When did that happen?

How is 2008 almost over? I mean seriously. It feels like just recently I was all snazzied up, raising my glass of champagne (or was it sparkling cider...hmmmm) and ringing in 2008 with some good friends, and a friendly wager with my buddy Sizer. I half-jokingly said I was going to give up booze for the whole year. He said I couldn't do it. That turned my joke into a serious challenge. We only bet $10, but it was more the idea that he didn't think I could make it, and that I wanted to prove him wrong that was the driving force behind the bet. I didn't make it, but definitely felt I could have. I realized 2008 was going to be a year of firsts, and big deals that were going to call for a celebratory drink. So I gladly payed him $10 and went to Prost! for a bier sometime in March or April.

I kind of went off of the "not drinking for a year" tangent, but it really doesn't seem like that was nearly a year ago. Crazy. This last year has been a memorable one for me. Started off with the "no booze" challenge. Then I got laid off from WaMu, but moved rather easily to Wells Fargo. After a few months I got laid off again. Sweet. Twice in four months.

During that time though, while with WaMu, I went to Vegas, for only the second time ever, with my office. Such a blast. I know I never finished my three part blog about the trip but it was killer. They are going again in a month, January 2009, but sadly I won't be able to join them. Too bad too, they're a lot of fun...man I miss that office.

In June I went to New York with my old college roommate. First time in NYC for the both of us. We met up with another old college roommate, Walt, and saw a game at Yankee Stadium before it closed at the end of the 2008 season. We got to see Ken Griffey Jr. hit a HR, and I believe it was the last one he hit in Yankee Stadium. Walt headed back down to the DC area, but Jon and I mastered the subway system, walked around in Times Square, got my picture taken with the Naked Cowboy, threw the frisbee in Central Park, and got to see the Mariners play the Mets at Shea Stadium before it closed at the end of the 2008 season. The M's won behind the first ever grand slam by a pitcher, courtesy of Felix Hernandez. The whole trip was great. I love baseball, and so does Jon, so it was very cool for both of us to experience the New York stadiums, and even cooler than we got to do it together.

In July one of my best friends, and still a great friend, Sizer, got married in central Oregon. He asked me to be in the wedding, which was a blast. All of the groomsmen had become friends over the past several years so it was a lot of fun to see them all and hang out, have fun, and be there to celebrate our friend's wedding. We played golf, lawn games, poker, drank beer and just let loose and enjoyed being together. The wedding itself was beautiful. Size looked so sharp, and his lovely bride Elise was stunning. The night before the wedding one of our friends said it would be cool if we all walked up and gave Size something random when we walked up the aisle to our places. That turned into..."wouldn't it be sweet if we got him a wedding Mr. Potato Head and each gave him a piece of that?" Thanks to my mom, we were able to pull that off, which completely surprised Size, and was really fun to be a part of. The reception was a blast too. Beer, champagne, music, dancing, good friends, being outside...it was great. Despite the long drive to get there, it was a fantastic weekend.

I also took my then current roommate, Dan, to Vegas for his birthday in August. It was his first time there and we had a good time. Gambled too much, lost more money than we wanted, but did manage to play blackjack in 30 different casinos. Took him to dinner at this delicious Brazilian bbq place where we got the "all you can eat meat fest"...or whatever its called. OMG is it tasty. Also got to see the Sirens show at TI (just the free show they do out front, but still cool), and we stopped to see the water show at the Bellagio (like in the end of Ocean's 11), and finally made into old Vegas, or downtown. I love going to Vegas, and after having been twice (pretty recently) I felt I could show him a good time and think I did well.

In September was when I got laid off from Wells Fargo, and since then things have been different. I was still living with Dan then, and he started dating a girl. It had been a long time since he'd been in a relationship, so it was understandable that he was all "twitterpated" over her, plus they're a good fit for each other. So I saw him less, which I understood, but it took some adjusting to get used to. In October we decided we were going to each move out and go our separate ways as far as our living arrangements were concerned. He moved out in mid-November...and that was weird. Had to adjust to not living with Dan, and living alone. I thought I was going to move into a studio and live alone too, but that didn't pan out so well. Lucky for me my friend Melanie was looking to move and so we decided to move in together. Found this fabulous place in Ballard, and we moved in this month. She has two cats, and I'm not a cat person, but they're pretty cool. Never lived with a girl before either, but Mel is bomb, and the cats are entertaining so its all good...just new and different.

And that's about it...I think...as far as the highlights go. Plenty more happened, but those are the "BIG" things I can think of right now. Lots of good times spent with friends, camping trips, new friends, old friends, trivia nights, all nighters, 4th of July at Gasworks, a trip to Spokane, a trip to Portland, many Mariner's games, a few Seahawks games, countless happy hours, but all in all a pretty damn good year. Even with being laid off, and being currently unemployed, I'll remember 2008 for all the good that happened.

Unfortunately for 2009, its not going to start off on the best foot. I will more than likely still be unemployed, which is now becoming a much bigger problem than it was in September and October. Even so, I have high hopes for 2009 to be every bit as good as 2008. A lot has changed for me in the last quarter of 2008, some good and some bad, but I'm hoping to make more good changes in the new year. I'd even venture to say I'm optimistic...and coming from someone who considers himself a "realist," that's a pretty bold statement. Ah yes, I do believe 2009 is going to be my year :)

OMFG!!

The M's are no longer the worst team in baseball...well I don't think we ever were but we've had the worst record for some time now but not anymore baby (haha...not with inward singing check it out...lol). After our win tonight and San Diego's loss, the Padres now own the worst record in baseball. Not us!!! Sweet! Plus I went to the game tonight, and while it was unreasonably muggy, the game was great and I got to see it with my dad, sister & brother. My dad had never been to Safeco before so I know it was a lot of fun for him. Apparently the M's are undefeated when any of them attend. 4-0 for my sister, 2-0 for Batman this season & now 1-0 for dad. It was great to see the game with them and great to finally see an M's win at home.

I really felt that Felix's home run in NYC (yes I was at that game and it ROCKED (more about that and my NYC trip soon I promise)) and taking two of three from the Mets was a turning point for the team. Since then they swept the Padres in San Diego and just took two of three from the Blue Jays at Safeco. I freaking love baseball.

Cubbies also won tonight too!!!

Best of the best

Clearly I've been neglecting my blog over the last three weeks so (and this doesn't really count) but I just noticed it so I have to share this or I may just burst. As of last night, and even more so after their massive come-from-behind victory this afternoon, the Cubbies are not only in first place in the NL Central, but have the best record in all of baseball.

Get some (everyone else).

34-21 (.618) with the best current winning streak in MLB at five games.

Add that to the fact the M's just won two of three, both one-run victories, against the Red Sox and I'm in fantastic state of baseball bliss.

Sports frenzy

First off and most important, the Mariner's can't seem to win when I attend games in person at Safeco Field...then again they can't seem to win much at all so I'm not blaming myself. I went last night and they only managed TWO FREAKING HITS. You've got to be kidding me. It's Texas. They hit home runs and pitch terrible, not two hit the M's...**expletive**

In other sports news...

Kobe finally won his first MVP award and was a very deserving recipient this year. He is having his best season, he's getting his teammates involved and they're winning...convincingly. I said this before, and I'm sticking to it...I don't think anyone can stop the Lakers this year. Nobody.

After a nasty slip and fall, the Pistons lost their starting PG Chauncey Billups for game three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals...and as a result lost the game to the Magic. Glad to see Orlando finally beat Detroit in the playoffs. I thought they could win the series before, but if Chauncey can't come back, or comes back at less than 100% I think Orlando's chances of winning the series are even better.

Speaking of the Detroit/Orlando series...that clock malfunction play at the end of the third quarter during game two should now bring about changes to where officials can do more to "estimate" when clock malfunctions occur. I mean seriously. Granted the Pistons won by more than three, but it was a critical turning point in the game. This is me shaking my finger (Mutombo style) at David Stern and the NBA.

Who the hell does Tony Romo think he is? I absolutely hate when professional athletes try to pursue other sports careers. He's dating the equivalent of a blow up doll with a better rack and getting all this praise for being such a great QB when in reality he's mediocre at best and actually plays worse when his brainy blonde is in attendance. Clearly he has other things he needs to focus on, but instead he was at some Texas, regional, local, community, satellite golf tournament qualifier trying to qualify for the US Open. WTH!? Did he shoot better than I would've? Yes, but he's not a golfer, he's barely a QB, and of course he didn't make the cut. Next time you might as well just go ride a motorcycle with no helmet and see what happens then. Stupid freaking professional athletes. Focus on your sport. Or your family. Or charity work. Things that matter or things that you're getting paid too much to do. UGH.

Carlos Gomez of the Twins was only the 8th player in team history to hit for the cycle. He did so in reverse order, starting with a home run, a triple, double and ending with an infield single...speed baby! First Twin to hit for the cycle since Kirby Puckett in 1986. Kudos to you Carlos and a big thanks for the boost to my fantasy baseball team :)

Cliff Lee of the Indians pitched another gem, this team blanking the Evil Empire over seven strong innings, and lowering his MLB leading ERA to 0.86. He's won his first six starts and appears to have found whatever it was that was missing last year when he was sent down to the minor leagues. The other four men in MLB history who started a season 6-0 with an ERA less than 1.00 all won the Cy Young that year. Should we just give it to him now? My hat's off to the man with two first names and also gets special thanks for rocking my fantasy baseball team :D

In the NHL the Conference Finals are upon us, with Detroit taking on Dallas out west and the Pittsburgh taking on Phillly in the east. I don't follow much hockey but it looks like Detroit and Pittsburgh will move on to the Stanley Cup Finals, with Detroit getting the edge there or maybe not. I like watching hockey, well, at least in person, but I could really care less about the NHL playoffs. Go Silvertips!!

In the NFL, future Hall of Fame WR Marvin Harrison appears to have gotten himself into quite the snafu in his hometown of Philly. Apparently he bought a car wash and a bar in one of the more run down, dangerous parts of the city and was involved in a fight or scuffle that resulted in gun shots being fired. Police later matched the bullet casings to a special Belgian made gun that Harrison owns. WTH Marvin? Stay in Indy. Continue catching TD passes from Manning and stay out of trouble. Of all the trouble and legal problems in the NFL, I never though Marvin Harrison's name would surface and certainly not like this. It's unclear what will happen, but nothing good can come of this.

And lastly I'm pretty damn sick and tired of hearing about Eight Belles, the horse who finished second in the Kentucky Derby then broke both of her ankles and was then euthanized on the track. PETA needs to do some serious apologizing to the jockey (who they publicly declared should be suspended from riding bc they felt he should've known better and pulled up before the horse broke her ankles) who did nothing wrong nor did he fail to do anything that another jockey would've done. The issue here is not this jockey, or even this horse, its that this was a philly (only two or three years old) racing against much older, stronger horses, and how nowhere else in the world do horses so young race professionally. There's also the issue of drugging the horses, either with steroids or anti-inflammatory drugs, which is causing so many horses to get hurt, or run through the pain bc they can't feel that its there. I'm no expert on this, but if PETA wants to be taken seriously, and actually wants to make a difference and see change...they need to really think before speak and go after the real issues.

Boeing = getting paid = being awesome this summer

So I have eight days of work left here with WaMu. Two M's games, a paycheck & a bonus/incentive check will help ease the pain...HA HA. I just want to know when I get my severance check & my vacation pay out. Unfortunately I also need to secure a new job, preferably with Boeing...so that I can make bank. Or at least more than I make now, which really isn't that much for having a four year degree, so that my plans for summer awesomeness can happen...and not put me back in credit card debt :)

I went and saw 21 last night. Fun movie. Not outstanding, but definitely makes you want to go to Vegas, even if you've never been before or if you've been within the last few months. As I was leaving the theater with my roommate I asked him if he wanted to make the Vegas trip in July (which we'd already agreed to) our second trip to Vegas this year. WHAT!?! Yea...that'd mean we would go in the next 30-50 days, and then go again in July. I mean...why not? Vegas rules. Throw in that my roommate's never gone before, and that this is the summer of awesomeness and "life experiences"...then there's no way to turn it down.

Next step is to get another guy on board...or two girls. I think these are the best two options when two guys are already in...you either bring on a third guy to rock it bachelor style (has to be another single dude tho) or find the right two ladies (fun, easy going, like to party and let loose) to pair up with the two guys.

Our first idea was an old college roommate of mine, who would be perfect for the third guy even though he's not single...well at least I thought he wasn't. I run the idea by him in a text message and he replies back with this (summary) "sounds great, but I got in a drunk fight with my girlfriend recently and got arrested for DV (domestic violence)...I didn't hit her or anything but I have to go to court in early May and I'm not sure what will come of it." WOW! I hadn't talked to him in awhile so to get that kind of news just blew my mind. Hopefully it will all work out well for both of them, and he will be able to come with us...because he and I together (OMG especially in Vegas) would be out of control...but in a good way.

Scenario two involves my roommate being significantly more proactive with the ladies than he's accustomed to. A good friend's sister has shown interest in seeing him, but whether its "hey we had fun that one time so we should be friends and hang out" or "hey we had fun that one time and we should totally date" is very much still up in the air. He thinks there's more of the latter going on, but when it comes to the ladies (sorry dude you know I love you) he's more like Mr. Magoo than Mr. Smooth Operator. I am hopeful on this though, because if he's right I think he can convince her and her fun friend (at least according to him) to party with us in Vegas.

So my summer is looking like this right now:
-Memorial Day weekend: camping with the all the guys for my buddy's bachelor party
-early June: my 25th birthday (craziness) & an M's game with the guys
-somewhere around here: Vegas trip #1
-late June: trip to NYC with college roommate to attend Yankees & Mets game
-early to mid July: trip to Chicago to visit friends and go to first Cubs game
-mid to late July: Vegas trip #2
-late July: good friends' wedding in Oregon
-late August: roommate's 25th birthday
-all the while attending at least one game for every home series the M's play @ Safeco (so far I'm 3 for 3, soon to be 5 for 5 after this week)

This is going to be one hell of a summer...and one giant pain in the ass to plan and coordinate so it all happens...bring it on!

Quick thoughts

Right now. At this very moment. I know the following to be true: (along with so many other things but most importantly these things...)

-I had a great weekend: hanging out friday, frisbee on saturday and more hanging out/halo with the boys, ms walk on sunday morning followed by an m's game

-I went to the last three M's home games (1-2) and had a blast

-I saw Jon Brockman at Monday's game...talked to him for a bit which was cool...very chill dude

-I've spent over 5.5 hours over the past two days meeting with potential employers

-How I Met Your Mother is a great show

-I'm about 95% sure I'm going to New York and Chicago this summer to watch baseball and visit some old friends in the latter -I don't want to make a career out of mortgage lending

-Come my birthday I think I'm going to end the Year of Sobriety challenge...its not that I can't make it a whole year, but if I'm going to WRIGLEY FIELD and Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium this year (and this will be the first and last time I go to Yankee Stadium bc the Yankees are evil and the stadium is being torn down after this season) I want to be able to enjoy it to the fullest...like having a hot dog and a beer with my college roommate (at least in new york)...and then if I'm spending my birthday (well two days after) at the M's game with the boys...I want to enjoy that to the fullest too and have a birthday beer with the boys as we cheer on the M's...totally -Being single sucks...I either want to start dating...like seriously going out often on dates with different women...or the same one if she's the right fit...bc ultimately I want one of those dates to lead me to the woman of my dreams

That's a wrap.

Opening day

Domestically, the MLB season started last night in Washington, with the debut of their new stadium, and ended in dramatic fashion. However, the MLB season started last week when the Red Sox & A's faced off in Japan for two games, with each team winning one game.

Dude. That's totally sweet. The MLB season starts with a few games in Japan, then the first game within the U.S. is played in a brand new stadium and ends with a walk-off homer in the bottom of the ninth inning. Awesome. I freaking love baseball.

My excitement doesn't end there though, as my two favorite teams, the Seattle Mariners & Chicago Cubs play their season openers today. The M's will square off at home against division rival Texas (Rangers), while the Cubbies play at home against division rival Milwaukee (Brewers).

Both clubs have high expectations for the new year, with the Cubs looking to repeat their NL Central Division Champs success from last year and the M's looking to contend with the Angels for the AL West crown.

The Cubs kept most of their core players intact, including their big four marquee players: Zambrano, Soriano, Lee & Ramirez. They finally parted ways with the once promising, but injury prone Mark Prior, and have moved their other highly praised pitcher, Kerry Wood, into the role as the closer. With the addition of Japanese All-Star, Kosuke Fukudome in the outfield, the Cubs are looking tough in the NL Central.

Here in Seattle, the M's surpassed expectations last year by giving the Angles a run for the AL West crown, but fell short at the end of the season due to a lack of consistent starting pitching and less than timely hitting. Fortunately, the management addressed these issues in the off season. They signed starting pitcher Carlos Silva (formerly of the Twins) to serve as solid anchor in the back of the starting rotation. He should be good for 10-14 wins, as his pitching style works well with Safeco & with our good we are defensively. They also signed Brad Wilkerson to play right field, but Mike Morse played so incredible in spring training that they can't keep him out of the lineup. More than likely they will split time out there, which is great because Morse can learn from Wilkerson, a veteran player, and give Wilkerson some extra rest throughout the season. The biggest move of the off season though, was the trade for starting pitcher Erik Bedard from Baltimore. He is easily one of the top five pitchers in the AL, if not all of baseball, and provides the M's with an experienced, power pitching ace, something we've lacked in recent years. His addition to the team will also provide invaluable in mentoring Felix Hernandez, our young and talented, but often sporadic, number two starting pitcher.

So I'm stoked for thew new season, especially for my two teams. Even this guy at Sports Illustrated thinks the Cubs have what it takes to get to the World Series this year. They haven't won it all since 1908. 100 years. Is this their year? I sure hope so...I also hope the World Series doesn't come down to the M's and the Cubs (though it would be great to see them both do so well) because as much as I love the M's (born & raised in the Seattle area) I'm about 98% sure I'd be rooting for the Cubs. Sorry Sea-town, and Bill Simmons, the Cubbies are my team.