shots, especially 3-point attempts. Although the game was close throughout, the Bulls pulled away in the end, taking the game 93-85. I had never heard of Marco Bellinelli before this game, but after he dropped 22 points, I'm not gonna forget him anytime soon.
A few other things about the game. I was amazed when Taj Gibson got a double technical foul for supposedly mouthing off to the referees about a foul call. I really thought that was going to give the Knicks a huge lift. Raymond Felton is a good point guard, but he had no right taking 30 shots in this game. By comparison, nobody else on the Knicks took nine shots. Once Tyson Chandler picked up his fifth foul with about six minutes left in the game, the team's aggressiveness went way down and that's exactly when the Bulls took over. Disappointing loss, but at least they rallied to beat Denver tonight in the Garden when Melo returned to the lineup.
Then Q and I headed over to Fifty/50 for some late night grub. I got a table for three downstairs while Q as well as Adam the Jew searched for what seemed like 20 minutes trying to find parking spaces. Meanwhile, I studies the menu as the club music thumped and thumped through my brain. Once they got there, I took plenty of ribbing about the game as I knew I would. I drank two cans of Old Style light. I didn't want a light tasting beer or a wheat beer, I wanted something with some edge and pain. So that's why I picked that one. Then I got the Division burger which is a Triple Secret burger stuffed with Gouda cheese, caramelized onions, and sauteed mushrooms. Then, they top it with bacon, Swiss cheese, and BBQ sauce and serve it on a pretzel roll. One of the best burgers I have in a long long time. It has a very intense beef flavor, and it was so juicy too.
Around 11:45, I decided I'd had enough, so I had Q drive me to the blue line. Once again, I ran up the stairs at Western and the train was sitting there! During the ride, I chatted with a cute brunette (she initiated the conversation) while her boyfriend, I assume, chatted with some drunk. I guess they still had a 45 minute drive back to Rockford, which was actually going to be pretty comparable to my 45-minute ride back to St. Charles. Nine stops on the train and I was back at Cumberland, and I arrived home around 1 a.m. I just wish Julie's phone had been on during that drive; I could have used a late night chat with her.
Money spent
$20.00 CTA card
$23.00 Big Star
$15.00 Hockey pucks
$60.00 Game ticket
$10.00 UC Concessions
$10.00 Gas
$23.00 Fifty/50
$5.00 Subway parking
$166.00 Total
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
One More NY Ride-Part 2
We woke up at 6:50 and headed downstairs to M&M for their breakfast buffet. For $15, I got unlimited juice, a BTO omelet with bacon, tomatoes, caramelized onions, and cheddar jack cheese, as well as access to pastries, fresh fruit, and cereal. She loaded up on eggs, strawberry French toast, blueberry pancakes, bacon, a sausage link, and a pot of coffee.
We grabbed the 9:40 train straight back to New York. I think I was still feeling a little crabby from the previous night, so I slept most of the way. We were planning to stay in Manhattan, but I think we actually both needed a little recharge. So we just took the E train from Penn Station to Forest Hills, where her mom picked us up, and we went back to her house for a while just to rest up for a bit. I watched the second quarter of that Jets vs Cardinals classic. I'm glad I only had to see one quarter of this train wreck. The Jets won 7-6, but between Mark Sanchez and Ryan Lindley, there has probably never been a professional football game with worse quarterbacking play.
By late in the second quarter, we decided to take off. We took the 54 bus back into Forest Hills. We made a stop at Royal Collectibles, which is a shop with trading cards, sports memorabilia, and artifacts from pop culture, pro wrestling, superheroes, etc. I didn't expect to buy anything, but I did get a color picture of Babe Ruth in 1935 when he was third base coach for the Brooklyn Dodgers as well as a Mike Piazza card. I also liked seeing so many of the old WWF dolls I used to play with when I was a kid. I may still not be totally over mom selling them for so cheap without my knowledge 15 years ago...I'll get there though...
Then we took the F train to Bryant Park in Manhattan. The place felt so festive. We watched hundreds of skaters stumble their way around the skating rink. Then the zamboni came to clean off the ice, which was pretty cool to watch live. We took a few photos of ourselves, including one where she was kissing my cheek. I really like that one. We also explored some of the little shops that had been set up around the rink, including ones for candles, cookies, stained glass, etc. To say the least, that park felt a whole lot more vibrant and busy than it had been when I had first visited it in August. There's just something about Christmas time in New York City that makes it feel so big, so spectacular. Makes me smile.
Then, we made a stop at the NHL Store. I didn't make a purchase, easy as it would have been. I felt pretty tapped out on cash anyway. Between the jerseys, the shirts, the winter hats, they just have so much cool stuff. We did take a few photos together with computer kiosk they have. Then we walked over to Rockefeller Center and checked out the Christmas tree. I can't remember the last time I saw so many flash bulbs popping at once. We took a few more photos of ourselves, this time with the tree in the background, which came out really well.
Then we took, the F, to the L, to the M to get back home. Of course, she got us going the wrong way on the L, since she was expecting or gambling that going backwards just one stop to the end of the L line might get us back home quicker. So naturally, as we were pulling out, a train that was heading our direction showed up. So we got back a little later, but hey, it was only another five minutes I guess.
For dinner, we enjoyed a feast of London broil, roasted potatoes and onions, grilled portabellas, stuffed artichokes, mixed green salad, Parmesan Reggiano cheese, and soprasetta (I passed on the green olives). I drank a glass of red wine and for dessert, I enjoyed some pumpkin pie as well as an huge oatmeal raisin cookie I had purchased at Bryant Park. Yes, this was a weekend where I definitely pigged out on great food! All I needed was a nice sandwich from Katz's to take it over the top.
So then we went into the basement and watched the Jets postgame show before tuning into the Eagles vs Cowboys game. We planned on going to bed around 11, but somehow, we found ourselves watching "Catch Me If You Can." I think we finally fell asleep around 2 am.
I was up at 5:50 am, thanks to Francis coming downstairs; I don't think I even knew I was still asleep, No big deal, I had to be up in ten minutes anyway. I was set to take a plane at 7:45, but Chicago was overrun with fog. So our plane actually left at 8:45, which wasn't too big a deal for me. I'm glad I live in a city where I almost never to fly twice to get to a city. After landing around 10:30, I got my car, and headed straight up I-90 to the office, gobbled down the rest of the pecan pie for lunch, and worked from 12-4. Then it was off to the gym for 30 minutes of cardio and an amazing chicken parmesan dinner at home.
We grabbed the 9:40 train straight back to New York. I think I was still feeling a little crabby from the previous night, so I slept most of the way. We were planning to stay in Manhattan, but I think we actually both needed a little recharge. So we just took the E train from Penn Station to Forest Hills, where her mom picked us up, and we went back to her house for a while just to rest up for a bit. I watched the second quarter of that Jets vs Cardinals classic. I'm glad I only had to see one quarter of this train wreck. The Jets won 7-6, but between Mark Sanchez and Ryan Lindley, there has probably never been a professional football game with worse quarterbacking play.
By late in the second quarter, we decided to take off. We took the 54 bus back into Forest Hills. We made a stop at Royal Collectibles, which is a shop with trading cards, sports memorabilia, and artifacts from pop culture, pro wrestling, superheroes, etc. I didn't expect to buy anything, but I did get a color picture of Babe Ruth in 1935 when he was third base coach for the Brooklyn Dodgers as well as a Mike Piazza card. I also liked seeing so many of the old WWF dolls I used to play with when I was a kid. I may still not be totally over mom selling them for so cheap without my knowledge 15 years ago...I'll get there though...
Then we took the F train to Bryant Park in Manhattan. The place felt so festive. We watched hundreds of skaters stumble their way around the skating rink. Then the zamboni came to clean off the ice, which was pretty cool to watch live. We took a few photos of ourselves, including one where she was kissing my cheek. I really like that one. We also explored some of the little shops that had been set up around the rink, including ones for candles, cookies, stained glass, etc. To say the least, that park felt a whole lot more vibrant and busy than it had been when I had first visited it in August. There's just something about Christmas time in New York City that makes it feel so big, so spectacular. Makes me smile.
Then, we made a stop at the NHL Store. I didn't make a purchase, easy as it would have been. I felt pretty tapped out on cash anyway. Between the jerseys, the shirts, the winter hats, they just have so much cool stuff. We did take a few photos together with computer kiosk they have. Then we walked over to Rockefeller Center and checked out the Christmas tree. I can't remember the last time I saw so many flash bulbs popping at once. We took a few more photos of ourselves, this time with the tree in the background, which came out really well.
Then we took, the F, to the L, to the M to get back home. Of course, she got us going the wrong way on the L, since she was expecting or gambling that going backwards just one stop to the end of the L line might get us back home quicker. So naturally, as we were pulling out, a train that was heading our direction showed up. So we got back a little later, but hey, it was only another five minutes I guess.
For dinner, we enjoyed a feast of London broil, roasted potatoes and onions, grilled portabellas, stuffed artichokes, mixed green salad, Parmesan Reggiano cheese, and soprasetta (I passed on the green olives). I drank a glass of red wine and for dessert, I enjoyed some pumpkin pie as well as an huge oatmeal raisin cookie I had purchased at Bryant Park. Yes, this was a weekend where I definitely pigged out on great food! All I needed was a nice sandwich from Katz's to take it over the top.
So then we went into the basement and watched the Jets postgame show before tuning into the Eagles vs Cowboys game. We planned on going to bed around 11, but somehow, we found ourselves watching "Catch Me If You Can." I think we finally fell asleep around 2 am.
I was up at 5:50 am, thanks to Francis coming downstairs; I don't think I even knew I was still asleep, No big deal, I had to be up in ten minutes anyway. I was set to take a plane at 7:45, but Chicago was overrun with fog. So our plane actually left at 8:45, which wasn't too big a deal for me. I'm glad I live in a city where I almost never to fly twice to get to a city. After landing around 10:30, I got my car, and headed straight up I-90 to the office, gobbled down the rest of the pecan pie for lunch, and worked from 12-4. Then it was off to the gym for 30 minutes of cardio and an amazing chicken parmesan dinner at home.
One More NY Ride-Part 1
So on Friday, I worked a half day and left the office at noon. My coworker Shavonna saw I had my jacket on and my computer was turned off. She asked where I was going and I just told her very simply. "The airport."
I headed back to Blue Sky parking in Schiller Park, dropped my car off, and fought through a very long security line. I guess I learned that Friday afternoon is one of the busiest times of the week to travel. I got bumped off the 2:30 flight, which I suspected would probably happen. But I got the 3:30 instead, which wasn't too bad. My seat was 7D, the first row of coach, which I generally hate since since I have to put my backpack in the overhead compartment. But they let me put it in the first class section so at least I had some space for it. Even more amazing, I had an aisle seat and the two chairs next to me were empty. I was getting ready to curl up, stretch out, and grab some sleep. But this cute blonde girl sitting across the aisle from me asked if she could take the window seat. So my original idea went out the window, but that's okay. I spent most of the flight sleeping, listening to Mets podcasts, and doing Sudoku.
I landed around 7 and Catherine and her mom picked me up at 7:15. We got back and I gave them my two bags of Garrett's buttery and caramel popcorn I had picked up for them in the terminal. And I was treated to a late night snack of homemade pecan pie and fresh whipped cream. As a matter of fact, I'd say it was the prefect holdover before a late night dinner with Catherine at Arturo's.
We took the M train straight to West 4th Street and walked to the corner of Houston St and Thompson St. The tiny restaurant and bar area was packed with people waiting for a table. We only waited about 25 minutes and in the meantime, we listened to a three-piece jazz band playing as well as watching the Knicks take down the Wizards on the TV placed high in the corner of the bar.
For our pizza, we ordered the sausage and fresh mozzarella on one side with our usual fave, bacon and roasted peppers on the other side. I've written so much about their pizzas, that there's really no need anymore. Just that it came out perfect as always. I enjoyed a glass of Merlot while she sipped on a Pinot Grigio.
I had no problem wiping out my four slices. but much to my amazement, she had to stop after finishing her third slice. So we had to go home with a slice of sausage and mozzarella that I tucked inside my jacket pocket.
As we left, we saw this guy outside lugging a big black hard shell case. He tried to get our attention and urged us to donate to the Marijuana foundation, whatever the hell that meant. Catherine seemd to find it funny, but I ignored him for a minute before he turned inside a liquor store. We got home and found Catherine's Uncle Willie and her dad in the basement watching The Munsters. Once they left, we watched a little Boomer and Carton before saying a long good night.
We planned to wake up at 7 and leave around 7:45. By the time Catherine opened the basement door to wake me up, it was already 7:30. Thankfully, I had already loaded my backpack up and was ready to take off after a quick shower. Ellen drove us to Penn Station, but first she dropped us off at the local Middle Village bagel joint. I ordered a sandwich of egg whites, American cheese, and sausage on a marble rye bagel along with a bottle of Tropicana. Catherine got egg whites and bacon on a roll...I definitely think I made the better choice.
The ride from Queens only took about a half hour total as we drove through the Midtown Tunnel. We then took the Amtrak to New Haven, CT. The conductor was a little weird, he kept asking people over the loudspeaker to eat some bananas from the club car, that became kind of a running gag throughout the weekend. Always looking for bananas.
From New Haven, we transferred to the shuttle train for the 45 minute ride to Hartford. As we stepped off the train and headed out of Union Station for our walk to the Hilton, I was amazed how much colder it felt in Hartford than it had in New York. Must have been 30 degrees or so. It was the first time this winter I'd been able to see my breath. Definitely won't be the last though.
So we checked into the Hilton, which is right across Church Street from the XL Center. As a matter of fact, as one of the selling points of the hotel, we were able to use the skywalk that goes from the hotel right into the arena. We stayed in the room for two hours, listening to jazz music and napping for an hour or so...At one point, she sat up and fell backwards of the bed. She came down right on her left butt cheek and her head hit the corner of the wooden TV cabinet. I tried not to laugh, but once I realized her head was ok, I couldn't help but giggle...
At 2:15, we left for Black Eyed Sally's, a New Orleans/BBQ joint in downtown Hartford. During the five or so minute walk, I could see she was limping. I guess her head was okay, but she had banged up her ass a little bit...As we walked in, I was pleased to see there was live music going on a Saturday afternoon. There were three women and a guy in this band and they played some blues. Very cool. The walls were filled with rock and roll themed murals along with some framed pictures of famous blues and rock scenes. Just a very colorful and festive atmosphere.
For the food, we started off with an order of burnt ends. The beef came out moist, though I was hoping to taste a little more smoke flavor. The barbecue sauce was a little sweet for my taste, almost like a KC Masterpiece. I ordered a BBQ combo plate. I enjoyed their pulled pork, especially because it wasn't too shredded. I could actually eat nice sized chunks of meat, which I always appreciate with pulled pork. I came away disappointed with the brisket though. It tasted very generic, almost like a standard sliced roast beef. It definitely needed more seasoning. The red beans and rice were fine, nothing too notable out them. But the cornbread amazed me. I got two big pieces and they were so tall, I could barely get my mouth around them.
And when I applied a little shmear of honey butter, it just went to another level of perfect.
Catherine ordered a shrimp po' boy that she really liked. And she got a side of salt 'n vinegar chips that really surprised me. They were cut nice and thick, tasted crispy and yet tender at the same time. They also had a nice sprinkling of kosher salt for that extra level of flavor. Some of the best restaurant chips I've ever had. Once again, she finished half her meal and we took the rest back to the room!
The band stopped playing as we were eating and then the stereo came on. As we were leaving, I looked at the dance floor. Nothing like seeing a bunch of white fifty-somethings doing the boogie to "Brick House"...
So we walked briskly through the cold back to the Hilton. After dropping a few things off in our room, 1125, we headed down to the hotel's M&M restaurant. Emily Lauren, her sister, and their friend Lauren were sitting there having lunch. I'd been chatting with Emily for a while and it was cool to finally meet her. Amazingly, they were staying in Room 1122, right near us.
Around 4:00, Catherine and I headed back upstairs and got changed for the big game. I donned my blue Ryan McDonagh jersey for the first time. It's so true, there is simply no blue like Ranger blue. No royal, not indigo, not navy. Ranger blue. So we headed through the skywalk and into the lobby of the XL Center. We saw Meghan Colgan and I quickly gave her a big hug. Theresa Valentine was there too, who I met very briefly in April at the Rangers vs Sabres game. We got our team posters and I took a fan photo with a stick and helmet. I spent a lot of time talking with the Lauren clan, especially about music.
At 6, the doors opened and we headed straight down for warmups. I was very intrigued by the geometry of the building. The stands basically go straight up, more so than any other sports arena I've ever been in. In the rafters, I saw banners for the Whalers retired numbers, Wolf Pack titles, etc. There were even some banners for UConn basketball as well.
During the first intermission, I wanted a beer. So I went to this one stand that was selling local brews. I asked to try samples of the City Steam Dirty Daughter and the Hooker Blonde Ale. The woman at the stand got this very nervous look on her face and explained to me she wasn't supposed to do that for me. I explained I was from out of town and if I was going to pay $9 for a beer, I wanted to get something I knew i would like. I thought that was a fair explanation. She looked around very quickly and tensely, her eyes darting back and forth as she placed a plastic cup under one of the taps. She gave me a quick taste of the City Steam beer, which I didn't care for. So I asked for the Hooker for myself and a bottle of water for Catherine. She took the cup to the back and I heard her ask "Can you wash this cup out?" Seriously? Is this organization is so strapped for cash that they can't waste a single cup? Anyway, the Hooker tasted just fine.
Also at one of the merchandise tables, they were selling tons of Whalers memorabilia. One item caught my eye. It was a 94-95 schedule for $1. Keep in mind that season, the league was locked out...what a difference 17 years has made...Anyway, that schedule had 82 games that never even got played!
During the second period, they did a chuck a puck contest, which seems to be at every minor league game I go to now. Before the game, Catherine and I bought 15 foam pucks between the two of us for $10 total. Of the 15 we threw, maybe one hit the square target at center ice. Those pucks are so hard to control. $10 well wasted and I may have strained my shoulder a little bit, but hey, what can you do?
As for the game, the Whale played the Syracuse Crunch, the Tampa Bay Lightning affiliate. The Whale extended their lead to 3-0 lead early in the third period on goals by Christian Thomas, Blake Parlett, and Marek Hrivik. But Syracuse came back with three straight goals in 12 minutes to force overtime. With 46.7 seconds left, Mark Barberio of the Crunch scored the game-winning goal, sending the crowd home very annoyed and disappointed.
Then, I had to let the girls fulfill their autograph and picture requests. So I waited quietly for well over an hour outside in 20 degree weather. Catherine, Meghan, and Theresa spent most of their time talking about memorabilia, meeting players, and all kinds of stuff I had zero interest in. Drunks dressed as Santa stumbled by me to the local bars. Groups of loud teenagers pranced around. To say the least, I was not falling in love with this city by any stretch. I barely said a word to the girls, I mostly checked on the non-happening social media universe and memorized the shapes of the cracks in the sidewalk.
Finally, around 11, we headed back to the Hilton. Even though I had a winter hat and gloves on, my teeth were chattering, my lip was quivering, and I could barely feel my toes. I wouldn't even speak to her, I was so aggravated. But once we got back, Catherine drew some bath water. I dipped my feet in the hot water, but it didn't do the trick. Even after getting into bed, my teeth were still chattering. So I jumped in a very hot shower, which I sorely needed. Then it was bedtime.
Song lyric. "Tonight I'll take a walk across a bridge I didn't burn." Ricky Van Shelton
I headed back to Blue Sky parking in Schiller Park, dropped my car off, and fought through a very long security line. I guess I learned that Friday afternoon is one of the busiest times of the week to travel. I got bumped off the 2:30 flight, which I suspected would probably happen. But I got the 3:30 instead, which wasn't too bad. My seat was 7D, the first row of coach, which I generally hate since since I have to put my backpack in the overhead compartment. But they let me put it in the first class section so at least I had some space for it. Even more amazing, I had an aisle seat and the two chairs next to me were empty. I was getting ready to curl up, stretch out, and grab some sleep. But this cute blonde girl sitting across the aisle from me asked if she could take the window seat. So my original idea went out the window, but that's okay. I spent most of the flight sleeping, listening to Mets podcasts, and doing Sudoku.
I landed around 7 and Catherine and her mom picked me up at 7:15. We got back and I gave them my two bags of Garrett's buttery and caramel popcorn I had picked up for them in the terminal. And I was treated to a late night snack of homemade pecan pie and fresh whipped cream. As a matter of fact, I'd say it was the prefect holdover before a late night dinner with Catherine at Arturo's.
We took the M train straight to West 4th Street and walked to the corner of Houston St and Thompson St. The tiny restaurant and bar area was packed with people waiting for a table. We only waited about 25 minutes and in the meantime, we listened to a three-piece jazz band playing as well as watching the Knicks take down the Wizards on the TV placed high in the corner of the bar.
For our pizza, we ordered the sausage and fresh mozzarella on one side with our usual fave, bacon and roasted peppers on the other side. I've written so much about their pizzas, that there's really no need anymore. Just that it came out perfect as always. I enjoyed a glass of Merlot while she sipped on a Pinot Grigio.
I had no problem wiping out my four slices. but much to my amazement, she had to stop after finishing her third slice. So we had to go home with a slice of sausage and mozzarella that I tucked inside my jacket pocket.
As we left, we saw this guy outside lugging a big black hard shell case. He tried to get our attention and urged us to donate to the Marijuana foundation, whatever the hell that meant. Catherine seemd to find it funny, but I ignored him for a minute before he turned inside a liquor store. We got home and found Catherine's Uncle Willie and her dad in the basement watching The Munsters. Once they left, we watched a little Boomer and Carton before saying a long good night.
We planned to wake up at 7 and leave around 7:45. By the time Catherine opened the basement door to wake me up, it was already 7:30. Thankfully, I had already loaded my backpack up and was ready to take off after a quick shower. Ellen drove us to Penn Station, but first she dropped us off at the local Middle Village bagel joint. I ordered a sandwich of egg whites, American cheese, and sausage on a marble rye bagel along with a bottle of Tropicana. Catherine got egg whites and bacon on a roll...I definitely think I made the better choice.
The ride from Queens only took about a half hour total as we drove through the Midtown Tunnel. We then took the Amtrak to New Haven, CT. The conductor was a little weird, he kept asking people over the loudspeaker to eat some bananas from the club car, that became kind of a running gag throughout the weekend. Always looking for bananas.
From New Haven, we transferred to the shuttle train for the 45 minute ride to Hartford. As we stepped off the train and headed out of Union Station for our walk to the Hilton, I was amazed how much colder it felt in Hartford than it had in New York. Must have been 30 degrees or so. It was the first time this winter I'd been able to see my breath. Definitely won't be the last though.
So we checked into the Hilton, which is right across Church Street from the XL Center. As a matter of fact, as one of the selling points of the hotel, we were able to use the skywalk that goes from the hotel right into the arena. We stayed in the room for two hours, listening to jazz music and napping for an hour or so...At one point, she sat up and fell backwards of the bed. She came down right on her left butt cheek and her head hit the corner of the wooden TV cabinet. I tried not to laugh, but once I realized her head was ok, I couldn't help but giggle...
At 2:15, we left for Black Eyed Sally's, a New Orleans/BBQ joint in downtown Hartford. During the five or so minute walk, I could see she was limping. I guess her head was okay, but she had banged up her ass a little bit...As we walked in, I was pleased to see there was live music going on a Saturday afternoon. There were three women and a guy in this band and they played some blues. Very cool. The walls were filled with rock and roll themed murals along with some framed pictures of famous blues and rock scenes. Just a very colorful and festive atmosphere.
For the food, we started off with an order of burnt ends. The beef came out moist, though I was hoping to taste a little more smoke flavor. The barbecue sauce was a little sweet for my taste, almost like a KC Masterpiece. I ordered a BBQ combo plate. I enjoyed their pulled pork, especially because it wasn't too shredded. I could actually eat nice sized chunks of meat, which I always appreciate with pulled pork. I came away disappointed with the brisket though. It tasted very generic, almost like a standard sliced roast beef. It definitely needed more seasoning. The red beans and rice were fine, nothing too notable out them. But the cornbread amazed me. I got two big pieces and they were so tall, I could barely get my mouth around them.
And when I applied a little shmear of honey butter, it just went to another level of perfect.
Catherine ordered a shrimp po' boy that she really liked. And she got a side of salt 'n vinegar chips that really surprised me. They were cut nice and thick, tasted crispy and yet tender at the same time. They also had a nice sprinkling of kosher salt for that extra level of flavor. Some of the best restaurant chips I've ever had. Once again, she finished half her meal and we took the rest back to the room!
The band stopped playing as we were eating and then the stereo came on. As we were leaving, I looked at the dance floor. Nothing like seeing a bunch of white fifty-somethings doing the boogie to "Brick House"...
So we walked briskly through the cold back to the Hilton. After dropping a few things off in our room, 1125, we headed down to the hotel's M&M restaurant. Emily Lauren, her sister, and their friend Lauren were sitting there having lunch. I'd been chatting with Emily for a while and it was cool to finally meet her. Amazingly, they were staying in Room 1122, right near us.
Around 4:00, Catherine and I headed back upstairs and got changed for the big game. I donned my blue Ryan McDonagh jersey for the first time. It's so true, there is simply no blue like Ranger blue. No royal, not indigo, not navy. Ranger blue. So we headed through the skywalk and into the lobby of the XL Center. We saw Meghan Colgan and I quickly gave her a big hug. Theresa Valentine was there too, who I met very briefly in April at the Rangers vs Sabres game. We got our team posters and I took a fan photo with a stick and helmet. I spent a lot of time talking with the Lauren clan, especially about music.
At 6, the doors opened and we headed straight down for warmups. I was very intrigued by the geometry of the building. The stands basically go straight up, more so than any other sports arena I've ever been in. In the rafters, I saw banners for the Whalers retired numbers, Wolf Pack titles, etc. There were even some banners for UConn basketball as well.
During the first intermission, I wanted a beer. So I went to this one stand that was selling local brews. I asked to try samples of the City Steam Dirty Daughter and the Hooker Blonde Ale. The woman at the stand got this very nervous look on her face and explained to me she wasn't supposed to do that for me. I explained I was from out of town and if I was going to pay $9 for a beer, I wanted to get something I knew i would like. I thought that was a fair explanation. She looked around very quickly and tensely, her eyes darting back and forth as she placed a plastic cup under one of the taps. She gave me a quick taste of the City Steam beer, which I didn't care for. So I asked for the Hooker for myself and a bottle of water for Catherine. She took the cup to the back and I heard her ask "Can you wash this cup out?" Seriously? Is this organization is so strapped for cash that they can't waste a single cup? Anyway, the Hooker tasted just fine.
Also at one of the merchandise tables, they were selling tons of Whalers memorabilia. One item caught my eye. It was a 94-95 schedule for $1. Keep in mind that season, the league was locked out...what a difference 17 years has made...Anyway, that schedule had 82 games that never even got played!
During the second period, they did a chuck a puck contest, which seems to be at every minor league game I go to now. Before the game, Catherine and I bought 15 foam pucks between the two of us for $10 total. Of the 15 we threw, maybe one hit the square target at center ice. Those pucks are so hard to control. $10 well wasted and I may have strained my shoulder a little bit, but hey, what can you do?
As for the game, the Whale played the Syracuse Crunch, the Tampa Bay Lightning affiliate. The Whale extended their lead to 3-0 lead early in the third period on goals by Christian Thomas, Blake Parlett, and Marek Hrivik. But Syracuse came back with three straight goals in 12 minutes to force overtime. With 46.7 seconds left, Mark Barberio of the Crunch scored the game-winning goal, sending the crowd home very annoyed and disappointed.
Then, I had to let the girls fulfill their autograph and picture requests. So I waited quietly for well over an hour outside in 20 degree weather. Catherine, Meghan, and Theresa spent most of their time talking about memorabilia, meeting players, and all kinds of stuff I had zero interest in. Drunks dressed as Santa stumbled by me to the local bars. Groups of loud teenagers pranced around. To say the least, I was not falling in love with this city by any stretch. I barely said a word to the girls, I mostly checked on the non-happening social media universe and memorized the shapes of the cracks in the sidewalk.
Finally, around 11, we headed back to the Hilton. Even though I had a winter hat and gloves on, my teeth were chattering, my lip was quivering, and I could barely feel my toes. I wouldn't even speak to her, I was so aggravated. But once we got back, Catherine drew some bath water. I dipped my feet in the hot water, but it didn't do the trick. Even after getting into bed, my teeth were still chattering. So I jumped in a very hot shower, which I sorely needed. Then it was bedtime.
Song lyric. "Tonight I'll take a walk across a bridge I didn't burn." Ricky Van Shelton
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Need a turnaround
Let's move on. It's not always easy, but I need to. Pastor Shane said in church to try not complaining today and instead being thankful. On a football Sunday, even when the Jets don't play, that's almost impossible. But I won't do it here, I'll try to follow what he said...
1) I still want to go to Springfield. I'm going to make it happen. I need it. We both need it.
2) I bought a new camera today. A silver Canon PowerShot A4000 IS for $105, which usually costs $180. And I got a free memory card too. Not bad.
3) Davey Richards vs Michael Elgin at AAW last night was simply one of the best live wrestling matches I have seen in a long time. Just amazing to watch.
4) I could have a 7 lb turducken shipped to my house for $100 or for the same price, I could get a shipment of two gallons of Garrett's popcorn. Only one of those seem to justify the pricetag.
5) Thanks to Matt Pecora for having small group over Friday night. I needed it in the worse way. We watched Tropic Thunder and the Boondock Saints. Those are not exactly the most Christian-oriented films, but it was still fun. Alison left 3/4 of the way through the first movie; I guess we'll get Finding Nemo for her next time. Hey, she recommended it...
At least in pro wrestling, unlike real sports, the good guy wins sometimes...
Song pick: "You Can Dream of Me" Steve Wariner
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Depressed. Disgusted. Miserable.
I knew the Jets would disgrace themselves on national TV yet again. They did. And fuck these Giants fans and Patriots fans rubbing it in.
Jeremiah Weed time.
Jeremiah Weed time.
Break it off (VERY ANGRY)
What I'd really like to say to CI, for calling herself a die-hard Yankee/Giant fans when she's 23 years old and spoiled as can be, with 7 titles in her life, where as I have 1 in 30 years...
Screw you. You have been alive 23 years. In that period of time, you have won 7 titles. I have been alive 31 years and have one title to speak of. None of my teams have even reached a final since 2000 when the Mets lost to your evil empire, the fucking Yankees.
You say if your team loses a game, you shake it off and move on. And you have the nerve to say that I should do the same. Well, I'm sure it's a whole hell of a lot easier to move on, when you have so many blissful memories to look back on. I have nothing in my history but teases embarrassment, and garbage.
You and your fellow worshipers of the Evil Empires ruined my Christmas last year. And although you claim you don't root against my teams, it's so obvious I know you and the rest of these rude, cruel, arrogant, condescending bullies live to see me and my bretheren lose, agonize, and suffer. It's the way it goes in Mets Yankees. now it's Jets and little boy blue.
And then on your Twitter account, you have the balls to say you are a die-hard Giant/Yankee/Ranger fan. Spare me. With two of those teams, you've never had to suffer a day in your damn life. You're a fraudulent bandwagon jumper without a single clue about loyalty, devotion, or persistence through painful times...So put this as classy as I can put it, screw you.
Screw you. You have been alive 23 years. In that period of time, you have won 7 titles. I have been alive 31 years and have one title to speak of. None of my teams have even reached a final since 2000 when the Mets lost to your evil empire, the fucking Yankees.
You say if your team loses a game, you shake it off and move on. And you have the nerve to say that I should do the same. Well, I'm sure it's a whole hell of a lot easier to move on, when you have so many blissful memories to look back on. I have nothing in my history but teases embarrassment, and garbage.
You and your fellow worshipers of the Evil Empires ruined my Christmas last year. And although you claim you don't root against my teams, it's so obvious I know you and the rest of these rude, cruel, arrogant, condescending bullies live to see me and my bretheren lose, agonize, and suffer. It's the way it goes in Mets Yankees. now it's Jets and little boy blue.
And then on your Twitter account, you have the balls to say you are a die-hard Giant/Yankee/Ranger fan. Spare me. With two of those teams, you've never had to suffer a day in your damn life. You're a fraudulent bandwagon jumper without a single clue about loyalty, devotion, or persistence through painful times...So put this as classy as I can put it, screw you.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Challenges and oppression with some hope
The last seven days have really challenged me in a lot of different parts of my life. I don't really want to dwell on it for too long, it's a week I really just want to put behind me. But I feel it's at least necessary to record what happened.
1) So on Sunday, I cancelled my Discover credit card. For the second time in ten days, a fraudulent transaction was done on my card, this one for $255. So I ordered a new card and it just arrived yesterday. I know it's important for me to establish good credit, but I really wish I could live without a credit card.
2) As of Monday, my Ohio trip has been postponed indefinitely. She just thinks I need to be in a different place in my life before we meet. At least we're still talking though. I really want to meet her still.
3) On Tuesday, my boss' boss' boss apparently saw me with a video up for a seconds and I got a verbal lashing over it. I admit when I'm bored, I am prone to pulling up a video. And I had You tube up for a few seconds, and maybe I shouldn't have done that, I have no problem owning up. But he had the nerve to accuse me of not taking pride in my work and actually to call me unprofessional. This guy has never worked closely with me ever. He doesn't know me, he doesn't know how hard I work, and he only focuses on the few negatives. I walked slowly out of his office feeling humiliated, belittled, and about two feet tall. I just wanted to go home right there.
4) Election Night. We re-elected Barack Obama, as I expected. But I didn't expect him to win by such a definitive margin. And Tammy freaking Duckworth beat Joe Walsh for Congress. I'm really worried this country is getting way way too liberal as people my age are growing up and raising kids to think just like them.
5) I watched the election coverage at my friend Matt Williams' apartment in downtown Wheaton. A few people from group showed up like Natalie, Andrea, Alison, and Clarissa. And after what happened back on Memorial Day weekend, anytime Clarissa and I are in the same place, there's going to be tension, even if we never say it. Andrea is just so pretty and cool. I'm amazed she's still single. But I just have a feeling she's not the one for me.
5) On Wednesday morning, I couldn't even bring myself to go to the gym. I felt that down and depressed. I'm not even sure how I managed to fall asleep the night before.
7) So after a very busy day at work, where it seemed I had to answer an extraordinary amount of e-mails, I arrive home at 6:30, where I'm safe. I opened the garage and my Mom's car was not there. I thought that was strange, but maybe she was working some OT. And when I saw her laying on the couch watching TV, I froze. I knew something had to be horribly wrong. I asked her where the car was. she said she didn't want to talk. I walked into the kitchen and on the table, found a voucher for a cab from O'Hare to St. Charles. Then I went downstairs and saw a webpage for a suspension from American Airlines and an attorney's homepage.
After a few minutes, she called me upstairs and I ran up the stairs immediately. I sat on the opposite side of the couch and I listened as she explained the situation. Basically, she was working a flight and had a bottle of water out and was sending a quick text message. Her supervisor saw her and got on her case. My mom, heaven forbid, stood up for herself. She explained how there seem to be different expectations at different times for things like uniforms, etiquette, etc. Before long, she got called into an office. This bitch of a supervisor accused Mom of being high and/or drunk. She said someone had called to complain about Mom, which wasn't true. She was just making this shit up as she went. Well, Mom got tested and she swiftly passed the booze test. The drug test will clear her when it comes back in by Monday.
But because there was a report, it is locked into the American Airlines system computer and people from all over the country now know about it, including her friends and people she goes to church with. And because there was a report, they took her work keys, ID, and would not let her drive home. That's where the cab came in. She was suspended for three days with pay. Nothing wrong with that, especially since Mom wasn't going to be at the airport for any of the next three days anyway. And if that's not enough, her flight privileges have been suspended. Which means I can't fly. Which then means I may not be able to visit New York in early December or travel for Christmas. So this
There will be an investigation into all of this, make no mistake. And when Mom's name gets cleared, we just may sue the company. Defamation of character, slander, false accusations, trauma. So this can be a pretty impressive payoff. If all goes well, maybe, just maybe, Mom can retire from American Airlines, which she wants to do, and pay for her insurance without American Airlines. And I personally hope this woman, at the very least, gets demoted. Because how can Mom go back and work for this same woman who tried to destroy her reputation, which she has spent 47 years building at that company?
8) Onto Thursday. That day. I knew I had at least one meeting ahead of me. I arrived to the office at 9 am and one hour later, I had a past due cash meeting with my boss and his. It was supposed to last 30 minutes and it turned into an hour and 15. Even though I think I had changed my approach to how I work, they didn't seem to think so. After that, I wound up having a 15 minute meeting with my boss on how to work standard term grants, since I want to pick that up.
Then around 1 pm, the two of them called me in again where they gave me my bullshit Corrective Action Plan, regarding my video watching. It's to the point where if I just open a radio station just to mute it, I feel like I need to look over my shoulder. I just wanted out of that office so much.
And around 3 pm, the final indignity of all. The CEO sends the entire company an e-mail that due to low enrollments and not meeting expenses, we're laying off 7 percent of the staff and teaching out 23 campuses. I have no idea if I'll be affected or not...
9) Mom left for her tour on Friday morning to the southeast, so I woke up at 4:30 to drive her to Rosemont. I also stopped at Mariano's to pick up some groceries, including a cinnamon creme cake for work. At least Friday wasn't too painful a day in the office. In other words, I had no meetings to attend. Of course, when I got home and opened the paper from that morning, the Daily Herald business section featured its lead story...CEC laying off 900 employees. That's a cold, mean slap of reality right in the face.
Right now, my perspective is this. I've been with that company six years now. Never been promoted , I probably never will be. Maybe it is time to move on and I really don't have a huge problem with that. I just pray to God that I can find something quickly. Because the thought of not making any money scares me.
10) Last night, I updated my resume and filled out a LinkedIn profile. I have no real idea what kind of jobs I will find, but we'll see. Tomorrow morning, I may take a much closer look at the Classified section of the Daily Herald. Now I have a whole Saturday in front of me and no real idea what I'll do with it, besides writing this apparently! Some quiet time might be smart...
P.S. I want to end with some positives.
1) At least the Knicks are 4-0!
2) In all seriousness, I'm glad I have a faithful, everlasting God and people I love and love me in my corner.
3) Psalm 55:22 "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."
1) So on Sunday, I cancelled my Discover credit card. For the second time in ten days, a fraudulent transaction was done on my card, this one for $255. So I ordered a new card and it just arrived yesterday. I know it's important for me to establish good credit, but I really wish I could live without a credit card.
2) As of Monday, my Ohio trip has been postponed indefinitely. She just thinks I need to be in a different place in my life before we meet. At least we're still talking though. I really want to meet her still.
3) On Tuesday, my boss' boss' boss apparently saw me with a video up for a seconds and I got a verbal lashing over it. I admit when I'm bored, I am prone to pulling up a video. And I had You tube up for a few seconds, and maybe I shouldn't have done that, I have no problem owning up. But he had the nerve to accuse me of not taking pride in my work and actually to call me unprofessional. This guy has never worked closely with me ever. He doesn't know me, he doesn't know how hard I work, and he only focuses on the few negatives. I walked slowly out of his office feeling humiliated, belittled, and about two feet tall. I just wanted to go home right there.
4) Election Night. We re-elected Barack Obama, as I expected. But I didn't expect him to win by such a definitive margin. And Tammy freaking Duckworth beat Joe Walsh for Congress. I'm really worried this country is getting way way too liberal as people my age are growing up and raising kids to think just like them.
5) I watched the election coverage at my friend Matt Williams' apartment in downtown Wheaton. A few people from group showed up like Natalie, Andrea, Alison, and Clarissa. And after what happened back on Memorial Day weekend, anytime Clarissa and I are in the same place, there's going to be tension, even if we never say it. Andrea is just so pretty and cool. I'm amazed she's still single. But I just have a feeling she's not the one for me.
5) On Wednesday morning, I couldn't even bring myself to go to the gym. I felt that down and depressed. I'm not even sure how I managed to fall asleep the night before.
7) So after a very busy day at work, where it seemed I had to answer an extraordinary amount of e-mails, I arrive home at 6:30, where I'm safe. I opened the garage and my Mom's car was not there. I thought that was strange, but maybe she was working some OT. And when I saw her laying on the couch watching TV, I froze. I knew something had to be horribly wrong. I asked her where the car was. she said she didn't want to talk. I walked into the kitchen and on the table, found a voucher for a cab from O'Hare to St. Charles. Then I went downstairs and saw a webpage for a suspension from American Airlines and an attorney's homepage.
After a few minutes, she called me upstairs and I ran up the stairs immediately. I sat on the opposite side of the couch and I listened as she explained the situation. Basically, she was working a flight and had a bottle of water out and was sending a quick text message. Her supervisor saw her and got on her case. My mom, heaven forbid, stood up for herself. She explained how there seem to be different expectations at different times for things like uniforms, etiquette, etc. Before long, she got called into an office. This bitch of a supervisor accused Mom of being high and/or drunk. She said someone had called to complain about Mom, which wasn't true. She was just making this shit up as she went. Well, Mom got tested and she swiftly passed the booze test. The drug test will clear her when it comes back in by Monday.
But because there was a report, it is locked into the American Airlines system computer and people from all over the country now know about it, including her friends and people she goes to church with. And because there was a report, they took her work keys, ID, and would not let her drive home. That's where the cab came in. She was suspended for three days with pay. Nothing wrong with that, especially since Mom wasn't going to be at the airport for any of the next three days anyway. And if that's not enough, her flight privileges have been suspended. Which means I can't fly. Which then means I may not be able to visit New York in early December or travel for Christmas. So this
There will be an investigation into all of this, make no mistake. And when Mom's name gets cleared, we just may sue the company. Defamation of character, slander, false accusations, trauma. So this can be a pretty impressive payoff. If all goes well, maybe, just maybe, Mom can retire from American Airlines, which she wants to do, and pay for her insurance without American Airlines. And I personally hope this woman, at the very least, gets demoted. Because how can Mom go back and work for this same woman who tried to destroy her reputation, which she has spent 47 years building at that company?
8) Onto Thursday. That day. I knew I had at least one meeting ahead of me. I arrived to the office at 9 am and one hour later, I had a past due cash meeting with my boss and his. It was supposed to last 30 minutes and it turned into an hour and 15. Even though I think I had changed my approach to how I work, they didn't seem to think so. After that, I wound up having a 15 minute meeting with my boss on how to work standard term grants, since I want to pick that up.
Then around 1 pm, the two of them called me in again where they gave me my bullshit Corrective Action Plan, regarding my video watching. It's to the point where if I just open a radio station just to mute it, I feel like I need to look over my shoulder. I just wanted out of that office so much.
And around 3 pm, the final indignity of all. The CEO sends the entire company an e-mail that due to low enrollments and not meeting expenses, we're laying off 7 percent of the staff and teaching out 23 campuses. I have no idea if I'll be affected or not...
9) Mom left for her tour on Friday morning to the southeast, so I woke up at 4:30 to drive her to Rosemont. I also stopped at Mariano's to pick up some groceries, including a cinnamon creme cake for work. At least Friday wasn't too painful a day in the office. In other words, I had no meetings to attend. Of course, when I got home and opened the paper from that morning, the Daily Herald business section featured its lead story...CEC laying off 900 employees. That's a cold, mean slap of reality right in the face.
Right now, my perspective is this. I've been with that company six years now. Never been promoted , I probably never will be. Maybe it is time to move on and I really don't have a huge problem with that. I just pray to God that I can find something quickly. Because the thought of not making any money scares me.
10) Last night, I updated my resume and filled out a LinkedIn profile. I have no real idea what kind of jobs I will find, but we'll see. Tomorrow morning, I may take a much closer look at the Classified section of the Daily Herald. Now I have a whole Saturday in front of me and no real idea what I'll do with it, besides writing this apparently! Some quiet time might be smart...
P.S. I want to end with some positives.
1) At least the Knicks are 4-0!
2) In all seriousness, I'm glad I have a faithful, everlasting God and people I love and love me in my corner.
3) Psalm 55:22 "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."
Sunday, November 04, 2012
Questions
1) When you can't decide on anything that can make you happy, what do you do?
2) This is the third time in for months I have had to address fraud on either my credit card or debit card. Why do some people have nothing else to do but try to ruin someone's life?
3) Why do I continue to date women who want me to suffer?
4) Why do I find myself getting drawn in by long distance relationships?
5) Why do only rich people have a fair chance to pursue their dreams in America?
6) Why was I cursed to be a Mets, Jets, Rangers, Knicks fan?
7) Why did the Knicks change their uniforms? The trim on the side looked so cool.
8) Why are these natural disasters happening so much more frequently?
9) Why even engage in comments on articles and personal opinions on the Internet? Does anything good ever come from it?
10) Why am I looking forward to traveling to Columbus and Springfield, OH more than New York and Hartford a month later? Actually I think I know the answer to that one..
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Champs For Charity recap
Arrived around 6:00, so I had a half hour to stand in line before the doors opened.
Had a fifth row seat, right beside the Chicago team bench.
There was a silent auction for 5 or 6 different items. the cheapest started at $250, so I was not about to bid on anything.
Met up with Q and the Jew
Players came on the ice around 7:15
Carcillo misses his own intro
Ronald McDonald and the Great Clips mascot skate to Center Ice
Unfortunately, no Jim Cornelison to sing the anthem. they had some 12 year old girl, probably from the Ronald McDonald house.
11,649 still drowned it out
Chicago roster
Forwards: Patrick Sharp, Andrew Ladd, Jake Dowell, Jonathan Toews, Troy Brouwer, Jamal Mayers, Craig Adams, Adam Burish, Patrick Kane. Defense: Jim Vandermeer, James Wisniewski, Brian Campbell, Joe Corvo. Goaltenders: Craig Anderson. Coaches: Pete Kelly, Ryan Dempster.
World roster
Forwards: Bobby Ryan, Greg Campbell, Jordan Staal, Dan Carcillo, Mike Brown, Antti Miettinen, Shawn Thornton, Ville Leino, Jared Boll. Defense: Ryan Suter, Alex Goligoski, Kimmo Timonen, Tom Gilbert. Goaltenders: Nicklas Backstrom. Coaches: Robbie Gould, Jason Brandsetter.
Chicago's uniforms were white with medium blue trim and just a touch of red. They looked like Finland's national team
The World squad wore purple and black
Ryan Dempster, who coached Chicago, was dressed like Don Cherry.
I only saw five other people wearing a logo of an NHL team other than Chicago. I saw an Islander jersey, a Minnesota thermal shirt, a Winnipeg Jets jersey, and even a New York Americans sweater.
I sat next to a woman named Cheryl, probably in her 40's, she has season tickets to the Blackhawks that she splits three ways.
Of course, Q and the Jew see my conversing and they thought I was cougar hunting.
Toews scored only one goal
Bowling ball celebration, he rolled his helmet at his teammates, who were standing in a row and they all collapsed.
Saw Samantha Sharp, sitting across the rink from me
She's my co-worker, I sat next to her for a year, yet we've talked more over the last two months when we're not sitting together. Strange how that works out sometimes.
I went over to her during the first intermission, we chatted for maybe five minutes, and gave her a hug.
During second period, I got a slice of Connie's pizza, supreme, missed the table with the grated cheese, I needed it
Brawl Carcillo vs Dempster
"Detroit Sucks" chant
Only had to hear "Chelsea Dagger" after four or five of the Chicago goals. 15 would have been insane
Game finished 15-15 in regulation, they went to a 10-player shootout
Carcillo stopped and beat Anderson to his glove side, clinching the win for the World squad
Kane won the MVP, scoring five goals, including the game-tying goal with 1:34 left
Raised $323,500
I seriously need a new camera, the battery on this old Olympus stinks
If they auctioned off Dempster's jacket on E-Bay, they could have raised another $100,000!
Got a $7.99 haircut coupon from Great Clips as I was leaving, they were the big sponsor of the game.
Kissed Cheryl good night (on the cheek only)
Scoring Summary
First Period
W Ryan, W Gilbert, W Boll, C Kane, C Toews, C Ladd, C Adams (PS), W Staal, C Kane
Second Period
C Ladd, C Sharp, Brown, W Leino, W Goligoski, C Burish, W Timonen, C Sharp, C Kane, W Carcillo, C Corvo, W Ryan, W Staal, W Brookbank
Third Period
C Ladd, C Dowell, W Thornton, W Backstrom (PS), W Miettenen, W Carcillo, C Kane, C Kane
Shootout Summary
C Towes No
W Ryan Yes
C Sharp Yes
W Staal No
C Kane Yes
W Leino No
C Ladd No
W Timonen Yes
C Brouwer No
W Carcillo Yes
Had a fifth row seat, right beside the Chicago team bench.
There was a silent auction for 5 or 6 different items. the cheapest started at $250, so I was not about to bid on anything.
Met up with Q and the Jew
Players came on the ice around 7:15
Carcillo misses his own intro
Ronald McDonald and the Great Clips mascot skate to Center Ice
Unfortunately, no Jim Cornelison to sing the anthem. they had some 12 year old girl, probably from the Ronald McDonald house.
11,649 still drowned it out
Chicago roster
Forwards: Patrick Sharp, Andrew Ladd, Jake Dowell, Jonathan Toews, Troy Brouwer, Jamal Mayers, Craig Adams, Adam Burish, Patrick Kane. Defense: Jim Vandermeer, James Wisniewski, Brian Campbell, Joe Corvo. Goaltenders: Craig Anderson. Coaches: Pete Kelly, Ryan Dempster.
World roster
Forwards: Bobby Ryan, Greg Campbell, Jordan Staal, Dan Carcillo, Mike Brown, Antti Miettinen, Shawn Thornton, Ville Leino, Jared Boll. Defense: Ryan Suter, Alex Goligoski, Kimmo Timonen, Tom Gilbert. Goaltenders: Nicklas Backstrom. Coaches: Robbie Gould, Jason Brandsetter.
Chicago's uniforms were white with medium blue trim and just a touch of red. They looked like Finland's national team
The World squad wore purple and black
Ryan Dempster, who coached Chicago, was dressed like Don Cherry.
I only saw five other people wearing a logo of an NHL team other than Chicago. I saw an Islander jersey, a Minnesota thermal shirt, a Winnipeg Jets jersey, and even a New York Americans sweater.
I sat next to a woman named Cheryl, probably in her 40's, she has season tickets to the Blackhawks that she splits three ways.
Of course, Q and the Jew see my conversing and they thought I was cougar hunting.
Toews scored only one goal
Bowling ball celebration, he rolled his helmet at his teammates, who were standing in a row and they all collapsed.
Saw Samantha Sharp, sitting across the rink from me
She's my co-worker, I sat next to her for a year, yet we've talked more over the last two months when we're not sitting together. Strange how that works out sometimes.
I went over to her during the first intermission, we chatted for maybe five minutes, and gave her a hug.
During second period, I got a slice of Connie's pizza, supreme, missed the table with the grated cheese, I needed it
Brawl Carcillo vs Dempster
"Detroit Sucks" chant
Only had to hear "Chelsea Dagger" after four or five of the Chicago goals. 15 would have been insane
Game finished 15-15 in regulation, they went to a 10-player shootout
Carcillo stopped and beat Anderson to his glove side, clinching the win for the World squad
Kane won the MVP, scoring five goals, including the game-tying goal with 1:34 left
Raised $323,500
I seriously need a new camera, the battery on this old Olympus stinks
If they auctioned off Dempster's jacket on E-Bay, they could have raised another $100,000!
Got a $7.99 haircut coupon from Great Clips as I was leaving, they were the big sponsor of the game.
Kissed Cheryl good night (on the cheek only)
Scoring Summary
First Period
W Ryan, W Gilbert, W Boll, C Kane, C Toews, C Ladd, C Adams (PS), W Staal, C Kane
Second Period
C Ladd, C Sharp, Brown, W Leino, W Goligoski, C Burish, W Timonen, C Sharp, C Kane, W Carcillo, C Corvo, W Ryan, W Staal, W Brookbank
Third Period
C Ladd, C Dowell, W Thornton, W Backstrom (PS), W Miettenen, W Carcillo, C Kane, C Kane
Shootout Summary
C Towes No
W Ryan Yes
C Sharp Yes
W Staal No
C Kane Yes
W Leino No
C Ladd No
W Timonen Yes
C Brouwer No
W Carcillo Yes
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Heavy recap-The loooong week
1) Then the week began. Item #1 for Monday morning was not going to work in Hoffman Estates, that didn't begin until noon. Rather, I woke up at 3 am to drive to Austin’s saloon in Libertyville for a live taping of Mike and Mike. I left home at 3:30 am, arrived an hour later, and got a third row seat near Greenberg. I was probably maybe four steps away from the stage. And I wore my green Mangold jersey. It was fun despite still getting over the Jets horrible loss the previous afternoon. But the free 16 oz Old Style did help me feel better. We were a little quiet for the first hour, but once the beer and bloody marys started flowing, we turned into one rowdy bunch. Those four hours absolutely flew by.
2) The show was over by 9 a.m. and I had three hours to play with before I had to be in the office. Since the drive to Hoffman Estates was only going to take an hour, I decided to grab some breakfast. And how convenient is it that an Egg Harbor Café is right in downtown Libertyville. It's October, I wanted to get my pumpkin pancake fix. I didn't even need the menu, I ordered three amazing cakes filled with chopped pecans and topped with whipped cream and cinnamon butter. I got the combo and also got three strips of turkey bacon and scrambled eggs. Of course, I got a big 12-ounce glass of their orange-strawberry juice. Can't go to Egg Harbor without drinking that juice.
3) Temperature plummeted last night. It was 75 degrees Thursday morning, it’s down to 50 today. At least the rain is gone for a couple days. I can’t say the same about the east coast though…Hurricane Sandy, here we go…
4) After work on Thursday, I stepped outside into that cold and heavy wind along with some spitting rain. I didn’t even go to the gym. Take ‘n bake pizza
5) But last night was a big deal. After a month of chatting on Facebook, I talked to Julie from Ohio on the phone for the first time. And a conversation that I didn’t think would last too long wound up going 2 hours and 45 minutes. After dating Braves fans and Yankees fans, it is so refreshing to talk with a girl who is just as into the Mets as I am. She’s really cool. I mean, she even likes my Dr. Phil impression
6) And I may come to regret staying on the phone so late. Because left this morning for an 8-day tour to the southeast. I had to wake up at 4:45, so after feeling so tired yesterday, I’m probably going on four hours sleep! Mom's tour will take her through Lexington, Savannah, Charleston, and who knows where else. I just hope she doesn't have to deal with Hurricane Sandy.
7) Tonight is the Champs for Charity hockey game at the All State Arena. I’m already rocking my Henrik jersey. I have no idea who is going to be there, though I don’t know of any Rangers
8) All November NHL games canceled. Thank you Gary Bettman and Donald Fehr.
9) I’m so desperate for a daily sport that I am doing something I have not done in five or six years. I am participating in two fantasy basketball drafts this weekend.
10) The Knicks' age worries me. I think they'll be the 5th seed behind Miami, Boston, Indiana, and Brooklyn and then out in the second round, thanks to Miami.
11) My only set plans for Saturday are the gym and apple picking with the Willow Creek singles and Compass groups in Hobart, Indiana
12) At Butera, I was looking for some Naked juice. Apparently, it’s not available there anymore, at least not the flavors I usually buy. Instead, they sell the Alo drinks. I got a bottle of Aloe vera with wheatgrass. That’s a drink, not a lotion. I have no idea what it’s going to do for me. But I know wheatgrass is super healthy. And so the drink sounds healthy and tastes bad. That’s a good sign I’m getting healthy.
2) The show was over by 9 a.m. and I had three hours to play with before I had to be in the office. Since the drive to Hoffman Estates was only going to take an hour, I decided to grab some breakfast. And how convenient is it that an Egg Harbor Café is right in downtown Libertyville. It's October, I wanted to get my pumpkin pancake fix. I didn't even need the menu, I ordered three amazing cakes filled with chopped pecans and topped with whipped cream and cinnamon butter. I got the combo and also got three strips of turkey bacon and scrambled eggs. Of course, I got a big 12-ounce glass of their orange-strawberry juice. Can't go to Egg Harbor without drinking that juice.
3) Temperature plummeted last night. It was 75 degrees Thursday morning, it’s down to 50 today. At least the rain is gone for a couple days. I can’t say the same about the east coast though…Hurricane Sandy, here we go…
4) After work on Thursday, I stepped outside into that cold and heavy wind along with some spitting rain. I didn’t even go to the gym. Take ‘n bake pizza
5) But last night was a big deal. After a month of chatting on Facebook, I talked to Julie from Ohio on the phone for the first time. And a conversation that I didn’t think would last too long wound up going 2 hours and 45 minutes. After dating Braves fans and Yankees fans, it is so refreshing to talk with a girl who is just as into the Mets as I am. She’s really cool. I mean, she even likes my Dr. Phil impression
6) And I may come to regret staying on the phone so late. Because left this morning for an 8-day tour to the southeast. I had to wake up at 4:45, so after feeling so tired yesterday, I’m probably going on four hours sleep! Mom's tour will take her through Lexington, Savannah, Charleston, and who knows where else. I just hope she doesn't have to deal with Hurricane Sandy.
7) Tonight is the Champs for Charity hockey game at the All State Arena. I’m already rocking my Henrik jersey. I have no idea who is going to be there, though I don’t know of any Rangers
8) All November NHL games canceled. Thank you Gary Bettman and Donald Fehr.
9) I’m so desperate for a daily sport that I am doing something I have not done in five or six years. I am participating in two fantasy basketball drafts this weekend.
10) The Knicks' age worries me. I think they'll be the 5th seed behind Miami, Boston, Indiana, and Brooklyn and then out in the second round, thanks to Miami.
11) My only set plans for Saturday are the gym and apple picking with the Willow Creek singles and Compass groups in Hobart, Indiana
12) At Butera, I was looking for some Naked juice. Apparently, it’s not available there anymore, at least not the flavors I usually buy. Instead, they sell the Alo drinks. I got a bottle of Aloe vera with wheatgrass. That’s a drink, not a lotion. I have no idea what it’s going to do for me. But I know wheatgrass is super healthy. And so the drink sounds healthy and tastes bad. That’s a good sign I’m getting healthy.
Heavy recap-Last weekend
1) So last Friday afternoon, around 5:15, I’m halfway through with my drive home from work. I was planning on going to Wal-Mart and Jewel Osco and then the gym before heading home for the night. All of a sudden, Natalie Cuevas sends me a text, asking me if I had any plans. Eventually, she asked me to go see a play with her that night. She told me she was getting out of work at 8 and the play started at 8:30. All of a sudden, I realized I was in a hurry. So I sped home, worked out on the total gym, cooked the lamb chops, baked potatoes, and asparagus, dressed, and got out the door as fast as I could. I drove 45 minutes north to her house in Algonquin. Domino was there to greet me Then I drove us 55 minutes south to the Drury Lane Theater in Oak Brook. And the show we saw along with her mother and her mother’s friend was Xanadu. Now the only Xanadu I knew of was the unfinished ski jump at the Meadowlands. This was one of the corniest shows I have ever seen. There were a few funny moments, but between all the disco, leg warmers, feminine colors, etc., yeah, I don’t think I’d spend money to watch this. I drove Natalie back north to Algonquin before heading back home to St. Charles, arriving a little after midnight. All in all, I drove four hours that day. I wouldn’t change it though.
2a) On Saturday, Mom and I planned on checking out Starved Rock State Park. But we slept a little later than we planned, so instead, we headed over to the Mayflower tours office in Downers Grove so she could get some photocopying done for her upcoming tours. The we grabbed lunch at J. Alexander’s, a place I’d heard of, but never been to before. We started by splitting the redwood salad, which came with field greens, rotisserie chicken, pecans, avocado, tomatoes, bacon, cheese, and croutons. I never eat croutons. Ever. But these weren't the typical crouton that's brick-hard and crispy all the way through. Rather, these chewy, and spongy, and tender. I was amazed how good they were. The chicken was cold and juicy. The crunch of the pecans and bacon worked great with the creaminess of the avocado as well. Instead of ranch, I got the champagne vinaigrette, and it tasted light and citrusy. For $15, that was a very good salad.
2b) The NY strip steak tacos were one of the items on the specialty menu. I hesitated to order them since they cost $15 and we would only be able to have one taco apiece. Well, I wish I had kept the order to myself. The adobo-spiced strip was grilled to a perfect medium-rare. They came in soft flour tortillas topped with a cilantro-sour cream sauce and chopped pico de gallo. It couldn't have been a much better taco. I don't know if these will remain a part of the menu, but if they are, I'd really recommend them.
2c) We also split a French dip sandwich with French fries. I'm usually not a French dip fan, but I heard their prime rib was really good so I figured I'd try it out. And mounds of pink roasted beef came on a French baguette. We also got sides of jus and horseradish sauce. The beef was incredibly juicy, and the horseradish, gave the sandwich just the right amount of kick. But...it was $18. For a French dip. Very good restaurant, not the most reasonable prices, but the quality of food is very, very good.
3) After lunch, Mom and I headed over to Von Maur in Oak Brook, where she had to return a few items. I really didn’t think I was ever going to buy anything there. But I checked out the sale rack and I wound up purchasing two shirts for around $85. One was a chocolate brown silk t-shirt. The other was a very nice plaid, orange, black, and white long-sleeve, button-down short that I could wear to church or work.
4) Then we drove back to the Charlestowne Mall. We went to see Taken 2, but as I we were walking in, right outside the box office, I saw this stand set up with tons of sports memorabilia. Banners, cards, pictures, pennants, etc. I wound up buying four pictures (Gary Carter, Mike Piazza, Mark Sanchez, Brian Leetch) for $18. As for the movie, even though the critics bashed it, I thought it was pretty solid for a sequel.
5) I only had about an hour to spend at home and charge my phone before I had to head out Singles Connect Night at Willow Creek. This was the first one I’d been able to attend this season, since I missed the first while I was in Baltimore. I saw Christina and Lib and for the first time since last May. Mike spoke about walking the talk. After we went downstairs for discussions, I was a little surprised that I got to be a table leader. At our table, we had five first-timers, one guy who was there for the second time, and me. Afterwards, we decided between Mario’s dance birthday party in Addison or Pinstripes. I chose Pinstripes and arrived first. For a while, there was just me, this pain in the neck named Pete and two girls, Heather Anne (the vegan priest) and Megan (the cute bilingual teacher in West Chicago) Eventually, about 15 people showed up. I ordered an Italian beef pizza and loved it. Braised beef, giardienira, mozzarella, tomatoes. Amazing.
6) I woke up around 8 on Sunday and hit the gym, which I almost never do on Sunday morning. Then I went to the late service at Willow Creek. I sat with Mike, Lindsay, Natasha, and Natalie. Then before small group, I headed over to Jersey’s to watch the early football games and eat a lousy chicken sandwich. Andrea, Manish, Alison, Natalie R, Natasha, Fil, Matt, and I all showed up as we went through Hebrews 6 and 7. Hey, if a 2:30 start is what it takes for people to come, I guess that is what has to happen.
7) I’ll skip the Jets disgrace in New England on Sunday.
2a) On Saturday, Mom and I planned on checking out Starved Rock State Park. But we slept a little later than we planned, so instead, we headed over to the Mayflower tours office in Downers Grove so she could get some photocopying done for her upcoming tours. The we grabbed lunch at J. Alexander’s, a place I’d heard of, but never been to before. We started by splitting the redwood salad, which came with field greens, rotisserie chicken, pecans, avocado, tomatoes, bacon, cheese, and croutons. I never eat croutons. Ever. But these weren't the typical crouton that's brick-hard and crispy all the way through. Rather, these chewy, and spongy, and tender. I was amazed how good they were. The chicken was cold and juicy. The crunch of the pecans and bacon worked great with the creaminess of the avocado as well. Instead of ranch, I got the champagne vinaigrette, and it tasted light and citrusy. For $15, that was a very good salad.
2b) The NY strip steak tacos were one of the items on the specialty menu. I hesitated to order them since they cost $15 and we would only be able to have one taco apiece. Well, I wish I had kept the order to myself. The adobo-spiced strip was grilled to a perfect medium-rare. They came in soft flour tortillas topped with a cilantro-sour cream sauce and chopped pico de gallo. It couldn't have been a much better taco. I don't know if these will remain a part of the menu, but if they are, I'd really recommend them.
2c) We also split a French dip sandwich with French fries. I'm usually not a French dip fan, but I heard their prime rib was really good so I figured I'd try it out. And mounds of pink roasted beef came on a French baguette. We also got sides of jus and horseradish sauce. The beef was incredibly juicy, and the horseradish, gave the sandwich just the right amount of kick. But...it was $18. For a French dip. Very good restaurant, not the most reasonable prices, but the quality of food is very, very good.
3) After lunch, Mom and I headed over to Von Maur in Oak Brook, where she had to return a few items. I really didn’t think I was ever going to buy anything there. But I checked out the sale rack and I wound up purchasing two shirts for around $85. One was a chocolate brown silk t-shirt. The other was a very nice plaid, orange, black, and white long-sleeve, button-down short that I could wear to church or work.
4) Then we drove back to the Charlestowne Mall. We went to see Taken 2, but as I we were walking in, right outside the box office, I saw this stand set up with tons of sports memorabilia. Banners, cards, pictures, pennants, etc. I wound up buying four pictures (Gary Carter, Mike Piazza, Mark Sanchez, Brian Leetch) for $18. As for the movie, even though the critics bashed it, I thought it was pretty solid for a sequel.
5) I only had about an hour to spend at home and charge my phone before I had to head out Singles Connect Night at Willow Creek. This was the first one I’d been able to attend this season, since I missed the first while I was in Baltimore. I saw Christina and Lib and for the first time since last May. Mike spoke about walking the talk. After we went downstairs for discussions, I was a little surprised that I got to be a table leader. At our table, we had five first-timers, one guy who was there for the second time, and me. Afterwards, we decided between Mario’s dance birthday party in Addison or Pinstripes. I chose Pinstripes and arrived first. For a while, there was just me, this pain in the neck named Pete and two girls, Heather Anne (the vegan priest) and Megan (the cute bilingual teacher in West Chicago) Eventually, about 15 people showed up. I ordered an Italian beef pizza and loved it. Braised beef, giardienira, mozzarella, tomatoes. Amazing.
6) I woke up around 8 on Sunday and hit the gym, which I almost never do on Sunday morning. Then I went to the late service at Willow Creek. I sat with Mike, Lindsay, Natasha, and Natalie. Then before small group, I headed over to Jersey’s to watch the early football games and eat a lousy chicken sandwich. Andrea, Manish, Alison, Natalie R, Natasha, Fil, Matt, and I all showed up as we went through Hebrews 6 and 7. Hey, if a 2:30 start is what it takes for people to come, I guess that is what has to happen.
7) I’ll skip the Jets disgrace in New England on Sunday.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Wearing a Wednesday out
1) So I woke up at 4:45 to take Mom to Rosemont for her latest and greatest tour. Then, I went straight to the gym and, now I'm working 12-9 tonight. Somehow, I'll find a way to get through this.
2) Just reviewed my MLB predictions. For the AL, I got 3 of 5 playoff teams correct and in the NL, well, I got 2. I picked two teams from the NL to make the playoffs and got both wrong. And no, the Mets were not any of the 4. But the fact that I picked Anaheim to win the World Series and they failed to even make the playoffs...I'd say that's a bad job.
3) I have two free tickets to Supercard of Honor 7 on April 5 in New York City. I really have no idea what my relationship status will be then, but I will be in Manhattan regardless. Maybe I'll hit Guy Fieri's place...
4) I really want to get back to Fifty 50 in Chicago. The triple-secret burger toppped with the pulled pork, Merkt's cheddar, and the mac n cheese waffle sounds like a trip to indulgence heaven. Maybe I'll add a little BBQ sauce...
5) I wish the guy on my street who bought the used police car would park it in a garage already. I'm tired of zipping around the curve and thinking a cop's watching me!
2) Just reviewed my MLB predictions. For the AL, I got 3 of 5 playoff teams correct and in the NL, well, I got 2. I picked two teams from the NL to make the playoffs and got both wrong. And no, the Mets were not any of the 4. But the fact that I picked Anaheim to win the World Series and they failed to even make the playoffs...I'd say that's a bad job.
3) I have two free tickets to Supercard of Honor 7 on April 5 in New York City. I really have no idea what my relationship status will be then, but I will be in Manhattan regardless. Maybe I'll hit Guy Fieri's place...
4) I really want to get back to Fifty 50 in Chicago. The triple-secret burger toppped with the pulled pork, Merkt's cheddar, and the mac n cheese waffle sounds like a trip to indulgence heaven. Maybe I'll add a little BBQ sauce...
5) I wish the guy on my street who bought the used police car would park it in a garage already. I'm tired of zipping around the curve and thinking a cop's watching me!
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