7 in a row!

The Yankees, thanks to a walk-off two run home run by Bernie Williams, clinched their seventh straight American League East division title, stopping the futile quest of the Boston Red Sox to overtake the Yankees and win the division. In the process, the Yankees, for the first time in the history of the team, have won 100 or more games 3 consecutive seasons.

Not bad for $190 million.

Now, we prepare ourselves for the playoffs. Personally, I wouldn't mind playing the Twins in the first round, however, I feel good about either them or Oakland/Anaheim.

Oh, by the way, the road to the World Series goes through Yankee Stadium.

Back to work

So I decided to cut my vacation two days short. It's actually better than sitting around the house until Monday. I save the two days of vacation, and I don't spend unnecessary money on stuff like lunch and movies. Plus, I like my job and there is plenty to do here.

Call me crazy but don't call me stupid. Better yet, don't call me anything.

New Jersey Trip Recap

Now that I have a full night's sleep (on my own bed) behind me and I don't have to drive 2000 miles to get home, I thought I would update you on the drive home.

I wish I could say it went according to plan, because it didn't (and if you know me it never does). My brother procrastinated until the last minute so we didn't start packing the U-Haul until Sunday morning. As he was packing, my dad and I were loading. So at the ripe ole time of 6:30 AM EDT we are out there carrying boxes, computers and furniture to be loaded and dumped. All I can say about that is God Bless America. It's a good thing my brother only had a "little bit" of stuff. His "little bit" filled the whole 5'x8' U-Haul he rented. I feel for the poor King-size mattress. I'm sure it got beat up on the way home.

So, we finally left New Jersey at noon EDT. We didn't stop to eat because my dad and brother got up really early to take my other brother to the airport (Wimp! Next time actually drive back with us and be a real man!). So by the time we hit the road we were pretty tired, but the adrenaline kicked in and kept us going for the next 8 or so hours. I decided to wear my Michigan shirt, not considering that there would be a good possibility we would stop in Columbus, Ohio to eat (Columbus is the home of The Ohio State University, arch-rival of the University of Michigan). Fortunately we stopped just outside of Columbus. By the time we left it was 8:30 EDT and I proceeded to drive for the next 5 and a half hours. I stopped somewhere in Illinois because we were going to try to get some rest, but my brother said he was ready to drive some more, so we went on. A couple of hours later we stop to get gas. I thought I had slept some, so had my Dad so he says he'll drive while my brother sleeps some more. I wait until I think my dad is fine before trying to sleep some more. No sooner did I put my head down did I hear my dad say "whoa" and pull over. He almost got us killed because he fell asleep while driving. Fortunately nobody got hurt, but his total time driving was 20 minutes over the 32 hour trip. I drove for about 30 minutes then we stopped to get gas and breakfast just outside of St. Louis. Good thing we did because we all needed a break, rest and food. Memo to self - it's never a good thing to drink more than one Mountain Dew without eating something to give you energy. So we started out again, with my brother driving and somehow I managed to get some sleep, probably about two hours worth, but enough to finally get my mind and body in sync for the last leg of the trip. Oklahoma went fine (at least from what I can tell because I slept through most of it) and when we hit Amarillo, a storm rolled in that had me looking for places to hide should a tornado touch down. Fortunately, a little bit of rain fell. We made it to New Mexico and my brother pulls over because his back was hurting and I drove the rest of the way. Finally arrival time was 8 PM MDT. To say we were a little bit ripe was an understatement. I took a shower at my parents before heading home. Good thing I did because I probably wouldn't have made it home if I hadn't. Around 10 PM my body totally crashed. I felt fortunate to have my bed to sleep in and to have the rest of the week off (if I choose to use it) to recover.

Memo to self #2 - Think three times about making this drive without stopping again!

Home

We've made it home safely.

Needless to say I'm tired after spending 32 hours straight in my brother's truck.

It will be nice to sleep in my own bed tonight.

I'll have more later this week on the trip home.

Last Post Before Home

Well folks, this is my last post until I get home. I've had a lot of fun on the east coast, but I miss sleeping in my own bed too much to stay.

What have I accomplished while out here:
- Watched the Yankees beat the Red Sox (twice)
- Visited friends and family
- Went to Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash in New Jersey
- Visited the ESPN Zone in Times Square
- Bought my Don Mattingly T-Shirt jersey
- Went to Arthur Avenue for Italian Sausage and Cheese
- Saw the new Philadelphia Stadiums
- Got my brother packed and ready to leave tomorrow

Yes, it's been a good trip. I'll probably post again on Wednesday. Pray for our safe trip home.

The rich get richer

Forbes magazine put out their list of the 400 richest people in the U.S.

I'm not on the list.

Odds are you aren't on the list.

Does this seem strange to you?


Link

Memo to Self

Always be aware of the laws when visiting a foreign country. Right Jason?

Memo to Self

When traveling cross country to drive a sibling home, make sure you are all on the same page when it comes to what needs to be done when.

Thursday Update

Last night we visited family. It's always good to see Larry and Sarah, whether in NY or NM.

Today, I let my brother talk me into driving him to Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash. It's a comic book store in the home town of one of the actors from the movie (the other one is in Los Angeles so, Michelle, get up and go find it).

Since I really didn't watch the movie nor another other movies with the actors I really can't give a powerful review but it did carry come comics that I could enjoy (if I had the money it would take to buy the whole series of comics that I wanted). Instead, I let my brother buy me a smoothie and I did the driving. I don't know if that is an even trade but at least we did something he wanted to do before we leave.

Tuesday Update

Eastern Daylight Time messes with me. I go to sleep much too late and I get up way too late. That's what I did this morning.

I also went to the store (I needed food, drink and cleaning supplies).

I played The Legend of Zelda most of the afternoon, then ate some pizza.

Nothing too interesting. Just waiting for Sunday's departure.

Nothing to do

There is absolutely nothing to do today.

I've already taken a walk.

I've already checked e-mail.

I've already updated the church web page.

I'm bored. I need something to do.

Suggestions?

Red Sox v. Yankees

Powered by four home runs, the New York Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox 11 to 1. I was there, raising my all time viewing record to Yankees 3 opponents 0 while watching a game at Yankee Stadium. You may have seen me if you were watching ESPN today. Several times during the game the camera was pointed in the bleachers, right where I was sitting (hi mom!).

The only bad part was the drive. It took us almost 4 and a half hours to make a two hour trip. I really despise the traffic in New York...

The baseball cathedral awaits

In less than three hours I will be at the baseball cathedral of the world - Yankee Stadium. When you walk in it all hits you. All of the great names to have ever worn Yankee pinstripes have played here. Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, Berra, Rizzuto, Ford, Munson, Jackson, Maris, Mattingly, Jeter, Rodriguez, Guidry, Righetti, Rivera, etc.

All I can do is hope the rain stays away and the Yankees win after blowing last night's game.

1 month warning

You have only 1 month left to get my birthday present. Please, shop often and shop early, your gifts will be appreciated.

Welcome to New Jersey

Well, we have finally made it and I'm happy. I've got a full stomach, the Yankees are getting ready to play and I'm going to play some poker. Good stuff.

Anticipation

Well folks, tomorrow is the day. I will be exiting stage right and stopping on the east coast (via Phoenix). Tomorrow the my brothers and I will be re-united for the first time since April and only the third time since my youngest brother entered the Air Force. Thankfully, his tour of duty will end next week and he will be coming home (see my earlier posts).

While I'm out in New Jersey I plan on getting a lot done.
- See the Yankees play the Red Sox
- Visit my family
- Tune up my brother's truck and get it ready for the cross country trip home
- Do some gift shopping
- Pack up the truck
- Sleep

I should be able to post while I'm out there. My brother made the wise choice and got broadband internet connectivity.

Pray for a safe trip!

Memo to Self

Never drive eastbound on Lomas from San Pedro to Louisiana when the state fair is on going.


Can you say "gridlock"?

Making History

If you are a real baseball fan you'll appreciate what I'm writing about.

In the 100+ years of organized, professional baseball only two men have accomplished this feat.

Hopefully today, a third man will join them.

What is this major event?

Who is this person?

The event is 700 career home runs, only accomplished by Henry Aaron and Babe Ruth. Currently, Barry Bonds has 699 career home runs. He has less than 20 games left to hit 1 home run to join this elite club.

Barry and the San Francisco Giants play in Milwaukee tonight. If you have nothing better to do tonight, take a peak at ESPN starting at 6 PM MDT. Every one of his at bats will be televised. You could be watching history.

And speaking of watching, make sure you watch Fox starting at 2 PM MDT on Saturday. Yankees v. Red Sox and I'll be sitting in the left field bleachers. See if you can spot me (provided the game doesn't get rained out).

What is wrong with the world?

If you have a suspicion that you are going to kill yourself in a high speed chase because of domestic violence, why would you bring a child along with you?
Link


In this case the child survived, thankfully.

Comments?

Memo to Self

Memo to self #1 -
When planning to throw the dog's toy with your off hand, always leave yourself enough room to finish the follow through or you will end up with a bruised knuckle.

Memo to self #2 -
When going to the great outdoors always carry a sharp knife with you in case you need to cut your arm off.

Lobo Football

Well, miracles do happen. Wes Zunker kicked a 44 yard field goal to give the Lobos a 27-24 victory over the visiting Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Link

The Producers

I had a treat last night. I took in my first musical at Popejoy Hall and it was a blast. Natalie and I went to see The Producers, the new Mel Brooks musical. It was great! I enjoy Mel Brooks' humor and he was definitely at his best while penning this production.

The story is about a Broadway show producer, Max Bialystock (the biggest name in Broadway - 13 letters) who has started to run out of magic in New York, 1959. His shows just aren't the big hits they used to be. One day he's sitting in his office when Leo Bloom, an accountant comes in to balance his books. While sitting there, Leo suddenly realizes that a producer can make a fortune just producing Broadway flops. So, Max and Leo team up to produce the worst Broadway show ever, by enlisting the help of Director Roger De Bris (he and his staff are very fruity, including a man dressed as an indian and a biker, ala The Village People) and a stunning blonde Swede named Ulla. Throw in a bunch of old ladies with their walkers, a former Nazi named Franz and the show called Springtime for Hittler and you've got the makings of a great night. I highly recommend you spend the money and see this show.

P.S. - Special thanks to Natalie for attending the show with me. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Doom3 Finale

I've done it!

I have beaten Doom3!

I highly recommend using the resources available to you on the internet to assist your quest.

Now, it's time to start it over.

Real Networks

I certainly hope you had the chance to take advantage of Real Networks $.49 song promotion because it is over.

I liked it because it carries songs that iTunes doesn't.

Now, I'll have to pay $.99 no matter which service I use.

Bummer.

Memo to Self

If you spend any time around me you'll know what Memo to Self means. For those of you who are fortunate enough to spend no time around me, let me amuse you with a definition. You see, when I see something stupid or see someone do something stupid or anything that I really just can't categorize, I write myself a mental memo to remind me to never do what I've seen.

For example:
Memo to self - always bring a sweatshirt to a hockey game.

Granted, that's a little too simple but you get the idea.

Keep an eye out as I try to remember and write down all my Memo's to self in the future.

Weekend Recap

Here's all the important stuff you need to know from this weekend:

The Yankees still lead the Red Sox for the A.L. East championship

The Lobos lost to a Pac-10 school (again).

Michigan won (what else is new).

I played some more Doom3

I went to the wine festival in Bernalillo.

Everyone is healthy.

I'm still not wealthy.

Yup, that about recaps it. Oh, I need a weekend to recover from my weekend.

Comments on UNM Football

To lobo - (v)
The act of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Example - The UNM Football team loboed against Washington State Friday night at University Stadium.

Anyone who watched the game or has watched either football or basketball games at UNM knows the feeling.

Can I get a witness?

Feel free to post your best (it has to be clean) examples.

Labor Day Weekend

Labor day is almost upon us.

Good thing, I need some rest.

I think I'll spend the weekend sleeping, resting and having fun, in that order.

What are your plans?

Game time

Well folks, today is the day.

No, it is not my birthday (However it is coming up soon so buy your gifts now so you don't have to settle for what is still left on the shelves at stores).

There is not a wedding this weekend (hurrah!)

My brother isn't coming home (yet).

No, today is the first UNM Football game of the season. Ah, the fun and wonderful times that are Lobo football. I've been enjoying their games since 1992 but this year is a little bit more special. For the first time in eons (o.k. - maybe not quite that long) the Lobos are coming off of back-to-back bowl game appearances. The excitement and hype are thick and I'm ready. I'm wearing my UNM Alumni T-shirt and I've got tickets in the north end zone. I just hope that we are ready and Washington State isn't quite as good as last year.

If you have the chance you can catch the game on ESPN at 6 PM MDT.

Politics

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