High School Reunion Ends in Drunken Haze

So I went to the 'ol stomping grounds of Effingham over the weekend. Went for the 15-year high school reunion. Yeah, we do them every 5 years because we like each other so much. lol Turned out to be a great time.

Here's a link where you can find some pics of the drunkenness that was my reunion. Side note, it was at an awesome hotel (Hilton Garden Inn - shameless plug). Had some kickass food & drinks. The bartender (also an EHS 2000 grad), who's name I have already forgotten (sorry bro, you deserve better), made a mad cocktail. And he hooked my friend and I up with some free calamari & a flat bread pizza. Good times. Needless to say, I felt obligated to party like a rockstar that night! And needless to say, I can't hang with the big boys anymore either. So sad...

On a whole other subject, I was reunited with a long LONG lost friend Kyle Lindsey. I have known him since we were in grade school, and lost touch with him right after high school graduation in 1993. It was great to track him down...even if it took 15 years! Anyway, thanks Facebook!

So, the party started with a social hour. Free keg beer (is there any other kind?) was made available, as well as a cash bar. I chose the "free" option. Sorry bartender, but there's an unguarded keg over there that I need to "investigate".

After the social hour we had a sit-down dinner. Food was pretty good. Tables were decorated with rose centerpieces (I know, right?!) and red & green hearts cut out of paper...oh, right. Let me clarify. We were the "Flaming Hearts". Flaming because we were pissed & mean (not because of our sexual orientation, thank you), hearts because we have 2 major interstates (I-72 & I-57) that intersect Effingham and will take you from North-South & East-West border of the US.

Oh, and you have no idea how much shit I've caught over my years for being a Flaming Heart! Especially college. Holy Christ! The abuse. Anyhoo...back to the reunion. So each of the previously mentioned heart cutouts had songs, movies, actors, etc. from the 1993 era written on them. Nice touch. The committee really spent a lot of time on this event. Kudos.

After dinner we had music and much drinking. Here's a pic of me with my dinner table (I'm on far-right with my wife Megan).

There's more pictures on the link I provided above. Fortunately, not many more of me. Because by the time this party was over, my proverbial ship had sailed.

After the reunion, we carried the party to a local watering hole, and later I collapsed in my hotel room, wishing I hadn't done all the damage to my body that I'd just spent the last 7 hours doing. Meh...let's just say it was peer pressure that made me do it. That worked in high school.

Logan's first steps!

Just a quick note. Logan had his 1-year birthday party Saturday (his actual birthday is July 24th). That night after everyone left (of course) he took 3-4 unassisted steps on his own. Since then he's started walking everywhere while just holding on with one hand. And he's not scared to take 2-3 steps on his own before plopping down on his backside.

Yesterday we attended a water park where Logan dragged me all over the park. He LOVED the water! I think Megan & I are in for an awakening very soon. Better recheck all the baby gates...

Conflicted...and Pissed!

As most of you know, I'm a HUGE Packers fan. But even moreso, a Brett Favre fan. I've bled Green & Gold since the day I was born. So to hear the latest from the saga of the Favre's retiring carousel, I am, to say the least, bothered.

Year after glorious year, I've eagerly anticipated the kickoff of a new season of hope with my Packers. The 95-96 Super Bowl win was a pinnacle moment in my fan-dome. What a feeling to see your team win. It's incredible. I can only imagine what it's like to BE an athlete achieving that very thing.

So now I hear the latest story that he's once again NOT retiring. Despite his tearful press conference. Despite him saying he didn't have the desire anymore. Now it's gone too far. The past 3 seasons or so, Brett's wavered back and forth as to whether or not he's going to return to play another season. The Packers have been more than patient with his antics. Every year he waited until after the draft to decide. Every year he showed up just in time for training camp. '07 was a great year for him...but does everyone remember '06 & '05?! Horrible! Absolutely dreadful.

So now he's said he wants to come back, and wonders why Ted Thompson & Mike McCarthy have not welcomed him with open arms? Really, Brett?! You can only "cry wolf" so many times before you're NOT taken seriously. The Packers have already told Aaron Rogers "you're our guy". Rogers has worked his tail off to get ready to fill the proverbial "big shoes" of Brett Favre. He knew going into this, that it would be a challenge he'd probably never fully live up to. Now Brett comes waltzing back in wanting to take Aaron's job away from him. Still wondering why you're getting the cold shoulder, Brett?! I still say he's coming back because he can't end his career on an interception.

So anyway, now he wants released from the Packers. His agent Buzz Cook notified the team Brett wants to go elsewhere. He's already essentially forced the Packers to take him back since he has 3 years remaining on his contract. So now that he's retired...er, returning, the Packers have to figure out what to do with him. They don't WANT him to play because they have moved on BASED ON BRETT ANNOUNCING HIS RETIREMENT!!! Come on! So now Brett feels he doesn't want to return to an organization where he will get (at best) a luke-warm reception. So he wants released. Gee, sorry the Packers weren't enthusiastic enough for your inflated ego, Brett. So sorry your feelings got hurt. Did you even consider how the Packers organization felt? They are only looking out for what's best for the team. Considering you already told the team you were done. Considering you already told Aaron Rogers "it's all yours now". Considering you turned in the retirement paperwork to the NFL. Seriously, what a "generous" decision to go elsewhere.

Here's what really scares the shit out of me. Who in the NFC North Division alone needs a QB?! Chicago Bears & Minnesota Vikings anyone?! I will literally vomit in my mouth if he EVER wears blue or purple!!! Even Tampa Bay & Atlanta are in need. Guess what, more NFC teams!

So it will be without question, one of the most conflicted seasons of football I've ever experienced. I never, ever suspected this day would come. To see Brett Favre in any color other than Green & Gold. I can't fathom it. Listen, for all Favre & his family have done for the NFL, the community, the fans...for all he's done, I respect him. He seems like a very humble and caring superstar. But I do not understand this behavior from such a stand-up guy. I'll watch him play for another team, quietly hoping he falls on his face. Secretly booing as loud (on the inside) as the rest of the Packers faithful. But deep down inside, I'll remember the Lombardi trophy he brought to Green Bay, and all the years I laughed, cried & cheered under his tenure.

Bon Voyage Brett. It's truly been a journey. But now you're someone else's legend to contend with.

Light the Candles!

LOGAN'S TURNING 1 YEAR OLD!!

I know, I know...it's hard to believe. Even for Megan & I who've been with him every moment of every day for the past year. It's still odd to think our tiny little newborn is now a year old. Oh s*#t...that means next is the "terrible 2" phase!

Logan is finally sleeping "better". Now he's up once or twice a night. He usually craps out around 7pm, and gets Megan out of bed around 6:30am. He usually just stands in his crib and wraps his meaty little hands around the crib rails and SHAKES them. :)

He's also learning to throw balls around. I've given him a tiny football, soccer ball & basketball. He's taken to the football really well (as if you had doubts?!). Makes me feel all warm inside. We play "smear the Q...", well, you remember that game. You throw a ball, the other members try to catch it and whoever ends up with it gets, well, smeared. Except this version is between just me and Logan.

He's an absolute riot in the tub now. He slip-slides all around and loves getting daddy soaked to the bone. He's definitely not afraid of the water. Hope to get him to the pool some more this summer.

Hopefully, Logan will be walking very soon. He's flying around the house as it is, but I think walking is right around the corner. He'll walk around with only holding your finger. Amazing how strong he's become the last couple of months.

Well, that's about it. Megan and I are eagerly anticipating his party in the next couple weekends. Small gathering of family. Just can't wait to watch him dive into that little cake! What a blast.

Saw this on the news last night. I say it's about time. They've earned it. President Bush just signed into law the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. It allows for all guardsman & reservists who have served at least 90 days on active duty since 9/11, entitlement to better GI Bill tuition assistance. The more time served on active duty, the more tuition the government will pay.

For more info on this Act, you can check out the Fact Sheet HERE. And the extension to 15 years for them to complete their studies just hits home the fact that these troops are going to be continuing their deployments for many years to come. At least the government understands this and has planned accordingly. Hopefully every guardsman & reservist that has earned this will take full advantage of it. Story below.

~ josh ~ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GI Bill

Reported by: WMBD/WYZZ TV - Sarah Barwacz

Tuesday, Jul 1, 2008 @06:09pm CST

WMBD/WYZZ TV – PEORIA -- For the first time since the Revolutionary War, half of active duty service members are guardsman, or reservists. A new GI Bill will now pay for their college education. The bill is for any service member who served three years active duty since 9-11. If you put in less time, you'll still get some benefits. For example, serving two years, means two-thirds of your education will be paid for.

Illinois Senator Dick Durbin says, “When men and women serve our country and risk their lives they're entitled to a GI Bill when they return to give them a better life."

That better life will start will a full ride to any in state university, or technical school. It also includes a housing stipend.

Tammy Duckworth, Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director says, “Now it allows service members to go to private universities, something not available."

Veterans will have more time to use their money than they did under the Montgomery Bill. Now they'll have 15 years to get their classes in compared to just 10 years. Service members also have the option to pass their college education off to their spouse, or children once they turn 18.

The goal of the bill is to help reduce the number of veterans that are unemployed. This bill was a bi-partisan effort. Service members could start to see education benefits as early as August.