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Bart…

Bart…

Houston…HELLO! Well, do we have a quarterback controversy in Madtown brewing? Bart Houston, who filled in for a concussed Joel Stave, led the Badgers to a 24-13 victory over Illinois yesterday by completing 22 of 33 passes for 232 yards and 2 touchdowns…but did throw 2 Staves (I mean, interceptions) in the redzone.

Houston, a Dublin, CA native (hey, that’s my neck of the woods)…came into yesterday’s game having only completed 2 of 4 passes for 14 yards and a touchdown for his career! But thanks to Gary Andersen (by the way, how are things working out at Oregon State), Houston did punt in four games for the Badgers last season…his punts ranged from 19 (yes, 19) to 52 yards. Thankfully the Houston punting experiment came to an end as soon as Andersen bolted to Corvallis…good riddance!

I’m sure Stave will need to go through the concussion protocol this week…but maybe, just maybe, we’ll get to see Houston for one more week (who knows, Houston could be the starter next season…especially with D.J. Gillins now on offense and special teams). I’m not saying Houston is the answer, but what if he lights things up against Rutgers (I know, Rutgers) next week…things could be pretty, pretty, pretty interesting in Madison.

In the end, I’m sure it really doesn’t matter…losing to Iowa really hurt Wisconsin’s chances of making the Big Ten Championship game. The Badgers did become bowl eligible (for the 14th straight season) yesterday…it will be interesting to see which bowl they end up in because the Badgers have ZERO good wins and their schedule is incredibly SOFT! But hey, a bowl is a bowl…I’m sure the Arkansas and Oregon State fanbases would love to have such a streak.

#StartBart

J.J. WATT…

J.J. WATT…

Say it with me, in your best Mike Mahnke voice…J.J. WATT!!! It rolls off the tongue SO nicely…very similar to RON DAYNE!!! (skip to the 1:40 mark). In case you missed it last night, ESPN ran the E:60 piece Never Given about J.J. Watt. E:60 has turned into one of my all-time favorite sports shows. For me, it has moved ahead of Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel in terms of investigative sports journalism…mainly because E:60 doesn’t constantly recycle old stories. E:60 is the only show on the World Wide Leader that is worth watching…I repeat, the only show that is worth watching (Pardon the Interruption jumped the shark years ago…mainly because Tony Kornheiser started phoning it in). If you are not watching live sports on the four-letter network than you may as well turn it off…because everything else is strictly…FLUFF!

Back to…(Mahnke voice) J.J. WATT…last night’s E:60 piece was very well done. J.J. Watt is the epitome of Wisconsin, and while most Wisconsinites (some better than others) know Watt’s story, the rest of the nation is still learning…hopefully last night’s piece (along with last summer’s Hard Knocks series) gets them up to speed. One can only hope that Watt is able to cap his career by reaching the game’s biggest stage…the Super Bowl. While that doesn’t appear likely in Houston (not with Brian or Ryan Stave at quarterback)…maybe (just maybe) Watt could finish out his career wearing the the Green and Gold…and follow in the footsteps of his childhood idol…Reggie White (and win the Super Bowl). Now that would be quite the story…and I’m sure E:60 and Real Sports would be all over that…and maybe even Hollywood.

As Watt tweeted out last night…”It will never stop being crazy to me. From where we came to where we are.” I’m sure playing in Green Bay would be mind blowing!

These guys are good…

These guys are good…

If you saw the commercials put together by the PGA Tour a couple of years back, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. Yesterday, Clara and I went to the Fry’s.com Open at Silverado CC (North Course) in Napa to be reminded (again) just how good these guys are. Let’s just say…they didn’t disappoint.

I can’t tell you how much I enjoy watching live golf…especially when it is at a smaller venue with way less people. I’ve often said, I’d rather watch golf at (the former) U.S. Bank Championship at Brown Deer Park versus the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy watching a Major Championship in person, but there is something to be said about the intimacy at the smaller tournaments that you don’t often get at a Major venue (unless you’re the shotgun microphone guy…more on that later). Also, having played the North Course a few times (it pays to have connections), I know my way around just enough to avoid the crowds and see some of the best shot making on the course.

Today, is the final round of the Jackass Open at Whistling Straits (Irish Course) with my friends back home. Obviously, I won’t be able to make it (as tee times are in less than an hour), but it was nice to golf with (okay, watch) one of the best players on the planet yesterday…Rory McIlroy. It kind of made up for missing the JAO…just a bit. While McIlroy wasn’t on top of his game yesterday, it was very cool to see the world’s former #1 (depends on the week these days) play…up close and personal. We almost saw a hole-in-one too…by his playing partner, Adam Hadwin…he almost had one¡ Somehow, that shot didn’t make the third round highlights package or this one…nice work PGA (I guess you’ll just have to take my word for it).

The best part of the day, was the hook-up we got from our friend Erin…18th hole skybox passes! With these passes, we had all the food and drink you could imagine…for free! Oh, and great views of the 18th green, of course.

Rory and his caddie on 18 from the skybox.

Rory and his caddie on 18 from the skybox.

Rory striking his pose of the day on 18.

Rory striking his pose of the day on 18.

Rory eyeing up another missed putt.

Rory eyeing up another missed putt.

Rory on 11 waiting to tee off.

Rory on 11 waiting to tee off.

It truly was a great day of golf! I can’t wait to go check out Pebble Beach in February for the AT&T Pro-Am (talk about a checklist item). Now, can someone please tell me how I can get this job…

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Sorry, not the greatest picture.

It seriously looks like the best job on the course. If you know, please drop me a line. Thanks!

FORE!!!

Missing education…

Missing education…

After 13+ plus years of teaching, I came across two situations today that I never learned about back at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. One would think, having spent SIX YEARS of my life at UW-0, I would have learned everything there is to know about teaching. Well, think again…

Situation #1

Politically…things are not going so well in the district that I am currently teaching in. The teachers union (yes, California still has teachers unions) has just declared an impasse. From what I’ve read…bargaining began in earnest last March. Since May, the district has made NO improvements on issues such as salaries, benefits, or class sizes. So today, before school, we had an informational picket just off the school grounds. Next Tuesday, there will be a community rally to show support for the teachers when the school board meets (some kind of fireworks are expected). Hopefully, some progress will be made in the near future because the word STRIKE (yikes!) has been thrown around rather loosely. This type of situation was never discussed while I sat in classes in Clow, Halsey, or Nursing/Education.

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My picket sign I held in support of my fellow teachers. Festive…or a little CG?

Situation #2

Today was the Great California ShakeOut. Yes, we had earthquake drill practice. Drop! Cover! Hold On! More than 10 million Californians (is that a word?) participated…event organizers said it was the largest earthquake drill ever this morning (can I put this on my resume?). The Great California ShakeOut was held at 10:15 AM, as people throughout the state participated in simultaneous earthquake drills…practicing safety and learning ways to prepare in the event of a major earthquake. Thankfully, my class already meets outside (as Mike McCarthy would say…pawsitive) so we didn’t have much to do. While I have yet to feel an actual earthquake here in California…I don’t need my first to be like this. Again, Oshkosh, did you expect all of us to teach in just Wisconsin?

Just like Florence + The Machine...Shake It Out¡

Just like Florence + The Machine…Shake It Out¡

It’s a good thing I have off tomorrow, because after today’s unique events, I’m gonna need the extra day to recover. And Oshkosh, I want some of my money back…NO ONE mentioned strikes or earthquakes during those six glorious years…but if you’re looking for a guest speaker, I think I could help you out (for the right price, of course).

U-W-O! U-W-O! U-W-O! (hey, it’s Homecoming week).

Guys Weekend 12…

Guys Weekend 12…

Was a major SUCCESS (dare I say it was the best ever, but then again…I’m biased)! Thank you to all my friends and family for helping me pull off the greatest Wisconsin football weekend (plus golf!). This was the first time in my life that I was able to attend a Badgers and Packers game on the same weekend (the Monday night game really helped with this…Sunday would have been tough AND rough). It just won’t be the same watching the Badgers and Packers from afar for the rest of the football season…so I’ll just keep that February 7th date open here in California for all you Packer fans (book now!).

Here’s a quick recap of the Badgers and Packers games and festivities.

Saturday…We golfed at Ironwood thanks to Greg’s connections…I shot your everyday 50 on the front nine and 39 (best ever) on the back nine (by the way Greg, I’m not sure we did all SIX shots for your birdies that day). Drove to Madison for lunch/dinner (linner?) at Blue Moon. Pregame CaptainS at Bucks(inghams)…no lip gloss (I’m disappointed)! Regent Street Liquor (hopefully someday Camp Randall will sell beer and this stop won’t be necessary). Jump Around! Badgers win 28-0 (thanks again for the seats Mike)! Postgame celebrations at Mondays (really?) and Whiskey Jacks. And who could forget, Greg’s $98 Uber to McDonalds (why did La Bambas have to be closed).

Monday…Tailgated on Potts Avenue (otherwise known as Puddy Pass…I mean McCarthy Way) in the rain (Brian Gotter really blew that forecast…and twice he tried to crash our weekend). Outdoor club seats on the 50-yard line (thanks again Greg). Halftime on the rooftop. Unfortunately, we couldn’t celebrate the Packers win (38-28) due to work and flights the next day…but Ryan did crack the code (no more waiting in traffic after Packer games…we’ve found the secret route).

Go Pack Go!

Go Pack Go!

Best seat in the house

Best seat in the house

Again, just a tremendous weekend…I got to see family and friends and I was able enjoy all the things I miss most about Wisconsin. Thank you all for making this happen and we’ll see everyone again in 2016…unless any of you are planning any trips out West (come on, you know you want to).

Okay California, the ball is now in your court. What do you got?

 

S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y…

S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y…

NIGHT! Camp Randall. Guys Weekend 12. The first night game since Utah State in 2012 (#unbielemable). I wish there was more on the line (really, Hawaii?)…like this memorable game versus #1 Ohio State in 2010…possibly the earliest we have ever been into a Badger game (we just knew Ohio State was going down that night). Either way, I can’t wait to see the Badgers under the lights, a little Jump Around, and then a whole lot of State Street. Throw in the Packers game (thanks Greg) on Monday night and it is a gonna be the most epic Wisconsin sports weekend. I can’t wait to take it all in! I’ve got goosebumps.

On Wisconsin!

Go Pack Go!

Pwned…

Pwned…

Over the last couple of days, I have taken a great liking to the following burns…let’s just say, some of the people involved…truly had it coming (you’ve been pwned)!

1. Texas Tech’s Kliff Kingsbury telling Bret Bielema what he really thought about the Arkansas Razorbacks football program. The truth hurts…but of course, “Big Game Bret,” wouldn’t let it go the next day…when Kingsbury had CLEARLY moved on from his previous days’ comments. I (along with every Wisconsin football fan) CAN’T WAIT for the day that Bielema is canned at Arkansas…and it is likely to be (very) soon. #unbielemable (I wish I still had those stickers).

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Uncanny resemblance

 

2. Aaron Rodgers crediting God for Sunday night’s victory over the Seattle Seahawks. What’s that Russell Wilson…do you still believe that God cares about who wins football games?! To refresh everyone’s memory, here is my real take on Russell Wilson. #phony

3. Thank you Deadspin, for truly summing up Scott Walker…I don’t like to EVER talk politics (especially in this blog), but this was too good to pass up. I’ll let you read the excerpt because I couldn’t have said it any better myself. #dropout

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Now fix that bald spot!

 

4. I am not an Oakland Raiders fan by any means (as a matter of fact, I like them even less – if that’s possible – since our move to California), but this response to Super Bowl L (ahem, 50)…is just too perfect. #thisleague

Does anyone else hear the Bloodhound Gang playing in the background…or as George Costanza would say, flame on! (skip to 3:11 mark) #priceless

 

Traffic…

Traffic…

It should be a four-letter word in the state of California (or maybe it is). On some days, I feel like Michael Douglas in the movie Falling Down. I just don’t get it…there are FOUR to FIVE lanes on most freeways (in each direction), and yet people still can’t seem to drive. I’ve also noticed there are very few posted speed limit signs (probably because in most instances…no one can actually drive the speed limit). And don’t even get me started on motorcycles…why are they allowed to drive in between the lanes of traffic?! Yeah, that seems totally safe¡ At least they are required to wear helmets¡

My commute to school (work) is 27 miles one way (it SHOULD take less than 40 minutes to get there). However, on a good day, it takes me 45-50 minutes to get to school. On a bad day (most days), it takes one hour to one hour and twenty minutes plus. And in most instances, I have never even encountered an actual accident. It is absolutely crazy…the starting, the stopping, the slowing down, the starting, the stopping…I just don’t get it. Why can’t people drive in the state of California?!

Thankfully I can listen to almost the entire Green & Gold Today on 540 ESPN (to get my Packer fix) on the way to school and on the way home, I can listen to the Brewers (when they are on the East coast) or Homer & Gabe or my favorite, Sports Central (always good hearing your voice Greg). It is nice to stream Wisconsin sports radio (thank you technology!)…but it doesn’t make the commute that much easier or relaxing. I’ve dealt with commutes in the past…having lived in Wauwatosa and having to drive to Kewaskum. I actually didn’t mind that commute…because I could actually DRIVE without the unnecessary starting and stopping (unless it was winter…even then it wasn’t California bad). A commute can actually be a very good time to decompress…that is why I envy my wife, who gets to take a shuttle to work, and people that can take BART to their place of employment.

They say patience is a virtue…and they also say that time is of the essence (well, you can’t have it both ways!). So which way is it California? Please make up your mind.

More…I just got my Packers season ticket waiting list priority number today. I moved up to 75,432 from 76,171…I should have those Packers season tickets very soon¡ Go Pack Go!

When you say Wisconsin…

When you say Wisconsin…

You’ve said it all! I couldn’t agree with that statement more. Having now lived in California for the last couple of months, you realize what a truly special place Wisconsin really is (especially on a perfect Fall weekend). Clara and I just got back to California today from an extended weekend trip to Wisconsin…and all I can say – is that it was perfect. It was SO nice to see family and friends after having been away for what seems like WAY more than two months. Luckily for me, I’ll be back in Wisconsin in less than two weeks for Guy’s Weekend 12…and as Bart Scott would say…CAN’T WAIT! Again, it was nice seeing everyone (even if it was only brief)…and a special congratulations to Aaron and Danielle on a fabulous wedding celebration! I hope you two newlyweds enjoy your honeymoon in Napa and San Francisco and we’ll see you again on Saturday (glad we could escort you on the flight out West). So, here’s hoping this week goes by as fast as this past weekend did, but something tells me it probably won’t. Back to glorified recess tomorrow¡

Oh…and the Bears still SUCK!

The Valley…

The Valley…

Johnny Drama’s policy on going to The Valley (much less living there) is spot on! We live in the Tri Valley area and here is what we are currently experiencing temperature-wise (it’s September 9th, right?).

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This is day two of this triple-digit heat (oh, but it’s a dry heat¡). Imagine having to teach PE outdoors (there are no gyms) in this stuff…thankfully it’s only in the low to mid 90’s in San Lorenzo (I really couldn’t tell the difference as I was being cooked on the already fried grass/dirt/quack grass at school)¡ Some districts are actually sending students home early because most schools in California have no air conditioning (really?!). Not having AC in California makes as much sense as not having a furnace in Wisconsin.

Thankfully, we are heading back to the great state of Wisconsin this weekend for my friend Aaron’s wedding. I am definitely looking forward to the Fall-like temperatures. See you soon Wisconsin (I can’t wait to start hydrating)!

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Teacher shortage…

Teacher shortage…

There is a shortage of teachers in California (multiple people sent me that acticle when it came out…and I saw many other articles just like it)…I can’t say I’m the least bit surprised after going through the credentialing process myself. Let me walk you through my (horrifying) experience…

On August 11th, I went to the Alameda County Office of Education to apply for my California teaching credential (I figured I may as well…I was not having any luck finding a job in sports (do they even exist?) and I had finally reached my level of summer boredom). I plunked down $100 for a “preliminary” (I was missing certain paperwork…still not sure what) single subject credential in PE & Health (the Office even questioned me about not having my original PRAXIS scores from 1999!) and another $74 to get fingerprinted (so that I could, at the very least, substitute teach). With all of that complete, I decided to use my application “receipt” (who knows when I’ll get my actual credential as they are currently processing applications received BEFORE 6/29/15!) to apply to a few school districts on EDJOIN…mostly just to see if I would even get a response back from anyone.

Lucky me…I received an email about an interview for a full-time elementary PE position on August 13th (I thought…wow, that was quick…I figured they must really be desperate to find someone, as the school year was quickly approaching). On August 17th, I went in for an interview at the San Lorenzo Unified School District district office. The interview went well, but I found it strange that the interview wasn’t with a principal or with any other PE staff members (the director of elementary education conducted it). The next day (August 18th), I received a call back that all my references checked out (thanks Piitt…not sure they even called anyone else) and I was offered the job. I accepted the position (too soon maybe…another school district called me about a middle school position later) and I went in on August 20th to sign my contract and fill out a ton of paperwork (they actually left me with the paperwork and I spent the ENTIRE afternoon filling it out at home…it was nauseating). The next day (August 21st), I went back to the Alameda County Office of Education to get fingerprinted (a 2nd time remind you) because each district requires their OWN fingerprints (don’t ask me why, but can you say waste of time and energy…why not share fingerprints…probably TOO LOGICAL¡). After getting fingerprinted (where I had to show up at 8am to guarantee being fingerprinted…as they only take the first 14 walk-ins each day starting a 9am – I was fifth in line), I went back to the San Lorenzo district office to turn in my paperwork. At that time, I was told that I may not be able to start the school year in the classroom as it will take “some time” for the County to process all of my paperwork (it was taking most paperwork at least a week to get processed) and I needed a new TB test (just another hoop to jump through). Awesome¡

School started on August 25th (I was able to meet the staff and tour the building a bit on the 21st…even sat in on a staff meeting)…it was a half day at the elementary school that day. I was not able to be there on the 1st day of school due to the County “processing” my paperwork…and because of that, I could not be around students. August 26th was also a half day due to the district’s early release Wednesdays (or called shortened days in California)…I was forced to sit that day out as well due to the County. August 27th…nothing. August 28th…nothing (great, now I’ve missed the entire first week of classes). August 31st…still nothing!

On September 1st (after wishing all of my friends a happy 1st day of school in Wisconsin), I finally sent the district office an email kindly asking…why the F is this taking so long?! I received the standard response, the County processes the applications in the order that they receive them…we’ll let you know as soon as we hear something. Again, awesome¡ But, wouldn’t you know it…that afternoon, I finally received word that my paperwork had been processed and I could FINALLY start school the next day (one has to wonder if my email had anything to do with it).

So, as of last Wednesday, I have been teaching PE at Del Rey Elementary School (home of the Dragons¡) in the San Lorenzo Unified School District. Through only three days of classes, I can firmly say the experience has been “interesting.” I thought Wisconsin did things differently in terms of education, but California may just blow them out of the water. Like I said, it’s only been a week…but I’ve also seen a lot in my 13+ years of education to know how things work. I’ll leave you with what my friend Aaron said…well, maybe this is what education in Wisconsin will look like in 5-10 years. Stay tuned…he may be onto something. In the meantime, I’ll be busy taking credits to obtain my EL Authorization…if I want to teach in California beyond this school year (or maybe, I’ll be one and done).

Happy 1st day…

Happy 1st day…

Happy 1st Day of School to all of my friends back in Wisconsin (only 179 more days to go¡). Hopefully, you were able to accomplish everything you set out to do this summer and are recharged for another school year (remember…15th and 30th¡). I must admit, it sure feels strange not taking part in today’s opening day activities. This is my first missed opportunity since I was probably four years old…as I’ve always been able to take part in some fashion…whether as a student or as a teacher. Well, best of luck to everyone this year…the year will fly by…it always does (even though we say it doesn’t). As for myself…the Summer of Hand 13 (SOH13) officially becomes the Fall of Hand 1 (FOH1). Thanks California…you’ve really outdone yourself this time (more on this later). Time to hit the links (I guess)!

 

Reserved for Mr. Meinen…thanks for saving my old parking spot at KHS on the 1st day of school.

 

 

10 years…

10 years…

It’s hard to believe that Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans 10 years ago already. New Orleans is one of my all-time favorite cities (there is just so much to like…I don’t even know where to begin). I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the Big Easy pre and post Hurricane Katrina. Looking back at the images of Hurricane Katrina is just stunning. It is simply amazing the recovery that New Orleans has undergone (and still undergoing in certain areas). Walking around the Crescent City today and seeing the water marks on buildings is an image that just really sticks with me. However, this play here, in the Return to the Dome, is when I realized that New Orleans will be back…even better than ever. I’ll leave you with this message from Steve Gleason (the man who blocked the punt)…who says it the best. Who dat?!

More…cool story about the return of the Superdome.

Time flies…

Time flies…

When you’re having fun. We say it all the time. The adage held true again as Clara and I had our first visitors…my parents. While my parents stay was brief, we were able to accomplish a lot and hopefully they were able to see as much of our California life as possible. Here are some highlights…

On Saturday, after picking up my parents from the airport, we decided to head to the coast…Half Moon Bay. This excursion didn’t prove to be very successful. The drive to Half Moon Bay was extremely slow (and that’s putting it nicely)! Apparently, everyone likes to go to Half Moon Bay on the weekends. Once in Half Moon Bay, let’s just say the weather wasn’t great…overcast with temperatures in the high 60’s/low 70’s, my parents must have been wondering what was so special about this place. We did, however, find a nice place to eat lunch…the San Benito Ale House had a nice beer menu and the fish and chips were great.

Saturday evening we decided to hit up a nice restaurant (my mom wanted to dress up) in our neck of the woods…the Oasis Grille & Wine Lounge in Pleasanton. When I saw the statement…Mediterranean cuisine with a modern flair…I probably should not have ordered the filet mignon kabobs, but I did anyway. To put it nicely, the food was interesting. Thankfully, we brought some of our favorite wines with us and were able to wash away some of those interesting tastes.

On Sunday (after watching Jordy Nelson tear his ACL), we decided to drown our sorrows by checking out a few wineries. My dad felt right at home when we found 3 Steves Winery on our drive through Livermore. He took to the wine so much that he even purchased a hat to go with the wine (he also now knows how to wear that hat correctly). After 3 Steves, we hit up Wente Vineyards for a full glass of wine and enjoyed a pizza appetizer. Even after all the wine tasting, it didn’t help with the revelation that Jordy would be lost for the season (I guess I won’t be wearing my Nelson jersey around California this year).

Soon to be 4 Steves Winery?

Soon to be 4 Steves Winery?

Monday morning, with Clara at work, I took my parents to the San Francisco Premium Outlets and to In-N-Out Burger for lunch (their first In-N-Out experience). In the afternoon, my dad and I hit up Poppy Ridge Golf Course for 18 holes. We found Poppy Ridge on Sunday, almost by accident, when were driving around Livermore looking for wineries, but I’m glad we found it. Poppy Ridge is a very nice course and it is super close to our place. The course has three nines (Zinfandel, Merlot, and Chardonnay) with an amazing backdrop set in Wine Country…and many different elevation changes from hole to hole. Considering how dry it is in California, the course was in very good shape. And Monday evening, we had one final dinner together at Sauced BBQ & Spirits, that wrapped up my parents stay very nicely.

The time sure went fast (and it was very fun), and we look forward to my parents next visit…and the visit from some more Wisconsinites as soon as possible. So, get those flights booked…Clara and I promise to show you a good time!

If you need me…

If you need me…

I’m in my office…I wish I could actually say that, but I’ll be too busy jumping through hoops today (and likely Monday…and Tuesday).

Thankfully, my parents come to visit tomorrow (that should help take my mind off this nonsense for a bit). I’ll explain more about the nonsense at a later date (obviously it involves landing a job…and in California that means cutting through A LOT of red tape).

Also, good luck to the Kewaskum High School Football Team (like them on Facebook) as they open their varsity slate tonight at West Bend East (Rondorf, you’re in for a long night). Go Indians!

Well, enjoy your Friday…I likely won’t be!

Checked off…

Checked off…

In my quest to attend a baseball game at every Major League ballpark, I was able to check another park off the list today. I went to O.co Coliseum (it’s been called so many different names through the years) to take in some afternoon baseball between the Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Dodgers (some would say it was Dodger Stadium North with all the Dodger fans in attendance today). To say the least, O.co was a very interesting stadium…especially when you could still see the yard lines from last Friday night’s Oakland Raiders and St. Louis Rams football game…and the fact that almost the entire third deck is covered with tarp. There was nothing special at the ballpark in terms of food or beer either (except high priced premium beers), but overall it was a pretty decent experience (and an easy BART to the game). The ballpark has a very intimate feel as it only seats around 35,000 for baseball games (56,000 for football). There really wasn’t a bad seat in the house and I was able to sit in a lot of different areas without any hassling from the ushers (that will happen when your team has the worst record in the AL…even the ushers have given up). So as of today, I have been to the following Major League ballparks (only 20 to go¡):

National League: Miller Park (Milwaukee Brewers), Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs), Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati Reds), Busch Stadium (St. Louis Cardinals), Chase Field (Arizona Diamondbacks), Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers), AT&T Park (San Francisco Giants), and National Park (Washington Nationals).

American League: Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles) and O.co Coliseum (Oakland Athletics).

I’m not sure what my fascination is with Major League ballparks (or any athletic facility to be honest), but I just love checking out and experiencing games in different cities. From the looks of my list, I guess I have a little catching up to do in regards to American League ballparks, but that could make for a great road trip sometime in the near future.

Note: I also attended games in two former ballparks (Milwaukee County Stadium and Busch Memorial Stadium) before they were replaced.

It was Nuts…

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The Modesto Nuts!

Well, I survived my first trip to Modesto (The Death Star…yes, George Lucas is from there)…barely. Let’s just put it this way, if Clara had made us live in Modesto…I’d already be back living in Wisconsin (and I’m being dead serious). I’d compare Modesto to a Wisconsin city, but I don’t want to offend any cities there (just think of your least favorite city in Wisconsin and times that by 10, and you’ll have Modesto). When one of your most popular bars is in a strip mall…you know you have problems (major problems). Thankfully, the Modesto Nuts game was fun (very similiar to a Lakeshore Chinooks game, but with less people). It was also Barefoot Tasting Night at the game (very refreshing¡)…I guess that was probably why we got free tickets (plus almost half of the entire crowd were Gallo employees…we also could have gotten a free Nuts hat). We even spent the night in Modesto at the Best Western Palm Court Inn…nothing like staying in a motel (Pitbull wasn’t there). Today, I got the much anticipated E&J Gallo tour (nothing like getting a tour from a recent college graduate). It was nice, but nothing too amazing (the history and production were impressive though…more of that please). I guess you could say, been there done that (when you’ve been on as many brewery tours as I have…you become desensitized to it all). Well, I survived, and safe to say, I probably won’t be going be back to Modesto anytime soon…maybe a Nuts game (I guess).

More: Special shout-out to our little buddy, Ari. Five years ago today (time flies), we went to the Wisconsin Humane Society just to look for a cat…and lo and behold, we came home with Ari. It’s been a blast having Ari in our family the last five years…he has definitely changed our lives (Ari has no trouble waking us up super early every morning…he’s like a kid), and more impressively he made it to California no problem at all (where he is living the life in our fenced in yard). Ari, enjoy an extra scoop of food on us tonight…hopefully the food coma will help you sleep an extra hour or two.

Ari's (or Moo Moo's) adoption photo.

Ari’s (or Moo Moo’s) adoption photo.

Even more: Tomorrow we are making the trek to Russian River Brewing Company. There are no words that I can use to give this place the proper recognition it deserves. So, let’s just put it this way…it is going to be AWESOME! (I got the cooler all ready).

This is major…

This is major…

Yeah, you could have said that about Dustin Johnson on the 72nd hole of the 2010 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. Instead that is the theme (not this theme…that you’ll also hear plenty of this week) for the 2015 PGA Championship also held in Kohler/Sheboygan/Haven…check the by-lines, no one knows where Whistling Straits is actually located.

Nonetheless, it pains me to miss the Season’s Final Major…Glory’s Last Shot (I likely would have attended a round or two). I attended the 2004 and 2010 PGA Championships during practice and early rounds. The Straits Course is an amazing spectacle and the state of Wisconsin (Sheboygan County!) is lucky to host such a great event for the 3rd time (wait until the 2020 Ryder Cup). I have been lucky enough to play the Irish Course (thanks Jon) on the Fall leg of our annual Jackass Open Tournament (not sure if I’ll make it this year, Tim).

No. 1 (High Ground) on the Irish Course. Thankfully there was no Konica Minolta BizHub SwingVision camera around, as I missed the fairway to the right…badly.

So tomorrow (today) I’m looking forward to hunkering down and watching as much golf as possible (I finally have cable after many, (MANY) issues…f’ing Comcast) before I head to Modesto tomorrow night (my next blog post for sure). So, here are my picks for this week…Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, Bubba Watson, and Brooks Koepka (we’ll see if the Guys Weekend Invitational reads my blog…I’m posting early…no stealing my picks). I know I didn’t go out on a limb with these picks, but it would be epic to see Spieth, McIlroy, et al battle it out down the stretch like last year when McIlroy held off the likes of Mickelson, Fowler, and Stenson. As I tweeted at the conclusion of last year’s tournament…

No pressure.

No pressure, Herb!

If that can be topped…than this will have been major!

Note: I’d also settle for a DJ win (I don’t see that happening the way he’s been playing). Talk about major…redemption.

I want to ride my bicycle…

I want to ride my bicycle…

I want to ride my bike (now that song will be stuck in your head). Seriously, it is so nice to have my bike back…even though it is not in tip-top shape (thanks moving company). Exploring a new city is best done on a bike. You can see so many things that you wouldn’t normally be able to take in while driving in a car and there are always cool bike trails to check out. So as I get acquainted to the Livermore area and find the fastest route to Altamont Beer Works, it is nice to have a little piece of home back…my bicycle, bicycle, bicycle!

Speaking of back home, yesterday I had the opportunity to meet up with a former student/athlete of mine, Jake. Jake was one of my really good jumpers from back in the day (he was actually pretty good at everything…especially pole vault) and is currently doing work out in Redding, California. Jake attended UW-Oshkosh and competed in track & field while there (I think I may have helped recruit him there). It was nice to catch up with him and reminisce about the glory days at good ol’ UW-Zero…especially over beers at 21st Amendment (Jake’s pick). I guess we learned something at Oshkosh…how to drink beer and find good breweries. And yes, that is back-to-back Wednesday’s spent at 21st Amendment. I guess you have to become a regular somewhere…right?

Welcome home…(almost)

Welcome home…(almost)

Sorry I have been idle, but we’ve been rather busy over the last few days as we moved into our rental home on Saturday afternoon. The moving truck came and dropped off all of our stuff (most things came in one piece…except my bike and watch so far…) and we have literally been unpacking ever since (I found out again how much I really hate moving…word of advice, don’t do it).

Yesterday I spent the day setting up all the essential services in our names. California is absolutely ridiculous when it comes to this…everything required some sort of start-up fee (usually around $100). It was really annoying and a very drawn out process too…as I would have to call AND fill out forms online for most services! And of course, the cable guy can’t come until next Monday (between 7:30-8:30 AM of course)…so no cable or Internet at our place till then (it is going to be tortuous…kind of like No TV Week – now called Screen Free Week). I tried to set-up an antenna yesterday so that we could at least watch basic channels…no such luck (even with a Mohu Leaf…one of the best antennas on the market that worked to perfection back in Wisconsin). There is just no way to pull a signal when we are living in the valleys that we live in as I was only able to get 3 channels (and two were in Spanish). At least I have my phone…I guess. So don’t expect too many blog posts until next week…when we start to return to some sense of normalcy (I hope).

Without further ado…here are a few pictures of the outside of our place. I’ll have the inside pics once everything is un-boxed and organized to the way we like it.

Backyard

Backyard

Sideyard

Sideyard

Ari digs the fenced in yard.

Ari digs the fenced in yard.

Tidbits: Before we moved in on Saturday, we spent Friday in Berkeley. We hit up three breweries (Jupiter Brewhouse, Triple Rock Brewery & Alehouse, and Buffalo Bill’s Brewery)…all decent, but nothing real special and we walked around on the California Berkeley campus checking out Aaron Rodgers’ former stomping grounds (no key needed…just walk right in).

California Memorial Stadium

California Memorial Stadium

The house that Aaron Rodgers re-built...renovations were completed in 2012.

The house that Aaron Rodgers re-built…renovations were completed in 2012.