Just another young pup

New Idea Brewing

2008-04-16T09:51:00.003-05:00

I was watching a little TV the other night when an interesting idea came across my mind. I am trying to get things straightened out for what I hope to be some good reading. Hope to have more information up by the end of the week, just need to do some journalistic homework.

Anyone know how to get a book deal? I think this really could be an idea to start shopping to publishers.

The Bi-Partisan Economic Recovery Package

2008-01-25T06:54:00.000-06:00

I have to say that this is the best idea of why bi-partisan politics does not work....or it at least shows that both Republicans and Democrats are complete morons. You see, in my view of the federal government, the less they do, the better we are as a country. Working against each other provides us with the chance that nothing will get done. While it would be oh-so-nice if everyone played together and we could reduce the power/influence of the federal government, that won't happen, so I'm not going to press for that kind of change.

What I will complain about is this economic recovery talk. This stimulus package is full of garbage from first glance (but just wait until pork starts getting attached, then it'll really begin to smell). It smells for 2 reasons, the first being why is the government handing out funds when the Democrats that run Congress complain about the national debt, and second, we shouldn't be taxed enough in the first place where the government is in a position to give us money back.

So what if this was Bush's idea to begin with, and everyone has jumped on from there. The fact is while we are not in a recession yet, the media talks about this being the end of America as we know it, unless the masses get $300 each ( that will save us), we become a foot note along with Ancient Rome.

When you look at the facts, the amount of the rebate comes about to be the same amount of money that has been syphened out of this economy in gasoline expenditures - and that is the main part of this story that no one talks about. Does the government really believe that because gas has been so high that our economy is falling apart? I hope not because there is are far more larger problems than that:

- We buy products from other countries, so all of our consumer spending goes to other countries, where those places receive growth the way we did when Microsoft and Intel were hot in the 1990s.

- We are in a housing crisis because people can't afford what they borrow, and the market will not correct itself when the government intervenes.

- Our food is becoming more expensive because we are wasting our time on ethanol. Here is our saving grace from buying oil from terrorist countries, manufacturing ethanol that has a manufacturing cost of over a gallon of oil to make one gallon of the stuff. Prices are going up for crops, because there are less acres used to grow other products, and they are also going up for the animals that feed off of corn and soy beans (two products that the animals feed on), chickens, cows, pigs, etc.

- Lastly, no one is buying the dollar anymore. Our once world-standard currency has been by-passed by the Pound and the Euro, which means there is less demand for the dollar, and in turn more of a supply. Like designer dresses and the Motorolla Razor, the more supply you have of something, the less it is worth.

These are more the government fails to understand that throwing money, which I have already discussed as being worth less, at the problem and the less that the free-market has an opportunity to correct itself we are doomed as a country. Further, if closet socialists (i.e. Clinton and Obama), get their way then we are in bigger trouble because the government will come up with more hair-brained schemes to control more of the economy.

The best medicine for what ails us is to suck it up. The money that will come our way in kickbacks will not help anyone get out of debt, stay off of bankruptcy, create jobs, etc. What the government should do instead is to lower taxes, and take a back seat to the invisible hand to correct our inflation-ready economy.

Contruction-zone

2008-01-25T06:27:00.000-06:00

Part of the reasons for the lack of posts over 2007 was due to it being the worst year for me I have ever endured. Now that the calendars have turned let me re-introduce myself (my name is Hov...kidding).

I'm a 25 year old white man. Socially moderate, fiscally conservative. I attended the University of Minnesota, and I am awaiting my final grade so I can finally say that I am a college graduate. Currently I live in the Chicagoland area. I am trying to find my first real-world job in the world of Marketing/Advertising in Chicago, so far with little to no results.

As a huge sports guy my alliances are as follows; Chicago Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Navy Midshipmen. I encourage healthy debate in the comments sections, but I will not tolerate crap. If you have a point, make one, but I will not have any part in personal attacks and/or ignorance in general.

The Islamo-fascist movement

2006-02-22T03:09:00.000-06:00

A picture must be truly worth a 1,000 words...in the western world that is. In the world of make believe (i.e. the Islamo-fascist world), only one word is needed for anything...fatwa. "Honey, can you set the fatwa for me, I have a fatwa I need to be ready for in the morning."

Once again, the inconceivable...err...unexplainable world of the "Religion of Peace" has shown its true colors to the world. A simple swipe of the pen has created a real life canvas to experiment if the pen truly is mightier than the sword. A simple collection of cartoons from a brain-trust in Denmark has sparked an uproar, and I have finally gotten sick enough about it to speak my piece...Openly and publicly.

Let us make sure to get one thing straight before I go any future...these cartoons were published in SEPTEMBER...but it is only within the last month that the collective Islamo-fascists have begun to uprise against them. It wasn't a problem for Islamic extremists to praise Mohammed for the destruction of the Twin Towers/the Pentagon, the USS Cole, the Bali nightclubs, and so on. It isn't a problem to praise him for the killings of innocent people, American soldiers, and the like. So when does it become a problem when the Profit is depicted in cartoons that show the true face of the current Islamic religion? (I must point out that there are many Muslims that do renounce the violence in the name of their religion, and I should note that those should speak out publicly, otherwise they are just as guilty as the suicide bombers they share their mosques with.)

Hillary Clinton, liberal extordinaire, had no problem with free speech when there was a NYC museum that displayed a portait of the Virgin Mary made from cow dung, so why now? It was other liberals who saw nothing wrong with the Washington Post's freedom of speech when it made light of a amputeed soldier, so why now? Why now do many feel that these cartoons are wrong? I can't speak for those, because I cannot speak "Naive". What we are seeing here are a collective group of westerners who have the BALLS to finally say what should be said...the "Religion of Peace" is nothing more than a fraud! It is a fraud covered up to keep women down. It is a facade in which to keep populations in squander. It is the perfect excuse for someone to finally step up against the Big Bad Western World.

What have we done that was so harmful to Mr. Bin Ladin? We only gave him the municions and capabilities for him to destroy the "infidels" that was the USSR. We only give his homeland billions upon billions in oil revenues, as our country is handcuffed to oil consumption. He should be a dignitary for which this country should be proud of...instead, he's just another rich asshole that is no different than the ones seen on MTV's "Sweet Sixteen".

What have we done to instill such a hate in the Muslim world? What you say...we are backing Israel against the Palestinians? Oh, my...well that's a shame. What was the only democracy in the Middle Eastern region has flourished in the middle of a god-forsaken area, and how have they done it, by enabling everyone to have a say in a fair, free republic.

When it comes down to it, were the cartoons the best thing in the world, possibly not. Were the cartoons something that many (if not most in the clear-thinking western world) believe to be true, maybe. But that is what is so great about having the privilege of Free Speech, those who have a medium (like I using this blog), have the opportunity to say what we feel. For my brother Patrick, dear friend Amelious and others who happened to feel my facebook picture (which was the Profit Mohammed wearing the bomb/turban) was in bad taste, let me say this now that I have my pen out...fuck the Islamo-fascists. Fuck their new found way to speak out against the west...Oops, nope, they are still suicide bombing, and rioting instead of acting like human beings. You don't have to agree with the cartoons. Hell, you can think they are a immoral decision, but you cannot think for one moment that they aren't true.

Fact is, the cartoons were dead on. If you don't think so, look up the published reports post-9/11 when those in power in the Muslim countries praised Allah and Mohammed for the destruction he would have approved of.

Fuck the "Religion of Peace"...

Randomonium

2005-12-20T21:18:00.000-06:00

A few random thoughts during my last day of finals week....

* After being involved in scalping his Super Bowl tickets, Mike Tice at a Tuesday press conference voiced his displeasure at Vikings fans scalping thier tickets to Steelers fans. Not that Vikings fans are known for thier fair-weatheredness, but please, be happy that anyone is willing to watch a bandwagon franchise that would rather show thier machismo on a Sex Cruise, than by playing football on Sundays.

* The Cubs signed former Twin, Jacque Jones, today to a 3 year deal. Not saying Jones is the worst move the Cubs could have made, but at least Jeremy Burnitz comes to play. Jones the last few years likes to sit (on the DL).

*After watching some of the Ravens-Packers game on Monday Night Football, one can only wonder what is going on with Brett Favre (If you're name is pronounced differently than it is spelled, you might be a redneck...). Once again, he failed to show up to a post-game press-conference to talk about what he did out there (throwing 2 rediculous interceptions). He fails to show up after playoff losses to talk to the media, and he fails to address the media after such horrid performances. For a guy who is often talked as the class of the NFL, and a stand-up guy, seems like the only place he won't stand up is in front of the press.

*The Bears won in conviencing fashion in front of the home crowd Sunday night. Sexy Rexy Grossman came in after the 1st half to give the offense some sort of life for the first time in weeks. Christmas day, the Bears will feast on Green Bay for a season sweep, and a reason for Favre to seriously consider retirement.

That's all for now...got to study more. Better post coming later in the week!

Writer's corner

2005-11-22T17:55:00.000-06:00

I haven't posted in a while- sorry, but I am just so damned busy (and I have little to say). I did sumbit the following editorial to our school's newpaper, so read, enjoy, and we'll see if it gets submitted or not. Have a happy thanksgiving!

While Matt Anderson’s column Tuesday stole my thunder about not giving Gophers football coach, Glenn Mason, a contract extension following this season, after discussing this debate with a professor of mine, I cannot help but think that the University (unfortunately) just might be better off keeping him. Make no mistake, I’d like to see the Gophers head in a different direction than where the program is at, however, the fact remains that Mason must stay because of one question, “who else is out there?”

What are the facts regarding Mason? In The 10 years he has been at Minnesota he has 58 wins. He turned a horrible program into a perennial bowl team, and in those bowl games he has a 5-2 record. Even with such a turnaround in arguably the country’s toughest conference, it remains undeniable that the U has stagnated in its attempts to get over the hump, and become one of the premier teams in the conference.

When one looks at how competitive a team has been, the best way I have devised to show that is with a quick system of using quality wins. Quality wins for the intent of this exercise is any win over a .500 team, and of his 58 wins, Mason only has 7 wins against a winning team. 7 wins in 10 years over a team that has finished with a winning record? How does that give any coach a reason to think he is worth $1.5 million (which is the current rumored amount he would receive in an extension)? I’m afraid it does not.

But let’s not stop there; let us go deeper into Mason’s conference report. We’ll do him a favor by only using his efforts from 2000-2005. Since then, the Gophers have a sub-.500 record (21-27), as well as a ho-hum 14-10 record at the Metrodome. What really should show that a coach is of quality or not is a combination of two things, the first is his record on the road, and the accumulation of statement games. The Gophers record from the same 2000-05 time frame is a grizzly 7-17 away from the Dome, while the Gophers have no examples of games that have given the country reason to take notice. (Please note that I do not include the victory over then 2nd ranked and undefeated Penn State in 1999 because that game was a game that turned our program into what it is today. Since then, Mason has nothing to show as far as becoming one of the elite teams within the Big Ten).

I can’t say that Mason hasn’t done a wonderful job turning around this program, because he has. I can also say that the U boasts the best running attack in the country for the 2nd straight year. We have had three straight seasons with two backs gaining 1,000 yards, which is a NCAA first. We are also going to our 5th bowl game in 6 years. Finally, we have the best offensive line in the country year-in and year-out. However with that said, you would be hard pressed to ignore the stats provided as a team. Mason is a horrible game coach, who loses track of the game clock, does not get his team ready for games on the road, and who has not gotten our school in the upper echelon of the Big Ten.

Now, what do we do? Do we give Mason money he doesn’t deserve? If the answer is no, then the only question I have for you that I have yet to answer is who do we get to replace him? Mike Tice might be available, but on the list of quality candidates, there aren’t any to speak of. Mason did a good job by moving David Lockwood to the defensive coordinator, and the defense is a few guys away from becoming a strong unit. The offense is a quarterback away from being the class of the conference, and we continue to churn out offensive linemen and running backs like no other school in the nation. When everything is taken into consideration, whether you like it or not, Joel Maturi, the University’s Athletic Director should give Mason an extension, and continue on for a few more years to see whether or not this program can turn the corner. Besides, it’s not like we wouldn’t be able to conduct a search for a new coach later on when the benefit of recruiting with a new stadium and a load of school pride are available.

The Second City is Finally First!

2005-10-27T09:13:00.000-05:00

After all of the struggles, after all of the heartbreaks in 1984 (Cubs lose 3 straight to San Diego, after being 1 game away from the World Series), 1989 (Cubs get swept by San Francisco with a team of future Hall of Famers, Maddox, Palmerio, Sandberg, and Grace[soon]), 2000 (White Sox get swept by a wild card Seattle team, hitting only .185 after scoring tons of runs all year long), and who can forget 2003 (Cubs lose game 6 and 7 AT HOME with Mark Prior and Kerry Wood pitching to Florida.....BARTMAN!)

....AND THAT IS JUST IN MY LIFETIME!!!!!!!!!

Sure, it's my town, but part of what makes Chicago the best sports town in the world is that through it all we still stuck with our bunch of losers. Sure the White Sox don't out draw the Cubs, but that's what happens when over and over management doesn't give fans hope that they want to compete. The Sox not only competed all year long (never relenquishing first place), but who knew (no one) that the Sox would be able to do what they did with a marginal line-up, and a crew of pitching cast offs?

Before this season, everyone on the starting pitching staff had questions....
-Contreas, can he regain his form? (All he did was be the best pitcher in the 2nd half of the season)
-Burhle, is he really a star? Can he put together everything at one time?
-Garland, is this his last year in Chicago? (All he did was pitch under the radar all year, and was the best pitcher in the first half of the season).
-Hernandez, what happened to this guy?
-Garcia, a workhorse, but can he return to the dominating-self that he was in Seattle?

The Sox in the off-season got rid of Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Less, for a speedster (Podsednik), and a no-name reliever (Ordonoez was let go). The Cubs whined about not being able to replace the offense from losing Sosa and Alou, and what did the Sox do- go out and play (and...um...oh yeah- WIN!).

I rooted for the White Sox, because whether or not some like to admit it, they represent the city of Chicago. I am a Cubs fan, but the only Twins games I go to are when they play the Sox (I went to two Sox/Twins games this year). I couldn't be happier for a team that never got the publicity that the North Siders got, that New York or Boston got. Now...what happens from here?

-The White Sox need to show they are a changed franchise and pony up the money to re-sign Konerko, or go out and find a replacement (Carlos Delgado?).
-The Cubs, who will always have thier fans, need to spend on quality free agents. This year they aren't paying Sammy Sosa off, so they will have a lot more room in which to work, but as I've said, the best thing for Cubdom would be for the Sox to win first...
Either the Cubs move to win NOW(!) or trust me- the Cubs will fall off the map. I'm not saying the North Side faithful will leave, but certainly after the forgotten Sox have taken home a title (um...Dear Tribune Co., since you won last in 1908, your South Side rivals have one TWO titles!!).
-The Sox need to not only worry about first base, but they need to worry about finding a power hitter to take the place of Frank Thomas (immagine this team with Thomas in that lineup!!)

Let's enjoy this- hell I know I will! I'm heading to Chicago on Saturday, and I will come back with a few trinkets proving that this has not been a dream. Cubs fans rejoice! Sox fans rejoice! Chicago rejoice! It's been a long, long time, and now- it is us who everyone is looking up at- however I wonder if in a city of broad shoulders if anyone can see how high our heads are titled this morning.

School....interships

2005-09-15T13:06:00.000-05:00

Argh....I'm sooooooo far behind the curve y'all. I'm 23, with no assertainable goals besides, "finding a job that makes me money." The more and more that time goes by, I'm finally realizing what it means to be in college with course work, realizing that the "real world" isn't so far off, and everything else (I think it's called life) comes in between all of that.

That being said, I'm just on top of the world right now! Fact is that I was just naive to any timelines of what I was supposed to be doing (except for graduating- I've known that for some time now), but now that I know, I'm filled with a lot of gusto to get done what I need to. Step 1 is finally (FINALLY!!) getting a resume put together. My Marketing prof. is helping me regarding that. Another thing to do is to set some sort of time table for getting an intership, which (and whether it's wishful thinking or not, November 1st is the date I'd like to have something secured) is where I'd like to inquire for some help if at all possible.

Now my major is Recration and Leisure Studies, with an emphasis in Commercialism...however I'm really interested in the Sports Business enterprise. That being said, I'm looking for something to do with business in general (i.e. marketing, management). If any of you loyal readers happen to have any contacts in the cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Chicago, Milwaukee, or Los Angeles who might have some openings for this summer, I would be more than thankful if once I get this resume finished if you might be able to pass it on thier way. It sounds like I have some networks in place, but I'd like to extend that net as far as I can.

I'm not desprately looking per se, but what I am doing is realizing what time it is, and that's time for me to become an adult (whether or not I only have those 4 chest hairs)....it's getting to be that time folks, so I look to you- my friends and family for your help..... :)

Other than that, I'm going to the Twins/White Sox game Saturday, and possible the Gophers next victory (vs. FAU) following the baseball game. Best bet to get ahold of me is to just call the cell.

UG- You're more of a help then you'll ever know. You're in my heart and always in my prayers, I can't thank you enough.

The ranting continues/reappears

2005-08-24T04:12:00.000-05:00

In a turn to try and inform my faithful readers about the world around us, yesturday Pat Robertson of 700 Club "fame" claimed that the US should use the effort of military Special Forces to "take out" the Venezualan president. Everyone (everyone on the left that is) is up in arms on his comments, and no wonder why, what we have on our hands here is just another crazy conservative, right?

Well possibly. The last time I checked Pat Robertson is a citizen of the United States of America, who is lawed by our Constiution. Amendment I: (paraphrasing) freedom of speech. Quit your bitching and let the man speak his piece. The Clintons, Boxers, Kennedys, Gores, Kerrys, etc of the world get to run thiers, the only difference I see in Robertson's comments is that he is not an elected official...so ok, if he is being told by the media to shut up, then Barbra Streisand, Susan Surrandon, Michael Moore, George Siros you must shut your mouths as well. All of these people I have named have one thing in common- all are public figures.

Let's break this down to the little people- i.e. you and I. I can't believe that any of you out there have not heard someone you know use something to the effect of, "We should just nuke [insert middle eastern, Muslim country here]!" While you agree or disagree with that statement doesn't matter. What does matter is that because we are all pions in the grand scheme of things, who more than likely will never see the oppertunity to get close enough to that RED PHONE that controls our nukes. When is the media going to get ahold of some kid in high school saying something similarly outrageous and subsequently push for that child's expulsion?

Fact is we have certain rights, and once again the the liberal media tries to help us forget that we have no rights- unless they tell us we do. Take for example a recent 20/20 commercial for a story on terrorist strikes on "small town USA" coming on this Thursday. Thier ending tag line is, "React, protect...(that's all I need to make my point)" Have we learned nothing from the failure of the Clinton Admin. that the Ostritch approach to terrorism doesn't work? You're telling your audience to react as an initial means...how horrible of a lesson is that?

We had OBL in our sights in 1998...we had the lesson of the Cole in 2000 (among other al Quada hints that they just plain don't like us, and in each instance we did....well we did nothing. In the new world- the one where terrorism is the new "Red Scare" reaction is what the losers do. We were losers on 9/11, we were losers with the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, and we are losers now because we're still chasing OBL when he could have been hit 7 years ago. You react to a situation dealt to you, you proact to prevent an unwanted situation to present itself.

Bringing me back to Pat Robertson. Do I agree with him, no, in fact we have bigger fish to fry (i.e. Annan, Chirac, OBL). But he does at least have the right outlook in the new world- strike first.

Quitting help?

2005-08-11T01:38:00.000-05:00

I recently ran into this web site today, and figured I would question y'all on it. After you check out the site let me know your take on whether to try it out or not.

Take care....sorry for the lack of posts, but I'm in the process of moving. I will be in my new place by Saturday. If you do not have my new address, please send me an e-mail and I will be happy to let you in on my secret city hidaway.

To kick the habit

2005-08-09T10:01:00.000-05:00

In trying to become a better, healthier person, I had come to a point where dipping is one thing that I want to actively try to curb, but recently I had set a quit date to once and for all end this habit. My initial quit date was 9/15, but has since been moved up to the 29th.

Here's to hoping I can go through with this my initial attempt to break the chewing habit....by then baseball will be over, and I will no longer have that playing atmosphere to fall into. In the past few months I have even quit the occasional cigarette at work, so I know I can break my habit in even the worst of environments.....we shall see. If I learned one thing from the fraternity it is persistance, and as much as much as I would think it be fun to do modeling, the last thing I want to model for is some dentistry text book.

Ahh the love

2005-08-04T17:36:00.000-05:00

My last post created some buzz around here, and I appreciate all that have taken time to read my thoughts. While I have swayed away from writing on sports comparred to what I did last summer (and I do in person), maybe I will have to write some more on athletics :).

Right now, I am gunning through the month of August working two jobs (although it seems I'm doing more complaining that working), but it will all be worth it come September. In less than a week now I will be moved into my new residence (e-mails forthcoming with my address change), and best of all Lauren will return in 25 days, which if I learned anything in 3rd grade, means that's almost 3 weeks.

School, school, school...it's coming up faster than I thought, but even still it's going to be quite a semester. Working at the bookstore's shipping dept. I realize just how long I've been here when it feels like every other box I open there is a book that I have bought in the last 4 years here for some class.

Other than that, my mind has just been jumping from thought to though, so I guess it's in sync with my life right now, 'cause I'm bouncing from one obligation to the other. Things are coming together, and I couldn't be much happier given the circumstances....this month is going to fly by, and that's just fine by me.

Take care.

Knabbing a Hall of Famer

2005-08-03T16:09:00.000-05:00

MLB's steriod testing policy hit paydirt on Monday when it was announced that Rafael Palmeiro tested positive for a substance called stanozolol, a powerful anabolic steroid that is not available in dietary supplements, according to a newspaper report. While he isn't the first to test positive, he is by far the biggest name to come down with suspendeditis...but more importantly he is the first ballplayer that testified before a congressional sub-commitee last March to test positive. In fact, when he did testify, I believe he said the words, "I have never used steroids. Period. I don't know to say it any more clearly than that. Never." (he was also waving a pointed finger at the panel). Too bad what he said in that quote could be correct, but go figure that he would start using only after almost 20 years in the bigs, and only after MLB had a brand new testing policy.

What is interesting about all of this is what came out today- that Palmeiro tested positive in May, not in the last month, not in the last two months, but May. It is part of the policy that once a test comes up positive, the player can appeal the ensuing suspention, and with a granted appeal, the news will never surface (the reasoning is that if someone tested positive for steroids and could correctly argue the terms of the test, then they won't be outted to the public for bad publicity). Knowing that however, recently Raffy got his 3,000th hit, putting him in exclusive company, and prior to this positive test making him a lock for the Hall of Fame...all of those fans who came to watch him in Baltimore on his chase for 3,000 and all of the fans who came to watch him in Seattle, when he finally got the hit were cheated, as unknowinly to them (but known to Palmeiro) that he was caught cheating. If I was a father taking my son, or heaven forbid my family to a ball game for just the chance to see such history, AND later found that it was under false pretenses...I would be seeking some legal action.

After all is said and done with whether or not Palmeiro is currently on the fast track to the Hall or not, this is a story that whether you like it or not isn't going away. Steroid testing was the right move for baseball in the long run, and for too long MLB turned a blind eye to a known situation for monetary gain. There are kids in high schools and colleges all across the country who for years have been taking anabolic steriods and/or growth horemones, because they knew it was possibly the only way to get into the "show".

For far too long baseball has failed it's once largest fan base, if they aren't changing the times of World Series and playoff games so that kids are unable to stay up to watch thier favorite team play in the greatest playoffs in sports, then they are avocating (by not having a policy to show how wrong choices will ruin your chance at fame/fourtune) the use of illegal substances. Shame on baseball, shame on Palmeiro, and shame, shame on Jose Canseco, for being all so right...for such a scumbag, it's sad to say that he might be a an angel in devil's clothing.

Forthcoming...

2005-08-02T13:55:00.000-05:00

....a post on the Rafeal Palmeiro steroid story....there is no way that I could pass up this gold mine without including my two cents.

What is it to be a man in the 21st Century

2005-07-31T21:44:00.000-05:00

Floating through google while waiting for Cubbies highlights (which turned out to be lowlights) I came across this PSA to all men. I figure each person has thier own definition on what it is to be a man, and a woman, so because it's my blog, I will present what this one person thinks, and then my thoughts on her choices.

...From Right Thinking Girl what it means to be a man.

* Eat meat. Real men eat meat; you need the protein and iron. It makes your muscles stronger and there's something very sexxxy and primative about watching a guy eat a steak. Agreed. I'm one who believes that humans were meants to eat meat, in fact we have incisors for a reason. On the primitiveness of it, I didn't kill it, I didn't freeze it, unless your a butcher, there is nothing barbaric about eating meat- it's just what our spieces was meants to do.

* Shave your face. We want to see your face and we can't see through the fuzz. Plus, it feels better when you kiss us. Since I can't grow facial hair (except for my chin scruff), I'll buy this one. That being said, if you like having facial hair, so long as it is trimmed, and kept, it shouldn't propose a problem.

* We secretly do want to control every aspect of your life. We don't want to admit it though, so maybe you could just keep pretending you don't know that. That's fine, but when it comes time for us men to get a little controlling/jealous, let us have our moment in the sun...otherwise, the next time you try to become controlling it's not going to go over so well. A partner should be just that, a partner, throughout the life of a relationship, everything should generally average out to be equal.

* Work out. A man doing pushups.... nothing sexier. NOTHING. Good call.

* We will expect you to defend us if someone breaks into our home. You may have to kill somebody. If you're not prepared for that, please tell us during the dating phase, before we sleep with you, so we can reject you and find someone else with better instincts. It's not about having to kill anyone...the decision to kill/maim someone to protect not only our safety but our woman's as well is just that, our decision. What a man's main focus should be is to make sure he can think well enough to take control of the situation and place all peoples in safe situations. When a safe situation becomes unsafe, then it is the job of that clear-thinking man to bring the two of you to a safe place.

* We know you like us to look nice enough that your friends are thinking "I'd do her". In order for us to know we're there, it wouldn't kill you to say we look nice. By doing so, it ensures you'll get some play later. Everybody wins. Fair enough. BTW- fellas, you really should make sure to share how physically attracted you are to your woman...they know we men are visual people, so this works in a means to say, I am happy that I am with you...if you can also talk about how fulfilling they are to your life because of thier mind- you are a hot commodity.

* You don't have to make more money than us, but it would be great if you're a genius with balancing the checkbook. In terms of a long-term commited relationship, the amount of money I agree should not be about the amount, however in said relationship the attempt should be made to make sure that the finacial burdens are seemingly equal.

* Know the directions. I'm not saying you have to stop and ask for directions. Lisa and I both agree it's very hot when a guy is lost and finds his way all by himself. We love logical brains. Don't let bitchy women bully you into asking for directions, or into doing anything else you don't want to do. Ok, I disagree. Not that I've ever been lost (not one word), but I would much rather stop and ask for directions when I am feeling that I have NO IDEA where I am at, or we are running late. Furthermore, I would much rather ask for directions and get laughed at for a little bit then to get bitched at for being late.

* Let us hit your biceps as much as we want. We're fascinated by them because no matter how much we work out, ours aren't going to be as big and sexy as yours. It's comforting to just ball up our fist and gently punch that really tight muscle. It reminds us how big and strong you are. Um....does that mean that for those women who talk all the time we get to punch you in the face (where your motor mouth muscle is)? I don't think so. If you are going to do it, just to do it....then don't. These arms are to hold you...not to double as a punching bag ladies.

* No male sarongs. It's just wrong. Don't wear skirts and don't carry purses (even by any other name, ie, the "European Carryall"). Men who have purses (or caryalls), well, get a briefcase. As a man you have already been programed to remember that traditional fashion for men is always in fashion. Wear a suit, carry a briefcase, or if you are slumming it, wear a t-shit and jeans and a sports bag....and what the hell is a sarong. Whatever it is, I'm sure that it would be so-rong for a man to wear one (HAHAHA, I'm a verbal genious).

* We snoop. Like dogs on a fresh warm kill, we snoop like the infowhores we are. Be a gentleman and remove anything that might offend us. Absolutely not!!! You want to snoop...then become a dectective. If you want to know ask. Point blank and period. Case and point, Sex and The City. What happened when Carrie was snooping through that wonderful guy's apt (in the Circus Freak episode)? She looked like a total insecure bitch, and she let a great man slip through her hands...take note.

* Own a gun. Or at least a baseball bat. Or be as big as Vin Diesel. We want to feel safe. Feeling safe is fine, however in return let us feel safe that we won't have to use them when finding you messing around on the side.

* Keep your hair short. It looks better (even Johnny Depp recently buzzed his) and it's much more masculine. Unless you can pull long hair off, listen to the ladies on this one. Guys with long hair who are you fooling? The rest of us guys know that you are plauged with horrible body hair anyway. Keep it short.

* Do not put up with nagging. From anyone. It's emasculating and it never accomplishes anything. (Ladies, either learn to live with it or shut up.) How about calling a spade a spade. If you want to nag- become a mother. Until you pop a bun out of the oven, remind yourselves that we are not your children (even though we act like children sometimes, in those cases, that still doesn't mean that you get to play the role of mother). If you want to nag us, call our moms and have them nag us. We want to love you, not fear you.

* Do not even get into a discussion about the toilet seat. What you do in the bathroom is your own private business. Guys should leave the seat down...'nuf said.

* Valentine's Day is a great time for flowers and stuff but we know you're doing it because of peer pressure. Better to bring the flowers on a really bad day to cheer us up, and then doing something else entirely for Valentine's Day. Men have conformed to Valentine's Day (and some have even conformed to Sweetest Day)...so enjoy what you get ladies. Men, do what you do. If you don't like the way your man treats you, say something or leave. Not all of us are made of money...grow us a flower garden so we can have a fresh lot to steal from.

* Be nice to other women but don't flirt. It makes us cranky and you can't get away with it because you're pretty much under global surveillance (yes, even you). You do it and we'll find out and it'll be a nasty evening. Just be a gentleman. Ladies, let's be real, we can't even look at other women, let alone talk to them without you on our backs. Knowing this, men don't ever talk to or look at another woman...nod and smile politely.

* Do not let your girl demand every spare minute you have. She might like it in the short run, but eventually she'll resent you for not having a life. Better yet, try to include each other into your social circles...sounds dumb, but I'd much rather have a relationship where there are no worries about who the other is with...opening up to who you hang out with breeds inclusion into your life. If you hide them, you're hiding part of yourself.

* Don't try to have sex with a girl before the third date, but make sure you let her know you want to. (She wants to feel wanted, respected and desired but not pressured). This is 2005...women control the sexual encounters.

* Play a sport. We want to be able to be really proud when you take off your shirt while playing soccer in the park. We like to see how sportsmanlike you really are. It's very cute watching you handle an unfair ruling of some kind, or even one you just don't agree with. Fair enough, but be supportive about it.

* We want every girl to want you, and only us to have you. Fair enough...guys, one good way to help this senario to happen is when you are out with the lady friend meeting her friends, speak softly, slowly, and only when spoken to.

* Don't be afraid of bugs. Sorry..no dice

* Help us with unweildly grocery bags, open the door for us (every single time), and say please and thank you. Manners are important. But be careful not to be her slave. You're a man, not a servant. You're supposed to protect us, love us, and care for us, but not be so worshipful that your body no longer produces testosterone. Agreed. Men, open every door- including the car door. Make a fucking effort, and show you aknowledge thier exsistence outside of the bedroom.

* Expect your girl to service you in the bedroom any time you want. Seriously. Sometimes you just have to grab her and tell her she's going to whether she wants to or not. But do it nicely. If she complains, remind her that she's so gorgeous that you can't help yourself. Eh, this is a toss up. Prior to entertaining a relationship, men are taught nowadays to be careful of what we do. In a relationship then, some of us are more careful about forcing anything. Love should be an equal expression. If you can't tell when your partner gives you "that look" fellas, you're going to be wondering why it's all quiet on the home front.

Me....with X's

2005-07-31T09:09:00.000-05:00

X=Yes, funny comments following the "..."

(x) I have a cell phone... if you are 22-24 and don't you probably still live at home
( ) I am an only child
(x) I have smoked a cigarette before
(x)I have smoked a black and mild before
( ) I do drugs regularly
(x) I smoke...but not because I HAVE to, and that is a wonderful feeling
( ) I am an alcoholic
( ) I love cold weather...once in a while it's not so bad
(x) I cannot live without the computer
( ) I have shot a gun before
(x) I can not live without music
(x)I have no tolerance for ignorant people...try to work 1 shift at my job and feel differently
(x) I have ridden on a motorcycle before
( ) I will be in this town forever...I certainly hope not
( ) I have been to 5 other countries
(x) I get annoyed easily...once again, you work my job and tell me you don't
(x) I eventually want kids
( ) I have neat handwriting
( ) I have more than a few horrible memories
( ) I am addicted to chocolate
( ) my parents are strict
(x) I love airplane rides...give me a ticket to anywhere, and I'm there
(x) I love taking pictures
(x) I hate people who are fake...but I love those who can shoot the shit
(x) I can be mean when I want to be...again- my job
(x) My parents care about my grades
(x) I am easy to talk to...at least I think so, I'm certainly getting better
( ) I hate when people are late...until I'm on time, I can't expect anything else
(x) I procrastinate...if you are in college and don't procrastinate, you're going to be dissapointed
(x) I love summer
(x) I have too many clothes for my closet/dresser...just wait until I hit the mall in September :)
(x) I love to sleep...I've turned it into a sport :)
(x) I wish I were smarter
( ) I am afraid of flying
( )I hate drama...though I've learned I can be over dramatic at times
(x) I bite my nails
(x) I have been on a 7 hour car ride or longer...almost every time I go home
( ) I never fight with my parents
(x) I love the beach...the actual beach....not a lake
(x) I have had the chicken pox
( ) I have had pneumonia
(x) I have gone out in public in my pajamas...part of the college experience is going to class at least once a semester in the ol' pjs
( ) I can not control my emotions
(x) I have a best friend...and I couldn't be more thankful for him
(x) I have moved more than once...I'm moving in 12 days. I guess I should really start packing more.
(x) I truly love my friends
(x) I love to write
(x) I have broken a bone...3
( ) I love my computer
(x) I am a happy person...well maybe mostly optimistic
( ) I love to dance...sorry
(x) I love to sing
(x) I love to act crazy and be funny...and I guess I'm loud too
( ) I love cleaning my room...I guess I am when I'm in the mood for it
(x) I tend to get jealous very easily
(x) I like night better than day
(x) I have been on the phone for over 5 hours at a time
(x) I study for tests...at least now I do
( ) I am too forgiving
( ) I have horrible sense in direction...not one word, anyone. Not one word :)
( ) I own an odd pet...I had two snakes for about 6 months
( ) I miss elementary school
(x) My eye color changes
( ) I become stressed easily...
(x) I hate liars
( ) I can play the piano
( ) I love to dance in the rain
(x) I love my family...with all of my heart
( ) I hate needles...what have they ever done to you? Give 'em a break :)
(x) I'm afraid of snakes...Yeah, I know
( ) I am a perfectionist
( ) I always wanted to learn to play the guitar or drums...wanted to learn how to balance on a drum chair though :)
(x) I hate the feeling of failure...not only do I hate it, I fear it
( ) I have friends in other countries
(x) I know how to cook...I do too! :)
(x) I can speak another language...in bits and pieces
(x) At times, I can be very selfish
(x) At times, I still act like a little kid...all too often
( ) I have allergies
(x) I love little kids...well, little kids that can't talk yet
(x) I love to read
(x) I wish I was more motivated for school...Amen!
(x) I like getting stuff in the mail...except junk mail
( ) I have problems with letting go of old feelings/memories
(x) I hate being alone...I can deal, but I'd rather not be
(x) I love myself...if you don't love yourself, then who can/will?
(x) I like fall...my favorite season
(x) I like weekends...I love monthends too :)
( ) I can type well with one hand...nope, I need both
( ) I live in a house...I wish
(x) I can swim...like a fish
( ) I go to church
(x) I sing in the shower...awfully, but it happens
( ) I have never been camping
( ) I hate cheerleaders...I suppose that I could, but that's only because they don't work at baseball games :)
( ) I usually get what I want
( ) I have been on stage before
(x) I love roller coasters...hehehe
(x) I am close with my family...much, much close
(x) I have been drunk before...HAHAHAHA
(x) I have been in a fist fight before...but thankfully not in a good long time
( ) I can read music...but I now have an interpriter :)

The new job...updated

2005-07-28T22:13:00.000-05:00

Reading over the comments from my last post, I felt I had to clear up some things...

First off, after two days, I can tell that this job is the first assembly line-type job I've ever had....we'll see how long I can take the mindless work. Knowing that, I was much happier today because I got to do my own thing, and listen to my iPod in the process. My job entails recieving shipments, tagging books (if necessary), and placing them on racks for the floor people to distribute. The only times I am on the sales floor is when I go to and off of my breaks- so that's nice. I just do my job, no customers...in a retail setting, I couldn't ask for more.

Since I haven't been one not to abuse my employee discounts in the past, I guess I can't start not doing it now. With that in mind, I don't know what kind of discount I get. Once I find that out, I will be sure to post on what it is.

With 2 shifts of 23 I plan on working in the books, the job doesn't seem to be too bad in itself, however with working overnights on the weekend (and as the month progresses, shifts sprinkled in during the week), and for the short-term, baseball still going on, it is going to be difficult to adjust in the short run. I just hope that I can stay somewhat alive through this 55+hour weeks, which have never been a problem in the past, but I will just have to adjust.

But you have to love the timing of life. Lauren returns from cell phone no-man's land Door County. It has been hard finding out just how good things have been over the summer thus far that we have been able to give each other so much time in communicating, however she returns on Friday, and other than Friday night (and what time I can give while working overnight shifts, it's going to be a difficult weekend. I have two overnight shifts, a 90 minute practice prior to my baseball game on Sunday, and then 2 hours after I get off of job #1 at the tow yard, I go to work 8 hours at the bookstore.

All I can do is the best that I am capable of right now, because this job for the whole 25 shifts I am going to work will do so much for my financial stability. To point out how much this is going to help, my savings account is going to rise by at least 650% by the time I hand in my resignation. It's just going to be a hard time getting through the month, but it'll be well worth it.

Update

2005-07-27T02:08:00.000-05:00

Well, I picked up a second job....I know work at the University Bookstore. Eh, it's not so fantastic, but it's extra money, and it'll be worth it- well hopefully. Other than that, there is nothing new to report.

In baseball, our conference playoffs begin on Sunday...and depedning on what comes quicker 3 wins or 2 losses, our season will continue or be finished. I'm obviously hoping for the former.

Otherwise, the countdown continues....

16 days until I move out
33 days until I move out

The month of August looks like one that will move along pretty quickly, which is awesome...I was ready to begin classes at the end of May...and here it is 2 months later, and....yep, I'm still ready for school to start.

A little insight on an important topic

2005-07-25T16:39:00.000-05:00

One of my key policy issues is far/equal treatment of all peoples- those people who work within the laws of the country, while not causing pain or creating harm towards others. I picked up a talking points info sheet from a group Amelious is closely involved with called Outfront Minnesota, whose goal with these info cards is to, "facilitate constructive discussion on a constitutional amendment to bar leagal recognition of same sex couples." I wanted to share what the card reads, because I believe in the availibility of same-sex marriage. Even if you do not agree, please take to heart these very valid points.

*Minnesota's Constitution was written to ensure equal treatment for all people. Niether the US nor the Minnesota Constitution has ever been amended to mandate discrimination. Appealing to voters to impose inequality is exactly the sort of abuse of democracy that constitutions were intended to prevent.

*Public opinion cannot be allowed to permanently enshrine discrimination into the Constitution. Less than four decades ago, laws banning interracial marriages were still on the books in most states. When the US Supreme Court struck down those laws, a Gallup poll found 72% of Americans believed interracial marriage was wrong and 48% believed it should be a punishable crime.

*Anti- marriage amendments do not protect families. These Amendments provide no benefits to families headed by different-sex couples, while significantly harming families headed by same-sex couples.

*Banning same-sex marriage will not make same-sex couples go away. GLBT Minnesotans will continue to form family bonds and have children, regardless of what is recognized by law. Banning same-sex marriage will only sanction discrimination by denying those couples the 1,138 federal rights and responsibilities addorded to married couples.

*Marriage is both a civil and religious institution in our society. Where spiritual meanin is derived for many from religious marriage, legal rights and responsibilities are derived from civil marriage. Just as the state should not interfere with religious ceremonies, religious organizations should not dictate which members of secular society should be granted a civil marriage license. Legalizing civil marriage would in no way change the right of different faiths to define marriage for themselves.

I hope these point help for you to understand the fight that is at hand. As I have stated before, this is a situation where two adults come together, and gay marriage is a totally different thing that extending to a liberal base. Next will not be marrying humans and animals, or adults and minors. It is strickly a union of two adults who love and respect each other. One can only begin to see the hypocracy in our laws when there the antagonists of gay marriage say they must save the "sanctity" of marriage. While divorce rates are on a slight decline, the point is that there is very little sanctity in marriage these days.....which is a shame. Hopefully those in future generations will wise up to see our current mistakes.

Good news

2005-07-25T16:22:00.000-05:00

From the powers that be at my work, they have just made my finantial problems a bit easier to deal with. Prior to my overnight shift Saturday, dispatchers were working on a dual pay scale. For the times when I was working I was paid my full wage, for times when I was sleeping, and/or not doing anything pertinent to work, I was paid a resting rate of $7.50 (it's on the honor system anyway, that being said, I only recored about 1/5 of the actual hours I was on resting time).

Anywho, the resting time rate is a thing of the past. Meaning that all of my hours will be on my full pay rate, where as in the past on average about 20% of my hours were taking money away from me. So that helps, but I'm still on the grind looking for some supplemental work. Tomorrow, I will get back on that track, as today I spent time catching up on some well needed sleep, and trying to gain back the weight I have lost over the weekend playing baseball.

Other than that, it's going to be a pretty uneventful week. I have no baseball, and I have no work scheduled, so I plan on getting a jump on packing up for my move, and I will look to find a second job, and/or just getting some extra hours at my current job (if I can get them).

Today's lesson: Speak after you know. Know what you speak.

In case I stray....

2005-07-23T03:25:00.000-05:00

As part of what I learned from Amelious' Leadership course I took last fall, I learned that when you have a vision, you need to set goals to reach that vision, and part of making goals is sharing them, so that you can be held accountable. In keeping with that accountability, I am sharing my goals for the upcoming term with you (well those 3 of you that actually paruse this interesting piece of internet refuse).

1. I want to get a 3.0 GPA or higher....it's been done before so I know it can be done again. This term I will be taking 16 credits, only 1 more than the 15 I took last fall, but I have a much more serious course load. With some perciverence, it'll work. Living with Amelious, I know that he will not let me stray.

2. I would like to find a way to seriously incorporate some savings from the money I make working. I am in the process of trying to pick up a second job, if at least just for the month of August. I believe that regardless of how many hours I work, should I keep a good mind on what I have in the ol' bank account- it can be done, yes even by me.

3. As I did last fall, and spring (well after The Sickness was finished), I would like to continue to keep myself in shape. Not by eating right, because as you all know I have provided enough to put so many managers of Burger Kings across the Metro kid's to go to college. I mean more so keeping a schedule of going to the gym, and making sure that as my body still matures, it will be able to in a way I can be proud of. I'm I doing this for just myself- yes sir I am, and that's why it's so important to keep on top of it.

4. Finally I would like to continue to make decisions in my life that are for the best intentions of my present and my future. As more and more I find myself alone at this University. I have to remind myself of what John Donne once said, "No man is an island", meaning that somewhere I am apart of something. If I fail to to remind myself that I will be living with a close personal friend, if I fail to remember that I have a wonderful, caring girlfriend, and/or I feel as though I feel I cannot look to my family...I certainly have not learned anything. In my deepest hours of fear and feelings of failure, I normaly look to those close to me, so the point to be made is to remember to keep the afforementioned in my thoughts and my prayers when life is treating me well.

It's going to be an interesting semester, and unlike any other I am ready to jump back on the Academic Express to get it get this journey on it's way towards it's final stop- I know we've all been waiting (extreamly patiently I might add). I know now that nothing is perfect, but with some work, it'll end up feeling as such.

Take care.

Wow, what a relief

2005-07-18T15:41:00.000-05:00

I couldn't be happier that the past weekend is over. Trying to find a subsidary job to help make some extra money before summer is over.

Heat exhaustion, oh how I have missed thee

2005-07-17T13:51:00.000-05:00

Back from a trip to Mankato, MN that was more trouble than it was worth, after a evening/early morning/afternoon sleep-a-thon to sleep off a bout of heat exhaustion, I am all ready to go out once again and play another game of baseball in the 90+ degree heat where again the heat index will be flirting with that 100* mark. For the record, I would still have the heat in place of the winter cold. Go figure.

The trip went like this...
-Mike (our first baseman) and I headed down from Bloomington to Makato. We picked up some beers, and checked into the hotel. If you want to scare the bejesus out of a high school desk staff, ask them something crazy and out of the blue, such as my question, "So what is your policy regarding drunk, naked clowns?" It was absoulutely hillarious to see the whites of thier eyes in a state of shock. Once they realized I was kidding, I felt better that this season's road trip could be just as fun as last year's....except I was going to be far, far less social than I was last year.

-Our first game was in New Ulm, and the park was circa 1960's, but everyone was really welcoming, and heaven's to Betsy- the field was actually pro-sized. 330+ down the lines, 405 to straight away center. Not that I have any plans of hitting a home run, but it always feels a bit more professional when you see the same numbers on the outfield wall as you do on TV (or in MLB parks). We won the game handily 7-1. I was awarded with the platinum sombraro for an 0-5 performance (3 strike outs, 1 fly out, 1 fielder's choice), and I had 3 errors at second base. Needless to say I played like absolute garbage.

-Ended up going out with the guys that night, instead of just staying in the hotel drinking like we intially planned. I was with 6 of my teammates, all but one who had a wife or a girlfriend, but my mind was in two different places- one part about 25 miles away still on the field, knowing that I am now longer able to play this game anymore, the other some 225 miles away. I was disgusted at some other guys doing their thing, but thankfully I was not the only one to remember what they have back at home.

-Woke up at 10am Sunday morning to quickly pack and to get going for our second game, which was in Essig. I felt like I should after a night of having more alcohol than I probably should, along with a huge amount of blood loss thanks to the swarms of mosquitos following our game the night before. The field was a former farm field, and it felt like a dessert...the air was dry, the field was dry, and the wind came and went in light flows. I was seeing double and triple, and I realized I should have been a little smarter in terms of keeping myself hydrated. I ended up blowing the scab off of my knee, and played half of the game with grey plants blotched with red. I made 1 error, but at least I got off of the schnide with an RBI single to tie the game at 1. It was my first hit in 6 games, which ended my 0-for streak at 23. We plated another run later in the game and we won 2-1. Feeling dejected, feeling older than my age, feeling less than anything positive, I was ready to call it a trip, and head home.

-I came back to realize that how inconsiderate I was of Lauren, and through e-mails I think we have patched things up. As much as I want to think that I am better than the best, I know I'm still only human.

It was a weekend worth it's weight in dog poop, and it's almost over. I have a 5pm game tonight in Oakdale. Hopefully I can do what I need to do to be anything but a liability for our team if I cannot start a hitting streak. There is one week left of the regular season, and then we have a week off until the conference playoffs begin. Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend my Grandmother's birthday, but some money matters arose that I am still having trouble dealing with. Hopefully we can be 2 and done for the conference tournament, and the season can be over, and the summer can unofficially come to a close. If things were going a little bit better, it would be quite an experience to play in the state tournament, but with my play this season, I know I don't deserve to have any chance at winning a state title...let alone winning our conference tournament. It's been a long summer, an even longer season, and I cannot wait to begin the school year, because thats when I feel my best.

Every day is a holiday, and every meal is a feast. Things aren't that great right now, but they could be much, much worse, so for that I am thankful that things are only "not that great."

Take care y'all.

Questions and answers

2005-07-12T02:17:00.000-05:00

After watching the end of Mr. 3000, I couldn't bring myself to fall asleep right away...so I figure that I would try to write something, however I couldn't think of anything to write, so I figure I'd just search around and see what I could find to share about myself....here's what I got, enjoy.

How many times did you move as a child?
I don't know off the top of my head, so I'll just list them
Grand Prairie, TX
San Jose, CA
Oxnard, CA (two different homes there)
Elgin, IL
Kenosha, WI
Minneapolis, MN (Territorial Hall, Centennial Hall)
Kenosha, WI
Minneapolis, MN (Phi Gamma Delta)
Kenosha, WI (yes, again)
Minneapolis, MN (510 12th Ave SE, Dinnaken Properties, and soon, a condo in the Loring Park Nieghborhood)
...so that's a total of 14 times.

What jobs have you done?
Newspaper boy, Dishwasher, Games Attendant at Six Flags Great America, grocery bagger, Office Max(cashier, Copy Max Attendant, Furniture Sales, Cell Phone Sales), Big Dog Apperal sales assoc., Pizza delivery, Ralph Marlin & Co. sales assoc.(Kenosha, WI and Mall of America stores), Surcurity gaurd (Outlet mall, Menards, and tent sales), U of M parking attendant, Pizza cook, Ben & Jerry's server, Hat World sales assoc., and Towing dispatcher, along with about 2-4 others that I cannot seem to recal.

Well that's it.....nothing terribly exciting, but that's how it goes sometimes. Our team lost both games on Saturday and Sunday to drop 2.5 games back of the conference leader. We play a non-conference game Tuesday night in Dundas, MN, a conference double-header on Wednesday night, and we make a road trip to the New Ulm/Essig, MN area for two games over the weekend.

Other than baseball, workhours are thinning out, however I have been saving a project just for a time like this....even though I am not scheduled for another shift until Thursday (a 15 hour double shift) and an overnighter on Sunday, I will add about another 10-15 hours working on a job description manual- wow, saving that task was a smart play by me.

31 days until I move out
44 days until Lauren moves back
51 days until the Gophers open thier 2005 campaign (vs. Tulsa)
88 days until the Gophers season virtually ends (as it does every year it seems, and on the same weekend too) at. Michigan
227 days until I turn 24
41 years, 227 days until I can retire (hopefully with a nice pention, and a quiet place somewhere in the middle of nowhere)
41 years, 228 days until Armegedon :( oh well, I'll have 24 hours to relax I guess....heheeh

Pics, finally!

2005-07-11T15:06:00.000-05:00

Here are the four of us: (From left to right) Patty-Poo, his girlfriend Abby, Myself, and Lauren-

Lauren and I at dinner-

Finally, Lauren's birthday gift (while sitting at a CTA station, somewhere in the north metro-

Thanks to Dad and Jennifer for thier help in getting some visual goodies in this pile of internet gibberish.