Bogart No Longer in P-Towne

The Blog needs a new name and I would like your creativity to help come up with the new name.

Why, you ask?

Well, Claire and I are moving to Kansas City, Missouri. I will be out there starting April 5 and Claire will be joining me a few weeks later.

Yes...I left San Diego to go track down Claire and take her back to San Diego...I just did not know that we would have a stop over in Missouri.

So, I would like to hold a contest to rename the blog. I have already ruled out Bogart in KC.

Claire and I will evaluate any and all entries and pick our favorite. Out favorite will be named the winner and we will use your suggestion to rename the blog. We will also send you out a little gift.

So, let me hear your thoughts...what should we rename the blog?

WHAT SAY YOU?

Pig Heaven

Wow...it has been a couple of weeks. That is not right. Sorry for the delay.

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I have been traveling back and forth from P-Towne to KC every Monday through Friday...I don't bring my personal computer. I work long hours. I cry a lot.

Grandma always said excuses were like armpits...guess mine are stinky.

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We do have a big announcement coming soon...as in Wednesday AM and a little contest to go with it. Check back then and give it your best shot(s).

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Claire and I went to Pork and Pinot at Vintage Tavern yesterday...holy cow. It was like food heaven...every piece of the pigs was ingested...we ate something called Bacon Explosion, are you kidding me?

We also had 7 or 8 different Pinot's to drink.

Claire and I had a big, fat food baby when we got home. I oinked as I fell asleep. it was glorious!

Liv'n on the Road

So the trip was awesome! It really was...but that was no surprise. After all these years, it has not lost an ounce of its luster...if anything, Spring Training has become even better.

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The new job has been great. No, I am not enjoying ironing every day, but the human interaction in the office is a nice change. After 4+ years of working from home, I am in the land of normal people almost every day.

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The thing that has been tough...no, not just the shaving every morning...but that the office is in KC and I am living in Virginia. The commute (fly out on Monday and home on Friday) is one thing, but eating out every meal is getting tiresome.

I miss cooking.

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Have you seen Modern Family yet? If not, you should. Thanks William for turning me on...and for introducing me to that show.

Only 24-Hours Left!!!

24-hours until I head over to the airport...

24-hours until I climb on a plane to go to Arizona...

24-hours to the annual Spring Training trip...

WOOOOOHOOOO!!!

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We have a newbie joining us this year.

It started with just three of us...Teddy, Esteban and me...we did that for a few years...and it was glorious. Probably the weekend the three of us look forward to more than just about any other.

The other guys that we hang with started to get jealous...they wanted a piece of the action. Demand built for others to join us, but we kept it pure. We kept it Old School.

But we finally broke and allowed a crasher...J joined us a few years back...bringing the trip to 4 guys. It was pretty sweet.

So this year, we are bringing along my Bro as our fourth. Should be good times!

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Did I mention that I am going to be leaving in just 24-hours?

Mohawk Theory

When you are a young kid...we will call it under 7 years old...a Mohawk is kinda cool. You usually bring a smile to someone's face, as they contemplate how cute you look.

When you are young...we will call it age 12-40...a Mohawk makes you look like a punk. Unless you are on-stage with a guitar in your hands, it should be illegal. Most people look at you and want to punch you in the face...or at least call the cops because you just stole that pair of pants.

When you are middle age...we will call it 40-60...a Mohawk makes you look like you are trying too hard. You usually bring a smile to someone's face, as they contemplate how silly you look.

When you are old...we will call it north of 75 years old...a Mohawk is kinda cool all over again. You usually bring a smile to someone's face, as they contemplate how cute you look.

Does that sound about right?

Work Getting in the Way

Boy, this whole working in an office thing makes it hard to do much outside of work.

Picking up the dry cleaning is a newly difficult thing. What do you mean you close at 6pm, M-F? I often don't even leave the office until after 630. Now what am I going to wear tomorrow?

Going to Costco is losing some of its luster...no, not because Costco went downhill (it hasn't), but because I can only go on Saturday or Sunday. It is so frigg'n crowded. Who are these people and why are they in MY COSTCO. Don't they understand their presence is making the Happiest Place on Earth a little less happy?

Don't get me started on going to the Post Office.

At least Netflix remains a constant.

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I was noticing that I think about blogging less often now...not that my desire to write is any lower, it is just that I don't notice as many things as I used to. I also don't have as much reflection time. I think that makes it much more difficult to maintain a good blog.

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Baseball is back!!! All is right with the world!

She Did Not Run Away!!

Happy Anniversary Love...

One year ago today we said "I Do".

I am a blessed man.

Is there anything else to say?

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Sure, I could talk about how amazing you are.

How you are a great baker...yes, that is the first thing I mention, because it is unlikely to go away and I love me some cookies.

How you have great taste in men...what, you like self-confidence.

How you...I better stop there. Most of the rest is self serving or, well, frankly not suitable for families or you mom to read about. (Love to J in L-Towne)

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Thank you for a wonderful year. I look forward to a bunch more...no, I am not going to put a number on it, but let's just say a lot!

Cigs and Donuts

Sometimes I am baffled by the people I see...

Yesterday I saw a very elderly lady wearing Addidas and walking around with an iPhone...it was pretty slick.

Last week, I met a guy at work that wears a fantastic mullet and eats 4 doughnuts for breakfast every day.

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Had a great time this weekend with Claire this weekend. We ate good meals, laughed together, made other people smile and generally were wonderfully happy.

Sorta like every other weekend.

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I kinda make myself sick sometimes.

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Did you see that Curling match this weekend?

"Which one?" you ask.

You know, that really super, exciting one. The one that had us all on the edge of our seat, jumping up and down at the end!

Yeah, me either.

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But I do love Curling...I really think it is my last hope for actually making the Olympics.

I think I will start my training today...Belushi is my trainer.

High Class Hotel Liv'n

In KC this week...again. Spending most of my time here.

It is nice. I like it here. The food has been good. The company...well, nonexistent.

Until this weekend.

My beautiful wife joined me for the weekend and it has made it oh so much better.

We had a great meal at Jack Stack...fantastic.

We had a good time walking around the Plaza...beautiful.

It makes such a difference to have her here beside me.

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Living in the Marriott, which is essentially what I am doing, is a unique experience. I need to be careful because I am really getting used to clean sheets most days, my trash emptied for me and whenever I want a new towel I just throw the old one on the floor.

I don't think Claire is liking that last one very much. I might be trying it at home without the same results.

Because I Love...

I love to write...but I am not a writer.

I love to cook...but I am not a chef.

I love to drive...but I am not a racer.

I love to tell stories...but I am not an orator.

I love to love...but I am not a poet.

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There are so many things that I love. There are so many more things that I am not.

But one thing is for sure...I love my wife very much...and I AM a better person because she loves me!

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What do you love?

C'mon Man...

In Vegas this week for a work conference...pretty much running ragged from our first meetings in the morning (8am) to the last schmoozing opportunity at night (1 or 2 am)...

Luckily, this year Claire and I get to share a room. It certainly helps to be able to sleep next to my wife each night!

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There are few things I hate more than selfishness...yes, we all are selfish at one point or another, but then there are the chronic selfish people...People like this:

I really hate when people park like that, especially in a packed parking lot. I know you have a nice car and all, but c'mon man, think of other people and how your actions effect them.

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Looks like I might be heading to Lisbon, Portugal with Claire in April/May...her two week commitment for the Navy this year is sending her there. The last two years she went to Norway (I even got to join her last year), but this year was a new place...and I even get to join her!

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Claire and I have some friends that have asked me to perform their wedding ceremony. It has been a couple of years since I have performed one and, while a little nervous thinking about it, I am so very honored! Especially because it is so obvious how amazing they are together...sorta like this other pretty cool couple I know!

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.