Spoiler Alert...
Butler continues their magic from last year as Matt Howard tips in a shot with less than a second to go to beat Old Dominion 60-58. Apparently, the senior didn't want to go home in the first round. Next up, most likely, powerhouse Pittsburgh.
West Virginia holds on to beat Clemson 84-76. Clemson led 40-31 late in the first half but ran out of gas as the Mountaineers pushed the pedal to the metal. West Virginia scored 44 points from their bench players. Really impressive.
And I'm scared. I picked Louisville to go to the Finals in one of my brackets (clearly many will laugh at me, that's OK). So, it wasn't good when I saw Morehead State (Who??? Exactly) get out to a 15-2 lead. Fortunately, for me, my sanity and my bracket, Louisville has come back to take the lead in the second half. Let's hope they hold on.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
I Love My Life
View From The Man Cave Until Kristen Comes Home. Three games at once. Hard to see the PIP on the big TV but it's there. You can stay at work as late as you want honey :)
My Awesome Wife
I'd like to thank my beautiful wife for proposing the idea of bringing our upstairs TV downstairs so I now have two TV's and can watch all four games at once. Good job Hon! Nice sacrifice to give up your Today Show Friday morning while you get ready for work.
Wait?!? Did I just give myself more work and I have to reconnect upstairs after the games tonight? Uh oh!
Wait?!? Did I just give myself more work and I have to reconnect upstairs after the games tonight? Uh oh!
We're Off
I started twenty minutes after tipoff to the first game, but DVR is an Angel From Above and I caught up no problem. No one likes commercials anyways.
I find this to be a little more difficult than in years past. The previous three years I've been in a Vegas Sports Book and they have screens everywhere including a huge one that can show all four games going on at once. When we've gone in the past, my brother and I won't talk to each other, for hours, or unless there's a commercial on all four games at once (we call it a White Wash, we get very excited when this happens). Yet somehow we have trained our brains to catch the most important part of each play for all four games with a "OHHH Did You See That?", and yet we always have.
This year is a little different. Sitting at home, games are going on with four different channels broadcasting. So, right now, I'm watching Clemson/West Virginia with a Old Dominion/Butler Picture In Picture. At 1:40pm, a third game comes on, Louisville/Morehead State will be on my iPhone app March Madness On Demand. A fourth game, I don't know what I will do. Some creative remote control switching. I do have an inner knack to know when to turn the channel at just the right time.
This will be an exercise in concentration to say the least. And yet, Kristen says I don't pay attention :)
Interesting note to the Clemson/WVU game, Clemson played a "play in game" in Dayton, Ohio that finished minutes before midnight Tuesday night. Won that game against UAB to get them into the Round of 64, flew to Tampa, got in at 4:45 am Wednesday morning and was ready to play at 12:15pm today. The scheduling people did not do them any favors. And even though Clemson had a big lead most of the first half (up to nine at one point), WVU tied it with a three right before half.
Now turning my attention to ODU/Butler. Other than the fact that Butler almost won the championship last year, I know nothing about this team other than our friend Julie went there, oh, and it's cold in Indiana. Remember, Butler = Julie + Cold. Got it!
I find this to be a little more difficult than in years past. The previous three years I've been in a Vegas Sports Book and they have screens everywhere including a huge one that can show all four games going on at once. When we've gone in the past, my brother and I won't talk to each other, for hours, or unless there's a commercial on all four games at once (we call it a White Wash, we get very excited when this happens). Yet somehow we have trained our brains to catch the most important part of each play for all four games with a "OHHH Did You See That?", and yet we always have.
This year is a little different. Sitting at home, games are going on with four different channels broadcasting. So, right now, I'm watching Clemson/West Virginia with a Old Dominion/Butler Picture In Picture. At 1:40pm, a third game comes on, Louisville/Morehead State will be on my iPhone app March Madness On Demand. A fourth game, I don't know what I will do. Some creative remote control switching. I do have an inner knack to know when to turn the channel at just the right time.
This will be an exercise in concentration to say the least. And yet, Kristen says I don't pay attention :)
Interesting note to the Clemson/WVU game, Clemson played a "play in game" in Dayton, Ohio that finished minutes before midnight Tuesday night. Won that game against UAB to get them into the Round of 64, flew to Tampa, got in at 4:45 am Wednesday morning and was ready to play at 12:15pm today. The scheduling people did not do them any favors. And even though Clemson had a big lead most of the first half (up to nine at one point), WVU tied it with a three right before half.
Now turning my attention to ODU/Butler. Other than the fact that Butler almost won the championship last year, I know nothing about this team other than our friend Julie went there, oh, and it's cold in Indiana. Remember, Butler = Julie + Cold. Got it!
March Madness Anyone?
Happy March Madness Everyone! Today is a very exciting day. 16 first round games followed by another 16 first round games tomorrow. College basketball on three different channels for twelve straight hours, and I'm home all day to watch them. And, I don't have to sneak around the office trying to watch on my computer, like millions of people today.
Best sporting day ever! I don't care what people say about the Super Bowl, that's only 3.5 hours. The only things I'm missing are chips, dips, pizza, barbecue and everything else associated with Fat Super Bowl Day.
T-minus four hours.
P.S. If my buddy Rye Rye isn't home watching today as well, I'm very disappointed.
Best sporting day ever! I don't care what people say about the Super Bowl, that's only 3.5 hours. The only things I'm missing are chips, dips, pizza, barbecue and everything else associated with Fat Super Bowl Day.
T-minus four hours.
P.S. If my buddy Rye Rye isn't home watching today as well, I'm very disappointed.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
I'm BAAAACCCCKKKKK
Hello World...I hope you're doing well.
It's been two plus months since my last blog.
I want to get back to writing.
Sometimes life gets in the way.
And our busy lives prevent us from doing certain things.
But, no more.
So, I'm shifting gears on this blog.
Last night, I saw on mlb.com a job post that would be perfect for me.
PERFECT!!!
It's called Dream Job. The objective: Watch every single baseball game and blog about it.
So, let me get this straight: I would watch EVERY game, BLOG, and get PAID. I like all three of those things. All you would have to do is incorporate EATING and I would be in Heaven.
As our favorite crazy whipping boy, Charlie Sheen would say right now:
WINNING!!!
Unfortunately, the job listing closed a week before I saw it.
But, that got me to thinking, and what Kristen and I have been talking about...what are my passions?
Hmmm...well, I know I like to write...
And anyone who knows me knows I like to watch sports.
So, why not do that on my own blog for the time being?
Until mlb.com hopefully picks me up for next year :)
So, first things first...
This Thursday and Friday are two National Holidays for me, aka the first two days of March Madness. And, for the fourth year in a row, I have decided to take those two days off from work.
So, I will blog about the games. ALL OF THEM!!! For at least those two days.
Heck, I was staying home anyways just so I could watch them.
If all goes well, I will blog about Major League Baseball.
Trends/teams (my favorite the Yankees), players, fantasy, etc.
Let's see how it goes.
So, from here on out, you will be hearing much more from me. Mostly sports, but at least this gives me a venue to talk about what I love. And, it gives Kristen a reprieve from all the times I say...
"Honey, did you see that shot?" OR "Honey, I hate AJ Burnett, he can't get past the fifth inning."
Hopefully, I will get pitch a complete game and go the distance through this upcoming baseball season.
GAME ON!!!
It's been two plus months since my last blog.
I want to get back to writing.
Sometimes life gets in the way.
And our busy lives prevent us from doing certain things.
But, no more.
So, I'm shifting gears on this blog.
Last night, I saw on mlb.com a job post that would be perfect for me.
PERFECT!!!
It's called Dream Job. The objective: Watch every single baseball game and blog about it.
So, let me get this straight: I would watch EVERY game, BLOG, and get PAID. I like all three of those things. All you would have to do is incorporate EATING and I would be in Heaven.
As our favorite crazy whipping boy, Charlie Sheen would say right now:
WINNING!!!
Unfortunately, the job listing closed a week before I saw it.
But, that got me to thinking, and what Kristen and I have been talking about...what are my passions?
Hmmm...well, I know I like to write...
And anyone who knows me knows I like to watch sports.
So, why not do that on my own blog for the time being?
Until mlb.com hopefully picks me up for next year :)
So, first things first...
This Thursday and Friday are two National Holidays for me, aka the first two days of March Madness. And, for the fourth year in a row, I have decided to take those two days off from work.
So, I will blog about the games. ALL OF THEM!!! For at least those two days.
Heck, I was staying home anyways just so I could watch them.
If all goes well, I will blog about Major League Baseball.
Trends/teams (my favorite the Yankees), players, fantasy, etc.
Let's see how it goes.
So, from here on out, you will be hearing much more from me. Mostly sports, but at least this gives me a venue to talk about what I love. And, it gives Kristen a reprieve from all the times I say...
"Honey, did you see that shot?" OR "Honey, I hate AJ Burnett, he can't get past the fifth inning."
Hopefully, I will get pitch a complete game and go the distance through this upcoming baseball season.
GAME ON!!!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Women Do The Darndest Things
I was awakened by a surprising phone call this morning at 12:42 am...
"Huuuhhhhlllloooo" (as I'm still trying to grab my bearings)...
"IS THIS BRIAN???"
"yyyeeeaaahhhh"
"THIS IS YOUR BLOG. I'M OUT OF HIBERNATION AND I'M BAAAACCCCKKKKK. NOW WRITE A POST DAMMIT!"
You know it's bad when your blog calls you out in the middle of the night.
And, I thought for sure the heavy dose of tryptophan I fed my blog would have put it out until at least February.
As I went to work this morning at 3am, I happened to hear one of my co-workers talking to another sleep deprived co-worker saying how he went tie shopping with his little son for the first time. Of course, the non makeup wearing, and in this case, scary looking female co-worker responded, "AAAAWWWW!" in the "That's So Adorable" female tone that they give out.
Women love using the "AAAAWWWW". It's their trademark, ALONG with such hits as
"CUUUUTTTTTEEEE"
AND
Crying Over Sappy Romance Movies Where The Guy Finally Falls For The Girl At The End.
I looked up how many other women in the world were going "AAAAWWWW", in that same moment, 243. I need to thank www.fascinatedbytheaaaawwww.com for that stat.
Other things that make a woman go "AAAAWWWW"...
Puppies
Babies
Puppies Kissing Babies
Little Kids Dressed Up At Church
Anytime They Hear One Of Their Female Friends Talk About How Their Significant Other Gave Them Roses, Made Dinner Or An Unexpected Outgoing Of Emotion Displaying Their Love For Their Female Counterparts.
You know when women don't say "AAAAWWWW"...
Any Other Time
Especially when....
Guys Take The Remotes From Their Wives And Explaining "You Don't Need To Watch The Commercials For Keeping Up With The Kardashians, I Need To Check The Football Score."
Guys Mismatch Their Outfits
Guys Forget To Do Something, Which Is Everyday
OR...
Traffic
You will see the sweetest, cutest women LOSE IT in traffic. I don't know if it's because they don't know when they're going to be let out of traffic OR if they're having trouble playing frogger weaving in and out of clogged lanes looking for "the best angle" OR they have to go home and drink wine (that's my wife's excuse).
So, we have a couple lessons to learn today...
Never Mess With A Woman In Traffic When She Has Her Wine Eyes On
Guys, When Shows Such As Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Dancing With The Stars OR The Bachelor Are On...Under No Circumstance Are You Allowed To Take, Touch OR Even Look At The Remote Until Thirty Minutes After The Show Just In Case They're "Processing" What Happened.
Guys, Always Keep A Baby Or Puppy On Hand When You Mess Up. It's The "Forgiving Elixir"
Finally, Turn Your Phone Off When You Go To Sleep
"Huuuhhhhlllloooo" (as I'm still trying to grab my bearings)...
"IS THIS BRIAN???"
"yyyeeeaaahhhh"
"THIS IS YOUR BLOG. I'M OUT OF HIBERNATION AND I'M BAAAACCCCKKKKK. NOW WRITE A POST DAMMIT!"
You know it's bad when your blog calls you out in the middle of the night.
And, I thought for sure the heavy dose of tryptophan I fed my blog would have put it out until at least February.
As I went to work this morning at 3am, I happened to hear one of my co-workers talking to another sleep deprived co-worker saying how he went tie shopping with his little son for the first time. Of course, the non makeup wearing, and in this case, scary looking female co-worker responded, "AAAAWWWW!" in the "That's So Adorable" female tone that they give out.
Women love using the "AAAAWWWW". It's their trademark, ALONG with such hits as
"CUUUUTTTTTEEEE"
AND
Crying Over Sappy Romance Movies Where The Guy Finally Falls For The Girl At The End.
I looked up how many other women in the world were going "AAAAWWWW", in that same moment, 243. I need to thank www.fascinatedbytheaaaawwww.com for that stat.
Other things that make a woman go "AAAAWWWW"...
Puppies
Babies
Puppies Kissing Babies
Little Kids Dressed Up At Church
Anytime They Hear One Of Their Female Friends Talk About How Their Significant Other Gave Them Roses, Made Dinner Or An Unexpected Outgoing Of Emotion Displaying Their Love For Their Female Counterparts.
You know when women don't say "AAAAWWWW"...
Any Other Time
Especially when....
Guys Take The Remotes From Their Wives And Explaining "You Don't Need To Watch The Commercials For Keeping Up With The Kardashians, I Need To Check The Football Score."
Guys Mismatch Their Outfits
Guys Forget To Do Something, Which Is Everyday
OR...
Traffic
You will see the sweetest, cutest women LOSE IT in traffic. I don't know if it's because they don't know when they're going to be let out of traffic OR if they're having trouble playing frogger weaving in and out of clogged lanes looking for "the best angle" OR they have to go home and drink wine (that's my wife's excuse).
So, we have a couple lessons to learn today...
Never Mess With A Woman In Traffic When She Has Her Wine Eyes On
Guys, When Shows Such As Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Dancing With The Stars OR The Bachelor Are On...Under No Circumstance Are You Allowed To Take, Touch OR Even Look At The Remote Until Thirty Minutes After The Show Just In Case They're "Processing" What Happened.
Guys, Always Keep A Baby Or Puppy On Hand When You Mess Up. It's The "Forgiving Elixir"
Finally, Turn Your Phone Off When You Go To Sleep
Friday, December 10, 2010
Christmas Is Near
I apologize for not being around more often the last couple months. I have been very busy.
I got married in October
I honeymooned shortly thereafter
A week after that, Kristen surprised me with a Shih Tzu/Lhasa Apso puppy for my birthday
Four hours later, I figured out a name...TOBY!!!
Next day, we switched his name to KIRBY!!
Two days later, Kristen officially loved him more than me
I wondered what took so long
Then, the following week I actually had my birthday. A week earlier, Kristen thought that she could get the puppy, then have the breeder hold onto him for an additional week so she could surprise me on my birthday. Once she saw Kirby, she knew she had to take him home that night. Good call!!
Next morning he wakes me up at 530am to go to the bathroom
Next morning 6AM
Next morning 545AM
You get the idea
I call him The Alarm Clock
One of these days I'm going to have a Kirby blog entry
Minutes later, Kristen will scream "Why doesn't Tucker get a blog entry?" She thinks everything has to be completely equal between the pups so that Tucker doesn't get jealous. Tucker seems to be having a blast with his little brother. Kristen is taking his cause on as her own.
Week after my birthday, we had Thanksgiving with all the Cummings' and my parents.
And finally, the last couple weeks we've been driving around, looking at purchasing a home.
Now, Christmas is coming. Settle down...I still haven't started shopping, I still have 15 days.
And, to celebrate our first Christmas as a married couple, Kristen and I are going to get the "Allergy Bomb" aka A Christmas Tree. I'm allergic to everything about it, the tree, the wood, heck even the water we use to make sure the tree doesn't die..everything. Kristen either a) doesn't want a tree or b) wants a fake one, but I refuse.
Hopefully this year goes better than last when I spent an hour outside cutting the tree trunk, yet all we had was a serrated knife. We had to cut it, because Lowe's tree trunk cutting machine was broken. Kristen was thrifty and said...
"Brian will cut it at home. Will you knock ten dollars off the price?"
They did, and I regret it.
After 30 minutes, I remember Kristen coming out to check on me. I was profusely sweating, I grunted at her, mumbled something about why did she feel the need to save ten dollars, I lost the feeling in my forearms twenty minutes earlier, please go back inside. She cheerily went back in. Either that trunk was going to die, or I was.
Fortunately, I won after an hour. One of the proudest moments in our relationship.
This year, to get in the Christmas spirit, I told Kristen I want to listen to Christmas songs when we bring the tree back as well as when we're decorating. She agrees but not before throwing in an amendment...she'd be a great Washington politician.
"We have to listen to JaRule on the way there"
JaRule is some form of hip hop star that my wife loves. Who doesn't think hip hop, JaRule, booty shaking, when it comes to Christmas? If it was up to her, she would have had JaRule come to our wedding, dance our first dance and serenade her all at the same time. I would have been in the corner eating cupcakes.
Why my lovely wife adores JaRule? I have no idea. I don't even knowing if I'm spelling JaRule correctly. But, back in the day, one of her favorite booty dancing songs was JaRule featuring Vida featuring her and her Best Buddy dancing. All the time to this song and anything else that screams hip hop.
You ever watch The Price Is Right when someone is called down from the crowd to participate and they look as happy as someone who won the actual lottery. That's the same surprised giddiness that Kristen and Best Buddy have when they hear JaRule.
And now it's been incorporated into our first married Christmas.
Lesson we've learned here...
According to my wife, Christmas songs need to be more hip hop.
The other lesson...she will opt to save another ten dollars so I can cut the trunk again, giving her time, inside the house, to sneak in JaRule, Vida, Ashanti, T-Pain, whomever, while I pass out on the sidewalk again.
So, even though Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem, and we sing O Holy Night, my wife would rather hear songs like Holla Holla, Mesmerize or Livin It Up. I'm sure that's EXACTLY what God had in mind for Christmas.
The only thing I can hope for...our kids not coming out of the womb with hats on backwards flashing gang signs, while her mother flashes them back. You better believe as soon as they're born, and the doctor says "It's a (Boy or Girl)"...Kristen will yell, "Best Buddy, (she's a nurse so she's allowed in), HIT IT!!!" And something like Ride With Me will blare across the delivery room and they will both be dancing. Kristen Ann everyone!!!
I got married in October
I honeymooned shortly thereafter
A week after that, Kristen surprised me with a Shih Tzu/Lhasa Apso puppy for my birthday
Four hours later, I figured out a name...TOBY!!!
Next day, we switched his name to KIRBY!!
Two days later, Kristen officially loved him more than me
I wondered what took so long
Then, the following week I actually had my birthday. A week earlier, Kristen thought that she could get the puppy, then have the breeder hold onto him for an additional week so she could surprise me on my birthday. Once she saw Kirby, she knew she had to take him home that night. Good call!!
Next morning he wakes me up at 530am to go to the bathroom
Next morning 6AM
Next morning 545AM
You get the idea
I call him The Alarm Clock
One of these days I'm going to have a Kirby blog entry
Minutes later, Kristen will scream "Why doesn't Tucker get a blog entry?" She thinks everything has to be completely equal between the pups so that Tucker doesn't get jealous. Tucker seems to be having a blast with his little brother. Kristen is taking his cause on as her own.
Week after my birthday, we had Thanksgiving with all the Cummings' and my parents.
And finally, the last couple weeks we've been driving around, looking at purchasing a home.
Now, Christmas is coming. Settle down...I still haven't started shopping, I still have 15 days.
And, to celebrate our first Christmas as a married couple, Kristen and I are going to get the "Allergy Bomb" aka A Christmas Tree. I'm allergic to everything about it, the tree, the wood, heck even the water we use to make sure the tree doesn't die..everything. Kristen either a) doesn't want a tree or b) wants a fake one, but I refuse.
Hopefully this year goes better than last when I spent an hour outside cutting the tree trunk, yet all we had was a serrated knife. We had to cut it, because Lowe's tree trunk cutting machine was broken. Kristen was thrifty and said...
"Brian will cut it at home. Will you knock ten dollars off the price?"
They did, and I regret it.
After 30 minutes, I remember Kristen coming out to check on me. I was profusely sweating, I grunted at her, mumbled something about why did she feel the need to save ten dollars, I lost the feeling in my forearms twenty minutes earlier, please go back inside. She cheerily went back in. Either that trunk was going to die, or I was.
Fortunately, I won after an hour. One of the proudest moments in our relationship.
This year, to get in the Christmas spirit, I told Kristen I want to listen to Christmas songs when we bring the tree back as well as when we're decorating. She agrees but not before throwing in an amendment...she'd be a great Washington politician.
"We have to listen to JaRule on the way there"
JaRule is some form of hip hop star that my wife loves. Who doesn't think hip hop, JaRule, booty shaking, when it comes to Christmas? If it was up to her, she would have had JaRule come to our wedding, dance our first dance and serenade her all at the same time. I would have been in the corner eating cupcakes.
Why my lovely wife adores JaRule? I have no idea. I don't even knowing if I'm spelling JaRule correctly. But, back in the day, one of her favorite booty dancing songs was JaRule featuring Vida featuring her and her Best Buddy dancing. All the time to this song and anything else that screams hip hop.
You ever watch The Price Is Right when someone is called down from the crowd to participate and they look as happy as someone who won the actual lottery. That's the same surprised giddiness that Kristen and Best Buddy have when they hear JaRule.
And now it's been incorporated into our first married Christmas.
Lesson we've learned here...
According to my wife, Christmas songs need to be more hip hop.
The other lesson...she will opt to save another ten dollars so I can cut the trunk again, giving her time, inside the house, to sneak in JaRule, Vida, Ashanti, T-Pain, whomever, while I pass out on the sidewalk again.
So, even though Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem, and we sing O Holy Night, my wife would rather hear songs like Holla Holla, Mesmerize or Livin It Up. I'm sure that's EXACTLY what God had in mind for Christmas.
The only thing I can hope for...our kids not coming out of the womb with hats on backwards flashing gang signs, while her mother flashes them back. You better believe as soon as they're born, and the doctor says "It's a (Boy or Girl)"...Kristen will yell, "Best Buddy, (she's a nurse so she's allowed in), HIT IT!!!" And something like Ride With Me will blare across the delivery room and they will both be dancing. Kristen Ann everyone!!!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
We Made It!!!
Kristen and I come to you from the Man Cave. Since we got married, I moved in to her place and immediately transformed her place into a Guy's Haven. Every room has two HD tv's for multiple sports watching. There are framed baseball jerseys hanging on the walls. I've put up my Don Mattingly poster (favorite baseball player as a kid), I have my wrestling action figurines out, begging Kristen to play, she doesn't. Sad all around. I've made the place my own.
And if you actually believe any of that, I'm also going to convince you that the Loch Ness Monster is real; though I do actually believe that, so that's an indictment on me, DAMN!
Kristen and I are doing great. We had an amazing time at the rehearsal dinner, wedding and on our honeymoon. There are so many people to thank, so if I forget any, I apologize. And since I'm not coming to you from my Fictional Man Cave, but instead from Borders sitting by myself, while Kristen "wines" it up with her friend, Julie, in place of Kristen's fond memories and thanks, I'll take up her cause.
Our parents were unbelievably supportive with their love and constant guidance. Kristen and I were running around a lot days before the wedding and our parents kept reminding us what's important wasn't crossing the things off our "to do list", but to focus on our wedding, family and friends. How right they were. Whether it was at our Mexican themed Rehearsal Dinner or our rain free wedding, I didn't find myself wondering, "Do we have enough candles?", "Is there enough alcohol?", "Why is your Uncle Ralphy hitting on my Granny?" (there's no such Ralphy), BUT I found myself having fun with all my family, friends and most importantly, Kristen.
Our groomsmen and bridesmaids were just the best. There's no other way to put it. I honestly want to enter all of them into the inevitable development television program coming out in 2014 called "Groomsmen/Bridesmaids Road Rules Challenge", and I firmly believe our group would beat everyone else in the competition.
Whether it was Wiedy coming in for 48 hours despite him being the busiest guy I know with work, politics, Big Brother/Big Sister, etc., Christina skipping out of work for 24 hours from D.C. just so she could be here, Aaron Lee and Shana Laflin taking time out of saving lives as doctors, Best Buddy taking time out of saving lives as a nurse as well as being a fantastic mother to Baby Best Buddy Cooper, Kevin Malick taking time out of trying to recover our country from the economic swoon because of his banking buddies (I kid Malick, I know it's not TOTALLY your fault), Kate Shugart coming down from Tallahassee as she's on her way to her eventual Rhodes Scholar (she's one of the smartest people I know), Tiffany Davies from New York City where she braves the cold, and sometimes nasty demeanor of NYC-ians even though she's one of the sweetest people I know and I can't imagine her ever getting mad, Tim Cowan from New York where he also made Orlando another tour stop for him and his "Quest To Eat Around The World" (I was a proud papa wedding day when he ordered, for himself, two full meals and an appetizer from 4Rivers Barbecue), my Best Man Kevin Bachman for coming down from Cleveland, leaving their two month old baby girl behind to be here for anything that I needed (and trust me, I put him to the test with all my errands), and to SuperMOH Megan Denk for exceeding above and beyond being there for all of Kristen's needs, whether it be giving her a drink for a toast, two seconds before "CHEERS", noticing she doesn't have one, constantly "Bustling A Dress" (and I still don't know what that means, and trust me, most guys don't) and making sure Kristen's nerves weren't too frayed beforehand. Thank you to all of you! We can't thank you enough!
I was never really nervous pre-wedding. I took pictures with my guys couple hours before, and we couldn't stop laughing. Here are some of them if you want to take a look, scroll down to the October 25th post.
http://www.ashleymccormickphotography.com/blog/
When the wedding started, and I was walking up to the front, I couldn't help but be emotional. I was a bit surprised. I remember praying to God days before asking Him to give me peace and just take everything in and focus on Kristen. And God helped me for sure!
As I was waiting, and the bridesmaids were walking down, all I kept staring at was the door leading out to the lawn where our wedding was taking place. It's like nothing else mattered to me. I remember fighting off tears (which might make me sound a little sensitive, but oh well). My Best Man Kevin leaned over and told me how proud he was of me. Our minister asked me, "Are you ready for the best moment of your life?" That really got me. Good job Eddie.
When Kristen walked out, I couldn't have ever been happier. She looked gorgeous in her wedding dress. Granted her and her Dad were crying, but she looked radiant. That made me cry a little more.
When the wedding started, I remember only looking at her the whole time. I didn't even really notice anyone else in the crowd. Perfect. There were moments when we casually kissed before we were granted husband and wife and SuperMOH gave us a look like the "Wedding Referees" were going to kick us out, or I was sweating enough that Kristen dabbed my forehead, the thing I will remember the most was looking into her green eyes, and vowing to her and to God that I will be faithful, loving and supportive through thick and thin, and that I will be there for her for the rest of my life. I will never forget that moment.
When the reception started, we came out to Lady Gaga's Paparazzi, and as we were introduced our friends had strobe lights around us acting as cameramen. We first danced to You And Me by Dave Matthews Band. We ate some, drank few, had great Best Man and Maid Of Honor speeches, she stuffed cupcake in my face for pictures, she danced with her Dad, I danced with my Mom, we eventually danced with everyone; including her constantly dancing to booty shaking music with her Florida Gator girls. Looking back on it, October 23rd was the best day of my life. It was the perfect day for me.
The next morning we went to Hawaii where we spent a week snorkeling, eating, ziplining, drinking and eating, swimming, more eating, luau-ing, and drinking, beaching, and eating and you get the point. Granted I ate 70% to Kristen's 30% and now that I'm back, I'm down to four meals a day, Hawaii did something to our souls. We had no timetable, no schedule, whatever we wanted. I wanted to stay out there and never come back. She wanted to get back to Tucker; who can blame her. He made a blog while he was at Grandmom's and Grandpop's...
http://tuckerbachman.tumblr.com/
Kristen posted a lot of Honeymoon pictures on her facebook and she tagged me so they are on mine as well. Please take a look, they are great.
Now, our nights are free for the most part. Nothing to plan, only a lot of great times to be had. I can't wait.
Finally, I knew for a long time that I wanted to marry the love of my life, Kristen Ann Cumming. She has the best and most kind spirit of anyone I've ever met. She's absolutely amazing and I am so blessed to have her be my wife.
I'll get back to writing funny blog entries, but for now, I'm still in wedding glow mode. Thanks Honey. You couldn't have made me happier.
Kristen Ann Bachman...now THAT has a great ring to it :)
And if you actually believe any of that, I'm also going to convince you that the Loch Ness Monster is real; though I do actually believe that, so that's an indictment on me, DAMN!
Kristen and I are doing great. We had an amazing time at the rehearsal dinner, wedding and on our honeymoon. There are so many people to thank, so if I forget any, I apologize. And since I'm not coming to you from my Fictional Man Cave, but instead from Borders sitting by myself, while Kristen "wines" it up with her friend, Julie, in place of Kristen's fond memories and thanks, I'll take up her cause.
Our parents were unbelievably supportive with their love and constant guidance. Kristen and I were running around a lot days before the wedding and our parents kept reminding us what's important wasn't crossing the things off our "to do list", but to focus on our wedding, family and friends. How right they were. Whether it was at our Mexican themed Rehearsal Dinner or our rain free wedding, I didn't find myself wondering, "Do we have enough candles?", "Is there enough alcohol?", "Why is your Uncle Ralphy hitting on my Granny?" (there's no such Ralphy), BUT I found myself having fun with all my family, friends and most importantly, Kristen.
Our groomsmen and bridesmaids were just the best. There's no other way to put it. I honestly want to enter all of them into the inevitable development television program coming out in 2014 called "Groomsmen/Bridesmaids Road Rules Challenge", and I firmly believe our group would beat everyone else in the competition.
Whether it was Wiedy coming in for 48 hours despite him being the busiest guy I know with work, politics, Big Brother/Big Sister, etc., Christina skipping out of work for 24 hours from D.C. just so she could be here, Aaron Lee and Shana Laflin taking time out of saving lives as doctors, Best Buddy taking time out of saving lives as a nurse as well as being a fantastic mother to Baby Best Buddy Cooper, Kevin Malick taking time out of trying to recover our country from the economic swoon because of his banking buddies (I kid Malick, I know it's not TOTALLY your fault), Kate Shugart coming down from Tallahassee as she's on her way to her eventual Rhodes Scholar (she's one of the smartest people I know), Tiffany Davies from New York City where she braves the cold, and sometimes nasty demeanor of NYC-ians even though she's one of the sweetest people I know and I can't imagine her ever getting mad, Tim Cowan from New York where he also made Orlando another tour stop for him and his "Quest To Eat Around The World" (I was a proud papa wedding day when he ordered, for himself, two full meals and an appetizer from 4Rivers Barbecue), my Best Man Kevin Bachman for coming down from Cleveland, leaving their two month old baby girl behind to be here for anything that I needed (and trust me, I put him to the test with all my errands), and to SuperMOH Megan Denk for exceeding above and beyond being there for all of Kristen's needs, whether it be giving her a drink for a toast, two seconds before "CHEERS", noticing she doesn't have one, constantly "Bustling A Dress" (and I still don't know what that means, and trust me, most guys don't) and making sure Kristen's nerves weren't too frayed beforehand. Thank you to all of you! We can't thank you enough!
I was never really nervous pre-wedding. I took pictures with my guys couple hours before, and we couldn't stop laughing. Here are some of them if you want to take a look, scroll down to the October 25th post.
http://www.ashleymccormickphotography.com/blog/
When the wedding started, and I was walking up to the front, I couldn't help but be emotional. I was a bit surprised. I remember praying to God days before asking Him to give me peace and just take everything in and focus on Kristen. And God helped me for sure!
As I was waiting, and the bridesmaids were walking down, all I kept staring at was the door leading out to the lawn where our wedding was taking place. It's like nothing else mattered to me. I remember fighting off tears (which might make me sound a little sensitive, but oh well). My Best Man Kevin leaned over and told me how proud he was of me. Our minister asked me, "Are you ready for the best moment of your life?" That really got me. Good job Eddie.
When Kristen walked out, I couldn't have ever been happier. She looked gorgeous in her wedding dress. Granted her and her Dad were crying, but she looked radiant. That made me cry a little more.
When the wedding started, I remember only looking at her the whole time. I didn't even really notice anyone else in the crowd. Perfect. There were moments when we casually kissed before we were granted husband and wife and SuperMOH gave us a look like the "Wedding Referees" were going to kick us out, or I was sweating enough that Kristen dabbed my forehead, the thing I will remember the most was looking into her green eyes, and vowing to her and to God that I will be faithful, loving and supportive through thick and thin, and that I will be there for her for the rest of my life. I will never forget that moment.
When the reception started, we came out to Lady Gaga's Paparazzi, and as we were introduced our friends had strobe lights around us acting as cameramen. We first danced to You And Me by Dave Matthews Band. We ate some, drank few, had great Best Man and Maid Of Honor speeches, she stuffed cupcake in my face for pictures, she danced with her Dad, I danced with my Mom, we eventually danced with everyone; including her constantly dancing to booty shaking music with her Florida Gator girls. Looking back on it, October 23rd was the best day of my life. It was the perfect day for me.
The next morning we went to Hawaii where we spent a week snorkeling, eating, ziplining, drinking and eating, swimming, more eating, luau-ing, and drinking, beaching, and eating and you get the point. Granted I ate 70% to Kristen's 30% and now that I'm back, I'm down to four meals a day, Hawaii did something to our souls. We had no timetable, no schedule, whatever we wanted. I wanted to stay out there and never come back. She wanted to get back to Tucker; who can blame her. He made a blog while he was at Grandmom's and Grandpop's...
http://tuckerbachman.tumblr.com/
Kristen posted a lot of Honeymoon pictures on her facebook and she tagged me so they are on mine as well. Please take a look, they are great.
Now, our nights are free for the most part. Nothing to plan, only a lot of great times to be had. I can't wait.
Finally, I knew for a long time that I wanted to marry the love of my life, Kristen Ann Cumming. She has the best and most kind spirit of anyone I've ever met. She's absolutely amazing and I am so blessed to have her be my wife.
I'll get back to writing funny blog entries, but for now, I'm still in wedding glow mode. Thanks Honey. You couldn't have made me happier.
Kristen Ann Bachman...now THAT has a great ring to it :)
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Close Call
As the sand slowly runs out of the hour glass towards our Saturday wedding, Kristen and I have picked up the pace. Lots of things to do, little time to do them. So, it didn't surprise me when I was told Saturday evening, that the following morning, we needed to be in Tampa at 730am to meet up with my Mom about some quilting mishap, and Kristen had fabric that needed to get to my Mom (for some reason, I was told they sold out of that fabric in Ft. Myers), so we had to meet halfway in Tampa. Confused, I didn't ask too many questions. Ride the wave!
All the women out there are saying right now..."Not too many questions??? You're going to be a great husband. Ride the wave!"
I wake up early Sunday, pick Kristen up and we're off. On the way down there, she tells me she's feeling sick and she needs breakfast to get some food in her stomach, and to stop off at Panera. When we stop, I get out of the car, and I see Kristen's Dad yelling at me "Hey Bri, this is your Day." I'm thinking...
"Small world, Kristen's Dad is here. He must be meeting up with some friends."
And...
"Her Dad's confused. The wedding is next Saturday. Why is he confused?"
As I go over to talk to him, I notice some of my friends behind him.
"Why is Kristen videotaping this with her iPhone?"
Oh...little, sneaky Kristen pulled one over on me and we're not going to Tampa, but I'm going somewhere else. She hands me Dramamine and says, "You'll need this."
Uh oh!!
They take me deep sea fishing in the Atlantic. Great!!!
Except I've never gone fishing. Hence the Dramamine.
So, we drive over to the ocean, hop on a boat, and we're off. Half hour later, through a high speed boat's bumpy ride, we make it out there. I'm so proud of myself, I didn't yack.
Streak Alive. STREAK ALIVE!!! For anyone who doesn't know me, I haven't puked, yacked, thrown up, blown chunks in 14 1/2 years. I'm more proud of this than anything I've done including graduate college. Sure, people get a college degree, but look at this degree I made up for myself...what's it read, oh yeah...
"Least Likely To Vomit...This Guy!!!"
Then, Bill Joseph, Kristen's Dad's friend who owns the boat, anchors it and says, "Alright, if anyone is going to get sick now would be the time."
As Scooby Doo says, "RUH ROH!!!"
I eat a sandwich, because I had not eaten anything at that point. I need to get some food in me, so I don't get sick.
They show me how to fish, for two reasons...
1) So, I can have fun.
2) So, I don't break the fishing rod, hook someone in the eye or scare away any of the fish with my dis-telligence (word I created as the opposite of intelligence).
After 15 minutes, I'm having a great time. First thing I pull out is a mini shark. Apparently, there are a ton of them where we are. Little buggers got some chompers on them. Yes, you do. YES YOU DO!!! We throw all the mini sharks back.
Get some gutter fish, throw them back.
Not pulling anything out that we can actually take home with us, hang on our mantel and wonder why our significant others won't spend time with us in that room. Is it us? Should we not have changed deodorant?? I knew that sales lady didn't know what she was talking about.
Then, it hits me like a ton of bricks. Staring at the water, the waves, the constant rocking of the boat, here comes the nausea.
There's two reasons why God looked at me before I was born, and said, "Yep, he can't get pregnant."
1) I'm a guy and that'd be difficult with our parts.
2) I'd never make it out of morning sickness. I'd go to the hospital all the time for my nausea. I'd go so often they'd give me a "Go Ten Times Get The Eleventh Visit Free" punch card.
After thirty minutes, I stop fishing. They can see I'm turning pale. So I go up to the front of the boat for some self reflection. Who am I kidding? I'm praying to God I don't lose it on this man's boat.
Breeze is hitting me...I don't feel better. Eyes getting droopy, focus on the horizon. Lips getting numb...that can't be good. More praying. More thinking about Kristen and telling her I love her as if she's there.
Seriously, you would have thought I was going in for major surgery. I was sea sick. That's all.
"Just make yourself vomit, you'll feel better."
(mumbling)..."I have a streak."
"WHAT???"
(more inaudible mumbling, horizon watching, boat rocking)
I then proceed to eulogize the Streak.
"Hey, we've been together a long time. We've had some many great memories. You've been with me through high school graduation, pledging a fraternity, (remember that time I thought we were going to part ways in the fraternity house bathroom, but you stayed with me), we made it through college, and even ten years after. I can't believe food poisoning never broke us up. I can't believe those rare times I've heard or smelled other people's vomit, you've stuck with me. Or the times Tucker has a really, and I mean, stop traffic, get the Haz Mat Suits, really smelly poop, you've been with me. Nerves, roller coaster rides, alcohol, helicopter rides, we've done it all the last 14 1/2 years. If it's time to go, it's time to go. I'll never start another Streak. There can't be another Streak like you. You were the best. So, if you're going to do your thing, let's get this over with."
You know what? My Streak listened and he didn't want to part ways either. Maybe I've meant too much to him through all the moves around the country (maybe I'm making more of this than I should)...
Everyone: "YES YOU ARE!!!"
Whatever. But, I will tell you this, if I met someone today and I said, "I got straight A's in college"
OR...
"I haven't thrown up in 14 1/2 years."
What are they taking away from that conversation?
Exactly!
So, I never yacked. Spent 45 minutes of my life on the front of that boat, wishing this harm on no one. Felt better and enjoyed the rest of my day with everyone else on the back of the boat.
I would truly like to thank Brandi Mattox for putting this together. She was awesome in getting the guys together to do this....Felipe, Eric, Bret (Brandi's boy toy, I mean husband), Matty, Louie, Kristen's Dad and Bill Joseph...thank you so much, guys. Even though I memorialize the sea sickness, that was really only about 10% of my entire fun filled day with these guys. I had a fantastic time. I will never forget it, and it truly means the world to me that you would all do this for me. I can't thank you enough.
All the women out there are saying right now..."Not too many questions??? You're going to be a great husband. Ride the wave!"
I wake up early Sunday, pick Kristen up and we're off. On the way down there, she tells me she's feeling sick and she needs breakfast to get some food in her stomach, and to stop off at Panera. When we stop, I get out of the car, and I see Kristen's Dad yelling at me "Hey Bri, this is your Day." I'm thinking...
"Small world, Kristen's Dad is here. He must be meeting up with some friends."
And...
"Her Dad's confused. The wedding is next Saturday. Why is he confused?"
As I go over to talk to him, I notice some of my friends behind him.
"Why is Kristen videotaping this with her iPhone?"
Oh...little, sneaky Kristen pulled one over on me and we're not going to Tampa, but I'm going somewhere else. She hands me Dramamine and says, "You'll need this."
Uh oh!!
They take me deep sea fishing in the Atlantic. Great!!!
Except I've never gone fishing. Hence the Dramamine.
So, we drive over to the ocean, hop on a boat, and we're off. Half hour later, through a high speed boat's bumpy ride, we make it out there. I'm so proud of myself, I didn't yack.
Streak Alive. STREAK ALIVE!!! For anyone who doesn't know me, I haven't puked, yacked, thrown up, blown chunks in 14 1/2 years. I'm more proud of this than anything I've done including graduate college. Sure, people get a college degree, but look at this degree I made up for myself...what's it read, oh yeah...
"Least Likely To Vomit...This Guy!!!"
Then, Bill Joseph, Kristen's Dad's friend who owns the boat, anchors it and says, "Alright, if anyone is going to get sick now would be the time."
As Scooby Doo says, "RUH ROH!!!"
I eat a sandwich, because I had not eaten anything at that point. I need to get some food in me, so I don't get sick.
They show me how to fish, for two reasons...
1) So, I can have fun.
2) So, I don't break the fishing rod, hook someone in the eye or scare away any of the fish with my dis-telligence (word I created as the opposite of intelligence).
After 15 minutes, I'm having a great time. First thing I pull out is a mini shark. Apparently, there are a ton of them where we are. Little buggers got some chompers on them. Yes, you do. YES YOU DO!!! We throw all the mini sharks back.
Get some gutter fish, throw them back.
Not pulling anything out that we can actually take home with us, hang on our mantel and wonder why our significant others won't spend time with us in that room. Is it us? Should we not have changed deodorant?? I knew that sales lady didn't know what she was talking about.
Then, it hits me like a ton of bricks. Staring at the water, the waves, the constant rocking of the boat, here comes the nausea.
There's two reasons why God looked at me before I was born, and said, "Yep, he can't get pregnant."
1) I'm a guy and that'd be difficult with our parts.
2) I'd never make it out of morning sickness. I'd go to the hospital all the time for my nausea. I'd go so often they'd give me a "Go Ten Times Get The Eleventh Visit Free" punch card.
After thirty minutes, I stop fishing. They can see I'm turning pale. So I go up to the front of the boat for some self reflection. Who am I kidding? I'm praying to God I don't lose it on this man's boat.
Breeze is hitting me...I don't feel better. Eyes getting droopy, focus on the horizon. Lips getting numb...that can't be good. More praying. More thinking about Kristen and telling her I love her as if she's there.
Seriously, you would have thought I was going in for major surgery. I was sea sick. That's all.
"Just make yourself vomit, you'll feel better."
(mumbling)..."I have a streak."
"WHAT???"
(more inaudible mumbling, horizon watching, boat rocking)
I then proceed to eulogize the Streak.
"Hey, we've been together a long time. We've had some many great memories. You've been with me through high school graduation, pledging a fraternity, (remember that time I thought we were going to part ways in the fraternity house bathroom, but you stayed with me), we made it through college, and even ten years after. I can't believe food poisoning never broke us up. I can't believe those rare times I've heard or smelled other people's vomit, you've stuck with me. Or the times Tucker has a really, and I mean, stop traffic, get the Haz Mat Suits, really smelly poop, you've been with me. Nerves, roller coaster rides, alcohol, helicopter rides, we've done it all the last 14 1/2 years. If it's time to go, it's time to go. I'll never start another Streak. There can't be another Streak like you. You were the best. So, if you're going to do your thing, let's get this over with."
You know what? My Streak listened and he didn't want to part ways either. Maybe I've meant too much to him through all the moves around the country (maybe I'm making more of this than I should)...
Everyone: "YES YOU ARE!!!"
Whatever. But, I will tell you this, if I met someone today and I said, "I got straight A's in college"
OR...
"I haven't thrown up in 14 1/2 years."
What are they taking away from that conversation?
Exactly!
So, I never yacked. Spent 45 minutes of my life on the front of that boat, wishing this harm on no one. Felt better and enjoyed the rest of my day with everyone else on the back of the boat.
I would truly like to thank Brandi Mattox for putting this together. She was awesome in getting the guys together to do this....Felipe, Eric, Bret (Brandi's boy toy, I mean husband), Matty, Louie, Kristen's Dad and Bill Joseph...thank you so much, guys. Even though I memorialize the sea sickness, that was really only about 10% of my entire fun filled day with these guys. I had a fantastic time. I will never forget it, and it truly means the world to me that you would all do this for me. I can't thank you enough.
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