Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Sleepy
This morning I had breakfast with my mom and brother. At 4:45 a.m. We have to do it early because Ben goes to school so early. But now I am tired.
Yesterday was Ben's birthday--21! He seems to enjoy being one step closer to old-fart-land and made several trips to buy alcohol so he could be carded. I went with him and four of his friends to play laser tag last night. It turned out to be pretty fun! I never want to do things like that before I do them because I don't like the idea of getting pissed off and overly competitive with 12- and 13-year old laser tag enthusiasts.
After laser tag, the family went to dinner at this sushi place, where I ate fully cooked food. No sushi for me. I gave Ben some money and butter knives with pirate handles. From Mom, he got an mp3 player (but not an iPod, which is good because he shuns trends and brand name goods).
After a late lunch with my immediate family and my grandma (and hopefully Hilary), I will return to the Midwest tonight. It will be good to see the friends I've missed and sleep in my other own bed.
If you haven't already done it, vote for the All Star game. Pujols and Eckstein need more votes!
This morning I had breakfast with my mom and brother. At 4:45 a.m. We have to do it early because Ben goes to school so early. But now I am tired.
Yesterday was Ben's birthday--21! He seems to enjoy being one step closer to old-fart-land and made several trips to buy alcohol so he could be carded. I went with him and four of his friends to play laser tag last night. It turned out to be pretty fun! I never want to do things like that before I do them because I don't like the idea of getting pissed off and overly competitive with 12- and 13-year old laser tag enthusiasts.
After laser tag, the family went to dinner at this sushi place, where I ate fully cooked food. No sushi for me. I gave Ben some money and butter knives with pirate handles. From Mom, he got an mp3 player (but not an iPod, which is good because he shuns trends and brand name goods).
After a late lunch with my immediate family and my grandma (and hopefully Hilary), I will return to the Midwest tonight. It will be good to see the friends I've missed and sleep in my other own bed.
If you haven't already done it, vote for the All Star game. Pujols and Eckstein need more votes!
Saturday, June 25, 2005
A small win
The Diamondbacks won last night! The final score was 2-1, plus the game didn't really determine anything, so I can't say it was a "big win." Therefore, it was a small win.
Some differences between the Arizona baseball experience and the St. Louis baseball experience:
1) the stadium-- BOB is wonderfully climate-controlled. It was about 110 degrees outside and maybe 75 inside... really it's the only way you can have a baseball team in Phoenix through the summer.
2) the vendors-- BOB seems to sell a greater variety of game snacks. I saw a "candy guy" and a margarita guy, plus there are lots of non-ballpark-food places like Peter Piper Pizza and Panda Express. (I still had a Diamondbacks dog). And I didn't get a beer because they sell only MGD and Miller Lite.
3) the fans-- first, St. Louis has more. It is truly a baseball town, while the Phoenix metro area does not give off that vibe. Maybe it was different when they won the World Series (in fact, I'm almost positive it was different then), but the only Dbacks shirts I've seen outside of the game were people who were running in the mornings. So they were wearing them TO SWEAT IN. And granted, last night's game was against the Tigers, but it was Friday night and there were about 25,000 people there-- it seemed relatively empty. Busch packs them in.
4) (related to #3) the excitement-- the crowd was not as into the game as Cards fans get. Every Cards game I've been to- no matter who they're playing or what day of the week- every play and hit gets the crowd really fired up.
Now, I'm not judging the superiority of one experience over the other. I still love my Diamondbacks. But I love the Cardinals too! If I go to one of the series games in August, I might wear my Arizona shirt and my Cardinals hat. No one can get mad at me for that, right?
Ok, so we ended the night with ice cream at Sugar Bowl. I had a root beer float. That's all, folks.
The Diamondbacks won last night! The final score was 2-1, plus the game didn't really determine anything, so I can't say it was a "big win." Therefore, it was a small win.
Some differences between the Arizona baseball experience and the St. Louis baseball experience:
1) the stadium-- BOB is wonderfully climate-controlled. It was about 110 degrees outside and maybe 75 inside... really it's the only way you can have a baseball team in Phoenix through the summer.
2) the vendors-- BOB seems to sell a greater variety of game snacks. I saw a "candy guy" and a margarita guy, plus there are lots of non-ballpark-food places like Peter Piper Pizza and Panda Express. (I still had a Diamondbacks dog). And I didn't get a beer because they sell only MGD and Miller Lite.
3) the fans-- first, St. Louis has more. It is truly a baseball town, while the Phoenix metro area does not give off that vibe. Maybe it was different when they won the World Series (in fact, I'm almost positive it was different then), but the only Dbacks shirts I've seen outside of the game were people who were running in the mornings. So they were wearing them TO SWEAT IN. And granted, last night's game was against the Tigers, but it was Friday night and there were about 25,000 people there-- it seemed relatively empty. Busch packs them in.
4) (related to #3) the excitement-- the crowd was not as into the game as Cards fans get. Every Cards game I've been to- no matter who they're playing or what day of the week- every play and hit gets the crowd really fired up.
Now, I'm not judging the superiority of one experience over the other. I still love my Diamondbacks. But I love the Cardinals too! If I go to one of the series games in August, I might wear my Arizona shirt and my Cardinals hat. No one can get mad at me for that, right?
Ok, so we ended the night with ice cream at Sugar Bowl. I had a root beer float. That's all, folks.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Recent fun things: Yesterday I went shopping with Hilary and bought things I really don't need (but which are cute nonetheless). We also saw Mad Hot Ballroom, which was sooooo good! I highly recommend it. Don't know if it's playing in St. Louis or not, but it's at Camelview in Scottsdale. This morning I got up at 5 to go on a 22-mile bike ride with Mary Ann. I borrowed Sarah's bike (thanks, Sarah!) and despite not having ridden a bike in years (seriously), it was great fun and I didn't wipe out. Though I think I came close once or twice. Today Hilary and I are getting pedicures and my mom and I are going to see the Dbacks take on the Tigers. Hooray for being at home! If only my brother would show his face around here a little more....
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
George has a blog!
I had a dentist appointment yesterday. I needed to have two teeth filled. That happened this afternoon. I don't know how it is that I end up with cavities. I floss every day, brush regularly, and still I end up with half of my mouth completely numb. My brother, on the other hand, has much poorer dental care habits and hardly ever has a problem. I remember going to the dentist with him one time after he had eaten a Butterfinger and they told him everything looked great. I was probably told I needed to floss more. So as a consolation prize to myself for my "sufferation," I stopped at Sonic and bought a watermelon creamslush. Yeah, try saying that with a numb mouth. But it's yummy... I can taste it on almost 3/4 of my tongue.
My mom bought me a new pair of running shoes yesterday. If only I can make myself get up before 7 am so I can go exercise before it gets too hot. Yeah... I'll let you know when that happens.
I had a dentist appointment yesterday. I needed to have two teeth filled. That happened this afternoon. I don't know how it is that I end up with cavities. I floss every day, brush regularly, and still I end up with half of my mouth completely numb. My brother, on the other hand, has much poorer dental care habits and hardly ever has a problem. I remember going to the dentist with him one time after he had eaten a Butterfinger and they told him everything looked great. I was probably told I needed to floss more. So as a consolation prize to myself for my "sufferation," I stopped at Sonic and bought a watermelon creamslush. Yeah, try saying that with a numb mouth. But it's yummy... I can taste it on almost 3/4 of my tongue.
My mom bought me a new pair of running shoes yesterday. If only I can make myself get up before 7 am so I can go exercise before it gets too hot. Yeah... I'll let you know when that happens.
Monday, June 20, 2005
My blog looks weird on this library computer. Oh well. I had a great time in CA with Hilary and her family doing the graduation celebration thing. She gets to Arizona tomorrow with her mom and grandmother and then we'll be able to do lots of fun things together. So far, we're going to sun ourselves by her pool, go shopping, and go to a baseball game. We'll think of more. I only have 12 minutes remaining, but maybe I'll be nice and leave before my time is up because there's a line. I'm going to go get some lunch and then back to the air-conditioned home. And I'm driving my brother's truck-- I love the shifter!
Thursday, June 16, 2005
I made it safely home, so now I am enjoying the 98-degree weather and lots of sunshine! I already went hiking this morning with Sarah and her family. It was a great trail and reminded me that I actually do like being awake in the early morning. Tomorrow I'm headed to Davis for Hilary's graduation. It should be great! Then back here to hopefully see more friends and maybe do more hiking? I may also go see Batman tonight with the family. I guess that's all for now.
Sunday, June 12, 2005
My weekend in Memphis was a good one. But for now, I am exhausted, so maybe I'll write more on it later. Three days till AZ!
Friday, June 10, 2005
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Ooooh... tagged by Mike! This should be fun...
How Many Books Do You Own?
After a quick scan of my bookshelves, I'd say about 75 here, probably a couple dozen in Arizona or floating around with other people.
What is the last book you bought?
For myself? I'm not totally sure, but I think it was probably How to be Good, by Nick Hornby.
What is the last book you read?
Just finished She's Come Undone, by Wally Lamb.
Name 5 Books that mean a lot to you.
(in no particular order):1. A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens 2. Girl Meets God, by Lauren Winner 3. All That's Holy, by Tom Levinson 4. We Need to Talk About Kevin, by Lionel Shriver 5. Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White
This just makes me realize how much more I want to read!
How Many Books Do You Own?
After a quick scan of my bookshelves, I'd say about 75 here, probably a couple dozen in Arizona or floating around with other people.
What is the last book you bought?
For myself? I'm not totally sure, but I think it was probably How to be Good, by Nick Hornby.
What is the last book you read?
Just finished She's Come Undone, by Wally Lamb.
Name 5 Books that mean a lot to you.
(in no particular order):1. A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens 2. Girl Meets God, by Lauren Winner 3. All That's Holy, by Tom Levinson 4. We Need to Talk About Kevin, by Lionel Shriver 5. Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White
This just makes me realize how much more I want to read!
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Just got back from the Cards game-- they won! 9-2. There were probably as many Boston fans as there were Cards fans... well no, not as many, but more than there usually are for the opposing team. And there was nearly a rumble because pitchers kept hitting batters. I think Boston pitchers hit 3 guys (well, Larry Walker got hit twice) and our pitchers hit two. Good game, though.
Also, I'm going to Memphis this weekend! I can't wait!
Also, I'm going to Memphis this weekend! I can't wait!
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Regardless of what you thought of the most recent Star Wars installment, this is pretty funny. Although you should be warned that it's not a squeaky-clean critique, so don't let any kids read over your shoulder. I especially like the second comic down.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Safely returned from the Grant's Farm excursion! It was actually pretty cool. You ride around the fields on this little tram and the guide points out animals like deer, elk, bison, special birds, etc. At one point he pointed out the biggest deer on the property, which happened to be about 10 feet from a John Deere tractor, so I thought he meant that and was making a joke. No, there was an actual deer. But that was my moment of self-amusement for the day.
Tonight were the final games of the volleyball league, and we got first place! Our team won some money and got t-shirts. Yay! We even won our first game with only 3 of us. That's all the news of the day. I think I'm going to shower, and sleep in my new championship t-shirt.
Tonight were the final games of the volleyball league, and we got first place! Our team won some money and got t-shirts. Yay! We even won our first game with only 3 of us. That's all the news of the day. I think I'm going to shower, and sleep in my new championship t-shirt.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Well...
(sigh)
the Suns lost. Ok, so I don't really follow basketball in the first place. But I was excited that the Suns did so well this season and had MVP Steve Nash and were in the playoffs and forced a Game 5 because it brought back fond memories of being all about the Suns when Charles Barkley led them through the playoffs in 1993 (I was 11).
That being said, disappointment aside, I was impressed by the great sportsmanship both the Suns and the Spurs showed after the final buzzer. There was a lot of inter-team hugging and butt slaps and such. So props to both sides for that. And to the Suns for an incredible season.
After about a month of trying to get through Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, I have finally given up. It could be a little over my head-- I'm willing to admit that-- but mostly I just don't care. It failed to engross me. So I've gone back to Pulitzer Prize-winning fiction with Empire Falls. I'm already about a fourth of the way through and I'm liking it very much.
After a random grocery store run-in with some former members of Uncle Joe's, we have planned a potluck for Friday night. I am looking forward to it. Although I don't know what I'll contribute yet.
On tomorrow's agenda is a trip to Grant's Farm. First, I confused it with Eckert's, where you can go to pick your own apples and other produce items (in Illinois). THEN, I got it confused with Knott's Berry Farm (which I think is in California and has rides, in addition to selling jam). So I was quickly corrected... in actuality, it appears that Grant's Farm is a one-time or some-time home of the former President/General Grant and is much like a large outdoor wildlife park/zoo. I was told to watch out for clothing-eating goats. We shall see... maybe I'll write up a full report upon my return.
(sigh)
the Suns lost. Ok, so I don't really follow basketball in the first place. But I was excited that the Suns did so well this season and had MVP Steve Nash and were in the playoffs and forced a Game 5 because it brought back fond memories of being all about the Suns when Charles Barkley led them through the playoffs in 1993 (I was 11).
That being said, disappointment aside, I was impressed by the great sportsmanship both the Suns and the Spurs showed after the final buzzer. There was a lot of inter-team hugging and butt slaps and such. So props to both sides for that. And to the Suns for an incredible season.
After about a month of trying to get through Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, I have finally given up. It could be a little over my head-- I'm willing to admit that-- but mostly I just don't care. It failed to engross me. So I've gone back to Pulitzer Prize-winning fiction with Empire Falls. I'm already about a fourth of the way through and I'm liking it very much.
After a random grocery store run-in with some former members of Uncle Joe's, we have planned a potluck for Friday night. I am looking forward to it. Although I don't know what I'll contribute yet.
On tomorrow's agenda is a trip to Grant's Farm. First, I confused it with Eckert's, where you can go to pick your own apples and other produce items (in Illinois). THEN, I got it confused with Knott's Berry Farm (which I think is in California and has rides, in addition to selling jam). So I was quickly corrected... in actuality, it appears that Grant's Farm is a one-time or some-time home of the former President/General Grant and is much like a large outdoor wildlife park/zoo. I was told to watch out for clothing-eating goats. We shall see... maybe I'll write up a full report upon my return.
