by Jason Meinen | Jul 30, 2015 | Beer, Food, Rant, Rave, Sports
Nothing like a little matinee baseball to make the week go by faster (or to at least give me something to do). And as luck would have it, the Milwaukee Brewers just happened to be visiting San Francisco for their lone trip to AT&T Park this season (talk about great timing). With temperatures projected to reach triple digits in Pleasanton, yesterday seemed like a great day to venture into The City and see some afternoon baseball…even though I would have to do this solo, as Clara would have to work (hey, it still is the SOH 13).
I arrived to the stadium well before the opening pitch. So early, that the gates weren’t even open yet. So I wandered around the outside of the stadium taking in all of the monuments and plaques (interesting all the Barry Bonds love, I guess cheaters can prosper), tried to imagine what it would be like to win three World Series titles in the last five years as the Giants have (could Milwaukee or our livers survive even one World Series title), and took many (many) pictures for groups of fans (not sure why they would ask the guy in the Brewers shirt to take their picture, but I did…even if some of them barely spoke English).
Once inside, I was hoping to catch some batting practice…no such luck. With it being a day game, the players were forced to take BP in the cages under the stadium. So instead of watching the players hit, I was stuck watching the Brewers pitching staff go through their warm-ups. While definitely not as exciting as BP, watching MLB players warm-up by playing catch (just like we did as kids growing up) still is cool to watch. All I could think of at that point, was how lucky these guys are to play baseball for a living. It just can’t feel like a job…can it? No way.
Matt Garza and Kyle Lohse (bomb) playing a little pitch and catch.
So as any veteran sports fan would do when you see your team is down by a number that looks insurmountable (and you are in enemy territory to boot)…I headed to the bar. And why wouldn’t I, 21st Amendment is right up the street. It also was happy hour.
So what did I learn yesterday…I can watch the Brewers lose anywhere this year (I’ve now seen it in person at home and on the road…probably the last game I’ll see all year too), Miller Park is still way better than AT&T Park (this was my second experience at AT&T, and while I like it…I’m just not a fan of their standing room only policies, really high beer prices, and no secret stadium sauce), and I will never, ever be a Giants fan (the Brewers are probably gonna be bad for some time, but they are still my Brewers). One last add, I need to remember to pack some sunscreen next time…burnt forehead, not good!
by Jason Meinen | Jul 28, 2015 | Beer, Food, Rave, Sports
Today marks the official kick-off to the NFL season for me. Today is the Green Bay Packers Shareholders Meeting. While I am disappointed that I will not be able to attend the meeting in person (you have no idea how much it pains me to miss this event)…you better believe that I will be streaming the meeting on my computer. Mike and Ryan, you guys better be doing the same, since you have decided not to make the trek to Green Bay (sorry I had to break up our streak…I really could have gone for a steak sandwich at the Courthouse Pub along with the multiple refreshment stops along the way). So start airing your grievances and let the season begin! Super Bowl L here we come (conveniently located in Santa Clara, California…it’s got to be fate)! GO PACK GO!!!
More…check out the sweet new throwback uniforms leaked last night. They look awesome!
by Jason Meinen | Jul 26, 2015 | Music, Other, Rant, Rave, Sports
If you’ve seen the show Weeds on Showtime, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. The “little boxes” phenomenon is very prevalent in the Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore areas. It is very strange and frankly, just doesn’t look right. So with that to comprehend and a limited amount of rental housing (we just couldn’t do an apartment complex and can’t quite afford a home out here yet), our exhaustive search appears to finally be over. We received a phone call this evening confirming our selection…yes, it is that competitive in terms of home rentals out here (there are few options and the good ones are scooped up right away). So for the next year, we are happy to say that we will be calling Livermore, California our home. (Ironically, today’s Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, Randy Johnson – the Big Unit, graduated from Livermore High School…a did you know tidbit). We’ll iron out the full details tomorrow and hopefully be moving into our place rather soon. Our temporary housing has been acceptable, but we really miss our household items…especially our comfortable bed. So hopefully next weekend at this time we’ll be all moved into our own “little box.”
by Jason Meinen | Jul 25, 2015 | Music, Rave
Happy Anniversary to my beautiful wife! I can’t believe it’s already been 6 years…and now, here we are, living in California. It’s been an amazing journey, and likely to be even more adventurous in our new place we call home. Now, let’s go hit San Francisco (The City) and celebrate.
Love you!
Here’s a little Bob Matthews for you as well…as it is “Dave Day” back in Wisconsin.
by Jason Meinen | Jul 21, 2015 | Other, Rave, Sports
Well, that didn’t take long. Apparently there was an earthquake while we were sound asleep last night. I have to admit, I never felt a thing. I guess you could say that is a good thing…Fremont is located less than 20 minutes from where we are staying (and many people in our immediate area felt the quake). Ari may have felt the tremors…I did have to shoo him away from the blinds at one point during the night, but I never bothered to check the time (or he could have just been hungry and wanted to be fed). Nonetheless, I’m sure there will be more opportunities to ride the waves, but hopefully nothing like this (skip to 4:35 mark). A moment I remember watching live…I was in the 6th grade and was absolutely in love with baseball…especially the Oakland A’s. So, stay tuned for more…aftershocks, I’m sure.
by Jason Meinen | Jul 20, 2015 | Beer, Rant, Rave, Sports
Well, we survived our first weekend in California. After sleeping in on Saturday (kind of), we ran some errands so that our temporary home (apartment actually) has all the amenities that we need to survive over the next couple of weeks. The Pleasanton Farmers’ Market, Target, Costco, Walmart, Safeway…all we missed was Home Depot and Bed Bath & Beyond and we would have had a nice little Saturday…just ran out of time I guess.
We also spent some time driving around looking for an apartment this weekend…as our searching has been done exclusively on the Interweb since our visit in early June. This has become a very daunting task. Pictures online never paint the true picture of what these places actually look like. Everything is small and expensive…and in a lot of cases, not very impressive. We aren’t sold on the apartment complex idea either and would rather find a home that we can rent, but getting in touch with people has become quite the process as well. Hopefully in the next week (fingers crossed) we will find something. While our temporary housing (apartment) is fine, it is temporary and it just doesn’t feel like home, and besides…Ari misses all of our furniture!
On Sunday afternoon, after some more house rental hunting, we decided to have a little fun and did a wine tasting at Wente. The wine was great and the complex was really nice. And because Altamont Beer Works was super close by, we had to make a stop there…I really dig this place and their brew. And it just wouldn’t be California if we didn’t hit In-N-Out Burger, so we closed out our Sunday there. All in all, a nice start to our California adventure.
Tidbits…I was able to stream the Brett Favre Packers Hall of Fame ceremony on Saturday night (thank God for technology). It was really good stuff, and I could have listened to Holmgren, Winters, and Favre tell stories all night. In the end, this is what life is truly all about…not the wins and losses (remind me of that during the season). And I would be remiss, if I didn’t mention how much I miss Jim Irwin and Max McGee calling games…I absolutely loved their calls during the highlights portion of the program. It brought back so many great memories. Also, in case you haven’t noticed, the Brewers are undefeated since we left Wisconsin. I’m taking all the credit for this, but I have to ask…when are the trades going to start happening? Seriously! Lastly, I’m addicted to the show Ballers on HBO…I’m not sure if it is even that good of a show, but I can’t stop watching. I love Ricky Jerret! It has become my new summer addiction show.
And now, time to settle in for the conclusion of The Open Championship. Spiethslam?
by Jason Meinen | Jul 18, 2015 | Music, Other, Rave
We’re all here…safe and sound! We arrived late last night…after what seemed like the longest flight from MKE to SFO, the longest car rental line ever, having to navigate construction on the ride from the airport to our temporary housing in Pleasanton, AND the fun of trying to find said housing at almost 1am. It was quite eventful! But through it all, Ari was purrfect (sorry)! He never said one peep. He was such a trooper and we’re very proud of him. All told, he spent about 10 hours in his carrier. Now we are all trying to adjust to our new surroundings and catch up on sleep.
More details to come later.
by Jason Meinen | Jul 17, 2015 | Beer, Food, Other, Rave
No, it’s REALLY happening! The cars got loaded up today and we shall see them again on July 30th…that’s right, TWO weeks from today we will get them out in California. I don’t want to know what happens with our vehicles between now and then, but just get them to California in one piece please!
The house got packed up today as well (tomorrow everything gets loaded up in a truck). Three gentlemen (in between several smoke breaks) completed this task in around six hours…they really had things down to a system. I had no idea that our stuff would fit into so many boxes. I’m just glad I didn’t have to do all of that packing, but I was informed that I will have to do all the unpacking…which I’m already dreading. Meanwhile, our cat Ari is loving his new jungle gym…jumping around from box to box. Speaking of Ari, tomorrow is his big day…as he will be flying with us on the airplane. Doesn’t this look like the most comfortable seat…for 6-8 hours!
We are hoping Ari will be a trooper and will have no problems getting to the airport, getting checked in at the airport, flying 4 hours from MKE to SFO, the craziness of baggage claim, the fun of getting our rental car, and finally driving to our temporary housing…this is GUARANTEED to be QUITE the interesting experience.
And now, here I am…sitting on my couch, staring at my 52-inch high definition television that is in it’s box.
All I can do is ponder the last couple of days/weeks…it is has been quite the whirlwind. Thank you everyone for all the kind words, thoughts, and positive vibes. We appreciate all of your friendships and you will all be missed. Special thanks to my mom and sister for going out with Clara and I one final time this evening. It was great and we will certainly miss you guys the most.
And with that…I am going to enjoy one final beer (or two) at 245 Pine Street. Cheers all!
Update: The moving semi has arrived and the loading has begun.
by Jason Meinen | Jul 14, 2015 | Beer, Food, Music, Rave, Sports
It was a good day (cue Ice Cube)! Yesterday I had the opportunity to have one final breakfast with the Assholes + Carla (the Assholes know who they are). This group of misfits (myself included) have a very special bond and I am going to miss working and hanging out with each of them. I can only hope that in my next job, I will be lucky enough to have colleagues just like them. I’m going to miss the Seinfeld-type banter that this group has, but I’m sure I’ll keep in touch as our group text messages are a LOGICAL sounding board when you need an escape from reality.
After breakfast I was lucky enough to get in one final round of golfing with my dad. I’m going to miss being able to get a round of golf in with my dad (plus Ken sometimes) during the summer months. It was the perfect day yesterday, the weather cooperated, the slower group let us play through, and I had the ball rolling for a bit on the front nine. So while we won’t be able to golf together as much, I’ll definitely cherish the rounds we had together, and maybe I could even be convinced to do a fishing trip to Canada in the future…we shall see. Either way, it may be time for my dad to invest in a golf travel bag (or borrow Uncle Jim’s) so that we can play some rounds in California…during the winter months. FORE!
To conclude the day, Clara and I had dinner with J Hawley. It was nice to catch up and talk Badgers and Packers. John and I have known each other for almost 20 years, as we met after…I allowed occupants in my vehicle to fire missiles at another moving vehicle. During that time, John has seen me grow up (a little, I hope) and it’s nice to continue our friendship even when our lives become busy and we sometimes drift apart. Hopefully we can get together sooner rather than later in California…or at the nearest Badgers or Packers event.
I got to say, today (yesterday…sorry, I watched the Home Run Derby last night) was a good day!
More: Thanks for the Reese’s Carla…they are going fast and probably won’t make it to California.
by Jason Meinen | Jul 13, 2015 | Beer, Food, Music, Rave
And what a weekend it was! From golfing Friday afternoon to steaks at Five O’Clock Steakhouse to bar dice at the Country Club to fist pumping/shoulder shrugging at Joe-Cat’s…it was awesome and everything I could have asked for in my last stand…MKE style. Thanks fellas!
Saturday was just as perfect as we got the opportunity to throw one last bash at our house. Thanks to all of our family and friends that attended…it means so much to us, and we are so thankful that we have each and every one of you in our lives. Please stay in touch and please make sure you come and visit us in California.
It is all starting to get real now, as these are our final days in Wisconsin (our flight leaves Friday evening). The emotions are starting to get real too as we say our goodbyes. It’s gonna be a tough week ahead, but thanks again for sending us off in style for our final weekend in Wisconsin…until September.
by Jason Meinen | Jul 10, 2015 | Rave, Sports
How many of you have played pickleball in PE class in high school? I’m sure many of you have. It’s a great indoor activity to do during the doldrums of winter (trust me)…and it’s fun! Well, pickleball is becoming increasingly more popular across the United States with leagues popping up in many different cities. Look at all the different places you can play pickleball in just Wisconsin.
Yesterday my friend Rau and I participated in our 2nd annual pickleball match-up (hopefully not last) at Zeunert Park in Cedarburg. While Rau may have won the battle yesterday, there were no winners this morning. The first text I received this morning was from Rau…”pickleball pain.” I sent back…”yep, it’s real.” Being 37, and using muscles that you don’t use on a normal basis, can make for quite the experience the next day…I’m sure I’ll feel it on the golf course this afternoon.
So go out and give pickleball a try. It’s easy to learn how to play, and if you don’t have equipment, go to pickleball.com or usapa.org and purchase a Diller or two for yourself. You won’t regret it, you’ll love it!
by Jason Meinen | Jul 9, 2015 | Rave, Sports
I have always enjoyed cutting the grass. As a kid growing up, I mowed my parents’ lawn and other lawns throughout the neighborhood. I didn’t consider it a chore, I just loved doing it. In high school, I worked on the River Course at Blackwolf Run in Kohler and cut some of the best grass I had ever seen. It was then, that I learned about straight lines and patterns…I was hooked and became even more fascinated. In college, I spent hours on a mower each day making sure the parks in the Village of Cedar Grove were “beautified.” And when we bought our first home almost seven years ago, I did my best to make sure our lawn was one of the best in the neighborhood (it was).
Two summers ago, my wife and I had the opportunity to do the Wimbledon tour…it was amazing! So when I see articles and videos like this about the Wimbledon grass, I just can’t stop watching. It is so cool! I’m going to miss cutting grass when we move to California, but maybe this is a career option that I need to explore…I simply love grass!
Centre Court just two weeks after the 2013 Wimbledon Men’s Championship…the grass is already re-growing!
by Jason Meinen | Jul 6, 2015 | Food, Rave, Sports
The Milwaukee Brewers are the hottest team in baseball! Yes, your Milwaukee Brewers have won 8 straight games overall (also won 9 of last 11 games) and just finished up a 7-0 road trip sweep with 99 total hits. That 7-0 road trip was just the 2nd in franchise history (the other was in 2008). During the 7-0 road swing, the Brewers had hit totals of 16, 10, 17, 16, 16, 11, and 13…and raised their team batting average from .238 to .250!
While Ryan Braun has been quoted as saying the Brewers are still fighting for the 2nd Wild Card spot (Milwaukee is currently 10 games back), it is time to start making some trades…and soon, while the kettle is red hot. The Brewers need to do all that they can to replenish their farm system that was ravaged by playoff runs in 2008 and 2011. We all knew the 2015 Brewers team were not as bad as their record indicated, but it is probably too little, too late for Milwaukee to salvage anything out of this season. So, here’s hoping the Crew wins 4 more games and we can all get some free burgers at George Webb, and then start trading assets to become a contender in the near rather than distant future.
Speaking of contenders, how did Japan make the women’s World Cup final? In just 16 minutes of play, the game was already over, as Carli Lloyd had scored a hat trick and the US staked a 4-0 lead. It was a stunning turn of events in a game featuring the world’s top two teams, but it was great to see the US get back on top after a 16 year drought. USA! USA! USA!
by Jason Meinen | Jul 5, 2015 | Rave, Sports
Where were you on July 10, 1999? Believe it or not, I was at Sportsman’s Bar in Cedar Grove that day watching the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup between the United States and China. Home from school for the summer, and looking for a place to drink and take in some soccer, Sporty’s was the place to be. I don’t really remember that much about the game, but I will never forget the penalty kicks or the moment that Brandi Chastain clinched it for the US…a visual that was probably well ahead of its time. So, here’s hoping the US pulls it off today and maybe, just maybe, Alex Morgan will have her own Chastain moment. Go USA and Go #13!
by Jason Meinen | Jul 4, 2015 | Food, Rant, Rave, Sports
Happy 4th of July! Enjoy your day and try to eat as many hot dogs as THIS GUY. Seriously, I dare you to eat just 6 dogs, or 8, or 10…I’m sure you won’t regret it. And if you accomplish this feat, let me know how things are tomorrow…I’m sure you’ll have your own fireworks to contend with. ‘Merica…gotta love it (f*ck yeah)!
Update: Okay, this is really disgusting, Joey Chestnut!
by Jason Meinen | Jul 3, 2015 | Rave, Sports
Happy 50th Birthday Greg Vaughn!!!
Vaughn, who the Brewers selected fourth overall in the 1986 draft, finished his Brewer career with a .246/.333/.459 batting line, 169 home runs, and 566 RBIs in 903 games over eight seasons. He was one of the very few bright spots for the Brewers during the early 90’s.
In 1996, the Brewers dealt Vaughn to the Padres for pitchers Bryce Florie and Ron Villone and outfielder Marc Newfield. Yeah, that deal didn’t pan out of course.
Cheers to Vaughny on turning 50…I officially feel old.
by Jason Meinen | Jun 30, 2015 | Other, Rave
The hardest letter I have ever written. Thank you Kewaskum for the last 13 years. It has been an enjoyable ride and I will miss each and every one of you. Best of luck and Go Indians!
“Goodbyes are not forever.
Goodbyes are not the end.
They simply mean I’ll miss you
Until we meet again!”
Mr. Meinen
