Water Skiing

After 4 or 5 attempts, I finally made it up!

The Cubs Shirt

Obviously people wear sports memorabilia to show support and allegiance for their favorite team. While I think this is a worthy and valid reason for wearing sports clothing, I think there is another equally valid, if not more important reason. Or, at least when it comes to the Cubs…

For anyone who has never been to a Cubs game, you might not truly appreciate the thoughts behind this, but let me try to give a little back-story. Collectively, Cubs fans are probably the most obnoxiously drunk group of people I've ever seen. It's almost as if we've all just accepted that you're allowed to get completely wasted when you go there. It's definitely not that way at a Sox game, and I don't really remember it being that way in St. Louis. Maybe it's partly due to Chicago's weather, or maybe it's due the Cubs longstanding history of letting their fans down. Whatever the case may be, Cubs games are a ton of fun – I just wouldn't recommend sitting in the bleachers if you're not in a drinking mood.

This weekend we went to the game with Baker's dad's season tickets (which are fabulous by the way). I spent a good portion of my morning rehashing Saturday afternoon's events via email. Upon recounting one part, I explained that the person I was talking to was probably made sense of my response, simply by noting that I was wearing a Cubs shirt. And, now that I think about it, I think Hillary and I have used that excuse before while sitting at Taco Bell wasted at 5 in the afternoon – it's fine, we're wearing a Cubs shirt!

So, note to reader, if you're ever going to a sporting event where you plan to get wasted, help your fellow citizens out and wear a jersey so at least we can sort of explain the ridiculousness away. I suppose that is another good reason as to why bar crawls should make special shirts.

Canoe Pics

Us Placers

Dear Baby Jesus… please bring us an armidilla for Jules to hit so that we may see what one looks like.

This statement pretty much sums up last weekend. For those that don’t know, a group of us decided to visit Julie at her current home in Van Buren, MO. For those that have never heard of Van Buren, don’t be alarmed; it literally consists of 10 canoe rental sites, 14 houses, and 20 trailers. Alright, I’m exaggerating slightly, but it is very southern and very outdoorsy – which inspired us to continue our annual summer adventures through a canoe trip.

Whenever we girls get together, we are basically a handful. I honesty don’t think the guys said more than two words (except when we grilled Mike about his job, house, car, future) – I guess we scared them.

Friday night was pretty mild. It primarily consisted of us trying to bounce each other off of blow-up mattresses while drinking MGD light (it’s honestly not that bad if you give it a shot). I know this all sounds bizarre, but it was highly amusing at the time – actually, the videos are still funny. While this was entertaining, I find the most interesting part of the night to be when we stopped at a gas station and realized that it was also an ice deli, a bar, a wood gift shop, and an air hockey venue. Btw, you really aren’t allowed to have open alcohol in MO; I can’t believe that collectively, everyone I know decided that was law.

Saturday we canoed 13 miles. Word to the wise, before you embark down a river in a canoe with no way out, clarify how many miles you are expected to go. Typically we do 7 or 8, not 13. But, we did 13 and we survived - just barely I think. I began the trip as Becca's partner and I have to say it was quite amusing watching her try to paddle; she couldn't quite get the hang of it. Eventually though, she figured it out and then Jess and I became the bad canoers. We became partners towards the end of the trip, which means we were fairly drunk, which means we tipped a lot. In fact, if it weren't for this random group of strangers on the river, I think we would've lost all of our stuff or died or both, somewhere around 1. They saved all of us numerous times, and it's actually kind of odd now that I think back on it. By the end of the trip, they officially knew we were the poor girls from Utah...

to be continued...

Skiing to the white...

I have a feeling the next month is going to bring about a lot of changes. And while it is sometimes hard to live in the "unknown," I'm actually somehow okay everything. I've always been one to make fairly impulsive decisions, and I guess that leaves me open to a lot of possibilities. I've also been reading "The Secret" based on Oprah's reccomendation (plus Jen has been talking about it), and I actually think it has reconvinced me that everything honestly happens for a reason. And, to have faith that everything will work out. Honestly, I'm surprised I'm reading this. I usually don't go in for all of this, which I think is really out of rebellion against my mother.

And back to what is actually going on in my life... Last weekend was really nice, aside from the weather. Becca came up to visit and we ended up going skiing on Saturday. The skiing was awesome and well worth the trip. However, the drive home was not. What should have been a three hour easy car ride turned into a 4.5 hour disaster thanks to the blizzard. That was honestly the worst weather I have ever driven in. there were times when I really thought I would have to pull over, but by that point we were already past Rockford and I saw no point. O well, we made it safe and sound. O, and Becca was so nice she brought me Quatros!

Superbowl Frenzy

Another week has come and gone, and after this week several things seem fairly certain:

1. It is freezing outside and there is no end in sight. The high for Sunday's game is 5 degrees and it's supposed to be like -20 with the wind chill. Jen and I ventured out the other night and had to take cabs simply because we couldn't bare to walk more than 2 blocks. Also, I would really like to wash my car, but I see no point since it continues to snow and they continue to salt the roads. My friend Elena moved to Minneapolis this week, & I truly feel sorry for her if it's any colder there. I suppose the upside of all of this is that it's no longer 50 degrees, so global warming hasn't made quite as large of an impact as I thought last month.

2. I don't see me getting a job anytime soon. Even though I've been fairly busy with random interviews, I really don't see anything happening. Fyi, the dog walkers never called me back. But, no point in dwelling on all of this, not with all this excitement in the air- which brings me to my next point...

3. The city has gone nuts with the bears. Seriously. Everywhere you go people are decked in head to toe with orange and blue, and I've decided to share my favorite pics. This is literally all anyone has talked about for the past two weeks, and it just gets worse the closer we get to Sunday. One woman even sold add space on her pregnant belly for tickets. I just watched 25 minutes of the morning news, and a full 20 of those minutes was devoted to Bears skits, songs, cheers and predictions (of course this was the highly credited WGN, but still). I think what I find most interesting is that the city is more excited with the Bears being in the Superbowl than they were when the White Sox actually won the World Series. I guess that is a testament to how strong fan support really is for the Cubs (God only knows why). In the spirit of things, I wanted to share the fight song so everyone can get some practice in before Sunday:

Bear down, Chicago Bears, make every play clear the way to victory;
Bear down, Chicago Bears, put up a fight with a might so fearlessly.
We'll never forget the way you thrilled the nation with your T-formation.
Bear down, Chicago Bears, and let them know why you're wearing the crown.
You're the pride and joy of Illinois, Chicago Bears, bear down.

Sundays Fundays

Shenanigans. Shenanigans. Definitely a fun weekend though. Friday night Sarah D. and I met Doug at Mad Rivers and ended up dancing the night away. Of course the entire night we intended to either got to Cherry Red or to meet Kate, but I got slightly sidetracked by the Grainger guy (conversation started because he was shocked I’d heard of Grainger and better yet that I’d visited one in China). Saturday night Caroline, Amanda, and I met up with all the Evanston kids. Of course there were shenanigans here too, but I think I’ll spare the details.

While the whole weekend was fun, Sunday was the best. Kate and I began the day around 12 at Goose Island for lunch and to watch the Bears. An hour or so later Caroline decided to reappear, and the two of decided it was time for some 312. The three of us literally sat in the same booth for 6 hours and we had both lunch and dinner there. And, I think we had the same exact conversation for the whole 6 hours (I honestly don’t know how Kate listened to us). After dinner, I decided we had to switch bars so we settled on Sluggers. After a beer here, we again decided to switch bars… or up until the point when I saw two guys walking through the bar with bats. Obviously, we headed upstairs to check out the bat mystery. Low and behold, there was an entire game room complete with batting cages, skeeball, and air hockey. We spent the next 3 hours checking out everything. I think the only thing I won at though was air hockey. Apparently Caroline played both basketball and softball in college, even though I never would’ve guessed it. We also ended up getting quite a few drinks here b/c she went to high school with the bar tender. In the end, we made it out till 12:30, which is certainly the longest I’ve ever made it day drinking.

80's Prom

This weekend was a little different. Friday night Kate and I went to Hillary’s fundraising party for the AIDS marathon she’s running in Hawaii. Then I went to an 80’s party that Caroline and Kristin through for all of the November birthdays. The costumes for the night were fabulous, however I didn’t dress up. I think almost all of us met a guy that night, but I don’t think anyone went home with one, unless there is a good story I haven’t heard about yet. Saturday we went to an Ohio State tailgate which Sarah through- apparently her family has a long-standing tradition of attending the NU vs. OS game, no matter where it’s. Ohio fans are fanatic. Seriously. Jen and Charlie can’t stand the Cardinals and honestly get pissed when I mention them. The Bengals bar is just crazy. But the Buckeye fans take the cake. These people actually dress their kids up in Buckeye costumes. O well, the tailgate was fun all the same. The rest of the day was spent at the bar and it ended up getting a little crazy. But, all in all, the day was good.

What Were We Thinking?

Spending Sundays at Kendall's watching the Bengals has become quite a regular occurrence, and this week was no exception. Several weeks ago Nikki coined the day with "what were we thinking" (borrowed from Judy Bar of course) and I have to say I think it fits very well. Who goes to the bar and drinks from 12-7? The sad part is that every week we ask ourselves this very question, and yet we do it all over again the following Sunday. But, I suppose it's really not that big of a deal since I got up at 6 and finished all of my homework.

On another note, I went to Tinley Park this weekend and went to a concert w/ Cheryl. While the concert was pretty good, I ended up missing most of it b/c my feet hurt so bad. I opted for sitting at the bar by myself, where I ended up learning a lot abut electricians. The next night I saw Prestige and I really wasn't impressed. I think Nikki was mad at my choice. O well, what can you do.

Halloween Shenanigans

Last night I was a referee. And this morning I woke up as a doctor. I really don't know what happened. And, I don't have my coat or purse. I don't really remember anything after Kate & Kate left, which was about an hour before I got home. And no one can really fill me in... we are a fine crew. Kate wins the sober award and I feel awful that she has to deal w/ everyone. Jen says she doesn't remember from the point Kate left either, and Nikki says that she lost me around that time (and even though she remembers she ended up puking at the bar). I pissed Becca off at the bar so she went home and then proceeded to puke everywhere, including my room. Kate Robuck has now puked three times today, so Kate is going to the store to get her saltines and pedialite. Hearing her puke is starting to make me sick, but I'm hoping I can push through. Trisha and Jen seem to be ok though, because they're heading to Kendals to watch the Bengals (the thought of that right now is disgusting).

Moral of the story: All you can drink parties with top shelf liquor is a horrible idea. Being football players is an awesome Halloween costume for girls... you meet tons of menz.

On another note, how about those Cardinals!!! I can't believe they won. I really wish I could've made it to St. Louis today to watch the parade. O well, maybe in my next life. I think the best part is that all year long the only games I got to watch were the ones where they played like shit against the Chicago teams and then I would get pissy and bitch about them and my friends would tell me to get over it b/c their team sucked this year. Obviously everyone was wrong!

I guess you could say Friday night was not my typical night. I opted to stay in and watch Lost, which I am now addicted too, even though Brian and Sara Jane came into town. I made this decision for 2 reasons: #1) I was tired and hungover for most of the day since I was out celebrating the Cardinals victory Thursday night. #2) I needed to be up early Saturday for tailgating festivities. Yes, that's right... tailgating. The crew decided to show a little school spirit and attend our Homecoming game. Caroline hosted the pre game, but she ended up bailing early to go to Milwaukee to hang out w/ her new boy toy. Of course, I think this irritated several people, but whatever. I, along with several other troopers, managed to drink the entire day and still make it out for Elena's birthday party that night (and I managed to not pass out on the El on the hour ride home). I'm still not sure how I made it out and managed to be fun. Although the night was fun, we went to several different places that I'm really not a fan of, including Fulton Lounge and some ritzy restaurant. I also had my first encounter with Entourage and I can't image why anyone would ever pay cover to get in there, but what do I know. Afterwards, I hung out w/ Brian and Sara at Katie Sue's apt, which ends up being only a block from my house, and had quite a good time just chillin. Hopefully, I'll get to see more of them since Katie lives here now.

Crows & Cards

Well, my summer is almost over. It’s weird--- sometimes I feel like I haven’t done a whole lot this summer, but when I really think about it I’ve done a lot.

Last weekend was quite good. Friday night I went to the Counting Crows concert with Hillary. Concert was decent, but I really hate that they distort all of their songs live, even though I already knew that. Of course Hill didn’t notice the difference b/c she is only familiar with their live versions. I swear Hillary is secretly a hippy. Anyways, we were planning on meeting Cheryl after the concert and then crashing at her house, but we ended up getting completely drenched and decided to go home instead.

Saturday I was supposed to attempt to go to the Cards game, but I ended up getting in late from the metra and had a horrible headache (which I still kind of have). Eventually, I felt a little better so Kate and I met friends at Casey Morans to watch the end of the game. We ended up drinking the rest of the day, but I’m not entirely sure why b/c no one seemed gung-ho on being out.

Since Kate and I missed the game, we decided to go Sunday instead, which ended up being better since they won. I also got my first experience scalping tickets, which ended up being easier and cheaper than I imagined, of course that’s probably just b/c the Cubs are so bad.

Thursday night I met Jen and her coworkers for happy hour, and one of the guys offered me a ticket to the White Sox/Cardinals game that night. Now you would think anyone would jump at this chance, but after much debate, I opted not to go. While I really wanted to see the Cards and I've also been wanting to see the Sox, I just wasn't sure it would be a good time. I had only met the guy once before and the conversation was kinda boring and awkward. It would have been just the two of us, so I was afraid it would be odd. Plus, I was afraid the Cards would be slaughtered again and I would just get pissed. I guess the question is, how weird would it have been if I had went?

"Oh Captain, My Co-Captain!"

Alright, I’m normally a huge fan of soccer, but this “rec team” has gotten a little out of control. In the past four days, I have received no less than 11 emails and 1 phone call (this is the count so far… there is still 18 damn hours to go) from the team concerning tomorrow’s playoffs. Some of these emails were 2 pages long with detailed strategies that make absolutely no sense, some were filled with inspirational quotes from General Patton, and others still were specific ones to me pissed off b/c I said I didn’t know if I could make the games (b/c there will be 2 since we will WIN the first one). Although I’m sure no one cares, I’ve included a few of my favorite passages from the 2 captains (yes, I am that irritated):

From Sandy-- I am considering playing 6 defensive guys with 2 of our quick attackers. I am asking the offensive people how they can contribute. I think we have to go back to the basics of good defense and holding and containing the quick people. If we make a mistake on defense that is a goal if we make a mistake on the offense it’s another chance to try. (My thoughts--- we are slacking on defense b/c last game we used only 2 midfielders & both were girls, & as much as I’m all about girl equality, there is just no way in hell that I can out run a guy. Seriously, it’s not rocket science. And, who the hell has ever played w/ 6 defenders?)

From Rocco (this was quite possibly the best of all of them)--
Please be prepared! Load up on good carbs-hydrate prior to the game-and stretch before and after our first game. Please bring water-and a light snack-fruit-energy bar etc with you to the park. I highly recommend that you do not do heavy drinking the night before (This Means you Leo ( Please be at the park NO LATER THAN 3:30 to warm up-so leave your house at least at 2:30-there will be traffic. We will need everyone to contribute. In closing, this has been a great ride for our first season. But no matter the level in life-in sports, business, and or military-you must always do your best under every circumstance.

Walter Payton had two plaques over his locker for 13 Years that stated... "Do not assume there is a tomorrow..there is no tomorrow". "Play every game like it is your last." Team Glascott-On SATURDAY Let’s play like it is the last soccer game that we will ever play-and we will come home with a championship! Please respond to me as well if you will be at the game ASAP-

Sincerely, Your "OH Captain My Co-Captain!"
RS

Can I just mention at this point that RS has almost been thrown out of the last 3 games b/c of fighting and un-sportsman-like conduct. This is a RECREATIONAL soccer team; it is the bottom of the barrel folks. If these people care so much, they should be playing competitively. I honestly signed up for this thinking that these people would be cool to hang out with and might actually have f un. God was I wrong. Now I now I should be more dedicated, but I seriously wasn’t expecting this. There were also several emails in there inviting people to a spaghetti dinner tonight to carbo load. However, tonight’s final email was informing me that they would have to forfeit without me tomorrow, and it would be all my fault. In all honesty, I could make the first game. But, I’m tempted to just not show up, just to piss off this Rocco character.

California: Part II

Well kids, I now have a real update. Shortly after writing yesterday's post, Doug called to inform me that Mr. Speck and his blushing bride would be at his house in several hours and that they would be going out with us. To my amazement, they both did go out, and without any magazines being involved. My first question to Dan (and this may have even been before saying hello) was of course whether or not he was living in California; and the answer is NO. He is still living in Bloomington/Iowa. Another surprise... Ben Johnson also made an appearance. It's kind of funny to think he only lives a couple blocks from Doug and I but this was the first we've seen him. But, I guess that shouldn't be surprising considering Doug and I don't even see each other all that often.

So last night we ventured to Hogs & Honeys b/c several people wanted to ride the bull. But, that bar was ridiculous. I would compare it to Coyote Ugly, but not quite as good (which is really, really sad). Worst part was that we paid cover to get in there. After a half-hour, we decided to cut our losses and head over to Joe's, which ended up being quite fun.

Side Note: I am in so much pain. I had a soccer game yesterday (no goal this week though) and I felt ok after it so I decided to play in another one. Bad idea. O well, at least I'll be getting into shape. O, and it was raining so I was covered in mud and freezing by the end of it.

Cubs Game

Not having class on Wednesday's is fabulous. Yesterday was one of those days where I realize just how great it is to be back in school and how great it is to live in the city. A group of us decided to go to the Cubs game. Needless to say, much drinking was involved. If I had to guess, I would say Sean and I won the drunk award. I suppose this is really no surprise considering the two of us started at noon before anyone else had even gotten to the city and we made it out the longest (which I think was around 8 for me and 10 for Sean). And unfortunately Sean failed to make it to class today, but I can't really blame him since it was at 9. He informed me that day drinking to that extent may have to be eliminated, but I doubt he sticks to that since we're planning on buying many more tickets.

The Google Story

If I could go back 4 years ago, I would invest everything I own (not that I own or owned anything) into Google stock. Seriously. We’ve been learning about the company in school and I truly find the company inspiring. So what is the latest creation by these boys (or at least the latest one for me)? That would be Google Local. Now I was semi aware of this feature prior to last night, but I had no idea of its full capacity. Jen informed me last night that you can text Google on your phone with the name of bar or restaurant, and they will text you right back with an address and phone number. Me being the skeptic decided to try it out with a Chicago bar. I text “Burton Chicago, IL” and they sent me the address, phone # and the # of a limo service. Absolutely amazing. Tonight I went online to see what other features were available. Some phones can actually download Google Local, and you can also get driving directions through the text service.

Right now I am incredibly soar and it hurts to move. As mentioned in my last post, I played soccer yesterday, which was the first physical thing I have done in the better part of a year. With that being said, I think I gave a rather decent showing for myself. Nida and I both had to play the entire game b/c 4 girls must be on the field at all times. After the first 15 minutes I felt like my lungs were on fire and they pretty much stayed that way for the remainder of the game. But, I stuck it out and even managed to score a goal, and our team won the game. Afterwards the team went to Glascotts for beers, but I had to pass so that I could make it to some stupid hockey game. No offense to anyone that was there or who planned it or who liked it. I normally enjoy hockey, but I just wasn’t in the mood yesterday. And as such, I was a baby for most of the game and bugged Jen until she finally told me we could leave. Several of us went out last night but it wasn’t all that great (which I personally blame on the hockey game for being a buzz kill) and I wish that I had met Kate or Ron a little earlier, but whatever. Nevertheless, we managed to visit 5 bars and state out till 4.

By the way, I stayed in Friday night b/c I wasn’t feeling entirely well, which I think is the first time for me in a year or so. Actually, now that I’m thinking about it, I didn’t drink at all last week (minus last night), which also hasn’t happened in quite sometime. Of course I did enough drinking the previous week to last me for about the next month.

Shopping & Soccer

I’ve never really known my mom to spend money on unnecessary items, or to encourage me to. However, I went shopping with her all afternoon and I guess times have changed. Maybe it’s the influence of What Not to Wear or perhaps it’s the influence of her new man Bill. Either way, it’s kind of interesting. And, she is becoming more trendy and enjoys shopping in decent stores. I just wish I could’ve talked her into buying me these shoes from Aldo.

So, apparently I’m playing soccer now. Ever since undergrad I have thought about joining a rec. soccer league, but of course never did it. A couple of weeks ago, I randomly asked Nida drunk if she wanted to play soccer with me. Nida, being the spontaneous person that she is, jumped at the suggestion and left me in charge of finding a team. Of course, I didn’t really look into it and never really believed we would get it accomplished. But, yesterday we were both bored in class so we searched online and found a team on Craig’s List (which I’ve come to learn is a very handy tool). Anyways, the team emailed us back today excited that we would join. Nida talked to them several hours ago to make sure they knew we sucked and they ended up inviting us to join them tonight for drinks. Looks like we might be making some new friends. My first game is Saturday kids, and I am absolutely in pitiful shape. Should be interesting.

some not so great pics

Well, unfortunately all of the pictures we took skiing are pretty sad. I was too cold to try and take any. I guess having mom on the trip was usefull for something after all. O well, maybe next year. The 2nd pic would be much better if Becca didn't have horrible hat hair. I find it kind of funny.

Skiing 06

Since I’m sitting in class right now, I figure why not write my post about the weekend. I just got finished taking a test that sucked, but I have to say that I’m glad I didn’t spend any more time studying b/c it wouldn’t have helped at all. The majority of my class isn’t doing very well in a lot of our classes, and several teachers have been overheard stating that the admissions office screwed up this year. Guess that explains a lot.

Anyways, this weekend was very nice, aside from the fact that I was still sick. (I finally went to the doctor yesterday to get drugs so hopefully I’ll be fine soon). Becca made it up here Friday night without getting too lost, much to my surprise. Since it was so late and I didn’t feel well, we decided to stay in. Saturday we woke up bright and early and drove to WI to go skiing. Conditions were great- fresh snow and not very crowded. I was kind of a wimp and wouldn’t stay out for very long periods (usually this is Becca’s role). But, I have to admit; it was nice not getting injured for a changed. We didn’t get home until around 12, so we had another night without drinking, which is probably the first time in awhile for me. So, I hadn’t really talked to Becca in awhile, but I think she filled me in this weekend on her entire life. O, and my mom got upset b/c Becca ‘lied’ to her about coming up here. Surprise, surprise.