Monday, December 28, 2009

Look Ma, Another Post

We had a great Sunday yesterday. Started off by going to the Dolphin game (OK, the first half pretty much sucked ass [depending on your perspective]). After picking up my sister and nephew, we stopped to get gas.

I must digress, Mobil obviously does not give any type of IQ test before hiring employees. I tried to use my "speedpass" at the pump which is connected to my current Mobil credit card. The speedpass did not work at the pump. I then tried to use my card, which I realized I have an expired card in my wallet. I tried the speedpass again, and again the light would not come on. After going inside and explaining to the woman behind the counter that I wanted to fill-up the tank using my speedpass, we had a discussion which was essentially her saying my card was expired, and I had to explain multiple times that the card I was using was not the one that was tied to the speedpass. She finally understood and let me use my speedpass inside. However, she asked how much I wanted to put in the tank, I said I didn't know, I just wanted to fill it up. She said she couldn't do that. I said again that I didn't have a set amount, I just want to fill up the tank. Finally after realizing she was more of an idiot than I originally thought I said $45. Turns out I only put $40 in then had to go back inside. So much for speedpass at that station. End of digression.

So, while I was getting gas, my phone rang, my sister answered it then gave the phone to Brenda. The person on the other line was Ed. Ed is one of those friends who is loyal, will always be there for you, and is almost like a brother, but if you get on his bad side, forget it. Ed is currently living in N. Carolina, and although we keep in touch, I think it's been at least 2 years since I've actually seen him (maybe more). After exchanging holiday pleasantries, Ed asked me what I was doing for dinner. I was shocked and happy that Ed was in town, and we decided to get in touch after the game to hook up. Ed also let me know that Joe was going to be at the Dolphin game. Joe and Ed are cut from the same cloth, although Joe lives a little bit closer, with our schedule and his schedule it's sometimes hard to get together.

Turns out Joe and Tracey were sitting a couple of sections over from us at the game. I went over there during half-time, then Brenda went over for part of the third and fourth quarters. I just have to say no matter where it is, it's always nice to see good friends during the holiday's, well, any time of year really.

After the game we came home and found Duke tangled in the curtain in the playroom. Luckily, he was caught in his backside, so he was OK. The neighbor said they heard him "crying" most of the day, and people on our block were concerned. We gave the neighbor our cell phone numbers, thanked her, and let her know the dog was fine.

I got back in touch with Ed and we made plans to meet for dinner at Boca Wings and Ribs. Food was mediocre at best, as was the service, but the company was great. We ended up talking until close to 10:00. If we go through with my first thought about heading up to Virginia for a summer road trip, we will try to get to Ed's place on the way back home.

Overall, it was just a really nice day. Now I get to start a busy week with the kids. Today it's lunch at my Mom's house, then we are going to the circus. Tomorrow we have a haircut appointment (I may try to take them to the movies), I also need to get my car washed and take the dogs to the vet. Wednesday, we are planning on seeing Avatar, Thursday it's the Panthers and Habs (and New Year's Eve), Friday we are taking the kids to see 101 Dalmatians at the Arsht Center. Saturday, we have a 8:30 hockey practice, then tickets to see "Phantom of the Opera" at 2:00, Sunday, it's 9:00 am hockey practice and Steel City day for the local sports. Half of us are going to the Dolphins/Steelers, and the other half are going to the Panthers/Penguins game. I don't think I'll get much sleep or be able to enjoy the < 80 degree weather and get out on the bike. We'll see how it goes

Thursday, December 24, 2009

It's Been Such a Long Time. . .

When the titles to my blog posts seem to be almost the same, I suppose I really need to take Eric's advice and try to post more often. Yes, there has been quite a bit going on in the past two months, I just have a difficult time trying to find the extra moments to actually write.

Let me start with this year's version of the TSO show. The first half of the show was the same as in years past, which is what one would expect when going to this show. The good thing about the show this year is that they actually came here after Thanksgiving, which was more appropriate for the holiday season. During the second half of the show they played more songs off their "Night Castle" album, which they finally released after working on it for 6+ years. Additionally, they said they would be going on a Spring tour, which will be the first non-holiday tour for them. I think that will be interesting, and I'm sure we will go, although we may not take the kids that time. We'll see.

Last weekend we tried a new restaurant called Rock 'N Roll Ribs. The restaurant is partly owned by Nicko McBrain, who is the drummer for Iron Maiden. They have not had their grand opening yet, so when we went there, Nicko was there still hanging stuff on the walls and visiting with every table. I was in such awe because I grew up not only listening to Iron Maiden, but playing along with them when I was practicing my drumming. For those that don't care too much for the whole 80's metal thing, the ribs were fall off the bone good. Actually all of the food was really good. I didn't even feel the need for additional sauce on the ribs. We will definitely be back there, even if Nicko isn't there.

Lizzie, much like every other young girl, saw a commercial and told Brenda she wanted a Zhu Zhu Pet. For some reason this is the hot toy of Christmas. Enough so that people are waiting in lines, waking up extremely early and paying major money to get one. I told Brenda I would not go out of my way to get one, but if I had the opportunity, I would get it for Lizzie. Yesterday, I had to go to Wal-Mart to pick up a present we ordered for Shane and had it shipped to the store (Nerf Wii game for those that care), which we saved $20 from the price elsewhere. On the way to the "Site to Store" shelf, I had to go to the restroom. As I was walking to the restroom, amongst all of the whacko last minute shoppers, I passed by about 20 of these Zhu Zhu Pets. I took care of my business, then went back, and decided to buy two of them. Although I did end up going 10 feet out of my way, I got two of the "hot" toys, and spent a grand total of $16 to get them. I feel bad for all the schmos who went crazy for these things, no, actually I don't, they're idiots.

I hope everyone had a happy Festivus yesterday, has a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Here's hoping that 2010 is much better.