33

Hello old friends. I know we have not posted in awhile, so here are 33 thoughts and happenings since our last update. Enjoy.

1. I cannot believe that I was not diligent in updating everyone on the fact that Battlestar Galactica is now back on the air for it's final run of shows. It came back mid-January, and the action has been fast and furious. Even Mar would agree. Stay tuned for my emotional farewell post after the three hour finale airs on March 20th (I know, I could barely contain myself when I found out how long the finale would be too!). 
2. The Grammy's once again failed to recognize last years best album. Of course I am speaking of In Rainbows by Radiohead. I did take some solace in the fact that Radiohead had the best performance with an excellent rendition of "15 Step," that included the USC Marching Band.
3. I have started coaching my water polo team, and totally love it. As of right now, we are 2-1 with four games coming this week. I will keep you updated.
4. We attended an ISU viewing party at Joe's on Weed St. that was held by the Alumni Association. Todd and Mandy joined us and we enjoyed watching them kick the crap out of Drake. It was nice payback after last year's debacle in the MVC Tourney final, which cost us a bid in the NCAA Tournament.
5. A couple of friends came over for the Superbowl. The game was very exciting, and I was a little disappointed to see the Cardinals lose. My favorite commercial was the Career Builder bit that showed the reasons that people will know if they hate their jobs. I loved the scene with the koala. Also, John has some 'splainin to do about how he saw the one second commercial.
6. I chaperoned the Turnabout Dance at work. The exciting part is that there was a current member of Menudo in the house. None of us knew until some sleazy looking people were seen taking photos of the dancing. I was unaware of what was going on and asked what was happening. Someone explained to me that the Menudite wanted to sign cds and perform, hence the photographers. Well, needless to say, they were denied, and left.
7. My mother turned 54. Happy birthday Rosa.
8. Frank got a dog named Harold. He is the combination of a poodle and a Lhasa apso. Frank named him after Harold Baines, his favorite White Sox player of our youth. Welcome to the family Harold.
9. Marilyn got a tutoring gig!! She will be tutoring a young Chinese student on the ins and outs of conversational English.
10. We celebrated a nice Valentine's Day with an enjoyable dinner at Macaroni Grill where we had a fabulous lemon dessert that I still dream of. We topped the night off with a viewing of the classic 90's classic Booty Call. No, this is not a typo. We both forgot how much we loved the misadventures of a man named Bunz. I recommend a viewing if you have never had the opportunity.
11. I suffered the unfortunate loss of my ipod the day before Christmas, which forced me to buy a new one. The new ipod is an itouch, a huge upgrade from my golden oldie that didn't even have a color screen. Even though I hated having to get a new one, the thing is fantastic and I am enjoying the hell out of it.
12. We have finished our registries. If you care to take a look, we are registered at Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond.
13. Cubs tickets went on sale, and Mar was able to secure a pair for my birthday. As an added bonus, the game is against the Cleavland Indians, which means it will be Kerry Wood's return to Chicago.
14. We had a new President sworn into office. I was lucky enough to watch the Inauguration while at work. It was a great moment, and truly something to see so many inspired people.
15. Speaking of the Obama Inauguration, one of my co-workers was a guest of a local congressman and had a ticket to the big event. While on my way to work, I was listening to NPR and heard a very familiar voice. The story was about a bus that got stranded in Ohio for eleven hours while on it's way to the big event. Even though no names were given, I was sure it was here, and sure enough, when she got back and I told her my story, she let out a huge laugh and retold it for me.
16. Our dear friend Andrew moved back down to St. Louis. Even though the knuckle head drives me crazy, we dearly miss having him around. Good luck buddy.
17. Our DVR crapped out on us, then all hell broke loose. I went and picked up a new box from Comcast and expected everything to be just fine. Well, this was not the case. For some reason the box was programmed for channels in as if it were in Elgin and would not record our programs. This meant NO BATTLESTAR. I repeat NO BATTLESTAR, very traumatizing. After a service call, all was put back to normal, but we went a whole week without DVR service, and if I did not mention NO BATTLESTAR.
18. We got confirmation that our dear friend Lisa will make it to our nuptials all the way form New Zealand. Lis, we are totally stoked that you will be a part of our big day.
19. I was a judge for both the regional and state competitions of the Business Professionals of America competition for the state of Illinois. It was a blast and I hope to do it again.
20. Our man Rod got impeached. It was pretty surreal to watch it go on here in our home state, but as they say, go big or go home. Apparently, Rod is going to the Big House.
21. I have become obessesd with crossword puzzles and you will find them littered around the apartment. Mar probably hates them, but at least it's not crack.
22. Starburst has unleashed their beloved jelly beans on us. Usually this is bad news because I eat so many that I get sick.
23. My bachelor party date is set. It will be on June 13th. Look out America.
24. We also set June 7th as the date of our wedding shower, details to follow.
25. Our friends over at Baseball Prospectus have predicted that my Cubbies will win the N.L. Central for the third straight year. Baseball is right around the corner, so please start you prayer campaign for the Cubs now. It's never too early to start. Oh yeah, they also said that the sox will finish in last place. Not that I noticed.
26. I discovered a great new television show. The discovery came while our channels were all jumbled and I was on the wrong channel. Anyways, the show is called "From G's to Gents," and it airs on MTV. It is about "thugs" who are looking to be reformed. Fascinating television.
27. After much debate, we finally chose our dinnerware. It was a knockdown drag out battle that has ended in a mutual choice that we both really like.
28. Aldi. There is not really much more to say than to check out this discount grocer. We now do a ton of shopping there, and I totally dig it. I highly recommend Clancy's Crunchy Cheese Curls, really tasty.
29. Beef jerky time. If you pay close attention to something that I mentioned earlier, you will know what I am talking about.
30. Team Tanks. We all have come to know and love the game of Tanks (yes, that includes you Jill). Well, back in December, Brian, Tony, Andrew and I developed Team Tanks. This version has one person controlling the direction of the tank, while the other controls the missiles. I know it sounds simple, but it is a wonder to behold.
31. The song "My Iron Lung" by Radiohead was released to Rock Band 2's downloadable soundtrack. Needless to say, I was thrilled and have enjoyed playing it many a time.
32. I have been reminded daily how much I love Marilyn and why I asked her to marry me.
33. And now the final observance/item that has happened since I last posted. The University of Illinois took jeselnicking to a whole new level when they scored a paltry 33 points against Penn State on Feb. 18. That score is for the whole game not just the first half as most would believe.

Well, thanks for hearing me out, and I promise to be more diligent about my posts in the future.