The 10 State Summer Tour

The Summer of George?  Quite the opposite Jerry.

I was fortunate enough to have a great summer.  I got to see many friends, relatives and ended up visiting 10 states: Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Washington and California(but not Fresno, next time).  Noticeably absent, Michigan, as I didn't make it back this year. And I certainly won't go back in the Winter, I moved to Arizona for a reason, so lets shoot for next summer Michiganders.  I also didn't visit Portland, no explanation needed for that.  Along the way I heard from many people clamoring for my next blog, wondering why it's been so long and literally begging for me to post something.  Anything.  Okay, it was two people and they didn't really do anything but mention it, but let me revel in the thought of anyone actually being interested enough to read my blog and hoping for new content.  But it was a great summer, so join me as I recap my journey and maybe you'll laugh along, cry, swear, yell, scream, smile, share in the memories, or just shrug your shoulders.  At any rate, if I saw you, talked to you, or in some cases even thought of you this summer, you're bound to be mentioned in one way shape or form(good luck to you) and get ready to waste a good 15 minutes of your life on the super-mega-summer-blog of 2015 complete with Easter eggs for everyone!

Studenka Brothers in Park City cooling down in front of the Mine shaft.

The best Mexican food ever and its in Salt Lake City, who knew?

I had a few options of places to go this summer and I ended up deciding to make a massive road trip to get it started.  First stop, Salt Lake City to see my brother Jeff and sister-in-law Rebecca.  My favorite sister-in-law, by they way, and not just because she's my only one, I've had others.  As I've mentioned before, I loved living in Salt Lake.  Even though I was only there a few years, the moderate weather, distinct beauty and friendly nature, made for a great experience.  It was a solid 10 hour drive from Phoenix and I passed through Las Vegas, but I have nothing (results-wise) to report about that. We were in the middle of our hot Phoenix summer so I was hopeful for some weather relief heading to the Salt Lake Valley but it was in the 100's while I was there, so no luck.  However, more importantly, Jeff and I had lunch at the Red Iguana in downtown Salt Lake; a hole in the wall joint that's been there forever and still has lines down the block every day.  Not known for it's décor or cleanliness, necessarily, they still serve phenomenal Mexican food and are certainly known as the best in Utah and they could lay claim beyond that as well.  We visited Park City, one of my favorite places in the world as it's such a beautiful mountain town, sitting at 7K+ feet. I'm sure I couldn't handle the winters, but the rest of the year, Park City is tough to beat.  I visited my old office and the campus at the University of Utah and then I had the chance to do one of my favorite things ever, hike up Mt. Timpanogos and go through the cave.

High atop Timpanogos looking over Provo.

You enter from the right of the diagram and proceed left.  You are literally inside a mountain.

The hike up Mt. Timpanogos is extreme elevation but it's made for tourists so it's not that bad.  However, it was 107 degrees that day and no matter what shape you are in, climbing up the 1.5 miles to the cave entrance is a workout.  But then you are led through the cave by a ranger where you see tons of stalactites and stalagmites, ponds, waterfalls, incredible rock formations and at one point complete darkness.  Led by a Ranger there is a lighted path but at one point they turn out the lights altogether and you are in complete darkness where your eyes will never adjust and you cannot see your hand in front of your face.  It's a weird feeling.  The tour takes about 45 minutes to an hour and you cool down from the hike up as it's only around 40 degrees inside the mountain.  You then come out the other side of Timpanogos and hike back down.  I did this many times when I lived in Utah and on most visits back.  I'm sure there are other similar caves across the country, but it would be hard to top this one for me.  It all made for another great trip to SLC.  Thank you Jeff and Rebecca for a great time once again.





Looking over Campus and Missoula, you can't miss The Block M.

After a fun few days in Utah, I then headed north to Idaho to visit my Phoenix friends, Doug and Kristin, at their summer lake house.  Along the way up to northern Idaho I stopped in Missoula, Montana and spent some time at the real UofM, the University of Montana.  When I was a teenager I had the good fortune of taking a few trips to Montana and Wyoming to fish and visit Yellowstone National Park.  At that time I became intrigued with Montana and considered going to college there, but alas I stayed in state.  However, Montana has a beautiful campus, nestled in the mountains, and is everything you'd think Montana would be from an outdoors perspective.  One of the landmarks of the University in the Block M that is high on Mount Sentinel overlooking campus and the town.  There is a trail that leads up to it and I had always wanted to make the climb.  So after driving from Salt Lake for 6 hours, I got out of the car and being in need of some exercise I proceeded to run up the trail to the Block M.  Not a great idea as it was very steep and difficult to run.  But I did it and the views were spectacular.  Most Colleges have their own unique landmarks and/or traditions and I was happy to have done this one. After running back down, much easier, I was sweating like a pig and hungry so on advice from Doug and former  UofM Grizzly Sean D., I went to the Missoula Club downtown for lunch.  I was told they serve the best burger you'll ever get and I have to say, its in the mix for sure, but more importantly this is an iconic bar that would be an awesome place to watch football and even more importantly hang out and celebrate after a Grizzly victory on as Saturday night.  Clearly they are the best UofM in the United States.  Suck it scUM.

When in Missoula, if you're lucky you'll get a seat at the M Club.  Go Grizz!

From Missoula, I then drove the last 3 hours into Idaho just north of Coeur d'Alene up to Lake Pend Oreille.  I've pretty much driven across every part of the United States in my life and I'll put the stretch from Missoula to CDA up against anything.  Just beautiful country and a great way to spend time in my Jeep with the top down, music blaring and incredible scenery.  Much of Idaho and Montana reminded me of Northern Michigan and Traverse City, my one-time hometown, and it was a great ride.  I'd never been to Cour d'Alene before and when when I told my Uncle Al that I was heading up there, we had the following exchange:



Me:  So I'm heading up to Couer d'Alene next week.
Uncle Al:  I always loved Couer d'Alene, thought it would be a good place to retire.
Me:  I didn't know you'd been there before, when was the last time?
Uncle Al:  1947.
Me:  Ummm, I think it might have changed since then, but I'll let you know.



Turns out that even though it may have grown in population since 1947, the scenic beauty is still the same as it was years ago.  It is a beautiful part of the United States, at least in the summer time.  Upon arriving in Bayview at Doug and Kristin's, it was a sizzling 99 degrees, so again no relief, but that didn't stop Doug and I from getting in a good run around part of the lake.  It was tough, but after being in the car all day, it was welcomed.

Lake Pend Oreille, just a snapshot of this monstrous lake. Awesome is the only way to describe it.

Bayview is a tiny hamlet of a town, as it sits on the South end of Lake Pend Oreille, one of the greatest inland lakes I've ever seen.  Having grown up in Michigan, I am certainly familiar with lakes and waterways but LPO is unlike anything else.  It is extremely deep, well over 1000' in spots and 400' feet at the shore, so it's definitely a boaters lake, and it stretches nearly 40 miles long and is mostly surrounded by state land, so for much of it there are no homes or cottages or people.  In many ways because of its massive nature, when out on the boat, its as though you have the whole thing to yourself.  Definitely not like Houghton Lake where skiing becomes a slalom test.  I had a great time with Doug and Kristin and then Sean D. and his family came over as well and we all boated all the way up to the North end to Sandpoint, Idaho, parked and walked around town, very similar to Traverse City, and then boated down to Beyond Hope to have dinner on the lake.  We went swimming, partied, relaxed and even took in a pure slice of Americana with the Bayview 4th of July Parade.  Small town America at its finest.  It was a great trip and then I took the long drive back home to Arizona.  Once again through Las Vegas, and once again, nothing (positive) to report.  However, football season is coming quick, if you know me, you know what that means.

From the deck of Beyond Hope.  Hard to not Love Life on a day like this.

After Idaho, I then had the chance to visit 3 states at once as I took a trip to Louisville, where I stayed across the river in Indiana and then drove through Kentucky to Nashville, Tennessee to see Train in concert.  They put on a great show and I had a fantastic weekend and I never imagined I would think that was even possible visiting Kentucky or Tennessee.  However to start off the weekend, I did a run starting in Indiana, crossing the bridge into Kentucky and then back, so I ran in 2 states on one run.  Pretty cool until I realized I had lost my wallet.  Not cool.  After backtracking and not finding it, I canceled my credit cards and such and hoped nothing terrible would come of it.  Getting back on an airplane without a drivers license or any ID was not so simple.  To make it short, I basically had a prostate exam while they went through my bag before they thankfully let me on.  Hence, I don't recommend traveling without ID.  However when I got back home to Scottsdale, in the mail was a letter from a man named Harold in Indiana and he had my wallet.  I called him to describe it and he mailed it back, cash and all!  Just going to prove that there are good people in the world.  Although if I had lost it in Louisville, I'm not so sure I'd have gotten it back, but that's just my cynical nature.  Despite everything, it was a great trip overall and most importantly: Thank You Harold!

The note from Harold.  Thank you sir and feel free to visit me in AZ anytime!

Back in Arizona, I went to see Rush with my friend Dan P., who is an avid Rush fan.  If you are not familiar with Rush, well, you must not be familiar with music in general as they've been around forever.  This was their 40th year as a band and they put on a very long and fantastic show at the US Airways Arena in downtown Phoenix.  They still sound great, play great and know how to put on a show.  When they played Tom Sawyer, I thought the place might explode.

At the Rush concert with Dan.  I was not able to choose Freewill, but it was still fantastic!

Besides concerts, thanks to my friend Gregg, who is back from deployment in the Middle East, we spent a day on Lake Pleasant, which is just 20 miles north of Phoenix.  Gregg had rented a boat and a jet ski and with his kids and their friends, we spent a fantastic day out on the lake.  In Arizona!  It's not all desert out here.  This will surely displease Gregg, but I have to say Thank You once again for your service and for your willingness to go back to the Middle East to fight for our freedom.  He is far too modest, as he always states, "it was my mission, I just did what I had too", however, most people can't or won't and you do, as do thousands of other US soldiers and we should all be thankful for your sacrifice and service so that people like me could traipse around the United States all summer and basically do whatever we want, because soldiers like you will make the sacrifice for the rest of us. I promise I won't bring it up again, but Thank You!

Lake Pleasant in Arizona.  Strikingly similar to the picture of LPO in Idaho above.

After this, I headed back up to Idaho, although this time I flew, for Doug's birthday Party.  If you have read my blog, I had previously mentioned Doug's birthday last year, as he knows how to throw an epic bash.  So I was definitely looking forward to heading back up to LPO for another big party and this time Gregg joined in as well, as he was still on post-deployment down time.  Doug and Kristin were once again, as always, great hosts and many others made the trip to northern Idaho as well to join in the fun.  Doug had hired a local band, Three's a Crowd, and also flew in his favorite local(Phoenix) singer, Kristy Dee, to all perform at the Captain's Wheel in Bayview.  It was quite a weekend and the night of party was everything you might expect.  Again, if you read my previous blogs, last year at his birthday I sang with Kristy Dee, doing a Guns and Roses song.  Since she was going to be there this year, plans were being made for me to doing something again.  However unless you were there, it will remain a mystery.  Unless someone has footage on their camera that I am not allowing you to share.  And for anyone that was in the Captain's Wheel that night, if you happened to leave your camera laying around, now is the time to check for random photos/videos as it might be possible that a few cameras were briefly absconded and filled with some random shots.  Not that I know anything about it....One of the best parts of Bayview is that it is a lot like Mayberry, everyone knows each other and its relaxed and low key.  Gregg and I were staying at a cottage right on the Marina and each morning we walked over the Marina store, where the boaters come in to gas up and buy food and such, and we would get coffee and sit on the dock and watch the boats come in and out and just relax.  We got to the know the Owner of the Marina, Old Man McDonald, and one morning he asked us if we'd watch the store while he ran some errands.  Seriously.  We knew this guy all of 10 minutes and he left us in charge.  Very cool, but sadly not common in most places. Overall it was a fantastic weekend of more boating and swimming, partying and enjoying life.  If only work didn't get in the way of having such fun. Thank you Doug and Kristin for being such great friends, I look forward to seeing you back in the Valley this fall and to getting back to Idaho next summer!

On the boat with Gregg, Kristin and Doug in the middle of Lake Pend Oreille.

I'm now Assistant Manager at McDonald's Marina!

If you've never seen a unicorn, here's something even more rare. Happy Birthday Doug!

With all my travel and fun adventures this year, I was continually asked about my dating life.  Now if you read my blog, you know I almost never talk about this topic and when I do, I never mention any one's name.  I figure this is my blog, I can certainly say whatever I want about myself, but I would never put anyone else's name out there, unless they specifically said they were fine with it.  This is always such a fun topic, at least people think so.  I really have nothing to hide, but again, I try to be conscious of others and I guess I'm fairly private. But in being asked repeatedly, I really stopped to think about it.  I've dated a few woman this year and they have all been lovely people, or I would have never been interested in the first place or continued to go out with any of them.  I know I am very particular and maybe at times need to be a little more open.  However in reflecting back, I came to one realization, at least in my case; women are all nuts.  Now stay with me ladies, after thinking that and actually saying it out loud to someone when asked, I then realized, that even if that was true, there was one common denominator: Me.  So maybe I'm nuts, or at least horrible in my selection process.  Maybe horrible, is too strong a word, but certainly I am not doing a good job selecting the right people.  But don't expect my blog to ever talk much about my dating life. I like to keep it private in the blogosphere, after all I'm read in over 30 countries, including massive traction in the Ukraine(although that's likely based on the  Ukrainian model I dated in Seattle, she wasn't nuts, but, well......let's just move on) but feel free to ask me in person and you can judge the nuttiness for yourself.

I didn't date all of these women...I'm still single ladies!

Despite all the great things that transpired this summer, reality also hit as I lost my Aunt Carol to a very long battle with cancer.  My parents flew into to town, as did my cousin Matt, and we all drove over to California to see my Uncle Fred and cousins for the funeral.  These types of things are always very sobering and heartfelt.  Carol was probably the strongest person I've ever known as she battled various types of cancer for literally 15 years.  Most people would never have battled that hard.  She had a tremendous faith and when you're dealt a tough hand, it's often hard to understand why, but she never questioned it, just took it on and showed strength and courage to the rest of us.  As sad a time as it was, I'm glad she is no longer suffering and at the same time I got to see my Uncle Fred and my cousins and meet some of their spouses(for the first time) and we truly did celebrate her life.  God Bless you Carol!

Rest in Peace Carol!

I had one last summer adventure and that was climbing the highest peak in Arizona, Humphreys Peak. The San Francisco Mountains in Flagstaff, Arizona are as high a range as most of the Rockies and mountains elsewhere across the United States.  Humphreys Peak is well over 12K feet and it was a challenging hike.  The weather was not great that day at the base and as we got higher and higher, the winds picked up, some rain hit us and it got considerably colder, maybe in the 40's.  During the last stretch to the summit, the winds were easily 50-60 mph and at points you literally had to hold on to not get blown over.  But when you do reach the summit, it seems all worthwhile and it was except cloud cover made for limited views and pictures. On our way back down we got completely drenched by massive rains and then a hail storm swept through with pea-sized hail.  That may not seem that big, but let me tell you getting pelted by it repeatedly, was not pleasant.  Thankfully it happened on the way down and not up.  But it was another great adventure and I'd love to do it again in better weather.

About half way up Mt. Humprheys at the Saddle.  The ominous clouds were telling.

So the summer of 2015 ended up great overall and collectively it seems as though I did a lot and I suppose I did.  However, I didn't get to do everything I had hoped, like going back to Michigan or going to Yosemite as I had planned at one point, but I still had a tremendous summer and I hope you did as well.  There were ups and downs and mundane life and trying to run everyday in 110+ degrees heat.  But for now I am just grateful for my family and friends, new and old, and I look forward to what the rest of this year holds for me.  Who knows, take it as it comes and just try to embrace it I suppose.  Even if you are a little nuts like me. Now bring on the football season!

The wind was angry that day my friend...but ending my summer on top of a mountain seems fittingly perfect.
Fire Up!

Random Year in Review

Since Facebook seems to have everyones "Year in Review" happening these days, I thought I'd put my own spin on my life in 2014.  There's something for everyone in here. Or not, whatever, you're already here, so read through it.


Seattle, it's gloomy

Mt. Rainier, a spectacular sight.  When you can actually see it.

In January of 2014 I was still living in Seattle.  It was interesting living in a city where it is gloomy, drizzly and seemingly dark, all the time.  However, when the sun was out, even a little, it truly is a beautiful city with lots to do and see, especially outdoors, and it may rival anywhere else in the USA.  However, the sun rarely comes out.  I look back on my time there, albeit short, as relatively good.  It may not be a favorite place for me personally to live, but I tried to enjoy it as best I could.  I joined the Green Lake Running Group, met some great people, did a lot of volunteer work at a fantastic organization-Treehouse, saw a ton of beautiful scenery, like Rainier, and had the chance to do some hikes, boat rides and miscelleaneous other things(Rodeo).  But recently one of my best friends, John, came to visit me in Scottsdale and as we were out one night, he told me how happy he was for me that I was back in Scottsdale and how miserable I  seemed in Seattle when he came to visit.  That struck me as odd because I didn't think I was miserable there, but he knows me as well as anyone and maybe subconciously I didn't want to think that or believe it as I was trying to make the best of it in Seattle.  So maybe I was miserable there and didn't realize it or maybe, and probably more likely, I'm just a lot happier in Scottsdale and in Arizona in general.  Nevertheless I choose to look at my time in the Pacific NW as a positive and only retain the good memories, I mean it's not like I lived in Portland for God's sake. 


Earning the Bird

In 2014, I Left No Doubt!

In late February I flew back to Phoenix to run the Phoenix Marathon once again.  This time for StuDemption!  It was a great race for me personally, but far more important than that, I had a great week in Arizona; saw my family, spent time with great friends and experienced just about everything that I love about Arizona.  Without knowing, I suppose, this was obviously a precursor of what lay ahead for me regarding my return to the Valley of the Sun.  Phoenix Marathon 2015, you are now in my sights!  2015=BQ

"If you're not scared shitless by your goals, they're probably too easy."

One of my favorite memories of that trip, climbing the camel with my brother Jeff!

Ahhh, Arizona

Gregg and I kayaking the Salt River.

Upon my return to Arizona in late May, one of the first things I did was reconnect with my good friend Gregg and he and I kayaked the Salt River.  It was a beautiful day in Arizona, probably moreso to me coming from the doom and gloom of the Pacific NW, and we did a 10+ mile kayak run.  Incredible scenery, wild horses and bright, warm sun; all made for a great day and a very welcome return.  Thanks again Gregg!



Call of the Wild

Lots more wildlife here than in Seattle, that's for sure.

Running in Seattle I had to get used to almost always being cold.  Since I run early in the morning, 5-6 a.m., that is usually the coldest part of the day and in a city that rarely gets much above 50, except in the summer, that made for a lot of cold mornings and I had to bundle up to run.  It got old.  Back in Arizona, I was so pleased to be able to just run in shorts and a t-shirt again, but now that I live in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, I encounter a lot more wildlife and "activity" if you will.  I have come across a rattlesnake once, plenty of coyotes, javelinas, scorpions and I've see a few bobcats too.  Thankfully, I have yet to have any issue whatsover.  Being alert and cautious is always key, just as it is running on the road with cars.  But here's hoping to not have any issue, ever, other than falling into a cactus a few times....

Falling into a cactus is......not fun.

I definitely enjoyed the warmer weather upon arrival, but after a few weeks the real summer heat hit and it certainly had an impact, as it's tough to run when it's 110 degrees.  Although not for my friend Dan.  It apparently can never be hot enough for him.  Upon returning he invited me to join a running group that meets every Tuesday night at a brewpub in Tempe. The run is only a little over 3 miles, but for whatever the reasons, we always treat it as a race and run all out.  Sadly, for me, Dan always wins.  There is always a theme for the night too and he usually wins that as well, I'm not much of a costume guy.  But it's much more fun running with a friend and I still vow to take him down, not just in a marathon.  Look out Dan, I'll adjust to the heat at some point.  Maybe.

Ugly shirt night. Dan may have won this one, but I had to be a close second with this hideous Seahawk green shirt.

 

 New Countries Update!

People of Moldova.  Is this really my demographic???????

I have tried to keep up with my blog, although not writing nearly as much as I hope, but I try very hard to make sure that anything I post is interesting and not just self-serving.  I enjoy writing the blog, but I always have tried to make it more than just pictures me, look at what I did, kind of a thing, but a story that may actually have some points of interest to anyone that reads it.  That being said, the blog continues to amaze me as, again, there is no marketing whatsoever, just a post on my Facebook to my few friends and yet it finds its way all over the world with people continually coming back to it, which is the astonishing part to me.

This summer one country imparticular made massive hits to the blog; Moldova.  Besides them, 4 additional countries found their way to Cactus Chip; Ireland, Poland, Thailand, and Columbia.  That now makes 29 countries outside the USA that for whatever the reasons find something on here interesting.  Seeing how I've never been to any of them, I continue to be amazed.  Please continue to send me your exports.

Football in the Midwest

Welcome to Jack Pine Stadium.  Can someone please mow the field!!!

In July I had the chance to go back to Michigan for a week.  I tried to cram as much in as I could, visiting family and friends and making the trek to CMU and up to our family property in Northern Michigan.  I am lucky that my Grandpa Ralph bought this land 70+ years ago and thus I had the chance to spend a lot of my childhood summers up north at the cabin.  Sometime 20+ years ago I got the idea that I should make a field goal post and create my own football field.  We had tons of acreage, so space was not an issue and the land was covered in Jack Pines, which are notoriously straight and durable.  So one weekend my good friend Trent and I went up north and like true lumberjacks, we picked out the three trees we thought would work best, and proceeded to use an axe to chop them down.  After they fell, we used the axe to chop off all the branches and cleaned them up.  My brother Jeff helped carry "Trent's Log" over with the other two(his choice of log weighed ridiculously more than the others) and using a tape measure and our eyesight, we dug the holes for the posts, placed them in and nailed the crossbar up.  For years and years we kicked field goals and had  fun with it, eventually builidng another one about 10 years ago, with the help of many this time.  The Field Goal post still stands today and when I was up there, of course I kicked a few.  Good memories and still good times.  And yes, maybe I am a bit football obsessed.

Trent and I reliving the glory days.

Fishing wtih Bacon

A random lake in Michigan.  This would be considered an ocean in AZ.

During my trip to Michigan I was able to spend some time with my good friend Jon Laing, aka Bacon. Bacon and I met in 3rd grade when he changed schools and we've been friends ever since.  He suggested we take out his bass boat and go fishing for the day and I was game.  The weather, as you can see in the pictures, wasn't ideal.  At least not for an Arizonan and I did complain that I was cold by the end of the day.  Sorry Jon.  But we both had good luck catching some bass and releasing them back into the lake.  Michigan is absolutely full of lakes and streams and water in every direction.  Certainly the opposite of Arizona, especially Phoenix where we have Tempe Town Lake, which is disgusting and that's about it in the Valley.  I guess I need to make a trip to Lake Havasu at some point, but it will never match the beauty of Michigan in that regard.  But thank you Bacon for a great day and here's to another 30+ years of friendship!  But maybe next time you come out my way, we may not have water, but we also don't have snow.

Not to be outdone, I caught my fish first, so Bacon had to show me up.

A Birthday Celebration Like No Other

Happy Birthday Doug! Can I borrow your phone for a minute...

My great friend Doug Hatfield had a big birthday this summer, no need to mention the number.  So he decided to throw the party of all parties at his Mountain Home in Northern Arizona.  Let me state, anytime you are with Doug and Kristin, a party invariably ensues, so to throw a rager, well that really means something.  Doug is the kind of guy that had a bigger deck built on his home so he could have a band out there and still have a ton of room.  It's pretty awesome.  Northern Arizona in August is absolutely gorgeous and since we were at 6,000 feet elevation, it's much cooler than the summer heat in the Valley.  Made for a perfect setting.  Doug hired a personal favorite musician for the night, Kristy Dee and her band.  He's had her perform up there many times before.  Since it was his birthday I thought the perfect gift for Doug would be for me to sing a Guns and Roses(one of his favorite bands) song with the band.  I can't sing, nor have I ever performed, but I LOVE GNR and thought it would be fun.  I had hoped to practice with the band over the summer, but it never happened, so I figured it wasn't to be because I certainly needed practice.  But at some point that night, Kristy says to me, "So are you ready to sing?".  I was a bit stunned, but quickly decided this is for Doug and since everyone has been drinking for hours, I certainly don't need to be very good.

I was quite nervous and since this was a suprise to Doug I sneaked back behind the band and had Kristy call me out.  I sang Knockin' on Heavens Door and thankfully since I've seen GNR many times and heard and sang along to that song a million times, I knew it well and after the first stanza I calmed down a bit.  Kristy was awesome standing right next to me playing the guitar and singing backup.  Doug was going crazy and the crowd was seemingly into it.  Again, keep in mind it's late and lots of alcohol had thankfully been consumed to impair judgment.  At one point in the middle of the song there is a break point and Kristy held out her hand and said to me, "You got them right in the palm of your hand, bring it home".  I have to say, it felt really cool and I have zero illusion that I was any good, but just remember the time and circumstance and that Doug loves GNR and this was clearly for him.  It was a blast and I'd happily do it again sometime.  Maybe.  Somewhere there is recorded footage of this on Doug's phone, I cringe at the thought of actually ever seeing it, but it was a party and a great one at that, no reason to have anything but a great time.  Which is exactly what we did.  Happy Birthday my friend!




Stop calling me Shirley...

 I really did fly this thing.

I had a very cool chance to fly over the Valley and to Sedona with my new friend Jeff H.  I met Jeff through work, he mentioned that he had a plane and he randomly called me one Saturday morning and asked if I'd like to go flying with him.  I jumped at the chance.  Arizona is such a beautiful state and to see it from the air is even more incredible.  Plus I love flying in small planes.  My Grandpa Fred used to own a Cessna when I was a little kid.  I didn't get to enjoy it much then, but I've always enjoyed flying in small planes to islands and such.  I met Jeff at the Scottsdale airport and we took off towards Sedona.  The scenery was fantastic and it was a great day to be in the sky.  Jeff's been flying for years and he is rated and capable of being hired to fly bigger planes, but it's just a hobby for him.  As we approached Sedona, the airport was on top of a Mesa, with cliffs at each end of the runway.  No problem for Jeff to land.  We got out and had lunch and then got ready to head back.  As we were on the runway cleared for takeoff Jeff says to me, "All right, you're flying us home".  I was stunned, he had never mentioned me taking the controls and I've never done anything even close. Not mention the end of the runway was a cliff, so no room for error.  I hesitated, but he assured me I could do it, told me what to do, what gauges to watch and track and that to know he had the controls in front of him and could take over if needed.  I hadn't been that nervous in a long time.  So we speeded down the runway, I pulled the steering wheel back and up we went.  Once we were in the air, it wasn't that difficult to keep control, thankfully it wasn't windy nor were there any inclement conditions.   However, I definitely was not enjoying the scenery on the way back as I was glued to the gauges and making sure we were on track at all points.  When we got close to the Scottsdale airport, Jeff took over and landed us.  But it was a lot of fun and I would easily do it again if given the chance.  For now I get to add Pilot to my resume, if only for a day.  Thanks Jeff!

No, I did not take this while I was flying the plane.  Arizona beauty.

Visiting Notre Dame

On the field, ready for game time!

I also had the chance to go to the University of Notre Dame to a football game and live a lifelong dream in doing so all thanks to my good friend Mike.  I blogged about that adventure, but would be remiss if I didn't mention it again here.  The season my not have ultimately turned out as expected for the Irish, but the memories from my weekend in South Bend far exceeded my hopes.  I look forward to going back again.

 

Thanks again Mike! Go Irish!

Arizona Christmas

With Doug and Kristin at  an outdoor Mass at Christmas?  Yes, in Arizona anything is possible!

One of the obvious perks of living in Arizona is the weather.  I certainly hear from many that it's way too hot in the summer, how do you stand it, blah, blah, blah.... But what we don't have is snow nor extreme cold.  Instead we get virtually every day sunshine and warm temperatures.  All of that allows for the chance to do so much more outdoors including attending Christmas Mass at St. Patrick's for an outdoor service.  I was so intrigued by this concept and joined Doug and Kristin for Mass Christmas Eve outside the Sanctuary.  It was such a cool and different experience and certainly St. Patrick's has had an influence on my life and definitely my time in Arizona previously and now, again.  It just about summed up the year for me as we celebrated that night with a beautiful service and then a fantastic dinner.   I definitely feel blessed.

The Price of Freedom

More fun times ahead when you return Gregg!  Thank you!

On a more somber note, on Monday, December 29 my friend Gregg was shipped off to the Middle East for another stint with the Air National Guard.  When something like this happens to someone you know personally, it really hits home.  Gregg has given up his life for the next year in order to go and fight for our freedoms here.  I'm not sure I could do what he's doing, but as he said to me right before he left, "That's what we do and I'm ready".  I know he is and I thank him and every other soldier that is putting themself in harms way for all of us here.  I'll be ready for your return to Arizona Gregg! Stay safe my friend and God Bless!

 Bring on 2015!

High above Phoenix, representing the C!

Overall 2014 was a quite a year.  I am elated to be back in Arizona and at at the same time I embrace all the things that led me to this point.  I am so very fortunate to have such great family and friends and I hope that 2015 only brings more great fun and opportunities.  Forever Fired Up!

Luck of the Irish

Hit the sign, then hit the field!  Go Irish!
 

"Maybe someday I could go to Notre Dame"
                 ~ Daniel Ruettiger from the movie "Rudy".

Growing up in Lansing, Michigan I was fortunate that my parents had season tickets to MSU football and I had the chance to enjoy the pagentry, fun and excitement of all that college football entails. Of course that meant that I grew up a Spartan and still have green blood in me.  However when I was kid in the late 70's and early 80's MSU football was really........not good.  But we still went to the games, still cheered wildly and also hoped(but rarely witnessed) for a victory over the dreaded Wolverines.  My hate for them started young and still holds strong.  Because of MSU's inability to beat scUM, I also had an affinity for Notre Dame.  Only a few hours down the road, the Irish may not have beaten scUM all the time, but every year they potentially could, something MSU struggled with at that time.  Also being a Catholic and the Notre Dame games being on TV every week, I enjoyed watching and following them as well.

Tradition is what separates college football from most other sports and the passion for which fans get involved.  Right or wrong, over the top or ridiculous, it all makes for fun times at games and I love football.  Notre Dame has as much, or more, tradition than most and I have always wanted to attend a game there, but not just any game, a big game.  I had hoped to fly back and see them play scUM this season, but unfortunately that didn't work out.  However, I had the great fortune of getting an opportunity last week to attend my first Irish game in person as they took on Stanford and have the experience of a lifetime, all thanks to my friend Mike.

Touchdown Jesus looms over Notre Dame Stadium, it's an awesome sight!

I flew into Chicago on Friday, then immediately drove to South Bend, IN about 2 hours away.  Coming from the nice weather in Scottsdale, I knew I'd be in for some colder temps back in the Midwest and on top of that it was going to be rainy all weekend.  But that was not going to dampen my spirits.  As I pulled onto the Notre Dame campus, I met up with Mike and we went to the Friday night pep rally, a tradition that still is strong at Notre Dame as thousands of people show up.  As a kid I remember going to MSU pep rally's the night before gameday, but sadly those disappeared long ago, but ND not only still does them, they make it a big event and fun for everyone.  Cheerleaders, Irish dancing, DJ spinning music, all lead up to the football team and Coach Brian Kelly taking the stage to a raucous, 5K or so that filled the Arena.  I love Coach Kelly because of what he did for my alma mater, CMU, and for his no nonsense attitude and approach.  He spoke with candor and determination before having a few of the players speak and get everyone fired up for the game.  It was a lot of fun and certainly got me excited for gameday.  Before I even made it to South Bend, Mike had sent me a list of all the activities going on at ND for the weekend and asked me to let him know what I may like to do.  There was a tour of the tunnel in the stadium, but I had gotten into town too late to do that, which turned out just fine as Mike said to me, "I think we can do a little better than the tunnel tour".

Irish RB Tyler Plantz fires up the crowd by breaking boards over his head.

And with that statement from Mike, the real fun began.  Mike is a ND Monogram Club member so we got to go the Club Lounge adjacent to the Locker Room for a special reception where all former ND letterwinners are welcomed back on game weekends to mix and mingle and relive their own glory days.  This weekened they were also honoring the 1964 Notre Dame team with many of them in attendance including legendary Coach Ara Parseghian.  If you follow college football even a shred, you know that Ara is not only beloved by the ND faithful, but he truly is a college football icon.  It was an honor to meet him and talk to him for a bit as well.  Again, I LOVE college football and I am a bit of a historian and for me this was beyond awesome.  Besides that, we also got a private tour of the lockerroom and got to do the infamous walk down the stairs leading to the stadium where the "Play Like A Champion" sign has been for years, just like the players do every game.  We then got to go onto the field.  This was truly way beyond anything I expected or even anticipated about this weekend.



"Coach Parseghian, in the '66 game with MSU, why did you....."

Inside the Locker Room feeling ready to suit up myself for gameday!

On the field, feeling the Luck 'O the Irish!

After a very short night's sleep we got up early to get our tailgate set up.  Mike has a very thorough plan for tailgating and with his SUV loaded for bear, we got to our lot in the Notre Dame Library and prepared to set up our tents, the grill and everything else.  He had a number of other friends in town for the game and probably all told, there was about 50 people there.  The weather was not very good, low 40's, spitting of rain and the occasional snow, mind you it's only October 4th!  A not so gentle reminder of why I moved to Arizona.  But with a ton of food and drinks and people and other tailgates all around, the atmosphere was incredibly festive and fun.  Tailgating does not even come close to this in Arizona or in Seattle, no matter what people from there might tell you.  They really just don't know any better.  Football just means more in the midwest and in the south, right or wrong, that's just the way it is and football Saturdays are sacred.

Setting up the tailgate with Mike despite inclement and windy conditions.  One of the tents actually blew across the street.

I had been on the Notre Dame campus many times in my life, but I had never had the chance to go to a football game because the tickets are impossible to get unless you know someone or are willing to pay a ton through a scalper.  Tickets for the ND-UM games just a few weeks ago were scalping for over $1000.  Insane.  However, the campus is stunningly beautiful and in the fall with the color change it was almost ideal, only the weather was holding it back from perfection.  But I still took my time to tour the campus and soak it all in including stops at the infamous Grotto, the Basilica(which inside may be the most beautiful church I've ever seen), the golden dome,  and of course the bookstore.  With so many people on campus it was lively and energetic and everyone was excited for the game.  After consuming way too much food, no regrets though, it was finally time to head into the stadium for the game itself.  The whole trip had been so incredible so far and the game hadn't even started, which was really the main reason I went.  Could it really get even better?

The Golden Dome of the Administration building, it can be seen from across campus.

The infamous ND Grotto.  I only know one other grotto, anyone that wants to take me there, I'm in.

The Basilica.  Incredibly beautiful inside, worth a visit.

Up to this point the weather had been cold and spitting rain and not great, but sadly, once the game started it really started to rain and it either got colder or just felt that way.  The conditions were not good and it limited the play of the game as well.  Stanford is known for a strong defense and it showed on this day as they limited the Irish to minimal offense. However the Notre Dame defense was even better only allowing points after an Irish fumble.  The game went back and forth late into the fourth quarter when Stanford mounted their only real drive of the game and ultimately scored a touchdown, taking the lead 14-10 with only 3 minutes left in the game.  The crowd got restless, as the weather and rain made it seem almost impossible that Notre Dame could drive and score in enough time.  As the Irish took the field, QB Everett Golson proceeded to march the team downfield, despite some dropped passes, before the drive came to a halt at the 23 yard line with ND facing a 4th and 11 with only a minute left.  This was it, the game was now on the line.  After a ND timeout, the team came back out on the field.  Clearly a pass play was needed and of course having the ball in Golson's hands was the only option to either throw or run.  As he took the snap the Stanford D brought pressure up the middle forcing Golson to move to his left and on the run he sailed the ball into the endzone.  Sitting in the stands it seemed like the ball was in the air forever before it ultimately hit ND TE Ben Koyack in the hands in the endzone as he straddled the out of bounds line for a touchdown.  The stadium went nuts as ND regained the lead 17-14.  With less than a minute left, ND kicked off and Stanford had little option but to throw downfield.  Knowing this ND made what I feel is the decision of a team trying to win the game, rather than just not trying to lose it, as they brought a "Jailbreak Blitz" ultimately sacking the Stanford QB.  Rather than sit back in a prevent defense, they brought the house and the sack literally brought that house down as the game ended and all of us fans went crazy!  It was an unbelievable finish.

Here come the Irish!

After the final sack, GAME OVER!

The weather played havoc with my phone camera, but there is the final result for all to see!

Game over, trip over.....not quite.  Again, my own Luck of the Irish would continue.  We first went to the Athletic Convocation Center where they have a special postgame mass for those in the Monogram Club before heading back to the tailgate for another hour or so.  After going back to Mike's house and drying off and warming up, we then had the opportunity to go back to the stadium for another private tour before heading to the local postgame hotspot The Linebacker Lounge.  The next morning, I drove back to Chicago to the conference that brought me to the midwest in the first place.  As I drove the two hours back, it was hard to even digest all that had just happened.  I truly have wanted to attend a Notre Dame football game for as long as I can remember and to think I not only was able to, but to have the full-on experience, if you will, how lucky am I?!?!?!  None of it would have been possible without Mike and I thanked him profusely, but I really never could do so enough.  I have a passion for football and college imparticular.  As I try to explain my passion to others it has always come down to this for me; for 3 hours or so where else can you feel such immense highs, lows, tears, cheers, excitement, vitriol, hate, love and raw emotion.  Maybe I am not emotive enough on a regular basis, I don't know, but I do know on Saturdays, when my teams are playing, I can experience a whole world of emotion and life all wrapped up into one.  Crazy, silly; maybe, but it works for me and I love it!  I did get to go to Notre Dame and the whole experience was off the charts!  It was far more than anything I could have hoped for and only left me wanting to do it all again. 

Maybe someday I could work for Notre Dame....hmmmm.  Thanks again Mike!  Go Irish!

Mike and I after the game, soaked and cold, but oh so happy!  Fire Up Irish!