Birthday Fun

Took this picture with my camera phone on the T on the way home after my birthday.

Two things are scary about this picture:

1. We are all sober


2. Stefanie (on the left) was the only one intentionally making a "crazy" face - she thought that's what we were going to do - Kristin and I - we just naturally look crazy.

Year End Reflections

Let's do a quick recap...

1. I'm now 34


2. Almost lost one of my best friends


3. Gained a few new ones


4. Divorced - officially


5. Dating - officially


6. Went through 3 different hair stylists


7. Did a few things that scared me


8. Watched the Cardinals win the World Series


9. Got a speeding ticket for the first time since I was 20 - thanks NY - you really do suck!


10. Saw Guns N Roses

I think the homeless person (see picture) I saw on the train a few weeks ago sums it up best...

"I got no worries, no job, no boss, no woman (no man for that matter) but I'm not against the gays, that's not my business, you wanna be gay be gay who am I to judge anybody. I've got 25 hallways I can sleep in anytime I want, I don't worry about anything. I'm just sitting here on this train enjoying my buzz. I'm not drunk, I'm just buzzed. Just riding this train, keeping warm. You white folks come out when it gets cold out - not like us black folks - we don't handle the cold like you do..."

He continued voicing the random thoughts in his head for the entire 20 minute train ride and it was awesome. He may have been buzzed but he sure did have the right idea: a) just sit and enjoy the ride b) live and let live c) don't forget to rest once in awhile d) don't worry too much e) if you're white be sure to dress warmly because apparently we like the cold :-)

From his picture you can see that he is dressed for the holidays as well which is nice :-) He clearly has the Christmas spirit.

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!!

This one's for you...

A poem for Kirk

Kirk, You are the man
You make deer meatloaf - and tomatoes you can
Your kid Lil E - he is so cute
And you have a beautiful wife Julie to boot (as in bonus not as in kick)

New Baden is where you live
Oh what I wouldn't give
For an ice cream from the Frosty Whip
But that sh*t would go straight from my lips to the hip

Julie and Me - we're a couple of "Basket Cases"
But who could resist our sweet round faces
Two crazy girls who laugh and cackle like witches
And proud to be a couple of bad a** b*tches!


And Scene

Note: The Frosty Whip was my favorite ice cream place in New Baden when I was a kid. Sadly it's no longer there. As a child I told my parents that if they ever got divorced I would live with Dad because he was the one who always took me to the Frosty Whip.

Note 2: New Baden IL was originally named Baden but was renamed New Baden after being destroyed by a tornado in the late 1800's early 1900's.

Note 3: Kirk makes the best deer meatloaf and canned tomatoes ever!

Storefront Dogs