Lots to catch up on!

SO much to catch up on, what with Christmas now 2 plus weeks ago, and we're two weeks in to the New Year. Happy New Year, btw. Hope everyone celebrated in good form. I was folding laundry at midnight. That's just how I roll nowadays.

People who know me know that I don't set resolutions. I always say that if I'm going to "change" something about myself, why not change today. That being said, I do have goals that I set for myself in the calendar year. For example, one of mine this year is to run for 600 miles. I did 524 last year. So I think it's possible, provided I stay healthy. Many of you know I've also been playing poker more lately. I have a goal with that too, to basically triple the money I have invested. That's going to mean I've got to win a couple of tournaments. I think I have the ability, it's just a matter of making the right decisions at the right times.
Outside of those two, I've got some others that I'm going to keep private. But they are there. And they have ways of being "measured." So don't think I've gone soft and started making resolutions.

Basketball season has been going well from my perspective so far. I've made one massive mistake (for me), in that I announced a guy having made a basket, when it rimmed out. A person alongside me at the scorers table said, "it didn't go in, Mike," to which I replied, "Yes, it did." It was the Western Michigan game, and Grandma and Grandpa Cation were in house for their first game. David Kool was the guy's name. I'll probably remember that until the day that I die. I still feel pretty awful about it. Oh well!

My neighborly drama has increased. The couple that have been living next door had a night in December where there was loud moving of furniture (which I interpret as throwing of furniture), and screaming. Since then, it appears that someone else has been living there, as they've been gone while the U of I was on a break. The replacement neighbor has been a miserable schmuck, thumping his bass at all hours of the day, and with any type of music. On Sunday morning, it was flipping Coldplay. Why in the hell do you need loud bass to listen to Coldplay. I had to send them another letter pleading them to at least turn down the bass. And then there's MORE drama. The male in the couple has not been spotted for weeks, and according to his facebook page (yes, I stalk occasionally), he's been out of the country. But now his relationship status has changed from "In a relationship with XXXXXXX XXXX" to "In a relationship." Now, I do know that this COULD mean that she no longer acknowledges the relationship on facebook. Last night, her car was back in its normal spot for the first time since that fight three weeks ago. Part of me is hoping that this means that the guy is no longer in the picture because he's the one who cranks the music and the bass (aside from the mystery stranger that's been staying there for the last 3 weeks). But I also don't wish that upon anyone, because it is horrible karma. So stay tuned.

Mark McGwire: You cheated. You get no sympathy from me when you say "you wish that you'd played in a different era" or "you wish there had been testing." None of that made you insert drugs in to your body. For 8 years. Just admit you cheated and that's it. End of story.

Porn co-worker is back at it. It's mostly college humor stuff, girls flashing and what not, but still. Keep it on the down low, you fat jerk.

I wish I liked the taste of tea.

For those of you in Champaign-Urbana, may I please take the time to recommend Sammy's for a wonderful breakfast. Try the Mexican skillet...ask them to add avacado. You'll thank me later.

So, my busy season begins here in the next couple of weeks. This spring, I'm announcing the following sports: basketball, baseball, both tennis(es), and wrestling. I'm happy to take the paychecks, but I have a feeling my throat will be tired by May (TWSS).

Vegas is just one month away from me. If any of you have any suggestions on things I might not have experienced yet, please let me know.

I promise to have updated this blog twice before then.