One man band

As we stated, I'm pretty much a one man band, recently. I guess for most of my life I've sort of been that way.
I contribute it to being an only child for 11 years. In those 11 years, me and imaginary friend Tickle Kitty had some great times. Really we did. I'm not so much the Eagles as I am David Bowie.

I only bring this up, because it appears I'm about to lose a couple more Steamboat compatriots. For those not in the know, 'ole Geenis had applied for a job in Nashville. He informed me this morning he accepted it.
I'm glad for him. It's a good opportunity for him to do a lot of things he wants to do.
For me there is no other way around it, than it sucks. But it's not really about me. I'll miss him. He was my partner in crime and just about everything else here.
Like I've stated, I'm pumped for him. THis move allows him to do a ton of stuff for his future.

I'm not sure how I'll react when he leaves in November.

Who knows? All I know is that I'm sad about it, but happy for him.

Other news, two other good friends in Steamboat could be on their way out. They're my two other real good friends and it sounds like they could potentially move in the next couple months.

What does this tell me? Not sure. I wish I had a plan. I don't though. I guess we'll see what happens.

In other disturbing news, my little brother — all 15 years of his freshman self — apparently came home drunk on Friday night.
It's sort of surreal to think about. My mom was pretty upset about it. I'm not sure how to think. I guess it speaks to our relationship more than anything. We used to be close as could be, then I left for college, left to the real world and somewhere along the lines out relationship became much more distant. I'm not sure what to do. I've always thought he needed to learn stuff on his own, be his own person. I always thought he didn't want me butting into his life. But by telling myself this, have I distanced myself that far away from him. I remember when he was in second grade he did a project and said I was his hero. That seems like a long time ago. My mom asked me to talk to him. I will, but what do I say?
Our relationship clearly isn't the same. I'm sure a lot of his friends don't even realize he has an older brother. I'd like to stay in better touch with him for sure. Every time I talk to him now, it's like pulling teeth to talk to him. He's got another agenda, and it doesn't seem to involve me.
Let's be honest, I haven't been the best role model or brother. I'll talk to him and see what I can do. But I'm sad about this too. He's one of the most important people in my life to me, yet I'm completely distant to him in a way.

I've been working a lot lately. Which I guess is a good thing to help me take my mind off some other things. It's scary, but work in a way has become my escape from some things. With winter coming I suppose I'll have to find another escape than skiing. I decided against a pass to save money. We'll see how that goes.

As for sports, it's a pitiful existence in my sports world. The Rockies are out of the playoffs, but there is hope for the future. Can't say too much else, than the Phillies deserved to win that series. They're a damn good ball club and came up big when it mattered. Just a classic experience vs. youth series.
But it's exciting to think about CarGo, Fowler and Seth Smith in the outfield next year. I envision a lineup in the next year that has Eric Young Jr. hitting 1, Fowler 2 and CarGo 3. That's a ton of speed at the top of the lineup to create havoc. Think the pitching will be just fine.
Atkins and Hawpe are gone. So is Marquis. Not huge holes as I see it. They'll need another utility infield, hopefully one with pop. Would like to see what they get back for Hawpe in a deal.
Like the outlook of the bullpen.
You have Bucholtz and Corpas coming back from injury. They'll lock up Street and hopefully pick up Betancourt's option. Like Morales coming out of the pen, but would give him a shot to start again.
Plus they have a kid Casey Weathers they drafted in the first round a couple years ago, that should be getting back off Tommy John surgery. He's the closer of the future and has nasty, nasty stuff. They might need one more lefthander, but I'm digging this team.
Like the lineup as well. Still not sold on Barmes. I guess he provides some pop and plays good defense. But he's a pure pull hitter and when teams started pitching him outside with soft stuff and hard stuff he was a for sure out. The only time he got a hit was when a pitcher made a mistake middle-in.
But your 2010 Rockies lineup could look like this
1. Fowler
2. Smith
3. Gonzalez
4. Tulo
5. Helton
6. Stewart
7. Torrealba (if they pick up his option or sign him multi year)
8. Barmes (if not Young Jr.)

Rotation
1. Jimenez
2. Cook
3. De La Rosa
4. Hammel
5. Francis
6. Chacin
7. Friedrich

WOuld like to see them sign at least one more reliable arm just in cast with Francis' health and the development of Chacin and Friedrich.

All in all, love the future look of the Rox.
Plus this is counting they trade Brad Hawpe, who I think could bring a middle of the rotation guy or a real nice piece in the bullpen.


Football is horrible.
CU put on a good show against Texas. Glad to see Hansen getting the chance to start. I'm still holding out hope in my delusional world that CU can get to a bowl game. WIll they? probably not, but they still have a chance.
Not sure where I'm at on Hawkins — Dan. I've always believed a coach deserves five years to see what he can do. Next year would be Year 5 for Hawkins. I'm not sure where I'm at on this. I suppose going by my guidelines I'd like to see him get one more year.

With 8:29 left in the fourth quarter on Sunday, I officially gave up on the Bills. IT was tied at 3 with Cleveland (who I thought was the worst team in the NFL) and Buffalo still had a chance to win. I could have cared less.
I will no longer root for the Bills until the organization is gutted out. THis means, I'm not a Bills fan anymore until a) the Bills move to Toronto or LA, in which case I'll cease watching the NFL b) Ralph Wilson, the Bills owner, dies or c)Wilson sells the team.
The Bills have been bad for 10 years now. They haven't had a chance to succeed. WIlson and his front office have made poor decision after poor decision. I like to think it's less coaching than the front office. Look at Gregg Williams. Since he left Buffalo he's been the best defensive coordinator in the game. Look what he's done with the Saints this year. Mike Mularkey has been a great Offensive Coordinator with the Falcons.
Dick Jauron, while horrible, will probably end up being a good D-coordinator when he's fired. The thing about the Bills and Wilson is that they are gutting the roster and have been for years. It's clear Wilson is going to sell the team. He won't leave it to his family because of the high tax cost associated with inheriting the team He's been gutting the roster and keeping costs low so he can sell a low cost team to a high bidder.
Good business move, horrible to the fans of Buffalo.
Maybe the worst thing came from my dad, who has been a Bills fan for his entire life. Some of his best moments have come with the Bills. But my dad on Saturday, said he's done with the Bills.

So on Sunday, even with the Bills having a chance to win, I decided I'm done.

That means, for at least the time being I'm looking for a new team. Not sure who but am wading through the candidates.
New Orleans — I like Drew Brees
Detroit — Like the city and is a similar fan base to Buffalo
Denver — Probably not going to happen. But at this point would be acceptable for me to root for
Chicago — Da Bears.
N.Y. Giants — Uhhh
Cleveland — Also similar to Buffalo

I'm up for suggestions. If you can make a case for a team I'll listen and even consider buying a throwback AFL jersey!

It's sad to say, but the NHL may be a saving grace for me the rest of the way. The Sabres are 3-1 and look good. Of course on cue, their best player gets injured Tuesday night and will be out an extended period of time.

You know what, I'm not sure why I even like sports. For the last 10 years I can pick one great moment out. That's it. One. Wait two. Two moments in 10 years? Fuck.
The two are Rocktober 07. Fucking great
CU football beating Nebraska and Texas in 01 en route to the Big 12 title.

Those are the only good moment. The only ones.

HEF of the week.
Where do we even begin. I'm not sure.

Until next time. Heads up Luke Nation.

Wall Street? Luke Street

Man oh man, winter is right at the doorstep. I mean WIthin the next month there will probably be at least a foot of snow on the ground. This I'm none too pumped about.

I enjoyed the summer and the fall. It was beautiful. I loved it. There is nothing like wild colors and 70 degree weather. It's amazing.

Well the Eastern Bloc sex kitten officially got deported, or went back for school or something. It was fun while it lasted, but I'm sort of glad she's gone. I suppose check back in a couple weeks when I'm crying in my bedroom corner by myself.
As for other women, there isn't much on the docket. But for some reason, at this point, I'm OK with that. Really I am. One of the first times in my life I have no qualms about women, and am enjoying my time by myself.
I mean I've always been sort of a one man band that enjoys flying solo, but am moreso than ever before.
As for work, it hasn't been too bad. It's the pay that sucks. I wish I made more, but that's OK. Everybody wishes they made more.
Was a pretty wild weekend. One for the books in fact.
There was a mustache ride/bar hop in town. Well, everyone that I know that attended had something happen to them.
Let's look at the victims.
Geenis — detox and arrest. Swollen face, broken bike
Erin — Completely broken bike
Spencer — Hurt back, scared for his life (this is a good story for those that want to hear at some point. Even if you don't know Spencer).
Luke — Torn up shoulder. Yup, tore it up riding Gee's bike to his house. I may or may not have had 11 teen dozen beers in me.
Regardless, crashed the bike jammed my elbow up into my shoulder. I hate doctors so I figured I'd wait it out and see if it didn't get better. Well finally went to the doctor on Thursday. Torn AC joint, torn cartlidge and a 10 % chance of a torn rotator cuff. Nice.

But it was well worth the weekend and everything else that surrounded it. Epic would be the word to describe what went down. TOo many funny things to worry about broken bikes, hurt egos or painful body extremities.

The football gods have taken no pity on either of my Buffalo-like creature teams.
The Bills are horrible. Trent Edwards is...... I don't know, fill in the fucking blank about what a piece of shit waste of space he is.
Colorado is horrible. Cody and Dan Hawkins are......Again fill in the blank. Use derogatory words, hateful words, what ever you want. But that's my feeling. I wish I could like two other teams but I can't. It's a curse. A curse of unholy bounds, that ties me down each weekend, hoping that for one good year of my pitiful football rooting life, that the Football Gods pear down, see the intense pain, and bless me with 8 fucking wins. I would take 8 at this point. Right now between the two teams we're at two wins. Would it surprise you, Luke Nation, to see at the end of the year to just have two wins.
Fucking football.

Well football (high school variety where the Steamboat QB could start for CU right now) is about to kick off.

But I'll leave you with the.....

HEF of the week
Should and certainly is falling off the bike and tearing my shoulder up. Great drunk injury, right up there with breaking my nose on concrete steps. But here's a doozy. Driving back from Denver after covering state golf.
I have some fast food with me. Well the burrito spills all over my lap, my water does the same thing, can of chew blows up in my face. Snot rockets out of my nose. I think I get everything under control and go to take a sip of my Ice cold Coca-Cola. Miss my mouth and dump it on myself.

Cold weather with a chance of snow

It's here. Winter is coming and that means snow. Really, really not excited. But regardless the cold weather does bring some fun things.

I sleep better. I get to do neat things with my facial hair. I get to wear my winter wardrobe. Inevitably I'll get to do something fun with snow.

But other than that, I'm not too yoked for winter.

It was a relatively good couple of weeks/weekends. Went down to the CU game and got to party with the old crew and new crew. Watched the game and needless to say the CU-Wyoming game was a collection of the slowest Division I teams in the nation.

It was pretty pitiful, even though the Buffs won.

Now they get their cheeks beat again on National television Thursday. Have heard rumblings there is already a plan in place to get rid of Hawkins. Nice.

Went to the Rox on SUnday and saw them squeak one out against the Cardinals. It was a good game and good all around time.
Plus the drive back was amazing. The colors were so sweet, the drive was well worth it.

Monday I went on a hike up Fish Creek Falls trail and enjoyed some more of the fall colors.

Not a ton new at work. A little shakeup at the paper with new people in new roles. This is sort of interesting. The ex will in fact be my new boss. Interesting, but don't think a lot changes. At least I hope not. I'm pretty settled in my role.

Not much else to report.

I (fill in the blank) football

Another rough week on the football front.
CU gets beat by national powerhouse Toledo. Wait? They get absolutely mauled by Toledo. There was never a moment CU was in the game.
They are so bad, when you look at their schedule there are maybe two winnable games on the schedule (Wyoming at home and Iowa State on the road). Unfortunately, would it be a surprise if they lost both. They could be 0-12.

The Bills lose another heartbreaker on MNF against the Pattsies. This was a game that completely described what it's like to be a Bills fan. Plus when they were up 11 with four minutes to go, the only thought in my mind was "what unique and interesting way are we going to give this game away." Yep. Your 2009-10 Buffalo Bills! They could be 0-16.

Fantasy team — Packn Like Plex — got drubbed as well. I scored 47 points. Just to understand how our league works, Drew Brees (52 points) would have beat my entire team by himself. I would have beat Adrian Petersen (42 points) by a miraculous five points. Yep. Packn Like Plex could be 0-12.

Needless to say I may need to take a break from football at some point. I allow myself to get too involved and it affects my mood. Plus Paul Posluszny and the Bills will thank me. Since I purchased a Posluszny jersey, the Bills have gone either 1-9 or 2-10. Then last night, in the debut this year for the Posluszny jersey, the man himself breaks his arm in the second quarter. I'm beginning to think I have a sports curse. The Cubs have the curse of the goat, the Red Sox had the curse of the Bambino.
What's my curse called? That will be my mission for the rest of the year.

Now the Rockies are on a huge slide as well. I think all the injuries might finally catch up to them. I hope I'm wrong, but if the Giants sweep this series they are only 1 1/2 game back. Yikes. The Rockies need to get back on a roll and do so quick.

Great weekend other than typical sports disasters.
Went to Grand Junction for Jessica Mooney's wedding on Saturday. Small ceremony and saw a ton of old friends. It was fun and am glad I went. To the LDV on Sunday to see the family and golf on Monday. Me and the old man played at Eagle Ranch on Monday. Shot 91, including a 41 on the front nine.
The front nine was good. Two birdies, two pars, three 3-putt bogies and two "others." The back nine was just too many penalty strokes and a putter that was a miserable joke.
Very good time, however.

This weekend, should be fun as well. I'm hoping I feel better and these swine flu like symptoms go away. Maybe it's just the lack of sleep catching up with me. Who knows. I'll I do, is I'm heading East to see El Caballo and see what ensues from that. Think Gee Mode 1 will show up as well.

Hef of the Week
Football.
Also woke up Sunday after the wedding and somewhere in the night of rocking lost my pants. Had everything else, but my pants. Had to backtrack and ask people, "Uhhhhh, have you seen my pants?"
Class act all around Graham.

Ugh

When I look back at the football week and ahead to the football week I simply can't help but cry.
CU losing to CSU was one of the worst things that has happened. I think it was a combination of things. I think CSU is a good football team, but I also think CU isn't as good as everyone thought. Then to look forward to the Monday Night Football game between the Bills and Patriots and it doesn't get much better.

I mean what better way to open up the 2009-10 Bills season than more than likely getting beat by 40 points on national television.
Here's where Bills fans are right now. From Bob DiCesare in the Buffalo News:

The offensive coordinator one day, the starting left tackle a few days hence. What do you think? Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback for the opener? Ralph Wilson drawing up plays on suite napkins? Where, oh where, does it end?Somewhere between 4-12 and 0-16, I'd gather.Yes, by all means get your popcorn ready. The paper bag will come in handy.

Then to CU. It's been a hard realization, but I've come to the conclusion that in general CU football will probably never matter again.
It's the dark secret no person wants to talk about. When you look at other programs around the nation that succeed they have several similar traits. Big donors, great facilities, great fan support etc.

Let's look at CU. They have by far the worst facilities in the Big 12. Iowa State's simply dwarf them. Let's not even mention, Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State or Nebraska.
That's a big recruiting tool. When CU won its National Championship in 1990, their facilities were brand new. The Dal Ward Center was voted as the top facility in the nation.
How things have changed.
For crying out loud, CSU has better practice facilities.
The only way to get these better, is to get more money. The school is cash strapped as it is. Donors won't donate millions of dollars to upgrade either. Plus CU doesn't have a T Boone Pickens to throw money into the program. Maybe someday, but not likely.

Then you look at coaching. I'm not off the bandwagon yet, and never will be. Who knows with Hawkins. McCartney took five years to build the program back. Maybe Hawkins is the same. But in Colorado — the state — law prohibits assistant coaches from having more than a one year contract.
This limits Colorado's coaching staff. When you look at top flight programs, they have top flight assistants. CU doesn't and it's clear.

If Hawkins turns out to not be the man, it will cost the university money to get rid of him. Then who would even want the job.
How do you pitch, horrible facilities, no guarantees to your assistants and a piss poor fan base to any coach?

CU once mattered. Unfortunately there is a chance they'll never matter again.


Life's been hectic. Mostly because I worked a whopping 69 hours last week. It was seven days in a row and just took it out of me.

Luckily I've got a three day weekend coming up. I'm going to a wedding that I'm not totally sure about. It'll be good to see about 40 kids I went to high school with, but at the same time I'm not totally pumped on it.
Plus I got roped into going to the wedding with a girl I don't want to go with, while there is another girl in Grand Junction that I totally want to go with.
Despite being a middle of the road ladies man — if that — I somehow find myself in the most precarious positions with the opposite sex.
Look at this wedding. I could and want to go with a hot 24-year-old, who is the shit and a ton of fun, but instead I'm stuck with a rundown 30 something.
It doesn't help, the bride knows my date and said, "oh, you should just go with Luke." So it wasn't even my decision.
Sour grapes I suppose. Either way I'm not going to let it get me down. I'm going to rock like only I know how to rock.

Other plans for the weekend include playing golf at Eagle Ranch on Monday. My dad got some kind of silent auction prize for golf for two. It's always good to play with the old man, and eventually get my balls so busted by him that I put my proverbial tail between my legs and think about crying to the point of dehydration.

Trying to get next weekend off as well, since El Caballo/V1 will be back in town. I'll certainly see the ugly bastard, but how many days we'll just have to see.

Nothing else really to note of.

HEF of the Week
The Monday after the CU debacle I had to cover a stage race. Needless to say I was hung over as hell and probably smelt horribly like booze. As the CU game progressed, I just drank more and more and more and more. Anyway, Monday I'm covering this bike race, waiting to talk to the women's winner. She's on the podium with a bottle of bubbly. She shakes it up, releases the hounds and it sprays. Unfortunately the initial shot and most of the bottle hit me directly in the pole washer. So if I didn't originally smell like booze, I certainly did now.

Football time

Love football. This is clearly the best time of year. Sometimes I have a tough time getting into a new season when a season is still going.
Football will start, but baseball is in its playoff race. Not so much this year, I'm just geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeked for some football.

Football, is the world's greatest sport. There is nothing like Saturday or Sunday hanging with some friends, grilling, drinking and all cheering for one cause.

It really is the most wonderful time of the year. Thinking back I get more excited for football season than any other time. Christmas —no. Birthday — no. Beat cheeks day — no.

Workwise, I'm getting busy. The other sports guy is out this week and it's making so I have a ton of work. By the time next weekend hits, I'll have worked like 14 of 15 days at the old paper. Strangely I'm sort of yoked on it. The summer lull is fine for a while, but there is something said about being totally busy. Plus we started a new site here at work (click here). It has been good. Doing some video, adding a ton of stuff and getting weird my friends.
Actually enjoying my job.

Another plus of working so much these next two weeks is I'll have several days of to do pretty much whatever I want. A little vacation if you will. Nothing to grand, but something fun.

The weekend was pretty relaxed. Friday I did nothing, Saturday went and rocked with the peop's and Sunday headed to Denver to see the ole' grandmama.
Got my car fixed on Monday, which it totally needed. This was good in a lot of ways, besides the final bill. It's sort of like driving a new car at this point. Plus the work I got done on it, will hopefully make it run for the next 30-40 years of my life, seeing as how a brief glance at my bank account and I probably won't be able to afford a new car in that span.

The Eastern Bloc Sex Kitten is back in my life. I think we both want the same thing out of the relationship (let's not even call it that), plus she's out of town for three weeks now. Regardless, how often does the big guy run into a hot, young, Czech Republic chick? Probably more often if I lived in the Czech Republic or Eastern Bloc.

Going to Jessica Mooney's wedding next weekend. Should be interesting seeing who shows up. Probably not a ton of people I want to see. But I know I'll have fun. Plus there's an opportunity to see another chick down in GJ. The wedding is sort of interesting in the fact it happened so quick. I love Jessica to death and hope it works out, but everything (at least the percentages) seem to be working against it.
Either way I love weddings and love parties.

No other big plans. WOuld like to get down to a Rockies series at some point during the playoff push. Thinking St. Louis in late September could be the series I attend.
Not sure how I feel about the Rockies playoff chances. Like the Contreras pickup and think Apodaca will do wonders with him.
It's just tough as hell to beat Lincecum, Cain, Zito and now Penny (owns Colorado). Hopefully the lineup keeps hitting. Hopefully CarGo gets fully healthy, Fowler and Cook come back and the lineup starts hitting.
Just a wild guess, but it comes down to the final series with the Dodgers (who also own Colorado). Let's take a look at what the Rox and Giants have left.
ROX
3 vs. Mets— won one, need to win series if not sweep
3 vs. Arizona — need to win series if not sweep
4 vs. Cincinnatti — "
3 at SD — (You SD boys aren't there, you're not Rockies fans. I'll assume you're Yanks or Sox fans) — "
3 at San Fran — Cannot get swept
3 at Arizona — need to win series in not sweep
3 vs. SD — "
3 vs. St. Louis — Need 2 of 3 at home
3 vs. Milwaukee — 2 of 3 at home
3 at LA — need 2 of 3 in LA. Could be for division.

If they win every series that's 22 wins. That's the number they need in the last 31 games. 22-9 is what they need to shoot for. THis includes 19 home games where the Rox have been lights out


Giants
3 at Philly — lost one, hopefully lose the series
3 at Milwaukee — probably win 2 of 3
3 vs. SD — 2 of 3 if not a sweep
3 vs. LA — interesting series
3 vs. Colorado — need to lose 2 of 3
3 at LA — another interesting series
3 at Ariz — 2 of 3 if not sweep
3 vs. Chicago — 2 of 3 if not sweep
3 vs. Ariz — "
3 at SD — "

15 at home, 15 on the road.


Colorado has the easier road. For the Rox, comes down to the SF, LA and St. Louis series.

Should be an interesting road.


Until next time.

Boobs

This is why I don't ever drink wine.

Had three glasses of red wine last night and have done the following since waking up:
1) Woke up late.
2) Threw up
3) Almost fell down in the shower
4) Came to work and did nothing
5) Went home and took a two hour nap
6) Threw up again
7) Ate

So that's that.

Anyway, going to try and update the blog more often. Even if it's just short posts. Shooting for two times a week.

That'll be all for now.

Long time coming

Been out of touch for a while.

Summer is winding down here in the SBT and fall is almost upon us. Nights have been much cooler and you can just sense it in the air.

This also means fall sports are ready to begin and I'll start getting real busy at work. Fortunately we're starting a new web site dedicated to sports. It should be good and allow myself to do some things I have never done. It should allow me to become a more well-rounded journalist.

This is only a good thing, as I'm not sure where my mind has been at work the last couple of weeks. I sometimes feel like I'm just going through the motions. I'm not sure I've done anything in the last eight months that I'm super proud of. I'm not sure how much I've improved as a writer. I suppose the big thing is I'm not sure how much more I have to learn here. Hopefully with this new site I'll be able to do some new things. I suppose we'll see.

Socially, Gee's birthday was a couple weekends ago and that was a blast. Good times had by all, I think.
Other than that, it's pretty much the same old. Was dating a girl from the Czech Republic. For a lot of reasons it wasn't going to work. Sort of still seeing her, but I'm afraid she digs me way more than I dig her.
That could create some problems, just because she's young (21) and I really don't want to hurt her. But I don't want to contribute the time to dating her. I'm sort of in a stage where I just kind of want to do my own thing and not have to worry about someone else.
I mean there are things I like about her, but we really don't have a lot in common, our conversations are pretty lame and don't go in depth and she's a shade of crazy. Usually I like that, but she's a shade of crazy I'm not into.

Other than that, nothing really new on the ladies front. Ms. B broke up with her boyfriend, which I guess is of relevance. At one point I was thinking when they did break up I'd feel great about it and revel in it. It's actually been the exact opposite. I mean I was never the biggest fan of her boyfriend, but I do sort of feel bad for him.
As for her, I think it was established a while back that we could be friends and that should continue. Despite all things that have happened, I do enjoy having her in my life.

Other upcoming plans.
Have some buddies going to Austin for the CU-Texas game. Would love to go and am going to see if I can pull it together.

I've got a wedding to go to in early September for a high school friend. Me and this girl were good friends in high school and it's sort of weird/shocking to see her getting married. It's not that she's not a good catch — in fact I think she's a phenomenal catch. It's just the way it happened. She had been dating this guy for like eight months, they've never lived together and he's a relative unknown. But what do I know? I hope it works out for the best. On the plus side, I love weddings. I really do.

Excited for football season to start on so many levels.
here's the Bills records for the last three seasons.

2006 7-9
2007 7-9
2008 7-9
2009 What do you think dumbass?"

Exactly.

Hopefully CU gives me something to cheer for. I could see them winning as many as eight or nine games, but my gut says they go 7-5.

But it's nice to have football back in my life. It's the most glorious time of the year as far as I'm concerned.

How about them Rockies. It's fun to have a baseball team still in it. Especially with this team. The chemistry seems like it's so good, evidence by how they reacted when Spilly hit the walk-off grand slam. It's like a little league team out there playing.
Hopefully they can keep it going the next week with LA and SF on the slate. Huge couple of series here. They need these bad.

For now, that's all. Hopefully we'll be back more often with updates. In fact I promise....sort of.

Tres Anos

Today marks the three year anniversary of my first trek to Steamboat. Actually realized this last night while at the bar. It was like 12:41 and I saw that it was July 24.
Suppose it was sort of fitting. Did a shot in celebration and kind of started to go into thought about the last three years.
Sometimes the years seem like they've gone really fast. Some parts have. Some parts haven't.

Been some interesting times I guess here in Steamboat. Somehow I always catch myself in drama. I bring some of it on myself and some of it just seems to follow me.
This time it had to do with a my friends Erin and Rob. They were going camping and I didn't want to go because it was essentially couples weekend and they fight all the time. I told Erin this and she flipped.
A couple nights later I have a crying girl with me at the bar. Cleared some stuff up, but it wasn't really the way I wanted to spend my night. I'm horrible when girls start to cry. I don't deal real well in those situations. Usually try to make a joke and it doesn't turn out well.

Some other minor things, but nothing worth noting.

I've been in a good mood of late (not so much today as I'm piss ass tired). But other than that things have been relatively good.

Covered some interesting stuff this week. Made a sweet video to go with one of my stories. Work's been good and pretty laid back lately.

Gee's old lady left Steamboat for Atlanta. Feel bad for the guy because I know how much he liked her. She was a totally sweet girl. Probably one of the nicest people I've ever met.

It was sort of a weird week in that it was her last week here and Gee's best friend was here. I went out with his buddy a couple of times, so I'm pretty exhausted this week.

On the plus side I did meet this smoking hot Czech Republic chick through Gee's old lady. She's shy as can be and her English isn't great, but neither is mine and usually when I put my foot in my mouth she doesn't understand.

Hoping to get to Denver a couple times in the next month. Miss the city. Plus have some peeps I need to get down there and see.

El Caballo will be making his return trip to Colorado. Nice, but he won't give me the dates and I think he probably will just want to hang with the Geenis. Asshole.

The old man pulled through again. He called me earlier and said he got me a ticket to see ZZ Top and Aerosmith next weekend. Good work old man.
Have watched Fight Club like six times in the last two weeks. I forgot how much I dig that movie and book. Didn't like the movie the first time, but each time it grows on me to the point I really do like it. Was wondering if that could happen to me. Could I get Tyler Durdened. Split personalities. It's interesting to think of.
Plus if they made a movie who would play my Edward Norton side and who would play my Brad Pitt side? I'm thinking Seth Rogen plays my Edward Norton. Maybe Michael Chiklas. How about Pauly Shore. No. My Brad Pitt side would be played by Jesse James or someone totally sweet.


SPorts:
Rockies are on a roll, but it has to continue with the Giants in town tonight. Sweep them. That's all I ask for. Still need help in the bullpen. Got Betancourt via trade and called up Chacin. Sounds like they could call up another arm as well. Hopefully they'll solidify the bullpen soon enough and they can chase down the Dodgers.
Good to see Matt Holliday go to the Cardinals. He'll hit there and they'll love him. Good move by the Cards as well.
Hopefully Doc Halladay gets traded. Would love to see him in the playoffs with someone.
How about Mark Buerle. THe best thing about him is he gets the ball and goes. He doens't take his pretty little time. Love that.

College football is getting closer. That's a good thing. Love college football like I love food. Simply cannot wait for camps to open.


Hef of the week
Will go with the anti-hef first. Did a story on an X Games medalist. he was out training and all these kids wanted his autograph. I had a notebook so I was giving out paper. This kid, about 10, comes up asks for some paper. I oblige and then he goes "are you his body guard?" I throat punched the kid and told him to back up. Not really.

Real hef of the week.
A pretty Hef free couple of weeks for sure. The universe is a little upside down I guess. Who knows.

Toga, Toga, Toga

Relatively relaxed weekend around these parts.

Looking at my financial situation my amount of rocking the past couple of months, it's sort of time to buckle down.

I've looked into getting a second job, but there isn't much out there. I was supposed to do some concrete work on my days off, but the guy that was supposed to hire me has slowed down immensely.
I have a ton of work to do on my car and bills to pay.

The weekend was fun.
Friday I didn't do much. Saturday was the Cow Pie Classic rugby tournament. It's always a good time. THe rugby boys are all good dudes and have sort of taken the big guy in. Either way watched rugby all day Saturday. Wrote my story and then they have their annual toga party at the coolest summer bar in town.

We decide to go and it's a rip roaring fun time. Despite it taking two people an hour and a half to get ready with their toga's, it was some of the most fun I've had in a long time. I partied all night, ended up going home with some rando's at like 3:30 in the morning and partying a couple more hours before passing out at my buddies.

I have to walk to my car the next morning and there is a huge festival going on in town. Unfortunatley all I have is the sheet from my toga and these little gym shorts. I walk to my car wearing my sheet like a cape. Needless to say, people weren't sure if I was A) retarded B) drunk C) crazy E) the sweetest dude in town.

All in all it was a blast. A real good time.

Sunday I was spent and didn't do much. Monday I went hiking in Spring Creek which is one of my favorite places in Steamboat for a variety of reasons.

Now I'm back at work, tearing stuff up.

Not a ton more to detail. Except for the need to save money/pay off debt. As usual there's usually a little too much fun and a little too less money. Either way I think I've got a plan. Or at least I hope I do.

Amigo Brian from the ATL officially left town on Sunday. Sad to see him go as he was a good buddy. He left for a job and inevitably more women. As he said the situation in Steamboat "isn't natural. Not at all. No man should have to go through that." It was his first experience in the mountains on a full time basis. Either way we should keep in touch with plans of making a UGA game at some point in the near future.

Sports:
The All-Star festivities were OK. Nothing too great, but nothing too bad. Excited for the second half of the season to see who gets Roy Halladay.
Fall football camps open in less than a month. Not sure where I see CU falling, but I could see them winning the North or finishing fourth. All depends on how they start, I suppose. Would love to see 8, 9 or 10 wins. Think there is an outside shot of it.
I think the North breaks down like this. Nebraska, KU, CU and MU all with chances to win it. Not counting out K-State either with Snyder back in town.
As you can tell it's sports purgatory right now. Not a lot happening.
The Tour de France is going on and the bickering between Lance and the other dude Cantador is almost too much. Who gives a rats ass. There should be no teams. It should be the best rider that wins. Of course I want Lance to win or some American but enough of this team crap. Could you imagine golf like that. A team of say Tiger, Anthony Kim, B.J. Holmes and Daly against Phil, Bubba Watson, Padraig Harrington and Ernie Els. Of course Tiger and Phil would be the frontrunners with the rest of their team just trying to mess the other one up so that person didn't win. Daly playing with Phil and coughing in his backswing. Watson yelling NOONAN NOONAN to Tiger on putts.
See it just doesn't work. Teammates should be left to actual team games like football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, horse shoes etc.

Hef of the week
It was hot on Saturday and so had all four windows down on Saturday in my car. My back rear window will now not roll up. No dice, no nothing. Nothing says white trash like a Buffalo Sabres shirt and wife beater covering your back window so your back seats don't get flooded. Impressive. Hopefully I can fix it or have someone (like the old man) do so in the next week.

Fourth of July

Another wild weekend.

Let's see how it breaks down. Thursday night partied with some people for work. Ms. B and my roomey Matt had a friend in town. Thursday we played drinking games and went to bed late.

Friday had to work at 9 a.m. and was absolutely positively hurting.
Friday had bought the old man tickets to Kid Rock in Greeley. So I drive to Denver. Get there and then head up to Greeley. We spent some time at the carnival before going to the concert.

Wasn't sure what to expect, but Kid Rock puts on one hell of a show. It was two hours of a ton of fun. Really was impressed.

One thing that was weird and I'd never seen before happened to be a sign language lady on the side of the stage. It was sort of funny to watch her sign the lines "big titty ho" but completely enjoyable.

Saturday we get back and I had to work.
Get done with work and start to rock out. Watch the fireworks with several foriegn girls (shut down again) before heading back to Gee's.
End up getting a little wild.
Sunday, floated the river and rocked out.

Ended up breaking my phone on Sunday. Someone stepped on it and well now I have a phone that is one step up from Zach Morris'. I guess as long as it works.

This week I'm back at work and totally wishing I wasn't.

Either way I can't seem to get on track this week with my mind wandering. I've got a lot on my mind, from some things I did over the weekend to trying to figure out what I'm doing with my life. Regardless it's made me an insomniac.

Going to a wedding this weekend, and am hoping to go down and see Lurch in a bit. Going to see Semsack as well. Sounds like he's doing 100 times better. He's even talking a little bit and they have him up moving. Still no telling if there will be long term affects, but at least he's doing much better.

Not sold on the whole media infatuation with Michael Jackson. Was he a talent? Absolutely. One of the greatest artists of the last 50 years. But it's sort of odd he's made out to be this huge hero, when years ago he was getting torn apart for being a child molester. Shouldn't those questions still being brought up. Didn't he pay $20 million to a boys family to settle out of court. Wasn't he a little bit loony.
Suppose it's more a sign of the times we have. If you're a celebrity, your life can be wripped apart and then immortalized.
Plus I can't get sold on holding a child molester in such a glowing light.


Onto sports:
The Rockies continue to impress. Despite dropping two of three to Arizona (should have swept) they're right in the thick of things.
They need another arm in the pen. Let's hope they can get it done or promote from within. Either way it would complete the team.
The NBA free agency period has started and some big moves were made.
Love the Celtics picking up Rasheed Wallace. That's the best defensive forward line in the NBA now. And for all of Wallace's transgressions, he's one of the smartest players in the league.
The Lakers adding Ron Artest is going to work out. He's a better Trevor Ariza and will allow for Kobe to not have to guard the opposing teams best guard.
Shaq to the Cav's. Not totally sold on this one. I mean the one thing Big Z could do was draw defenders out of the lane. Shaq can't do that. Plus I'm not totally sure LeBron and Shaq will totally get along.
Vince Carter to the Magic. The question comes down to who you like more? Carte or Hedo Turkgolou. I think I like Hedo better in that lineup, but Carter can still bring it. I think he'll be good in Orlando.
Richard Jefferson to the Spurs. This is the best move of them all. Jefferson gives the Spurs athleticism and outside punch they need. He's a more athletic and younger Mike Finley.
So after the dust settles here's how I see the top six in the NBA
1. Lakers — Artest is the best move
2. Celtics — Can they all stay healthy?
3. Spurs — Love the Jefferson move and I think Duncan bounces back big.
3b. Magic — Still got them a smidge above the Cav's.
4. Nug's — love the Ty Lawson pick up. They still have work to do, but could easily get in the top three discussion. See what they do to close out free agency.
5. Cav's — Still not sold on that team. They need another shooter. Not sure how much an aging Shaq helps.

College football camps are a month away. All I know is I'm pumped. Real pumped.

Hef of the Week
Woooooo. There are a lot. Too lazy to recount.

Wild things, wild times, wild plans

A lot of wild in my life.

A lot to go over. Anyway I can't sleep, so at the request of Luke Nation we'll get down to the basics.

Since I got back from vacation it's simply been wild. Two weekends of partying pretty hard. Two weekends ago pretty much just rocked hard. That's about as simple as it gets. Not exactly sure what the reasoning behind it was or if there ever really is a reason, but yet I have been rocking.
Two weekends ago I went camping with a couple buddies and three foreign girls. It was unique in the fact that we were at a family campground with really a non-family type of crowd. Camp grounds suck. Especially this one. It was like camping in the suburbs. Also it sucked in the fact that I ended up getting sick. Regardless, it wasn't a huge deal and turned out to be fun.

This last weekend turned out to be especially interesting.

For one my good friend Jill moved. It was bittersweet in the essence that she needed to leave. But that's another amigo that bit the dust. I'll certainly miss her, but she lives in Denver so no need. I already miss her in fact. I really, really do. But I'll still see her. Plus found out another amigo Brian is heading back to the ATL for a better job and tons and tons of beautiful women all looking for their Mrs. degree. He offered to let me come along and I am actually not opposed to it.

Wednesday went out with Jill and other friend Melinda. Thursday took it easy. Friday went out with a large crew and had a blast. Saturday worked a bit and started crushing beers at noon. This is where things went wrong. Boss was having a going away part for Jill complete with Keg. Well rode my bike, stopped at Gee's crushed more beers. By the time we got on our bikes to go to my bosses, I was messed up.
Crash twice on my bike there. Get there, crush beers get ready to go to a free concert. Nearly get hit by traffic, crash again and go to the concert where I hang with the Rugby boys for a while. This is neither good nor OK. End up getting messed up. Talk to bosses sister-in-law about going out sometime (she did say yes, but both times I've been in rare form). Was supposed to meet another girl there and at this point realize I'm too messed up to continue. Decide to walk home (see three bike wrecks) at 7:30 p.m. Stumble home, steal someone's tube from the river. Get home at 8:15 p.m. make a cheese and ranch sandwich (pretty good to be honest) and hit the hay.

Wake up in the morning to play golf with the old man, he had called and told me that it was cool I didn't make it. Realize at 5 a.m. that if I was to drive there would be a 75 percent chance I would be arrested. So I go back to bed, only to find a girl in my bed. I may have been raped.

Wake up, go to breakfast and come home to find all my wounds from the previous day.
Painful, but totally deserving.

Sunday completely recover, before playing beach volleyball and crushing more beers. Monday take it easy, run errands and do what I need to day.

Tuesday it's back to work unfortunately.
This week has been hectic to say the least. Busy of sorts and the guy I work with contributes little. But that's a common theme, so I'm sort of used to it.

Good thing to note of, is homey Lurch is back from Iraq and I should be seeing him real soon. I'm down right giddy to see the poor bastard. I simply cannot wait. Lurch, lurch, Lurch.

Other things I've been thinking about.
Obviously what to do next. But that's an ongoing process and I go back and forth more than Brett Favre.
My place in the work place. It's funny to think how much the office has changed in the time I've been here. It's far and away the most clicky since I've been here. Not sure how I fit into these clicks and am pretty sure a majority of the people I directly work with don't like me. But that's OK.
Also found out that I'm an insomniac. But I do my best work and thinking late at night — if I'm not drinking.
Been thinking about all the friends I've seen leave over the years. Been seeing what the common thread was. Haven't necessarily found one, but it's interesting to think back.
Lastly, this month it will be my three year anniversary since I've been here. Sort of mind blowing to think. I remember telling myself at the start, that it was one year and done. Then off to the next adventure. I suppose life happens sometimes. Often I wonder if I'm a better or worse person than when I started. I suppose some things are better and some are much worse. But I've seen a lot in my three years and learned a lot I suppose.
Quick run down. I've fallen for two girls, both of which broke my heart. I've been through some really dark times and humbling moments that helped me realize I still have a long way to go as a person. I realized I'm not industructable and that the worst things I can do is always trying to control the situation. I realized the power of positive thinking. I found out how I can get in holes and it's tough to bring me out of them. I've realized I have minor game. I've met some amazing people, some not so amazing people and people I'll keep in touch with the rest of my life.
I've become a dynamite journalist, who is pretty darn good at his job. I also — and this is probably the biggest thing of all — still have no idea what I'd like to do with my life.
It's tough to encapsulate three years into a couple 100 words, but that's an effort. I think the bottom line is I've probably grown as a person, learned about myself and relationships more than any point other in my life.
I've also realized there is a lot of things I still want to and need to learn.

Anyway onto sports
Football can't get here quick enough. I miss it, i really do. Baseball has been great, especially lately, but I'm ready to kill someone to see some fucking football.
How bout dem Rox. Good to see the team play as well as they have. Knew all along they had the team to do it, just needed something extra. While they are one of the hottest teams, the series loss to the Dodgers proves tehy still have a ways to go. I mean they had opportunities to win all three games, but weren't able to do it. They have three home series coming up before the all star break against three beatable teams (Arizona, Washington and Atlanta). Two of three against all of them should be the bear minimum. Would like to see at least one sweep if not two. Arizona has killed us so that could be the series to watch.
On a side note, people have ragged on Dan O'Dowd for years for being the Rockies G.M. Sure he put some poor teams out there, but when the owners are tight wads that's what happens. Plus he realized, a lot of players won't come to Colorado so he built through the system. I've been a big critic, but it's time to give the guy some love. Really. World Series in 2007, no playoffs in 2008 and a legitimate shot in 2009.
Everybody crusified him for trading Holliday. I was one of them. But who has been more valuable to their team, Holliday or Huston Street? Street by a wide margin. Plus Spilly, Seth Smith and Carlos G. have combined numbers better than Holliday. Plus Carlos G. is going to be a player. Sure he's struggling now, but watch. If he doesn't get sent down there will be a stretch where the kid shows his talent. He could be a steal in the same Holliday deal.
Wish list now that the Rox are contenders. Two more bullpen arms (don't bye Corpas is coming back). Would love to add another starter or see Franklin Morales get the call back. Either way if the Rox are within 6-8 games of the Dodgers at the break, they've got a shot.
One thing that remains to be seen is if they lose two, three or four games in a row. How do they bounce back.
On the plus side Ubaldo Jiminez is one of the best young pitchers in the game. He'd have a better record but loses concentration a couple times a game and it costs him. But the kids flat nasty, and if anyone knows nasty it's the big guy.
Prediction. Dodgers get the division, Rockies get the Wild Card, by a couple games over the Cubs. Cubs suck now, but they'll make a Rockie-esque like run at some point.

Hef of the Week(s) — know it's been a while.
Boy I crashed my bike three times drunk, ditched a hot Austrian chick because I was too messed up, had a girl piss all over my bed (call for story and no I didn't sleep with her) and got beat like a drum in teh 40-yard dash (see video; it's Graham v. Dover). But here are two that don't take the cake but missed the upper sections. Two weekends ago after playing poker in my cutoff jean shorts (poker outfit) go to favorite local watering hole where the rugby boys hang out. Always a good time and always the best place in the summer. Where there are pictures on the wall and you sort of become a legend if your picture makes the wall. Well, there we are and the place is dead. Me and the boys and I get the seat next to the boy dressed as a girl. That's right the only tranny in town. So my buddy that's bartending decides to take my picture. I drape my leg over Gus' arms (the tranny) and get the picture taken. It goes up on the wall but my pills have been busted ever since. Good work Graham — there goes being president.
Tuesday is tie-down Tuesday. Want to wear my favorite yellow button up. Fair enough. Start to put it on and it rips from the collar down. The Hef is I spent at least three minutes thinking how I could wear it to work.

Until next time — and it won't be as long — you absolutely stay classy Luke Nation. Your boy is always here, and always up to something.
Pimps up and ya'll finish the rest.
PEACE.

Nice weather, nice women and an all-around nice time

San Diego/Pacific Beach vacation was a rocking good time.

Too much to simply cover, but the basic elements consisted of fishing (caught and eight fresh sea bass), the beach every single day and copious amounts of rocking out (like the earliest night we had was 4 a.m.).

My body is paying the price now. Been trying to catch up on sleep on week and have come down with a head cold. But it was well worth the price.

San Diego was amazing. The weather was beautiful, the women are beautiful and I'm pretty sure everyone had a rocking time.

The days simply broke down like this.
Thursday rocked in PB.
Friday went fishing and then rocked the Gas Light District in downtown San Diego
Saturday house party where we rocked the shit out of my buddies house.
Sunday partial recovery/nice dinner in PB.

Each day we went to the beach. Sunday I fell asleep face down and my back got torched. My fault but whatever.

The only shitty part of vacation is getting back. This time it really sucked coming back — not sure why, but it really, really sucked.

It was good to see all the boys in San Diego. Everyone seems to be doing well at least.

What else is new?
Not a ton. Unfortunately another Steamboat homey is leaving me in a couple weeks. Sucks for me, but tremendous for her. It's a situation that's sort of weird, but I'm glad she's going. We've always had sort of a weird relationship, but all I know is I'm going to miss her a lot.

Debating whether to play rugby. All the boys that I work out with want me too, but it's a pretty rambunctious sport. I might go to training a couple of days and see if I like it.
The thing about rugby is it's a sport I've really started to dig. I guess we'll just see how it goes.

After the San Diego debacle where we spent most of the time in one of two gears — Gear 1 Party, Gear 2 Passed out, I think I need to take it relatively easy for a while. For two reasons. One my body hasn't been right since I returned and two my bank account isn't right either.

Will probably spend the next couple of weekends on the low key, just trying to get back to normal.
Also need a clear mind for future plans that are in action. The final push out of Steamboat is upon me. Hopefully in the next couple weeks to months I'll have a better idea of what that exactly is, but I've really started to try an push things in motion so I can be out of here by August/September.

Too many reasons pushing me to leave, not quite enough to stay.

My job here is pretty easy, though.

The Au pair scheme is in full swing. Things I've understood. Chicks from Germany/Austria dig me, girls from Russia/Eastern Bloc don't. It's cool though.

Sports:
How about them Rockies. 12 of 13 and counting. We just need to keep winning and find a way to get Jorge De La Rosa out of the rotation. But they actually look like a real baseball team. The true test will be when they play the other teams in the NL West. The West has owned Colorado for the past couple of years. A couple series wins or sweeps against the Dodgers, Giants and D-bags and the Rox could be a legit playoff contender.

The NBA final went as suspected. One thing was watched the first half of the clincher in a sports bar in SD. Realize this, LA fans are horrible, horrible fans. Really they are.

Not much else on the sports front now. Sort of a sports purgatory until football season begins.


Hef of the Week
So many from SD that it's almost too much to understand.

After the house party I had a penis drawn on my face, the Stanley Cup on my leg and a nazi sign on my forehead.
Got imasculated on the boat when I would touch a fish to get it off the hook. Listen this fish looked poisonous, but I was told to quit being a pussy.


Until then, keep them heads up.

One of those weekends

It's been one of those weekends.
Yup, one of those.

Highly stressful, and highly messful (not sure if that's a word).

Regardless. Let's start with the negatives my friends.
My stomach has been really bothering me, so I went to the doctor. They're not sure what it is, but gave me some stuff and said check back in a couple weeks. They ran a bunch of tests and still weren't sure. So I got that going for me.
Then my dad's family is battling for money. Not sure how I got involved and to be honest I don't care who gets what. But that's been a headache.
My parents hate each other. Literally they do and they always expect me to choose a side. Recently it's gotten out of hand and I'm sick of it.
And the real kicker, old hombre Semsack, Sammy the Duck, Sam etc. apparently tried to kill himself late Saturday/early Sunday. Suicide's always an interesting thing, that nobody can really explain. I think at one point, everyone has thought of it. Semsack's was due to his old lady ending things recently. What makes it tough was I talked to the kid for a while on Thursday night. Sure he seemed a little down and hurt by the latest transgressions, but I felt I helped him clear some stuff up. We left the conversation laughing and calling his ex some horrible, horrible things.
He's in the hospital now and they're not sure if the dude's going to make it. He's in a coma, so it's sort of wait and see. I mean I was never best friends with him, but had been keeping in touch for a while. Plus I grew up with the kid.
The one thing he could always, always do was make you smile. He just had an innate ability to make people laugh. Whether it was busting his own chops or what, the kid always made me smile. Heck just last year, I went to a wedding with my ex and we met up with Semsack and his old lady and El Caballo for lunch. He was a good dude. Here's hoping the kid pulls through, so he can keep making people smile.

Now that we're through that bullshit, let's move onto more exciting and happy things. Despite being stressed out, there should be some relief in the next couple of weeks.
I'll be playing golf this weekend with the old man, then in a tournament here in Steamboat next week.
My golf game is like dating a bi polar (or any girl really). The last time I played my game was very up and down. Three holes were good, three were bad, three were good, three were really bad etc. That's the way it went. I went from looking like a seasoned vet, to never having played the game in a matter of just one hole.
Yesterday I hit the range and hit the ball really, really well. I'm going to go again today, and will presumably hit the ball really really bad.

After that, there's a trip to the beach planned. It's going to be awesome. Several days of perfect weather and absolutley nothing to look down on.

Not a lot else happened over the weekend. Old friend Collins was in town and we got to it a couple of nights. Went to Ms. B's birthday party on Friday at her place. Made sure it was drama free and enjoyed myself, before returning to town.
Am going to try and keep it a little more low-key this week/weekend. I've been rocking pretty hard the last three weeks and it's catching up with me. Plus I have to be full-go for the beach here in a couple weeks.

Onto sports.
Good to see the Nuggets lay down like a beaten puppy. Really, that was the best effort they could put forward? It'll be interesting to see how far they can go next year. This year they had no expectations, even when the playoffs started. the minute they had expectations (i.e. when everybody picked them in the Lakers series) they rolled over. Next season they need a better backup point guard (dude I love is Johnny Flynn from Syracuse, but doubt he'll be around when they select). Also think Gay-Mart and Bird Man might be gone. Both deals are up, but I suppose I could see them both coming back. Gay-Mart with the Veterans exception and Bird Man to a friendly deal.

Good to see the Rockies finally fire Hurdle. It was time. Whenever you're somewhere for too long, you become complacent. Jim Tracy — ehh. Hopefully he's out at the end of the year and Da Rox bring in my longtime favorite, Donny Baseball (Don Mattingly for those who don't know). I was discussing it at work today with this guy and we were both in agreement that you watch the Rockies and just know they're going to lose.
I can't remember the last time I watched the Rockies and was like "man, we're going to win." This year, it certainly hasn't happened. I wouldn't be surprised to see them end up with one of — if not the — worst record in baseball. Just the way things happen.

Another thing to note of. There isn't a worse thing to happen then when the NBA and NHL wrap up the playoffs. It's like sports purgatory. There's nothing on — I'm not watching college softball. It's like I'm stuck in a flux where I am not sure what to do. Just count down the days until football season starts. Ugh.

HEF of the WEEK
Many to note of, one that juts out.
Taking a shower and the water is just a little cold. Not much, but not to the level I like. So I am tapping the temperature do-diddle little by little. For some reason, I decide to swat the shit out of it after a few attempts. This fires the temp from a little cold to, way, way, way, way too hot. Water hits me in the back, burns me, I put my hands forward to get out of the way. Well I put my hands on the shower curtain, fall completely out, bust my dumb cococut on the toilet and fall completely naked to the bathroom floor. Embarassing. Luckily I was again showering alone.

Until next time, keep them heads up.

Kings up

I may have found out what's wrong with everybody. At least most the people I know.

Quarter-life crisis. It's a pretty interesting thing. Sort of depressing, sort of funny and true on a lot of accounts. I've been reading a book about it, but this article does a pretty good job of explaining it.

I think a lot of people I know are in a quarter-life crisis. I don't like the word crisis, I would use something else, but check it out. You'll get the idea.

Not a ton new in my life. Covered state swimming. You're thinking "state swimming? how boring." Well you're right on one account that it is pretty boring. But I covered that instead of state track where you have to work all day. At state swimming I worked three hours each day.

State swimming was in Fort Collins, so I was able to hook up with the Big Easy again. Our relationship has certainly changed in the last year, but it's been a relatively weird year. It was good to see him again. We didn't really talk a ton about things, but it was sort of like old times. There were some awkward moments for sure. Even though we aren't as close anymore, I think we'll always be friends in some way. At least I'd like to think that.
He's keeping busy and just bought a house that's pretty sweet.
All in all it was great to see him again.
It was also great to get back to the big city again. In Fort Collins it was graduation weekend, so it was a happening place. I really found myself missing that viberance. Everybody was so full of life. Everybody was happy. I miss that youth and being around it.
Steamboat certainly has some of it, but it's a pretty narrow population of people. It was freaking phenomenal. Plus the night involved Old Chicago, Strippers and Luke. That's always a good thing.

Got a new roommate. Gee money moved out, and the new reporter we hired moved in. He seems like an OK dude. Likes sports and beer.
I think he thinks I'm a complete mess. Sunday when I met him, I went to a bar for 2 for 1 drinks. Not a good idea. Monday night crushed a bunch of beers. Tuesday, Gee and I went to another dimension and Thursday I drank beers at a local watering hole at a completely unreasonable pace.
It's OK, he'll soon find out that I'm probably going to be the coolest and most radical hombre he knows.

Summer's finally here and this guy is geeked. Got my bike tuned up and am going to start riding with my one buddy who is a hardcore mountain bike guy. I'm not going to be hardcore mountain bike guy, but nevertheless I'll do what I can.

No big plans for the holiday weekend. Might go camping, might go fishing and might do nothing. Would like to play some golf, but haven't.

There isn't a ton more going on.

Yoked for a vacation in June. It's going to be the shit.

Sports continues to boot me in peppers.
The Rockies are the worst team in baseball. They are horrendous to watch and I can't stand Clint Hurdle anymore. The problem is, none of his players can stand him either. He needs to go and needs to go now.

I'm just putting this out there. I hope the Bills sign Michael Vick. They would have a dynamic offense if they did. Say what you want about him, but he was one of the best athletes in the NFL.
The guy did his time and should get back to the NFL.
I want him on my team, I just don't want him training my dog. Capeesh.

Who are you kidding, who are you fooling, What's up Fat Lip

Been a while Luke Nation.

My bad.

All in all, it's been a relatively busy couple of weeks. At least work wise it's been busy. I covered regional track in Grand Junction. Not a big track guy. But I've at least found a way to keep it interesting.
Gambling.
Some might say I'm a sick fuck for gambling on 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18-year-old kids. Fair points. But I would like to encourage anyone to go watch a track meet the next time it's in town. Get there at the beginning and stay until the end. Pretty boring actually.
Now add gambling to it.
Here's how I did it on Friday and Saturday. There was a group of us, like five or six (can't name names since there were two coaches, one photographer and two athletes.) You do it with a dollar or 50 cents. Whatever the race is, you all pick a winner and a loser. You hit and you win. Nobody hits the pot rolls over. To make it more fair, you draw a winner and you draw a loser.
Either way it made it more interesting and sort of fun.

Summer feels like it's finally here. The weather has been improving and especially in Grand Junction it was beautiful.
Talked to the fly fishing guy and sounds like he's going to hook a brother up. That could be my biggest summer activity.
Plus I'm looking forward to trying to play some more golf this summer. I've played a couple of times and just got the news I've been waiting for.

I get to play in a couple of charity golf tournaments this summer with the company. Essentially there are a bunch of charity golf tournaments here and the paper always has a team. THis year I made the cut. That means, I've gone corporate. I get to play golf on the clock. This, at least in my terms, is a career accomplishment. There is no better feeling than playing golf on the company dollar.

As I've mentioned, work hasn't been too bad lately. I've got the old job down and pretty much do what I want, when I want. Plus I got my first rejection letter from a job offer I thought I'd be a shoe-in for. Turns out my lack of qualifications were a hinder. Was told I did make the final cut of five out of 300 so that's a plus. But I had three insiders, one on the search committee. I guess she went to bat for me, but there were too many other quality candidates. No big deal. Your boy is always fine and has numerous other things in the works. Stay tuned.

The Kentucky Derby party was totally sweet. Had a couple too many Mine Jelup's but all was forgotten. Also had several moments that will ensure I'm never president. All in all though, it was a different crowd (mostly high ranking political people). But it was a lot of fun. Didn't win any money and my horse didn't win at all, but I do love me some of the Kentucky Derby.

Other summer plans are on the horizon.
The sick one is the vacation out to San Diego with the boys. Geenis is coming and I'll have all the old crew back together. Add in Geenis and the trip has the potential to be a lifetime accomplishment type of vacation. Some activities that have been thrown around: Drinking, fishing, partying, beer pong, golf, deep sea fishing, zoo watching, Sea World, beach, drinking etc.
No doubt it's going to be totally sweet.

I think I may have gotten rung into playing rugby as well. The rugby captain and rugby coach both told me I'm playing. At least the coach — a New Zealander you simply don't want to mess with — told me I am and that's that. I've been working out with the rugby guys recently — I get called stupid pussy a lot — and they think I'm playing. Listen, I might try but most of these guys are pretty crazy. A lot are missing teeth, like to see their own blood and want nothing more than to finish the game in order to build a thirst for the piss. I suppose we'll see. I'd prefer to stand on the sidelines and drink beer.

No big plans for the next couple of weeks. Geenis is moving out here in the next couple of weeks. That sucks, but it's good for him.
Been reading quite a bit. Been venturing out of my normal reading (i.e. sports, history, war, biographies, auto-biographies).
Re-read this book called Illusions. It's the fourth time I've read it. It's a completely different book than I'd normally read. It's really out there. Each time I read it I find something different I did about it.
Also reading Water For Elephants (mom's book) and a couple others I've had lying around.

HEF of the WEEK
The press box in Grand Junction splits the baseaball and football fields. Since they do track on the football field and track around it, I sat in the press box. I gambled, played on the internet, read and listened to music. I was the only media member the first day. Guy from Glenwood shows up the second day. There were kids up there off and on. Well, I'm filing my story on the last day up in the press box, when the guy that runs the press box comes in and yells at me. Apparently on the baseball side someone had carved a baseball with a big weiner going to it with the words "baseball is gay." It was some pristine carvemanship. Really detailed. Unfortunatley the guy accuses me, proceeds to yell at me and then throws me and the guy from Glenwood out of the press box.
Hey, I'm one hell of a penis artist — have been since my youth. But I couldn't produce that quality. Plus I like baseball more than track.

Here and there....Everywhere

It's been a couple of sick weeks.

Last week I did a couple hikes, watched the NFL draft, barbecued and pretty much had a phenomenal time.
The real kicker was Saturday's trip to Dinosaur National Monument. It's always been one of my favorite places in Colorado. I hadn't been there since last summer. last summer the park was closed because of all the snow. We were able to see some cool stuff, but not like Saturday. Saturday, me and the Geenis and his old lady and one of her friends made the trek.

It was a four mile hike in. It was sort of surreal in the fact it was a barren landscape that only had huge sage brushes (some reaching eight feet) and juniper trees. You just kept hiking over and over these rolling hills. Finally you reach this wooded area and then you hit the peak and you're on a cliff. The cliff is like 2,500 feet about the river bed. There were hawks circling below. It was phenomenal, peaceful and makes you feel pretty small.

The hike was great.

The reason I was able to do it is because, I've got my job down. I don't work that much anymore. I think I worked something like 26 hours last week. Booya. This is what happens when you work smarter, not harder. Like I said I've got this stuff down. I'm able to work ahead most days, get my Sunday stuff done really early and take time when I need to. It's all about planning and taking care of business.
Plus you can devote your life to this job, work ungodly hours and stress out if you want. I've been there and I think a lot of my co-workers are there now. I decided I don't like that. I like getting in, getting out and enjoying some Luke time.

Watched the draft, loved the Bills draft. Worked on my car a little over the weekend. Grilled out a couple times. Watched a couple movies, read a book and generally enjoyed myself.

Tuesday Gee and I did something so sweet, we made a video. It was sick. We hiked up the Steamboat Ski Area. Made it about 3/4 of the way up then sledded down. You got going rip roaring fast. It was a delight and fun as hell. We're going to try it again soon. Only downside was on my last run I couldn't control the sled and flew into a mudhole where I got douched with mud, water and tons of grossness. It's one of the last pictures in the video.

No huge plans for the weekend except for a badass Kentucky Derby party on Saturday. Mint Julips, cigars, ball busting and betting will ensue. Going to a chile cookoff Sunday. That's about it.

I'm so pumped summer is here. I mean I can't explain it. I'm trying to get into fly fishing (think I can get a free setup with my contacts/hook ups — about time I start using my stature to my advantage). Also planning on taking a kayaking class. At least preliminary plans are to do that.

The job search is going OK. It's sort of exciting I suppose. It's like I'm just getting out of college again and am a piece of meat. We should know more on this in the near future. International plans could happen — which is as the masses say "righteous and kickass."

Still trying to plan some sort of vacation. Not sure where, with who or what in the hell I'm going to do, but all I know is will be sick.

Sports
As I mentioned loved the Bills draft. One thing to come out is how rediculous Broncos fans are. They're burning McDaniels at the cross and he hasn't coached a game yet. What has he done? Got rid of a quarterback that never made it to the playoffs, had to win one of his last four to punch his ticket and couldn't. He's overhauled a roster that was mediocre at best. He's got more rings than Shanahan and now is getting his players into his system. He hired Mike Nolan as his D-coordinator — one of the top five D-coordinators in the league. He'll make Kyle Orton into a pro-bowl caliber quarterback and just watch Knowshown Moreno win ROY. Just watch. But Bronco fan wants the dude gone and he hasn't coached a game. How about giving him at least half a season before you call for his head. Doesn't that seem logical. Stupid Bronco fan.

Hef of the week
Had to have been getting douched after sledding. Not too bad of a HEF, but it was pretty gross and cold. I was out of control — livin on the edge man — and thought I had made a good turn. Turns out I dumped my ass into the river/mud. My whole backside was caked with mud, I was freezing and I smelt pretty bad. But that was fine. Besides it's not easy being the sweetest dude in town.

Pimps up.

Almost an eagle

Done with planned weekends for a while. It's nice, but it was a hell of weekend for the big guy.

We put on a charity dodgeball tournament for a friend that is a tennis pro here and was diagnosed with skin cancer.
The tournament was Saturday and Sunday and turned out to be a complete success. We raised more than $7,000 for the guy and his family.
It was phenomenal.
Sunday was a great day. All the people that helped put it on along with a few others enjoyed a pool party at our friend Erin and Rob's place. After, went back to my house, drank beer and watched the sun say goodbye to the mountains. Some amazing colors came about. Then we had a campfire next to our house, before wrapping it up with a Nuggets win.

Monday was equally good. Played the first nine of the year at Yampa Valley Golf Course in Craig and played extremely well. Shot 40. Almost had an Eagle on No. 2. Crushed 5-wood to about 35 yards out. Hit a little wedge in that rimmed out and made my kick-in three.

Boy did it feel good to play golf again. Whenever there is anything on my mind a little golf takes a lot of stress away. I can honestly say there were some things bothering me Monday morning, but during golf I didn't think one bit about it and felt great after.

Followed it up with some Manic Training in Hayden. I've been doing it for a couple months and just get the living crap kicked out of me every time. It's too hard to explain so here's a video and story to explain it.

Thinking of trying to put together a little vacation in June or July. Haven't decided to where yet but have been browsing around taking the Amtrak train from Denver to San Francisco, then hopefully meeting up with some buddies there.
It's under $100. So that would be nice.

It's finally starting to feel like Spring here. At least for the time being, seeing as how it could snow at any minute. But it's been several nice days stacked together.
Either way I feel restless. I feel like I need to do something, I just don't know what. Maybe I'll trek down to Dinosaur this weekend or something just to get away from everything. I sort of need a retreat away from everything to get my mind right.

Maybe I'll go up to Wyoming. Which reminds me as I write this I need to get my fishing license. I think I'll probably get a license in Wyoming as well. It'll be worth it if I make it up there a half dozen times.

I've decided (for the third summer in a row) I'm going to do my best to take up fly fishing. In fact as soon as I finish this, I'm stopping by the fly fishing store and seeing what the deal is.


HEF OF THE WEEK
My dodgeball performance was less than stellar. The weekend was pretty low key, so there weren't too many chances for huge hefs. I suppose it could have been from seeing my brother on Sunday and realizing we're about six months away from him being able to absolutely stomp a mud hole in my ass. But we've still got six months to put the little pecker in his place.

Until next time, ya'all. Be good.

Shorts week

The winter keeps getting longer and longer. As the case has been I've declared this week Shorts Week. It's my way of saying I'm sick of all this god damn snow. The first couple days went off without any hiccups. Today it's snowing sideways and shorts might not have been the best idea.

But here, spring is a mentality, not a reality. So it's shorts no matter how Mother Nature bitch slaps me. Unfortunately, I've been the only one competing in Shorts Week. I guess I'll win another gold medal in my own competition. GNEISS.

It's been a busy couple of months for me. Seems like the weekends have been filled with things. This weekend we're throwing a benefit dodgeball tournament for a buddy who has skin cancer. Looking like we'll raise a good amount of money. Plus there are a ton of sweet prizes/raffle items.

After that, I'll finally have time to focus on things I really need to do. I'll be getting my nose to the grind and trying to figure out what to do. So I suppose that's exciting. I've started to stable my financial future (I'm an investor!), and some other things that needed taking care of, such as anything dealing with my future.

Went to the Rockies opening day last Friday. It was good, da Rox won, lit up Cole Hamels and looked like a team that could compete in the division.
Plus there is nothing like opening day. It's a beautiful thing. I love live baseball (live anything really), but there is something special about baseball. The way the grass is cut, the field crew, batting practice (maybe one of my favorite all-time events). I think when people look back on it, they always remember their first baseball game with their families or dads.
On Friday I went in early before the people I was with. I had to catch batting practice and just sit there by myself and take it all in. It still gives me that special feeling.
I'll always remember my first baseball game with my dad (Rockies-Braves with Terry Pendelton hitting bombs in batting practice) and with my grandpa (Denver Zephyrs and it was cold). On Friday there was a son and his dad a few rows down and a little over. They were keeping score and the kid — probably around 7 — was transfixed on the game and everything surrounding it. Mustard and ketchup all over his face, a couple of cokes and a scorebook for dad. I'm pretty sure every time I looked over, the kids old man had a smile on his face.

And that right there is why baseball is called the National Pastime.

After the game went out in Denver for a while. Went to the Thuderbird for burgers and beers and dancing. It was fun. Good times all around.
Also thinking having a lesbian friend might be the best wing-man there is. Really it is, unless you're like the big guy who has the way to create unheard levels of sexual tension, get uproariously cockblocked and can pussy out.
Either way, Friday was good fun.

Sunday's Master's was beautiful as well. Tiger and Phil going blow for blow, making it interesting, then choking. A playoff and then I ate steak. All around a phenomenal day. I loved every bit of it.

Not much else is new on this front. Hoping to get the nose to grind like I said and start to really figure some stuff out about what in the hell I'm going to do. I got two friends taking the LSAT's in June, so if I do turn to a life of crime I should be set. Let's just hope they both take the public defender road to help me out. I have no interest in law.

If anything my newest interest is dropping off the grid for a while. Really not sure if this is the best move, but it's a distinct possibility.

Trying to plan a summer trip. I'd love to go to Nashville for a couple days and just take in some live music. Plus I'd have to go to DollyWood since Dolly Parton is my girl. I've been jamming her CD recently and I'm not afraid to admit it.
Other options include: train ride from Denver to San Fran where I'd meet some buddies. Venture out to Boston to see my cousin, rent a car and hit up the far NE as well as DC and Philly. Plus I want to go to a baseball game in Baltimore. We'll see what happens.

HEF OF THE WEEK
This one is good. Covering lax and I lean against a shelf in the press box. I start to slide and I get a splinter in my ass. This causes a great deal of pain to me. Splinter went through my shorts and directly into my left butt cheek. Like I said the pain is too much, but there's a dozen or so people in the press box so, it's not like I can drop trow and get it out. So I go over to the one coaches box, close the door (people knew something was up since I never close that door). In there I must have looked like a gorilla caught in an electric fence. It couldn't have been pretty. Fluttering around with my pants loose and my hands in the back of my pants. Finally though, I got an inch splinter out of my left butt cheek. Success.

Like a rock star

Needless to say, I've been out there like a rock star for the most part.

On the down side, some of that time was spent at my grandmother's funeral in Buffalo. She was sick for a while so it wasn't unexpected. The service was nice and several things came out. Nobody really had a bad thing to say about her. Also she valued three things: Honesty, integrity and a good party.
I suppose the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Buffalo's certainly an interesting place. You either leave there as soon as you can or you never do. South Buffalo where all my family lives is as tight knit a place as you'll ever see. I mean peoples weekends in the summer revolve around going to stags, benefits and parties. Even for people they don't know. It's quite astounding and makes me really dig the place. Plus there's something about those industrialized cities. Something special is going on out there with the people. Whether it's there work ethic, there personalities or there nothing can get them down attitudes (maybe a combination of all three.)
Plus everyone in Buffalo usually does the right thing, or at least tries to be as good as they can to each other. I never paid for a drink, even complete strangers were buying me drinks. I think that's possibly what makes them such a tight knit place. That and people there can absolutely swirl some booze back.

One other observation on the East Coast and Buffalo in particular. I think the closeness of Buffalo can be contributed to people having roots there for 100 + years. Out West rarely do you have people that aren't transplants. It's also amazing to see how far developed and logically things are built in the West compared. For instance, roadways, highway exits, power lines etc. just seem to make more sense out here.

I got back last Tuesday and rocked Wednesday and Friday for my buddy Matt's wedding. Matt got married on Saturday and it was a freaking phenomenal time. All the members of both families, the friends and the people I knew all seemed to have a resoundingly fun time. Of course it turned into somewhat of a shit show after a while, with yours truly leading the charge. Plus I totally looked sweet in my outfit. As usual I took over the wedding on the dance floor and was probably one of the sweetest dudes there. At least that's the story I'm telling.

Weddings might be one of my favorite things to attend. There are usually a ton of good looking babes, free booze and everyone in a good mood. I've got a couple more to attend this year and know they'll be a phenomenal time as usual. For all the ladies out there, the big guy is still looking for a date. Of course I'm sure it's only dudes reading this so that might go on deaf ears. But if there's a lady out there, let your boy know.
If not I've got several candidates anyway. You didn't think ole Hef Dub lost his game (or maybe he's recently found it or found what works, or maybe I saw Booker a couple weeks ago and I cut a lock of his hair off that I keep in my wallet.)

But all this rocking and traveling have taken a toll on the big guy. I'm done. Friday I felt a cold coming on and by Monday (thanks to all the rocking) I was done and in bed all day. I did make it a productive day, however, completely cleaning my room and bathroom so it doesn't look like a crack head lives in my area. Good work Mr. Graham.

This weekend I'm heading down to the Rockies home opener. I have this small feeling in my stomach that the Rockies can contend this year — at least in the West. They're the deepest team in the division, they just don't have the star power other teams do. But I really don't see it happening. I think they win 77 games this year. I think the Rox playoff hopes rely on Aaron Cook. If Cook wins 15 + games, the Rox are in. If he doesn't they are not. Heck he's off to a good start. Opening day he twirled 2 1/3 innings of 6 run ball and looked like Happy Gilmore's caddie tossing rocks in a lake instead of a MLB pitcher. Fucking Rockies.

I like the Cubs to win it all, especially if Rich Harden can remain healthy. Great rotation (mark my words, they'll add Jake Peavy by the break) heck of a lineup and a decent bullpen. Plus you got to love Lou Pinella.

Tiger Woods wins the Master's by one shot over Phil Mickelson. Is there anything better than Master's Sunday and laying on the couch all day. I vote emphatically for no. I think it may be my favorite day of the year. I'm going to make some delicious food and enjoy the hell out of the Master's all day long.

Also approaching one of my favorite national holiday's: NFL Draft. That's always a good day for me.

HEF of the Week
While holding court on the dance floor on Saturday evening, I went to the classic worm dance. While this pumped up the crowd, the 100s of Lukeites and most of the ladies in attendance, the injury I suffered was painful. I had my keys, carmex, phone and a rock (not sure how I got a rock in my pocket, but I did in fact have a rock in my pocket). Anyway I did the worm and it bruised the living shit out of my right thigh. This bruise is roughly six inches in diameter. I could barely walk the next day.
Either that or when I woke up on Jill's couch the next morning, belly in full site, sweating and I'm sure making noises like I was about to die (I probably couldn't have smelled to kind either) and Jill's my was sitting on the couch next to me. I could barely talk and just apologized to which she just laughed at me.

Pimps up.

Marching to the Madness

Bam.

Brackets aren't looking great and it looks like I'll lose the college bet again. I lost a couple years ago and at some point have to make a thong run down a crowded street. This year the bet is either you can wear a thong visible one night at the bar. It has to be visible the whole time. Or it's online dating and you have to date the biggest psycho.
These bets usually only include Kev, Book dog and myself. Kev, one year, had to take natural male enhancements for a month. That was funny.

It's interesting and always leads to some funny stuff. It would work well if I lost and did the thong run to the bar where I wouldn't have to change.

Interesting times here in Steamboat. St. Patty's got the best of young Luke. I got rip roaring messed up. It happened because most my family in Buffalo kept calling and singing Irish drinking songs. The final thing was my grandma in the hospital talking about trying to sneak out. I said to just have people bring over some Jameson's and coffee, to which my aunt got on the phone and said, "A lot already have tried." Therefore, I simply rocked. Did Jill's house for a party, the the Tap House for some dancing.
Went to bed around 3 a.m., made a 9 a.m. meeting (not good seeing as how I still may have been drunk. Who am I kidding, I was). Then struggled horribly through the day.

Not a ton else really new. While I still have an itch to leave Steamboat, I'm doing fine in my current situation. Not sure what it is (constant exercise, recently reading some phenomenal books or whatever) but I've got as good a handling on things as I have in a long time. Perhaps it was just part of the process of understanding a little bit more about myself and understanding what I want to do.
Which reminds me, I found this the other day. Pretty interesting. The results can be harsh, but there are some things of relevance.

Getting excited for summer. I'm not sure what this summer holds, but I'm hoping for a summer similar to last year's where I had a really good time. The only thing is this summer I'd like to play a lot more golf. In fact I'm thinking of trying ot play on Monday in Craig.

I've enjoyed the tournament so far, even though we haven't had a ton of upsets or games that have gone down to the end. I think the Sweet 16 is setting up for some great games. At least that's something I'm really, really hoping for.

Heard back from one job the other day. Well I didn't hear from the job, but I've got people on the inside. They had 250 applicants and I've made the top 30. Unfortunately it's not looking all that promising as I was told they have some dynamite candidates. They really like my writing, but I'm grossly underqualified. So we should have news on that by the beginning of April.

One of my new ideas was to sell my car, pay off my debt and move somewhere sweet for a while. I threw this at my mom and you would have thought someone groped her. She wasn't too happy, but that's fine.

I am thinking I'm going to write a screenplay. I'm not sure what about but I'm going to start. I pitched an idea to Playboy last week and we'll see where that goes. I'm sure they won't be in touch, but at least it keeps me active.

I'm also thinking of picking up a new hobby this summer. I mean I am really going to do it. Not sure what it's going to be, but would love to get into some fly fishing. Maybe something else. Any ideas please send them along.

OAR is at Red Rocks in June if anyone is interested. Should be good.

SPorts are sort of on hold for a bit, except for the tournament. Still liking a Final Four of Louisville, Pitt, Syracuse and Memphis. Louisville to win it all.


HEF of the Week
Wednesday was hung over. I mean really bad. I took five asprin. Tried to explain this to the broad Gee's dating — a brizillian that doesn't speak great English — and she thought I was trying to kill myself. Now she's convinced I'm suicidal with a really bad problem.
Hey, my head felt like I'd been hit across the face with a fucking shovel, then had to watch the Jimmy Fallon Late Night show for hours. Five asprin was the bare minimum toots.

Until next time.

Luke goes international

Currently I'm sitting at a girls soccer game, realizing why I'm not a huge fan of soccer. Regardless it's a beautiful day and another Blue Bird Colorado day.

Went to the LDV last weekend with Gee money for some excellent ski joring action. If you've never seen ski joring live, it's almost a must at some point. It's none of this bull shit they do in Steamboat where people are pulled behind a horse on a flat surface. Leadville ski joring brings out a sheer touch of lunacy. Horses probably get upwards of 40 mph with skiers slaloming to make gates and get rings. Add in 8-10 foot jumps and it's quite the sight.

The trip was relatively low key. Went out on Saturday night to see some of the finest collections of career drinkers this side of the Mississippi. In other words Leadville is fun to visit, but would be tough to live there.

It turned out to be an interesting day on Saturday and one where I believe I built up some good charma. First I jumped a car at a tennis match and nearly electricuted myself. That's one point for Luke and the big scoreboard. Next on our way to Leadville a guy passed us and rolled his car. We helped him, waited for state patrol and the ambulance and put another number on the big scoreboard.

Work has been busy the last couple of weeks. Add that in with some family stuff and it seems like it has been go, go, go. The family stuff has to deal with my grandma's (one in Buffalo and one in Denver). Both are older and dealing with different stuff. The one in Buffalo sounds like she's on her last bit of time. She had a blood clot move from her leg to her lungs earlier Thursday. It's been tough on my dad, even though he puts up the stonecold face.

How about that Syracuse-Uconn game. For some reason I have an affinity for Syracuse. I suppose I just like the no nonsense approach of Jim Boeheim. Plus that was a game for the ages. I love Big East basketball and that encompassed it. Six overtimes, the refs let them play and just two quality teams punching each other in the face.

Saturday night I accompanied Gee to the Tap House for some dancing with some foreign ladies he knew. He's been on a couple dates with this one chick and I met her friends. Her one friend was from Muldova (apparently part of the former Solviet Union). It was almost surreal in the fact we were trying to talk in a booth while a shitty band was playing. Needless to say their English wasn't phenomenal so it made the conversation pretty interesting. After that we danced for a long time. There is something about foreigners and dancing. They're much better than me. I was throwing the classic white guy (bobbing my head, bouncing my knees and palm up shuffling) while these two girls were looking much like Shakira. It was fun regardless and I think they appreciated the effort. Plus as I alwasy say, it doesn't matter if you can dance like Usher, as long as you try your hardest. Something like that.

T.O. to Buffalo. I love it just like I loves me some me. I love to see national analysts and ESPN critisize the move. I mean do any of them know what it's like to be a Bills fan? We haven't made the playoffs since I was a freshman in high school. Our offense has actually set modern football back in Western New York about 25 years. The feeling here is, we can't get much worse. I mean T.O. instantly makes us better. That's the truth. Plus if he acts up in Buffalo he doesn't get another contract and the good blue collar workers may actually jump him.

Early Final Four
Syracuse, Pitt, Louisville and Memphis. Those are actually the first four teams that came to my mind. Like I said I love the Big East. Somehow I think Memphis has an easy path in.

HEF OF THE WEEK
There's too many to mention. Really there are. I'm just trying to limit them. We could start with when I nearly electricuted myself. Or when just minutes later I lost $50. Possibly where everybody in Leadville mocked me for having "an office job." Potentially the best one comes from my mom. My 14-year-old brother, she said, is taller, better looking, more stylish and does better with the ladies than me. Thanks mom. I love you too.