Catching up

Another fast and fun weekend- I had fun entertaining my good friend Greg from Austin, TX- he really helped me alot with hanging some picutres. We then hit several galleries and shops in around Lakeview (aka boystown) with no luck on home decor- I am proud to say that I officially started my Christmas shopping--- mark that one down in the record books.

If you ever had any old furniture you want to give away- try Craigslist.com-- I had a sleeper sofa that just didn't work out here in my new place in Chicago & the charities would not pick it up since it was so heavy. I put an ad on the web and had 25 people call in less than 12 hours- and it is now GONE--

I think there can not be anymore dirty laundry anywhere in the world- because I ran the washing maching until it couldn't run any more!

I am behind on posting some pictures- here are some snapshots from when I went to the opening ceremonies for the Gay Games-

Have a great week all

Bad Blogger

I will post to my blog more often.
I will post to my blog more often.
I will post to my blog more often.
I will post to my blog more often.

Ok, you get the idea-- I have been really bad at keeping up with the correspondences lately. The good side of it is that I have been enjoying my new job, enjoying my new city, making friends, and overall having the time of my life. For the first time in a really long time I really feel like all the pieces of my life are fitting. It feels that I am in the right place that I need to be and I am enjoying.

I am thankful for the great friends that I already have here in Chicago and enjoy meeting many new and wonderful people every day!

I am having a Labor Day cookout on Sunday September 3 - so for all you Chicagoland readers - please feel free to come!!

By the way- I fought the BMV and won-- after a two month ordeal and getting my name and reputation cleared from the state of Louisiana (mind you I have never been to Louisiana-- if I ever have a reputation there I want some beads to show for it- OK???).... and some blood sweat but mostly tears- I have my Illinois drivers license--- praise the LORD!!!

Take care.

On the road again-

It has been a busy busy couple of weeks. Last week I put over 1200 miles on my car as I traveled throughout Iowa and Illinois- and I put over 220 miles on the car today in IL again. I knew this job would require some travel & by golly I wasn't wrong. It is an adjustment to be spending so much time behind the wheel, but I am coping. I need to develop better skills of taking notes while talking on the wireless headset and driving-- it can be tricky at times. I have realize that every single Fairfield Inn in the entire USA is exactly the same- so if you need any travel advice and plan to stay at a Fairfield Inn - please give me a call.

The parents came up to Chicago for the weekend, it was their first visit since helping me move in. I put on my tourist hat for the weekend and we did the town up right; Navy Pier, an architechtural boat tour, the ferris wheel, millenium park, shopping on Michigan Ave, Sunday brunch at the Walnut Room in the famous Marshall Fields store on state street. It was fun.

I also succcessfully put together my new desk from Ikea and got the home office officially set up. I think I will really like having my office out of the main living area.

Well- off to the gym- I hope you are all well.

Back to reality????

The heat has broken here - thank goodness!! It was a brutal heat wave here in Chicago- there were numerous heat related deaths. I am very lucky to have a good central air conditioning unit. The stress on your body as you go in and out of the heat is almost brutal tough. On top of all that I was fighting a summer cold all week- so heat exhaustion with clogged sinus cavaties is not a good thing.

I am back to the full swing of work- I guess that is a good thing- it was just an incredibly busy week to say the very least-- it all kinda seems like a blur to me. Next week is my Iowa week- followed by Central IL-- fun fun fun.

I guess I am not 100% adjusted to this new schedule and work load- I need to learn how to better balance work and life better.

There is so much going on this weekend in Chicago- festivals, the beach, and of course what we all love-- Laundry!

Gotta run for now- take care

Back in Chicago

Sorry for the lapse with no BLOGGING- It has been crazy- I was away from Chicago for 10 days. First of all I went to Lake Erie with the family- including my cousin Niki and her husband Jason. It was such a fun memory filled weekend. Trust me do not take an almost 3 year old miniature golfing- whew! He was so cute trying to hit the ball into the hole- then he just gave up and walked it down and put in the the hole- we all clapped and life was good once again.

Then I headed to Columbus and to a week long sales meeting- I had hoped for more free time to go and visit friends around Columbus and even enjoy staying at Easton, which is one of Columbus, Ohio's premier shopping district--- but the boss man had other plans- we were on the go from sun up to sun down- and when I finally got back to the room- I was so tired I just went to bed.

I spent yesterday with my nephews and parents before driving to Chicago-
So now back to work- YAY- I promise to try to keep this more up to date.
Here are some fun family pictures.

It's been a heat wave-

Good gravy it has been HOT HOT HOT! Since I do have air conditioning I do not think that is an excuse for not posting more often.

The Gay Games have been in Chicago and that has been a lot of fun. My friends Alan and Leigh performed in the band for the opening ceremonies and landed Megan and I free tickets. Our seats were practically on top of the scoreboard, but hey they were free! It was quite the spectable to see (streaker and all), but at 4 hours it was too much to handle. I have some really cool pictures I was going to post but I left my memory card at home (I am posting from Ohio).

Last weekend I also had tons of business to do- I hosted a skybox on the 18th green at the John Deere Golf classic and then Sunday I hosted a Cubs games by renting one of those rooftops close by- it was great - but my God it was so freaking hot- whew.

Work has also been going 120% lately- I need a freaking get away- but that is not in sight.

Currently I am up at Lakeside, Ohio with the family. It was fun to spend lots of time with my 3 year old nephew Devan tonite - what a cutie.

I will post more thoughts later.

Trevor at the Beach-

OK- First a public service announce-
DO NOT TAKE YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA TO THE BEACH!!!
I took my camera to a repair shop today and they said that sand is deadly to digital cameras. Thankfully the guy was able to use a micro-sweeper and get enough of the sand out to get it back in working order- at least for now. So don't say you have not been warned!

Now- as promised pictures of Trevor at the beach- and also of him and my neigbor dog Aja (pronounce Asia) playing on my deck.

Finally is my nephew Devan celebrating the fourth of July.

I'm loving it-

I am aboslutely loving everything about my new home, career, and life in Chicago. I keep having to almost pinch myself that everthing is really happening and I am not dreaming.

It was a good all around weekend. Friday buddy Kurt & I went to see Superman- it was a good movie- kinda cheesy and predictable- but was well entertained.. I decided to call it a night early and just went home after the movie and crashed.

Saturday was all about my first BBQ- so I spend the day cleaning and cooking and getting the place ready for guests. It was a very informal BBQ and I am still in shock of how my liquor my guests consumed in such a short period of time. I do have lots of Miller Lite left if anyone cares to stop by and have a drink. I find it funny that in Columbus everyone drank Bud Light but this town seems to be a Miller Lite town. After the bbq a few of us headed to Halstead street to get into even more trouble-- we hade fun- but all stumbled home drunk, that God for cabs.

Today was very nice- I scoped out a local United Methodist Church- they start services at 11am- God bless them that I could sleep in and still make services. I then did some paperwork and household stuff before hitting the gym. After the gym it was so nice out I decided to take Trevor to the dog beach-- he loved it. He was so cute doing his little doggy paddle. I took lots of pictures and was getting ready to download them - but now my camera is acting up- I hope it is something small that can be fixed easily and inexpensively.

Overall things are going really well- here in Chicago. I just realized this evening that I have been single for almost a year- not quite sure how I feel about that -- I mean any shot at a rebound is over -- and I think that I would like some companionship- It is just tricky since I have just moved to a new town and I need to meet friends too and don't want a relatioship to monopolize all my attention. I am very thankful for my friends and all that has happened to me in the past year--

So- with all that being said if I can get my camera fixed- I will post dog beach pictures tomorrow.

Happy 4th-

Wow- what a crazy busy and fun weekend. My good friend Helene came up Thursday - Sunday AM and we did the city up right. I had never visited Millenium Park- and it was amazing. I had heard read great things about the park and heard about the huge metallic lima bean-- everything was amazing. We also browsed the Taste of Chicago- we also hit the dance clubs and did our fair share of flirting with 23 year olds (yes I said 23)-- it was fun fun and more fun.
So after dropping Helene off at the airport Sunday AM I drove back to Ohio to see the family. It was great to get to see my 5 week old nephew Dillon & my almost 3 year old nephew Devan. I love my nephews very much and spoil them relentlessly. I must say however after all the craziness of the weekend it did feel good to get back to Chicago. It is quickly becoming home and a great place to be. Oh- I almost forgot had a wonderful brunch of coffee and biscuits with good friend Laura--- can't forget my Ferguson fix!

I passed with PRIDE-

I passed the exam- I am now a CLU and I get another free trip to San Francisco in November- hurray! I can take three more tests for an additional certification- but at this point I am not sure that I really want more letters behind my name on my business card- now I have MBA, CLU. What an alphabet.

I also celebrated the Pride weekend- perhaps a little too much.. I am hungover and sunburned.. it was not a pretty Monday at all- of course the fact that I had to be up at 4:30am to leave for Davenport, Iowa didn't really help the matter one bit. With God as my witness (an my blog readers too)- I never want to drink that much vodka ever again- yikes. Megan made these fabulous screwdrivers that went down very very easy and the parade just kept getting more and more fun. If you want more "stories" of the weekend- you will have to call me personally- I can devulge all my secrets on the world wide web (GASP).

I am starting to feel more in a groove with work- things are flowing very nice. The work at home routine is getting much more comfortable- I still need to spend some time organizing the house and the office- but that will come in good time- for now my philosophy has been to see as many people as I can and try to network in business as much as I can- in this business it is all about networking and making contacts. In the wholesaling world keeping a full calendar is the hardest task at times and right now that is not an issue for me- so I am considering myself lucky and figure a dry spell for appointments will come sooner or later and then I can organize the office.

I just talked to Helene and she is coming up to chicago Thursday- we are going to have such a fun time together. I only wish that she could have brought here dog Austin so that Trevor would have had a playmate on the beach.

Off to relax for the evening- catch you later.

A quickie-

Hello all- I have not forgotten about you- I have just been BUSY BUSY BUSY.

If you believe in prayer (which I do) or good Karma or postive energy flow- then please send me some tomorrow- it is my final exam of my CLU professional designation- it is on Fundamentals of Income Taxation- needles to say I have been spending too much time the last couple of weeks concentrating on that evil subject and not truly having fun. I will be so happy to not have to drive around and listen to those audio review CDs-

This weekend is Pride in Chicago- Megan and I are doing the Run with Pride on Saturday AM and then I am invited to a party on Sunday to watch the parade- how fun is that?

Next week is the excited trip to exotic and beautiful Iowa (Dubuque, Davenport, Des Moines, and Cedar Rapids- wohoo!!!!) Can't wait baby- bring it on.

Off to work-

I have confessed-

Last night I took a break from the boxes and from studying for my exam next Friday to see MADONNA!!!!! The United Center was a rocking- the show was incredible-- I went alone but made quick friends with the gay couple next to us- we danced the entire show- my feet were so sore and I had no voice left - but the concert was well worth all the hype and the hefty ticket price!!!

If you can get the chance to see the show- DO IT!! Paul did you guys go out in San Jose?

Yesterday was quite the day- I have a 3 hour planning session with the boss- then 3 appointments, followed by a happy hour, followed by Madonna- yikes!

On top of all that I am now in contract for my condo in OH- YAHOOO--- and I got an incredible offer- which is amazing considering how flat the market is in Ohio right now and there are 14 other units for sale in my complex-- I guess my excellent decorating taste paid off!

I have a very busy Thursday and Friday - I have to do 3 group meeting and present to about 100 brokers- so I will be a busy busy boy!

I wanted to say hello to you all and let you know I am OK and having a GREAT time in Chicago-

TGIF

I have been here for a week, and what a week it has been. The move was rough and bumpy at times-- kind of like and expressway with potholes... but I have made it OK. I am adjusting nicely to working from home and enjoying the commute to my dining with a pot of coffee in hand each morning- it is also nice to spend more time with the dog-- although I was one the phone with a client yesterday and the UPS man came with package, when the doorbell rang it was like Trevor decided to bark up a storm (as always) and the broker was like "what's going on??"

The week has been full of lots of office work, phone calls, a couple of really good meetings and yes UNPACKING- I really feel incredible momentum in the job... from my intial impression of the territory I think this is going to be a great job- I have already getting lots of support and good feedback.

I am really scared about 1 thing- my multi purpose device-- the company bought me a printer, fax, scanner, copier-- You mean it doesn't make toast??? What good is this thing--- and then my Blackberry device just scares me- it is very complicated-- I need to dedicate some time to watch the interactive CD-Rom that came with it--- and now I am planning to go to Best Buy and purchase a GPS system??? Am I insane??? It is so much technology so fast-- I am on overload of new buttons to push-- Yikes!

I am excited because my new neighborhood is having a street festival this weekend- lots of music, artists, dancers, and the like-- I plan to scope it out. I also want to take a Yoga class at my new gym- which is right around the corner (gotta love that)--

I just realized I went car-free for over 24 hours - WOW -- what a great feeling-

Have a great weekend- and please email me at brackenridge43228@hotmail.com with the links to you blogs!!!! I need to keep track of my friends!

Also I do not want to post my new address of phone numbers on here- so if you need them, please email me.

Wow- is this for real??

Reality is settling in- and I can't really believe that this is all happening. It is kind of unreal and yet at the same time very very fun!

I wished Mom & Dad goodbye this morning. It was great to have their love, support, and physical assistance in the move. I think my Mom should have a how-to cleaning show on HGTV-- she scrubbed this pas until she had nothing left to scrub! I still have some boxes (ok many many boxes) to unpack... but I will get those unpacked in good time.

I am really enjoying the new neighborhood-- it is so dog friendly- Trevor has already made many new friends. I am enjoying taking him on walks and exploring the neighborhood.

Also- if you have a blog or friendster site or myspace site- please email the hyperlink to your site- as I lost all my bookmarked favorites in the transition- and I miss reading about all of my friends life and times..

OK - I am tired and ready for a hot shower.

All settled in??

I made it- all the stuff made it too. Who knew that I had that much crap???? I sure didn't! I kept thinking that the movers had to be done -- but no- More and more and more and more boxes kept coming in the door- I couldn't believe it... I have the main floor of the house in decent order- I have clothes to wear to work tomorrow- I can fix a meal in the kitchen, take a shower, and even watch my fabulous new 42" plasma TV--

So far I have really enjoyed the new neighborhood- I haven't "hit the town" yet as the parents are still here and helping me settle- I hope that this beautiful weather sticks around a little longer so that as I become more and more settled and can find some free time to get out and enjoy the neighborhood and all that the city has to offer!

OK- I am tired and will post more later.

Reflections on Moving On.

This is it- my last morning waking up in Columbus, my furniture is on a large truck somewhere between here and Chicago. I slept in a hotel last night and will spend the next few days at my parents home before reconstructing my life.

Yesterday it hit me like a semi-truck that IT'S OVER- there is no turning back. The place that I called home and retreated to for 6 years is vacant. There have been good and bad times in Columbus. I officially was born and raised in Kenton, Ohio-- I went to college and most would say I "came of age" while at Bluffton College- but personally I feel I really became comfortable in my skin here. I made some mistakes- had some fun- made good friends- but most of all I evoloved into the person I am today. Thank you Columbus for that.

I now am ready to move forward and face the future- yes I am a little scared and nervous for what the future holds- as I should be- but I am excited.. ready for the new adventures that life holds.

Now I need to vent- I am really surprised at how self centered some of my friends and family have been during this whole move.... I enjoy being a supportive and giving perons- but the past two weeks have been times that I needed my friends and family for me to lean on- and quite frankly some of the them failed me.... many came through and for their support both physical and emotional I am grateful. I think that we can all at times be self absorbed- but we need to be conscious of the needs of those around us- just some food for thought.

Oh- one last randon thought-- I thought the girl should have won American Idol.

Reflections on Moving On.

This is it- my last morning waking up in Columbus, my furniture is on a large truck somewhere between here and Chicago. I slept in a hotel last night and will spend the next few days at my parents home before reconstructing my life.

Yesterday it hit me like a semi-truck that IT'S OVER- there is no turning back. The place that I called home and retreated to for 6 years is vacant. There have been good and bad times in Columbus. I officially was born and raised in Kenton, Ohio-- I went to college and most would say I "came of age" while at Bluffton College- but personally I feel I really became comfortable in my skin here. I made some mistakes- had some fun- made good friends- but most of all I evoloved into the person I am today. Thank you Columbus for that.

I now am ready to move forward and face the future- yes I am a little scared and nervous for what the future holds- as I should be- but I am excited.. ready for the new adventures that life holds.

Now I need to vent- I am really surprised at how self centered some of my friends and family have been during this whole move.... I enjoy being a supportive and giving perons- but the past two weeks have been times that I needed my friends and family for me to lean on- and quite frankly some of the them failed me.... many came through and for their support both physical and emotional I am grateful. I think that we can all at times be self absorbed- but we need to be conscious of the needs of those around us- just some food for thought.

Oh- one last randon thought-- I thought the girl should have won American Idol.

I said HEY what's going on????

Whew- this whole moving business is exhausting!!! When I bought this place 6 years ago I closed on June 25th and then moved in on July 15th- so I had a few weeks and a holiday weekend to move and clean. Each night after work I went to my apartment and loaded up the car and took a load to the new place. On moving day I basically had the entire place moved except for the large items.

Now I am having movers coming and load me up. I am kind of excited to have a crew of professional movers pack all my stuff. Finally I feel ready and prepared for them to come.

I met with the realtor last night- she was really impressed with my place- I do need to clean that dingy back room of the basement and make it more presentable before I officially put it on the market.

This week has been full of useless training- yesterday I spent 3 hours in a class to teach me how to use Nationwide's email system- which I have been using for 5 and a half years-- doesn't make much sense does it?

OK- I have the AM off and have some errands to run.. I wanted to keep everyone up to date on my life and times!!

Welcome Dillon James!

My second nephew was born Friday May 19th at 1:02 PM at Riverside Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. I enjoyed lots of baby time over the weekend. Nothing will destress a person more that holding a new bundle of joy.

Delivery Day-

It is finally here- May 19th and today at noon my second nephew will be born. It seems like only yesterday that Devan was born- but I keep reminding myself that was practically 3 years ago. So this will be an interesting weekend full of family fun I am sure. I just can't wait to hold the new baby- what an awesome experience. It will be somewhat new - since Devan was a premie and only weighed 4 pounds- and was in ICU for a month before I could hold him.

I have to admit that I cried last night during Will and Grace-- over the years I have loved the show- especially the humor of Karen & Jack. In the past few years I thought the writing had gotten weak and a bit too far fetched-- like Stan Walker dying and then coming back because he facked his death. In the end the message was simple- it is all about family and friends and the bond that we share... sometimes the road gets bumpy- but we have to hang on for the ride.
The show ansered alot of questions and gave me sense of resolution- it was so much resolution for a one hour show- I wish that they would have made it a 2 hour show- there were so many questions still to answer.

Now- move details.
Next Thursday is packing day- the moving company comes in and turns my home into a wonderland of boxes.
Next Friday - loading day- the big truck comes to take my stuff to Chicago.
All they can tell me at this time is that it will arrive in Chicago the next week- so I plan to go to the parents for Memorial Day weekend to have some quality baby time!

TGIF and have a great weekend.