NYE - Lodge Bar, Downtown !

MMM. I'm ready to get me some New Years Eve.

Goodbye 2009!

Live from Chicago... Day Two

Day Two - Just chilling here in Cody's hotel room. He's at work, watching the Chris Henry news on ESPN. What a sad way to go?

Update: Just got back to the hotel here close to O'Hare. I headed downtown just myself today, was walking around for probably 5.5 hrs? Made it to Navy Pier just in time for the sunset, although I didn't plan it that way.. so was nice. The sight of the city w/ the red sky behind it, all in front of the lake, was realllll pretty lookin and all :) Lots, LOTS of thinking done while down here. After staying at the lake until nightfall, I made my way back downtown and walked up and down Michigan Ave once or twice, or three times.. Got back on the train around 7:30 and back to the hotel around 9p.

Update: Hooter's for dinner and Colts vs Jags, then out to the bars before getting a little sleep and leaving at 6am

Live from Chicago...

Day One - After our first stop on the L: we got off, I realized I left a glove on the train so I run back on, then the doors shut. LOL. So I wave goodbye to Cody as I continue on down the line, leaving him with two locals who were trying to show him magic tricks to get some money. I was rather nervous, but we were reunited shortly.

After stops at the Corner Tap and at the completely unpopulated, yet trendy, Excalibur club, we then pass by an alley where a man is standing next to a door with a couple steel barricades set up around it. Eh.. what the hell? Let's try! So minutes later, we are in the basement of this building that had been turned into one crazy underground night club. Spy Bar? This place was one, incredible, time. And on a Wednesday at that.

Eddie Aikau Invitational - 12.8.09

Yesterday at Waimea Bay the finals were finished up.

Check out this short vid the final round and some of the most massive waves of the comp (3:47).
Or, an even shorter one sporting some wipe outs and rackdiculous waves, here (1:47).

Blazin. Hellish 17 hrs of work

The "Blaze" weekend was a fun one. Had a good day of work on Friday, got in a run Saturday afternoon, then drove for my mom in the parade.. which was much better once I figured out how to turn the mustang's lights on. Walking around seeing everyone, bowling w/ friends, then more walking x100.

Onto Sunday- Working 5-CL at that roast beef restaurant, 11:59:32am (we close at midnight) we get an order for two sandwiches.. ok, I can deal. Wait, another car enters. $27 worth of food including four sandwiches and a ton of fried junk. It's now probably 12:10. Another car. Chicken. 12:15 I finally get a chance to clean.. so I get home at like 1:15am, and have to be at the hotel to work at 7am. That went rather nice, besides a rather angry guest at 7:20am that couldn't sleep. But- crisis was avoided! Now, getting ready for some House and MNF. Oh, and there's much more on my mind tonight than I lead on, any guesses ?

Music: Colbie Caillat - Falling for You

Moments where you meet "one of your own"

We all have those objects, ideals, those ways of life that speak volumes about us. At a certain age we know who we are, we know what we are all about, and we know what we are not. Some of us share a very intense love for the same things; whether it's music, sports, politics, etc. I, myself, have a deep love connection to the ocean which I discovered around 10-11 years ago. March of 2007 I visited St. John of the USVI, and others who have visited here might also know of the island-hook bracelet. Almost four years later, out of all the places I have walked and people I've met, I have only met three people who also wear a form of this bracelet that embraces love for the sea. Appropriately, one from Florida. One from Missouri. Today at work I met one from here in Ohio. She spotted mine first, then pulled her sleeve back to reveal her own. (If the open end of the hook is facing away from your heart, towards your hand, it means you are not yet fully content w/ what surrounds you in life.) "Still waiting too, huh?" she said asks with a laugh. Laughing in return, I reply "Oh yeah, will be for awhile. When was your last trip to the islands?"

"Um, when I went down to help with the hurricane."

"Ivan?"

"Yeah! So a few years."

This made my day, probably my week. The rare encounter with another who is drawn to the ocean the same as I. When you meet someone who shares that passion for something that no one else can understand on the same level as you and them, it makes you feel credible, makes me feel real.

Music: Lady GaGa - Bad Romance (She's a free bitch, baby)

Dream on, dream on

So had the most wonderful dream I could've had last night, and it is at a very peculiar time. Was a dream about a certain person. Someone who is just barely still in my life, but someone that I have always felt is meant to be a huge part of my entire life. Who knows if I will ever even see this person anytime soon, or possibly ever again.. but the fact that I haven't seen them in almost 2 years and then have such a complex dream involving them coming back into my life, gives me hope and reassurance that I am not crazy. Whether it's this weekend, a year from now, five years, or 20 years... I seriously believe that we will meet again, and we may not be each other's whole lives or back to where we were, but we'll be relevant again. I just know it.

Music: KChes - Don't Happen Twice

2 becomes 9 + 3.

I'm here at work and two guys, 1 OSU/1 Mich, come in and reserve a room for tonight. I'm thinking they don't look too wild or dangerous, and put them in a room next to a couple because we had a lot of dirty rooms left over today. 2.5 hours later they return with 7 more guys and 3 cases of beer. I am now not so sure about the wild/danger factor. ND just lost to UConn, suppose the night can't get worse.

halloween. thirstys delivers as usual

friday evening- fun, short night in Columbus. picked up a sweet new hat.

saturday evening- great fun at thirstys in Bdam. I love to see everyone around me having a great time =)

But what don't I love? Taking a fist to the face as I'm trying to stop a fight from starting. Sigh.

En Concert, new job, di corso

Silly title, you make no sense.*
*everyone loves silly titles

Jack Johnson's new live film release, En Concert, is decent. I like the shots around Europe and glimpses behind the songs. The interaction w/ crowds of different languages is incredible<-the only reason to see it if you already know what Europe looks like.. which I do not, but you get the point. 100% of profits go to Jack's foundation. Right on. Listen to: Belle/Banana Pancakes and Constellations w/ Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam.

-The new job is going rather well! About to, lose the training wheels. Working tonight, parties tomorrow? Live music Saturday.

Just another noioso folle Wedesday

Last Crew game of the season on Sunday, me Gino and Brittany will be there in the Nordecke, so look us up !

Zac Brown Band is still on for Fri night, so that will be a good time. I kind of want to go downtown after that tho, and wander through the massive female-populated nightlife. So here's to hoping THAT happens.

Music
Ben Harper - Fool for a Lonesome Train

OTJT, Mick on the mind, Self-reassurance, 50th post

Here begins my 50th post. I think all went rather well, computer training on the system and a tour of the property. I'm just anxious to see "get good" at this, which I know I can be. And anxious to work out schedules with what I now refer to as: job 2.

I miss my dog. Every hair I find Mick, I think about you 10x more. Everytime I can't find my keys I think about jokingly accusing you, saying "where'd you put my keys mick!!" and you'd wag and give your goofy smile. Or when we'd get home from a vaca and Dad would say "we looked all over for mickey dog and couldn't find him" and go on to say ridiculous scenarios, such as we looked in the "woods" for you, or "town", or "drove all over" and "couldn't find mickers", and you'd just wag your tail and be so happy.

House has been recharged and back up to one of my fav shows. They couldn't have started this season off better. It's genuinely fun to watch again, in my opinion. The first episode really took me back to my experience where I needed help..and I realized that there were others out there with worse problems than mine. Joined a new site last night. Filling out stuff really makes you think about yourself and for me, makes me remember who I am. Or atleast what I was, before debt and career rejection started taking turns swinging at me. Feels good to know that when I am back on my feet -and standing on my own- that I will be me. Again.

Music
Taking Back Sunday - Your Own Disaster
Just think of this and me, as just a few of many things
To lie around, to clutter up your shelves
And I wish you weren't worth the wait, cuz there's some things I'd like to say to you
And I don't think that you know what you've been missing, cuz I don't think you know what you've been missing
And I dare you to forget, the marks you left across my neck
From those nights when we were both found at our best
Now I could make this obvious and you, you could deny me all in one breath
You could shrug me off your shoulders
And I don't think that you know what you've been missing
Just forget me, it's that simple

New job, a couple songs, I'm feeling good

Got a call today, guess I'll be starting training tomorrow night. I'm pretty pumped, but still cautious and just ready to get some experience. And money.

I've been trying to piece stuff together for a song about her ever since we split. The other night, I just completely scrapped it and what I think was a better alternative started to fill out. Truth be told, I didn't want the song to scream "this is about you," and to some degree I think it still leaves a lot out, but I'm satifisfied with how it goes about showing how the little things still meant so much to me, and has words that only her and I would understand. Ah, being on the beach would help this!

Got some sleep lately, celebrated my best bud's 24th bday w/ another best friend that I haven't seen forever, and Notre Dame is back in the Top 25, albeit at #25, but we'll take it!

Fall makes me think of her, Samoa

An earthquake between magnitudes of 8.0-8.3 washed tsunami waves upon American Samoa and Samoa and who knows when the death toll will be final and the missing are found. My sister has lots of friends and family of hers that live there and many, many towns and villages have been wiped out, there is nothing left. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_FU7Rug7s0 . If you have the spare dollars sitting around (spare as in $1, $2, $5..), then it can't hurt to put it to a better use than a value meal at mcdonald's, right?
http://www.rawshakti.com/tsunamirelief.php
http://www.redcross.org.nz/cms_display.php

Everytime fall comes around, I think about being up in the mountains with her. Driving up to the parkway, the times we went to Boone, how I had every single thing I could ever imagine wanting. Ever. Now when fall comes, I remember us having our coats on, stopping along the pkway to take a picture, picking her up and kissing her..that smile. Crazy aren't I? Isn't it? It's tough knowing what I want my whole life to be is with someone else. I know I took her for granted, but I somehow think I would have lost her at somepoint anyway. We were young, still are, and so are her and him right now. So I'll keep holding out, feel this way from this distance. Someday we will meet again. No second chances, no forgiving, just a complete restart and do it all over. Someday.

Music
Ballyhoo - Close To Me
Matt Nathansan - Come and get Higher

Happy 18th bday, Dolphins, and monies

Happy birthday to Holly Anna Teague

Dolphins HAD the Colts. AH. Yes, had.. Peyton Manning's the man. Why does everyone continue to talk the Dolphins down like they aren't a threat? Maybe possibly they are a decent team? Jeez. But come on Ginn.. your not at Ohio State anymore (no more easy teams..).. make that damn catch that would have won you this big game. Oh yeah, Ohio State never won any big games, my bad!

Not sure if I'll make it to Columbus for Crew vs Cruz Azul. Once again, stupid bone-head things come up where I lose money that I shouldn't. Ugh. Maybe I can pull it off, but I have to be there this Saturday for the Galaxy game, so I should probably just stay.

Golden Tate ?

Not looking so golden this season. I've been pretty mellow on this blog throughout it's life thus far. If the kid drops another god damn ball my tv is going through a window. 3 TD's dropped in two weeks.

Columbus first American club to ever win in Costa Rica

Last night, the Crew left Estadio Saprissa as winners of a 1-0 85 minute defensive stand. Eddie Gaven scored for Columbus in the 5th minute off a rather decent overhead pass from Jason Garey.

With the win, the Crew become the first club from the United States to ever achieve victory in the Central American country. And did so shockingly without 6, yes 6, of our starters. Even the US National team has never won a match there. The victory brings MLS clubs total record in CRC to 1-5-1. Up next?? At Chicago on Sunday 9/20, and back home against Cruz Azul (MEX) on Wed 9/23.

Kanye West, my teeth, working with her, and ND

Kanye west is the biggest piece of trash to ever sign a recording contract. How do you rise up on your own the way he did and cry and shout that you're "real" and forget the small places you starteds. In the words of Kellie Pickler, you need to "grow some f-ing balls" and start being a man. Here's to hoping this doesn't affect Taylor too much in her personal life, and to hoping that some of the more rough-edged country artists start penning some songs about this epic dbag. Come on John Rich (http://www.johnrich.com), I kind of despise you, but I know you've got it in ya!

My teeth just continue to move and shift, and move. And hurt. I am certain that when my wisdom teeth were removed a few years back, that they screwed something up with how my braces had moved my teeth. I cannot believe how much they are moving after losing my last retainers five weeks ago. This sucks dude. I need some insurance asap.

Working with her.. eh. She said she wants to find another job because the hours suck. I agree, they do, but everyone's hurting. I like working there, as I think I do a pretty good job and I've mellowed way out to where it's always enjoyable. But until tonight, I just haven't even wanted to see her or hear her voice. But after some talking and pickin around, we seemed to kinda be friends atleast. But after getting home, I'm somehow soon reminded of how unhappy I was at times during that.. so.. :/

Cannot believe Notre Dame lost to Michigan. The Irish had it all set up.. a 3yr experienced offense up against a weak way inexperienced defense. Well coached Rich Rod. Come on Charlie, this house hold thinks you're great and fully supports you, but you're not helping your case.

Feeling the smallest I ever have: jobs, late payments, dogless house

It's so strange not having him around the house anymore. Everytime at the dinner table.. no mick laying down in the kitchen. Everytime I walk in the door.. no mick waiting on the other side. Everytime I bring food home, no mick following me to my room. Coming home from a week vacation.. no mick going crazy cuz he's missed us. I miss my canine bro. I miss him so much. Love you Mick.

THE BEACH. Surfside Beach, SC. North of Murrell's Inlet, south of Myrtle Beach. But close enough that each are easily driven to! Murrell's Inlet is precisely the life I can see myself living. And with cheap apartments in Myrtle, which after 11 yrs of visiting I know just as good as this area, maybe in a few years that would be possible. After that? Caribbean? Who knows.. I just know that wherever I wander, I'm better off alone. Sure I'd love to have friends a long, or find a companion, but maybe that's why my road leads me the way it does. It sucks, as I love to be a great boyfriend, and 'that guy' that some girl has been wishing for. But after this, it's obvious if I am ever to run into a girl that could be for me, I won't be running into her around here.

I don't even know anymore where I want to take that next step to. Before, it was Columbus. Now, I'm not so sure. Surely it doesn't mean that anything is being given up on, but I really just want to get away from here. For good. As fast as I can. Continue talking to those who actually appreciate me, and permanently cut ties with those who do not or do not show it. Never speak to them again. I can't describe how bad I just want to hide from some people, which is something I've never worried about. I've never been one to step away from people and say 'get away from me', before turning and never thinking twice. I don't like it, but I genuinely feel betrayed by so many things, that I've just been broken down. Once a wild, confident and cocky man who had the world at it's knees.. Now a shy, unconfident, humbled guy who feels ashamed for others to see him.

Job search. I wish I could get one break. Seriously, I know I would be the best employee someone could hire. The hardest working, the most dependable, the one who guests remember after they leave and bring them positive thoughts about their last experience with my company. I wish I could do a good interview. It seems like for what I make up from the last one, I screw up the rest royally. This is probably my last chance to make it into a new job, around here, that would actually benefit where I want to go in life. There has to be a break for me somewhere, sometime, right? I hope this is it.. I really do.

Everytime I get a bit of money, it gets taken away for dumb reasons. A speeding ticket as I'm merging off a highway from a 65mph to a 55.. a road rager who causes ME to tap his back bumper with no visible damage and then works his lying head off to get me a citation. Now some "late fee" on my best buy account. I swear. If I don't find a second job, or a good primary one, I will have to either sell my car or bail out on my student loans through government programs. If I could rewind life a little, I'd trip it back to 2007 and pause it for a good while. I want my life back.

My micky dog :(

So, so, so sad right now.

Our dog Mick, who we've had for.. I don't even know, 9-10 years, only has 4 more days. (Click photo to enlarge)

His breathing and panting has been so bad the last month and a half, his liver was swollen up to a size and half bigger than normal but has shrunk back some, and it's hard for him to get around.

Get home from work tonight, see my sister's comments on brother's facebook. Confused, I go to her page and read that he is to be put to sleep on Friday. Can't lie, I'm so upset as I type this out. Many tears. He has been the one constant happy, carefree thing I've had while growing up. I feel closer to him than most, and I think he has always had that towards me in return.

The last few nights he has laid in my room, I wring a wet cloth out over him to keep him cool, and a fan on. Tonight, if I stop petting him for 10 seconds he grunts or starts moving around. Just now.. he can't stop moving around or being restless. When I turn back to type he starts licking me.. he's been licking away at my legs for almost 20 minutes. It's so hard to see him toss and turn.

I have to stop... more on this later. (2:02 AM)

EDIT (8:14pm): Found out today, that the rear part of his abdomen is filled with tumors, and that he probably won't last another month on his own. So upset still. Luke Young came by and dug his grave with a bobcat yesterday, in the backyard.

Hope you missed us.... we're back!!!

Well, I did have a very, very lenghty post about my most recent relationship (fail), but, in the interest of moving on and maintaining friendships... I highlighted it [then copied, pasted,and saved in a Word document;)] then hit backspace. So that could be saved for another time.

In a summary of fifty words or less, it could be said that:
I just wasn't right for her.

Wow.. maybe only 6. Seven if you separate the contraction, but point is: it's pretty simple why she lost that lovin feelin, ready Goose?

current music:
Jimmy Buffett - Migration
Belle & Sebastion - Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying
KC - Better As a Memory

Mohican has passed. Columbus takes 1st place in the East. Rafting WV = 2 weeks!

Camped at River Run Campgrounds from Thursday to Sunday at Mohican. Was the best camping trip I've ever been on and definately the highlight of my summer so far! Friday we went on a long canoe trip where we tipped and sunk each other's canoes, and pushed each other around as we made our way down the river. Saturday night saw us take on mini golf and some go-karting, a Cody appearance was rumored.. so beer pong preparations were made. However, the reigning Pong Champ and his lady friend never made it out. So instead the night was spent drinking Landsharks around the campfire. Stars out everynight.

Crew defeat TFC on a Jason Garey goal in the 92nd minute
Another awesome happening this wknd was potentially the most exciting finish to a Crew game in over two years. Jason Garey headed home the GWG in the 92nd minute off of a beautiful cross from Hejduk. Spot on. Garey scored his 4th of the year just a minute before stoppage time ran out. What a thrilling way to 1) defeat the TFC scum, 2) take 1st Place in the East around the same time we did last year, and 3) break the MLS record for the All-Time Home Unbeaten-Streak. (Highlights below)
6:25 - Steven Lenhart's great effort sneaks the ball in to make it 2 all.

7:59 - run of play that leads to Garey's 92nd minute GWG

At the moment I'm watching DC United vs CD Angel Firpo in the early stages of the CONCACAF Champions League. 1-1 at half.

Lehnart's the man, Crew sail to a 3-1 win over Salt Lake

I have been saying since like Week 4 that we need to start Steven Lenhart. I liked his play last year, always a force on the pitch. The guy is a riot. I had the chance to talk with him a few weeks back after a match and non stop laughter ensued. The fact that both Lenhart and Jason Garey stared together up top? Looks like we might be on to something. And only a few days after Archer basically rants that Garey is worthless. Maybe his next genius piece should detail how we have no chance of a playoff run or second MLS Cup appearance :)

I, for one, am ecstatic that they did so well. I can't stress enough how much I like Lenhart in the lineup and appears him and Garey could be a dynamic duo of sorts for the future. No one wants to see Ale get the bench, but this is what we need. I haven't read the Beckham Experiment, but I've seen the Lenhart-Garey Experiment first hand, and I'd like to see it continue against TFC.

Kings Island: Diamondback gets 3 stars from me!

So after a long day at Kings Island and their waterpark, I am finally home. Seeing as I had never been back here since I started riding coasters a few years ago, it was great to finally be able to enjoy the place rather than just ride the Scooby-Doo kid coaster a million times in a day.

Their new coaster, the Diamondback (pictured), is structurally nothing different than we’ve seen before. And for diehard Cedar Point goers like myself, it’s height, speed, and other characteristics fall between the Magnum and Millennium Force.

The Fun Part
When you sit down (unless your a tall rider) your feet can’t touch the bottom of the ride. And the “lap bar” is this orange head-like chunk of protection that presses against your lap/stomach (unless your my size, in which case it doesn’t fully press against me..). Oh, and NO seatbelt. So that bar is it. Rode it front seat my first ride. And as we rounded the top of the first hill, I threw my hands up and went to plant my feet down to reassure myself. But wait… you sit higher up, so I CAN’T touch the bottom. Now hesitant to put my hands up, my hot riding partner helps me out a little bit. I was still a bit hesitant throughout the ride. But the 2nd ride was all hands in the air and a seemingly faster ride! I give it 3 out of 5 stars. Definitely something I would return to KI and ride again..unless the Beast or Firehawk weren’t there :)

The next 4 weekends are BUSY.. read on!

This Friday = Kings Island/Boomerang Bay w/ the girl. I'm hoping to spend most of the day at the waterpark, but get in to ride the new Diamondback and the scary looking Firehawk.
This Saturday = Crew vs Real Salt Lake. Then Cody, the girl, and I are probably heading over to Mandi and Kyle's or Sloopy's. Preferably Sloopy's then M&K's.

7.23-7.26 (Thurs-Sun) = Camping @ Mohican St Park w/ the girl. Cannot wait for this! Only 2nd time I've been to Mohican, and the first time ever camping there. This girl brings so much excitement and new adventurouscrazyfun type stuff =) She does it all for me. I'll have to miss Toronto FC vs the Crew though, but who wants to watch a lousy team from the "true north" anyway?

8.01-8.02 = A weekend off to prepare the next one. Maybe go to Columbus just for a night out?

8.07-8.09 (Fri - Sun) = Whitewater Rafting in West Virginia w/ the girl and her fam!! This is awesome! (http://www.aceraft.com) I've wanted to go back here to the New River for the last 7 years since I last went. Last time we did the easier Upper portion. But since we like it rough, hahaha, this time we are attempting the more challenging Lower New River. So three days in the mountains of WV. I think this will be the highlight of my summer. Mos def.

AL, things looking up, Crew vs RSL

So the American League continues their dominance in the All-Star Game.

So things are beginning to look better now. She admitted she knew she was not really appreciating me, or showing me that she cared.. nor was she wanting to try to. You really have to have some balls to say that w/out someone even bringing it up. The last 3-4 days have been great.. just like the first two months. Today was five months. And it feels good to know she is feeling closer to me again and that things could be back to normal =) After how the last few weeks have been, the last few days couldn't have been any better. She's rather incredible.
Lucky to be where I've been

So this Saturday = Crew vs Real Salt Lake. We will tie the all-time League record for home un-beaten streak if we pull win or tie. So all of these polls that are showing BMO Field (Toronto) and Qwest Field (Seattle) to be the most difficult atmospheres for visiting clubs in MLS, let's TFC and Sounders FC build a streak like that. With that being said, RSL is a dangerous team, and we might not have Schelotto. With Robbie Findlay and Movsisyan, I'm worried we could be topped. (They defeated us 4-1 their own Rio Tinto Stadium in early April)

Eddie Gaven's nap time continues

So the sheets/sign idea really went down the drain when we were denied the Nordecke. Supposedly the others told the ushers to take the papers/signs down to 141,142,and 101. Once Chris got us into 141, there was no trace of any of our work. So about the usher transporting the goods to the front rows: this either never happened, or the supporters just threw them away. Whatever, no one can ever bitch to me saying we haven't tried to do our part. You can just let people continue to beat on their drums and have NO visual communication between groups to help deter it. I was beyond pissed.

Match review: Glad to see Lenhart and Moreno producing up front. Ekpo had some decent runs adding up to a decent game, but when he will become reliable is anybody's guess. Eddie Gaven needs to wake the ffff up. He has what, one goal this year so far? And a shit one at that. You can see his lazy effort in the highlights as he gives up quickly when chasing a ball he gave up. Horrible passes. You can actually see him hunching over and doing a weak jog in almost every clip he is featured. We needed him and Ekpo to have a great games in order to win this one. A fire needs lit up under him, I am convinced. I say bench him when Robbie's back. What the hell, why not bench him now and start Burns. If Eric Brunner (who is a badass) can do what he's done in his rookie year under that pressure, there is NO EXCUSE why Eddie Gaven cannot have atleast ONE good game. Just ONE. Same for Ekpo. Warzycha needs to find a solution to all of this and fast. And stop playing keep-a-way when we had a chance or two to make runs up the flanks. That is if any of our outside mids would GET TO THE TOUCH LINE immediately after changes in possession. What the hell do they talk about when they review tapes, what does Bobby point out? I think a CSN benefit should be sitting in when the team watches the tapes once or twice a year. If I don't stop now I'll go on forever.

The 4thhhh. 1st Placeeee.

Counting Crows - Hanginaround
Corey Smith - Drinkin Again

So first and foremost: We beat DC United and we in an uncontested ownership of 1st place in the East. The last 18 home games have led up to this point. All the winning, drawing, chanting, singing, and the lessons learned, have led up to this match with DC. This is it. Saw the game guide today, and our line-up looks like it has all year: a shaky one. Can we count on Ekpo or Gaven to have a solid game? Who knows, but they/we cannot afford it if they don't. Now looking on towards the United formation, um, they look pretty solid to be honest. Just looking at the form is a little intimidating. So as I said, this is it. We can make the statement that we are back, and that we aren't ready to surrender points in this place. Lenhart starting over Ale again? I like it! Could we see the big guy's first goal tomorrow night? No better time than on ESPN2 at 7:00pm EDT, right? Printing off the two chants that NEED to get started tomorrow at the moment. I should have about 20-30 to bring to the game which is like 1/100th of what we need, but hey can't say were not doing our part. GO CREW!

Cookout at the apartment around noon which will hopefully be down next to the pool. Then Rubys before the game, around 3:30 or 4. I haven't been there nearly enough as I should have been for as involved as I want to be in the Nordecke. For not missing a home game in over a year, and to have virtually know one recognize us is, to say the least, pretty sad. So Rubys before and maybe on down to the tailgate to join in on the kickball if were feeling really crazy!

Wow

Michael Jackson passes away. I know he is a generation in front of me, but with how I grew up I feel like I was more exposed to Michael and his music than others. Won't lie, it gets me emotional watching all of this. What he went through in the media, all the money he owed various people. Sadly, MJ is probably better off. I cannot believe the man is gone.. he was a revolutionary, and will live on indefinately as a legend.

Today's been crazy hell for my mother, who was a product of the Farrah/MJ generation. Both in one day.

Here I am still watching the Jackson news, honestly can't help but be emotional. Whether it was my friends and I going crazy everytime Billie Jean or Thriller came on in a club (even if others went to get a drink or go outside), or if it was me playing Halo (1,2, or 3) as the name "NeverLandRanch" that I created and used every time, his music and persona were always finding ways to integrate into our lives. Going out tonight.. I better hear some MJ.

Unreal. 320. Where'd it go?

Unbelievable, the events that transpired as I entered Columbus on my way to the zoo yesterday afternoon. Just enjoying my day one second, then five minutes later I feel as if I'm targeted for no logical reason. I was going to tell the tremendously long story through here, however it will have to wait.

$320 = nonstop, roundtrip, to St. Thomas USVI, too bad yesterdays situation will now make that not possible. Along with other things such as but not limited to: a KC show later this year. Crew CONCACAF Champions League matches. Rafting trip. NC trip. Myrtle Beach trip. And anything else I might want to accomplish.

Seen anymore news on this missing Airbus out of Rio? President Sarkozy reportedly told family members of passengers, "the prospects of finding survivors are very low." While the outcome is almost certainly a negative one, I would actually not be surprised if the plane showed up in flight over Africa or even Europe later this afternoon ready to land. With that being said, I am with the French Prez and that is still not likely. But it could happen..

Fire, Sigi, San Blow-se, Cavs,

Good lord, I cannot stand Blanco or the rest of Chi. After watching their game with Chivas last night, I am thoroughly disgusted. And the league will not ever do anything about it because of Blanco, the Chicago fanbase, and are too worried about looking non-legit in the wake of the European leagues. Garber needs to grow a pair. Anymore he is the Bud Selig of MLS. In unrelated issues, I am tired of all the static Sigi Schmid is getting from the Crew fans I've talked to. We dropped the ball on resigning him, giving the impression if the season ending was not good enough for McMullers and the Clarks, then he would not be receiving any offers. Then when you consider the family aspect, I can't say I would not do the same thing. Get off his back.
SJ match thoughts: Cannot believe Ryan Johnson throwing his version of a challenge towards us, haha. I vaguely remember walking away from the KC game thinking, 'we are f-in lucky we have the W, officiating was horrible again'. Which is same thing I thought during the Fire match. And then San Jose, another Royal Rumble. Enough is enough. How many BC's have to be potentially seriously injured before there is the adequate attention. And it is always one of the two extremes: either the refs let the game go as a virtual free-for-all, or it is an all-out Card Fest. Look at Chivas and Chi last night. 9 or 10 cards issued?

Cavs pulled one off last night, but can they take it to Orlando in Orlando to stay alive?? Let's hope so.

Zoo this Sunday, Cedar Point & Ballyhoo! next Sunday. Good week ahead!

Pop Evil - 100 in a 55

Amazing day outside. Been out on the deck all day, with this playing music the entire time. A little Jack and Ballyhoo. Why can't everyday be like this?

Also have been reading while out here under the blue skies, finished up The Choice. The ending was alright, was how I hoped it would turn out.. but just, typical.

Msged with Holly quite alot today. We haven't talked in forever so it felt really good to talk to someone who knew alot of where I was coming from.

Maybe going on a bike ride in Lima here shortly? Hopefully shortly... I believe the sun will go down before we a chance to, but that's just me.
Seriously though... the sun will be down by the time we get there...

Ballyhoo! in Findlay! 6/7!

So I'm just browsing through concert dates for random bands and decided to check out which night Ballyhoo was hitting up Columbus. Then what?? I find they are playing Nino's at 10pm on June 7th!!! Amazzzziiiing. Cedar Point AND Ballyhoo all in one day?!

Ballyhoo! with guests B Foundation
10PM @ Nino's in Findlay.Doors at 9p
All Ages
Over 21 = $5
Under 21 = $12

Applications, 4x4's, Tix, Messy all over

Dierks Bentley - Life on the Run
Jack Johnson - Taylor, Never Know

Another week, another tidal wave up applications turned in. Some relevant, some not so, and some completely random. Anything it takes at this point.

Jamboree was a lot of fun, more than I expected. Not something I could usually see myself enjoying myself while in attendance of. I guess one could say "+1" following this weekend, I'll leave whomever to decide as to what this refers to..haha. Um, uh.. well, hmm...

I'll have to miss Crew vs Chivas on 6/14 due to my late graduation, so this forced me to turn this and my TFC tix into 2 tix to the San Jose game.. fun.

I really need to discover a method for constant organization around me. These piles here and stacks there. Let's add this to the list of sleep more, wake up earlier, work out frequently, increase daily runs, etc.

These days I'm feeling like a CD scratched, wondering how long I'll keep playing

Cavs sweep. Reds blowout Dbacks. And..well, hmm....

While I have been a die-hard Pistons fan for some time, I have always liked the Cavs, and the last 2-3 years I have really enjoyed seeing this team be built and progress. Though with Detroit, after trading Billips away for Iverson I was pretty ticked. I'm not sure I can really forgive the organization for that as I watch Billips put up incredible numbers for Denver and the local Cavs sweep everybody. I might be switching to being a Cav fan.. whether they win the title or not.

Reds destory Arizona 13-5. Improve to 18-14 on the year and tied for 2nd. Will this be the year they are good enough for me to go watch some games?? I hope so.

Lately I notice those who surround me are usually way younger or way older, both less educated, and both with less of a desire for change in their life than myself. This really keeps me feeling as if I am spinning my wheels in every aspect of life. My money problems couldn't be worse. I don't have the cash to pay for all the things I need, and that's even with me laying around all-day everyday while not spending any extra money. I save everything to pay for bills and put just enough gas in my car so I can make the next pay check. I seriously do not want it anymore, I just want out. I'd rather go in debt for years. It really is that extreme, and I truly, truly dislike it that much.

Hawaii Fallout? Crew VS KC = Crew W! NEW Phone.

Still have not mentioned anything about Hawaii... but we will get to that towards the end of this post. First and foremost:

JUST returned home from Columbus. Eugene couldn't make it to this game, and I couldn't find anyone to go. So even though it was the 10th Anniversary of the stadium (first professional American soccer facility EVER constructed) and there were a ton of events going on before the game, I decided not to go. THEN I read that Mr. Frankie freakin Hejduk was returning. Our Captain did not disappoint. So made the trip, got into the Nordecke during half, and watched the boys in yellow get the first win of the season over a good KC team. Now must mention, Kansas City had two corner kicks directly in front of the Nordecke. I do not know if it was the frustration over this season, the return of Frankie, the 10th Annv, or what.. but we (I must say we, although I did not throw any objects) really let Lopez have it. I saw hot dogs, beer bottles, cups with both beer and soda, streamers, and even a smoke bomb all hail down on the KC player as he tried to set the ball for a corner kick. Ref delayed the game for around five mintues as he consulted with the other officials on how to deal with our behavior and the fact that Lopez was probably scared for his life. On one hand I want to shout HELL YEAH, he will never want to show his face in our house again. On the other, beer bottles, cups, and smoke bombs really do not help our argument that throwing streamers won't lead to the throwing of other items. I really do believe this was a mix between showcasing the frustration of the fans in general added in with newbies in the Nordecke acting like idiots. Hate it or love it, the atmosphere is back.. and I for one, LOVE IT. (..but no beer bottles)

Now to the islands.. I'll have to keep this short. While in Hawaii we..

• Hiked Diamondhead
• Snorkeled at: Hanauma, Waikiki, AND the north shore
• Saw Waimea Falls and swam out to the falls.. very, very cool
• Were able to see the capitol building, and the former King's palace, the only form of monarchy in the history of the US.
• UH
• Dole Pineapple Plantation
• tons more... but I am tired after screaming my head off at game.

New phone.. BlackBerry Curve.. I actually like it for now, we'll see how much I like it after 2-3 bills.

Back from the island..

Pics to myspace now...
and facebook soon...
stories to be edited in to this entry later on!

Hawaii!

Aloha ;) So it's 3:30 am and were leaving for Columbus, flight leaves at 7:40am. Connection at O'Hare, then were off to Oahu. Had more to say about recent events here, Crew game from Sat, and some other junk.. but will have to wait till I return!

I might be updating by twitter as we go? If interested check out http://www.twitter.com/pmgarlock

CLBvsCHI. HI in 3. Mindbles.

It's great.. there's so much going on right now for both of us though. I'm relieved we are close enough to work through these curveballs. Kind of tough to know there's not much I can do. Maybe that's why I am so hard on myself, and why it appears I'm not as wanted as I'm told I am.

Eug and I will see our first game this Sat as the Crew return from their bye-week to face the Chicago Fire for the first time since last years Eastern Conference Championship. CHI = 1st Place in the east. Crew = dead last. Everybody but Hejduk will be back on the field to start for the first time this season, but Hesmer will not be starting at keeper for us (knee injury?). Hesmer's the man.. it really sucks that our starting Keep on Saturday is the one who allowed this:

Ah.. what an awesome goal for Cepero.. in his first ever start in an MLS game, to be the first keeper to ever score in MLS.

Monday: Leave for Hawaii.

Crew Fail. 4-1 in pong tonight.

So once again the Crew have let a 1-0 lead fall to a draw in the last ten minutes of play. So many shots off the cross bar.. we should have won this game 6-1. Massive disappointment.
In related sports news, while playing beer pong at a friend's house tonight, we basically ran the table going 4-0 before failing to knock out a final 2 cups against fresh opponents. We owned the table all night before being dethroned, that's good enough for me.

Possible things I would like to accomplish while in Hawaii this time:

• Go "shark cage" diving
• Actually swim with dolphins (instead of jetskiing with them like in FL)
• Hike up and around Diamondhead

Back to Hawaii! Job Searches. Crew VS Rapids tonight on ONN 7:30

Hawai'i Awaits - April 27 thru May 4th

I'm at work. It's Wednesday night (4/8). I receive a text msg from the madre which reads, ahem, "Can go 2 hawaii if u pay for ur airfare." Now, I know my grandmother had wanted to take my bro somewhere for his senior year, and plus.. Ohio sucks. While out playing some soccer/walking at the park w/ the girl, I am awaiting a call to hear the final cost of my fare (Originally was around $520, which I cannot afford). Back to the car.. No Missed Calls reads the LG Glimmer. Although much to my surprise I arrive home, walk in, and the mom says "Well, you're going." So there it is. Just like that. Extremely grateful and feel very lucky. We leave out of Port Columbus on 4/27 and are staying at the Outrigger, which is the same hotel I stayed in last time I was in the islands in 2004. I CANNOT WAIT to snorkel Hanamau Bay once again!! it is INCREDIBLE. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanauma_Bay

Job Searches... Findlay: 0 for 4. No front office positions.

Crew VS Colorado Rapids - Tonight, 7:30 on Ohio News Network

Wish I could be there tonight, but just too much working against me. Hoping Chad starts as we'll need him in the back. Game time 30 minutes! Yo si le voy Columbus

Let's get three points tonight

We won't let the Rapids leave without a fight

Get three points tonight

Just because were still that Massive

OUR STATE IS NOT A RECTANGLE

Car Troubles. Loan Troubles. Crew Troubles

Check Engine. Check Engine. Check Engine.
My check engine light began furiously blinking yesterday during my drive to work. This identifies engine misfiring, according to the manual. What the hell.. so now I have to watch the temp and wonder just what is causing the misfiring and if I should worry about fires starting?? Getting it checked tomorrow.

WTH is going on with the Crew.
We are off to the worst start for a defending champion in MLS history. Massive?? More like a massive meltdown. I agree with mostly everything I read over at Crewture(http://crewonespot.blogspot.com). The boys seem to have no heart and while I know were struggling with injuries and the most national team call-ups of any MLS club, do they forget the potential they have? They need us supporters now more than ever.. just 5 months after winning the Cup, were already further behind than we have been in years. I want to make it down for the Colorado game..but with the car and money being tight, I might not. Marshall's hurt, Frankie's hurt, Robbie's hurt, Moffat's not back yet. Moreno's been overused. Who's next, Guillermo?? RW needs to find a solution. Good coaches find ways to overcome.. ways to pull off a shocker or upset. And if we do not beat Colorado at home, any W for us might become a shocker.

$tudent loan$
Damn them.

Day off = Job searching! Crew on ESPN2 @ 9PM!

This lovely Thursday is now my only day off this week! I picked up some hours on Fri, although not many.. 5-8, and then traded off 2 hrs on Saturday night. So now I will be getting off around 10..which means..yes =) Anyways.. the following are planned for my free day:

*Job hunting - I plan on going to Findlay first and browsing around some hotels, maybe even the Cinema there if the hotels go that bad. I also need to grab a new wallet from the mall or somewhere.

*Crew VS Real Salt Lake! 9PM on ESPN2. As of now I am meeting up with Mummert and were either watching the game at Thirsty's, or getting a pizza and watching it on the big screen at his place! After a 1-1 draw vs Houston in the season opener, and a 1-1 draw vs Toronto in the home opener, we are overdue for a W. But definately will not be an easy win at Rio Tinto today, especially with Robbie Rogers questionable, our Season/Cup MVP Guillermo not feeling so well.. and with Moreno & Frankie Hejduk playing in World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday night, I expect four of our starters could not be playing... could be a rough game.

OK! Back in Ohio: People. Weather. Money.

Back in O.H.I.O. now.. hearing that chant 2,000,000 times an hour while you're in Florida gets a little old. Weather here sucks. Atleast it's not snowing.

Money. While opening my giant stack of mail.. I came across what I had expected/dreaded to find: a Sallie Mae envelope. After opening, I discovered my student loan monthly payment will be $142 more than what I had expected... I have no idea how I am going to pay this, my car payment, insurance, phone and computer payment, each month. So today later today I think I am heading to Findlay to apply at some hotels hopefully. (Fingers crossed.)

People. I think it is extremely humorous how some people operate. For example, certain people who I do not think really know how to keep friends; or believe in the concept of them. People who invite friends over but have no means of entertaining them, and then have the audacity to suggest that your guests created an awkward situation. Real classy.

Spring Break 09 Notes & Memories! Part 2!

Tuesday, March 24 - Meeting people.. Shuckums.. Jet Ski Dolphin Tour
So I believe it was this day that Cody and I took the dolphin jet ski trip out to St. Andrew's State Park/Shell Island. The guide said this would be one of the "roughest excursions we've had in some time." The wind was high, and the waves were enough to scare me to death as I rode on the back of Cody and I's waverunner. We were a decent distance out into the Gulf, away from the Bay and Channel. During these massive waves I was the first out of 3 in our 12 person group to get thrown off, and I definately made it count. Took what seemed like forever to swim back to Cody and climb back on...but probably my favorite part of the trip! Even better than seeing the four dolphins jumping and playing in the waves with us. Back at the hotel we met some more people, dined once more at Shuckums, and Cody and I walked the beach until we got tired and turned in.

Wednesday, March 25 - Hanging Around the Pool, Who was Jesus?, Huge Party at our Room
Today we spent some time out on the sun deck. All started with me wanting some time in the hammock, but when I got down a couple had already taken it..so I sat on a deck chair with some girls to the right, closed my eyes, and enjoyed the sun. THEN IT HAPPENED.. as I opened my eyes again, 2 guys sat to my left right next to me.. and I happened to notice the one was wearing the shirt of a "christian band." I thought to myself 'god damn it.. I almost made it through the week....' Started off with some icebreaker questions to me, "So where ya from man?" "Play any sports? Yeah I was big into Ultimate back in college" "Nice day huh? Kinda makes you wanna crack open a Bud and watch the girls on the beach, right?" At this point I'm thinking 'you son of a bitch..' then it comes... "So what do you know about our God?" Lucky for me, Cody and Eug soon arrived.. all three of us just LOVE to have this kind of talk... but the guys seemed nice, and not as stuck up as other wannabe martyrs, so I let it go. ANYWAYS... later that night we had a HUGE party in the room with people from all over the hotel that we had met at the pool that day after we left the Jesus Junkies. Eugene had a contender for Quote of the Trip: "Yeah, I was interested in organized religions... then I was distracted by life."

The Rest of the Week (Thurs-Sat)
Thurs I got back into Harpoon's, Friday we had another party. and Saturday we hit up Margaritaville before we departed around 2:30. Each day (Thurs, Fri, and Sat..) it was dark, stormy, and cold. Rain, thunder, lightning ruled each night. And there was no sun. But Margaritaville was definately a great way to end the trip! Our waitress let me drink with no I.D. after hearing my story, we got to hear the music that takes the worries away and let us think that it was really sunny outside, and it was just a brilliant way to end the trip in the spirit that it should have been. Got back to Cbus around 7, home around 9. The End!

Spring Break 09..PCB. Notes & Memories - Part 1 (3/21-3/23)

Spring Break 09. Panama City Beach.
Ultimately, I lived it up during this one. There isn't much that I can say I did not accomplish.

Kicked out of a club? Check.

Kicked out of two clubs? Check.

Wake up in a different hotel miles from mine? Check.

Drunk dial family and friends? Check.

Lose my sandals? Check.

AND.... broke my sunglasses, lost shirts, fell asleep out in the sun by the pool while completely gone, through a giant hotel party in the room, had cops taking pictures of the $350 worth of alcohol in our windows, befriended a flock of seagulls while living in the Escape at the back of a Wal-Mart parking lot.

Saturday, 3/21 - 2:15 PM - Beaches, Spinnaker, and O.A.R.

We arrive in Panama City, and cross over the bridge into Panama City Beach. First thing we do is drive and find a public beach to stop at. Spend some time out in the sun, and when the sun goes down.. we go back to the Wal-Mart parking lot and lock up the Escape, then set out for Spinnaker to do some partying and watch the band Ocean Street. On the way to Spinnaker, we run into a group of girls: Katy, Anna-Marie, Allie, Brittany, and and Alexia. They go to Spinnaker with us, but aren't very festive. We all drink free beer and do shots together to celebrate Katy and I's birthdays. Then we jam out to Ocean Street, there was NO ONE on the floor but us at first.. which you will see when my video gets posted at http://www.youtube.com/garlock1304. Then two sets later the place is packed out. Cody and Eug wanted to get out and try to find the girls, since they all got kicked out for underage... =) . So my drunk ass finally agrees to leave, then I hear the opening guitar of Crazy Game of Poker (O.A.R.) and I go CRAZY and run back to the pit to sing along. Cody and Eug ran into trouble with a bouncer, or so I thought, as they waited for me. This caused me to shove and cuss out the bouncer who laughed me off as Cody pulled me down the ramp. This thus ended night one, after Cody walked back with Nicole (New Jersey girl) and Eugene and I waited at the Escape for him. End of Day 1.

Sunday, March 22 - My Wallet is Stolen, MIZZOU gets me Drunk, Kicked out of Harpoon's

So after sobering up a little, we head down to Harpoon Harry's to get free drinks between 2-4. We met a bunch of cool people from Ohio. However, after going to the restroom, I came back to realize moments later that my wallet was gone. I had set it there with my keys and phone, because the swim shorts I had on had a smaller pocket. Cody even searched through portable bathrooms...yes... SEARCHED thru... (love that guy) to try and find it, not there either. So I am rather devastated. Only the second day.. and now I have no I.D. to get into clubs. I throw my keys down outside, cuss out some girls that were dancing on Cody (sorry bro), and word spreads around the club about my misfortune. Some students from the University of Missouri hear this, and decided to buy me a ton of drinks throughout the next hour/hour+half. This killed me. And led to me being kicked out of Harpoon's with a MAJOR black "X" on my hand, that lasted the rest of the week.

Monday, March 23 - Check into the Chateau, Setting up Party room 431

So we finally get checked in, I have cancelled all my cards and charge cards. We actually found out that someone had used by debit card around 8:22 pm at KFC later that night. Who the hell would use a stolen bank card at f'n KFC?? I just want to know what was going through the punk asse's mind as he swiped my card. Anyway, we get settled in and start to set up the alcohol in the window. The room is looking SWEET. We would later go to Lowe's and buy a sheet of ply wood which we had cut into our beerpong table. You can also see that in the video later on once I get Eugene's pictures! Tonight we decided to have a stay-in night. Just chill and walk around the hotel. This was also the first night we ate at Shuckum's. I was sick all day because of the last two days.. but Cody and I still found a party on the first floor to play pong at. And we stole the show!

Details and pics from the rest of the week coming soon =)

Tonights the night! Panama 09!

Although I am feeling rather VERY sick (sorethroat,ear ache,runny nose,cough,off/on voice) we are rolling out tonight!! Should reach our destination between 3-6 tomorrow night. Then either somewhere to watch the Crew opener in Houston or maybe out to Margaritaville for a little change of latitude ;) Then hopefully over to Spinnaker to check out what looks like a sweet band: Ocean Street.

Decided to not bring the laptop, so unless I throw some updates on here from codeman's laptop.. I'll be back with a full report next week!! Ciao =)

*EDIT* oh yeah.. today's my 23rd birthday! ... and the first day of spring!! and... we leave for FL! haha ok.. I must now be heading there to start stunning in my SWEET zac efron towel that someone got me for my bday.. what more could I ask for??? :)

both headlights burn out?? cleaning & weather

2 Silverstars put in by myself, oh, I'd say late 2007..already burned out each in their own way.
Left side?? The dims work, but no brights.
Right side?? The brights work, but no dims.
Strange, yet not surprisingly not surprising. So on Sunday the girl accompanied me to Findlay for some new bulbs, a few new shirts at the mall, some McD's, and then a walk around Riverside Park. Always seems to find a way to make me better every moment she's around.. crazy.

Well now it's Monday (actually it's Tues at 1:13am) and I've replaced both bulbs. Today had the Escape washed.. and plan on having it washed everytday till we leave. Hmm, I think I will spend my day off on Tues to clean the Escape out thoroughly, and of course wash it again! Maybe pack a few shorts and shirts, who knows. 3 days and we're gone. 4 days till arrival AND the opening day crushing of the Houston Dynamo by the Massive.

7/6, kid throws up, tonight

7 = days until Cody, Eugene and I pack up the Escape and escape Ohio!!
6 = days until PCB becomes the most fun it's been to anyone sense SB05!!

Today's notable happenings: Kid throws up 3 times at work, once in the entrance, and twice outside the entrance. This happened just after I clocked out around 12:15pm, so Jeffery and I ended up cleaning the entire walkway of the entrance and even some of the drivethru area. So thanks kid! That area would have probably gone another 20 yrs w/out being cleaned. BBM tonight at Thirsty's for St. Pattys day. and maybe hangin out with the girl and some friends inbetween?? Hmm.. what's that I smell.. smells like.. LUKE'S PIZZA. Later.

8, lady scams us 2wice, H see's A, BBM

Panama City FN Beach = 8 Days. How many? EIGHT. Virtually a week away, and I've been telling everyone that I'm not getting too excited about it yet, ha, yeah right =)

Notable events today: Let's see, at work some lady came in for the 2nd time in a week trying to claim she didn't receive the right food in order to get free food. Not sure if I should feel bad for her, or feel bad towards her. So hard to tell who is too tight on money and who is being a dumbass... then there's the fact she drove away in a Cadi today.. hmm.. Holly texted me to let me know she saw my other ex's sister Alyssa at Hane's Mall in Mocksville, NC. She said she had always wondered if she would ever run into one of them, and to some extent I did as well. We talked quite a bit the other day after I told her about my girl up here, it's good to talk to her. She'll be in NYC for a choir trip at the end of March and I'm excited for her, I'm glad she's getting these opportunities now.......

I expected Wed night to be me sitting at home, getting some rest.. instead I was with my fav person! And rested my mind by spending a few hours with her. I swear.. she must have some sand and saltwater in her somewhere, cuz she can keep me calm, drive me crazy ;), keepme warm, and make me happier than anything else. Wed night was great..but that shake was better! Okay definately joking right there.. but seriously, both were rather great =)

BBM this Saturday at Thirsty's.. I'm pretty sure I am going, I mean I know she has other plans so I know I'll be there for awhile, if not the whole night. I mean, I like supporting my friends, ya know? I would think that anyone with similiar interests such as music would support each other, unless something was so out-of-this-world important that the rest of the world ceased to matter. Wait, what am I talking about.. Yep, I'll be there fo sho.

12 Days till PCB! ..trust.

Only 12 days left until we depart for Florida on 3/20, aka my 23rd birthday AND the first day of spring. Rather impressive day, huh? =) So after spending nearly $180 on cups, beads, tickets, balls, a small grill thats more like a frying pan with a rack over it, some containers to haul our alcohol around in, etc, I believe I cannot wait another minute to get the hell out of Ohio. I swear, the minute we are out of Ohio the party can begin.

In 2006 Cody made the mistake of standing outside my sunroof while we were on I-75 just before hitting Lexington, KY, and lost his favorite black 'Superman' hat. Well, 3 years later his white 'Superman' hat has seen better days, so we will ceremonially toss the hat in approximately the same area. Which brings up another point, I want almost EVERY moment of this trip caught on video or by picture somehow.

A lot of people around here suck. I am very fortunate and grateful to still have our old crew still intact. Sure I've met alot of great people thru different ways in the last 2 years... but they could never hold a candle to these guys. Recently I have came to the conclusion they are the only ones I can trust (or depend on..) in the longrun, and am confident in saying I really don't need anyone else but them..really, I'm good.

Springbreak. KC09. Important stuff.

The odds seemed stacked up against this from the beginning, but why not give it a try..very nervous, and there are so many details that suggest it could be difficult in the long run..but as a friend told me "when you find yourself doing the things that YOU just DON'T do, when you're like, 'man this isn't me, how's she doing this,' that's when ya know man." I have no idea what that means..haha joking, but yeah I have been doing things that I just don't do, and feeling ways I just don't feel usually.

Codeman's coming up tonight from Columbus and we'll be heading out to Walmart after I get done at work. I believe our list of things to buy for spring break includes... Cups, ping pong balls, PINATA, disposable cameras, tickets (yes, tickets, like a big roll of them ;), Xmas lights, blacklights, speakers, beads, cards, blender, slushee machine (hmm..), table, keg, and then important things.. like a frisbee and a grill. So tonight we'll probably be picking up the balls, pinata, cups, maybe the grill. ONLY 16 DAYS!!!!

Since I am now a Crew season ticket holder, I get presales to other non-soccer events at the stadium, this includes Kenny Chesney's stop at Crew Stadium during his Sun City Carnival Tour on 5/23. So I was emailed a password from the Crew to use in the presale today, tried it out.. I believe I would have gotten some decent seats, however there was no seating chart?? But I can't go anyways, my bro's graduation is on that day so I'll definately be there. I'm still hoping there will be a Keg show or two, and I would die if there is one in Panama City Beach while we are there! Fingers X'ed.

Massive 09, stress, stress relief

Eugene and I both bought 10-game season ticket package for the 2009 Columbus Crew season. After attending 7 (or 8..?) home games last year, and wishing I had done more, it only made sense to get tix, although there are 18 home games + 18 CONCACAF Champions League matches that the Crew will be playing in next year, so if we decide to check out the other games, it will be easy to get cheap tix, but if not, were not wasting the $$ on the 18-game package. VIDEO: After the Crew defeated Chicago Fire 2-1 in the East Championship for the right to play in the 2008 MLS Cup, which we dominated NY in, 3-1.

So many things stressing me out lately, money for SB, my back, people, it is really weighing down on me, but I know tonight will bring me right back up. Oh, and T.I.'s Paper Trail album is awesome.

we told each other there is no other way

To begin, anything written on here is intended for anyone to see. This is not somewhere for me to "hide," or avoid confrontation. Every word is exactly how I would want someone to read it.

I understand that me not responding in anyway gives the impression that I don't care, however that could not be farther from the truth. But if I was such a bad person for you to go as far to say what was said, then you're right I shouldn't be talking to you.. I shouldn't deserve your time, right? Still attracted to you and still thinking about you, I thought, 'yeah we can finally make this work!!' Back then I was just waiting for you to ditch him like you told everyone you would..by August I think it was.. That was awhile ago..if you were expecting to just leave that and hit the ground running with a full-on relationship with me, I'm sorry...that's how I had wanted it to be last year. In my opinion, that would be irresponsible on both our parts and not the smartest way to handle it. I approached it the way I thought necessary, which obviously was not how you had visioned. While how things have transpired does hurt me, I cannot apologize for that.

My Lima car accident friends have contacted me this morning, breaking what was atleast a 4-month silence. Apparently by 3pm today the paperwork to take me to court will start being processed? I am not sure how to take this. It was my first accident ever, I did not even run the damn red light, granted I stopped beyond the white stop line, but I did not run the light. And for those of you who know the details of both driver's situations..... you know how farfetched this whole mess is.

Had more to say, but my mind's a mess.

when your mind is a mess so is mine i can't sleep
cuz it hurts when i think
my thoughts aren't at peace
with the plans that we make, chances we take
theyre not yours theyre not mine there's waves that can break
all the words that we said and the words that we mean
words can fall short, can't see the unseen
cuz the world is awake, for somebody's sake now
please close your eyes, woman, please get some sleep

too much silence can be misleading
your drifting i can hear it in the way that you're breathing
we don't really need to find reason cuz
out the same door that it came well its leaving, it's leaving
leaving like a day that's done and part of a season
resolve is just a concept that's as dead as the leaves
but atleast we could sleep it's all that we need
when we wait we would find our minds would be free to go to sleep

and know that if I knew all the answers
I would
not hold them from you
know all the things that I know cuz
we told each other there is no other way

old friends. my situation. columbus. The Black Hand

I'm pretty certain someone that's been a friend of mine for quite sometime is just someone who not only wants me to not talk to her anymore, but in reality I probably couldn't get myself to talk to her at this point anyway, so I guess that works fine. Spend so much of your life being treated like dirt.. and while you worked there I often just wanted you to be with me.. leave him, let me make you happy. Well you found it appropriate back then to come up with stupid lies to me and everyone at Arby's and SCREW over everyone that truly cared about you. So now, this time around.. you just expect me to drop everything: all my plans, things I'm into now, and all logical thinking so you can be happy now??? And saying that I only brought out the "bad side" of you, when a few days earlier you went on about how I helped show you how your life could really be. Yeah, I don't really want to talk to you either. You had your chance, you turned your back on everyone at work.. you more than anyone should be able to understand that some things just can't work after a certain time. You fooled me once... when you still worked there... should I be sorry that I didn't want to be fooled again??

Was in Columbus on Tues.. fun time out at Sloopy's!! It was crazier than NYE, loved it. Being down there, I seeked lots of advice from the best buds about the feelings that I've had lately over someone up here.. of course they support me staying single, and I understand that. I mean, I have been wanting to move down for awhile.. and when I do, I'm not sure I could handle a third long distance relationship. But man, she sure does make me really happy...really happy...I will really have to do some thinking and searching with this, because for once I see the potential for something great with someone :) :) :) and it could be very hard to walk away from.

Price of Spring Break has gone up.. and the bank has been messing up my deposits.. sooo money is a headache right now. Was at my Great Aunt Ruth's funeral today, while she hadn't been a blood Giovinazzo, there was plently of the Italian side there. I learned of a letter sent to her late husband (my grandpa's brother Nic) that threatened "action would be taken" if the handling of a certain organization did not change.. and was signed Anonymous. It's well known my Great grandfather had been involved in the mafia's between here and Chicago, both during and after the time Al Capone was the head, and he had been involved in many "Black Hand" extortion activities. So it was big, shocking news with the family when that letter arrived just last week at Nic & Ruth's old residence in Lima. Anyway.. more on that and all the above later, when everything becomes more clear ;)

so lately..

dunno if I should be saying this, but I can't get enough of her! how long has it been since you've heard that come from me?? quite awhile.. for someone who doesn't let anyone near him and is known as the hard-ass prick to most.. this is quite the development. It is so strange.. spending all my time.. and loving it. Vday went great, went amazing actually. Plans were changed 2-3 times, but the end result couldn't have been better! What is it about this.. that just.. gets me all caught up. Ah.. I am seriously liking it though. The running, days at the bfr, movies and all the other little moments. Seriously liking it.

Spring break can't get here fast enough! me and cody for sure.. bruce is probable.. and eugene is on a "game-day decision" at this point. I seriously can't wait to get to FL with my boys and raise some hell, it has been a long time coming and will be one great time

cbus! running! grammys! sick!

Wow, so last Thursday in Columbus was one of the most wild nights of the recent future.. I had not been down since New Years, and it was definately a celebration of sorts Thurs night. We all went to Sloopy's and completely drowned ourself in whatever the bartender Kirena suggested. LET'S JUST SAY she kept us going. But yeah.. what a night when we got back, stand by for the YouTube video coming soon.. I will repost this paragraph when i post the vid.

Oh, now for the Grammys.. so Holly texts me, first time we've talked in like 2 months. We always used to watch all awards shows together over the phone.. so yeah I guess she was thinking about that. Of course all country performances on the show ones we saw together in concert. Funny huh? But yeah.. its like everytime I think she's outta my mind.. right back there again.. as Marc puts it "i'm not saying i want to forget you, but damn it I have tried.. and these memories are killing me, and it's digging me inside.. and you leave me here bleeding. Walk away..... it's time you left me, it's time you let me be..." ("Love & Memories"from the album- O.A.R.: Live at Madison Square Garden)

Lately I've been trying to get back into better shape, no pop.. and working out everyday. the last two days, this has included running. And in the midst, I found getting myself in better shape mentally, and emotionally. No names here, but someone is really having an impact on me lately.. and it is the last person you or I would expect, and possibly something I shouldn't get myself into. But over the last week, getting to know someone all over again has really opened something in me.. too early to tell.. but yeah! I'm sick from all the running outside pretty sure.. but I'm telling you.. I'd be out running again tomorrow...

bball date with kevo at 9am at the BFR. 12:02 and time for bed.

troubles of work, Crew 09 can't come fast enough!

starting off with my closing thought from Sat, i definately did not shave before work on saturday. so I made up for it today thinking today would be a fulfilling work day. Wrong. Another morning gone wrong, hindered by ridiculous way people handle their shifts. Seriously, how hard is it. New promotions.. obviously you do what? Make sure there is enough product to meet the demand of that promo. Simple stuff. I really do not know how it is so easy to mess that up. Oh, and when a top shelf out of two says "Use the bottom rack first," with an arrow pointing down.. what is done? The product, frozen product that is, is left on the bottom rack.. with the thawed ones left on top.. to be used second.....? I swear. And then they have the attitude to act as if they have a clue what is going on?? To act as if they are, say, a better worker than others there? Maybe so, but I wouldn't bring that attitude my way.. since I'm the one that works with all of your mistakes. For the love...

Can't wait to get to a Crew game this year.. granted it has to be warm, I gave up on season tix for now.. spring break is more important, but I really cannot wait to get back in the Nordecke this season to defend the Cup! And hopefully getting more friends and new comers out to support, because if I have the money after SB09, I am definately buying off my tickets for the remainder of the home season. On that note, we'll all miss the home opener against Toronto FC anyway, as it is March 28, which will be the day we check out of the hotel in Panama, so so much for that! I missed all the TFC matches last season, so I guess I will have to join the trip up to Toronto for the match there ?? We'll see...

So confused in some areas, I mean.. what can I do to make this all right with her. Too early to tell.

new board today? Bowl prediction!

Noon. Working tonight from 5p-1a, so yeah missing the big game and the hour Office special.

So far I have been awake for maybe.. 40 minutes, and that entire 40 minutes has been spent determining whether or not I'll actually buy my first surfboard instead of renting them like I normally do. So many questions.. epoxy or fiberglass, swallow'd or not, is 7.6 a good length for me? Isle has a great looking board (green is my fav color) Isle comes to about 447.. wish shipping only being like.. 60. While this other board I've never heard of, Baton R, and BOTH are fiberglass.. where as I wouldn't mind having an epoxy as opposed to poly. And the main question is... since PCB generally has no surf... why do I even want one? Well I plan on traveling to a lot of different places over the next few summers.. and I could always go back to florida during a hurricane or TS. So who knows.. looks like no boards for me for the moment :( So I now have spent over 2 hrs looking at new boards.. FL reports.. vids to help me make the decision.. so I think that's about enough right.. However I know I can say that I am completely sure that if I don't buy this board here before Panama, that I will probably not buy my own board for another 2-3 years.. which is sad, because it brings the realization that I will not be traveling as much, probably have a serious job, and.. yeah not traveling as much. So maybe I should just give in, not get a serious job, find a cheap apartment.. save up money for the rest of my life and just travel as I desire =)

Steelers and Cards tonight... I say, let's see.. 7-0, 7-7, 10-7, 14-10, 21-17, 28-17, 31-17... I'm going to say final score will be around 31-17 with the Steelers winning. Although I cannot stand Worthlessberger, I don't think Whisenhunt's knowledge of PIT's ways will be enough to really penetrate, they might get the first and second scores, but I'm predicting it's all Pittsburgh.

Today- clean up, shave, light work out.. work.. BUT, do I take the laptop to follow along with the game or not, although we could be busy, I think I will just incase ;)

so yeah! i'm here!

About time I created my own one of these. While out of pure boredom, I assure you that the relationship between myself and this site could get rather serious as I sit here everyday. Bored.

Today has been another lost cause in small-town Ohio, and will go no where as my vehicle apparently wants it that way. So I have found myself using my time efficiently, yet in a pointless way: for the last hour or so I have been looking up apartments in random cities. Columbus, Cincinnati, Myrtle Beach, Panama City, Charlotte, Statesville, Hilton Head, and so on. I was quite surprised to find some decently priced places within 1/2 of the beach in PCB! Time to call up the friends.. but they all have "school" to go to.. and they still do not have a clear path they want to follow through life's journey, while all that holds me back is a room mate and the ability to find a job in the area. Which led me back to careerbuilder and myspace jobs and other job sites to discover.. no positions that I would be considered for. WHAT GOOD is this degree.. seriously. I have come to expect that I will never get anywhere in the industry unless I live here, in my hometown, another 3-4 years. Yeah, like that is going to happen.. (nervous laugh). I know it has only been a few months since I finished the program, but I planned on being out of here back in Oct, yet here I sit.. drowning in the environment that has been the last 23 years of my life. "..but sitting on the verge of tears does not become my 22 years.." Yeah, thanks Bradley. (Sublime - Slow Ride)

Found a new book at meijer yesterday.. trying to take it slow as I want it to last awhile- not sure when I'll get around to finding another one. However, I'm already a chapter+ in and it is hard to resist. Oh well. Nothing on the tv on this Saturday, so I might as well, right? Whyyyy all the snow Ohio.. why.. I've been in this house for over 3 weeks, only leaving for work. Haven't done a thing really, besides work out.. find good music.. and trying to better myself. Anyway, where is.. ah there's the new read. Page 32..