A weekend at home-

I enjoyed a great weekend with a good friend of mine, Clinton, up from Raliegh, NC. We had such a great time just hanging out and catching up. We pretty much were homebodies for the most part. We did do our fair share of shopping and such downtown- I love the Bloomingdales home store- what a neat place. We also checked out Luxe Home at Merchandise Mart- that was pretty cool. I am very proud to have made my very own apple butter in the crock pot- take that Martha Stewart!!! Yesterday we tackled the open houses of Rogers Park- trying to see what I can or can not afford. I am still experiencing sticker shock- the more I look at property in Chicago the more I am thinking that my place here looks pretty good-- even though I am renting. I am hoping to figure it all out by February.

I did do lots of decorating this weeekend and hung some more pictures and such.. I am pretty happy with how my living room loos.. so I decided to post a few pictures and show it off to my blog buddies.

Weekend Fun with the girls...

Hello everyone- so I have not been good at keeping my blog up to date- Oh well..
I had the most delightful weekend- Megan & I loaded up Nicole (my big old Ford) and headed to Michigan for a weekend of
fall goodness with our good friend Laura from Ohio. We had a wonderful time. We purchased pumpkins, indian corn, picked apples, drank margaritas, went to a drive in movie theater, stayed at a cheesy cheap motel, had breakfast at Bob Evans (gotta love Bob), and then Megan and I went to 2 vineyards and went wine tasting- it was spectacular fun. I really did not picutre Michgan being quite as scenic, but it was lovely. The weather was picture perfect and the company of friends was even better!!!!! Here are some snapshots from our weekend. If anyone in Chicago needs apples (fresh picked) let me know-- I am oversupplied.

An update- finally

Here, There, and Pretty much everywhere—

Hello again my BLOGGETTE’S- how are you? Have you missed me? I have kinda missed myself to be real honest. What a whirlwind of a month- you may be wondering; just where all has he been? Let’s see- Sioux Falls, SD; Kenton, OH; Chicago, IL; Fargo, ND; Bismark, ND; and Minneapolis, MN (I count MN because I spent so much time waiting on a NW Airlines connection that it kinda felt like I had a good visit.

I did make a trip back to the homeland (aka OHIO) to see the family, celebrate Mom’s birthday, see the nephews, and of course go to the Hardin County Fair. I must clearly state that I love the fair—but it is the biggest hillbilly fest of the year. I ate carnival junk food, won a cheap prize stuffed animal playing skeeball, watched a truck pull, observed a pie contest (my sister came in First)- go Miriam, and remembered how go it is to visit home- but how glad I was to get back to my reality in Chicago.

Things are looking a little more quiet out here for the next month or so- only a trip to Central Illinois (Peoria, Bloomington, and Quincy) then a week in Scottsdale, AZ and then a week in San Francisco in November—followed by the holidays—ho ho ho ho!

I was really moved by the 5 year anniversary of the 9-11-01 attacks on the USA. It amazes me that it has been 5 years- and as I look back I can’t believe how much I have evolved and grown as a person during those five years. Some things remain a constant- family and friends- I remember how important it was for the parents to make sure I was OK on 9-11; same is true today. On 9-11 one of my bestest friends Laura and I hung ok- had some bbq- and took a leisurely walk at sunset to just escape the media and horror of what all had happened. Today Laura is still one of my pillars of strength and I called her just yesterday as almost every piece of technology I posses was breaking to vent. I am very grateful for family and friends.


I hope that the past 5 years has been good to all of you- and remember to tell those you love how dear they are to you every day.

For those Chicago friends (Dawn, Missy, Meg, Kurtsy) lets get together soon—I miss you all.

And boeing boy- get your butt up here- we need to paint the town red!


Take care..

Good things must come to an end...

It is sad- the end of another summer . Of course I am most saddened that I can no longer wear the ever so fashionable white pants since it is past Labor Day (that is the least of my concerns). This year it seems particularly of note as I have been in my new home for 3 full months, and what a crazy 3 months it has been. I told my friend Helene when she came to visit that I was going to have a "Summer of Fun" and just focus on enjoying all that summer had to offer- and so now that is past and I need to have a "Fall of Focus"----OK I admit that sounds cheesy enough for a politician. In all seriousness I need to focus on establishing routines, friends, and a sense of community in my new home. It is also time to really dig the heels in deep and start showing my stuff on the career side- this summer was all about discovering who my best customers would be- I now have a better idea of who those folks are and I need to focus on bringing in the bucks!

On the weekend report - I was pleased to host a fabulous Labor Day cookout- I had approximately 15 friends over and we ran out of liquor two times- I think that is that sign of a good party right?? I think it took 4 trash bags to collect all the bottles the next morning- thank goodness no neighbors have complained as of yet!

I am presently in Minneapolis on my way to the exotic Fargo, ND-- WOHOO-- that is 3-- count 'em 3 new states for Andrew in two weeks- SD, MN, and ND-- that is a new record I think. I leave for a fun family visit to Ohio on Thursday to take in the exotic Hardin County Fair, spoil my nephews, and celebrate Mom's birthday!! Should be lots of fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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.

New Pad- New City-

It has been a very stressful and crazy week.
First I must give a HUGE thank you to my awesome friend Megan and her wonderful husband Matt for being such great friends to me- they not only listened to me unwind after a busy day of apartment hunting- but Megan made time in her very busy schedule to tag along with me and a realtor to view some properties.

After getting an education on what was available for rent and what my dollar could purchase I decided to rent for a year and see how things go. I also totally fell in love with the apartment- it is so perfect- I even have huge deck that I can bbq on this summer- and the place has incredible character. It is in a great area of town called Andersonville- it is close to the EL, the lake, and I can walk 2 short blocks to great cafes, coffee shops, a gym, and even cool bars! Of course Matt & Megan being less that a mile away is a nice selling point as well. It is a huge 3 bedrooms and 2 baths- so please come and visit as I have plenty of room. Don't forget about the 42" plasma that will be in my den!

I have to be honest I was a complete mess until I made the decision to rent- and now I have an overwhelming peace of mind- I feel this was where I was meant to be.

Tonite was totally fun- 2 of my favorite girls were my "dates" for the evening of dinner and margaritas! Missy, Dawn, & I had a fabulous time at a local bar and grill. I am looking forward to hanging out with my girls since I will now be a local!

I am tired tonite and hope that I can have a wonderful weekend filled with family and friends- and of course I will not forget Mother's Day.

Relocation Update-

I am here in the Windy City and getting ready to take Chicago by storm.
So far from the business meetings I have had- this is a market prime and ready for picking.. I should do very very well in my sales endeavors. I have looked at some apartments last night and found one that I really like- of course it is also the most explensive place i have seen to date. Today I am exploring the purchase route to see if that is the more fiscally responsible way to go (man that sounded Republican - UGH!!!!)--

I did enjoy having a few drinks with Megan and Matt last night which gave me a good time to unwind and decompress from the day. I am excited to have Megan come along with me today to look at some condos as well- it is alwyas good to have another set of eyes to survey the property.

I need to run for now- I am sad that I missed American Idol last night- to be honest I am not terribly impressed with anyone that is left-- so whoever wins winds- that is how I look at it.

Keep checking in for more updates and pray that the things swirling in my head slow down so I can get a decent nights sleep. Tomorrow I am off to Milwaukee, WI-- anyone need some cheese??

Ferugson Rocks!!!!!!

Ok- I have to brag on one of my bestest friends-- Ferguson (otherwise known as Laura). She came to Columbus Saturday evening and after an evening of crashing on the couch and watching TV we were off to Bob Evans for all types of buttermilk pancake goodness!!! Next we went to Barnes and Noble to pick up a copy of the Chicago Tribune- guess what the front page cover story was??? "Finally a Buyers Market in Chicago"-- Hurray, because I need to buy a place ASAP!!! Laura & I then attacked the BASEMENT!!!! 6 years of unneccessary junk and dust bunnies were waiting for us. I think there were boxes of stuff I had not unpaked or even though about since college!!! YIKES!!! I need to make a resolution that in Chicago I will not be such a bad packrat. PURGE PURGE PURGE!!! We then went to the church to unload friend Helene's very macho truck (thanks Helen-- You ROCK too!!!) for the rummage sale- some United Methodist Mission project is going to profit big time from my relocation. I then rewarded Larua- we had a delightful Al Fresco (or is it Alfredo???-- an inside joke -- ask Laura)- lunch at my favorite organic cafe in The Short North.. we shared the most Insanely delicious double chocolate cookie I have ever eaten- we both agreed that maybe we should try to legally marry that cookie instead of finding life partners!!!!

Ok- so it is Monday Morning at 9am and I am stuck in the Columbus aiport- Thank you American Airlines for screwing up my day- I am supposed to be in Chicago by now- but my plane's engine apparently was ready to explode or something like that -so I am stuck waiting until 10:39 for a United flight- UGH-- Thank God Columbus airport has free wireless internet.

I am doing OK on the entire relocation thing- except I am STRESSED to the max. I am not really sleeping too well. Currently there are just so many unknowns and my Type A personality is going crazy trying to answer all the unknowns-- ARRRGGGGHHHH..

I hope to have a new pad secured this week- don't worry I will take pictures and post as soon as I can!!!

Take care and have a wonderful week!!!

Details, details, details....

Have you ever tried to pack up 6 years of your life in 30 days or less??? If you have then you know the stress and sense of being overwhelmed that I am going through!

Here is what I know as of now: I start June 1, 2006 in Chicago.
I will be in Chicago next week to secure a place to live and such.
My sister is having her baby in 2 weeks.
I have too much CRAP!

Other than that my life is a bowl of questions- and I am struggling to find the answers. I know they will come but for me sooner is better than later.

I did get the offer- and let me say I was enjoying seeing so many zeros!!! Wohooo!!!!! Praise the LORD!!! AMEN!!!

OK- so next week good friends and fellow Bloggers Dawn & Megan will be house hunting with me in The Windy city and my good friend Helene will be dog and house sitting for Trevor!
I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends!

I will be posting all vital information on my life and times on here.

Dreams do come true...

I am back in Columbus and I have enjoyed a good night's sleep in my own bed. I have always slept with feather down pillows and hotles just don't have them- so sleeeping in my own bed felt incredible. It was also great to be reunited with my lovable pooch, Trevor. He was so excited to see me.

OK- so here is the deal-- I have one firm job offer and another job that is a potential (keep in mind that all of this is due to my hard work in San Francisco paying off). The firm is is my dream job in my favorite city- that is right CHICAGO!!!!! The second job is a position in San Francisco. The Vice President of the bank divison of Nationwide Insurance was so impressed at what I was able to do in just 2 weeks that he wants to create a job for me in CA. There is a problem with the CA job- that is there is no funding right now for the position and getting the corporate requisition approved might take 2-3 months. Yesterday while at Midway airport in Chicago I spoke to the manager that hired me into Nationwide and a good friend & mentor. He reccomends taking the Chicago job based on what he has seen happening at the upper levels of management. I am also really excited about moving into my incredible friend Megan's neighborhood.

With all that being said - I am going to take this weekend to meditate and think about all my options. I am still in SHOCK that after 5 years of trying to get on management's radar- I MADE IT!!! Wohoo.

So- what can all of my loyal friends do?? Pray for me and my family as I make this life changing decision and then come and visit me when I get settled!!!

Opening Doors-

What an adventure the last week or so has been. This experience has been truly AMAZING.
First for the weekend "tourist" update- On Friday night I explored the Fisherman's Wharf region and went on a Sunset cruise on SF Bay- and watched the sunset as we cruised under the Golden Gate Bridge- truly spectacular! Saturday I first explored the many shopping opportunities that are right on my doorstep in Union Sq. I next took a 3 hour bus tour of San Francisco. It was beautiful- we saw it all and the weather was wonderful. That night I night I had a great dinner at Fisherman's wharf - and then hit the town to check out the night life and boogie boogie boogie. Sunday- I slept in- Hurray-- then I drove to Muir Woods just nort of the Golden Gate bridge and saw the Redwood Forest- that was truly amazing. I also circled over to see Muir Beach and enjoyed some serene time along the Pacific coast. When I got back- I was tired- but managed to muster up enough energy to meet friend Paul and his partner James for some drinks and dancing before getting back to work on Monday. All in all a fun fun weekend.

The work component has been amazing- I have opened some great doors for Nationwide and written lots of business. In just a short time I have forged new relationship and built a foundation for the future.

The best part is that word has gotten back to home office and my name is buzzing around with the corporate execs-- I am hearing a buzz about a job offer!!! Wohoo- PROMOTION!!
I will keep everyone up to date on the possible changes coming in my life when I get more information.

I hope you all enjoy the pictures I posted earlier this evening---

More San Fran Pictures-

Niki- these are for you!

Golden Gate Picture

San Francisco

I have now been in they Bay area for almost a week. It has been busy busy busy- but very good. I am here to cover for a wholesaler on maternity leave. I have had at least 3 sales calls each day- now that doesn't sound like much- but add in driving in SF and you will be whipped. With my current situation at Nationwide and being up for a promotion- I am really considering this a 2 week job interview process. So it has be nothing but work- except Wednesday night I met college friend and Northern Ireland roomie Paul and his partner James. They gave me the royal treatment in San Jose and treated me to the most delicious Pan Asian dinner- and then a quick tour of the city. I hope that we can hang out again before I leave town.

Sad to say but the sightseeing has been minimal. I plan to make up for that this weekend for sure.

I have snapped a few photos with my camera phone- but none with the real camera yet- that will be this weekend.

I did have fortune to be in SF for to 100th anniversary of the big 1906 quake- it was scary to think of how devasting the quake was- and even more humbling to think of what the next big one will do. I just pray I am back in the midwest when that happens.

I was at Wells Fargo Bank today for an appt- they have a nice CA history museum in their lobby for free- and I was reading that the earth shifted 21 Feet in the 1906 quake!!!!! Yikes!!!!

Have a great weekend all

Happy Spring-

Wow- spring has really arrived in Ohio. The flowering trees are in full force, daffodils are putting on quite the show, grass is being cut, thank God winter (mild as it was ) is over! The weather has been excellent here- Sunday afternoon with bright sunshine and moderate temperatures Trevor (the dog) and I hit the park for a little recreation. Trevor had other plans- he invaded a group picnic and ate a poor woman's sandwich- it has so funny. I went over and apologized and offered to pay for the sandwich she has lost to my ALWAYS hungry dog. She laughed and showed me their buffet and offered me another sandwich for myself. I still left the park feeling pretty dumb- and Trevor was happy with his full tummy!

The weekend was nice - I visited with the family, saw Ice Age 2 with good friend Laura, had lunch with college friend Wendy Stinebaugh, and spent some quality time in the hot tub (life is good).

I am trying to get into a "Easter Mode" - this is such a glorious season of the religious calendar, but I can not quite get into the spirit. I hope that things will fall into line soon.

For those of you keeping track- I leave for San Francisco on Monday the 17th and return Friday the 28th- I am looking forward to riding on trolley cars and driving across the Golden Gate Bridge- look for the full report here!!!

Have a GREAT day-

Back to Reality

The rock star lifestyle is over- back to work -- ugh. I guess I was just lucky to get the escape that I did. Even with the luxury of connecting to work via the laptop while I was gone, I still came back to the office and have had 2 days of nonstop chaos.

After the conference I do appear to be a sought after commodity by 2 different managers for a promotion- now if one of them will just come to fruition- I would be very happy.

OK- I am pooped- time for bed.

Goodnight.

A Great 10 days-

It has been a fast, furious, & fun time here in Southern California. While it is truly beautiful here, I don't think I could ever live here... it just seems so far from the reality that I know as everyday life. The conference was truly excellent- I had such a great time and the networking opportunities that I had while there will help me out in my career.

This week I have worked all week meeting clients in most of Southern CA- from LA to San Diego. It has been rewarding to meet some of the clients in person that I have dealt with over the phone for a year or two. My business partner John Gorman from Phoenix traveled with me Monday & Tuesday- and then I was on my own for the rest of the week. It gave me a taste of what I may experience if I am given to go out in the field.

I think one of my favorite memories of the week was Wednesday night watching the sun set over the Pacific Coast while having dinner and a drink on the patio of the hotel De Coronado- it was breathtaking.

I really enjoyed my time at Palm Springs- it is now on my list for a week long getaway sometme soon.

I am just ready to be home for a few days- before heading to San Franciso on 4-17-05.

Rock Star Weekend-

Greetings from LA- I apologize for not posting sooner- but I was too busy living like a rock star- literally. There was so much going on this weekend- I don't know where to begin- I'll give some highlights.
*Helicopter Ride to Catalina Island
*Private concert by Gladys Knight
*Free top shelf liquor all weeekend
*Hummer limo rides
*Spa day (massage & facials)
*Private show by stand up comedian Kathy Griffin
*Rental of private night club
* Private show by Cirque de Solei
* Gifts of a 42" Plasma TV & a Movado Watch
*Relaxing by the pool
* Walking by the beach
* Making connections with new friends and old at Nationwide.

It really is true that this weekend was so "off the hook" that it is truly hard to put it all into words- I am still kind of in a shock pattern. I am very thankful that I was able to do so well last year and qualify for this conference. Here are some pictures to try show the weekend.

Surf City Here I come!

OK- thanks to the wonders of modern technology (and the computer repair dude I found at my local chinese take out joint)- I am sitting here at the airport terminal in Columbus and I am online and surfing the web- HOW COOL.

It just goes to figure- I could have slept in until like 7:30 AM - and with the dog gone I had not dog to walk- but my body was so excited to go that I just popped up at was wide awake at 5:30AM. Oh well- I enjoyed my time with The Today Show and perky Katie Couric!

I am so looking forward to feeling the warm waters of the Pacific ocean and hearing the quiet hush of the ocean winds-- to me there is nothing more relaxing than the ocean.

Look for picture updates from California this week.

Surf City Here I come!

One small step for mankind- one GIANT step for Andrew

Ok- Here I sit in Cup of Joe coffee short on N. High Street, logged into the internet via a wireless connection-- I know most of the world has been doing this for the past 2 years- but for me this a huge step. Needless to say this is how I will be able to keep you all up to date while I am on the road in coming months- nice huh????

Right now I am utterly exhausted and I have the entire afternoon and evening still ahead of me- God bless a good nights sleep for this evening.

OK- I need to keep running or else I will fall behind!

Pack Pack Pack!!!

Getting Ready-

I have felt like I am a state of getting prepared in so many ways of my life.
Obviously I am getting ready to leave on Wednesday AM for 10 days in Southern California. I am excited for the opportunity to travel and experience the great diversity that our nation offers. I can not wait to feel the waters of the Pacific Ocean at my feet once again.

I found out this week that I did not get the home office promotion at Nationwide. Truly I feel that it is a sign that this was not the right direction for my life. There is another GREAT opportunity that is going to be opening up in June. In preperation of that possible job, I have been asked to substitute for our wholesaler in the San Francisco Bay area - so what this mean is that I will be traveling to the Bay area for about 2-3 weeks in April/ May-- yes that is right after I get home from Los Angeles!

I am very excited to get the opportunity to travel and see San Francisco! Hopefully I can drop in to visit college Friend Paul in San Jose!

Things on the dating scene are taking a good course of events- of course- right when I said I don't want to date- go figure. Things are kind of on hold at this point until I get back from LA- we have talked about flying him out to San Francisco for a weekend while I am out there- how fun would that be!

OK- I am beat and have another big day tomorrow!

I will be posting - complete with pictures from LA this week!
Have a great day.

A step in the right direction-

Whew- what a week it has been- I don't even know where to being-
First off all I am so pumped to be heading off to Los Angeles and Southern California- I leave Wednesday morning the 22nd- I will be taking my newly refurbished laptop that now features wireless internet connectivity! So look for Blog updates- and pictures of the beaches of Southern California.

I am slowly coming to realize that the old phrase, "Where God closes a door, He opens a window" is true. I was not selected for the home office position that I had applied for. However, the same day I found that out- I was asked to cover for a wholesaler that is going on maternity leave next week. She covers San Francisco, CA-- so watch out CA Andrew is coming for several weeks in April and May. This also may lead into being considered another promotion that is opening up this summer- so keep your fingers crossed.

Dad & I will be hitting the Columbus Auto Show this weekend- so I will likely fall in love with several new models of wheels.

I hope everyone has a great St. Patricks Day!

A step in the right direction-

Whew- what a week it has been- I don't even know where to being-
First off all I am so pumped to be heading off to Los Angeles and Southern California- I leave Wednesday morning the 22nd- I will be taking my newly refurbished laptop that now features wireless internet connectivity! So look for Blog updates- and pictures of the beaches of Southern California.

I am slowly coming to realize that the old phrase, "Where God closes a door, He opens a window" is true. I was not selected for the home office position that I had applied for. However, the same day I found that out- I was asked to cover for a wholesaler that is going on maternity leave next week. She covers San Francisco, CA-- so watch out CA Andrew is coming for several weeks in April and May. This also may lead into being considered another promotion that is opening up this summer- so keep your fingers crossed.

Dad & I will be hitting the Columbus Auto Show this weekend- so I will likely fall in love with several new models of wheels.

I hope everyone has a great St. Patricks Day!

All types of Craziness-

I have escaped being caught by the police for the "hot" computer that I purchased on Friday- I must say compared to my failing hard drive on the laptop - that this thing is AMAZING. You will likely see more BLOG updates because I will be able to easily do them from home once again!!!

I also bought and IPOD Nano- this weekeend-- I am so addicted to it! I skipped church this morning to set up my Ipod-- I know the wrongness of all of that is too much to handle!!

Ok- so a quick weekend recap-- Friday night 3 hour band rehersal followed with martinis afterward... ask me in person about drinking Vodka in church (LOL).
Saturday I visited the parents, sister, and nephew Devan back in good ole Kenton- who knew taking a 2 year old to a grocery store would be such and adventure- YIKES!! My apologies to the Kroger company for any losses that our visit may have incurred!

Saturday night was date #3- for those of you that are counting---- I am getting closer to disclosing details to the world on the BLOG -- but am not there yet- so just wait you busy bodies!!! I know that is cruel.

Sunday- was IPOD addiction 101-- interrupted by the band concert and post party-- Darn tasty maritinis- YUM!!!

Now I am slightly buzzed and happy from watching Desperate Housewives and ready for bed-- I hope you all had a WONDERFUL weekend.

I hope to hear something about one of the jobs this week - so here's hoping!!

CRAZY

I did something that I would normally deem as crazy- I bought a reconditioned PC for $150 complete package. It is working so far- and I guess if I can get a few months good out of it- then I am none the worse.

I enjoyed a delicious pizza and a cocktail with some great new friends this evening - so all is good.

Goodnight everyone.

Crash-

First the movie then my PC hard drive--- Yup my laptop hard drive has crashe once again. This is not the first time that this has happened- so I had already backed up all my data and pictures.

It has been a very stressful and busy week- work has been very demanding and I am just ready to have this week over with. Without divulging a lot of the details- I have some really big decisions that I will be faced with in the next week or two.
I am just praying that the best doors will be opened for me and that I will be shown the right path for me to take.

It is only 12 days until I leave for the awards conference in Huntington Beach, CA- I am so excited. I really need to go shopping this weekend.

So that it the boring report from my end of the world--I Hope you are doing well.

It's hard out there for a pimp....

I wrote this post last night while watching the Oscars- I am in shock that the Pimp song beat Dolly Parton--- what is this world coming to??? Yikes.. anyways here is the rest of my entry as written:

A very busy and a very fun weekend-

Where to begin? OK- well how about Friday night - I had a date! Wohoo.
Even though I said I was going to give up dating for lent- I let this one
squeak in at the last minute- so what the hey. I am not going to give out
much detiails- I'll keep my audience in suspense.

I had a great time- and we are to have dinner tonite (Monday night).

Saturday was a crazy busy day-- I have 2 incredible opportunities that I am
applying for within Nationwide. They both have good and bad points and
there are things that I really like about each of them. I am really turning
this one over to God and praying that the right opportunity is the one that
I am choosen for.
Saturday night my friend Alan and I checked out the new Q bar and nightclub
in downtown Columbus-- it was really nice. We stayed out a little too late-
so I kind of slept through church today- oops!
The parents stopped by for dinner on their way home from Florida. It was
nice to hear about their many wild adventures in the South.
Well I've got to get the work week started-- take care.

An overdue update-

Hello BLOG world- I realized today that I had not posted a while.

First big news- I passed test # 7 out of 8 towards my CLU designation-- Hurray!
The bad news is I turned right around and registered for #8- Income Taxation- yeah sounds like a load of fun huh?? Wanna help me study???

I guess there is really nothing else exciting going on in my world right now.
It was a weekend of relaxing- hanging out with some friends. Finally saw Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire at the dollar theater.

For February the weather has been AWESOME - so Trevor and I have been taking advantage of this and getting in some extra long walks and park time. There seem to be a surplus in ducks at the pond in the park- but Trevor loves to chase them and frolik with them.

The parents are in Florida- so they are keeping themselves entertained for a little bit.

It seems that everyone near and around me is pregnant- so any women reading this blog- be careful and take extra precautions if you don't want a baby soon!

Gotta run- take care and keep in touch.

And the award goes to.....

ME!! This morning at our President's Day team meeting and breakfast I was presented with the Salesperson of the year award for 2005. It is complete with a big shiny trophy with my name engraved on it! I was very flattered and honor to receive such an honor.

It was cold cold cold cold cold - well you get the idea- this weekend.
My weekend was pretty boring and dull- I watched the Olympics quite a little bit.
I studied more that I care to admit for my insurance exam or Friday- right now I am in my "flip out" mode- when I feel totally unprepared and scared to take the test. I have until Thursday to reschedule if I don't feel comfortable. I do want to take the test and get it over with as soon as possible.

Other than that - nothing real big- I did a new blind hung for my living (many thanks go out to my Dad for that). I bought a new glass door bookcase for the living (I love how it looks).
All in all a very quiet and uneventful weekend.

Why I am so tired-

I usually don't pass these things along- but this one caught my attention- since I have been exhausted this week.


WHY AM I SO TIRED???

For a couple years I've been blaming it on lack of sleep, not enough
sunshine, too much pressure from my job, etc.

But now I found out the real reason:

I'm tired because I'm overworked.

Here's why:...The population of this country is 273 million.
140 million are retired.
That leaves 133 million to do the work.
There are 85 million in school.
Which leaves 48 million to do the work.
Of this there are 29 million employed by the federal government.
Leaving 19 million to do the work.
2.8 million are in the armed forces preoccupied with killing Osama Bin
Laden.
Which leaves 16.2 million to do the work.

Take from that total the 14.8 million people who work for state and city
governments.

And that leaves 1.4 million to do the work.

At any given time there are 1! 88,000 people in hospitals.

Leaving 1,212,000 to do the work.

Now, there are 1,211,998 people in prisons.

That leaves just two people to do the work.

You and me.

And there you are sitting on your butt,, at your computer, reading jokes.

I am just so glad that it is Thursday. My friend Ray & I are going to to one of our favorite watering holes to play trivia and have a few drinks- I just hope that we do better than last week.

Have a great night all.

Happy Valentines Day-

A big Valentines hello to all my BLOG readers-
I have attached a picture a co-worker snapped of me at the office yesterday (cheese!) and then a picture of mom, dad, and nephew Devan at Saturday's dinner to celebrate the folks' 40th wedding anniversary. A nice time was had by all.

It has been a very very busy couple of days with work - lots of extra meetings downtown and here in Dublin.

Steelers / Transamerica

First of all- Go Steelers!!! What a great game- of course the fact that I was with good friends at a bar with dollar beers made it a little better! I found out that I have yet a 2nd Steelers connection- a good family friend (an older gentleman) grew up in Pittsburgh and knows the family that owns the team. Who knew? Sorry about your Seahawks Paul- I truly could care less about NFL football- but I like to root for the hometown kid, so to speak.

I also went to see Transamerica on Sunday after church. I may get some slack from this comment, but I enjoyed this movie so much more that Brokeback Mtn. I thought Felicity Huffman was AWESOME. It really made me think more about loving and appreciating who we are. There are so many of us in the world that try to change who we are, hide who we are, and otherwise dodge the truth. I walked away from the movie with a smile- I do reccomend.

Otherwise it was a quiet weekend. Winter returned with much colder temperatures and snow- so I returned to my hibernation mode.

Here's to another week.

Happy Weekend-

It's the weekend!!!! Hurray!
I am really excited to see the movie Transamerica this weekend- it looks really good. It is also Super Bowl weekend- I am really excited for Big Ben the quarterback from Pittsburgh.
I actually know his Mom and Dad from my days in Findlay. So I'm cheering for Pittsburgh- go Steelers.

Gotta run for now- Have a great weekend.

Your Life Is Boring When.......

You get exctited when you junk mail in your email in box....

Going to the gym is an exciting Friday night....

Balancing your checkbook is something you do on a daily basis....

You'd rather go to bed than go out to a bar....

When you're in a chat room and the only people instant messaging you are the advertising robots trying to sell herbal enhancements or internet porn....

OK- maybe my life isnt' that boring- but it has been very mellow right now-- which I guess is a good thing. Winter is supposed to be for hibernation right?

Put a Cork in it!!!! Literally.

The quiet life continues- which is a good thing for me. Went to dinner with friends Aaron & Ray at Don Pablos Friday night and had a wonderul Mango Margarita.. I do reccomend it. Saturday was a day of grocery shopping, errands, laundry, bill paying, etc.

The highlight of the weekend was wine bottling with my friend Helene and buddy Spencer. Helene had started a batch of wine (6 gallons or 30 bottles) back in the fall at a winery here in Columbus. Once the wine is ready you are able to host a wine bottling party at the winery. The three of us sanitized the bottles, filled them, corked them, and then made labels. During the process there was abundent wine sampling going one. It was great fun to be had by all.
I can't wait to tap into my bottle of Apricot Peach Chardonnay- yummy!
Afterwards Helene and I met buddy Laura at The Happy Greek in the Shorth North. The food was great- after Helene and I almost took out the hostess- ugh.

Laura stayed over Saturday night and we just lounged and read the paper with coffee before lunch and some shopping at Kohl's (great bargains- wohoo).

All else is quiet in Ohio- enjoy the pictures- OK this PC won't load the pictures.

What a long week-

On Monday while eating breakfast I had the Today Show on TV and they were featuring a story on the most depressing day of the year, January 23rd. Some scientist somewhere had nothing else better to do than run some regression analysis and logarithm and figure out numerically that based on hours of sunlight and some other weird factors that last Monday was the most depressing day of the year. Great huh?? In conversations with co-workers, family members, & friends I have decided this must have been the most depressing week of the year. It has been the longest most drug out week of the year. Can it just freaking end????? PLEASE!!!!!!!

In any regards TGIF.

Last night I had a delightful evening- had dinner and a few drinks with an old Dispatch co-worker Ashley. She is such a wonderful person that for one reason or another I had just simply lost touch with. We discussed over martinis the fear of turning 30 (I just turned and she has about 18 months to go), being single, where do you meet a potential mate, why men are freaks of nature, and further more had a wonderful evening. It was so nice & I look forward to spending more time with her again soon.

Driving home- I thought of the many many people that have came and gone from my life. Co-workers, friends, acquaintances, etc-- and how for a short period of time our paths intersected (perhaps every day) and we truly enjoyed each other's company. The the paths of our lives took different turns and the bond was lost and communication ended. There were no hard feelings & if I ran into them today at the mall or grocery store I would run up to them and be eager to catch up. It just seems such a shame that we loose touch so quickly- I want to try to be more pro-active on keeping in touch with people that are important to me.

This weekend proves to be fun- good friend Laura is coming down for a visit. I think we will see a movie, have a drink or two, dinner on the town, and of course good conversation and coffee.

I do need to start looking for a new suit for my big trip to Los Angeles in March. I am thinking of a classic black suit. I am also looking at paint colors as I am going to repaint the first floor of my condo (hard to believe I have lived there almost 6 years - YIKES).

Whatever you do- have a safe and wonderful weekend.

What a long week-

Uneventful = Peace & Quiet-

I admit it- I had a very boring weeked- but I loved every minute of it.
Friday evening consisted of an oil change for the jeep followed by a cardio workout at the gym and then in bed by 11:30pm. I made the parental pilgrimage to Hardin County on Saturday. The highlight was taking a spin in Dad's new 2006 Jeep - which by the way is a nice set of wheels. My nephew Devan has a cold - so was not quite his usual self - but he was really cute none the less. Saturday evening I drove home and had a wild Saturday evening (well I went to the grocery, folded laundry, and went to bed- is that considered wild???). Sunday was church, gym, studying for my insurance courses, dinner and a few drinks with my friend Ray and then Desperate Housewives. I am loving the wicked twist that the writers are doing with Brie's character and Betty Applewhite- AWESOME!!!

Even though I really did nothing exciting I am very happy.
I just want to live my life and escape all possible drama.

I hope you all have a wonderful week.

Observation on being connected-

Last night I stopped by Cup of Joe for a warm shot of caffine before heading to the church for a meeting. It also gave me about 30 minutes to study for my insurance course that I am taking. I was stopping by because I didn't have time to run home and then be at the church in time for the meeting and caffine was needed to stay awake.

While I was there I noticed something that I had seen many times before - but never really contemplated. The conclusion I came to is that everyone desires to be connected and fears being alone. The coffee shop was packed, mostly by singles set up at their lap top or with a book. The laptop surfers were generally instant messaging and the book readers were often interrupted by a cell phone call or a text message. It seems that we all were there wanting to be with someone - to not be alone & bond with others.

I contemplated this thought with my recent dating experiences of being told "I want a relationship" and "I will call you tomorrow" or "I'll see you soon." and once again I am struggling to make sense of why if we all desire to be friends, family, or even better someone we love.... than why do we build walls around ourselves???

OK - enough deep thoughts- back to work... unless my instant messager service or cell phone rings.

All Quiet in Ohio-

A nice quiet weekend here in Ohio- ahh Thank God.

I did get to see Brokeback Mountain on Friday night. First of all the new Drexel Gateway theater- a very very nice place. We got leather reclining and rocking seats-- it made my butt happy!!!

The scenery in the movie was breathtaking- I loved the mountain and the rivers-- it was breathtaking! What captivated me the most was the strength of the love between the men. Their romance lasted 20 years and Jack committed to making drives back and forth between TX and WY -- that takes an incredible love and committment. Here I am not even able to get someone to return my phone calls or emails. When I stop and think about it- that is the type of love I want- the type of love that will drive accross the country, that will put the rest of the world on hold because I am an important part of their life, a love that will cause you to question everything that you ever knew, and love that will last a life.... ( Ok - enough sappiness for this posting).

Otherwise the weekend was uneventful- I met Laura and her Dad at Schmidt's Sausage Haus in German Village Saturday night. We had a great time- even though we were done with the German Buffet and stuffed with Sauerkraut before the oompah band got started (no kidding they have a live accordian player on weekends-- if you are in town I'll take you over).

TGIF-

Another week has come and gone- Yikes!
I keep thinking that time will slow down- but it doesn't so I guess I should just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Things are really starting to fall in place for me career and money-wise. With the comission check I will receive Wednesday I will finally be in a really good position financially and extremely thankful for that. I have had some conversations with leaders & other influential folks at Nationwide and I truly feel that perhaps my time is coming near- that good things are just around the corner. I pray that things will be good in 2006.

I am going to see the movie Brokeback Mtn. tonite. I think it looks incredible and the hype about the movie is EVERYWHERE. Hopefully I will enjoy it as much as I think I will- my thoughts to follow on Monday.

Other than that it appears to be a pretty mellow weekend.

I am trying to loose a few holiday pounds and get fit for my big trip to LA in March. I have begun loading up on proteins and cutting down on the carbs. I have been eating eggs and turkey bacon in the AM - and don't feel as hungry early in the day-- so that is a good thing.

Have a great weekend.

TGIF-

Another week has come and gone- Yikes!
I keep thinking that time will slow down- but it doesn't so I guess I should just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Things are really starting to fall in place for me career and money-wise. With the comission check I will receive Wednesday I will finally be in a really good position financially and extremely thankful for that. I have had some conversations with leaders & other influential folks at Nationwide and I truly feel that perhaps my time is coming near- that good things are just around the corner. I pray that things will be good in 2006.

I am going to see the movie Brokeback Mtn. tonite. I think it looks incredible and the hype about the movie is EVERYWHERE. Hopefully I will enjoy it as much as I think I will- my thoughts to follow on Monday.

Other than that it appears to be a pretty mellow weekend.

I am trying to loose a few holiday pounds and get fit for my big trip to LA in March. I have begun loading up on proteins and cutting down on the carbs. I have been eating eggs and turkey bacon in the AM - and don't feel as hungry early in the day-- so that is a good thing.

Have a great weekend.

Thank you for being a friend(s)....

Big big thanks go out to all of you who have written, called, stopped by, commented on the Blog and supported me in any way since my last posting. I must first state I AM OK-- a little upset with the world sometimes- but OK none the less.

After posting the Blog on Friday I did have a great weekend. I hung out with some great friends and my eyes were once again opened to what a blessing true friends are. Big thanks go out to Ray, Helene, Gordon, and Alan for being there this weekend- you guys ROCK!

Ray and I were sharing a few beers on Friday night and having some conversation. I kind of had a revelation-- or was it just the beer making the connections in the brain.. anyways... I realized that I need to take the high road in situations. Be the true gentleman and try to stick to the proper rules of etiquette. This weekend I did that and made a few phone calls and sent some emails. Instead of hiding behind layers on insecurity and fear I spoke what was on mind - and conveyed what I was feeling... It felt great and I think it put the others at ease too. I intend to make this my New Year's Resolution for 2006- be the gentleman and be myself.

Another highlight of the weekend was viewing the movie The Family Stone- very touching. I enjoy movies where I laugh out loud and then tear up all within 25 minutes. I reccomend the film to anyone looking for quality entertainment.

Ok- back to work - Thanks for being awesome friends and blog buddies - much love to you all.

What's up with that?

This is a crazy world that we live in- this may sound like an obvious statement but after 30 laps around the sun (thanks for reminding me of that analogy Megan) I have 100% confirmed this.
I guess I am just frustrated with the world-- and my life. I am no where close to where I thought I would be at 30 years old. I do have so many wonderful blessings and friends that are too many to count- but I still feel like there is alot missing. Of course this could be due to the frame of thought that I entered into while listening to Kelly Clarkson at the gym last night- her song "Because of You" made me start to think about broken relationships and how they have affected me personally. While still on the tredmill and still listening to Kelly I further compounded that by thinking that so many people probably feel the same way that I do and have "crap" (love the terminology???) that they are still carrying on their shoulders from previous broken relationships- and when 2 people with equal amounts of "crap" get together- you have one ugly DISFUNCTIONAL mess. OK- so why on a Friday is Andrew rambling on about this?? Simply put I keep meeting the most disfunctional and screwed up people- it is like I am running a Betty Ford Clinic to heal men of disfunctionality--- and I have no training to do this and I simply am bad at helping them. Needlesss to say - please tell all your friends neighbors and common folk on the street that if they need professional help to look in the phone book for a shrink and to leave me alone.

I think I need a quiet weekend at home- just me and the dog- my couch and a warm blanket... perhaps a mug of cocoa. Lock the door and close up the clinic for crazy folks.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

New Year- New Adventures-

Welcome 2006!!!! Bring on the new adventures that will be sure to hit.
I apologize for my 2 week Blogging absence- my home PC is an antique and will not allow me to post on my blog or comment on other blogs. 2006 will see a new home PC for sure.

Highlights of the holiday season-
1) Christmas with my 2 year of nephew Devan (what a cutie).
2) Relaxation - and the parents hot tub (need I say more).
3) Turning 30-- yup I'm officially OLD.
4) Quality time with Ferguson --
5) The Producers (what a great movie).
6) Spending the day with my friend Wendy Stinebaugh and working together on our New Years Resolutions.
7) Having 11 days off from work!


I was ready to take down all the Christmas stuff and put 2005 to bed. While it was not a bad year- it just didn't turn out the way I planned. There were high points and low points. I thought I had fallen in love - only to be dumped. I celebrated a friends wedding and have since supported her during her chemotherapy treatments. So needless to say 2005 was a year of contrasts. I have really high hopes for 2006.

I look forward to making wonderful memories with friends and family in the coming year.

Holiday Tips and Humor

Every holiday I enjoy attending the Mary Ann Brandt Chritmas Show- it has become a holiday tradition. This year she had posting some holiday tips on her web site (www.maryannbrandt.com) . I wanted you to have these before the holidays officially begin.
For your reference- Mary Ann is a very rich elite socialite and only has the most expensive taste.

Holiday Party Do's and Dont's-


Chips — there is no place for any chip-type-thing in upper middle class/high society. This includes Potato Chips, Combos, Sun Chips and especially Doritos.


BYOB — “Bring your own beer/bottle” is for those on public assistance or 20-year-old college students whose parents aren’t multi-millionaires. To ask a guest to bring anything to a cocktail party, let alone the party, is simply not done. There is a time and place for “bringing your own.” A communal potluck or any event where you are simply providing the space for friends to gather is acceptable for BYOB, but not here.
Acceptable: “Why don’t we just watch the game at Mary Ann’s house”“Sure, come on over -- I’ll make chili!” “Then I’ll bring the beer” “Kewl!”
Unacceptable: “Are you coming to my pre-game party Saturday? Good, just bring a 12-pack or whatever you want to drink”


Television — Keep the TV off, unless you’ve invited friends for “Cocktails and the US Figure Skating Championships”.


Plastic cups — Top-shelf liquor deserves glass. Plastic cups are for those on public assistance or 20-year-old college students whose parents aren’t multi-millionaires.


Cocktail Weenies — those little white trash weenies, smothered in white trash barbecue sauce and baked in your white trash crock pot for hours until they’re tough as shoe leather and impossible to spear with the white trash toothpicks you’ve provided – toothpicks that have been fingered by every nasty white trash guest you’ve invited – even the white trash guests who have been having sex in the broom closet.



AFTER-THE-FAMILY-CHRISTMAS-MELTDOWN

God love ‘em, but a holiday weekend with the family is nerve splitting. After you’ve unloaded the Land Rover and watered the brittle tree, build a fire, put on your nightgown, fill a tall glass with lots of ice (not a cocktail glass, more like a Wendy’s Biggie cup), and fill it to the rim with enough Jack Daniels to wash down a Vicodin.


WRAPPING PRESENTS

I have mine wrapped professionally, but I realize most of you tackle the project with your own tape and scissors. Two bottles of Veuve Cliquot will get you through the evening. Add two bottles for each friend that comes calling. Buy gift bags with pretty tissue, because after the second bottle of Veuve, you’ll want to switch to liquor, and you’ll not want to fiddle with the tape anymore.

Blog Backlog-

First of all- I know I know I know- My Blog has been neglected and your are left wondering, "What's up with Andrew???" Alas- it is time to update.

I passed my CLU exam- I now have 6 out of 8 completed for this insurance designation. You might ask what will this do for him (I often ask the same thing)... it basically certifies that I know insurance and financial planning very very well. Many jobs in the insurance and financial planning industry will be opened to me with the completion of this designation.

Needless to say my life was pretty tied up in studying studying and more studying for this lovely test.

I have managed to have some holiday fun here and there too. The shopping is done & mostly wrapped. The tree is up and decorated (I am attaching a photo for your viewing pleasure)- and all the rest of the holiday "stuff" is under way. I really have a pretty light and stress free week ahead - Thank God- I work until mid-day Thursday and then I am off until Tuesday January 3rd. This is the longest non-medical time period off of work in like 6 years. I don't have many plans- other than family holiday fun, visiting with Laura (Welcome home from Bangledesh), and all the other usual holiday fun. My buddies Dan and Ray both have the entire week off too-- I'm sure we'll find some trouble to get into!

I hope everyone is doing well - Merry Christmas.

Winter Wonderland-

Columbus is now blanketed in a layer of snow and looks so pretty for Christmas. If I only didn't have to drive around in this crap life would be grand!

I think I may be slowly getting in the mood for the holidays- the snow really helped.

No big plans for the weekend- study study study- that about says it all. I would like to get 2 good workouts in and relax with some friends.

Laura comes home on the 17th! Yeah.

I hope you guys have a great weekend.

Where does the time go?

I have been very busy - but don't have a great deal to show for it.
Pretty much every minute of my personal time has been consumed studying for my exam as I strive towards my CLU designation. These courses are about as dry and boring and you can get. I am currently not feeling ready at all for the test- and it is next Friday- YIKES. I pray that soon and very soon that I will begin to feel more confident as I study.

It is cold cold cold here! It was 10 degrees this morning when I walked the dog this morning- now that is FRIGID!

I am having trouble getting into the holiday spirit- I went to the Holiday Pops at The Symphony last weekend, put up my tree, listening to Christmas music, and so forth- but I am just not in the spirit. Oh well-

I am very excited to have Laura returning to Ohio from Bangledesh soon- hopefully we can hang out and have lots good times. I know that it will be a major transition for her to come home and all- and that life is full of uncertainty right now- but for my own selfish reasons I will be glad to have her back in Ohio.

OK- my BLOG buddies- I need some updates for those of you neglecting your BLOGS (You know who you are). I confess that I have been bad too- but I posted today and I urge you to do the same- I need some news on my friends!

Take Care

Carrie Underwood-

I have to admit I didn't really watch the past season of American Idol.
I haven't been too keen on what I had seen of Carrie Underwood- but when I heard her new single performed live on the Today Show- I was wowed!
I really liked to words of the song- I think we can probably all think of a time that we felt this way.

Here are the lyrics of the chorus for your enjoyment:


Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this all my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on

Thanksgiving Update-

I have so much to be Thankful for this year. Great friends and family, my health, a good job, and so much more I can't even begin.

The biggest news of the weekend is that my sister is expecting her second child. I had guessed that they wanted to have another child, but had no confirmation until the announcement on Thursday. The baby is due in May.

I spent most of the weekend doing the family thing.. this was OK since I hadn't really been home for about a month. I did get my Christmas presents purchased and wrapped (not bad ehh?). I had a fun time playing Risk with Megan Matt and the rest of the Hutchinson family in LaRue, Ohio-- the rocking joint that it is.

Yesterday John and I went to Granville and cut down a Christmas tree- rather cut down his Christmas tree- I bought a wreath for my front door. It was so scenic and picturesque out there. We had a good time just riding out and enjoying getting out in the country.

Now it is back to the regular buzz of the work week- ugh.

A thought for you....

I ran across a quote that I really like this weekend.
After finding out that my friend Laura has called off her engagement I thought perhaps I should share it with all of my BLOG friends... enjoy!

"Dance as though no one is watching you......
Love as though you have never been hurt before.....
Sing as though no one can hear you.....
Live as though heaven is on earth."

--- Souza.

Miracles can happen-

I had an great weekend. My college friend Wendy Stinebaugh ventured down (solo) from the Toledo area. This may not sound like a great feat or acoomplishment- unless of course you already know about Wendy. She had a heart transplant 3 years ago and the road to recovery has been difficult to say the least. Today she can walk around with a cane and her oxygen tank. She drives her own car and enjoys downloading music to her Ipod. Spending time shopping, eating, talking, laughing, crafting, and so forth with Wendy made me thankful for the miracles that God provided for her to be still here with us on Earth. It also made me thankful for the good health that I enjoy and for the most part take for granted.

My weekend was pretty much consumed with Wendy's vistit. I did manage to catch most of the OSU victory over Michigan- that was one prediction I was happy to be wrong about. Go Bucks!
John fixed dinner last night and then we enjoyed Desperate Housewives.

Life is good-

I truly had a great weekend. I woke up this morning with a smile on my face and almost all of my chores done around the house- which was a nice feeling for once!

Friday I watch a great DVD from Netflix - Latter Days - It was such a good movie- I cried.
I had mixed feelings about the way the Mormon church was potrayed as such an evil empire (I don't really know that much about that religious organization- but the movie painted them in a bad light). The movie also played up the typical gay stereotypes of a "party" life style. Overall it had a good storyline and tugged the tears right out of me.

Saturday was spent studying and watching the Buckeyes kick Northwestern's butt off of the field--- Go bucks! Saturday night my friend Ray had a housewarming/ Thanksgiving type of dinner- I had a great time catching up with old friends I had not seen in a while.

Sunday was church and then John & I went to lunch and then shopping. Last night I went to his place to watch Desperate Housewives- gotta love that show. Things are going really good- we had a good talk last night and I think things are heading in a very positive direction. I can't believe this is the last week before the Thanksgiving holiday week- Yikes!

Any predictions for the OSU / Michigan game??? I love my dear Buckeyes- but they had a losing record against the Wolverines- even though I try to be a loyal fan- I predict that they will loose in Ann Arbor by 3 points. Anyone else have thoughts on the score?

Butterflies in your stomach rule-

Thank you all for your comments and insights regarding age differences & dating.
I think liked Helene's advice over the phone. She said if thinking about that special someone gives you butteflies in your stomach and makes your heart go pitter patter a little faster than before-- that is all you need.

It has been a nice week- John had me over to watch The Amazing Race together on Tuesday night (we are both avid fans of this show- at least he has good taste in TV!). When I got there he had a beautiful fire buring in the fireplace- which was really nice. Just for Helene's sake- there were butterflies in the stomach and a pitter patter. So for now I'm just going ahead with things and focus on having the best time that I can.

FYI- for all you curious busy-bodies- John is an Emergency Room nurse manager for OSU Hospitals in Columbus and the father of 2 adorables dogs.

The temperatures have dropped once again in Ohio- so the new furnace is working out nicely. I am impressed with how quiet it is & then also how quickly it warms the house up compared to my old furnace.

I am back to studying for my insurance designation once again. I would like to have my current course, Estate Planning Applications, finished by Christmas- that would be a wonderful holiday gift to me!

Have a wonderful evening all- and I'll keep you posted.

Being a true gentleman-

Hello my loyal Blog readers- I hope that you had a great weekend.
I stayed around Columbus all weekend and got a great deal done! My new energy efficient furnace was installed on Friday. This will be nice to especially with the raising costs of gas!
I have started another CLU (insurance designation) course.... and let me tell you that estate planning can be really fun- Ok maybe not- but it will help you get to sleep at night.

The date Friday went really well on Friday - so well in fact that we watched the OSU game together on Saturday and then went to the Gallery Hop that night. I think we may also get together for a brief while tonite. Here is the survey part of the BLOG- so I am relying on YOU for some insight!!!! How much of an age difference is too much??? In the past 5 years I have noticed myself attracted to the 35-45 age range. I think most of this is due to the fact the I am mature for my age and very stable. Most elgible dates around 25-30 are anything but stable and looking for someone to take care of them. So -- any thoughts?? I am leaning towards who cares about the age- it more matters that you are compatible and love each other. Good idea??

OK- I'm outta here.. talk to you soon.

Trick or Treat-

November!!! What!!!! I'm not ready for Thanksgiving and the holidays and shopping and ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!

It amazes me how time speeds up each and every year. Just when try to slow down and relax a little bit - the world all around me speeds up! I am looking forward to the holidays- I just have to finalize some holiday shopping and I am good to go. I plan to keep things pretty simple this year. I hope to do some charity work in December and give back to the less fortunate.

My sister and Dad brought my little nephew down on Monday night for Trick or Treat at my house. He had a good time and actually enjoyed passing out candy to the kids that came to the door just as much as he did getting it. We had a great night.