Simple Goodness

Few things in life are as simple and good as an Oreo cookie.

I admit that I'm not much of a "sweets" eater.  I really never have been, with two notable exceptions:  Reeces and Oreos.  I mean, how can you go wrong?  Reeces has the best pairing of treats since the Sweedish Bikini team, and Oreos give you the option of enjoying them a billion different ways.  Do you eat it as one piece? Take it apart and eat the creamy filling first? Dunk them in milk (or coffee)?  Or maybe you have a combination that you like.

However you do it, Oreos are one of life's simple pleasures.

(post 30/365)

Volunteering for something you believe in

Today I spent several hours at the local campaign office of Adam Andrzejewski, an Illinois businessman running for the GOP gubernatorial ticket on this Tuesday's primary. This was a first on several levels.  For one, I had never actually "volunteered" at a political office prior to today, and secondly, our son (aka "The Boy") was right beside me...sorting information cards, putting lawn signs together, etc.  He has an interest in the political process and was very eager to see how things worked "behind the scenes."

While I've spoken with Adam on the phone for an interview and even saw him speak yesterday at a luncheon with Lech Walesa, I had never met him "face to face" until today, when he (unexpectedly) showed up at the Oak Lawn office.  One of the best parts of chatting with him?  Our son got the opportunity to meet Adam as well.  "The Boy" was quite thrilled.

(post 29/365)

Luncheon (bonus post)

Ok, so I know that I missed 2 days this month for my Project365 blog.  When that (occasionally) happens, I will attempt to make the posts up with "Bonus Posts."  Here is my first make up post...

This is the view from the back of the banquet room before the start of the luncheon.  You can see that some of the press had already set up their cameras...imagine that same view with about 6 sets of gear and you will have an idea of what it wound up looking like.

(post 28/365)

Legendary

Lech Walesa, former President of Poland and champion of democracy

Today I had the extreme pleasure to attend an event and meet a legend in the fight for freedom and democracy:  Lech Walesa. While he spoke through an interpreter, his actions and the tone of his voice were captivating to the point that it crossed the language barrier. He was charming, captivating, and passionate in his remarks. And believe it or not, this man has a sense of humor I suspect is much larger than the glimpse we got today.

(post 27/365)

Party Bus?

Bus for the Polekatz Gentleman's Club sighted this afternoon

So I have to wonder two things:

1. Who do they have to send this bust bus to pick up?  Is it a shuttle service for the employees or are they ferrying old codgers from the local retirement home?
2. If the city of Chicago were to employ these buses, would I be more likely to use public transportation?

(post 26/365)

Yummy flashbacks

One of my favorite childhood memories revisited:  my grandmother's day-after meatloaf sandwich

Last night I made my grandmother's meatloaf for the family.  This always brings back very fond memories of my childhood, not the least of which was the day AFTER sandwiches.  We always kept it simple: bread, Best Foods (or Hellmann's if you're East of the Rockies), and of course a big slab of the meatloaf.  Today I was able to relive a bit of that as I sat down for a bite out of the past.

(post 25/365)

Tea

My nightly routine.  At least during the winter.  Blueberry flavored tea with a touch of honey.

(post 24/365)

Throw someone from the train

For a few seconds after taking this photo, I honestly thought this guy was going to throw me in front of the oncoming train.  Could have happened.

(post 23/365)

Hofner

Ok, so I know it's not a REAL Hofner bass, but it's close enough...

Been playing The Beatles Rockband with The Boy for the past 3 hours. 

I am the walrus.  Coo coo cachoo!

(post 22/365)

State Offices

So this is where I spent my day taking tests on Thursday, and will be returning to on Monday for even MORE tests.  Meet the inside of the Thompson Building which houses many of the Illinois state offices for various departments.  Located in downtown Chicago, the building is actually very impressive.

Who knows...it could even be a future daily destination for me.

(post 21/365)

Testing

So with the exception of a little show prep, the time we were on the air tonight, and running a few errands this afternoon, I've spent the vast majority of my time today preparing for my trip downtown tomorrow in order to take a few tests that will (hopefully) finalize the qualification process for a job with the State of Illinois. Up to now, I've taken 1 test and I was fairly happy with the results. Yes, these are graded. Tomorrow will have me taking 3 other tests for positions that I am otherwise completely qualified for.

Keep your fingers crossed!


(post 20/365)

Real Love

Sometimes it's the simplest things that prove real love exists.

(post 19/365)

Manly Sandals

Yes, it's true.  I wear these sports-type sandals in the house.  There is an actual reason for this, and I'll briefly explain. 

We live in Chicago.  It gets COLD here in the winter.  The floor gets cold, even with the heat and rest of the house a fairly comfortable temperature.  When my feet get cold, my entire body gets cold.  Even when I wear socks.  I've always been that way.  This stylish footwear is an easy way for me to keep the bottoms of my feet off the floor, keeping my feet warm, and thereby my body at a nice cozy comfort level.

I can't be the only one out there like this, right?

(post 18/365)

Floor

So I've Twittered about the ongoing "new floor" project at the house a bit over the past two months, but I thought I'd post a pic from today's progress here on my 365 blog.

The picture above is from the master bedroom.  On the left, you see the carpet that was here when we bought the house several years ago.  The middle is what is UNDER the disgusting old carpet.  On the right you can see the new flooring after it's been laid down. 

Before anyone asks, my answer is NO.  I am not going into the flooring business.

(post 17/365)

Saturday night in the studio

Saturday nights are usually spent in the ABL studios. This gives you an idea of my view during the show.

(post 16/365)

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Thaw

What happens when the temperature rises to 36 degrees in January.

Yes, it was a warm and balmy 36 today in the southside of Chicago.  The picture shows the only trace of ice or snow left on our front porch.  Time to break out the t-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops!

(post 15/365)

Beans, beans, the magical fruit...

...well, they're what I cooked today to make chili with tomorrow.

Also just realized that a vast majority of my posts have been food related.  Should that be some subliminal sign to me?

(post 14/365)

Old school

So I was at the store this afternoon with The Boy when I saw this nifty display from the Pepsi company.  It seems that they've gone "retro" for a few products and brought back the original package designs.  This is one, the other is the original Pepsi design.  You know.  The one with the cool red and blue yin/yang design.

Anyway, I couldn't resist picking up one of the cases.  Just for old time's sake, of course. 

(post 13/365)

Annoyance

That's what I think we are to our cat at times. She allows us to exist at her whim.

The life of a cat!

(post 12/365)

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Snow and ice?

What a better time for a round of golf?

Ok, virtual golf.

(post 11/365)

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Dinner from the hip

I've been on a roll lately, namely with cooking.  I like the challenge of looking in the fridge and cupboards, seeing what we have to work with, and then coming up with a tasty dish for the family.  Tonight is no exception:  Steak strips, bell pepper, onion, mushroom, tomato, and some spices make for a great and easy meal when served over a bed of white rice.

(post 10/365)

Sometimes the difficult calls...

...make you appreciate what you have even more.

(post 9/365)

Almost like Christmas in January

The weather outside has been frightful...

That means that the Christmas decorations have not come down yet. And in case you're wondering:  NO, the lights are not on.

(post 8/365)

And on the 7th day, there was snow.

I spent a good part of my afternoon with my new best friend.  Meet Mr. Sno-Tek.  He helped me clear the 5 inches of snow we had by 11am this morning.  Best part?  There's more on the way...

(post 7/365)

Almost like The French Connection...

...but much, MUCH slower.

This is the view you will have driving under the EL tracks in downtown Chicago.  It's quite an experience.

(post 6/365)

Life of a Pro-Doucher...

Yes, I get to play the part of "Pro-Doucher" for the Dr. Blogstein Radio Happy Hour, which airs every Tuesday night at 9pm Eastern on BlogTalkRadio.  What does that mean?  I'm (usually) behind the scenes, running the switchboard, screening calls, and trying to keep up with everything going on in the chatroom on on-air.  This is the most downloaded comedy show on the network, with more listeners than Tiger Woods has mistresses.  Stop by sometime and say hello, listen to some great guests, and just have some fun.

(post 5/365)

One of my all-time favorite movies...

I just finished watching this with The Boy (our 14 year old son), who had never seen the movie.  If you have never seen That Thing You Do, go out and rent it.  Better yet, buy it. 

There is something about the truth in this movie that just strikes a chord (no pun intended) with me.  Maybe it has something to do with remembering the ups and downs of playing in a band.  Finding some semblance of popularity.  Watching it all come apart at the seams like a poorly manufactured wind breaker in a hurricane.

Whatever it is, this is by far on MY Top 10 list of favorites, and I think The Boy enjoyed it quite a bit too.

And Liv Tyler looks smokin' in this one.  Did I forget to mention that?

(post 4/365)

Forrest Gump said...

"...Life's like a box of chocolates."
I like to think it's more like a raspberry cheesecake.
(post 3/365)
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Yes, we shop at BB&B...

At least occasionally.
My wife bought me a new espresso maker for Christmas, but on the first use the gasket failed. Epic fail. All over the kitchen counter and floor fail. You get the idea.
Today I'm exchanging for a new one. Keep your fingers crossed!
(post 2/365)
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Today's Project...

Our New Year's day tradition of taking down the Christmas tree.

(post 1/365)