Merry Christmas Dudes!!!

Have a great Holiday fellas.

Love from,

Ax

Whaaa?

Holy crap! That was a sweet Notre Dame win; I don't care if they were playing Hawai'i. I'll be the first to say it: we will DEFINITELY win a National Championship next year. Merry Christmas, dudes!

- Jonathan

So maybe AZ basketball is having a rough year.

But on the other hand, our governor is now the head of Homeland Security. Whereas the governor of Illinois...

ND Prints

Hey dudes, sorry if this is redundant for some of you. I just finished this oil painting of the dome at ND. As you've probably noticed by now, it is f'ing amazing...so I made prints for the holiday season. There are two sizes available: 8"x10" ($30) and 11"x14" ($45) and they are ready to mail. If you are interested, let me know. I have a Paypal account set up, so it is as easy as pie to order and you'll get them in under a week. Also, if you know anyone else that may be interested or is a huge ND fan, please pass this message along. Thanks guys!

Jonathan

PS - Teddo, what a random/totally sweet vacation. I'm glad you befriended some lucky strangers. Any love connections?

What I did with my government loans

So I had my vacation month in November since we don't get summers off anymore, and enough extra money and time that I thought I would try to take a trip. Now that I have my passport and have never been to Europe.. I just picked Barcelona and found a cheap flight and a hostel and booked it. It also helped that I wasn't held back by a girl partying in my room who puked in a trash can. Sorry Sam, the blog has been rough on you recently, but I had to put it in. I was abroad 11 days, with 8 days in Barcelona and 3 days for a trip to Paris I booked while I was there. Since nobody else actually had the same vacation month or time to come with me, I just went by myself. I met plenty of random friends from Australia, Canadia, Germany, the UK, Chile, Colombia, Belgium, and all over.. Chris, I even met a Polack friend who I told should come to Chicago since there are probably more of his people there than in his city. I actually liked visiting Barcelona better than Paris, but they were both pretty awesome for a sheltered Indiana boy who had never been past Mexico or the Caribbean. Anyway I put up a bunch of pictures on facebook for whoever still goes on there.

Pictures

More Pictures

Merry Christmas everyone, and keep the blog going

Ted

Thanks Sam

I think you're #1 too.

Big win for the Irish last night. With the football in disarray, I'm now firmly on the Irish basketball bandwagon. They're actually a fun team to watch - gone are the days of Chris Thomas going 3 for 15 from the field.

I hope everyone has safe travels and enjoys a good Thanksgiving, even if you're eating a Tofurkey (I don't care if I spelled Tofurkey right).

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Chris

Chris ive got something for you

Arizona Basketball

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to showcase the greatness that is Arizona Basketball. I guess since Lute left, Arizona basketball is going to be just as good as Arizona football.



I'm not sure if these are dumb fouls or if the Arizona basketball players just don't know how to read numbers.

Chris

PS - I think we're going into a depression.

John McCain had a similar large-scale rally to celebrate his win...

And, like all the other rallies in support of Gov. Sarah Palin and himself, there were very few people there.
Why you ask? Because their political supporters actually had jobs they needed to be at. HEYO!

Thought you'd all enjoy that one. All in good sore-loser fun.

I want you all to know that this is my first Blog post ever, after Chris challenged my intellectual capabilty in figuring out the whole "register" process. Normally I accept that sort of mental abuse only from my over-bearing former roommate, Greg... so I decided to do something about it.

Since you all are welcoming me to the site, I expect a welcome basket full of cheese and fruit...but mostly cheese (brie).

Anyway, I want to let you all know that Pat and I and our dates (Hannah and Kat) had a wonderful Japanese Sushi dinner last night in Columbia. The best part was the college 20-something "undeclared" American bus boy dressed in a Kimono serving the water. He fooled me. I thought he was authentic Japanese, except the unkept beard gave him away. We expect good times in the coming 5-6 months as we cohabitate this time-capsule of a city.

All are welcome as Hannah and I have a guest room! Go Irish, Beat Someone, anyone...honestly..

Give your support to the man chosen to lead

I am speaking, of course, of Brady Quinn, our bookstore basketball nemesis, Myoplex hocking man-crush who made his first start for the Browns last night. Its been too long since ive spent 4 hours a weekend staring at those triceps.

Nice pictures Chris. It looked pretty crazy on television. I was worried that you might drown in Jesse Jackson's tears, but seems like you made it ok. A little better than my celebration consisting of scotch and Team America's: America, %$&# Yeah on a loop, playing at volume off a friends balcony in Washington.

Thanks to you all for your well wishes for Amy. She is doing much better now, is back to work and is prepping for med school interviews. I was really bummed that I couldnt make it to the wedding, but it sounds like it was a great time. Congrats again, Anthony.

Most of you know, our date is officiallly the 4th of July, so put it down on your calendars. Pat, who will turn 26 on the occassion, has already stepped up and bought his tickets so kudos.

I hope everyone is well.

Some Pictures from the Rally

There were a ton of people there. I circled the podium in one of the pictures. The lights made it hard to really see the podium, but I could definitely tell there was a human up there when he was giving his speech.

Chris

Obama Rally When Election Was Called

Congrats America!!!!

To all my American friends, congrats.

Never did I think I would still be in my 20's when America elected its first African American President! No matter which side you voted for this truly is a momentous occassion. Canada hasn't even had a Black Prime Minister! Then again, we don't have many Black people up here! hahaha! But we have beaten you in the Female leader department. Even though Kim Campbell was only Prime Minister for a few months back when I was in elementary school!

Anyways dudes...my first hopes for Obama would be for him to invade Canada! No one would see it coming. He could create the biggest most superest Country ever...plus you could then claim our northern beauty as your own and even incorporate some of our more liberal laws. And we could use your strong handed help with our Native uprisings! And then I could also finally not worry about my Visa status every time I cross a border! I think I'm on to something!!!

Peace easy fellas. Hope all is well.

Ax

Track the Election

Just Like Any Other Female Human

Cindy McCain Claims She's Just Like Any Other Female Human

Jonathan told me about this, and I thought it was rather funny and scary.

Chris

...

I wish I wasn't broke as all hell 'cause I'm bummed that I missed the fun in the sun! Sounds like the wedding was grand and that Greg ended it all with a wonderful story. I'm sorry I missed everyone but hopefully I'll be able to catch up with some you again soon.

I'm working pretty much none stop right now at an Italian Restaurant. Currently serving but will be bartending as of next week. That's my wonderful Notre Dame education getting put to work...along with half a Masters Degree! The money is ok. It's near McMaster University here in Hamilton so we get a good group of people running through the place. Last night I made $130 in tips alone!!!

I booked the weekend of November 21, 22, 23 off for the final Notre Dame Football game. I"m undecided whether I'll actually go, or just take a road trip somewhere. My lady friend Nicole wants to go back to Chicago sometime so we might just do that instead!

Anyways fellas, once again sorry I missed everyone. Congrats to Anthony (and Greg apparently). And lets try and keep on this thing a bit longer. We effing suck sometimes on keeping up with news on one another so lets give it another shot.

Peace Easy....

Ax

Nice Try

Dude - The blog is so dead.

Anyway - I think she wanted to get on Greg because he looks like Kevin Heffernan from Super Troopers.

Don't do it!

Chris,

The blog is NOT dead. I read your story and was entraced...even though you had told it to me the day before. Also, I know Rowlands read it because he called to ask me what I said to Greg's beloved. By the way, I will only reveal what I said to her at Greg's wedding...to her. I can only image what their conversation went like:

Greg: So, you're a gate agent.
Her: Yep.
Greg: Well...I'm a special agent
Her: I want you on me.

Later dudes!
Jonathan

You Suck

You guys suck - not one comment or post this week in response to Greg's story (not even from Greg). It's official, the Blog is dead. Unless I can think of good reason why not to, the Blog will officially close its doors a week from today.

A Weekend to Revive the Blog

Well the Blog has been close to dead lately, but I'm hoping that Anthony's wedding provides the spark needed to revive it. First and foremost, I want to say how kick-ass Anthony's wedding was - for most of the ceremony and reception he had the biggest smile on his face (Hannah looked pretty happy as well). The reception was amazing and had everything a Yankee like me could want from a Southern wedding: It was outside, there were trees with Spanish moss, there were country songs, we drank from flasks, and there were sparklers. The night was capped off by a fire at Anthony's mom's place. Greg and Jonathan got us lost and almost shot, but luckily we made it.

What may be the most memorable story or perhaps the most unexpected story from the weekend actually happened in the airport on Sunday. Jonathan had the earliest flight (well except for Ted, but he was on his own). So Greg, Molly, and I returned the rental car and went to wait in the airport. Greg paid $50 to change his flight to an earlier time, which meant he would be flying on the same flight as Molly and I on the connection to Alanta, but he wasn't given a seat assignment (this information is important later). We got through security and actually saw Jonathan before his flight took off. Jonathan, being recently married, noted that the ticket agent at the gate was attractive, Greg concurred (since I'm deeply in love with Molly, Jonathan and Greg had to inform me that she was blonde and curvy in all the right places). This was the very ticket agent that Greg was going to have to get his seat assignment from. As Jonathan was in line to board, Greg and I waved goodbye (in a totally straight way). Jonathan motioned to Greg that he was going to put in a good word for him with the ticket agent (this was retribution for Greg's lack of game with a single bridesmaid). Greg, being a man that has seen war, was not at all intimidated by this (well, actually I think he started sweating from fear/excitement). As Jonathan boarded the plane, he said a few words to the ticket agent and pointed to Greg. She smiled and Greg shrunk in fear thinking "What did Jonathan say to her?" (Possible things Jonathan said - "see that guy, he's hung like a horse/gerbil" or "see that guy, he'll pay for sex" or "see that guy, he's my boyfriend")

After the flight was boarded, Greg had to go over to get his seat assignment. Filled with so many emotions, he walked over to the counter. Molly and I (mostly I) tried not to stare at the exchange, but one thing was clear to hear - the giggling of the ticket agent. Greg returned after 5 minutes of obvious flirting uttering the words "I'm in first class." Having seen Greg's lack of game, I was amazed. What did Jonathan say to her? Greg said she would not tell him. I didn't think much more about the exchange. That is until the ticket agent comes over the intercom announcing that the flight to Atlanta is overbook (yes, the very same flight she just gave Greg a seat on). She offered $400 and a free lunch to anyone willing to change flights. Greg, feeling somewhat responsible for this, went back to talk to the ticket agent (taking a break from watching the OC). Giggling and flirting quickly ensued. Molly discretely checked the action and reported that they were definitely hitting it off. Apparently, the ticket agent was "presenting" to Greg (presenting = leaning over the counter towards him with her chest prominently displayed). This time the conversation lasted roughly 10 minutes. Greg came over with a ear-to-ear grin on his face and reported that he was going out to lunch. "You took the later flight?" I asked. Greg quickly replied that he was on his original flight, $350 richer and was taking the ticket agent out to lunch. Was this a movie? No, this really happened. Upon later reports from Greg, she took him to a nearby Cuban restaurant followed by Coffee and a romantic walk around a nearby lake. She even tried to get on the flight to Atlanta just to spend more time with Greg. This is Greg's story, but I find it equally plausible that she took him to her apartment and had her way with him (Get your tickets for flights to Tallahassee in 6 months for the shotgun wedding).

Where Greg's romance takes him from here, I have no idea, but rest assured that this story will be preserved forever on the Blog.

I expect comments to flood in.

Chris

Football Games

Hey Guys,

Time to start talking about football tickets. Right now, I know that I'll be going to the San Diego St. game (Sept. 6) and not the Purdue Game (Sept. 27). I want make an effort to get to any games that you guys are going to, so let me know. I'm probably not going to the Michigan game (Sept. 13) unless one of you guys is going. Also, let me know about flying into Chicago. If I can help out anyone flying into O'Hare, let me know.

Peace Out,
Chris

Pictures

08.08.08

Unfortunately I cannot make it into South Bend until Thursday, so I will miss the sure-to-be-awesome bachelor party. But, Amy and I will be there early on Thursday, so im looking forward to some great times through Sunday. Has anyone actually reserved a hotel room? Ted did the hard part and looked into pricing, we should probably act on this soon...

Alls well out here, will finally be done with travelling at the end of July. End of July brings August, August brings Sundy's wedding, then comes September, brings fall football. Things are looking good.

I'm coming!

Alright you bastards, I've got tickets to the wedding and am ready to raise Cain!

I'm flying into South Bend, hopefully in time for the bachelors' party. I'm officially pandering, holding my thumb out, for a ride from the airport to wherever the festivities will be occurring. I'm flying in on Continental Flight 8737, arriving at 6:10 PM on the wednesday before the wedding. Any takers; any generous souls?

And I'm taking Chris up on his offer to fly out of O'Hare on Sunday, so I encourage as many as can to plan on staying to do something on Saturday.

On a side note, I've used Sundy's wedding to do a whole August vacation package, going to see a high school friend in Ithaca before the wedding, then after the wedding flying to Phoenix for a leisurely drive home with Cat back to South Carolina (from her summer internship). I finally get to see the two most important places in inner America: the Grand Canyon and Graceland. Long live the King.

Looking forward to it, fellas

Pat

Sundy's Last Night of Freedom!!

Hey dudes!

I just wanted to let you all know that we'll be having my bachelor's party on the Wednesday night before the wedding. I realize the timing isn't amazing, but you know I'd love for you dudes to come saki bombing before heading to South Bend's finest bars to get smashed, smoke cigars and dance with dirty townie cougars until the sun comes up. If you can get away from work/school, awesome. If not, you clearly don't support this union. Hope to see all of you there for Sundy's Last Night of Freedom!!

- Jonathan

PS - Sorry I've been so absent from the blog. I still love you guys.

Holiday Inn

I looked up all the 3 hotels where Jonathan reserved rooms, and the Holiday Inn downtown South Bend is the cheapest at $116/night. I'm assuming you guys are like me and are looking for the cheapest place.. also I would split my room with someone else, so we should figure out how we're rooming together.

About flying in, I know Chris can't take anyone from Chicago, but if you want to fly in to Indianapolis and drive up with me and Pat on Friday, let me know and I'd be willing to let a few people stay at my place Thursday night.

"Somebody's getting Married"

If anyone knows what movie the title of this post is from, I'll buy them a drink at Sundy's wedding.

Thanks to Pat for getting everyone thinking about this stuff. I for one am down with the canoe trip on Saturday. I'm planning on heading home Saturday, unless people are staying in SB for another night. People are free to stay at my place Saturday night before flights out of Chicago.

Alright, I figure I should let everyone know what my plans are in case people are relying on me for transportation to and from the airport. Unfortunately, I won't be any help to people getting to the wedding. I'm going to be up in Michigan before the wedding (Molly's family rents a lake house every year). I'll be going straight from the lake house to South Bend. I'm in the wedding, so I've got to be there early for the rehearsal and that jazz. Like I said, I'm fine with heading back to Chicago Saturday or Sunday. People are free to crash at my apartment and I can do drop offs at O'Hare (I can't drop off at O'Hare and Midway - Even without traffic they are an hour away from each other).

Let's all make sure that we get the same hotel. I haven't been on the knot site yet, but I'm sure we'll be able to find something.

Peace Out,
Chris

Alright y'all, let's make some plans...

So, I'm pretty stoked about 8/8/08! Two main questions: 1) where are we going to stay? and 2) which nights are we going to stay? Are people going to come in the night before, late Thursday? And do we just want to stay in South Bend the whole weekend, like leaving Sunday? Also, we need to find some rooms that are either a really sweet, big communal-like setup, or just something reasonably priced. I'm trying to get all this stuff setup because I'm going to do a big U.S. tour via discount airlines with the month I have off between my internship and what will perhaps be my last year of school.

Might as well give an update while I'm here: Just started my internship for the summer with a big law firm here in Columbia. It's pretty crazy how much activity there is... just keeping up with all the firm social events is wearing me out, not to mention the trying to get work done or staying long hours. But I definitely love it so far, and am still hoping to impress them enough that they give me a job after graduation. Fingers crossed. Still dating Cat, and that's going really well. She's out in Phoenix for the summer for her internship... of all places, in the finance department of the nuclear power plant out there. It'd be really if when she came back she glows in the dark. The long distance thing really isn't a challenge at all after doing this past semester abroad. Spending tons of time on the river in my free time; pretty much every weekend. Anybody interested in a canoe trip or something of the like the day after the wedding? If people are interested I could figure out the logisitics...

Sorry the post isn't any wittier... I have to see more of you guys to remember all the inside jokes. Really looking forward to both weddings this fall. Anthony and Greg: glad we have you back. Ted: thanks for the call; gread talking to you. Rowlands: how the heck are you? You going to be the next one engaged? Ax: good luck this season, I'll be keeping an eye out. Sam: let me know if you're going back to Arizona this summer and I'll try to schedule a trip out there the same weekend. Sundy: love the "the knot" website. Sorry, someone had to give you a hard time... but I will say, I've seen a lot worse. Chris: definitely need to get with you on some of the logisitics stuff. Hope the job's going well.

Later dudes!

Pat

ND Football

Thanks Ted for the reminder about the football season. I am going to submit tomorrow for Michigan - its the only game that I really have an interest in. If another game works out better for the majority here, ill just come out and enjoy the weekend. Dont have a huge desire to get in to the game itself.

For anyone who is interested, ND plays Navy in Baltimore on November 15. Im guessing Tim, Sarah, John Rowlands, Amy and myself might make it out. Baltimore is dirt cheap to fly into...

I know its greatly dependent on lottery results, but it would be helpful to know as soon as possible what weekend(s) everyone is leaning toward.

Football and Other News

Hey Guys,

Sorry I haven't been keeping the blog humming along. I don't have internet at my apartment. In fact, I don't have cable at my apartment either. I really am living the simple life since I moved out of my parent's house. I can use the internet for what I need at work and the only thing I miss about cable is the sports. With summer arriving, I figure all be outside a lot riding my bike and doing outdoor things.

Anyways, I am applying for tickets for all the games again this year. I can't go to the Purdue game because I have to work that Saturday. There are only 6 home games this year, so at most I'll be at 5. Let me know which games you guys are going to and I'll be sure to be around. I live near O'Hare so I won't be picking people up from Midway (that would a 2+ hour drive). I know Ted has been pushing getting together before Jonathan's wedding, but it would have to be cheap.

Keep on Rockin'
Chris

Football Tickets?

Yes, I know I posted this already, but since I didn't get any responses other than from Chris and Pat.. I'm asking again if we're going to try to go to a specific game this year. I'm applying for San Diego St., Michigan, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse. The applications are due on May 15th and would need to be sent in soon if anyone has one and is waiting to figure this out, but maybe that was just me. I've tried calling around to a few people, and I know Sam also wants to know if we pick any games.

Anyway, I'm about to start my last week of finals for 2nd year. Then it's on to studying for boards, and I start third year with ob/gyn on June 16th. I have time off between taking the test on June 2nd and starting on the 16th (and moving to Indy on the 6th) if we want to get anything together before Sundy's big wedding. I will have weekends off after I start rotations, but I just don't know which ones yet.

Anthony, I'm glad to hear you're back also. We've also been wondering where the wedding will be, so I'll try to talk to you sometime this week. I hope everyone else is doing well, and whether you are or not, post something to keep the blog going.

Ted

Anthony and a Big Bird

I got this message from Anthony with instructions to pass it on to you guys.

Gents,

After 14 months and 14 days I hear the big 3-engine bird is coming to take us home and away from this place. It'll be another week before I see the U.S. but i just wanted to let you all know I am coming home, finally. I've kept up with what I could via Yahoo! clips of the Blog postings. Looking forward to seeing you all in due time; possibly twice in the fall.

All the best
Anthony

Pretty awesome news if you ask me. I think we all are thankful that our ROTC men are finished with Iraq for a while.

Take Care,
Chris

We're waving the Canadian flag in spirit

Since I have enough for a real post, I'll say congrats again to Ax on the trade, and to everyone else, I found a link to bookmark for Ax's stats on his new team- Brevard County Manatees

Anyway, not much is really new with me, but I'm with Pat that we should decide which football games we want to go to.  I can't guarantee I'll get a specific weekend off, but I'll buy them and try to trade shifts if I have to to make it.  I also have vacation for November, so Pat I could probably make it up for your nostalgic reunion with ND.  To Jonathan and Chris (or if anyone else is in the midwest) the one weekend I have if you want to meet up is June 13-15th, so let me know if you want to do something in Indy, Chicago, or St. Louis.

Happy birthday, old Axamaford!

Happy birthday, you lanky, facially-hairy son of a gun! And congrats on the trade! Forward us a link to the team's website when you get a chance so we can keep up.

Might as well use the opportunity to check in, and try once again to perform CPR on this blog. Perhaps with 8/8/08 and football season approaching it will find new life.

Semester over in Spain is going well. My Spanish has gone from nada to todo in three months, and I have another month to go before I head home and begin to rapidly forget it all. Things with Cat are going great. Looks like she might be headed to Phoenix for the summer for an internship, so Old Sam, let me know if you'll be headed home at all this summer and maybe we can meet up for a gay time. Just spent the weekend with my folks who used me as an excuse to come over and see Spain, so that was refreshing. Um... not much else to report, other than sunny days by the river and hoping that 65 degrees will soon turn into 85.

So, it's way too soon to discuss perhaps, but I'll throw it out there: what game should we go to this year (for those of us who can only make it to one)? I might actually buy a ticket for this one! Please don't take this for sarcasm, but I'd actually kind of like to go to one late in the season for certain nostalgic and temporal reasons.

Miss you guys, and hope everyone's well. Love to hear from you.

Pat

Here's the new updates that I was talking about before!!!

Firstly, let me just say it's great to have Greg back and hopefully we'll all get to see him soon!

Now on with the post...
What's going on everyone...got a few new things to post...well, actually I only have one new thing to post but there are things that go along with it. Here it goes.

So, I am no longer with the New York Yankees. They released me in December. They felt that they needed to see there big money/time guys through over me, and they also felt that I'd have a better shot with another team (which in all honesty would be true). So, since they had no money invested in me and only 1 year, the Yankees decided to part ways with me, despite the fact that I through quite well for them and did better than probably 75% of their bullpen guys in High A ball and down! In any case that's how this post begins...

I am now with the Milwaukee Brewers. I am currently in Phoenix, AZ for Spring Training and just signed my new contract today. They have it stipulated in the contract that I will be going to High A in Viera, FL (Atlantic side, just south of Daytona) to start the season and possibly even AA in Huntsville, Alabama if Camp goes well. So I'm pretty pumped to be with a new team, especially a team that needs pitching!

Anyways...that's my news. Since I'm in the grand old US of A my cellular works again, so I'll be trying to get a hold of some of you to catch up since I really couldn't over the last many months.

Sam, I saw that you are travelling to AZ for business...is it to Phoenix? If so, hit me up and we'll catch dinner and maybe a Spring Training ball game.


and on a lighter note...I sure as hell hope that everyone has seen these videos...if not then shame on you...but here they are for your enjoyment. Just make sure you watch them in order!

Peace homies

Ax


http://youtube.com/watch?v=wnVJZkDuVBM&feature=related

http://youtube.com/watch?v=sIQrBouWRiE&feature=related

Hello Greg, and quick update

Welcome back Greg! Very glad to hear you made it back safe and sound, this is excellent news.
Some culture shock for you: http://www.glumbert.com/media/myspacekid


Watch it all the way through. Unbelievable.


A quick report from DC. I'm still at BearingPoint, working on the same HUD project about which I have talked to most of you. My travel season has started: San Francisco next week, nowhere Missouri two weeks later, NJ, AZ, Philly, Florida, Cleveland, Memphis and Spokane to follow.


My most exciting news involves non-work travel. Amy and I are going to Brazil for the first two weeks of April. Rio first, then Brasilia second for her grandmother's 90th birthday. Cannot wait for the trip, its been sometime since ive taken a real vacation.


Ted, Chris, John, glad to hear all is well. Pat, I am a bit thrown off by your comment "I figured it wouldn’t be that bad, considering all those glorious nights with Old Sam and with Old Gay Renzo." Not witty at all, unless you define wit as nothing more than an incisive observation, humorously phrased and delivered with impeccable timing. season VII episode 14.


Itll be tough for me to get to the midwest for a meetup, since im using my vacation hours for Brazil. That said, anyone and everyone is welcome on the East Coast (midatlantic?)...Rowlands and I would be good hosts, I assure you.


Take care everyone.

GREAT NEWS

For those of you who don't know - GREG IS BACK FROM IRAQ. He got back Saturday and I talked to him yesterday. Only a few more months until we get Anthony back.

Peace Out,
Chris

Hey guys,

Well, it was my idea to start the blog, so now that Ax has resurrected it, I better get off my lazy ass and write a post. Pat - sounds like Spain is a pretty good time, and it is pretty awesome that you get to travel Europe to meet with your girlfriend. Should I be doing a creepy facebook invite to this girl? Ax - thanks for getting things started again and the wonderful memories.

Speaking of memories, Jonathan, Meryl, and I relived some of our college days this past weekend, when we went to Molly's 21st birthday party at ISU. Yes - my girlfriend just turned 21, so deal with it. I had to drive to a work event at 6:00 AM the next morning, which was horrible. I think Jonathan and Meryl had a good time, but I don't think Jonathan blacked out (so maybe not).

In other news, I moved into my new place at the beginning of the February. I've got a one-bedroom on the far northwest side of Chicago. My daily commute went from 50 miles to 14 miles, which I am liking quite a bit. The good news when you guys come into Chicago for games, I live like 15 minutes from O'Hare and there are bars within walking distance of my apartment. The bad news is that it won't be like my parent's house with a bed for everyone.

In regards to Ted's idea, I would be up for a pre-wedding get together. I have no idea what my schedule is like for the Spring/Summer, but I'd be up for something. I'm living on my own now and on a budget, so I can't go crazy. You guys are always welcome at my place as long as I'm not visiting Molly.

Hopefully we'll keep the blogging momentum going.

Peace out,
Chris

And.... Weeeeeeeeeee!

Well, I’ll go ahead and pick up the baton on reinstating the blog.

So, the two biggest pieces of news are 1) I’m in Spain for the semester, taking nothing but Spanish language classes, and 2) I’ve been dating my girlfriend Cat for some 4 months, and she’s studying in France this semester, and we’re meeting up at various locations in Western Europe about twice a month.

We went to Barcelona a couple of weeks ago, and to Madrid last weekend. We’ve got Paris in a few more weeks, and Dublin for St. Patty’s. I’d really like to do Brussels and Casablanca in April. Pictures available on facebook.

I’m studying in a town called Salamanca. It’s a university town, with tons of drink specials, and tons of international (by which I mean English-speaking) students. I live in an apartment right on the river, with a gorgeous view, although I share a bedroom with one of my roommates in exchange for a reduced share of the rent. I figured it wouldn’t be that bad, considering all those glorious nights with Old Sam and with Old Gay Renzo. There are 6 guys + 2 of their wives from my MBA program at USC here with me (the other 3 unmarried ones being my roommates), so there’s some company.

Ted, for myself, going to have to decline the pre-wedding rendezvous. Once I get back and get settled, I’m starting a pretty sick internship with a law firm in Columbia, where I really have to impress the hell out of everyone, work 50-60 hour weeks, and definitely not take any days off, so as to try to procure a permanent job offer.

That having been said, I can’t WAIT for Sundy’s wedding! Not to mention it will be in the Basilica, not to mention that it will be during a time of year when South Bend is a genuinely pleasant place to be. I’m next to certain I’m going to road trip it. The only question is, whether and how much I plan to drive other to South Bend and back.

Other thoughts:

This country is addicted to ham. Seriously. Try to find beef or chicken, I dare you. It must have been part of their inquisition strategy to drive out the Moors and the Jews.

I watched Super Bowl XLII from 12-4 a.m., with Spanish sportscasters and no commercials. No, they did not say “GOOOOOOAAAAAALLL!” when touchdowns occurred.

If people ever talk to you about cheap flights within Europe, they’re full of shit, unless they mean flying at the worst imaginable times to and from the most inconvenient locations.

Bartenders here kick ass b/c they’re not always pandering for tips and being surly dicks whether or not you tip well. Tipping is not customary, unless your change is like 20 cents.

I've been keeping myself entertained, in part, by keeping up with the election. Any thoughts or preferences, especially from our Poly Sci majors?

Well, that’s all I have. How about updates all around? Take care, you scurvy curs!

Pat

I wanna say something. I'm gonna put it out there. If you like it, you can take it. If you don't, send it right back.

I agree Ax, we need to post more. That video is up there with monkey vs. robot, tunak tunak, and playing helicopter or text twist for hours a day to post your score on a dry-erase board outside your door.

I know everyone is busy, but would anyone be up for a weekend to get together in the next few months anytime before Jonathan's wedding? I know you could afford to make it for football games, so think of it that way without watching the team get destroyed. It's only asking for once in 6 months, and I think it has been too long. I'll be the first to volunteer my place, but it would be a lot easier once I move to Indianapolis in June. I think we can make it happen, so at least post something if you have an idea.

Are you kidding me!!!

We totally suck at this!

2 posts in the last 3 months! How God awful is that? I'd say very!

I'm gonna jump back on here later and leave a wonderful update on my status in life but for now I gotta run. I will leave you with some wonderfulness that will take us all back to a happier time. A time when we used to walk to Current Jazz class just to sign in and then leave! A time when we would skip Philo 101 to play video games in the triple! A time when we would make fun of the BFB teaching our Finite class! A time when we would get in trouble for getting other people drunk! A time when would see planes or helicopters flying over head and wish that we had a rocket launcher so we could be as awesome as GTA 3! Ahhhhhh to be young again!

Ok! maybe some of those were just me!

But this should still take you back to that grand time of life. Enjoy.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=6A0p-U1LBbQ

HAHAHAHAHA! OMG this makes me laugh again!

Later dudes.

Ax