Let's talk

Here's what's going down:

First and foremost, we have to talk about last weekend. I went to Atlantic City (AC) with someone from work. I had a great time. I can't describe on here how great I felt gambling, dancing, and getting drunk.

The night started out slow. I hit up the blackjack table where I was playing for 15 bucks per hand and then they raised it to 25 min bet. I thought this was steep but I was in AC on a Saturday night. The guys next to me quickly realized I was a rookie and it was in their best interest. I learned a lot and I was up as much as 350 at the peak. In less than an hour from that time, I was down 300 bucks. Ouch is right. I couldn't believe that I did this. Maybe the free drinks had something to do about it.

After I lost my $$, we went in the club. It was amazing inside. It was really nice and there were a lot of very good looking ladies. I knew I hit the jackpot here...who cares about the tables lol! I quickly hit the dance floor and all I am going to say is I had a great time.

It was 1Am or 2Am when we decided to leave the club. My buddy was a little too tipsy to drive so I had the great idea to go to the roulette table. I took 300 out of the ATM and placed it all on red. I won...it was the best ending of the night we could hope for.

Also, this weekend, I hurt my leg running. I woke up on Saturday morning and my leg felt a little funny, but I decided to run anyway. Big mistake. It hurts to walk right now.

I also moved 2 carloads of stuff into my new place. I have a lot more to move and have to find someone to help me move my bed and dresser. I am going to try to do it this weekend.

I booked my next flight to Chicago already. Valentines Day weekend I will be home. It's going to be interesting. I have a plan and will tell you how it goes later.

Next week I am going down to UIUC to recruit. We haven't received a lot of resumes so I am worried about how it is going to go.

What else.....

I am rooting for the Saints this weekend. I learned to play Rummy over the weekend.

I can't think of anything else to say. If I do, I will let you know.

Later,

Bobby

Bloggin from the Hospital: Part 2

So....

It's been a few weeks since my last post so I'll try to summarize:

Work is going pretty good. I have been really busy and making things happen is part of my job.

I finally met a couple of young people who I have been hanging out with. It's been good. I met this guy name Nick who doesn't drink. I find this odd, but I think it's a good thing.

I am moving in February to a new place where two engineers live. I think it will be good because I am getting into a little too much trouble where I am currently at. The location is going to be better but now I will have a commute to work. Right now, I can get to work in less than 10 minutes.

I am going to change my life schedule. I want to start working out before work than after work. This means I need to figure out how to get up at 3:45 am to go work out like I want to and then go to work. This may seem crazy, but if I do this, it will allow me to do other things when I get off of work like maybe watch some tv or cook some dinner.

I am in Illinois this weekend seeing my grandma. She is doing a lot better than the last time I saw her. I am really happy. Her spirits are good.

I was able to see Rachel on Friday night and went to Portillos with her. It seems like it our thing. I am okay with it. I might get to see her again tonight before I leave for Philly. I know, I know, I should forget about her as many folks tell me, but I can't do it. Tomorrow is going to be a rough day but I'll manage.

Registration opens Feb 1st for the Chicago Marathon. I am really looking forward to signing up. I need to put in more miles and eat better than what I have been. I need to drink less. That would help.

I played wii with my sister last night. It was a blast. I love my sister so much and hanging out with her is more than awesome. She kept me up late last night but it was well worth it.

Overall, this weekend was beyond excellent. I was able to see my family. I also saw Rachel and got to have lunch with my friend Blake. I am going to book my next trip back really soon.

Later,

Bobby

Bloggin From the Hosptial

First of, I am not hospitalized, my grandma is.

So, I was pretty damn excited to come home for the holiday. Due to weather, I got up early last Tuesday and headed to the Philly airport to try to catch and earlier flight. I know it was a long shot but I figured with all the weather, I better try. I say the longest security line ever and had to go through a bunch of hoops, but I got on a 8am flight back to Chicago. I wasn't supposed to leave until 1:45pm. This in itself was a miracle.

I got home and took a taxi back to Buffalo Grove. Somehow, my car manage to start. Then I went and had lunch with Rachel, which was just fantastic. After lunch we went to Barnes n Noble where I proceeded to buy books. I like books.

Later in the day, I called my mom. She was crying and hung up on me. I knew then that it had to do with my grandma and it is probably game over for her. They did a lung biopsy but I don't need to know the results. When someone says "mass in lung" it means lung cancer. I'm just waiting for the results to know how long we have. She also needs a rod to be put in her hip because he hip is about to break.

I got this news the day before my birthday. One week before I am supposed to leave for California. Then to top it off, I got an angry phone call from Rachel. I tried sending her a surprise scrapbook but the person who was making it for me screwed it all up and didn't even finish it. She was pissed about how I sent a "random" package to her apt and it didn't even have her name on it. She had a right to be pissed. I really screwed this up. I didn't hear from her again until yesterday in an email. I'm an idiot.

On a more positive note, I did go to New York City the weekend before I left for Chicago. I had an awesome time. I saw a bunch of things including a comedy show where I never laughed so hard before. I can't wait until I go back.

So, hear I am. I have spent everyday at the hospital since Christmas Eve. Part of the reason is I want to be here when the news comes. Also, my grandma isn't completely with it all the time so I talk to the doctors to find out what is going on. My grandma still wants me to go to California so I am going, but I really don't want to leave her. Believe me, I want to go. this is a really tough deal.

I plan on coming back to Chicago every three weeks to see my grandma until she gets worse, then I'll come every weekend. It's going to be a financial drain but it's what I have to do. How could I not do it?

Other than all this, not much is going on. Grandma will be numero uno priority for awhile.

I hope everyone had a good Christmas and will have a safe New Year.

Later,

Bobby

The best of times, the worst of times

I don't know how to start the post so I'll just randomly blog today.

We'll start with the easiest, work:

Work has been going pretty good. I have been getting a lot of things done and really pounding away at things. Our new director of operations started Nov. 30. He actually interviewed me for my first job at Danaher. I am very pleased that he is here. He is damn smart and likes to stick to the basics like I do. He also likes nascar and racing like I do. We're going to get along at all kinds of levels. It's pretty awesome have someone here like him.

I have been wearing my work boots more than my dress shoes. We're consolidating buildings and I have spent a good portion of my time doing some physical labor and coordinating people.

Everyday after work, I go work out. I have spent anywhere from 90-120 minutes working out. I run (training for a marathon again). and then I lift and then I want to go back to my apartment. I go home, eat, shower, and go to bed. During the week there isn't time to do anything else.

The personal life hasn't been good at all. I thought I was doing good before I came home for Thanksgiving. I had a lot of fun at home and seeing everyone, but it was very difficult to get on the plane. I almost didn't get on it. I wanted to stay. All of my hesitation has to do with the relationships that I have formed that are now stretched 800 miles. It is really tough. I am very proud of Ross and I know exactly how he feels.

I no longer know what Rachel and I are. things happened over Thanksgiving but I am not worried about it. I can't control it. I have to focus on other things as well. I just hope that she gives me a day when I come home. I have already asked her for it and she didn't really give me a response. Girls are frustrating. Damn you ladies.

Oh, my Forrest Gump Blu-ray was stolen. After a month of dealing with the USPS, I emailed amazon and BAM, two days later I now have Forrest Gump waiting safely at Rachel's house. I didn't trust my mailman to deliver it a second time.

I don't know how people do this. They move to areas where they don't know a soul. I am in that position. It is pretty damn tough. I am hoping it gets better. I know I have to just get out there and do things and hopefully I'll meet some people. I want to find some friends outside of work. Don't get me wrong, I think these people are great, but I don't think it's right to get black out drunk with them. At least not yet.

Only 12 more days and I'll be on a plane for back home. I can't wait. It's going to be a good time. Better yet, it's going to be awesome when Ross, Eric, Lisa, and myself all go to Cali!!

So, that's what's going on. Basically, my heart still belongs to Rachel. I work and workout all the time. I need to find friends. I need to explore. I need to find a new place to live. I have to take it one step at a time. Life is not a math problem. There isn't one right answer and you can't google the answer, you can't calculate the solution. Maybe there isn't one.

I guess I should be grateful for the things I do have. I have a job, I have family, and I have a place to live. Most people would kill for my spot.

I post some pics of which I have in my cube and in my apartment. They remind me of the good times I had back home.

Philly Update

So it has been a little over two weeks since I have moved out to Philly. When I say moved, I mean I have been living in my suitcase.

So week 1 was spent in a hotel. This wasn't too bad. This biggest thing about it was that it was a bit pricey. So I decided to figure out how to save some money for both the company and me.

I did some hunting and figuring, which led me to sign a three month lease a place close to work. This is an unfurnished apartment. It's not bad considering the fact that I convinced my work to pay for 2 months of rent. I have been sleeping on the floor the past two weeks, but it will be worth it. I am bringing my stuff out here this weekend.

On November 2nd, my first day of work, I got to go to World Series Game 5. It was a pretty amazing thing. Somehow, my boss had tix and 4 of us total went. I had a great time and it is something I will always remember.

I work 12 hours a day now. I mean am busy at work for that long. There is a ton of work to do and I can't really get it done. I meet my deadlines, but still. I am not complaining. It goes by really fast. The only thing is I wish I could use some of that time for working out. I need to start running again. Since the new job, I haven't been doing too well on that front. I'll get back into the swing of things after Thanksgiving.

I sold my tire cutter. I am officially asset free. I don't have anything else. I am okay with that.

I don't have much else going on. I am flying home tomorrow...sister's b-day party on Saturday.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Later,

Bobby

The time has finally come

Okay, I lied. I didn't add time to post more. I really need to since there has been plenty of excitement around my life lately. I will dive into more detail here.

Let's start with the marathon. I had an awesome time! Running the marathon was probably one of the greatest things I have done in my life. I encourage everyone to run one at least once. I can't wait to do it again. I have not been training a lot because the trauma from the marathon takes some time to heal. I sorely underestimated the amount of time it takes to recover. I finished 3:57:09. 226 out of more than 700. I am very proud of myself.

My roommate left for Santa Clara California for a 8 month rotation. I am very proud of him for taking a big change and just packing up the car and going. 8 months isn't a very long time, but it could be if one was miserable. I don't think Ross will have a problem.

1 day after he left, I got an offer to work near Philly. I took it. I am starting November 2nd. I will be doing what I do now except for one plant. I can't say I am as excited as Ross, but I think it's because it hasn't sunk in yet. I will be flying back and forth until I find a place to live. I am going to try to find a roommate. I am nervous about living with a potential stranger but everyone does that their first semester of college.

I am more excited about the things to do outside of work. There is NYC, DC, Atlantic City, and of course Philly. I am VERY excited to go visit Gettysburg. For those who don't know I love the Civil War era. I am going to find a new fishing hole, running path, and a place to camp. Even if I don't find a lot of people to hang out with I am going to make sure I keep myself busy. I don't think I will be spending a lot of time in my apartment, but I think that is the way it should be. I am not a big fan of sitting inside unless the Packers or Brett Favre is on TV. There is always the option to use a DVR.

A couple of weeks ago, Rachel got really sick. So sick she spent time in the hospital. There was one night I stayed over and took care of her. Come to find out she had mono and cmv. Not good. I had to go get tested and lay low until I could make sure I wasn't going to die or kill anyone else. This was a very big deal. It costs me some serious cash (not that I care about money much these days).

Rachel and I finally "defined the relationship". Actually she defined it. I am okay. I was just going with the flow. When you care about someone, you don't really care about what your status is. You just do what you feel like is right in your heart. Needless to say, I don't think she will be coming to Philly to visit me...I wonder who will...I bet my buddy Joel will. Other than that, I don't know. I can't see Ross flying across the country to visit. Maybe he will once he comes back to IL, if he comes back. Laura and Jason will come visit I bet.

This past weekend was a beautiful disaster. On Friday night, I was blacked out drunk. At one point I blocked the bathroom at a bar so a girl could use it. No big deal. Everyone understands that. Then, I was in there doing my business and two guys were snorting some cocaine. They asked me to block the door. I was too scared to say no. After that, I remember taking some more shots and that's it. I woke up on a bathroom floor and some half naked girl telling me she has to pee. She was not in the bathroom just to clarify.

I got up and drove back to Morris for my cousin's wedding. It was a very simple wedding and you could see she was very happy. I am very happy for her. It's not very often people meet someone who they can love. They don't have much, but they have each other and they are okay with that. So am I.

Then I got up Sunday morning. I played with my sister while waiting for my mom's blueberry pancakes. They are awesome. I left to go back to Chi for something called funday sunday. We went to Will's Northwoods, which is a Packers bar. I watched the Packers game in a t-shirt outside. It was a great time. After the game we went to several other bars. I tackled Joel at some point and gashed my head and later found out gave myself a concussion. We went to bars that I don't remember. I took a nap outside his door because he was blacked out inside. His roommate called me and he was at a bar, so I went. I must have went to bed at 1AM. Funday Sunday. I love it.

Now I have a concussion and will have a scar on my head. It is a weekend that I won't forget, not that I can remember most of it. I love Joel Knox. He has never let me down. The weekend was legendary.

Some other randoms....

My mom no longer has a job. She calls me everyday.

I will not be running the 50k. I am going to get a Halloween costume instead and party my ass off. The next day, I have to get on a plane and go to Philly and get ready for Day 1 of the new job.

I sold my gokart. I am officially retired. I do miss it, but it's time to do something else. I might go back to r/c or slot car racing. Much more affordable and not as time consuming.

I love Brett Favre.

Later,

Bobby

Beginning of Fall Upate

So it looks like it has been a month since I last updated. I am going to add time in my calendar to update more frequently.

In the last month....

I have been traveling every single week. I hate my job. I have been traveling since the beginning of August. i wasn't supposed to travel this week but I am. The week after that, I will be not be traveling hopefully. I need a break or I am just going to quit.

I declined the job in NC. I didn't feel like it was the right one for me. Now, it looks like I will be moving to Philly sometime in the next couple of months. I am ready to do something different.

Next weekend is my marathon in the Quad Cities. I am ready. I just want to finish under 4 hours. It's going to be close. If there is some wind, I probably won't be able to do it.

I am still involved with Rachel..just enjoying our time together before I have to leave.

I found out that my family is going on a cruise for Christmas. I am not going. I don't have enough vacation time. It's going to be shitty to be living somewhere new during Christmas and no reason to come home.

I am trying to think of something else to write but I can't. The packers are on and the brett favre is on at the same time one channel apart. It's great. I love it. I need to check on my 4 fantasy football teams...


That's about all I got.

Later,

Bobby