My 200th Post

While I don't pride myself on posting regularly, i'm proud to be making my 200th post today. Perhaps I should be making a special post for the milestone but instead you're getting what I give you...some useless knowledge of what's going on in my life. You'll get some special posts in the future. With the title of my blog being a random collection of thoughts it only makes sense to keep things coming at you randomly.

So why is there a picture of me being a fool in San Fran posted above? Because I just had an awesome trip to San Fran. I went for work but have some very close friends there so I stayed an extra night. My work event was awesome. I was there for an event called Bourbon & Bacon. Kinda sounds scary right? Basically it was a 5 course meal served with 5 unique cocktails from our portfolio. It was DA-LISH! I spent my time going from table to table and talking to folks about our brands and about whiskey in general. As the event came to an end I told a co-worker of mine that I would meet him at a speakeasy called Bourbon & Branch. But I was going to make a 30 minute visit to my friend Lonnie's on the way. For those of you who reember Lonnie he was a good friend I met when I first moved to Chicago. He was on my softball team and he and I played tennis together as well. He had a 6am flight so I wasn't able to get him to join us out. I saw his new place...talked for a good 20 minutes and then was off to the speakeasy. My cab driver was really sweet as he expressed concern with me getting out of the cab in the lower tenderloin district. He asked where I was going and didn't know the place and there was no sign on the door as it was a buzzer on a wall and you were required to know the password to get in. The place was awesome...the bartenders were knowledgeable and they had a great drink list with a million whiskeys to choose from. I chose to stick with our brands as I was all dressed up in small batch get-up. A great time.

Later that night I took off to the Castro. I was unimpressed. Gay bars bore me...I want so badly to love them but they are the same in every city. I pretty much sat and drank alone while watching video's at the first bar and then made my way down to a hip hop club where I was able to get my groove on for awhile. I had a good time dancing until it got overcrowded with obnoxiously drink people. It was time for me to go home. As I made my way to find a cab I changed my mind and decided to go find pizza in the castro. I grabbed a slice and went out onto the street to eat it. This is where the night started for me. I'm not sure if it was the gay married thing or just the energy in san francisco but everyone was so cool and friendly and i had a really good time just watching people and hanging out with the folks around me. I stayed in the street until close to 4am just talking. Something I'd probably be arrested for here in Chicago. The police were in the streets but they were not concerned with us "loitering".

The following evening I moved from my hotel to Livo & Tommy's. My old roommate and a guy I used to date. Their place was in twin peaks and overlooked the city and bay. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. The three of us had an amazing time. We were very relaxed and just talked and caught up. We later made our way into Noe Valley (i think that's what it was called) to grab some coffee, a drink, some wine and some groceries so we could cook and play cards.

The next morning i flew home. I have always loved San Fran but for some reason this trip really made me want to live there. I've said it for years....San Fran is one of the few cities I could see myself living in when I'm old. I'm changing that to oldER. Perhaps it'll be sooner than I thought...I've got a few years to figure it out.

Making Light of a Shitty Weekend

I was looking SO FORWARD to playing softball this weekend. All week long the forcast said heavy rain on Sunday. I refused to believe it. Well sure enough it rained. Actually, it poured for hours and hours. Not a chance in hell for softball. So the weekend was a drag. But I did manage to make the most of it. I did something for the first time which is always fun. I rode my bike 25 miles. I took off from my neighborhood and biked down to Hyde Park. I was on a roll and wanted to go further but knew I had to bike the same distance back home. An awesome time. Shortly after coming back home Ms. Henin challenged me to a tennis match. Perhaps a little stupid to go play tennis for 3 hours after a ride of that length but I went. And won 64 46 62. She has dominated me since day one so it feels good to beat her.

And the best part of the entire weekend? I finally booked my trip to Brazil. AND Aaron booked his as well so it's official. We are traveling to Rio De Janeiro from December 23, 2008 until Jan 3, 2009. Which means we'll be spending both Christmas and New Years in Brazil. We are going to have the time of our lives! And I have something to look forward to all year long.

In other news for those of you with whom I haven't talked to in some time. The job is going really well. I'm feeling pretty confident and on my feet and it's keeping me very busy. I have a huge event tomorrow night at Kellogg and am anxious to get it under my belt. Traveling to San Fran next week for an event...and then get a week in Chicago. If I can schedule this surgery for early next week (i'm not talking about it as it's debbie downer) I am going to attempt to get down to Indianapolis for a little work. Stay tuned.

Hillary's Downfall

It's not very often I post videos on my site other than my own but this is too fantastic not to share. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

My favorite pic of us.

So a woman was walking by the Basil Hayden booth that Jordan and I were working with a big camera and you know we did what any girl would do. WE POSED. I love us. And I love her even more for sending it to us.

Basil Hayden Buzz

I forgot to get a team pic...next week!

Wow. Yesterday was opening day for the summer softball league and I must say it was by far the best opening day our team has had in it's 5 years together. Our first game was against Jackhammer. I knew they had just returned from a tournament so I was a little worried they were going to hand it to us. (Usually following a tournament teams are red-hot). It was a good game. Apparently we showed up to play as we hit well and fielded well and managed to win by 10.

Next was the B team - Spin Cougars. Not sure how everyone else felt but I was a little "eh" about having to play the B team. It's no fun. They are all really good and typically slaughter us in minimal innings. I just told everyone to go out and have some fun and to not get discouraged when they score runs...because they will. We just have to score them back and play the best defense we can. To my surprise we beat them the first few innings and had a significant lead halfway through the game. We were all very aware of this and ready to fight for this game. We did lose our lead going towards the end of the game and went into the bottom of the last inning down by 4. We huddled together and I asked if everyone wanted it. This is the only time we've been this close to a win against these guys and if we want it we're going to do it now. Everyone was fired up and ready to fight. We broke and the magic happened. Ok, i know i'm being a little cheesy but it just felt really good to watch the team fight so hard for the win. Every single one of us wanted to bat and came through under pressure. We won the game by one run and all celebrated together like we just won the championship game of a tournament.

You can't ask for a better opening day. Basil Hayden -- Get Buzzed!

Jordan's Visit

I thought about actually writing a blog about Jordan's quick visit but the above pic pretty much sums it all up. Thanks for a great time Jordan! I heart you!

A Different vBlog

Random vblog of the day

Summer of FUNner

I received a call from Ms. Brost this afternoon while sitting in the Seattle airport...he called with news. News that will help make the summer of 2008 The Summer of Funner. On August 24th several things are happening. First off, I turn the big 3-0. YIKES. Don't think I'm not milking the fact that I'm still in my 20's for the next 4 months. The second big thing happening that day is....the Backstreet Boys are playing Ravinia. So of course Aaron purchased 6 tickets. While part of me wants to throw a big party for the big day...It'd be rather cool to go see a boyband in the park on my 30th birthday with a bunch of teenage girls. It doesn't get more youthful than that!

Let's talk about the boys. I know they suck...which is exactly why I love them so much. They have to be pushing 40 and are still trying to be the BackStreet "boys"...you gotta love that. Their latest cd supposedly sucks....I just may have to make the purchase now in preparation of their concert. I will not be out-sung by a 13 year old girl. No ma'am. Also, the boys were just featured on the finale of Celebrity Apprentice. They were complete assholes! So I sorta want to hate on them but how can one pass up this opportunity? Maybe i'll hate for just a few more days and then forgive them. We'll see.

I'm babbling. I'm babbling because I'm on the longest flight known to man. Or perhaps just a 3-4 hour from Seattle to Chicago but it feels like the longest flight alive. My ass is chaffing to the seat and I have a headache from Mr. cologne that is sitting next to me. LESS IS MORE!!!! Ok...i'm done. LEAVE COMMENTS!!!

The fun continues...

In attempt to make this the funniest (yes i said funniest) summer to date, I went out and purchased a new bike. I have had many a bikes in my days and they always seem to come from Kmart or Target and weigh nearly 20lbs, except for that schwin 10-speed I won because my sister sold candy bars for me for my softball fund raiser. Anyway, I spent more than $69.99 on this bike and it is so worth it. It was fast, easy to ride and best of all....light. (yes, that was a HUGE factor in why I chose it) So my goal this summer is to ride more, drive less. While I do love taking the wrangler out, it's time to do less driving.

So back to the fun. I picked my new bike up at Kozy's after I finished work for the day and rode it to the lakefront, down to the shed aquarium and back home. Ms. Brost, as much as I loved running with you (I really did enjoy our runs) biking the lake is the way to go. You can sit and look at people. WHY WOULD YOU RUN IF YOU CAN SIT? So fun! I'm going back tomorrow!

Random Blog Comment of the year? My cat Winston keeps biting my nipple. WEIRDO.

The Summer of Fun has finally begun.

So yeah...it's official. While it doesn't really feel like Summer (let alone spring), the Summer of Fun has officially begun. I know many of you are asking yourself, "Wasn't 2007 the Summer of Fun?" It was SUPPOSED to be. It was fun, yes. But it wasn't the Summer "of" Fun. Arron and I started last summer off on the right foot when we darted off to Canada for a softball tournament in July. You see, that was our problem. The Summer of Fun requires a lot of planning. You can't just name a summer the one of fun in late June. So thanks to Ms. Ireland we have a list of things that would help make the summer of 2008, more fun than 2007. Perhaps we could call the summer of 2008 the summer of funner, but that'd be just stupid maybe "it's the summer of more fun" mmmnooope. I'll contemplate throwing my tee-shirt stating that 07 was indeed the summer of fun away because it's not...this summer is.

For those of you wondering what the hell the image above is. It the set list from Kyler England's Ravenswood Sessions performance Aaron and I attended to kick off the Summer of Fun. We seriously had the best time!!!! Thank you Trent (not sure if he ever reads this) for the invite...we could not have asked for a more perfect ending to the weekend. Oh yeah...she played my FAVORITE FAVORITE song as the encore. Not sure what she was planning on playing but I sorta begged her to play it as she walked back in front of the group. Hopefully I didn't take away someone else's favorite.

Put your seat belts on ladies. The fun has just begun!

I was bored

So i painted this. eh.

Damn it!

So I'm sure most of you heard me talk badly about this song. I did the same thing with umbrella, ella ella, eh eh eh eh as well. And many more. I had listened to 4 minutes a good 7 times before i decided it wasn't for me. And then I saw the video. Suddenly I love the song. freaky freaky freaky freaky....madonna. Watch it...and love it!

I need your help!

First, please watch the above video. Do you all remember the Heinz 57 commercial I was in that Ian directed and filmed? Well...we didn't win. But there was a bunch of controversy following the contest as a bunch of people who TRIED to participate weren't able to. A co-worker of mine and her boyfriend created this video and were one of the video's that didn't get posted. THEY WERE PISSED. If you can remember how excited I was...you can imagine how disappointed they were. Hearing her tell me the story is so funny because I was in the same boat when we created the commercial. I would watch it daily as well as 1000's of the other horrible entries. I was obsessed.

And now I'm committing to vote for her entry every day until the day the contest ends. And if you have time right now, please follow this link and vote for her video. http://topthistv.com/vote.aspx They are the fourth one down on the left side. It's called "Now we can eat" She's the waitress that saves the day...you can't see her face but it's her. She is an incredible woman and is SO EXCITED to be a finalist. And she seriously loves ketchup more than she should. I forced her to eat "the king" at 530am while traveling home from Seattle last week and she was so grossed out by the food that she covered it in ketchup to put it down. The girl deserves your vote! DO IT NOW!

Another day in nyc

So this past week and a half has been quite a journey. I was on a nine day tour of the east coast for work. My trip started out shadowing fellow whiskey professor david mays in d.c., virginia and philly. We split ways on tuesday and I made my way to the big apple for the voltany art show. Unfortunately, upon arrival I broke out in a fever which lasted two full days. It is now sunday and I'm almost feeling normal. Just in time to head back home in the morning. I think this means one thing. I must plan a personal trip to nyc. Its been over a year since my last broadway show and with here for work its shocking I havent stepped foot into a bar.

Things must change.

The Curse of the W

So i've decided the W in NYC is cursed. Actually all of them in NYC are cursed. The last time I stayed at a W in NYC I was sick as a dog. (what does that mean? sick as a dog?) I believe I was up here with Aaron and Tom...I just remember trying to go get coffee with them and then sweating non-stop the entire rest of the trip in bed.

Well not 30 minutes after I checked in this morning. My fever hit. Part of me thought I was just tired and the sweats were coincidental but the thermometer tells me differently. I went to the cheap tkts booth to purchase tickets to a show for tonight but couldn't force myself to wait in a line with the way I was feeling. I thought about going back down there later to see what I could get but I decided sleep was more important. Let's just hope I can make it through tomorrow.

New States!

Just a quick blog to say hello. I've been slacking A LOT lately and am trying to get myself back in the habit of posting. Especially since I'm going to be traveling more....it'll be a good way to keep everyone updated on what's going on.

Today's excitement? I got to color in two more states on my map. Maryland & Delaware. I took a train this morning from DC to philly. Good times. And now? I have 1 hour before I need to be somewhere....I think a 35 minute nap is in order.

ahhh.

Happy Easter Y'all

Yes, it's a repeat....but a goodie.

She ruined my Easter.

It appeared as though Jankovic was continuing her streak against Henin this afternoon as she broke out to a 5-1 lead in the first set. "I play my best tennis when my back is up against the wall," said Henin post match. "She was really playing well and I could not get my shots in, but I knew I would come back." Justine's rally comeback was to no surprise today as she has done it time and time again against her rival Jelena.

"She ruined my Easter," said Jankerz. "My whole family was there to see me when and I knew I had her when I started off so strongly. But you can never count Justine out, she's a fighter and showed that here today."

The two have no set matches but we hope to see them again soon.

Jankovic Finally Gets Past Henin

Jankovic would be unstoppable, if it weren't for Henin. Justine has simply had her number. "But it's a new year," states Jankerz as she prepares to take the court. "I won't be manhandled this year. I have watched her tapes and will make it my personal goal to take her spot at #1 in 2008.

"She just played better today." said Justine "The best player today won, but we will see who will be the best player on Sunday when we meet again."

Wow.

So I haven't been blogging. I haven't wanted to. that's a lie...I have wanted to...i just haven't wanted to actually type it up. the typing part sucks. so i have many things i want to post. and many things i will. in time.

tonight i stumbled across an old vblog from the first week i lived in this apartment. it was fun for me to watch so i'm sharing it again with anyone who will watch.

A Tennis Point

A point on Justine's rally comeback.

the boro

Minerva Brother

This is the biggest load of crap Big Brother I have ever seen. I know I stated that I would pick MY winner of Big Brother 9. Unfortunately, this is the worst season ever. I'd rather watch the entire Donato family locked in a house. So the winner of this season is MY ASS. I'm done.

The only thing that will get be back to watching is if Janelle comes back. So if she makes a reappearance, someone let me know. Otherwise, I'm not wasting my time.

Shame on you CBS for letting such shit air. Hopefully you haven't ruined the show forever!

Minerva Brother

Lack of Posts

I've received a few emailed about my lack of postings. It's not that there's nothing going on in my life...it's just I haven't felt like putting things out there. Yes, I can write about useless things but even then...not really feeling it. I could write about my lack of sleep last night. And that what little sleep I did get was spent dreaming about toffee Bars. Anyone want to analyze that one for me? No, there is not a Heath in my life.

So the safe post. Big Brother 9. I picked Jameka to win Big Brother 8 after the first week. I believe she took 3rd place. I wasn't excited about the start of Big Brother 9 and had little expectations. After 2 episodes, I'm intrigued. I will pick and post my projected "winners" after Sundays episode. I can't help but think there is a huge twist that will be revealed a few weeks into the show. I was VERY excited about the first eviction. It was well deserved. As it's still early on eviction night....I won't say who it was. BUT I'm very happy.

CLAIMED:
I am claiming the following:
Matt: His Boston accent makes me Randy. He has dark features and would treat me like shit. What a dream boat!!!
Alex: He was a total tool in the "intros" but his lips make "MY lips" quiver moooooah yea
Ryan: What a beefy stud. "I do." (Aaron will try to fight me on this one but I have his claim email....he claimed Andy...who is that?)

G'nite

AMAZING

I had to share this. AMAZING!

Happy Birthday to the Most Beautiful Girl in the World! (Sorry Aaron)

The Good Ole Days.

A phrase that is so overused must have some validity. And the phrase that I am referring to is "ah, the good ole days." Life is cool in so many ways. It's amazing how much better it was when I was 22 yet how much worse it was at the same time. I remember being 24 and just praying 30 would arrive so I could be established. Well here I am just months away from 30 and while I may be a little more established, I'm definitely not there, and I'm not sure I'm much happier either. Would I go back to 24 if I could? ABSOLUTELY! I'm far wiser now than I was 5 years ago and would make many different choices but making those choices would only change my path and change who I am today. Whoa. I need to slow down. (I promise I only poured myself one glass of Sherry.)

Anyway, I spent about an hour tonight reading a "how to" book on editing film. I'm not sure I really learned anything as I don't have that gift of storing things I read. I was unfulfilled when I put the book down and started searching through unpacked boxes from Nashville. (over 4 years ago.) I found the box with my old gaming electronics and hooked up the Super Nintendo. I originally hooked up the Nintendo 64 but couldn't find the games to it. Doh. So the 16 bit system it was.

Man I miss being a kid. Games were so much cooler back then! Ok, they are so much cooler now but I'm 50 and can't figure them out. My 6 year old nephew whoops my ass when I go home for Christmas and it hurts me to no longer be the gamer I once was. "Ah, the good ole days." To only be that innocent again.

La Pasion de la Decision

This may seem a bit odd but this is a video that was created to help support the not-for-profit I am working for with Cricket. If you are not registered to vote please do so today! It's quick and easy. Please do so through this link to help me out. www.mycricket.com/declareyourself

Ivey - YOU BETTER DO THIS

TOM, AARON, TOMMY, BRANDY, BRADFORD, CONNIE, PAUL- Have you updated your addresses since your last move? It's painless via this website. DO IT NOW! I did.

Pass this link on to anyone who you know that may not be registered or that has moved recently.
www.mycricket.com/declareyourself

Minerva Takes Flight

Thanks Aaron for helping me out with this one!!!

Randomness

Screw Rhode Island!!!!

Who needs Rhode Island??? My new love is craps. I was feeling like complete poo tonight and was in the bathtub when I got a call from my coworkers on the other wing of the hotel. They needed me to bring a DVD down. DOH! I was about to pass out at 930pm in the bathtub and couldn't believe I had to go back out into the real world....it was bedtime. I do love the casino...I wish I didn't but I do. So as I was leaving their room I told Lisa I was stopping by the blackjack table to play for 30 minutes to an hour depending on my luck. She wanted to join. As we were walking into the casino she mentioned her love for Craps. I informed her of my fear of craps. (its very similar to my fear of crabs.) Anyway, I applaud her for grabbing me by the hand and forcing me to the table. I was shaking the first few minutes. I wanted to love it (I always have) but had no clue what was going on. Fortunately, my money kept growing. Suddenly, there were five dice in front of me and I was to choose two and throw them. The fate of everyone's fortune was in MY hands. I didn't like this part.

OH MY GOD DID I LOVE THAT PART!!!!!! I seriously had control of the dice for what felt like an hour. Yes, I exaggerate. And I am. But I'm not kidding you I drank an entire beer while rolling. And you don't drink quickly when you're busy trying to focus. People were cheering, the money was growing, and it was all because of what I was throwing. What a rush!

I played smart. There were many times I wanted to throw massive amounts of money down but knew to keep playing conservatively. This is only fun....raiight?

Winston - The Mean Kitty Wannabe

The Time of my Life

Just a quick post to let you know we're having the time of our lives! We have seen so many things and still have a lot to see. We opted to take naps this afternoon instead of making a trip to Old San Juan. We'll hit that part of the city tomorrow. Tonight? I think we're going to grab a nice dinner and then maybe the casino? Only time will tell. I AM MOVING HERE!!!!

Emergency Call

Serena Quicksell

"Oh Please, I can beat her with my left hand", taunted Ms. Quicksell in reference to the prettiest girl on the WTA tour, Stephanie Cole. That was all it took. 20 minutes later, two hours of court time had been reserved and the trash talk began. One of these girls was in for quite a disappointment.

"Ms. Quicksell talked the talk which only provoked me to dish it back, it's not in my nature," stated Ms. Cole when asked about Ms. Quicksell's comments. "I try not to let other girls on the tour get in my head but this time i was not successful. I knew I had what it took to beat her but suddenly I felt extra pressure, like we were playing in a grandslam."

Cole took the first set 6-3 and was off to a dominating start when the momentum took a huge shift into Quicksell's direction. It was obvious that Quicksell was not giving up without a fight. She came back to win the 2nd set 7-5. With time running out and the girls tied at 2-2 in the third set, the court officials opted to move into a tie-breaker which the girls mutually agreed upon. The momentum shifted entirely into Cole's favor as she pummeled the Quicksell sister 7-0 in the tie breaker.

A definite nail-biter for those who tuned in. We'll be looking forward to the next time these two meet which looks to be in mid to late January for the Australian Open.

Typical Situation

I only expect one person to watch this all the way through. It was something I've had on tape since this summer and it was time I shared it. I miss you Dave!

Awesome Tennis Point

Not feeling so hot today. I was just browsing youtube and this clip made me incredibly happy. So I thought I would share it will anyone willing to watch it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

The Brady Bunch

The Request Hour - Mele Kalikimaka

Mean kitty has a name

So it's official. Mean kitty or "kitty" as most of you have known him is now Winston. I am posting a video below to show you a little of his personality. No, I did not set him up on my shoulder. It's his favorite spot. He typically jumps up there unexpectedly and yes, it hurts. But if you put him back on the ground he'll jump back up so i'm learning to just let him sit there while I work or do things around the house. He even stays up there while I'm walking around the house. It's cute...but can't last for long. I'm sure he'll soon be as marge as Riley.

Enjoy!

Feliz Navidad

Men at Work

My true love...

I'm not a believer in love at first sight. Lust sure, but not love. The closest I've come is with the one and only, Norma Jeane. Tammy introduced the two of us and I'll be honest, I had very low expectations. She stole my heart upon introduction. She put me to sleep before my head hit the pillow and I felt like a new man when I awoke. She's always there when I need her and I'm an independent man without her. Thank you Norma, for all you've done for me. I look forward to our next rendezvous.

Schadenfreude

An addition to the family.

There is a new addition to the Cole family. Unfortunately for my father, it is not a newborn son that will keep the Cole family name alive. It is a cute little orange kitten that was adopted to keep Riley company while I'm traveling for work. He is 6 weeks old and the cutest little guy in the world! So I need your help. I'm currently calling him noname and i'm thinking we can come up with something much more suitable. He's got an interesting personality thus far. He loves to sleep (usually on my neck), has bouts of spastic behavior, is un-effected by Riley's constant hissing and growling, and loves to climb up my pants and shirt to get to my neck where he likes to reside. It's pretty damn cute as he's so small. But when he gets much bigger my neck is NOT the place i'll want him hanging out.

So please leave comments with your favorite male name. His brother is Riley.

IVEY I AM NOT NAMING HIM JOSH.
DAVID I AM NOT NAMING HIM KEAGLE.

Thanks for you help!

I'm thankful...

That was then...


There was one Thanksgiving in college where I nearly lost my life...and ever since I have stated on thanksgiving day that I am thankful to be alive. I AM thankful to be alive...but I am also very thankful for my family. I hear so many people talk poorly about their families. I don't think I talk about my family enough. Yes, it wasn't the perfect family but I'm not sure there is such a thing. But they are definitely a loving family who will ALWAYS be there for me. And for that, I am greatful. I had such a good time with my family this Thanksgiving and I look forward to all of the holidays to come. The picture below is from this past week. Unfortunately, my sister Sharron wasn't able to make it so I photo-shopped a 10-year old picture of her into the photo. I LOVE YOU GUYS!

And this is now...

Have A Nice Day

From 30k Feet

Hello from 30k feet. I'm on board a United flight in route from DEN to ORD. Had I kept my original flight I'd be boarding right now and getting to my front door near 11:30pm. I wasn't feeling the late arrival so I took a chance at standby and got on a flight about an hour after arriving at the Denver airport. I had a good time in Colorado. I had a very productive day in the office on Friday, a good event on Saturday night and a fantastic brunch with Rich, Brian and their roommate Shane this morning. I was also able to get my MacBook Pro back in working order after the "incident" on my flight to Germany so it was a darn good weekend. Now I'm just ready to be home. I know Riley will be excited too. I get sad every time I leave town. He's SUCH A LOVER and I know he's got to be so lonely when I'm away. I tried to kidnap Rufus while in Denver but was not successful. Maybe next time! I'm actually thinking about getting Riley a friend as my travel isn't going to slow up much. If anything it'll increase. I'm just giving it some extra thought to make sure it's the right choice.

Tis the Season

It's kinda crazy how quickly this year is moving by. There has been so much change in my life, yet so much has remained the same. For the first time in many many years, I'm looking forward to the winter season. I know I'll take these words back come mid February, but for now, it's the way I feel. And I'm kinda liking it.

My apologies for those few who of you who actually log on here to see what's going on in my life for not posting more. I've been in a bit of a funk lately and while I've had some really good ideas to write about....when the time comes to sit down and write them, i've been unmotivated. I was hoping my Germany trip would help defunktify me but unfortunately it was only a quick escape. I know Aaron is reading too much into this entry right now. I'm not depressed pineapple...i'm just forcing myself to write something. Hopefully the next entry will come more naturally.

Here is to the holiday season and hopefully an exciting winter season.

The Never Ending Flight

Minerva Bucks

SERIOUSLY. We are two unhappy campers right now. Jordan and I got up early this morning to go have one last coffee together while in Germany. We are attached to a huge mall that was open and FULL of people 24 hours a day. Yes, we were dancing amongst 100's of German's at 3am in a shopping mall 2 nights ago. As we approached the bucks....we realized it was not going to be a good morning. They don't open until 1130am. MINERVA BUCKS! We were screwed...so Jordan suggested McDonald's (there were NO other options) I was not having it....but eventually, I gave in and we were both unsatisfied. We still are. Jordan at least was able to sit. I wasn't as lucky.

I was also going to purchase a new winter coat this morning. I fell in love with it on day 1 and wanted "to wait for it". Minerva

and now to the port.

We walked to the elevator, turned around and walked back into the room so I could sit. But just a little.

Polizei

What a day! It was by far my favorite day in Germany as Jordan and I took to the road and drove to some random city I can’t even try to remember the name of, and then to Munich. And when I say drove….we FLEW. The autoban is fabulous. For the most part, there is NO SPEED LIMIT. (except for in those few places where you’d kill yourself if you didn’t slow down…they are kind enough to post a limit in those designated areas.) Not sure how fast we really went yet as everything is in Kilometers but we topped out at 170kph. Frankfurt wasn’t really what I was expecting Germany to be. Today fixed all of that. IT IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY! We drove through a lot of the small country villages. Thanks to Jordan we now have enough pictures of countryside hills, farm machinery, cattle and country folk on bikes and mopeds to make a year long banking calendar.

The most exciting and terrifying moment of the day was when we were about to leave a desolate gas station in a small town. As we were getting ready to pull away a Volkswagen Passat pulled in front of us and two older men got out of their cars and were quickly moving our way. I immediately warned Jordan by saying quickly “lock the doors”. As we fumbled to try to find the locks we noticed these two men that were quickly approaching our vehicles appeared to be undercover cops. Keep in mind…HUGE LAUNGAGE BARRIER. My cop wanted to see my passport and an explanations of where we were going (all I could tell him was some castles and then to munich. Jordan was didn’t get that far as I think Jordan just kept saying he wanted to see the law enforcements credentials. Expect more to come on this little episode. I got the video camera out and talked about what happened as they were driving away. It was scary as hell….but not that it has passed….we’re glad it happened. A fun experience.

Ok, I took a norma jean an am about to pass out while writing this. I’m going to post it without re-reading it so for those of you who may be reading this rough unedited draft…bless your hearts. Please come back to see the video.

If i did not say it earlier...MUNICH IS MY FAVORITE CITY IN THE WORLD!!!! OMG. I want to come back again and again. BEAUTIFUL!

For now….Good Night.

Zu einem guten Tag & Charles

That’s Charles. He looks surprisingly unhappy in this picture. We met Charles while trying to read and take pictures of an all-German menu at a German-style restaurant. His first words were “you are taking pictures, you are not a spy for George Bush are you?” We then listened to Charles talk about his life long story for about 30 minutes as we stood their STARVING. Jordan and I had not reached the point in our discussion where we had decided (or not) to eat at this restaurant as Charles interrupted us, and we hadn’t a clue what was on the menu. So when we finally reached a break in Charles speech, we took the opportunity to let him know we were eating at his establishment and made our way through the door.

Fortunately Charles had already informed the waiter of our lack of German and the waiter arrived with English menu’s. THANK GOD! (Jordan is working my snach right now as he’s being my live spell/grammer checker as I type this….i just want him to brush his teeth so we can leave.) We learned what pickle and peanuts were in German and were quite thankful as we were able to avoid them when placing our order. The food was fantastic (I may have eaten spam) and we had a great time. I think my favorite part of the meal was watching Jordan ask for the check in German. (Yes we had our German quick-phrase book with us at the table.)

We left lunch, had a great time shopping at the fantastic mall attached to our hotel drove down to our favorite area of the city to do more shopping and sightsee and then spent about an hour just driving randomly around the city. Driving here is fun…there are some things that are very weird but we’re getting used to it.

On Our Way

A Very Brady Anniversary

So I am a little late on this posting as I was busy this past weekend making the Elaine video, celebrating Halloween with my bestest of friends and then attending a world wide boxing tournament with James. It was REALLY COOL as i'd never seen live boxing but in addition, James got us seats on the floor directly below the rings. We were inches away from the sweat landing on us. MOOOAH YEAH!!! Thank you James, Ian and the Brady kids for an anniversary I will never forget!

I have to admit, it's hard to believe that this past Friday was ONLY my 4 year anniversary of living in the great city of Chicago. I feel like I have been living here for 10 years. I have been so fortunate in my adventure to this city. I was blessed with meeting some amazing people upon my arrival whom have turned into lifelong friends. And the crazy thing is...I keep meeting more and more of these special people.

So here is to my fifth year in this wonderful city. I hope it is as amazing as the last four!

Elaine's Heating & Air

Playing Around...

Please help me with this.

Dark Hair

For those of you who have only known me for the Chicago years....it may be a shocker for you to see me with dark hair. There is a little gray (grey if you're reading this from the U.K.) but nothing like I have now. Kinda weird to see eh? And it's good to see that I was just as crazy 7 years ago as I am now....actually I may have been a bit worse back then. Hope you enjoy.

Life is Good.

Just a quick post to let you all know that life is good. I hope to get back into the swing of blogging very soon. I just got a new laptop so I've been busy transferring everything over and getting things set up. It's kinda crazy how much work a new toy can be. I don't have all the applications I grew accustomed to...so stay tuned. When they finally arrive I have some cool things planned. Also the cold air is about to arrive which means much more time indoors and in front of the computer.

Much love.

The "Cell Phone Lady"

Who Can We Blame This Year?

It only makes sense that the post after "The Chicago Cubs Make the Playoffs" is a post about how the Cubs YET AGAIN didn't make the World Series. Who are we to blame this year? No Steve Bartman? It seems we've always got an excuse to why we fell apart or there's mention of "the curse". It's pretty simple this year. There was no offense. In the pathetic three games the cubs played in the post season, there was only one inning I actually felt a spark in the cubs. ONE INNING. They were dead. Not once did I feel the team thought they could do it, in fact...i'm not sure they even wanted it.

So yet another year goes by for the Cubs and no World Series. It's been 99 years since their last win. Is 100 the big year? God Damnit I want to believe. I'm just not sure my heart can handle another let down. This is the first year in over 20 that I let myself not get excited on opening day. I lasted through June but they cubs proved worthy after the All-Star break. They WERE hot. But they didn't stay that way. They certainly didn't deserve a trip to the World Series with the way the played this post season. Nor did the Phillies. So now who do I route for? I could give a shit, quite honestly. I guess I'd like to see the Rockies go all the way as it's really amazing how HOT they are right now. I was always a Boston fan but I just don't have the love for that team like I used to. Are they the new Yankee's?

So whatever happens will happen. I'm not devoting any of my time to post season baseball. I'll most likely watch the series but as far as I am concerned. The 2007 season has already ened.

Cubs Win Central Division!!!

So it's been a crazy week for me, which might have actually been a good thing as I was too busy to know what was going on with the Chicago Cubs. I know, I know. How can you be too busy to keep an eye on the Cubs score? I’ll explain as it was actually kind of cool how everything turned out. I just accepted a new job and flew to L.A. for less than 24 hours. When I arrived at LAX I had about 40 minutes of downtime while I waiting for Rich's flight to arrive. I knew the Cubbies were playing so I went to a bar to try and find the game. They were not playing the game and when I asked them to turn the game on (all TV's were on Entertainment Tonight) they told me they didn't have time to look for the game. I was annoyed but found a small TV in a hallway that was playing the game. The cubs were losing. I kept track in the progress of the game on my phone and they lost...again. It was probably for the best that I wasn't able to watch the last few games, as they cubs were NOT showing me that they were going to secure their playoff spot. I am not sure I could have handled watching the games. THANK GOD Milwaukee was sucking just as badly.

When I arrived back in Chicago I had little time to prepare for my Basil Hayden event before heading out. The Cubs game started just as I started my event. On my drive home I could tell that the cubs had won but I had no idea they secured their spot in the playoffs until I reached Addison and Clark. I looked up at the marquee and to my surprise it read "Congratulations to the Chicago Cubs, 2007 Central Division Champions." It made sense why the streets were so alive and why there were so many cops in the neighborhood. I was so happy. As I sat there dreaming of what is to come in the weeks ahead US Country 99.5 was playing on my radio. I was sitting at the corner of Addison and Clark with my doors out of my jeep, the top down, when the song "Go Cubs Go" came on the radio. Apparently my radio was up really loud as everyone on the streets around me started singing to my radio. It was so awesome. I kept my cool as I drove away and that's why the tears began to fall.

These tears were much different than the tears that fell in October of 2003. These were tears of joy and excitement. Tears of hope that the Cubs will actually win the World Series this year. I say it every year..."I believe". This year I did not. I tried so hard not to believe. Not to get caught up in another roller coaster ride only to be let down. It's impossible. I'm a die-hard cub fan and can't help but love them!!! I made it through June "not believing". And these past 3 months have been SO STRESSFUL. C'mon cubbies!!! Please let me see a world series win! I believe. And I want it so bad! We all do and we'll be routing you on game after game!!!

From 30,000 Feet.

Hello from united flight 945. I am about two hours into my trip from chicago to lax and I am bored. Typically being stuck in one spot for four hours and having my laptop with no internet means I can get a lot of things done and really organized. But thus far, I am not really feeling it. I felt people magazine, I felt the coco-cola classic I just downed, and I feel the jackass behind me who keeps digging his knees into the back of my chair.

I just don't feel like busting out the ibook. So before I begin to read the book I brought along with me I thought I'd write a quick blog.

I am curious as to everyones thoughts on "the escalator". I was walking through o'hare this morning and my blood pressure rose nearly everytime I approached an escalator. Perhaps its just me and if this is the case please tell me I am wrong but isn't the point of an escalator to help escalate you up the stairs? I wish I could look the word up right now to get the actual definition but to me escalate means to move more quickly. Often times I choose the staircase next to the escalator when I travel as it seems to be the easiest and quickest means of getting from one floor to the next. I get so annoyed by people who walk to the escalator, stand side by side, and prevent those behind them from getting by. Seriously!!! The escalator's at o'hare move so slowly....how do people not go crazy just standing there? People are so lazy, and I am fine with that, but have the courtesy to allow others to walk past you. Typically I'd be rude and plow past these people but I'm learning that its a waste of energy and I now take the more difficult physical route but the easier route ultimatley...the stairs.

The one "ride" I do not avoid confrontation on is the speedway. (Or is it a moving walkway?). Thank god someone was smart enough to label the lanes and post signage above that states that the left lane is for moving people and u lazy fucks who feel you need to stand and lounge on the moving WALKway...please stay to the right.

I feel better now. But seriously...if you are an escalator stander please let me know. If u think blocking off the people behind you who actually want to move up or down faster than the escalator moves is not a big deal let me know. It is rare....but sometimes I am in the wrong. ;)

Waking Up is So Hard To Do.

I've always been told that waking up get's easier and easier to do the more you age. Well I feel fifty, and waking up sucks every day. I can sleep 12 hours and still have the hardest time waking up. Is there a magic number when mornings start to get easier? Sleep is definitely NOT as easy for me as it used to be. It has now become a full time job to slow my mind down in order to fall asleep. And without a doubt, every morning, I could sleep forever.

I have been awake for just over an hour, drank half a pot of coffee, and i'm still mad at the world for making me wake up. I'm not sure why I chose tho share this with you but I would love comments if you have any feedback.

Don't You Want Me Baby

A quick post re: Big Brother 8

Summer after Summer I look forward to Big Brother. It's almost sick as I'm more excited to play/watch the show than I am about my real life. Yes, there have been several years where the only people I can't stand in the house keep moving forward while eliminating everyone I like. And usually i'm stuck picking between 2 people I can't stand because my favorite player took 3rd place.

Big Brother 8 was a huge dissapointment. The cast from the get go was "eh" at best. And the "twists" with the few "frenamies" was so lame. I hated the fags from chicago....maybe out of jealousy...but i hated them none-the-less. (I'm so thankful they didn't win....one good thing came out of the show). And the only guys in the house I actually liked were kicked out within the first few weeks. What am I left with?

Oh yeah....america's player. I'm still indifferent on the concept of the america's players. I want to like the idea as america can be involved in the game but it sorta CHANGES "the game". (Side Note: I think Eric "america's player" is a doosh bag and I hated watching him all season")

You know it's a bad season when you don't watch the 2 part season finale or care who wins. I actually pulled up the website to find out who won....Minerva Dick. My least favorite person in the entire house. 2nd place went to his nasty whiney daughter. I will say that the final finale I watched...and I actually enjoyed it. They brought everyone back together....casted the votes....asked the questions and revealed the final twist....america's player. it was cute how they did it but still....BLAHHHHH BLLLAHHHH BLLLLAHHHHH BIG BROTHER 8!

Oh yeah....a shout out to jameka girl!!! I loved you from day one and wanted you to win it all!!! you guys were so close!!!!

Backstreet Boys

So I have a severe problem. Ok, I have many severe problems. But my severe problem of the moment is that I love boybands. I really do. BasicallyI love anything your little sister loves. But I love most all genres of music. I just happen to REALLY REALLY LOVE horrible bubble gum and country music the most. So I was at work tonight when a Justin Timberlake discussion broke out after one of his too many video's came on the video jukebox. I made a comment how I wouldn't go to his concert but I'd go to an NSYNC concert anyday. That's when the gentleman on the other side of the bar mentioned that that will never happen but I can probably go see a backstreet boys concert as they are releasing a new album. WHAT??????? How exciting! I'll admit, I was one of the first in line for the "Never Gone" album and it's true...I LOVED IT!

I downloaded their new song tonight and it's "eh". Don't get me wrong....I love it and will sing it everyday for the next 6 weeks. But it's not exactly what I was hoping to hear as the first release. Let's hope it's not an idication of what we're going to get.

it's called -- a new beginning. hmmmm....and only 4 backstreet boys? not so sure i'm "down" with that. you can't just lose a backstreet boy. i guess it's really not up to me...i have no choice but to accept the 4 they are giving me.

So i went to their website to see when I can buy the album.

40 days 21 hours 25 minutes 20 seconds. Minerva that long.

The Basil Bubbly

So I stumbled accross a website called www.cocktailnerd.com this morning and saw that they were having a contest for best "fizz" drink in celebration of the final days of summer. With fall just around the corner I thought I'd post a drink that was pefect for summer, fall and even winter. And yes Gabriel....it's "fizzy". Y'all give it a try!

The Basil Bubbly
1.25oz Basil Hayden Bourbon
A Splash of OJ
Fill the remainder of flute with your favorite champagne.
Garnish with a twist or Orange.

It's stylish, classy and DA-LISH!!!

Cubs Win!

I have to admit and say it's been really hard for me to believe in the cubs this year. 2003 sorta tainted me. They had a rough start this season but since the All-Star break they have really turned it on. For awhile they were the best team in MLB. But kind of like when they get the lead in a game they've loosened up and only have a 1 game lead on the Brewers. 0 if they lose.

My allergies and a cold combination have me feeling really sick so I gave my ticket to tonights game up. While i'm still glad I stayed in and rested....WOW WHAT A GAME!!! The cubs jumped to a quick lead but lost it just as quickly. Everytime they started to get momentum or they were about to score....something would happen to prevent them from scoring. i curled up under the covers and kept praying they would win. During the cubs game the Brewers win 5-0 to put pressure on the cubbies to get the W so they can keep soul possesion of 1st place in the central division. With only two weeks left in the season I am starting to get ridiculously excited about the post season. I haven't let myself completely believe since i was heart broken in the never to be forgotten 2003 season. Could this really be the year? I'm actually going to say it....I believe.

Leave Britney Alone!

Last minute decisions...

I'm still in awe as I made a spur of the moment decision last night at nearly 2am to fly to Southern California this morning to visit Jordan and attend some parties with him. A flight accross the country 9 hours in advance just for "funsies". WHO DOES THAT? So here I am....about to hop in his Lincoln Park Trixie mobile to head to L.A. to meet Bradly (our friend from Nashvegas) and his parents at a house party. We are spending the night in L.A. tonight and then headed to San Diego tomorrow to surprise Kim at her house party. YEAH!!!!!

So that's it. Just wanted to drop a quick post to let those who wondered where i dissappeared to know where I am.

Sunny Southern California.

The Black Eye (not the brown one)

Three-Peat.

I can't believe we did it again! This is the third year in a row we have attended the Milwaukee Dairyland Classic and it's the third year in a row we have walked away champions. The tournament has grown each year and this year we were put in a bracket with 17 teams. Our team, the Basil Hayden Buzz, received the #1 seed after pool play as we had a 2-0 record and were tied with another undefeated Milwaukee team for run differential. We flipped a coin and that's where my coin toss luck began. I called tails, got the call and we were given the number 1 seed. From then on I called every coin toss correctly so we played as the home team most every game. Overall we went 8-1. We lost to the Milwaukee Kruzers Sunday afternoon and had to beat them twice in the championship game to take the title. We made a few changes before the game and really concentrated on the mechanics of softball. We won the first championship game 10-5 and the final game 8-7. It was an intense game but we kept our cool and walked away winners.

I'm sad as we learned at the awards banquet that there will not be a Dairyland Classic next year due to some bike race the city is hosting. :( I guess there won't be a four-peat for a couple of years....Milwaukee has treated us well and we plan on returning when the tournament comes back to life.

I had an amazing weekend! It's really crazy how fun softball tournaments are. I'm so fortunate to have such an amazing group of guys to play ball with. I am so lucky!

Oh, and congratulations to Alan Ireland for winning Big Brother Milwaukee 2. (i knew not to take that bitch to the final three)

Moving.

Moving sucks. I am so incredibly excited to to be living alone in an awesome new apartment and I am SO CLOSE to being 100% moved. But I can't help but feel stressed and anxious about getting everything cleaned, organized and well...complete. A craze of emotion I have been feeling over these past few days and I look forward to this change becoming a stability.

The Making of Chocolate

To All of you Meth Addicts:

To All of you Meth Addicts out there: I realize you get a great high by crushing up a mixture of chemicals along with my Claritin D, which is why we need to talk. Let's just pretend you could buy meth at your local walmart instead of your local drug dealer. You'd grow accustomed to this convenience and you'd expect walmart to have your product in stock and on the shelf. Now imagine one day the government says that walmart can't sell your meth on the shelves anymore because people like me are stealing it so that we can make allergy medicine. So now you have to go to walmart during walmart pharmacy hours to purchase your meth. And EVERYTIME you purchase your meth, you have to give the cashier your state issued I.D. so that they can monitor how much meth you are buying. And if you are traveling or need to stock up on your meth becuase "you know how bad you go through withdrawals when you can't have your meth" you CAN'T. You can't, because you are only allowed a certain amount of meth PER HOUSEHOLD per month and even per purchase. Sounds ridiculous doesn't it?

Yea, I agree. But her i sit, sick as a dog because the Walgreen's pharmacy i just walked to is already closed for the night. Which means no Claritin D for me.

UrbanDictionary.com is Minerva

We created a definition for the word minerva so that we could upload it to the website urban dictionary. And they "chose not to publish it" That is MAJOR MINERVA!

Submission reviewed
Your submission has been reviewed by editors. Editors chose to not publish your submission.
minerva
(mah-nerr-vah) When someone or something annoys or works your nerves. Primarily used as an adjective or predicate noun. Also used as an exclamation, often by itself.
Minerva.
OMG, he keeps smacking his gum and it's minerva.
He is minerva because he is wearing the same shirt as me.
This song is seriously minerva.
Minerva! Where are my keys?
Minerva, why aren't you answering your phone?

Source: Steve Cole, Chicago, IL

My Hands Are Bananas - B A N A N A S

This is by far the best youtube I have ever seen. I can't stop watching it. I hope you think it's as funny as I do.

2 Years Strong - And Growing

So stevegcole.com has turned two and then some. Two years and four days ago, from Toronto I launched my website. Part of me feels like that was so long ago, and the other part of me feels like it was just yesterday. The site has had it's ups and downs. I've definitely had my moments where the posts were few and far between, and I'm sure there will be more draughts but my goal is to keep things updated. For both you and for me. I really enjoy going through old posts and seeing what I was up to one year ago. Remember when Jordan used to post more as a comment than I wrote in the original post? Ah, to have that happen again. It motivated me to write.

Life is good right now. It seems like September is always a time of change in my life. New roommates, new jobs, new friends...I'm looking forward to that. This year the transition came a little early. I've recently cancelled my frequent flyer program to Rhode Island and found a new place to live. I moved less than one block from where I have been living so I'm still in the same neighborhood, but for the first time EVER in my life....I am living alone. WOW....so far so good. I still have some stuff to move over here but when it's all said and done I think I will be SO MUCH HAPPIER.

So here is to change. To what lies ahead in all of our lives. I have never been so ready for what life has to offer me. Perhaps it's going to be a struggle? Maybe it'll be a piece of cake. Either way, I plan on making it an adventure. BRING IT LIFE! I'm ready!

Chocolate (choco choco)

The next post...

So....I will admit. Jordan & I have a bunch of work ready to be edited and blogged. Unfortunately, most of it requires a lot of work. So, we promised ourselves that we would put something hysterical together by the nights end so that you all could enjoy it over your morning coffee. It is 3:30 in the morning, and there's not a soul it sight. The city's looking like a ghost town on a moon lit Monday night. Ok, i'm trying to be cute with lyrics to get us out of not posting the masterpiece we just filmed. It's major minerva because it really is 3:30 in the morning and we've spent an entire night and 2 hours of footage making what you will see on my next post. I promise to have it ready today, August 14th. You just can't enjoy it over your coffee. So check back soon. We promise it will be worth it.

Chocolate anyone?

The Ladies Commentary on Market Days

In Only Four More Hours.....

Oh My God!!! I am so freaking excited! Jordan's plane arrives in a couple of hours and he should be at Halsted's to see me in approx. four hours!!!!!!! Woo Hoo! I am more excited that Jesse Spano was for her caffine pills right now!!!

And I just made my first cake and took my first shower at the new apartment! OH MY GOD I LOVE IT HERE!!!!!

To an amazing weekend!

What a great day!!!

It has been one hell of a day! I am in the best mood right now as I just reconnected with someone I haven't talked to in maybe 4 years? But it's not just "someone". It's SOMEONE. The co-founder of MINERVA, my former roommate Ryan...presh if you will. Or as he and I would say it...PREEEEEEESH!!!

I have been trying to re-gain contact with him for years with little success. Today was my lucky day. I stumbled across a bio's page of company website and there was his picture, bio and to my surprise contact information. I was still not sold on a win as I had found his brother's work information which turned into a dead end. So I picked up my phone to call him. He did not answer....so I pretty much assumed this too was a lost cause. I asked the lady on the other end if he worked there and she said yes. When I asked to talk to him she asked...."who's calling"? DA-LISH!!! I replied..."minerva". She told him a guy named Minerva was on the phone and he thought it was some sort of joke, as he and his office all use this word. When i heard his voice i started shaking. "hello this is ryan"....my reply. "MINERVA!!!" We were suddenly two little school girls who just had their first kiss on the playground. We could have talked for hours. And with as much as we said in 20 minutes we might as well have. He's calling me tomorrow at 9:01pm (we plan on talking so long that we need the free nights and weekend minutes). I CANNOT WAIT!!!!

So I called him the co-founder of Minerva. In all honestly, as much as I don't want to give it to him. If we were to own the word....I'd have to give him 51% and me 49% as he was the one that officially changed Oh My God'A I can't Believe'A How much'a he'a is on'a "My Nerves'A" into Minerva.

And the world will never be the same!

A Night at Wrigley

So a group of friends asked me to join them last night at Wrigley Field as one of thier other friends backed out. Man am I glad he did. We started the evening by meeting up with each other at City Nate's house. He recently moved into the high rise that now occupies the land in which the former Marigold Bowl occupied. His unit was on the 15th floor and the view was absolutely BEAUTIFUL! The picture above is of Wrigley Field from his place...he also had a great view of downtown and a nice view of the lake.

We had nose-bleed seats at Wrigley and they ROCKED! We had WAY to much fun! The group of guys was perfect! And the energy in the stadium was great as the cubs are currently 1 game out of 1st place for the central division and only a half a game out of first for the Wild Card. This has been one hell of a turnaround year for the Cubbies. Never in a million years did I think they'd take off and make a comeback for the playoffs. Could this actually be the year? I'm afraid to let myself believe..but I do. C'MON CUBBIES!!!!