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

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

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

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

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

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

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....

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

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

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

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!

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.

Knocking on wood (not that kind of wood, sicko)

Things have been going very well for me as of late, and hopefully it will keep going, with our game today. As of now, here are our conference standings:

Green Mill Brewers 6-2
Stockmen Irish(us) 5-2
Tri-City Shark 5-2

We play the Brewers this evening, and the Shark Sunday afternoon, so we have a chance to take over first outright for the first time this season. Personally, I've started the last 4 games we've played and I've been in the batting order in the last 5. In the last two games I am 3-5 with 2 walks, a sacrifice bunt, 1 run, and 2 k's....not too shabby. Now that I'm finally getting some regular PT, things are starting to come around for me. Hopefully it'll continue, but we'll see, I'm enjoying doing what I can to keep our team rolling, because I'm 99% sure this will be my last year for a while (if I don't just hang up the spikes for good).

My 4th of July trip was spectacular! I got to meet Lauren's family, all of whom were very nice and welcoming. Her mom had stumbled upon my blog here a few weeks ago, so I was waiting to be bombarded with questions about this and that, so I was fairly reserved. The next day, Patty-Poo, his girlfriend, Lauren and I all went out to dinner at Topo Gigio. As we got back to our hotel, Lauren's birthday gift (a baker's dozen rose boquet) we waiting in the room for her. The only bad thing about it was, the next day we walked around the city over to see Millennium Park, and the roses bloomed fully thanks to the wonderful weather. A few days later, we went to Great America with Mom, Robbie, and a certain lady of his, and all of us had a great time. We went on everything we wanted to except for one of the newer rides, but the wait in line was just as good, so I dubbed it the Line Ride.

Lastly, in 35 days I will be moving out of my apartment, and it really cannot come soon enough. I am so sick of coming home seeing how horrible our place has become since I seem to be the only one that lifts a finger around here. Once I get some time I am going to clean the hell out of our kitchen, and then stockpile all of my kitchen ware in my room (which will give me a jump on packing)....not that I hate cleaning, 'cause I don't, but good God almighty- the place is a dump....someone please tell me how to post picutres on this thing so I can share how horrible it is. It was one thing living in the fraternity, because our kitchen, which was always a mess, was in the basement....now, our kitchen is the first thing I see as I walk in.

That's all for now folks, take care.

meme continued

Five snacks I enjoy
1.Cyclops doughnuts from Piaelli's bakery- Kenosha, WI
2.Pizza rolls
3.Reeses peanut butter cups
4.Cheese Curds
5.Chips and salsa

Five Songs I know the words to
1.Metallica- Mama Said
2.Frank Sinatra- It Had To Be You
3.Dierks Bentley- How Am I Doin'
4.Gary Allan- Right Where I Need To Be
5.Gary Allan- Sorry

Five things I would do with $100 million
1.Buy a condo in some Chicago high rise
2.Invest in real estate
3.take every one in my family for a cruise
4.take a road trip to every one of the 30 MLB ballparks
5.buy a Chevy SSR

Five locations I would like to runaway to
1.Chicago (again, and again, and again)
2.Dublin
3.Hamburg
4.London
5.Boston

Five bad habits I have
1.Dipping
2.biting my nails
3.Thinking too much on the ball field
4.money management
5.time management

Five things I like doing
1.talking
2.taking walks
3.anything related to baseball
4.Making others happy
5.eating good meals

Five things I would never wear(or let's hope not)
1.man capris
2.thongs
3.doo rags
4.fur coats
5.leather pants

Five TV shows I like
1.South Park
2.Aqua Teen Hunger Force
3.Curb Your Enthusiasim
4.Sopranos
5.Baseball Tonight

Five biggest joys of the moment
1.Memories of Chicago/Great America
2.Pictures from the weekend
3.Lauren
4.Going 2 for 3 last night
5.Only 6 weeks until I move

Five favorite toys
1.My truck (with a full tank of gas)
2.cell phone
3.laptop
4.Digital camera
5.iPod

Stolen thoughts and the best (personal) 4th of July ever

Once I am able to gather my thoughts about my trip to the Milwaukee/Kenosha/Chicago area trip, I will do so, until then, another stolen meme idea, this time from Jennifer:

What I was doing 10 years agoSheesh, that puts me at....13, and in Elgin, IL. I was playing baseball, and enjoying the summer after 7th grade. Back then I could still hit better than my weight, and I played catcher and 2nd base with pitching stints here and there. That summer I was in my first lengthy relationship, in which I had my first kiss (awww), but I found out from my best friend that I was "cheated" on when she ended up making out with some other guy at the local fair

Five years ago I was 18, and celebrating graduating from high school. I thought I was ready to be out on my own, and to get away from Wisconsin (at least I was right about getting away from Wisconsin). I spent my days working at the ol' tie/boxer store. I was on my way to what I wanted- a big university where I could get lost in the shuffle, find my way, and get into a big city atmosphere- after knowing at 6 that I wanted that big college experience, I was excited. I failed to make the varsity baseball squad, so I played for a park team, and hit .400 leading the team in singles, doubles, hits, walks, stolen bases and runs....all while catching on two already worn down knees. That summer I suffered my first major injury when I slipped on some grass during a game and later found out I had a healing fracture in my throwing hand. I played through, and it was a great summer through the dissapointment (let alone shock) of not playing my senior summer for my high school- I just chalked it up as a nother reason to hate that school, that town.

One year ago What a turn around it has been in the past twelve months! Last summer I was geared up for the Bush re-election run, talking about politics like it was going out of style. More than anything else I was getting over my last relationship, which was one of the hardest things I've had to go through, but to see it now, I know I did everything right to get me to where I am today. I saw something wrong, I fixed it, and I've moved on. That summer was hard, but everything that I did was setting myself up for all of the happiness I am currently in.

YesturdayI had plans made with Lauren to go to Great America, and Robert (my baby brother), a lady friend of his along with my Mom joined us. We went on all of the rides I wanted to (minus a crazy spinny ride that was shut down when we were in line), we played some games, although in truth Lauren won me a stuffed animal while I was unable to win her one. Most importantly, Lauren and I talked about where things are going, and we became official, or some combination of going steady/committed/a couple/labeled/whatever the kids are calling it these days. It was a fantastic day to end a fantastic trip.

There is more, but I will continue it tomorrow. G'night