DAT Who!!!

For the family in NO...

Hell...check
Highwater...check
Superbowl...check

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Are you kidding me? New Orleans wins the SuperBowl!!!!

Everyone has been asking, WHO DAT?!

I think they answered...DAT WHO!!! Geaux Saints!!!

THAT WAS FRIGG'N AMAZING!!!!

GEAUX SAINTS!!!

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Front Runner? Me? Nah...

Drew Brees was drafted, developed and led the San Diego Chargers for most of the Aughts...
Reggie Bush is a San Diego boy...Helix High

And my wife is from New Orleans...I got put on the bus the day I said I Do!

Snow Play and Comic Book Guy

This week, Claire experimented with making Coconut Bread...I don't remember what she called it, but it was clear that she made it with Awesome Sauce mixed in...unfortunately, unless I want to start looking like this, I need to get out and start running again. Coconut Bread is not the best thing on the waistline.

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As mentioned earlier this week, we got 10-12 inches of snow this weekend. It was the most snow in this area over the past 20 years.

The best part of the snow was getting to experience it with my wonderful wife. She had never been in falling snow before and the joy she was experiencing was so great! It is truly one of my favorite moments I have ever had with her!

We went out on Saturday night (despite warnings on the news to cancel all driving) with our good friends John and Lisa...We had such a blast. We went out for sushi and then back to their house for Chocolate cake iced with Chocolate Fudge and Peanut Butter.

Yes, more running is needed.

With the weather so bad and it being very late, we ended up crashing at their place that night. We woke up to a few more inches of fresh snow, so it was time for some Snow Play!

The snow time was pretty incredible, including a swing-set at the playground that, well, got put to good use!

Snowmobile 2010

Two weeks ago, Claire and I met up in Detroit to go snowmobiling with some good friends of ours. We went two years ago with them and were anxious to renew the tradition.

We flew up Friday night, drove 3 hours north and stayed in a 3 bedroom condo. We spent most of Saturday out in the woods, zipping around.

On Sunday, the girls decided to take a break and hit the spa for massages and Mani/Pedi...the guys went out and jumped the snowmobiles. It is amazing to be going 75mph on the snow and then hitting a bump.

Such a great trip. We are so thankful for Robert and Jeff setting it up. Claire and I are so blessed.

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We got a foot of snow in Norfolk this past weekend. It made for a great couple of days of snow play...pics up later this week.

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I know Y'all are rooting for the Saints this weekend, right? I love Peyton as much as anyone, but it is the Saints! Drew Breeeezzzzzzz....

Grunts and BBQ

I was working out this morning and a guy walked in about 1/2 way through the work out. He jumped on the treadmill and started running. While he was running I kept hearing these weird noises and grunts. I thought he had touretts.

No, he had just turned on America's Funniest Home Videos and was laughing.

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Have you ever put on a shirt backwards and not noticed? I know I have. Does not happen often, but with a big enough collar, it is possible...then it is embarrassing because someone has to point it out to you.

But when you do it with a hoodie at 5am, it is a bit confusing. See, when the hood covers your face, I am guessing you stand there, just for a moment and try to figure out why your sight has disappeared.

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Is it bad that I have eaten at the same restaurant the last 3 nights?

Odds and Ends from KC

It was hard to watch my Chargers lose last week...It was nice to see my wife's Saints win this week!

Who Dat? Geaux Saints!

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I am in KC this week...working in the real office. It is a big change of pace for me since I have worked from home since 2005. Deciding what to wear, making sure it matches and that my shirts/pants are not all wrinkly are all things I don't remember how to do on a daily basis.

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At least I finally get to wear some of my nice shirts on a regular basis...I think the shirts are confused though. Every time I put one on I get the feeling that I should either be going to church or out on a date with my wife...then the shirt seems to be disappointed when I show up at the office.

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Shaving every day sucks too!

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Is it just me or is a Caramel Sundae from McDonald's a tasty treat from Heaven?

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Claire and I talk about kids and our desire to have them on a regular basis...One of the interesting things is our view on how long it should take to get pregnant.

My experience, as viewed when watching my friends/family, is that it takes no time at all. Virtually everyone I know got pregnant almost immediately after trying...including one buddy that hit the bulls-eye on the first try. Claire's experience, as viewed when watching her friends, is that it takes a long time and often includes fertility treatments.

I know every couple is different, but it is interesting how our experience guides the desires and decisions we make. It gets complicated when you are trying to make decisions and the view is so different from either side!

Vegas NYE Trip...#3

Man alive...it is amazing how a new job gets in the way of blogging...

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On December 30, my family went back home and our new travel companions joined us in Vegas.

It was a trip for New Years and included Claire's sister Sarah and her husband Kyle...it was their first trip to Vegas, so we set out to show them a good time. Steve and Stacey were the other Vegas Veterans and we had worked hard to make sure it was a trip worth remembering...Starting with an upgraded hotel room at the Paris!

We caught up in the hotel and then got dressed to head out. First stop was Five Below, the ice bar. We spent about 45 minutes hanging out in there and enjoying the experience. It was pretty cool.

Then off to Red Square to meet a friend for vodka tasting. Most of the vodkas were not so good, but the company and experience was great!

Then dinner at Mesa Grill...Bobby Flay's place at the Ceasers Hotel.

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New Years eve was great...Breakfast at Bouchon and a day at Qua, the spa in Ceasers. Love the relaxing days at the spa. I know, most guys laugh, but it is because they don't know how to relax and enjoy a good pampering!

We ate dinner at the Noodle House at Ceasers (you have to eat there...the food was amazing) and then over to Tao for the NYE Party.

It was packed...too packed. We got separated from our group and did not hook back up until we left the club.

We did head over to Lavo (at Pallazzo) and did get some dancing in at a less crowded spot. At about 3am we decided to call it a night and headed back...but not before stopping for pizza. OH MY how good it was!

Friday, New Year's day had us puttering around town and doing some sight seeing...then dinner at N9NE steakhouse at the Palms. Our favorite meal of the trip! Can't recommend that place enough!

Right after dinner, the restaurant manager walked us up to the Ghost Bar to take in the view...

That night, we headed to Pure Nightclub at the Palms. A private table, bottle service and no waiting in line...no, not even the VIP line...we had the rock star treatment. It was like being Super VIP's. We waived at VIP's as we walked by them and were escorted by our private bouncer to our private table with our private hostess, 15 feet from the DJ booth and overlooking the dance floor. Did I mention the DJ was Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas? Will-Freak'n-I.Am. Amazing!

We were dancing on the white leather couches. We were dancing in our private area. We were frigg'n rock-stars all night long. Amazing!

Saturday we spent some time shopping, eating hot dog's at Pink's and having amazing Sushi at Roku Sushi in Ceasers. Then we saw Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian. What a great show. We had tickets 10 rows back in the center. Oh My Goodness....

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Both Vegas trips were great...different, but great. We can't wait to schedule them both again real soon!!!

Christmas/New Year's Trip #2

You can see Part 1 here...
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We woke up on December 26 and started our 1 day SoCal tour. We went to San Diego for brunch with Steve, Stacey, Emma (my Goddaughter) and Molly. It was a great time featuring manhole cover pancakes and crunchy potatoes. Claire and I then did some shopping (BAD IDEA!!!) and off to San Clemente to meet my father and his wife Patty for dinner. The food was good, the company was wonderful and we really enjoyed the afternoon/evening. Around 8pm, we began our trek to LA to see our friends Craig and Jenny. Craig and I have been friends since we were 11 and have been close since I beat him up on the playground. You know, the way most guy friendships start.

On Sunday morning, we had a nice breakfast and a very enjoyable, lazy morning...then off to Vegas for the annual family trip. We think this is year #7 where the whole family gets together, we eat buffet's, go to a show and enjoy being around one another...this year was no different.

We spent a day at the Spa, saw the Lion King and had a great time being together...there was one little thing that was different, however.

My brother and his wife got us the hook-up at The Bank at Bellagio. So, on Sunday night we cut the line, walked through VIP and rolled up to the best table in the house. We were situated right on the corner of the dance floor with a personal bouncer and a private hostess. We danced and laughed and generally had a party until 4am. We really knew what it felt like to be a rock star that night!

A big round of Thank You's...first to Pops for making this trip happen. We so love being together and you providing this opportunity for the family to be together is one of the highlights of the year for all of us. Next, thanks to James and Sabra for the set-up at The Bank. Certainly the best party Claire and I have ever been to.

Finally, thanks to the whole family for being so great and so loving!!!

Here are some shots from the trip...

The TaTaTa and Pops...
Esther and Brock...

Me and my brother James...

Erin and Kalar, warming up from Minn...

Me and the Little One...

James and Sabra...

The 6 Cumquat's just before the Lion King...

Christmas\New Year's Trip, Part 1

Whew...I am almost recovered from a 9-day trip, 7 of which were in Las Vegas...3 nights at 3 different clubs (The Bank, Tao and Pure), 2 different shows (Lion King and Phantom) and no night earlier than 1am. Have I mentioned that Claire and I are both morning people?

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The trip started with a flight into Vegas on Christmas Eve. Claire and I flew separately and arrived in Vegas about an hour apart. By the time we got our car and luggage, it was 915pm and we started the 3 1/2 drive to Orange County.

We secretly pulled in at 12:45am Christmas morning, just after everyone in the house went to bed...my sister Katherine snuck out of bed and let us in. Claire and I went to bed on the couch under the tree and proceeded to fitfully sleep.

The surprises started around 730am when Sister #3, Jessica, said she thought she was dreaming when she heard my voice. "I could not figure out what man was in the house. I sat up, but figured I was just having a dream." No TaTaTa, it was not a dream...Surprise.

The next shock for the fam was around 830 when my sister Erin (sister #2) popped her head out from the top of the stairs...When she saw us her eyes got real big, she yelled "SHUT UP!!" and ran away...

Mom's surprise was the best. I had a dream that night that mom saw us and fell down the stairs. It was very troubling, so I made sure Claire and I were hiding under a blanket until she made it all the way down. Once she was safely down the stairs, we threw the blankets off and said "Merry Christmas!!" A blank stare. For a long time. She did not blink. Did not move. She just stared. It seemed like forever. We actually had to walk over to her before she moved. It was great.

Finally, Esther (Sister #1) was so taken aback, she "almost vomited" when she saw us. How glorious is that?!!

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The rest of the day was full of food and merriment. We had ham and gumbo, pancakes and pies. Claire and I even had time to get some sun, laying out by the pool and enjoying the 74 degree weather. Oh how I miss SoCal, especially in the winter.

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Pt 2 starts with brunch in San Diego, dinner in San Clemente and a nightcap in Los Angeles.

2 Vegas Trips...7 Vegas Days

Claire and I have been in Vegas since Sunday. We love this place.

Every year we do our annual trip with my family. Every year we look forward to it. Every year it does not disappoint.

Thanks again Pops for the wonderful family tradition.

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Starting today, my family is heading back home to SoCal and Claire's sister/husband will be joining us...so will Steve/Stacey. We are ringing in the New Year's in Vegas. None of us have ever done it, but thought it would be fun to try once.

What are we doing? Well, a lot of things...

We are staying at The Paris. Dinner's will be at Mesa Grill, N9NE Steakhouse and Sushi Roku...We are seeing a comedy show and Phantom. We are ringing in the New Year's at Tao with Christina Aguilera. We are spending a day at Qua. We will be chill'n at the Shadow Bar.

Good times, good people.

Avatar and Tacky Cards

Claire and I saw Avatar last weekend. Silly story, but visually stunning. It is long (nearly 3 hours), but it did not drag that much. Think Independence Day or Armageddon.

Claire said that she has seen Avatar before, but it was called Fern Gully.

I think she has a very legit point.

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Can I rant for a minute? Great...*Stepping on my soapbox*

I love Christmas cards. I love seeing what my friends are doing and the picture(s) that define their year.

I HATE when families send out cards with pictures of just their kids. You know which ones I am talking about...the ones that have just the kids sitting on Santa's lap or the kids frolicking in the sand during the family trip to Florida. The parents are missing from the picture. That is just wrong.

Listen, I love your kids. They are cute (well, most of them). I love to see how big they are getting. I think it is so cool that they are laughing and sitting up on their own.

But I am YOUR friend. I want to see what YOU are doing.

Please include a picture of the parents on the card. It is the right thing to do. If you don't, it is tacky. For those of you who do, thank you.

*Stepping off my soapbox*

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I give Poop a pass, because his was funny and and had a legit reason to not include the parents.

Merry Christmas

And no, we are not making an announcement of anything other than Merry Christmas and to remind everyone why we celebrate!

Let Me Be Your Hero

Everyone has one, whether they have it listed out or not.

Skydive. Bungee-jump. Eat a Rocky Mountain Oyster.

You know the list. Some call it a Bucket List.

Drive a race-car. Hit a home run. Dunk a basketball.

Things you want to do before you die.

Become a dad. Travel to Istanbul. Live in a house on the beach.

Some are silly. Some are very serious. Some are in between.

Kiss a girl taller than you. Run into a burning building. Get paid to play a sport.

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I have crossed some off my list. My list does not stop growing, but I like it that way.

Last Thursday, I got to cross one off...it was actually two, but they sorta went together.

Run into a burning building...be someones hero.

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As Claire and I got to the parking lot and saw the flames on the fifth floor, we realized it was not a drill. Our place was not in danger and even if it was, it is just stuff. Claire and I were safe.

Our neighbor, however, did not think he was that lucky. His apartment is directly below the one on fire. There were no firemen, yet. Our neighbor realized his cat was in danger.

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I hate cats. You can put "Eat a cat" on my bucket list. Mostly out of spite. I prefer dogs. They are much more my speed. Cats are too aloof, moody and mean. I hear they taste like chicken.

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Our neighbor's cat had run under the bed when the alarm went off and could not be coaxed out. As our neighbor sat there worrying about his cat, I asked him why don't you just run up there and get it. "I am scared" he said.

"Give me your keys" I replied curtly. And Claire did say I was very curt with him. I prefer to call it hero mode.

He looked at me and thought for a second. "Give me your keys, I will go get your cat!" I was not asking anymore. I was in hero mode.

"No, we will go together. Just don't leave me."

Really, he said that.

So we ran...up four flights of stairs...down the hallway...through his door. I lifted his bed and he climbed under and grabbed the cat. We ran out.

Yes, we saw smoke. It was so cool.

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The next day I was walking down the hallway and bumped into him and his family. He was getting what was left of his stuff out of the apartment. The flames did not get down to his place, but the water from the fire hoses and sprinklers did. Most everything was ruined.

I asked him what his plans were. We chatted for a second...then he stopped mid-sentence and introduced me to his family.

"This is the guy I was telling you about. This is my hero. He saved my cat."

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What is on your bucket list?

Bogart and the Burning Building

Thursday night Claire and I had just settled in...wrapped up on the couch, sipping a nice bottle of wine and a DVD. We were 90% done with the movie when a piercing sound hit our ears. It was followed with a strobe light.

Our fire alarm was going off.

You would think this would be cause for us to jump out of our seat, rushing to exit the building, but this is not the case. Our building has some issues and we live in P-Towne. False alarms are normal. So, Claire and I got up, changed clothes, made sure we had the right jackets, got our wallets and slowly made our way out of the apartment.

About 2/3rds of the way down the hall we realized this was not a drill or a false alarm. It was a real fire.

By the time we got outside, we could see flames in the corner apartment on the floor above us. Everyone is standing outside, freezing our tuchus off...I love that word!

6 Fire Trucks, 8 Cops and 2 Ambulances were surrounding our building. The local news was aiming their cameras at the big, white monstrosity we live in. Luckily, we have a friend that invited us over to get out of the cold.

4 hours later, we were escorted past 2 condemned apartments, through puddles of water and over debris that fell from the ceiling. We got to our place, snuggled back in and finished the movie.

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One good thing that happened...I got to cross off something on my Bucket List. On Wednesday you can read all about that...and the heater in our Apartment making snow on Friday.

99 Cent Store Wonders

***Edit December 16, 835am***

So the post I had intended...the "Sexy Daddy" and the "Placenta Soap" cut from Jay Leno is no longer available...I will just let you use your imagination as to what it was like...and yes, "Sexy Daddy" is a children's book.

Thanks for pointing that out Poop...the video not working, not the "Sexy Daddy" being a kids book...although it would not surprise me that you would know that.

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Claire is traveling the next couple of days...so I am back to bachelor life. Luckily, I get to do it at home where I can cook my own meals.

The downside of that is I have to figure out what I want to cook.

Last night I ate hamburger meat...with some ketchup and bacon.

This morning I had a hamburger omelet.

I need to find something more appealing for dinner...maybe Pickles and Ritz Crackers?

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I have watched the first two episodes of Men of a Certain Age...I like it.

It is funny, but not slapstick. It is serious, but not tears in your eyes.

I find myself strangely drawn to the characters, the fights they fight and the conflicted feelings they are dealing with...no, I am not the age that these characters are, but I can see some of the things they deal with and relate to them. If you are a guy of a certain age, it is worth checking out.

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I am reminded of something my mom said to me many years ago when that show "thirtysomething" was on TV...she was watching it and I complained that it was a stupid show. She responded, "it is not stupid, you are just not thirty-something".

I think of that comment when I watch Men of a Certain Age...

Maybe it is the gray hairs that are making like rabbits on my head.

Heart Warming

This weekend was a great one...After having been gone for the better part of 2 weeks, it was so nice to be back with my Claire!

We stayed up late Friday night watching 30-Rock, the Office and Top Chef (we have 1 more episode left to watch...don't spoil it for us!) on the DVR. On Saturday, Claire baked Almond Cranberry Spice Muffins and we watched UP...then to the movie theaters to see Blindside...then home to watch Chicago.

We loved all three movies and suggest them for anyone!

Somewhere in there, Claire also found time to make a homemade macaroni and cheese from scratch, we hit up the Happiest Place on Earth and stopped by the dry cleaners.

Saturday was a good day.

Sunday was fantastic as well, starting with CBS Sunday Morning in our PJ's, church and to a friend's house to watch the Charger's manhandle the Cowgirls.

Good times...Good times!

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Have you had a chance to see this picture?





You can read the story here.

Happy Birthday Mom

Happy Birthday Mom...

39 years old...wow, where does the time go?

I am so very thankful for you.

Heading home

Heading home today...whew. That was a long 9 days. Cold. Like -5 wind chill Thursday.

Can't wait to get to the balmy 45 in VA!

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I love eating out, but 9 days in a row of every meal being eaten out sucks. Not gonna lie.

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Why is it that every bathroom has a guy who insists on using the john while either texting or talking on the cellular? How hard is it to tap out for 5-10 mins? Dude, enjoy your private time.

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Loving the new job. I enjoy being involved in "The Game" again. I missed being productive.

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Have you seen the HBO Special featuring the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame performance yet? Amazing. Simply amazing. Watching Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel play...Metallica and Ozzy...U2 and Mick Jagger...and a whole host of others. If you like music, you have to watch it. Such a must see!!!

Brrrrr. Cold.

Sitting in a hotel room in Kansas City.

It is cold here. Been as cold as 10.

Ten.

That is cold.

We are to wake up with 2-3 inches of snow today.

I think I need to rethink this new job...or at least the travel to KC during the winter.

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Real quick request for those of you in the service industry. If you are working with a client, please try your best not to pass stinky gas when your client is around. It does not help your case.

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Did you see Nebraska almost take down Texas on Saturday night? Oh that would have been so glorious!!

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There is this homeless guy in P-Towne that has been on my mind recently. It is an unusual thing. He has sorta stuck with me for a while. I can't explain it. Wondering if there is something I should be doing for him besides praying for him and his circumstances.

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9 days away from my wife is too long. Only 4 days left, but I have had enough of this.

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I need to figure out how to balance this blogging with the new job. Any tips?

Camping At Home

Claire and I had friends arriving on Saturday morning for brunch.

We were going to make fresh baked cranberry muffins and Shrimp & Corn Grits.

Claire woke up, put together the muffins and baked them perfectly. They were beautiful and really good.

My job was to create the Shrimp and Corn Grits.

I started cooking. It was not working. The stove had little to no power.

I could not even melt butter.

Turns out the power company said that we have a "Phase Out".

I have guests arriving in 15 mins and now I have a "Phase Out". No appliances can run. The heater is out. The stove top is not working. The fridge is dead in the water.

I have Shrimp and Corn Grits to make. Crap.

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Earlier this year, Claire and I won a drawing over at Wonderful World of Weiners.

We won a bunch of camping equipment including a machete, wind-proof lighter, knife, flashlights, multi-gas coffee pot and a camp stove.

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We are watching the stove...nothing is happening.

We are watching the clock...it is ticking.

Claire says, "Hey, wait. Don't we have that really awesome camp stove and a small propane tank?"

Sure enough, we have that wonderful camp stove. I pull out the box...it is still packed in the original shipping box...and assemble it.

First words that appear on the stove when you open the box?

DO NOT USE INDOORS

We did anyway. And the camp fire Shrimp and Corn Grits were awesome!!!