Where the beer flows like wine...

We are off to Palm Desert California for a week of sun, golf, drinks, and laying by the pool. The beginning of the trip will be a little rocky, with a 4 hour plane ride (I hate flying), and a potential call on Monday from my company announcing lay offs. Once Monday is over I hope to really start having fun. I wish you all the best and hope you have a great week. Steve, put the fork down. Out.

Politics

I think Joe Biden missed his calling. I think he should have sold used cars. Think about this for a second. Slicked back hair, fake white teeth, sideways smile...can't you just imagine him asking you , "what do I have to do to get you into this car today?" He is not a part of the solution, he is part of the problem and has been for several decades in Washington. I am not saying that John McCain has not been in Washington for many decades and maybe he has been part of the same problem. But, McCain is a decorated veteran of war and is at least mildly honest. Obama has no experience and he is running for the highest office in the World's greatest super power and he has no idea what he is doing. So, if I have to choose a candidate, I will take a President who has a) wartime experience and b) real experience in Washington. Barack Obama is a great public speaker, period. He sucks, his church sucks, his wife sucks, and his proposed health insurance sucks. I will take a vice president with little experience over a president with little experience. Less government, not more government. Less Obama, more McCain. More Palin, less (MUCH LESS) Biden. I know this is a high overview and I am not digging into the individual issues, but I don't have time for that. I will just be happy when this is over. God Bless America.

State Fair Time

Mullets, Food on a Stick, Carnies, and large crowds...yes it is that time again. The "Great Minnesota Get Together" is upon us, so Jessica and I decided to head on down and get some people watching in all while enjoying cold Grain Belt Premiums. We got there and, in order for me to deal with the enormous crowd, went to one of several beer gardens and began our journey. I always have a hard time finding food that I am actually interested in. We shared a Pronto Pup which really made me want another beer. We walked and walked and walked which made me want another beer. We decided to grab a sandwich (in one of the beer gardens) which, well, you know. After several hours of walking, eating, drinking, and bumping into weird people, we decided that it was time to go home. But, that is just not enough. My sister and her family are coming home tonight and Tuesday is her birthday. We will all head back down to the fair on Tuesday for our annual family trip to the fair. Eh, great. Sign me up. On another note, I just found out that one of my favorite all time bands has a new single out. I had Hank in the truck with me and heard the song for the first time. I also found out that Metallica scares the hell out of Hank., as I looked over at him and he was shaking uncontrollably while I blasted the new tune. Pansy. Have a good week.

Who Really Cares...

Well, my good friend Joe inspired me to write tonight about this, so here it goes. Who cares about Brett Favre other than some fat, bearded, dirty, sausage and cheese eatin' Wisconsinites? Yes, he may be one of the toughest and best players ever in the NFL, but could the coverage have been more over the top. Could the media and Packer Management have been any worse on this. Seriously, why are we talking so much about Brett Favre. He is an ego-maniac who cannot stay out of the spotlight, to hell with Jet Favre. Go Vikes. Anyone care to offer up an opinion? I am hoping one of those horrible packer lovers see my Blog and decide to lampoon me with nonsense. GO.

Shine On

And I am back, again. We have been just getting nailed with nasty storms this week. Hail, straight line 60 MPH winds, and sheets of rain. It is supposed to be over for a while so that we can get out and enjoy our summer a little more. Jessica and I have spent a few weekends up at the cabin in Brainerd, and the last weekend we went it was just wonderful weather, which makes a huge difference. In entertainment notes, I decided to grab the new Jet album called "Shine On", just to try something different. I am really impressed with this band! Think, The Beatles meets AC/DC with no over-production. I recommend it if you are needing some new rock for your collection. There is a show coming up that I am recruiting people to go to with me down by the U of M. If you are a long time reader, you will know the name Scott H Biram. He will be here next Saturday so if you are able, come on! My job is good, my wife is great, and life just keeps getting better. Since moving on from my previous job, Jessica has commented a few times that I am much easier to be married to, ha. I actually sleep at night now and find time to work out. So, that's the update. Wishing you all good health.

About D*mn Time

Hi, my name is Jesse and this is my blog. I am alive and am sorry for not writing for so long. Ok, enough cheesy apologies. The picture you see here is from our trip to Clearwater Beach Florida. This is a typical sunset with the"pirate ship" setting sail. Jess and I spent three days down there alone and then Cub and Amber came down. We laid on the beach and by the pool, read books, had drinks and just generally relaxed. It was just what we all needed after the longest winter in history. We all came back refreshed and ready to start out summer. BREAKING NEWS...my deck is finally complete. We bought some patio furniture and have some landscaping to do and then we will have a party to celebrate (Corey, the reason for the long delay, is not invited). As Corey says, my deck is timeless. Work is great, I love my job. Jess has been at her new job (about 1 mile from home) and she is enjoying that as well. Coming up we have my Grandfather's 80th birthday party, my niece Savannah's 1st birthday, a family reunion and on and on. Summer is simply wonderful. We are hoping to make it to NYC for Carly's wedding, but we will see about that. BREAKING NEWS...I caught 2 walleye last weekend at he cabin. It is very true STEVE. They do exist. Anyway, I will try to not be away so much and try to keep this updated more often. Hi to all of my family in West Virginia. Be safe and God Bless.

Winter In the Rear View Mirror

Thank God we have come out of one of the longest winters that I can remember. I mean, it was getting to the point of Jessica and I thinking about moving. But alas, Spring has come and reminded both of us why we live here in Minnesota. Jessica has started her new job managing an office for a company about 1 mile from our house. So far, she is loving it. She was at the board meeting tonight and got more insight on the direction of the business. She is involved in a start up business now which I can relate to as most of you know. If you are bored at work ( and have speakers, JOE) head over to www.slacker.com to listen to music any way you want it. I listen most of the day and it helps to keep my alert. The job is really good, I am being challenged every day. I am learning every day also which is what I thrive on. I am still getting used to being in one place for most of the day. I am the most active (antsy) of all 6 of the Project Managers I work with. I still think of my Gramps everyday but it is very comforting knowing that he is with Grandma and Uncle Brent. Finishing deck work should be starting any day now which leads to new patio furniture and a deck party. My cousin Blake is home after being away for over a year while serving our country in my beloved Air Force. Otherwise, everything is good. Have a great weekend.

This is just a tribute

Bad news. My Paternal Grandfather died on Monday night. This is a tribute to Powell Sams. Gramps was the best man I have ever known. He accomplished more in his life than most men will ever do. He was a veteran of the Korean war, where most of his platoon was killed in combat and he was spared. He was an accomplished pilot. He moved to Minnesota from West Virginia when he took a job with Pillsbury where he was awarded a patent. He went to the University of Minnesota at night and got his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for Pillsbury for 20 plus years until he decided to move to Illinois to work with a small food processing company. That company went under and he took a job in the Food division of NASA in Houston. He settled there with the love of his life Anna Belle, my Grandmother. He worked at NASA where he played a vital role in developing the food that every space flight took into space with them. He met every astronaut that went up until he retired. Anna Belle died in 1992 and he decided it was time to move back to Minnesota to be closer to his family. We all had the gift of being with Gramps while he was here. His son and my Uncle, Brent, died at 52 in October. He was heartbroken. Gramps was a devout Methodist and very involved in his church. Today, at the funeral, his Pastor was even crying while honoring him. Cub and I are taking off tomorrow to make the drive to Parkersburg, West Virginia to put Gramps to rest next to his wife. We are meeting Carrie and Matt and many other family members out there. Say a little prayer for my Grandfather, Powell Sams, tonight. He fought for our freedom and was a great man. He is home now with his wife and son. I love you Gramps.

A screeching halt

Well, courtesy of one of my cute little nieces, I am done running for the time being. I am lucky enough to have a nasty cold. Just to get through it, that is what I am gunning for. In other big news, my sister and her family are moving to Las Vegas today. I am going to really hate not being able to see my niece Alex, but I am very much looking forward to traveling out there to see them. I have heard that there is a good time to be had in that town. My good friend Joe has been brewing his own beer recently and it is something I am considering starting. I need a new hobby and what could be better than brewing beer!? We are starting the countdown to our trip to Clearwater Beach Florida now. We had so much fun a few years ago, we are going again. That's all for now. Happy Easter.

It's on...

Jessica and I are really excited. We are both on a mission to get in shape. We started today, Saturday. I ran 2.5 miles this morning with Hank and Jess is starting a work out regimen with our eliptical machine and sit ups. The plan is, get up early twice during weekdays and both Saturday and Sunday and do our work out. I am hoping to drop those 10 pounds quick and then take off a few extra for good measure. To answer your question Michelle, yes, it took 6 to 10 times running to drop those 10 pounds. Wish us luck! Have a good weekend

And I am back...

Hi! Once again, sorry I have been away for so long. Lots of cool stuff has been happening. Jessica and I went out to see Louis CK a few weekends ago, and it was hilarious. We had some food and a drink at Solera down the street from the Pantages Theater, which was realy fun. It is a Tapas bar (not topless). This is where they have a bunch of small appetizer type dishes for a low price so you can taste a bunch of different foods. Keep an eye on HBO for Louis CK's new hour long special. I will be the same material we were laughing at that weekend. The job is good and challenging at times. I spent the first half of the week in meetings with other Project Managers. That was fun to meet others that I have talked to. They came in from Chicago, Denver, California, Tennessee, and Florida. We all went out for dinner one night and got to know each other. Last weekend was very relaxing. Jessica's Mom was here last weekend and they ran around shopping. This weekend looks to be pretty quiet too. I am going to start running again once this cold snap goies away this weekend. I have been longing to go for a few months. When I was running before winter, I ran somewhere between 6 to 10 times and dropped 10 pounds. It also helps to clear my mind and focus a little better. I am excited for it as you can tell. We are gearing up for our trip to Clearwater Beach this coming May. I will keep you posted on that. Have a great week and I will write more soon.

Hi - I am alive - click here for a laugh

I am alive and still kicking. I have been away for a while but I will try to post more frequently. ANYWAY, a few weekends ago we took our annual ice fishing trip to The Pines (or DA PINES) to see John and DEREEEEEN. We had a great time as always, but the fishing was not very good. Actually it really sucked. But, our Dad provided for a few funny stories and we had a great time away. We have a few events coming up that I will share with you. We are going to the Foo Fighters concert in a February which will be, I think, our fifth time seeing them. If you like a great rock concert and have never been, GO! They are absolutely phenomenal live. I am also taking Jessica to see a comedian in concert at the Pantages Theater in Minneapolis in February for her birthday. A few of you have seen him while at my house from my DVR and he is hilarious. If you click on the subject, you will see why we think he is so funny. We are also heading to Florida in a few months for some much needed R&R. More to come on that. The new job is actually really cool. I work with great people and it is a fairly relaxed environment considering all the pressure we are under. Jessica and I just bought a new 40 inch HD flat panel TV. It is a great addition to our living room. I also recently realized that I can't set my glass of beer on the floor or my damn dog, Hank, will stick his tongue in it and start drinking it. I am thinking about renaming him Hosehead (think Strange Brew, the movie). Have a great week!

The New Job So Far

As most of you know, I have started my new job this week and thought you may be interested in a quick review. I went in on Wednesday a little nervous and really wanting to make a good first impression. The building is simply amazing and really stood out as a symbol of previous successes. I met up with my new boss, Chris and we went on the grand tour. I have, at my disposal, a full food court/cafeteria, a 4 and a 10 mile running path out the back of the building along with full locker rooms, and a bunch of small shops to buy coffee or tea or water. Then, we started training. Wow. I was absolutely bombarded with information that sounded like Chinese. I sat in meetings with a few people while being instructed on how to manage large scale projects for Verizon Wireless. By the end of the first day, I was completely brain dead and worried that I would never ever be able to catch up. My mind was set at ease when my boss told me that it would take 6 months to really get comfortable. My second day was much easier as I actually retained a lot of information from day one. I am going forward with high hopes and going to keep an open mind with the new info I am fed. Stay tuned and I will keep you all posted. Have a great weekend.

And I am GONE

The time has come people. I am in St. Cloud at CitEscape for the last time. I am mostly very excited to be letting go of the company that I helped to grow from nothing, but there is a small amount of sadness leaving the guys who have worked, for the most part, very hard to help. As most of you know, my feelings about the town of St. Cloud are not good. As a matter of fact, I have lived in many parts of the world and even in third world countries, and I can honestly say that I would rather live in those countries than in St. Cloud Minnesota. When I hit the road today knowing that my days in this town are over for good (and I will NEVER take another job there) it will be one of the best days of my professional life. If you ever have the chance to go there, don't. If you look to your right I have placed a new link to the company I will be working for. I hope you all had a great Christmas and have a wonderful New Year.

Moving on...

In the previous post, I talked a little about the boxing match that happened last weekend. Ricky Hatton lost and, I think, he had a decent showing. The hand speed of Mayweather was just too good. Anyway, I wanted to let all of you know that I have accepted a position as a project manager for ADC Inc. I am leaving CitEscape effective January 1st, 2008. I had some very rewarding experiences at CitEscape. I helped start and build the company for more than 3 years but it is time to move on as the past year has been quite challenging. My new job will be 15 minutes from my house and they made me an offer that I couldn't refuse. With this change, Jessica will need a new vehicle to drive and I will be taking our truck. We are going to purchase a 2006 Saab 9.3. Jess loves it and I am comfortable with the reliability and security of the car. So, there you have it. The winds of change have definitely blown my way and here is looking to our future.

Floyd Mayweather SUCKS, Go Hatton!

I am a boxing fan and so is Cub. There is a big fight this weekend on pay per view with two fighters who could not be more different. Floyd Mayweather, pictured on the right, is a great undefeated American fighter. He comes from a broken home. He is unbelievably wealthy and flaunts it. He is extremely arrogant and very hard to cheer for. He talks extensively about his wealth and his cars and his jewelry. His opponent this weekend is also an undefeated fighter hailing from Manchester England. His name is Ricky Hatton and he is pictured on the left. Hatton comes from a middle class nuclear family and grew up in pubs. He will be in Vegas this weekend along with 20,000 screaming and mostly intoxicated Brits. Hatton travels with an enormous fan base who turn the stadium into an enormous party. It is something to see. Hatton is a modest man and is obviously and vocally tired of hearing Mayweather flaunt his wealth. On Saturday night, it will be on at our house and I want to extend the invitation whoever would like to show up. Have a great weekend.

The Mighty Zeppelin - click here

Remember when you first heard the opening chords to Kashmir by Led Zeppelin? I do, and I can tell you it made me a believer. Well, they are back and right in time. Zep is reuniting for a tribute concert that started off as a one time show but word on the street is that a full blown tour is being planned. Now, if you have read previous posts, you know how pissed I was about Van Halen charging a ton of money to see their reunion tour. I was so angry about it that I sent their management a nice note letting them know. When Zeppelin comes to town, in my mind, they have earned the right to charge higher prices for the show. I mean, come on, IT IS LED ZEPPELIN! They have influenced almost every rock band directly or indirectly since forming. They have arguably the best ax slinger and front man in the history of rock music. With all of this said and if you were not aware, the original drummer John Bonham, passed away in 1980. Interestingly, he was found dead with more than 40 shots of vodka in his body. Bonham's son Jason will take his place on this potential tour. I will be there come hell or high water when and if they come to Minneapolis. There is also some more good news on the reunion front. Extreme is also reuniting for a tour and maybe a new album. I have always liked the playing of Nuno Bettencourt on the guitar. He was, unfortunately and unfairly, put into the same category and the hacks who played in many bad hair metal bands. He deserves more and I hope he finally receives his credit. Have a good weekend.

ALREADY!?

It is here, again. The Holidays are upon us and with it comes traveling, too much food, gifts, and many more things that I could live without. I know that you are thinking that I am a scrooge, but hell, it is a lot to deal with. I love seeing family, but when you have 5 sides to try and get to, it is a bit much. But, we will grin and bear it and smile and nod and blah blah blah. The fun part is seeing my nieces open their gifts I have to say. I keep thinking that there are going to be large changes in my professional life in the very near future and as the weeks go by it seems to be getting closer and closer. I will not reveal or announce anything yet, but in due time and with some good luck I will be able to. I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy your time off.

The Vikings worst game EVER?!

My oh my. My my my. Dear Lord, was that Vikings/Packers game disgusting. So, allow me to start with a little background on my love/hate relationship with the Minnesota Vikings. My brother and I have been hardcore fans of this team for a very long time. We make sure that we are in front of the television every Sunday to catch the Purple battle with their opponent. The team has a new coach named Brad Childress. Horrible. He is horrible. I am passionate about how horrible he is as a coach. Last week, the Vikings running back, Adrian Peterson, got the record for yards in a single game. This fact gave us and the entire world of sports excitement about the team and this player. So, going into a division rivalry with the Green Bay Packers we had hope. Those hopes were dashed by the end of the first quarter. They embarrassed all of us. We were made to look like fools and I am squarely blaming it on the man in the picture. How can a team go from such a high to such a low without pointing a finger at this man? The Vikings lost to the packers 34 - 0. 0! We did not score one point. I am starting a movement to take back this team. Fire this coach, bring back Coach Uncle Burnsie, pull Tommy Cramer off of his bar stool and let him throw for the purple. Having old men on the field and losing is acceptable. Having paid professionals out there and being embarrassed like we were on Sunday is not. Zygie Wylf, call an owner who knows what they are doing or better yet, sell the team. Go away. I want winners not you who are losers. Readers, rant away.

BOO!

Happy Halloween to all of you! Jessica and I will be handing out candy to the seemingly 2 million kids in our neighborhood. I am thinking about getting something nice for the nieces and a few neighbor kids. I finally get a night off from helping on the deck. It is almost done folks. There will be a party when it is. I think that we will have the nicest deck in the 'hood when it is all done. Have a good week and a great weekend.