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!

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.

It Ain't Cool Being No Jive Turkey So Close to Thanksgiving 2008

So, I started this around Turkey Day, but have been really busy, so it is coming up a little late. (That's what she said.) This has been a year of ups and downs for most people I know. We have seen several new arrivals while saying goodbye to loved ones way too soon. While the world has been weaving it's web round us, I have to say that the people that have gotten me and others through it all have been the best friends and family that a person could ask for. The small amount of people that are devoted to reading my missives are more important to Mar and I than I can put into words. Thanks for being there and I hope you all know that we have the best friends EVER. Now on to the additional thanks and happy thoughts:

• Turkey Bowl- By my count, this was the the fourteenth edition of the annual affair. Although we were a little light this year in regards to participants, this is a tradition I hope never ends. LVP goes to Brian J. 
• The Chicago Cubs Playoff Run- For the second year in a row, we made a great run. I had the good fortune to go to the best regular season game that I have ever attended. Rami's grand slam to win the game in the bottom of the ninth was exhilarating. I have never experienced that type of electricity at a ballgame. In my heart of hearts, I know that 2009 will be the year. 
• Radiohead- Now that I think about it, I don't think I have told you guys that I went to go see Radiohead this summer at Lollapalooza. BEST CONCERT EVER. Radiohead is my favorite band and their music has been inspiring me since 1997. This year, I had the good fortune of finally attending one of their concerts. It was on a sunny, hot day in Grant Park, and I made the trip solo, as most people I know do not know how to appreciate the world's greatest band. To make a long story short, it was  a truly mesmerizing evening that I still think about. The show was perfect in every way and I am grateful that I just had the chance to experience the magic. 
• Frank the Gnome- Frankie has been a very welcome addition to our little family. He watches over us and the cats with his enchanting smile and showers us with good thoughts and feelings. 
• The Wisconsin Trip- Our little trip up to the Northwoods was a lot of fun. The cabin was beautiful and we had a lot of fun with the people that joined us. 
• The Battlestar Mid-Season Finale- Totally breathtaking. The best show on tv did not fail to deliver with a near perfect episode. I still cannot believe how it ended. 
• The Mist- As I have previously mentioned, this delicious beverage brings me joy every time I taste it.
• My New Team- I recently met my new water polo team and cannot wait to start the season next March.
• My Kids- My eyes are opened in new ways every day and show me why I chose to do what I do.
• The Bouncing New Additions- As I mentioned, we have has several new arrivals this year. Welcome to each and every one of you. You all have great parents that will shower you with love and attention. I can only hope that you will soon know the joy of a Cubs World Series Championship.
• Mr. President-Elect- We did it folks. By no means will he wave a magic wand that will fix the mess we are in, but I think he will give us a fighting chance.
• My Family- They have always been there and always will be. Thanks for putting up with me.
• Marilyn- Thank you for saying yes. We have been at this little game for quite awhile, and August 1st cannot come soon enough. You have made me the person that I am today and brought me nothing but joy and love. Seeing you walk down the aisle will make me the happiest man in the world. Our lives are just now beginning and you are the only person that I can imagine spending the rest of it with. 

The Story So Far

Since I have been blogging, I have meant to tell this story but have not yet had the time to sit down and make a real effort of it. Considering the amount of grief that I got for having a particularly long post about my Radiohead concert experience and not yet telling this story, I figured it is about time. Well, it officially began in October of 2000. This was the fateful month that my Chili's career started. Hard to believe it was that long ago, but it was. Anyways, since I decided to hang up my barista apron and start making some real money as a server, I applied for a position at Chili's since it was on my way home for COD State. Needless to say, I got the job and started training within a week, and as luck would have it, Marilyn was one of my trainers. Now, at this point, I had no idea what the future held for me, and to quote Marilyn, "I did not think he was going to make it. Chris was too quiet, reserved and never smiled." This generally is a bad sign for a new server, but I guess I overcame the odds and here I am eight years later.

I eventually finished training, completing only four of five days since I was such a great learner. As I got to know my new co-workers, I started to let my guard down and get to know the great people that I was working with. One of these people was Marilyn. Not to long after starting the job, I was regularly hanging out with my co-workers and we all formed fairly tight bonds. After all these years, I still keep in contact with several of the people that I started with, even though most have moved on to bigger and better things.

The event that really kicked things off in my courting of Mar was a Cubs game. A perk of working at Chili's is the contests that they run. The prizes vary, but in the summer of 2001, the winning team of a margarita contest got to go to a Cubs game. The date was Tuesday, August 21, 2001 against the Milwaukee Brewers. We all caught the train together and upon arriving at Union Station, we saw several vendors selling fresh grown sunflowers. Marilyn made an off handed comment about how much she liked sunflowers, so I made sure to take note. After a great game, which featured the debut of Juan Cruz for thos who care, we made the long journey back to the Loop. While this shouldn't be a long journey, we were all listening to one of the people with us and he took us on a long walk that was headed in the wrong direction. Anyways, we finally made it back to the train station, where we once again saw the flower vendor. While Mar was in the washroom (shocking), I made my way over to the flower stand and bought her a sun flower. Even though this was before an official date, I think we both consider it to be the de facto beginning of our relationship.

Well, I had just moved in with one of my co-workers, Alyssa, for better of for worse, and we headed back to our place after the game. We all had a great time and rented a couple of movies. I really want to say we watched The People Under the Stairs but I am not certain. As I mentioned, we all enjoyed ourselves and Marilyn ended up being the final person to leave that night. Over the next few days, Mar came over almost every night to watch movies or just hang out as we leaned more about each other. We also took in our first concert together during these days. It was a Bare Naked Ladies show on August 24 at the World in Tinley Park. OUR friend Elisa had a crazy college roommate who won a limo and concert tickets, so Mar invited me along. The show was a lot of fun, and we both enjoyed each other's company. This all lead to the following Saturday at Bar Chicago.

Todd's brother Brad's girlfriend won a free party, so we headed down to the city to take advantage of the free drinks. As was my habit in those days, I had my fill, so my natural nervousness was gone. This lead to some mean carpet burning as I was pulling out all of my patented moves. Mar claims that I was not the dancing machine that I remember, but my moves were obviously impressing her. After the crazy night of partying, we went to a party at a co-workers where the flirting continued. At the end of the night Mar dropped me off and I stumbled upstairs to pass out. The next morning I was totally hung over and could barely work the double that I was scheduled. Mar bartended that night while I was in cocktail. I got my butt kicked the whole night while she watched a laughed. The laughing at my expense seems to have become a theme, but I have learned to deal with it.

Well, the two weeks of flirting culminated on September 4, with our first official date. I once again used my considerable skills and procured Sox tickets in order to impress the lady. This will probably shock most of you, considering the fact that I believe there is only one team in Chicago that is worth my money, but I was willing to turn a blind eye in the name of the game. We both enjoyed the game and went out for dinner that night. That night, we shared our first kiss and the rest has become bitter history. Of course I am joking. I know that this was a long story, but this is how it all began. Seven years later, we are still going strong and as happy as can be. Even though we are still serving ritas and fajitas at the Pepper, we both know that without that store, we would not have each other. Needless to say, this goes out to my little Marilyn. I love you and cannot wait to see you walking down the aisle towards the happiest American of Puerto Rican and Mexican decent in the world.



Coming Soon: Chapter Two- The Further Adventures of Two Crazy Cat People