Craziness that was July

July has come and gone and a lot has happened in the past month. I've moved, had my mom visit, and had a mini relationship. After starting the month house-sitting for Ben & Ellen, I realized that I really wanted to move back into the City. Extra drama with my roommate helped speed up the process and I was moved in by the middle of the month. It was the best decision I have ever made.

Reily and I have settled into our little apartment back in the old neighborhood. Our routine consists of morning walks around the block and nightly walks around the park. Reily is eating regularly and I'm loving it! I have St. Joe nuns that live above me and I can't hear a thing, my last apartment I could hear everything, it's like my own house here.

My mom was up here the second week of July and we were busy. We saw Meet Me in St. Louis at the Muny, walked in the All Star Game 5K, countless outings to Ted Drews, dinners with family and friends and much help looking for the new apartment. We even celebrated my mom's birthday with a Cardinals game, saw 2 Pujols homeruns that night. Great to see a Cards win! Over all it was a great visit, if only my parents would just move up here!

Besides the move and visits, I've gone to a free concert at Missouri Botantical Gardens and Jammin' at the Zoo. Fun events that have live music, bring your own food and drinks and the Zoo had wine tasting. I even managed to catch a Cards game with Liz, Rasmus hit the game winning homer in the 10th! I'd say I've had a great July, minus all the drama!

I'm lovin' summer time in St. Louis...this is why I moved!

Movin’ on Up!

After months of drama  and wanting to finally be on my own I made my move.  I'm offically a City of St. Louis resident again!  After a couple weeks of searching for a new place to live I found a place a few blocks from where I grew up and it's the perfect location.  The drive to work is easier, closer to friends, going out and parks!  No more going an extra 20 minutes home after being out late.

Go Crazy Folks!

I finally made it to a Cardinals game!  My first game of the season was the Cardinals veruses the San Francisco Giants on July 1.  The Cards had lost last 4 games and desperately needed a win! 

Wainwright pitched a great game and overall the defense was stellar.  The Cards took an early lead.  The Giants tied the game in the 7th with a sacrafice fly ball.  The Birds had a chance to put some runs on the board with the bases loaded but Thurston could not capitalize.  Instead he hit a blooper a couple feet in front of the plate. 

The game went into extra innings.  A couple close calls with the Gaints in the top of the 10th.  with one out in the bottom of the 10th innning and rookie Colby Rasmus at the plate.  He worked the pitcher and really should of been out on a pop foul that the third baseman dropped.  But two pitches later, Rasmus took advatage and hit the ball to center field for a solo walk off  homerrun! 

It was the best way to see my first game of the season!

Crazy celebrity week

It seems like in the world of celebrities the week of June 22 started with the news of Ed McMahon dying.  Then came the news of Farrah Fawcett dying after a 2 1/2 year battle with cancer.  Although her death didn't really come as a surprise.  It seemed as if she was always making tabloid news with her battle every week. 

 

Then on the same day as Farrah Fawcett's news broke the biggest news broke.  Michael Jackson died of cardiac arrest.  The news would not officially declare his death until the hospital made a statement.  It seems to be one of those where were you when you found out, I was driving home from work trying to get an answer on news radio and of course you couldn't get one. 

I remember getting my first Michael Jackson tape for Christmas.  It was the Bad tape, I thought I was so cool, I also got a skateboard and a pink boombox that year. 

It seems to be a shame that Michael is getting more press for possible prescription drug addiction he had.  However, with as much media scrutinty he was under I'm sure he felt pressure to conform to a normal life.  Hopefully, he can now rest in peace.

After the sudden death of Michael Jackson, there was the sudden death of Billy Mays the infomercial king.  He most recently starred in Discovery Channel's show Pitchman.  He was always the annoying voice of Oxy Clean and many other products. 

And rounding out the week was the death of Karl Maldin.  He was in A Street Car Named Desire and Patton, along with the face of American Express during the 70s and 80s. 

Sauce Soiree

As a new way to experiment with food I decided that attending the Sauce Soiree would be a good idea.  The event was all the top restaurants in the St. Louis area and their specialities. 

We hit every booth and I think there may have been only one thing I didn't eat because it was raw scallops with beets.  Not a good combo in my mind.  

It was a fun night, lots to see and eat and drink.  Definitely, planning on going back to the event next year.

News Alert!!

I have completed a New Years Resolution!  I can't believe it but I actually have done it!   I finally got a new job!  I start on June 15th!

My new company is called The Growth Partnership, it's a consulting firmed based in St. Louis.  They focus on generating new clients, training and marketing for CPA firms across the country.

I'm very excited to start and can't wait to see what Monday brings!

Busy weekend

[caption id="attachment_176" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Theresa, me and Liz at Brew Fest"][/caption]

This weekend has been one of the busiest weekends in a long time, without going out of town or having a visitor.  Friday was Heritage Brew Fest in Forest Park.  Basically it was all local area brewers, A-B, Schlafly, O'Fallon...and you just sampled the beer with live music and some local restaurants serving food.  It was a lot of fun and I found that I really like the A-B Honey Beer and I still do not like dark, bitter beers. 

Saturday Theresa and I went to pick up our race packet from the zoo.  We decided that we didn't want to go to the gym so the plan was to walk around the zoo after we picked up the race info.  We parked next to the Jewel Box and hiked over to the zoo since it was a nice day parking was scarce.  After our hiking around the zoo we went to Amighetti's for lunch, why not enjoy a Special after a great walk. 

Later Saturday afternoon, Erin, a high school friend, Brooke and Austin came over to swim.  The weather was sunny but still a little too cool.  Over all it was fun to catch up on high school memories and watch Austin play in the water.

Sunday was a 5K Zoo walk.  I had done these in the past with my family and wanted to get back into the swing of things.  Liz, Theresa and I finished walking the 5K in about 50 minutes, not our best time but considering we had to bob and weave through the strollers and slow walkers that started in front of us, I think we did ok.  Our next walk will be a 5K during All Star Game weekend in July.   After the walk we headed over to the zoo for breakfast and a brief walk around the zoo before heading home.

On Sunday afternoon I volunteered with a group called FUEL  for the City.  The event was a house tour in Lafayette Square.   I arrived early to take my free tour of the houses.  It was interesting to see the houses that have keep the 1880s antique style versus those that have been gutted and completely updated to 2009. 

My job was a docent, my house was built in 1890s and had been through a fire on the third floor that pretty much destroyed it.  The current owners gutted the house and updated everything and brought back some of the 1890s charm.  It was a lot of fun being able to describe the house to everyone that walked through. 

After the tour was over everyone that participated in the neighborhood was treated to dinner at Sqwires.  We found out that the neighborhood association netted about $28,000 over the weekend.  Most of the profits coming from ticket sales from the house tour.  It was great to see the determination of the neighborhood to bring back the greatness that Lafayette Square once was. 

After all that I was exhausted and headed home to prep for my extemely short work week.

It’s Summer Time!

It's officially summer and there is nothing like Memorial Day weekend to kick it off.  Kelly made her first trip to St. Louis and it was a busy one.  On Friday night we went to Zia's on the Hill for real Italian food and Milo's to watch some Bocce and drinks. 

Later we met up with Tom and some of his friends at Venice Cafe.  Venice Cafe is a trip, there was every Happy Meal toy nailed to the pillars and bottle caps everywhere.  I'm pretty sure that they people who own it are hippies trying to keep the 60s alive.  Definitely going back ASAP!

Saturday felt like we were in the car most of the day.  We did start out at the Tower Grove Farmers Market, based on a suggestion by Kristin.  I will be going back to try out free yoga in the park.  But we had some sweet crepes under the trees and did a little shopping before heading to Forest Park.  The Zoo parking lots were full, and the walk was going to be a long one so we drove around the park and took in the sites of Forest Park by car.  Then headed down to the Arch. 

The line to go up to the top was too long so we walked the museum and the Arch grounds.  Saturday night we went back downtown to Lumiere Casino so Kelly could try her luck at the craps table.  I just sat back and watched.  Way too much going to to even try to figure out that game.  We missed seeing Pat Green but that's ok, we went to Rib America 2009 and saw Bret Michaels for $5!!!!   The concert was great!

Sunday, we finally made it to the zoo!  It was packed but we walked the whole thing!  After the zoo we headed back to the Arch and rode to the top and checked out the view.  After the Arch we stopped by Ted Drews for some much needed Frozen Custard.  After a little relaxing we headed to the Central West End for sushi dinner at Drunken Fish, so far the best sushi I've ever eaten!  Then we bar hopped in the CWE, Sub Zero, where we met the owner and got a couple free drinks, Llywelyn's Pub and Bar Louie.



On Monday we drove around Kirkwood, Webster Groves, and the Central West End trying to find fun little shops that would be open but since it was Memorial Day they were all closed.  We then headed to Crown Candy, it was closed...at least I now have more spots to go for Kelly's next visit.  We settled on Union Station to kill time between storms and time to head to the airport. 

After dropping Kelly off I headed home to prep for the interview I had bright and early Tuesday morning.  However, a nap and recovery was needed first.

The Stout’s

I made another trip back to San Antonio, this time for Niki and Chris' wedding.  I had 4 days to relax at my parent's house.  I arrived in SA and went to Korean BBQ with my dad and brother, my mom showed up later and full.  The food was great...I need to find a place in St. Louis that has good Korean BBQ, although I'm sure it won't be hard to find.  After lunch I finally got to meet Andrew's new puppy, Miss Winnie Cooper Manzotti.  She's a pretty cute pup with a licking problem.  My mom and I did a little shopping and I was able to come to the conclusion that I'm too busy in St. Louis to go shopping compared to when I lived in San Antonio.  This is a good thing!

Friday night I met up with Jason and Kendra, the next couple to be getting married.  We met at the Lion and the Rose and enjoyed a few beers and the best grilled cheese sandwich ever!  I'm hoping they are able to make it up to St. Louis once the craziness of the wedding is over.

Saturday my mom and I met Kelly, Katie and Allie for lunch and the Tamale Factory, I don't think that is the real name of the place, but it was good.  I was able to catch up with the girls and play on the swingsets that are set up all around the restaurant.  After a couple hours of playing we decided it was time for a nap and time to start getting ready for the wedding.  I met up with April and we headed to Randolph Air Force Base for Niki & Chris' wedding.  I had been to the Officier's Club before but never upstairs and was impressed with how nice everything was.  I'm so happy for Niki and Chris!

On Sunday we decided to celebrate my dad's birthday and mother's day early with brunch at the Westin La Canterra.  We thought the food and view would be better but what do you expect it's San Antonio and it's not a world class city like they'd like to believe they are...god I'm happy I moved out of there...That afternoon I went to Comfort, Texas with my mom to an antique show and didn't see anything too unusual minus an older lady who had to be taken away by ambulance due to heat exhaustion.  That night Andrew, Jon and Aarty went to see State of Play, awesome movie.  Then drinks at Oasis and I finally went to Coco Beach...I will not go there again.

On Monday I didn't do much of anything except hang out at the house and relax.  It's nice when you don't really have to do anything but lay around sometimes.  I caught a late afternoon flight out and waited for Ben & Ellen to pick me up so we could celebrate Catherine's 7th birthday with some chinese food when I picked up Reily.  All in all it was a good trip and just enough time in San Antonio.

Pampered Chef

As a way to increase my funds I have recently become a Pampered Chef consultant.  So far, it's been helping me save money by cooking at home way more than I had been.

After about a month of talking with and meeting with my Director, Ruth, I decided I could totally handle what Pampered Chef had to offer.  I placed an order for my starter kit and 2 days later it was here!  I spent about an hour opening each box and checking out the recipe cards that came with each individual product.  I finally realized that I was excited to cook, although I still hate going to the grocery store.

My roommate decided to help me out with my first practice party.  About 5 of her friends came over and we made a pizza.  I had gone in with the idea that no one was going to buy anything but at the end of the night I sold over $200.  The only issue I had with the party was the minor dog fight under the table over a piece of cheese.

Last night was my first monthly meeting at Ruth's house in Belleville.  I was nervous and excited to meet other consultants and hear how everyone got started.  I was able to meet Susan, my Director's Director, and Dan, a fellow consultant.

Dan was an interesting guy, he started Pampered Chef 3 years ago in memory of his daughter who lost her battle with breast cancer.  He choose Pampered Chef since their number one charity is breast cancer awareness (all May you can buy Pink products).  At one of Dan's parties he only makes desserts and tries to make them healthy.

Now that I've met other Pampered Chef people I'm back to being pumped and ready to sell more.  I currently have 2 standing orders for a catalog party and would like a couple more before I submit.

Hopefully, this will be the start of a fun new career or at least a great new hobby.

The boys of summer are back

It's offically baseball season!  The sport I live for and one big reason I moved back to St. Louis is in full swing.  The Cardinals have had 2 series with the cubs and are tied 1-1 for the season.  Even better news was that the Cards swept the dis-Astros.  After moving back I have realized what the people of Houston don't understand, THERE IS NO RIVIALRY BETWEEN THE CARDS AND 'STROS.  The real rivalry in the Central Division is the Cards and Cubs, it goes back to the 1800s. 

Since the season has started I've been able to see 2 Pujols' grand slams!  One against the dis-astros and, the better one, against the cubbies.  New prospect Colby Rasmus looks to be coming around and will be a great outfielder for the Cards.  Even Khalil Greene is looking good with a couple homers. 

I now just need to get some tickets to support my Redbirds!

I get those St. Louis Blues…

Well the Blues season came to an end in a 4 game sweep courtesy of the Vancouver Canucks.  Overall the season was a complete surprise for Blues fans and NHL fans for that matter.  No one thought the Blues would finish 6th in the Western Conference. 

After the overtime loss in Game 4 in St. Louis the Blues shook the hands of their stronger opponents and then raised their sticks in tribute to the fans.  It was great to see them stay on the ice an extra minute or two to acknowledge the fans.  Now it's on to next season to see how far we can go, especially since our "kid line" now has playoff experience.

Cornhole Finals and updates

[caption id="attachment_128" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Andrew's Trip to tha Lou"][/caption]

Cornhole season 2 has officially come to an end.  Overall our team drastically improved between the seasons.  We went undefeated in Season 2 on to be knocked out in the first round of the playoffs.  We went out of rotation and in turn lost 2-1.  It was not one of our finer moments as a team but I was happy with how the team did. 

Since cornhole is over, I now have another free night during the week.  Since the time change I'm going to start taking advantage of Fracis Park and taking Reily for walks at night. 

Andrew made it up to tha Lou last weekend and it was a busy weekend.  We did a mini pub crawl on Friday night around the Tower Grove area.  Went out in Soulard on Saturday night, caught a couple basketball games, a trip to Crown Candy, Ted Drews, Union Station and a South County dive bar.  It was a lot in a little time, I'm still recovering. 

I had happy hour with a friend that I went to grade school and high school together.  We had a lot to catch up on and cannot wait to go out again.  I was introduced to another South City bar, the Mack.  Great food, and by far a bar I prefer to go to more often. 

I went hiking in Castlewood Park, I hadn't even heard of this park before but it was huge.  There were tons of trails to hike and bike.  Definitely a place that I will be going back to and maybe taking Reily.

Medium Nasty Hoosiers Update

I have slacked on my cornhole updates so here it goes.  Our team is undefeated!  We have played four games in Season 2 and we are looking strong.  We only have 2 games left to play and I don't really see how we won't make it to the finals.  Prizes up for grabs is close to $500 in cash and prizes.  It's all very exciting. 

If you use the link in "cornhole" above you will be able to check out the standings.  They are usually updated on Monday's or Tuesday's.

St. Louis Blues

I went to my first St. Louis/Chicago rivalry game that I can remember.  It was great to be in that atmosphere.  I loved the chats to "Let's go Blues" changed ever so cleverly to "Blackhawks Suck." 

The game overall was great, the Blues score in their only goal towards the end of the second period.  They were on the power play and Brad Boyes was set up perfectly.  The crowd was very restless throughout the game as there were plenty of missed opportunities to score.

We went to another game Monday night.  It was the first time in 3 years that the New York Rangers came to town and they probably should of stayed in New York.  The game was a low scorer but the action was great.  The Blues played very physical.  Cam Janssen threw 56 punches in his one and only fight of the night.  The Blues went on to win 2-1.  Slowly the Blues are making their way out of the basement in the Standings.

Apple iPhone

Since I first saw the iPhone I knew I wanted one.  I waited almost a year after they first came out to purchase one, of course right before the 3G was available.  I had months of fun playing on the phone and getting to know how it worked.

Then out of the blue, the bottom of my touch screen froze.  I could not get the keyboard to pop up so I could text.  It was hard to move around any options even while in the phone mode.  I was very upset, I did not have an extra $200 laying around to go buy a new phone.  So after doing some research online I kept reading, go to the Apple store.

I made it to the Apple store after a week of all one word texting.  They were very helpful and told me that I needed to set a tech appointment and even tried to sqeeze me in on a Friday night.  I set up my tech appointment for Saturday morning and hoped for the best.  While I did have to wait while employees strolled in to work the service was good.  The tech guy came out, saw the problem and said we'll just trade out phones.  Of course I asked if I could get the new upgrade one, but sadly no.  Either way I had a brand new iPhone without having to pay a dime!

The cool thing about the iPhone was that every time I synched my phone it backed up all the information, including phone numbers.  I thought I was going to have to reinput all 100+ numbers.  Ah, the joys of Apple.

Cornhole Playoffs and more…

Our cornhole team, Medium Nasty Hoosiers, placed in third in our division.  Last night was the playoffs and championship game, we played the white team and to our dismay we lost 2-1.  It wasn't that we didn't play well, our bags were not going in the hole or staying on the board.  After the championship game we were served free beer for until the kegs were floated.  I obvisously took advantage of this.

Besides cornhole, I know what else could there be, I have become friends with a possible distant relative in Italy.  Through the magic of Facebook we became friends and started talking about out grandfathers and great grandfathers.  It seems that it might be possible that my great grandfather is his grandfather, Guiliano is my dad's age.  The whole process and language barrier has made this a fun challenge for me.

What is exciting to me and Guiliano is that Andrew is going to Europe this summer and they, hopefully, will meet.  Just another step closer to learning about my family history and more information on my surname.

First Snow

[caption id="attachment_94" align="alignright" width="128" caption="Reily playing in the snow"][/caption]

St.Louis finally got its first snow of the season.  It was beautiful.  I loved playing around with Reily in it.  It was Reily's first real snow experience.  Overall St. Louis got about 6 inches of snow and so driving has been fun.

Some St. Louisian had a little time on their hands and walked around Ballpark Village.

I had my first Art Hill experience this week.  Ashley and I and a few of her friends went to Art Hill on Thursday night for some sledding.  I had never been there and so I loved every minute of it.  We were only out there for a while but the ice made sledding perfect.  The only difference between Art Hill and Francis Park is that Art Hill is a killer to walk up.

[caption id="attachment_96" align="aligncenter" width="128" caption="Art Hill Sledding "][/caption]

Great Cornhole!

A Medium Nasty Hoosier team update, after having won both matches last week, we took a bit of a fall this week.  Whether we did not warm up enough, were too cocky, or did not have enough to drink we lost 5 out of 6 matches. 

It wasn't pretty, we lost our 3rd place spot to teams that were not that good.  But we all have decided that we are playing in Season 2.

[caption id="attachment_64" align="aligncenter" width="604" caption="Tom, Bob, Erik, me and Ashley"][/caption]

Obamanation!

I consider myself to be fairly conservative when it comes to politics and life.  I should state that I did not vote in the last election do to moving from Texas to Missouri.  After listening to some of Obama's speeches and watching all of the inaguration this week, I actually think he is a step in the right direction.

As a child of an extremely conservative father, I have heard everything one can hear about how wrong it is to be a Democrat, I have to say I'm not so sure my dad is right.  Now, it's just not Bush's fault the way the country ended up when he left office.  It's not fair to blame him for everything.  The Senate could of made better decisions to improve the country.  Who cares if McGwire used steriods, do we really need to have Senate Hearings to discuss baseball when the country is at war, no.

I felt very proud to see Obama as the first black president.  I think he has the youthful mind set that our country needs to get motivate and get the economy rolling again.

For those who are still thinking of moving to Mexico, go ahead.  There is nothing you can do for another 2 years, by then we can see how well Barak has done.  This is our country and we need to unite now more than ever to get those who have lost their job, home back on their feet.

Aggie Wedding Time

As much fun as it is to read about a weekend events I feel obligated to write about my friend's wedding.  It was the first wedding in was in since I was the flower girl in my aunt's wedding in the early 80s.  But I am happy to say that I survived my first wedding that I was in the bridal party.  My friend, Samantha, finally married Jerry after almost 11, yes, 11 years of dating. 

Friday I arrived in Houston around 11 and was taken to Sam's house where we ate lunch and killed some time before we could check in to the hotel.  By the time we got to the hotel it was hurry, hurry, hurry mood.  And off to the rehersal dinner.  The rehersal was crazy.  The wedding coordinator could not coordinate.  No one in the bridal party knew what they were supposed to do during the wedding.  But that's ok, we we hurried out so the local high school could have a sports banquet. 

Off to dinner where I was sat in the back at the "kids" table.  Not really kids but our maturity level was about 15 years old.  Needless to say it was a fun dinner.  After dinner and toasts we went to Sam's parents house.  My parents had hung out in Houston during the day and met up with us at there.  I spent a while catching up with my parents.  It had only been three weeks since I last saw them. 

The day of the wedding consisted of hair appointments and lounging around the hotel.  We managed to get all of our pictures done well ahead of time but of course the ceremony was delayed about 5 minutes, guests took a while to get their seats.

I have never felt so gross while being so dressed up in my life.  The wedding was on a stage and the whole bridal party stood under very hot stage lights.  Thankfully it was only 20 minutes for standing up there.  After the ceremony it was time for some food and dancing...I even busted out the running man with Samantha.

[caption id="attachment_54" align="aligncenter" width="604" caption="Samantha and I dancing"][/caption]

After everyone was gone we headed over to Molly's, a dive bar in Kingwood, TX.  I was exhausted from the craziness of the day and only lasted until 1:30.  Kelly and I made it back to the hotel.

[caption id="attachment_55" align="aligncenter" width="604" caption="Kelly & I"][/caption]

Work time!

As a new year begins, I look at what needs to be accomplished to have a successful year.  Or at least achieve one major accomplishment.  Last year I successfully made it out of San Antonio without looking back.  This year I think I would like to continue growth of living on my own. 

The only way that will be done, however, is to find a new job.  Now I feel like I've been really only just talking about it.  But with this economy it's hard to feel truly motivated to start looking when there isn't much available.  I feel that my current job was great to have, it made the move up here less stressful and the job itself isn't too bad.  However, there isn't much of a challenge on a daily basis.  I'm not able to communicate with clients like I used to.  From this experience I've learned that I'm not one to sit at a computer all day long (mainly because my eyes can't handle it). 

So, I've decided that I need to start updating my resume and get the ball rolling back into the sales area.  First stop, careerbuilder.com to update the resume and new city.  Then it's time to start networking, I'm amazed as to how many people I know are actually in sales in the St. Louis area.

American Idol

I have never made it a point to watch American Idol and probably never will, however last night the kids wanted to watch and I didn't feel like driving home so I sat there.  I'll be honest I can see why so many people watch the show.  It's fun to watch the judges belittle the wanna-be's, making a tough as nail appearance rocker cry, priceless. 

It really did amaze me with the actual talent that was found at the Phoenix, AZ audition.  One girl belted out Etta James' "At Last" and I was speachless, she looked nothing like her voice.  I just wish I had the talent and courage to put myself through the craziness that is American Idol.  

Just to say, the girl who sang "At Last" is my favorite to win...probably won't care enough to watch.

Holy Cornhole!

[caption id="attachment_36" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Medium Nasty Hoosiers!"][/caption]

The 2009 Cornhole league started last night at Seamus McDaniels and after one game we weren't looking too hot. Our competition, I cornholed your mom, seemed to be professional cornholers. In their two games last night they only allowed 14 points total.

So here are some of the rules to Cornhole for those who think I've made up a game:

Cornhole Court
Layout: The court consists of two cornhole platforms placed 17 feet apart, with a foul line on either side of the platforms.
Platforms: Each platform is a 48” x 24” rectangle made of plywood. The hole in the cornhole platform is six inches in diameter and centered nine inches from the top and 12 inches from each side of the cornhole platform edges.
Foul Lines: Designated lines that the thrower must stand behind during their toss.

Games
A game consists of three individual matches between the three co-ed pairs of one team, against the three co-ed pairs of the opposing team.
Each match has a 20 minute time limit
Wins: To record a win, a team must win at least 2 of the matches in a game. If a team wins all three matches, they will be given credit for 1.5 wins.

Game Play
Player Positioning: One player from each team is positioned at each cornhole platform.
At the start of the game, the home team has the option to throw first or second.
Throwing the bag: Players may deliver the bean bag from either the left or right foul line as long as they stay behind the foul line during their throw.
Game play begins with the first side of opponents alternating bean bag throws until they have thrown all four bean bags. The score is calculated then the players on the opposite platform alternate throws in the same manner, and again, the score is calculated. This complete round of throws is called an inning.
Throw Rotation During The Game: The team that scored in the preceding inning should throw first in the next inning. If neither team scores, the team that threw first in the preceding inning shall throw first in the next inning.

Teams
Before the start of the game, each team is divided into 3 pairs, with one male and one female per pair. The three co-ed pairs from one team will play the three co-ed pairs from the opposing team.  Teams may change their co-ed pairs from game to game, but not during a match.

Scoring
“ In the hole” : is a when a bean bag is thrown through the hole in the cornhole platform or otherwise comes to rest inside the cornhole platform (knocked in by another player, etc).
“In the Hole” is worth three points.
“On the Board” : is when a bean bag lands with any portion of the bag on the cornhole platform.
“On the Board” is worth one point
Cancellation Scoring: Bean bags “In the Hole” and bean bags “On the Board” thrown by opponents cancel each other out.
Only non cancelled bean bags count towards the score.
“Bad Bag”: is worth zero points and occur when:
A player crosses the foul line before releasing the bean bag.
A bean bag contacts the ground before landing on the cornhole platform.
** Bean bag(s) already “On the Board” that are knocked off the platform or into the hole by a "bad bag" must be returned to their original scoring position.**

The first team that reaches or exceeds 21 points, or the team leading after the 20 minute time limit, at the completion of an inning wins the match. The winning team does not need to win by two or more points.
Matches can never end in the middle of an inning. If a team that throws first reaches or exceeds 21 points, the game can not end until the other side is allowed to throw all of their bean bags and the inning is completed.
If the match is tied at 21 or more at the end of an inning, play continues until one team has a higher score at the end of an inning

So our team learned the rules as the game was played. After our game we were able to just goof around and practice a bit while the other teams finished up. Besides a few bags losing their beans it was a successful outing.

Go team Medium Nasty Hoosiers!

Resolutions

I've decided this is the year I will finally get ahead financially so I can take advantage of horrible housing market. I definitely want to move back into the City. There are so many houses available and I want to be apart of it.

I took a look at my budget today and there is room for improvement on my spending habits. It's just a matter of time that I stop paying for my trainer and get an extra $300 back. Only time will tell to see if I can make this goal a reality.

Here's to hoping!

Hopping End to 2008

As I reflect over the past year there were definitely some highs and lows. The biggest high of all was finally moving back to St. Louis. I cannot stress how happy I have been since leaving San Antonio.

I spent New Years Eve celebrating with Liz, my friend from grade school. We had planned on going to one bar and staying there all night but things quickly changed. We arrived at Schlafly's Bottleworks for dinner to find out that all the tickets for the Crown Room had been sold out. We were not aware you could buy tickets in advance. So now our plans were completely up in the air.

After dinner we headed to the Chocolate Bar...by far the coolest place ever! After a couple Coffee Ice Cream Martini's we were off to ring in the new year at McGurk's. Since I had never been I didn't know what to expect. We got to McGurk's and ran into a fellow former San Antonian and grade school friend. We chatted with him and his girlfriend until it was time to ring in the new year. On the way home I stopped at Ben & Ellen's to say Happy New Year to them and the kids.

All in all, it was a pretty good NYE, especially since we had to through our plans out the window and make it up as we went.