It has been a long week

Anyone else feel that same way?
Just to tie up a quick loose end. The General did finally pay up his outstanding debts. However he does still owe me two dinners. Therefore he still is, and probably always will be, in my book, a Deadbeat and a Welcher.
I guess I really don't have much more to add. I hope all have a good weekend.

Weekend Plans

I have been having some problems with my sciatic nerve in my left leg. It started about 3 weeks ago, and I was hoping it would get better but it really hasn't. At times it feels like I have someone sticking a knife in the back of my leg. Last night after my soccer game, which I know I probably shouldn't be playing in, I was driving home and was in unbearable pain. It was deduced this past weekend, that this problems comes from the fact that I was born somewhat pigeon toed. This most likely lead to my problem with my IT band. This lead to me favoring my left leg when I run, which probably shifted my hips and now that is causing a problem with my sciatic nerve. I am hoping to get into a doctor sometime next week. What does this do for my weekend plans? It keeps me on the shelf for a while. Friday I am staying home. Saturday I think I am going to go and catch a movie. I can't recall the last movie I went to, other than the one I saw a the Sundance Film Festival. I also want to get in somewhere for a massage. I haven't had one since I left Appleton. Sunday is the Super Bowl. Stu always has his fantasy football party on the Super Bowl. I plan on making an appearance and getting in some cards and watching the game.

Anyone Else Sick of Winter?

Not too much going on here. It is hump day. Just trying to get through the week. I have a soccer game tonight at 11:00, I love to play the game, but games that late can really screw up your sleep for a couple of days. Utah was great, and I was happy to just be in some weather that was more reasonable. Lets just get our temperatures up into the 30's. However, we are now past the low point in our average temperatures for our winter. And as you can see here in the chart, we are on are way up to warmer average temperatures.

Super Bowl, Can I Say That?

I am just recovering from the weekend of skiing. I am not hurt too bad, just sore in a couple of places. But as I was listening to the radio this morning, there was a little chatter about the big game this weekend. I will be crashing Stu's fantasy football party on Sunday. Pittsburgh is favored by 7 points. But I think that Cardinals will not only cover, but will win the game. What do you think?

Who will win Sunday?
	Pittsburgh
	Arizona
	Football Season is still going on?
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Utah Skiing

This past weekend was my trip to Utah for some skiing. Here is a real quick recap. Thursday we got into Utah. I flew in with Liquid and Flo. We headed straight to Deer Valley and skied the afternoon there. After skiing, we met up with Amanda and Russ in downtown Park City. After grabbing something to eat, we headed back to the condo. Friday in the morning we headed to the Sundance resort. We got on the waiting list for one of the Sundance films that was showing there, but just missed getting in. We checked out the resort for a while and then headed back to Park City. We grabbed dinner then scalped tickets to one of the Sundance films showing in Park City that evening. The movie was called Moon, it was a science fiction movie about human clones that worked on the moon. It was pretty good, but I doubt it will ever be out in theaters. Saturday came and we skied at Solitude. It was a full day of skiing and the snow was great, although the visibility was rather poor. Sunday we skied The Canyons. It was another great day of skiing, but again the visibility was poor. On Saturday and Sunday I skied with Russ. Russ is a pretty good snowboarder, and I have to thank him, because he talks me into taking more challenging runs. And in the end that helps to make me a better skier. Thursday when I skied with Liquid and Flo, I don't think I fell at all. Sunday while skiing with Russ, I took one run called "Devil's Friend" I easily fell 20 times. Basically just rolling down the run. Anyhow, here are some of the pictures that I took. This is the view from the top of one of the summits at Deer Valley.One of the cool things about Deer Valley is how these million dollar houses are mixed throughout the resort. Although it sort of makes you sick looking at these homes at the same time.This is the Sundance Resort.Here is one of the theaters that was showing movies for the Sundance Film Festival. Most of the theaters are shown in the Park City area, but there are also some films that are shown out at the Sundance resort or even in Salt Lake City.A view looking up the main street in Park City.This video was shot at The Canyons. There is a natural half pipe which has to be at least 1/4 to 1/2 mile long. Russ and I stumbled upon it and I just had to go down it a second time. It is pretty cool, but there just isn't alot of places to stop or even check your speed. And shortly after I shot this video I feel again and popped my shoulder out. This video is maybe just the first 1/3 of the halfpipe.

Soccer Night in America

A number of people have told me that they are going to make it to one of my games. Well if you plan on attending any games this session, you will have to be one diehard fan.
Here is a list of my games:
Wednesday January 28th at 11:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 11th at 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 25th at 11:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 4th at 11:00 p.m.
Monday March 9th at 11:00 p.m.
And as long as we finish in the top 6 of the 12 teams, the playoffs will be
Monday march 16th at 9:00 p.m.

But last week we got off to a rough start, we got smoked 13 - 7. The slaughter rule came into effect and we were down by so many goals that they allowed us to have an extra player on the field. The team we played had a number of guys that I recognized and played on the UWM college team.

Last I checked there is no wager with The General this session, basically because he is both a deadbeat and a welcher.

The General is a Deadbeat and a Welcher

This has been a fairly effect form of persuasion to get my money out of people, so I thought I would give it another shot. I know that The General tends to read my blog from time to time. That is at least when he isn't too busy with updating his own blog, One Sweet World or Pinko Commy Rag as I like to refer to it. Anyhow, The General is in the hole to me for $168 and two dinners at Crawdaddy's. Please allow me to detail these debts. It must be all of 5 years ago that The General and his lovely wife, Diane, moved from Waukesha to Sun Prairie. As they were preparing for the move, The General gave me a phone call. I said, sure I will give you a hand. I figured, it wouldn't be too bad of a move especially with so many of The General's friends in the area to also lend a hand. When I showed up the day of the move I found that I was the only person The General asked to help out. He later told me that he didn't feel comfortable asking anyone else for their help. But he assured me that he would make it up to me by buying me dinner at Crawdaddy's. As I said that was at least 5 years ago. Since that time, The General has fallen into debt with me a number of times, but usually paid up. Up until this past fall the slate was clean, but then fantasy football started. All participants in my league were required to bring their entry fee to the draft in September. The General showed up to the draft with everything but the entry fee of $50. Immediately a $10 late fee was assessed. Since that time, we had a card game at our friend, Mick's place. The General showed up with only $40. Because of his horrible card play, he quickly lost that and then another $40 that he just took from my growing pile of money. This brings me to soccer. Most readers are aware that The General and I had a small wager on whom would have a higher offensive output this past session. The contest was never even close. It probably would have helped The General to show up to all of the games, but the more I think about it, even if he had played two sessions he still couldn't have outscored me. That wager was yet another dinner at Crawdaddys. That also remains unpaid. After the last game of the session, our team decided to play another session. As everyone was paying our portion of the entry fee, The General, again had no money, so I paid his portion. In the event that the Deadbeat Welcher does read this, please get me $168 and my two Crawdaddy dinners as soon as possible.

"Utah, Get Me Two!!!"

If you haven't heard, this weekend I am headed out to Utah for some skiing and the Sundance Film Festival with my friends, Liquid, Flo, Russ and Russ' girlfriend, Amanda. I head out early Thursday morning with a 6:30 a.m. flight. I get into Salt Lake City by 11:00 a.m. and I will be on the slopes at Deer Valley by noon. Friday the plan is for more skiing. We haven't decided on the resort to ski at. Saturday we plan on heading to Sundance. Last year Russ and I checked that out. Sunday we will be skiing again and then head back home that evening.

Happy Anniversary

I wanted to send out a late Happy Anniversary to one of my loyal blog readers. Annie Brantzeg and her husband, Gordy. Congratulations on 45 years of marriage. Wow that is a really long time. Here is a picture of the happy couple that was taken last Christmas. Recently I asked Gordy what was the secret to 45 years of marriage. He replied with three words "Korbel and Coke." As you can see from the picture, he is taking his own advice.

New Years Resolution Test

This past weekend I pasted the first test in keeping with my New Years Resolution. My resolution is to cut back on my drinking. My plan to was abstain from drinking until my trip to Las Vegas in March. Well I now have to modify that, Eric's bachelor party has finally been planned and is set for the end of February in Las Vegas. So that is going to be the first time I drink this year. This past Friday was my company Christmas Party. It was at a bar / restaurant, and everyone was given two free drink tickets. When I showed up, I didn't even think about going up to the bar. I was talking to a co-worker and I was quickly asked why I wasn't drinking. I said that it was my new year resolution. Then he asked me if he could have my drink tickets, and I gave them to him without a problem at all.

The Results Are In

Saturday afternoon was the MKA Challenge. MKA said that he could easily beat me, and you know what he did. He got a great jump right from the start and I was never able to make up any ground on him. No complaints, no excuses. MKA flat out beat me. Case closed. Here is the video.

MKA Challenge

MKA, I am not sure if you are reading this or not, I will send you an email. Anyhow, I called Skateland, and asked him the very stupid question of when the races are on Saturday. Only because the first session is from 12:30 to 6:00. 5.5 hours of skating seems like a lot. They didn't exactly know what time they did the races. He guessed around 2:00, and said they might do it twice. If not, I will grease one of the kids running the place with $20 to make sure the race takes place. I am pretty sure that the turnout for this event will be MKA, Katie and myself but that is OK. The latest poll has me trailing MKA. Unless, MKA voted 8 times, I am shocked at the current state of the poll. I am not a vindictive person, but I can not wait to prove you all wrong. I mean seriously, look at this guy:

Do you honestly think I am going to lose to him?

I am going to refrain from any more posts until the Challenge is over. I prefer to use my spare time to concentrate and prepare for the upcoming race. But be sure to check back on Monday when I should have the video up.

The MKA Challenge

It is official. Football is over and he has run out of excuses. MKA has been listening to the music for months and now it is time to pay the fiddler.

What: MKA made the statement that he could beat me in the races at Skateland at anytime.
Who: Me vs. MKA.
Where: Skateland in Waukesha
When: Saturday afternoon. According to their website the first session is 12:30 to 6:00. I will call to confirm times.
Why: Because no one throws down a challenge to me on my blog and then backs down.

I encourage all to attend. Someone is going to walk away from this afternoon in total humiliation. Who will it be? The young all american national champion college athlete, or the old decrepit past his prime couch potato.

Who will win the MKA Challenge?
	MKA. It won't even be close.
	Rickie. He isn't as old as he thinks. Not to mention incredibly good looking.
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Snow Blowing Justus In

A story has been swirling around that happened a couple weeks ago. On a Saturday evening, shortly after one of our many snow falls, I had this great idea to go over to Justus' house and blow the snow off his lawn and back onto his driveway. I will be honest, I didn't do as complete of a job as I would have liked. My goal was for it to be easier for Justus to drive through his ditch than out the mouth of his driveway. Unfortunately I just got too cold and the wind was not cooperating and more of less blowing the snow everywhere. But the point was made. I didn't grab any pictures, but I do have this picture from a number of years ago. This was taken when Preston was living across the street from me. I was out shoveling my sidewalk and saw his car on the street. I then proceeded to shovel an area approximately 40 feet by 100 feet of the street right up to the driver's side door of his car.

Oakland Gyros

I probably shouldn't publicize this but last night I headed out to Oakland Gyros. I went with my old college roommates, Kevin and Bob. As always, it was fantastic. After eating we stopped into Axel's next door. Bob wanted to play some fussball. Bob schooled both of us. And for the record, while we were in Axel's, and to both Kevin and Bob's surprise, I didn't have a single drink.

This morning, I may have figured out why I got a check back from WE Energies, sometime over the course of the evening, my power went out, so I woke up an hour later than I normally do. Then as I was getting ready for work, my power went out again. This caused me to come into work a half an hour late. Thankfully it is Friday. This evening I am headed to Alpine Valley to get some skiing in with my nephews, Nick and Ethan. This will be my final tune up before my trip out to Utah on the 22nd of this month.

Tomorrow is my fantasy fooball party. I haven't touched on fantasy football much this year. Just because this is such a boring topic for anyone who doesn't care about fantasy football. I am in two leagues. One with three people, me, Borky and Myra. In the last week of the season, I came back to win by only 4 points. Borky now owes me dinner. In the other league, which is 10 people, I won the regular season and came in 2nd place in the playoffs. Stay tuned for pictures with the trophy coming soon. So that party is tomorrow, if you want to get some sheepshead in, stop on by, anytime after noon.

A Good Day, Is That Possible?

Yesterday was actually a pretty decent day at the office. I mean I would have rather been at home eating Bon Bons. But as far as work goes it was a good day. In the morning, I was reviewing some plans and specifications for a project. This was my task due to my many years of experience. I was looking for errors and needed to envision problems that may arise. I know all of this sounds like a bunch of B.S. but is 100% true. This particular project is an upgrade of a series of movable bridges in the Oshkosh area which will be controlled by a PLC. (Programmable Logic Controller) and eventually the plan is to have all four of these bridges controlled from just one bridge. Which would save the county and state thousands of dollars in that you would only need one bridge operator and not four. It will also cause a number of jobs, but still save tax payer dollars. Anyhow, we had a conference call where a co-worker mentioned to one of my bosses that "Rickie makes a good point." It is so rare that it happens, both that I make a good point and that someone acknowledges such a thing. Afterwards my other boss called me into his office to give me my salary review. This will also come as a shock to many of you, but he gave me a number of complements on my performance over the past year and then informed me that I would be rewarded for such excellent work with a raise in pay. Can you believe that? In the afternoon, I was making out a schedule for this same project and I determined that it was unfeasible to completed the required work in the time frame given and I gave a couple of alternatives, in which the project could be completed. To which my boss emailed me back and gave me the following compliments on my work "Good work. I believe you are very correct." Isn't it amazing that I can have so many people fooled at the same time?

We Energies

I am not sure if I missed something or not. I was going through my mail and saw what I thought was a bill from WE Energies. But when I opened it up and as I was dreading the moment of looking to see how much I owed, I realized it was a check from WE Energies. Did anyone else get this same check? Why did I get this check? And it is a good chuck of change.

Not A Hunter

It is pretty well known that I am the "Head Boner". That has been my job title since I was in high school. I have been helping my dad butcher deer since I was in the 3rd grade. It is actually quite odd that I could get so involved in being a butcher but still not have any urge to go out and hunt. I never have, and I probably never will. At the time that my brothers all started hunting, I just couldn't validate sitting out in the woods for hours and no seeing anything. I guess I still can't, plus I am lazy. But while I am not a hunter, I have become quite the trapper. It is something that has become something of a necessity for me. I think much of it stems from when my renter was living in my house. She was far from being a neat freak, this I found out when I moved back in. Recently I have been hearing the pitter patter of little feet in the storage space behind the wall in my bedroom at night. And once or twice I saw a little rascal running around on the kitchen floor. I had some older traps that I have been setting but without luck. Every morning the bait was gone. Sunday morning I stopped and picked up some new traps. Real top of the line stuff. The other night, I bagged two trophies, check them out.
Literally scared the crap out of this guy. I am pretty sure that when I go, the same thing will happen to me.Just posing with my harvest.Actually they kind of taste like chicken.
MKA WHEN IS THE DAY?

Cake Concert

New Years Eve I went to see Cake at the Riverside. I desided not to take my camera along as the tickets said no cameras or recording devices. Normally I never listen to such a warning, but I just didn't want to deal with it, if they were checking. This turned out to be a poor decision. Everyone and their brother had a camera inside. I even saw people who work at the Riverside with cameras. It was a good concert. I am not the biggest Cake fan in the world. I went with my college roommate, Mark, and his wife, Suzanne. My seat was in Row V right on the center aisle. They were back in the corner. They quickly moved down by me. Eventually we all moved way up to around row 5 and were just standing in the aisle. And for the last half hour of the show we were in the front row. I was actually placing my beer down on the stage. As I said, I wish I had brought my camera long with. But I did have my cell phone camera. This is the only real good picture that I got.


MKA WHEN IS THE DAY?

New Years Resolutions

Here are my past resolutions.

2005. It actually was in February, but I swore of Buffalo Wings. That lasted a couple years, and then I caved one time when I was in Colorado because Russ ordered too many and they smelled great. I have once again had some problems with Buffalo Wings, so I am back off the wagon again. No wings.

2006. I boycotted fast food. Especially McDonalds, Burger King and Taco Bell. And I have yet to cave on this one at all. I did have a milk shake one time at McDonalds. But I really wouldn't count that. I plan to keep this one for a while. Also in 2006 I boycotted cell phones. I have since given up my land line and only have a cell phone. So that one is out the window.

2007. I gave up candy, chips, soda and french fries. I have found that I have been keeping these pretty well. Only giving in once in a great while. I also said that I was going to do a better job of introducing myself to people that I do not know. Still not very good at that.

2008. This was the year that I was going to stop swearing. I slip from time to time, but I still do not swear as much as I have in the past. My other big resolution was to work on my juggling skills. I have done an extremely poor job of working on my juggling.

For this year, I would like to reinforce a number of my previous resolutions and make a new commitment to myself to keeping them. And here they are:

No fast food, especially McDonalds, Burger King and Taco Bell. (Should be very easy)
No buffalo wings.
No candy.
No chips.
No soda. (except in mixed drinks)
No french fries.
No swearing.
Introduce myself better to people I don't know.

Since I have been back in Milwaukee I have slipped quite a bit in working out, but I know that will change. I need to just get through the holidays and settle down. Plus I know that once the weather starts to warm up in May or June I will be biking and running 5 to 6 times a week in preparation for triathlons. Plus cutting out the food above will help me in becoming more healthy. So I need something to new to add to this years list. This year's resolution was influenced by a report I saw on TV a couple weeks ago. They mentioned in this report that as people get older their tolerance for alcohol drops. And that the average adult between the age of 30 and 40 shouldn't have more than 5 drinks on any given evening. I don't want to say that it would be impossible for me to quit drinking. But I really don't want to quit drinking altogether. I am sure many people would agree that I am a little more fun when I have a couple of srinks in me. However, I would like to start to monitor my drinking. So my resolution for this year, if you want to believe it or not is to only drink one day a week, and on that day have no more than 5 drinks. I don't think that should be too hard to do. Although I could see a Brewer game where I do a 5 beer, beer bong and my drinking for the day is over in 30 seconds. And I am going to try to make it without drinking at all this new year until I head to Las Vegas in March.

I would like my loyal blog readers to call me on any and all of these resolutions if you see me breaking them.

MKA WHEN IS THE DAY?

Gyro Contest

You people just aren't very hungry. For the second year in a row, my loyal blog readers were unable to predict the Packers end of season record. I have to admit, I missed the mark as well. I had them finishing at 9-7. The last Monday night loss against the Bears sealed the fate for my hungry blog readers as no one was right. And after a win against the Lions, the Packers finished 6-10.To refresh your memory here were the picks:

M.K.A. 12 - 4

Eric 12 -4

Pocahontas 11 - 5

Tom Brady 11 - 5

Coonen 11 - 5

Tree 10 - 6

Joe 10 - 6

Bubs 9 - 7

Liquid 8 - 8

Kmart 8 - 8

The General 7 - 9

Jody 7 - 9
Borky 0 -16

MKA WHEN IS THE DAY?