Step One: Add Gasoline, and Lots of It

Greetings. So I had the fortune (I am not sure if it was good or bad) of hanging out with Brian J this past weekend and it happened to lead to one of the funniest things that I have ever seen.

First, I will start a little history. For those of us who are in the know, Mr. J has had a long standing history of keeping his garage stocked with beverages. This supply was affectionately referred to as The Stash back in our youth and some people consistently tried to persuade Brian to dip into The Stash to quench their thirsts. (By the way, if anyone has a craving for Diet Rite, I'm pretty sure I saw at least twenty twelve packs in their garage this weekend. I know Joel will let you have a can or two if you pay him a visit.) Of course, Brian never obliged any of the requests and alternate methods were used to quench the thirst of the people in question.

Well, this past weekend, Brian was in town to help Mr. J clean out the garage and Mar and I were the lucky beneficiaries of a couple cases of wine. One red, one white and of course, a box of Franzia which I will keep for a special day. During the cleaning out of the garage, there were several treasures that were found, including a priceless hubcap from the Beast. Let me tell you, that thing is heavy as hell. Please keep this part a secret because Mar has yet to see it and I plan on hanging it up somewhere.

Another nugget that was found was the model house that Brian made for an industrial arts class in junior high. I am pretty sure that all of us made these houses and have them somewhere. I actually came across mine not too long ago. After finding it, Brian was getting ready to toss it in the trash heap when Mr. J just looked at him and said, "Wanna burn it?"

Brian's family now has a fire pit, so Brian just shrugged and went along. The three of us headed to the backyard and tossed the house into the fire pit, which is where things get interesting. Mr. J went to the shed and retrieved a gas canister and proceeded to douse the house in gasoline. When I say douse, I mean douse. He was probably pouring gas on this thing for a good ten to fifteen seconds. After making sure the house was bathed in gas, he handed a book of matches to Brian and simply nodded towards the fire pit. Brian, in his infinite wisdom, got as close as he could to the fire and tossed in a match. The image to the right is pretty much what I saw. It was totally hilarious. Brian instantly threw up his arms and jumped back as he attempted to shield himself from the flames. He then looked at us with a look of bewilderment as if he was not expecting that sort of reaction from something that had been drenched in gasoline. After recovering from my fit of laughter I simply asked him why he got so close and his response was mostly gibberish but equated to the fact that he was not expecting the reaction that he got.

It was a truly hilarious moment and I wish that I would have recorded it or possibly recreate it for you sometime in the future. So in short, if you ever need to burn a model house that you built while in junior high school, Step One is to add gasoline, and lots of it.

Will Anyone Volunteer to Oil Down Andrew Before Each Shift?

Hello everyone. I know it has been awhile, but I had a moment of Zen a couple of days ago and that inspired me to write this post. Although I am not sure what made me think of this topic, I am glad that I did because it put a smile on my face.

The title of this post of course eludes to the dream that we all had eleven long years ago of starting our own restaurant and calling it Ivan's Inferno. If you do not recall this idea, here is a brief reminder. Once again, I do not know what started this concept, but for awhile, we talked about it quite a bit. The restaurant is supposed to be placed at the bottom of a ski hill (for some reason I want to say it will be in Colorado) and feature a deck that our patrons can ski up to after a nice day of hitting the slopes. The exact layout of the inside of the restaurant eludes me, but I do know that there was supposed to be a stage and at least two bars set up with tables in between.

Here are the roles of the people who are going to work at the inferno:

Christopher- Manager/Host. Since I have the gift of gab, I am going to circle the facility making sure our guests are entertained and having a good time.

Megan & Laura- Cocktail Servers. Looking back on this makes me feel a little bad since it is so gender biased, but that is what we came up with. However, I know both ladies are more than capable of this role.

Danny- Bartender. This was a given in those days. Let's just hope that in the name of profits, Danny will not pour with such a heavy hand when serving our patrons.

Todd- DJ. Once again, this seems like a natural fit. Just make sure you go easy on playing the Less Than Jake

John. Cook. If memory serves, which could be wrong, John was going to be behind the scenes making our delectable menu.

Brian C. - Bar Fly. Need I say more.

Brian J.- Finances. Who knew this would be such an accurate pick all those years ago.

Andrew- Bouncer. This is where the oiling comes in. The oiling will be a thankless job and not pay much, but someone has to do it.

Tony- N/A. I am not sure that Anthony was involved in this plan, but by the looks of it, we could use a couple of people to serve as our wait staff. Given the nimble hands that you have, you would be perfect for this position.

I know this sounds crazy, but what else would you expect from some bored high school. If nothing else, this was a fun memory from the times when we were care free and allowed to dream up such hair brained ideas. But who knows, The Inferno may come to be after all, only time will tell. Any suggestions about improvements or if anyone would like to join our ragtag team of misfits, please contact me and I will forward you an application.

FIVE DAYS.

It's crazy this whole wedding thing. It's totally brought some of the best and for sure some of the worst out of Chris and myself. I cannot believe that we will be married in FIVE DAYS. It's totally one of those things that you envision not only when your small (and maybe not all of you...but I did), but even back to when we got engaged last May. I feel like it was SO long ago, and we are now only FIVE DAYS away. We're pretty much done. :) Chris has been a lifesaver, I won't lie...I guess I'm pretty lucky! Even though he can drive me up a freakin' wall while he's in the middle of saving my life. :)

FIVE DAYS! Can't wait to see you all!!

Kind of lame post, but I had to blabber about it somewhere other than facebook. :)

Just Wondering....

Why in the heck Chris always gets more comments on his posts that I do. I might start having to take this personally.

26 Days!!!

So, I'm just in the mood to type a bit before I hit the sack. Ramble on and on for a bit.... I guess y'all can enjoy my bit of wedding mumbo-jumbo.

I cannot believe that we are getting married in 26 days. 26 days!!!!!

This whole process has been kinda crazy. I've learned a lot about myself during this process. For example, it turns out I'm not that great of a decision maker when put on the spot, Chris will have plenty of stories to fill you in on -- you probably won't even have to ask! I mean, I can decide on important things, like the cake, there was no problem. :) Have me choose wood for plant stands that my dad is going to make, yeah...not the easiest. Partially because I'm too laid back! I'm like eh, use whatever! Or, eh, do whatever is easiest! Turns out when your planning a wedding people don't really like to have those types of responses. Another fun thing that I do is if a decision has been made I often like to add "a little something extra" on or switch my original thought or...yeah, you get the point. Oh, I've also learned how I really do procrastinate on things, and how my procrastination can totally affect others. I'm sure there are other things that I've learned as well, but those are a few that surfaced to the top of my brain right now. :)

What else...OH, I'm still having some crazy anxiety over changing my last name. Which I NEVER thought I'd have an issue with. When I was younger I was all ready to ditch my last name. But I don't know...now that it'll actually happen, it's just a weird concept for me to grasp and really think that I won't be Ms. B. to the kiddies. Mrs. O? Yeah, doesn't quite have the same ring to it. There won't be any hyphenating...I'll get over it, it's just weird.

Hm....all of the big stuff has been set in stone for awhile now, and now that we're in the final stretch we've got all these crappy little things that we've got to do now. Like pick ceremony music. Sounds like fun!? Eh, it's all right...all of the ceremony music is so cheesy. So not me. So not Chris. SEATING. We'll see how that pans out. I'm thinking that it'll be a big task. Fingers crossed it'll just fall into place?!

Getting response cards is SUPER fun! We're totally digging that! Makes checking the mail way fun.

My last dress fitting was Sunday the fifth. Everything went splendidly. I really love my dress. I'm actually contemplating wearing it all day August 2nd.

As we've been pulling photos together for our slide show it really made me realize a few things:

1) 8 years = a LOT of pictures

2) we've got some GREAT pictures

3) we've all had some truly GREAT times together over the years

4) we both have the best groups of friends ever.

And with number three and four being stated, I cannot wait to get married to the man that I love SO much in front of all of our best friends and our family. We are so, so, so, so lucky. Words can't even describe. I'm so excited! Can't wait to see all of your smiling faces in. . . 26 days!!!

The Day the State of Gary Lost Their King of Pop

I entirely expect to be lambasted for this post, but so be it. My hometown of Gary, Indiana lost perhaps our most popular son today with the passing of Michael Jackson. Now I will not pretend to be Michael's biggest fan, but I do enjoy his music. Even though he has come across hard times these last few years, his impact on music in undeniable. I am sure that some of you might remember my post about the 25th anniversary of the Thriller album last year, so I will not bore you with the details of his success. Brian and I often joked about buying plane tickets to London to catch all of his fifty comeback shows, and I have to admit that part of me is a little sad that I won't ever have the chance to see him in person. Go ahead and heckle me, but I know that all of you are waiting for Anthony to do the Thriller dance in it's entirety at the wedding, so there is a little bit of Michael Jackson fandom in all of us.

Can't Nobody Hold Me Down

I'm back. This message will be short, but stay tuned for a flurry of updates following my absence due to coaching, wedding planning, birthday celebrating and suffering through this miserable Cubs season. Oh yeah, and do not think that I forgot to discuss the Battlestar Galacatica finale, it has several posts coming up. Well, as I said, this will be short so enjoy your day and make sure you check out Wilco's performance on Conan last night. It was awesome.

*sigh*

Just keeping you all posted...I didn't make it on to the second round of interviews out in Oak Park. I had already assumed as much, only because I hadn't heard anything back, however, I got the kind letter in the mail yesterday. I'm super bummed, sad and disappointed. I know that everything happens for a reason...and I know that something is bound to come around. It just sort of really sucks.

*sigh*

Anyway, just keeping you all in the loop.

On The Work Front...

Last night I became aware (due to the incredibly confused looks on Jill and Tony's faces) that I never posted a little tid-bit about me getting a job to finish off the school year.  :)

I got a job to finish off the school year. :)

I started mid-April and I'm working at an elementary school.  I work with six students, five are either first or second graders and one is a fourth grader.  They are all on the autistic spectrum.  Two are non-verbal.  It's been a great challenge for me!

It's pretty out of my comfort zone, because when I went to school I knew that I didn't want to work in the lower elementary grades.  Why you may ask?  "oh, they're so cute..."  blah blah blah.  While that's true, they are freakin' adorable, they also pee, have tons of snot, and cry--for no good reason.  Now, I realize that all students do this, but when they are that young it happens so spontaneously, and you have to stop what you are doing and address those nuances.  I'm not a super big fan of that--well, I'm not a big fan of that going on in the classroom.

:)  Again, it's been great.  I've been really lucky to work with these kids.  They are wonderful. I'll be sad to leave them as well.  It'd be hard for me to do this for a full year though.  It is good for a temporary fix of getting into a district, maybe it'll lead to a teaching job or me working in the middle school.  Never know!

Um...I had an interview out in Addison a few months back.  That didn't pan out (I'm thinking because I'm not bilingual).  I have an interview out in Oak Park on Tuesday, which I'm totally stoked for!  When we went to the ISU job fair, Oak Park was one of the districts that I spoke with and LOVED.  I'm really quite excited for this interview...a) because I got an interview b) because I liked the district and c) I got an interview!! :)  So, we'll see what happens!  

A Dream House

This is pretty random post I know, but a friend showed me, and now I have to share. I love it. Enjoy!

The Last Home Game for the Coaches...

...getting what they deserved!

PS-- Sorry it's not the best quality.  We still haven't found the camera battery charger and my phone takes crappy, tiny, blurry pictures. :)  

Coach Ortiz!

As many of you know the word on the street, Chris has taken on another responsibility at Hinsdale Central this year, coaching.  He the "assistant coach" for girls water polo.  The way that it has worked out is Chris is the "head coach" of the JV team, while the "head coach" is the "head coach" of the varsity team.  While they both interact with each level, ultimately they get their respective "final say" in calling the shots.  I hope that made sense. :/

Chris has done *such* a wonderful job with the girls.  They adore him. :)  I've been to quite a few games this season and they listen with intent when he speaks to them!  You can see the passion on the girls faces for the game and they really look to him for direction.  It's amazing how far they've come this season too!  Just ask Chris how AWESOME his girls looked while playing Lyons Township on Saturday!  Whew!  They rocked it out!  I was proud of them!  

Probably the most important piece of information *in Coach's opinion* he has given the girls has been about BSG.  Yes, you've guess it.  He's even wormed that Battlestar Galactica crap into their fresh and innocent minds. :)  No joke.  But, they love it!  They even decided to get tee-shirts made with BSG nicknames on them.  They call Coach "Admiral" and they give him some salute.  Yeah...maybe the line has been crossed? :) I'll let Coach explain further on this topic. 

I don't want to get too into detail about Coach's season.  I'm sure there will be a very informative blog about it coming up.  Especially because the season is winding down.  However, I'm really proud of Chris.  Really proud.  He's done *such* a wonderful job.  I just hope a job opens for him at Hinsdale because he loves it so very much there.  Coaching only adds to it.  While I haven't been too thrilled about the time coaching has taken up (I mean, I understand...but it sure does monopolize time!), I am absolutely thrilled Chris has gained so much from this experience.  

Needless to say, our camera battery charger has been MIA for months so I have yet to take any pictures!  HOWEVER, Rosa joined us at a tournament at York High School and took some great pictures on her phone!  So,  here you all go, a few pictures of the Coach!  Coach Ortiz!  Live!  In action!

York High School Tournament

York High School Tournament

The ol' stomping grounds: NNHS 

(and quite possibly the worst place to watch a water polo game...)

Just To Make Chris Happy. . .Part II:

I get a call from my manager around 9:00 am.  asking me to go pick up some product from the Naperville Chili's.  My phone was randomly turned off.  I *rarely* turn my phone off at night.  Well, I didn't get the call from my manager until approximately thirty minutes before I had to be at work.  So, I give him a call, he says it's fine if I'm late, because we need the product.  Realistically, I was only going to be about ten or fifteen minutes late.  

I jumped in the car and drove off to the Naperville Chili's.  Got the goods, drove back to the Wheaton store.  Get into work and the place was crazy busy!!  It was a Monday lunch so this was EXTREMELY odd.  I was like, go figure!  I am late and I miss out on all of these tables!!  Even though I missed out on the early round of tables, I still made pretty good money -- especially for it being a Monday lunch.  

I walk out to my car and go to start it.  

Nothing.

Try it again.

Nothing.

I groaned.  Why did I groan?  *sigh*

Now, I knew that I was driving on low gas, but I was pretty sure that I'd be fine.  What I didn't in factor in was driving to Naperville before my shift at work.  

My car did not start because I allowed it to completely run out of gas.    

Yes, Chris came in and saved the day!! On his first day of spring break (which he reminded me repeatedly)!!  

So...here you go my love!  Just to make you happy!! :)

Alrighty... feel free, let the berating begin. :)

Just To Make Chris Happy. . .Part I:

SO, the keys have been found.  Yes.  They were found about a week later and $15 dollars later (after I made three sets of new condo keys).  Where were they found?  I'm sure you're all just DYING to know.

My dad and his wife had a 2nd birthday party for my half brother at this place called Odyssey Fun Zone (or something like that).  For the locals, it's right off of 88 and 59 behind the Carmax.  It's something like a Chuck E. Cheese/Show Biz Pizza/Enchanted Castle but in a larger building, with games and rides that really range from 2 - 14.  The 14 is sort of pushing it, unless they're there for the old out-dated arcade video games,  Laser Tag or Paintball.  Needless to say, Chris and I were walking in and he promptly hands me his keys.  I of course looked at him and said (as I've said numerous times over the years), "Is it so hard to  keep your keys with you . . .  in your pocket?!"  Chris just looked at me with a sheepish grin (as he has done for years) and then proceeded to open my purse and toss his keys in on the top.  

Well, we then ate some greasy pizza, drank some soda and then went on to play some games.  I kicked Christopher's little booty at air hockey.  Woooo woooo!!  

Moving right along.  I then had to go use the little girls room.  Chris waited for me outside the door.  As I exited I decided to plop my purse on a the vacant paintball registration counter to fish out a piece of gum.  AT THAT TIME I MUST HAVE ACCIDENTALLY LEFT CHRISTOPHER'S KEYS (WHICH SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN IN MY PURSE TO BEGIN WITH) ON THIS VACANT COUNTER.

Apparently this joint is closed Monday - Wednesday to top it all off.  So when I tried to call them to see if they had the keys, I couldn't get through.  Chris finally got through to them and we picked them up about a week after the "incident."

So that's the whole story.  Chris has been all over me to blog about this.  However, I feel that this could be up for some good debate.  Who's fault is it really??  ;)  

So, here ya go Chris!!  :)  Just to make you happy!

New United Nations Member

So, I know that most of you think that I am a little overly obsessed with a little show called Battlestar Galactica, but here is further evidence that I am not as crazy as most of you think. Tonight, the United Nations will be hosting a forum dedicated to the show. This forum will feature Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell (Admr. William Adama and President Laura Roslin, respectively), as they answer questions and analysis of and about the show and its prominent themes about war, torture and human rights. Also featured will be the creators and writers of the seminal show. To top all of this off, super-fan Whopi Goldberg will host. Here is a link to a cool article about the forum.