45 days & Top 10 Song List!!

It's been over a month since my last post, and I'm not apologizing for the delay.  Work was extremely busy in December (more than normal), I was in Vegas for 4 days, trip to Nashville, TN for work but saw some friends as well, Adult Winter Prom 2010 (ok, so it was just a house party where we just in formal wear...sorta), 2 Pacers games, Thanksgiving weekend, Xmas weekend, and now approaching New Years. 

Vegas was awesome as usual.  Good to get out there w/ Marko for once - first time I've gone out w/ him.  Andy also went and I think that's our 3rd time being out there together.  A lot of good gambling stories, including learning the intricacies of how to play Craps (and not just betting the Pass Line only - thanks Marko), turning $10 into $500 at a blackjack table, and hitting my first ever NFL parlay bet.

But now, the moment I've been working towards, albeit mentally, since our Athens GA road trip back in October.  During the drive down, I think it was Scott who presented the idea that we all should come up w/ our lists, or maybe he said one of his friends had done it and he thought it was a must that our circle of friends do it as well. 

This is a lot harder than you would think, so i needed a process to get started. 

• Step 1 - Open ITunes, grab a beer  
• Step 2 - Go through 2,000 song list by artist, jotting down favorite song by artist
• Step 2a - Grab second beer
• Step 3 - Shrink 2,000 songs down to Top 30
• Step 4 - Grab another beer
• Step 5 - Take Top 30 and make the tough decision on which songs crack the Top 10

Really the only requirement that I used was "Would I ever turn this song off it came on the radio/ITunes."  If I could answer YES to that question, then it did not qualify.  I obviously like music, all different types (minus most country), so it was tough to go through and realize that many songs that even though i may "like" them, they didn't pass the radio/ITunes test.....thus not included.  In addition, every song that made my Top 10 List, and most that were in the Top 30, all have some sort of story or memory attached to it on why I have a fondness for it.  Most memories revolve around high school/college or the few years after college, but nevertheless, they take me to a good place when I hear them.   HERE WE GO....

#1 - Sweet Child of Mine - Guns & Roses. 
#2 - Clocks - Coldplay
#3 - Under the Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers
#4 - Two Step - Dave Matthews Band
#5 - Wonderwall - Oasis
#6 - Let Her Cry - Hootie & the Blowfish
#7 - Up All Night - Counting Crows
#8 - Burden in My Hand -Soundgarden
#9 - Yesterday - The Beatles
#10 - California Love - 2Pac / Dr. Dre

Honorable Mention:  Life in Technicolor II (Coldplay), One (Metallica), Remember the Time (Michael Jackson), Learn to Fly (Foo Fighters), Mr. Brightside (The Killers), Clumsy (Our Lady Peace) Walking in Memphis (Marc Cohn), The Valley Road (Bruce Hornsby), I Walk Alone (Oleander), Separate Ways (Journey). 

There ya go - Top 10, w/ another 10 for good measure.

Since the new year will be upon us, i'm sure my next post will be about my 2011 goals.  I had 3 goals for 2010.  I completed goal #1 (boxing class), about 20% completion on increasing culinary skills to what I had previously envisioned, and a 0% completion rate on learning the whole Thriller dance (readers choice goal, sorry people who voted for that!).  I also did not do any baby-sitting, which was 2nd in votes for my 3rd goal.  We'll see what 2011 brings...   

Thankful

Since I don't have a family of my own, my holiday traditions/routines still revolve around my parents and family up in Elkhart.  Nothing wrong w/ that, I enjoy the Holidays up in northern Indiana.  However, I do have a Thanksgiving tradition in Indy that i've been lucky enough to be a part of for at least 7 years or so now.  Every year around this time, my Ritter crew group of friends all get together and do a dinner theme at someone's house.   I believe the first time we did this was either the 1st or 2nd year at "The Plex" (1st or 2nd year after college) and we had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at the house.  Since then it's evolved into a different food theme each year.   This year the theme was Italian/Pizza.  The dinner was tonight at Dave & Mo's house and was attended by the usual crew (Scott/Sara, Andy & his friend Elizabeth, Gigi/Matt, Matt/Abby, The Bucks, and then the oddball - me).  Now as we are getting a bit older, there are some young children involved as well.  As always, it was a good time as we ate, drank beer/wine, and rehashed numerous stories that we've told for years that date back to either their Ritter high school days, or our college & post college days.  I've heard their Ritter high school stories so many times I feel like I was there. 

Driving home tonight after our dinner, I got to thinking about many of the things in my life that I'm thankful for, so I thought I'd list a few.  

- I'm thankful for my group of Ritter HS / U of I college friends.  Dave, Scott, Andy, and Matt had a strong bond between them from their Ritter HS days and I've been blessed to have been infused into the group.  So much so that I was part of Scott's wedding and will also be in a groomsman in Dave/Mo & Matt/Abby's weddings in 2010. 

- The countless memories that i have w/ those 4 guys mentioned above, including all the debacles that have taken place over the past 10 years.  After all, who can forget these classics (in no particular order:)

• Matt getting knocked out (and possibly concussed) by a tequila bottle at my apartment either junior or senior year of college.  Or Matt concussing himself in a downtown Indy parking garage after a night out at the Ratheskellar.
• The cruises that both Dave and Matt have gone on w/ me
• Multiple trips to Windsor (Canada) and Vegas
• Ritter alumni basketball league.  Ritter alumni golf outings
• My 21st b-day.  Andy's 21st b-day. 
• At least 8 or 9 of the past 10 New Years Eves
• Various weddings of friends of ours that we've gone too
• The night before our college graduation - not sure if Scott remembers this....
• Trips up to Lafayette to visit Gaddis
• Concerts/music festivals
• Halloween awesomeness

- I'm thankful for many of my other non-Ritter friends as well, including my high-school buddies and many other friends that I met at U of I

- I'm thankful for my relationship w/ Marko - a kid who grew up in a different part of the world (Croatia) and taught me a lot about understanding other cultures/traditions

- I'm thankful for my family

- I'm thankful for my job/career/coworkers.  It has really helped shape me over the past 7 years - as well as provided some financial means to help produce many of the memories above. 

That's enough reflection for the night.  On other notes, the Pacers took their talents to South Beach tonight and pouneded LeBron and the Heat.  That was fairly shocking!  NFL bets are approaching historical proportions...well historic for me...73%!!  I still have 5 more weeks and the Playoffs for the laws of gambling to catch up to me, but i can't complain!

Vegas trip w/ Marko and Andy in less than 2 weeks.  We will be there Dec 3-6 - should be a blast as usual!  We are staying at Bally's...I hope I don't get the H1N1 flu this year like I did last year.  I won't have Dr. Scott w/ me this time to call in prescriptions of Tamiflu for me. 

No funny video link tonight.  Enjoy Thanksgiving!

your quick tax education

This post has nothing to do w/ me personally, my adventures of awesomeness, my kick-ass NFL gambling record (68% in case you're curious), the best holiday ever (a.k.a Halloween), or my upcoming trip to Vegas.  None of it.  This post will educate my friends and family members about what could possibly happen w/ your taxes for 2011 (April 2012 filing) barring any shocking legislation from Congress.

Most of you have probably heard the term "Bush Tax Cuts."  This comes from 2001 and 2003 tax laws that lowered taxes for all Americans and took the capital gains and dividend tax rates down to 15% (and 0% in some people's cases).  Capital gains for most people come into play on stock sales/gains.  The top tax rate was lowered from 39.6% to 35%.  A 10% bracket was installed.  The current tax rate system progresses as follows - 10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33%, 35%.  As you  make more money, you progress into a higher rate.  For example, the 10% bracket for a married couple is used on your first $16k of income, then 15% rate is used on income between $16k & $68k, and so forth.  These rates benefit all US taxpayers. 

In addition to the lower tax rates, the Bush Tax Cuts also installed various deductions and increased tax credits for people, most notably the increased Child Tax Credit from $500 up to $1,000.  These credits are straight reductions of your tax liability and typically increase your refund.  Most middle class families get a benefit for these child tax credits (they get phased out at approximately $150-160k of gross income).  So for the majority of American families, these credits decrease the amount they owe or increase their refund.  There are numerous other deductions and credits that the Bush Tax Cuts increased or extended that for the most part apply to 90% of American taxpayers (excluding the wealthy mainly because they get phased out due to income limitations).

The Bush Tax Cuts also increased the estate tax exemptions amounts, saving normal families millions of dollars in estate tax. 

Now, fast forward - these cuts expire at the end of 2010.  If Congress does nothing, the Bush Tax Cuts go away and everything reverts to what it was pre-Bush Tax Cuts.  Most of you have probably heard some of this in the media and how Obama wants to essentially eliminate these cuts.  Without getting into too many details, the basic way this is spun to the public is that the lower 15% capital gains rate will go away for people who make more than $250k.  The "tax argument" is being spun to be a rich vs poor argument.  Tax the rich more since they make more $$$ - i get it, it makes sense and does have validity, but THERE IS A HUGE PIECE YOU AREN'T BEING TOLD.   You don't know what you don't know and this is why many people are going to be in for a rude awakening in the winter/spring 2012 when they file their 2011 taxes and see that their typical refunds have been slashed in half or have disappeared all together.   Bear w/ me now.....

If Congress does absolutely nothing or they only extend the capital gains 15% rate for people under $250k, the Obama administration is going to spin it as "See, we are raising taxes on the rich."  However, what you are not being told is that the tax bracket rates for all Americans is going to raise. 

That 10% rate bracket - GONE.  The lowest rate will be 15%.  So you're already missing out on a 5% savings for the first $16k of income (or $800 is what your refund will shrink by) Next rate will be 28% - no 25% rate, so another 3% increase.  Oh, and those lovely $1,000 child tax credits for kids under the age of 16, those will decrease to $500/kid. 

Let's say we have a young married couple - husband makes $50k and wife works part-time and is still in school.  They also have a kid.  Their refund is going to shrink from say $2,000 to maybe $700.  A $1,300 difference!  For a young family that only makes $50k annually, $1,300 decrease in cash flow is a fairly big deal.  (This example is hypothetical and there are many other factors that could come into play here, but you get the picture)

Here's the point - don't be fooled when you hear that taxes are only going to go up for the rich.  The message you aren't hearing is that credits and deductions are going to be reduced/eliminated as well as tax rate brackets may disappear....   Deductions being slashed and credits being reduced is also known as "A TAX INCREASE," but again, that message isn't being portrayed.  Everyone's taxes are going to go up, but portraying that message doesn't win Presidential elections.  The stimulus & health care reform packages have to be paid from somewhere and the the rich already pay 90% of this country's taxes. 

There has been recent rumors surrounding what Congress may or may not do, and w/ the recent election, who knows what will happen.  It's possible they could extend the Bush Tax Cuts for another few years, which would postpone the scenario outlined above.  I'm not even going to get into that here - way to many variables there. 

If you liked this post, let me know and I can try to provide more similar to this into my blog routine.  With the end of the year approaching and the House being turned back over to the Republicans, we could be in for some interesting tax legislation in the next few months - or absolutely no activity at all because Congress won't be able to come to an agreement on anything.

BC

here we go

So a quick update on my life.  Had a sweet skin infection in early/mid September which shut me down for about 3 weeks.  Seriously, one day i could barely walk to due to the "area" being inflamed and extremely painful - not to mention it was in a fairly uncomfortable place on my leg/thigh.  Luckily my kick ass immune system finally beat it, with the assistance of some high dosage antibiotics and awesome pain pills.  This is the really the first time in my adult life that i've had something seriously wrong w/ me (outside of minor rotator cuff issues).   3 weeks w/ no alcohol, no physical activity, and basically no fun. 

But now i'm back.  Took Dad to the Colts game against Chiefs - his first experience at Lucas Oil Stadium...i think he enjoyed it, even though the game was a little dull....19-9, how many times do you see that as a final score for the NFL game?  

Heading to Georgia on Thursday (10/14) until Sunday for the annual "Act Like I'm Still in College Trip", which involves hanging around college bars on the beautiful campus of the University of Georgia, drinking way way way too much, tailgating for an SEC game, eating too many grilled/fried foods, and all foolishness that comes in between those things.   Convinced Andy to go w/ us this year, so he along w/ Scott making his second trip will hit the road (9 1/2 hour drive) down to Athens Georgia to meet up w/ my high school buddy, Craig Hisey.  Always fun! 

Gambling - been fairly decent the past month.  Great start to the NFL season, going 7-3 through 5 weeks.  Been playing a little more online poker lately w/ some of the free time I had due to my infection and that's been steady also. 

Final notes - season 3 of the Sons of Anarchy (FX) and the new Boardwalk Empire (HBO) have been awesome.  I've also been watching FX's new show, Terriers, and that's been good as well.  Very excited the MLB playoffs have started - already some great drama/moments!

My final thought - this song has been in my head for days for some reason, so naturally I felt like I needed to see the video, as well as share w/ all of you  Seriously, the hair styles in the 80's are fantastic - i really think I missed out since I was in my 1-9 years during that decade.  And doesn't the lead singer look a little like a young Paul McCartney or is that just me? 

Cook's 2010 NFL Predictions

One of the best times of year.  The weather is starting to get a little cooler, Kirk Herbstreit is on TV every Saturday morning for College Gameday, Notre Dame will most likely disappoint me, and the start of the NFL season.  With the NFL comes many glorious things like fantasy football, trash talking w/ friends, marathon Madden video game sessions, gambling, and going to many Colts games. 

Without further ado, here are my NFL predictions for 2010

• Brett Favre starts 10 or fewer games this year
• The Vikes go 8-8 or worse
• Chris Johnson rushes for over 2,000 yds, becoming 1st player to achieve that feat twice
• The Colts once again achieve at least 12 regular season wins (for the 8th straight season, i think)
• AFC Division winners - NE, Baltimore, Indy, San Diego.  wild cards - Tennessee & Miami
• NFC Division winners - Dallas, GB, NO, SF.  wild cards - Atlanta & Washington
• Aaron Rodgers wins the MVP
• The Raiders finish w/ a better record then the Broncos
• The Texans finish w/ a better record then the J-E-T-S
• Detroit wins at least 5 games (2 last year)
• Colts & GB play in the Super Bowl....Colts winning

Once again i'll be doing my annual betting, sticking to 2 games per week.  I didn't do quite as well last year as I did 2 years ago, but still finished above 50% going 27-23 on the season.  Looking to get back up to above 60% again this year.   

Big weekend coming up w/ the ND/Michigan game.  I'm going 42-34 ND.  Wake Up The Echoes.....

it's been a month, almost

Long time since my last post, but that's OK.  I'm over the 90:1 almost win, courtesy of Uruguay in the World Cup.  So what did July bring?  Hmmmm...

Best weekend was probably the Jimtown Outing weekend.  Andy, Dave, and Scott joined me this year.  I'm fairly certain they had a good time.  36 holes, free beer and steak, along w/ great weather made for a great day!  I shot an 82 in the morning round, while the others didn't play their best...  Andy even got a Hacker Trophy for being the worst golfer there (141 i think).  However, we stepped it up in the scramble, mainly on the putting green.  we shot 9-under to win the C Flight...and beat my Dad's foursome by like 6 shots, so that's always goal #1.   I've played in probably 10 outings w/ those 3 guys and this was by far the best we've ever putted.  we hit at least 3 birdie putts of 20-25+ feet, including yours truly knocking in a 50 footer to top the round off. 

Andy and I went to Cincy last weekend to see Gaddis along w/ the intention to scalp tickets to the Reds game against the Braves.  Normally tickets to the Reds are easy to come by as they never sell out...even when they are first place.  Of course, they sold out this series (1st of the year), so we ended up just going to a few bars and hanging w/ Gaddis.   Good times though, great to catch up w/ my former college roommate! 

Golf has been fairly decent too me this summer.  Although shooting a 96 at Oakmont doesn't sound good, trust me, i played decent and was happy w/ that.  I've fired two 82's the last two rounds I played (Cedar Lake @ Jimtown Open, and The Fort).  I also shot an 82 at West Chase back in June.  An 88 at Coffin two weeks ago as well, so I can't complain.  To top it off, i have 4 golf outings for work in the next 3 weeks, and the Ritter Open later August, assuming tennis doesn't get in the way.   Speaking of tennis...

Since my winter tennis league team won our league, we've qualified to advance on to try and win the state title.  We have two matches next weekend to see who represent Central Indiana (and Southern IN) in the state title match.  If we can advance from that, we'll play the representative from Northern IN for the state title the weekend of August 14th.  That's where my team lost last year to a team from Ft. Wayne...so looking to improve upon that. 

It's almost NFL season, so that means my NFL Preview column, including my annual betting columns/advice for those who partake in those actions.  I'm sure some fantasy football items will make it into the columns as well. 

Until next time, a nice video for you.  This is an embarrassment to all of us who as kids used to do awesome tricks jumping out of swings   

90:1...almost

Like my buddy Scott, I could dedicate this whole post to the World Cup and how the U.S. did fairly well despite the officials trying to screw us in every which way possible because they are obvioulsy afraid of our impending dominance of the world's sport.   My only other thought on the World Cup is that I was so close to getting the best gambling payout of my life....90 to 1 odds on Uruguay to win the whole thing.  Unfortunately they went down in the semi-finals today.  even though I didn't bet a lot of money, at 90:1 odds, even a non-CPA can figure out that it's a nice payday.  As with most things, gambling makes 99% of things more interesting! 

Alright, been a few weeks since my last post. Highlight of those weeks was my Myrtle Beach w/ mom's side of the family.   The trip was very fun.  Despite that this is the first vacation that i've taken in like 5 years w/o one of my buddies going w/ me, I was able to keep myself entertained by playing w/ the 5 kids under the age of 10, my step-brother and his wife (Tad & Kimberly), along w/ the Heitkamps, my mom & step-dad, and my Aunt Pam & Uncle Terry.  My 17-year old cousin Nick and I made the drive out to Myrtle, just the two of us in 12 hours flat.  A fairly easy road trip.  Most days went something like this... wake up around 8:30-9.  at beach by 9:30.  come in around noon and eat lunch/start drinking Bud Light.  back out to the beach around 1:30 and remain there until 4:30-5.   Continue drinking.  Dinner, then an array of card/board games along w/ some Rock Band sessions.  The older adults would normally be in bed by 10:30-11, while us younger adults would play more cards.  I also won our big round-robin, 2-night, Euchre tournament.....never a doubt!  (except for when I was in 2nd to last place after the first night).  

I tried to load some pics but for some reason can't get them to attach to the posting...not sure what the problem is since i've added pics in the past.  Tawnya Keitkamp and Kimberly Frahm have a lot of good pics from the vacation, so you can check their facebook pages if you are really interested. 

Let's see.  i went to Elkhart for the first time since Xmas for July 3rd-4th.  Heather was home so I got to see her.  Hung out w/ a few cousins most of the day on Satruday, then spent some time up at my Aunt Geneva's lake cottage on Sunday before making the car ride back.   Sunday night was one of those disasterous successful nights.  Craig, Buell and I ran up a $270 bar tab in about 5 hours celebrating America's b-day.  Ummm, Monday, July 5th was essentially a wasteful day until one of my water heater pipes decided to spring a leak.  That cost a few dollars today to get repaired, but now I have hot water again. 

Summer tennis league is going OK.  My team is 3-4, but personally i'm 4-1 in my individual matches, w/ my only loss coming in a 3rd set tie-breaker.  We've lost some close matches as a team...could easiliy be 6-1, but oh well.   I've been very active this summer playing basketball (Monday), softball (Tuesdays - although doesn't start for me until next week), tennis (Wednesdays) and kickball (Thursdays).  Kickball is fairly interesting...a lot harder to score runs then you would think.  Much more strategy playing against adults then what I remember playing as kids. 

Also, since my last post 3 weeks ago, the Cubs are now 99% officially out of the NL Central Race.  until next time (or year in the Cubs sake...)

Summer prelude

Sorry it's been a while since i made my last post, but it's been busy couple of weeks.  A little bit of traveling, some work, and trying to survive the onslaught of rain we've had recently have taken up my time.

Many of you know that I made my trip to Oakmont Country Club (Pittsburgh) a week ago.  The experience & day was fantastic!  I took my step-brother, Tad, with me for the journey.  The golf course/club house was unbelievable.  We were in awe the majority of the time we spent at the course.  Everything just had an aura about it, even down to the men's locker rooms (old wood/wicker lockers, no AC, old school bathrooms).   Very cool experience and honestly probably one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me.  We both broke 100 and each pared the hardest hole on one of the most difficult courses in America!  Mr. Bob Gallagher is the gentlemen/member that hooked us up w/ our round.  I can't thank him enough.  Tad is even sending him a piece of his ceramic pottery to thank him.  All I could thank him w/ was a kind note...but then again, what do you get a man w/ his achievements & successes in life?  He's a former partner of the largest public accounting firm in the world, then started his own firm which he built into a successful company.  Once he 'retired' he has formed his own consulting firm, mainly leading national education conferences for accounting firms.  In addition, he's appeared on Oprah, is an adjunct professor at the Univ of Pitt, and founded a girls basketball clinic/camp in Pittsburgh, and from all accounts has touched many lives in a variety of different facets.  I'm fortunate to have made his acquiantance...amazing what joining the instructor of a national conference for a beer after his presentation can lead too! 

Heading to Myrtle Beach on Saturday, June 18th for a week.  Along on the trip will be family members from my Mom's side of the family including the Heitkamps, Frahms, my mom & step dad, my Uncle Terry (mom's brother) and Aunt Pam (mom's sister) along with 5 children under the age of 10.  Nick (my cousin) and I will be driving down separate from everyone else, choosing to make the 12 hour drive in one day as opposed to stopping.  Should be good bonding time for us.  I'm looking forward to peering into the life of a 17 year old that apparently wants to go to Stanford! 

The trip should be fun.  We rented a 9-bedroom (i think, maybe 8-bedroom) house right on Myrtle Beach.  Personally, i'm looking forward to the sun, relaxing on the beach, some cold beers, family games/dinners, and golf!  Unfortunately one of the casualties of going on the trip is that I have to miss the annual Ritter HS Alumni Golf Outing, which I believe i've played in 8 of the past 9 years.  Since we won the Ritter Alumni Basketball League this winter, we were looking to be the first ever golf/basketball alumni champs in the same year (my facts on being first ever may or may not be true, but it sounds good).   Sadly, i'll have to miss the outing, as will Buell, so Scott will be playing w/ Andy, Matt, and Buck.  Scott has informed us that Even par is his goal....i feel bad for him. 

But the good news....Scott & Dave will be making their Jimtown HS Alumni Golf Outing debut this year!  I have convinced them to waste a one night of their lives in beautiful Elkhart, IN, and make the trip w/ me to play in my foursome.  I still need to get a fourth to round out that group. 

Looks like Andy & I will be going to Vegas the last weekend of July.  Unfortunately Dave can't make it that weekend and Scott now has a kid, so his life is basically over.  Rumor has it that our buddy Jeff Rabjohns (Indy Star Sports reporter) will be making the trip w/ us, along w/ maybe a mutual friend of Jeff's.  We'll see how that comes together, but I think Andy & I will go regardless. 

Hope the rest of you are having a great start to your summer!  Go USA Soccer...they may as well make a good showing since the World is watching.  I've actually enjoyed the World Cup and am looking forward to watching more of it over the next few weeks, even though I'm not the biggest soccer fan. 

Where did May go?

Holy Cow!!!  The month of May went by way to fast.  Since my last post, life has been fantastic.  Unfortunately my Oakmont CC trip was postponed to June 8th due to severe weather.  That's OK, i've been busy w/ the following:

• Joined a basketball league w/ one of my co-workers up at the Monon Center in Carmel.  We've  played two games so far and I'm still getting acclimated to my new teammates.  Monday nights throughout the summer you can find me there
• Went to Dallas May 21-23  For those who don't know, my sister also lives there.  Caught a Cubs/Rangers game (Cubs won in 10 innings!) and got to spend some quality time w/ the family.  It was great to see my Texas cousins & aunt/uncle who I don't get to see very often.  Plus add the fact that my Dad, Grandma, and another aunt/uncle were also in town, it made for a nice weekend. 
• Learned that I will probably never use my sister's buddy pass again.  Flight was free (thanks sis!), however, my travel days were 9 hours and 11 hours, respectively.   Considering I was only gone for 60 hours total, not worth it in my mind. 
• I turned 29! 
• Have finally got out and played some golf.  played 4 rounds in the past 3 weeks.  Shot a 90 (in a monsoon) and 92 (on a course i'd never played before) in my first two rounds.  Came back and shot an 81 at West Chase last week, my best score by at least 4 or 5 strokes at that course.  Then played in a scramble at the fort last saturday. 
• Indy 500 - normally that weekend involves an RV, 4 kegs, 20 lbs of meat, no showering, tents, and miscellaneous shenanigans.  However, this year we did not do that and decided to take it easy.  I actually had decided to boycott most race activities....that is until Marko called me and told me had pit row/garage passes for race day.  Needless to say I took him up on that.  Check out my facebook page to see those pics

Other news...the annual Indy CPA basketball tourney started this week.  My firm was lucky to get a first round W, squeaking out a close one.  I played decent in 1st half, leading us in scoring, but only scored 4 pts in 2nd half.  Luckily we got some good production from other players in the 2nd half to help lead us to victory.  We play again on Wednesday & Thursday.

Summer tennis league has also started.  Our team has played two matches, losing 3-2 in both matches thanks to our team having a 1-5 record in 3rd set tie-breakers.  I only played in one of the matches so far, winning easily.  Hope I continue to play that well in future weeks. 

Myrtle Beach in 3 weeks, then Vegas at the end of July...can't wait for both! 

In other gambling news, my group of friends that competes in the ESPN Streak for the Cash have now successfully turned it into a gambling event, combining some the theory behind "High Chicago" or "2/3rds" (variations of 7-card stud).  Leave it to us...., but as with everything else, gambling always makes it more interesting.   Speaking of gambling, is it crazy that i'm considering betting on the World Cup (see previous sentence about making things more interesting).  Somehow I let Gill talk me into Uruguay as a sleeper to make it out of pool play.  They are 100:1 odds to win the whole thing.  sounds like it's worth at least a $10 bet. 


Decided my next Elkhart trip will be 4th of July weekend, and then a quick trip on July 17th to play in the Jimtown Outing. 


No videos this post...i'm too tired

God bless the DVR

So for obvious reasons I don't get to watch that much TV during the tax season.  I don't know how I survived 2003-2006ish busy season's without a DVR to record my shows.  Since April 15 has come & gone I've been catching up on most of my shows:

• 24 - yeah, i know it finally hasn't been renewed, making this the final season.  I also know it started out slow and many people gave up on it, but man, Jack Bauer has really picked it up the last 8-10 episodes.  Needless say, Revenge Jack is definitely the best kind of Jack.
• Damages (FX) - The 3rd season of this FX staple was just as solid as the first two seasons.  Definitely one of the best kept secrets on cable
• The Pacific (HBO) - the next WWII miniseries drama on HBO from Hanks & Speilberg.  Basically if you liked Band of Brothers, then this is a must watch for you and any other war historian buff
• The Office/30 Rock - Hilarious, enough said
• ESPN's 30 for 30 Documentaries - These are beyond awesome.  Something to me about sports documentaries just draw me in.  All of these are riveting and I can't get enough of them.  Even the one they turned into a corny animation type episode (fantasy baseball being invented) was very solid.  Can't go wrong w/ these
• Flashforward - On October 6, 2009, the entire world blacked out for 2 minutes and 17 seconds.....great show

A show I haven't started watching yet, Justified (another FX original), I hear is very good, but I'm holding off until catch back up on the shows above.  Not to mention the NHL Playoffs and NBA Playoffs, TV has been a big part of my life recently.

Next 10 days will be fairly busy.  Playing golf Saturday w/ Rick and Tad, then again on Sunday w/ Dad & the Pappas's.  Tad and I then make the road trip to Oakmont CC (just north of Pittsburgh) Monday night for a Tuesday morning tee time.  It can't be said enough, but this course is rated in the Top 10 in America (Golf Digest) and could be the most difficult course in the nation.  It's gonna be awesome.  Then Dallas for the weekend for my cousin Rachel's graduation along w/ the fact that I can visit my sister and aunt/uncle that live in Dallas. 

These videos were brought to you by Diddy, both very funny.  The first video comes to you in the spirit of fans getting tazed at a few sporting events recently.  I vote for this to be a punishment option.
Second, if I remember correctly, this is why I wasn't allowed to enter the sports broadcasting world.  This is pretty damn funny for you sports media enthusiasts.  As always, thanks Diddy

BFC

I couldn't have said it better myself

I wish I could take credit for this analogy, but the best I can do is share it w/ all of you.  Trust me, I've worked w/ the US Tax Code for my whole professional life and this is by far the best story/analogy on breaking down symplistically how our tax system works.  For all of you who voted for "Change" in November 2008, this is essentially what you voted for w/ O.B.A.M.A's (One Big Ass Mistake America) tax proposals.   Once again, in 15 years when we are paying 45-50% income taxes along w/ a national sales tax or VAT, don't come crying to me.  Enjoy!!!!

Tax system explained in terms of beer - to make it more manageable*

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:

•  The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
•  The fifth would pay $1 
•  The sixth would pay $3 
•  The seventh would pay $7 
•  The eighth would pay $12 
•  The ninth would pay $18
•  The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that's what they decided to do.  The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. "Since you are all such good customers," he said, "I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20."  Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.  The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes, so the first four men were unaffected.  They would still drink for free.  But what about the other six men - the paying customers?  How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?'

They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33.  But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer.  So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.  And so,

•  The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings). 
•  The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33% savings). 
•  The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28% savings). 
•  The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings). 
•  The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 ( 22% savings).
•  The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before.  And the first four continued to drink for free.  But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.  "I only got a dollar out of the $20," declared the sixth man.  He pointed to the tenth man," but he got $10!"  "Yeah, that's right," exclaimed the fifth man. "I only saved a dollar, too.  It's unfair that he got ten times more than I!"

"That's true!!" shouted the seventh man. "Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!"  "Wait a minute," yelled the first four men in unison. "We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!"

The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!

And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.  

David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics
University of Georgia

For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible...

By the way, I've mentioned on here multiple times that I love Athens, GA - case & point w/ the apparent author of this story being from UGA.   Dr. Kamerschen actually refuted the writing of the story, although he acknowledges that it is an accurate portrayal of our tax system.  Either way, we'll give him credit since no one else has claimed it.  Love it...

stupid rain

by far one of my favorite commercials currently showing on TV...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KscChA1DxAk

not really sure I want to have a Heineken afterwards, but i'm not opposed.

Congrats to Scott & Sara on their new addition to the family, JJ, born yesterday. Andy, Dave and I cancelled our Cincy trip due to the weather...didn't feel like watching baseball in the rain. I suppose we could have just gone to the riverboat instead, but we chose to pass.

My trip to Oakmont on May 18th has been confirmed and the lucky winner who gets to go w/ me to play the 5th rated golf course in America (and possibly the most difficult) is my step-bro, Tad. Needless to say he was fairly excited as he's a big golf fanatic, not to mention a better player than I am. should be a nice road trip.

Got the PS3 now...it's awesome. And since it's rained for 3 straight days, that's about all i've done w/ myself this weekend Had Friday off of work, which was nice, but it rained all day. I also have next friday off, so hoping for better weather then.

In closing, Las Vegas (and Harrah's specifically) misses me so much they've offered me a free room for a 3-night stay at any of their hotels, excluding Caesers in June or July. Just planting that seed....let me know if you're interested

spring & summer fun

Now that i'm through my hell on earth time, I can begin to focus on the fun things in life. Should be a busy 2010 and I hope it's the best year ever. Here are a few of my plans for the upcoming 6 months:

• Pearl Jam concert - early May
• Playing Oakmont Golf Club (Pittsburgh) - May 18th
• Texas for 2-3 days in late May
• Myrtle Beach for a week - late June
• July - still up in the air...was considering going out west (Portland, Seattle), Vegas at some point, Jimtown golf outing. Somehow Scott and I have to come up w/ a plan for him to ditch his wedding anniversary to play in the outing w/ me (love ya Sara!).
• August - Vegas if I don't go in July
• October - third annual Georgia trip

At some point during the summer, i'll make my annual trip to Wrigley and catch a few games in Cincy.

Should be a great summer. Being around Broad Ripple these past few beautiful weather weeks reminded me why I love living in this area during the summer. Winter, not so much....but we'll take the good w/ the bad.

Let's see, some news. Matt & Abby got engaged last week. No immediate plans for when/where the wedding will be, but possible talks of a destination wedding. Six of us went to celebrate w/ them last night, going to dinner at a Japanese steakhouse - very tasty. Makes me wish I could cook like that!

I love this time of year for sports. NHL & NBA playoffs, MLB in full swing, NFL Draft, personally getting outside to start playing golf and tennis again. Last year I achieved my golf goal of breaking 80. I don't really have a goal for golf this year, but to continue to improve. It's been fun the past seven years or so to see us all get better at golf, except for Andy who has digressed so bad that he is now going to try and play opposite handed to see if it will help.

seriously, enough!

I'm sick of getting crap about not driving to Elkhart for Easter Sunday. I've been home for Easter a whole 1 time in the past 7 years, so this isn't something new. Despite working 70-75 hour weeks for the past month, throw in the fact that the Final Four is in Indy this weekend....no frickin way i'm leaving town. So seriously, family, enough w/ the subtle hints and quit asking.

Now, w/ that out of the way, my Easter plans hopefully include my quasi-Easter tradition - crashing Tad & Kimberly's plans and joining them for Church, lunch, and some quick visiting time before I eventually end up working that night. Yes, i'll work on Easter...it isn't anything new.

So my brackets turned out alright. 11 out of 16 of the Sweet 16, 4 Elite 8, and 2 Final Four. Good enough to be in the top 98.8% on ESPN and take the lead in my work bracket pool into the Final Four. Am I going to games?? who knows.... I actually turned down free rafter seats. Watching a basketball game from the top row of Lucas Oil Stadium does not really excite me. I'd rather hang out w/ friends at a bar or someone's house and enjoy it in High Def. But if some better offers come my way before Saturday, i'll consider going. I really think Butler can win this. One game at a time, but if they do get to the finals, I think they match up a little better against W.V. then Duke. Time will tell

Diddy and I once again did our annual March Madness challenge against one another. I've never won (0-2 or 0-3, however many years we've done it). This year, i trail by 2 games going into Saturday, so I need to sweep to force a winner take all national title game, which would be fairly exciting...can't get much closer than it is right now.

Liking the warm weather, but really it's just a tease too me until after April 15th. I intentionally leave my golf clubs in my basement until after tax season. I don't even want to be tempted to play right now. I need to restain my deck, so that's probably the first thing on my outside to do list. First time i've had to restain it, so I have no idea how long it'll take, but I assume it'll be a good afternoon's work since my deck isn't that big.

I've been bad about updating my taxable income tracker for 2009. I'm going to guess it's somewhere around $30-33 million. i need to go back and update it for the past 10 days worth of work or so.

I'm also looking forward to getting started on my culinary goal for 2010. Since my dinners are provided for me by the firm, i haven't cooked a real meal since mid-January. I'm starting to get the urge to cook though, so feel free to send me any recipes you think may be good for me.

If only our desks didn't weigh a ton at our office, Diddy and I could definitely do some damage like this. I really love The Office. It's about the only show i've been able to keep up on during tax season. every other show i'm watching is just sitting on my DVR, waiting for my return (24, Justified, Damages, The Pacific, 30 Rock, FlashForward)

Until next time...

March Madness Quickie

tax season, as usual, is getting the best of me. here are my picks (i know a day late, but this was my #1 bracket)

Sweet 16
Midwest - Kansas, Michigan St, Georgetown, Ohio St
West - Syracuse, Butler, Xavier, Kansas St.
East - Kentucky, Wisconsin, New Mexico, West Virginia
South - Duke, Purdue, Baylor, Villanova

Elite 8
Midwest - Kansas vs Georgetown
West - Syracuse vs Kansas State
East - Wisconsin vs West Virginia
South - Duke vs Baylor

Final Four - Kansas over Kansas State, West Virginia over Duke

Champ - Kansas over West Virginia.

Georgetown really screwed me already....oh well. I have saturday off this week, so big weekend of basketball w/ Scott, Andy and Dave. should be fun!

In Diddy's and I annual pick every game against the spread against one another, I jumped out to a 10-6 lead after Day 1. He has owned me in this rivalry (0-3 all time for me)...i'm pretty sure this is the first time i've ever had a lead after Day 1, so I'm fairly excited.

I'm out, more posts in the near future hopefully

Venting

Monday, March 8th....one week till the 1st deadline is past. Last week and it's 73 working hrs in 6 days can go to hell. I think that's the earliest in busy season I've ever worked a 70+ hour week. 5 more weeks total, w/ a slight breather week March 15-20th, where I become useless once the NCAA Tourney begins. Can't wait.

8am on monday morning and i'm sitting here waiting for the roofing/attic guys to show up. Getting the insulation in my attic doubled. Thought about doing that myself later this spring, but laziness and convenience got the best of me. It's the thought that counts. Got me thinking...in the past 2-3 years I've spent a decent amount of cash on my house just to "maintain" and basically my house is appraising for what I paid for it 5 years ago. I suppose that's better than the 25% less....but we all know that I probably couldn't sell it for the appraisal value. Typically I've always seemed to be in the right place at the right time when it comes to these kind of things, but not this time. If I could unload this house for what I paid for it and then go and buy a nicer/bigger house on the cheap all while lowering my monthly payments, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Problem......I can't sell this for what I paid for it, no question. Brand new deck, all new HVAC system, new roof, better insulation, it doesn't matter, too much of a buyer's market right now. Oh well

I'm looking forward to my next post - NCAA predictions! I did so well last year getting a whopping ZERO Final Four teams right, which was the first time ever I've never gotten at least one. I did get 4 of the Elite Eight teams right though. Can't wait, love the 3 weeks of the tourney, excluding the whole work thing.

My mom is on a cruise this week in the Caribbean and of course I took them to the airport Saturday. "Wish you could come w/ us...." she says....yeah, no kidding! Same ship we were on 18 months ago when Buell and I took the ultimate man-date w/ them. It was fun though!

"My" Ritter alumni bball team earned the #1 seed for the tourney and we won yesterday to move into the semifinals. I would say there are 3 other "good" teams, besides us, that have a legit chance of winning the league, and all 3 of those teams are on the opposite side of the bracket. We were basically given the draw that we would have picked ourselves if we were running the tournament. To put in 2010 NBA terms, it's basically the equivalent of the Cavs playing the Nets, Knicks, and Pacers to get to the NBA Finals

7 more days till the first one has passed, breathe, breathe

I'm an idiot

I'm writing this on my phone, so this is my first mobile blog post.  Awesome right?  The reason I'm doing from my phone is because I'm sitting in my car, in my driveway, locked out of my house.  Yep, keys on my dresser... So I also don't have my car keys.  Thank God for cell phones and my savior, my old roommate Matt.  He still has a key to my house, so he is driving up here to let me in...then I'm taking him and his girlfriend to lunch!  Better than paying a locksmith, on a sunday.  

Tax season sucks, but that's nothing new.  Buell and I's Ritter alumni team pulled off a miraculous victory this morning over a team that probably should have beat us.  It was a 3 point onslaught by us with yours truly draining at least 5 of them.  Good times.  

Wish I could have been with Craig and Adam this weekend in Vegas for a bachelor party...I'm starting to get that itch again.  

Played about 3 hrs of ping-pong two weekends ago at my stepbros house.  Lots of fun and we had some epic showdowns...very similar to the fresh out of college days with our fusbol rivalries with the old roommates at The Plex.  

2009 Taxable Income Reviewed to date - approx $8 million.  I'm not in front of my computer, ya know, SINCE I'm LOCKED OUT OF MY DAMN HOUSE!!!!!!!!!  I always knew this day would come...  

the first real event in the Winter Olympics that I'm excited for is tonight.  USA vs Canada in mens ice hockey.  Well Matt should be here any minute.  Fiest mobile blog post...out.  Over/under on number of typos is probably at least 20

early tax season blues

So the Colts sucked in the Super Bowl. Well, we didn't play horrible, just had a few bonehead plays and a few "hindsight is 20/20" coaching moments. Also the Saints played a great game and deserved to win. Onwards.... Finished 27-24 on the year for NFL bets for a less than inspiring 53%. Not great, but it always comes back to being better than Scott's 0-6 showing in Vegas.

9:55 on a Wednesday night, early February, and I just got to sit down on my couch. Ahh, the joys of being a public accountant during tax season. I'm still a month away from the corporate deadline (2 months from individual deadline) and I'm already starting to feel the invisible force of my client's needs/expectations pulling me in all different directions. Don't get me wrong, I love my job most of the time and would recommend a public accounting career to incoming college students, however, it does have it's negatives. On a positive note, I've been exposed to a few unique tax situations that has taught me a lot in the past few months, so I'm a better CPA today than I was 6 months ago....and I'd like to think I didn't suck at my job 6 months ago....

Valentines Day...not a huge fan, but this year should be fun. Going to a "put the SIN back in SINGLE" party. Sounds more scandalous than I'm sure it'll be, but it'll be fun. Basically just an excuse to get together w/ some friends, not all of whom are single, to drink. Nothing too crazy though since the Ritter Alumni Bball league started up a few weeks ago and we play on Sunday mornings, so don't want to be hungover for that. We are 2-0 having outscored our opponents by 75 points over two games....but we've also played the two worst teams, I'm sure.

That reminds me, I'm hoping I there is a shitty table at this party so me and few other friends can try out this (your video of the week, courtesy of Club Tril). Seriously, of all the years that I've dominated people (along w/ the occasional loss) at beer pong, i've never seen anyone do this...NOR do I recall it ever being discussed. I'm very excited to witness or partake in beer pong dunk live.

On another note, has anyone else noticed that the Pacers current two point guards are Earl Watson & AJ Price...who? exactly....the Pacers are awful. I don't understand how a team in Indiana can be this bad. Wait, IU isn't good either? Jesus, what the hell is going? At least Purdue is a legitimate Final Four threat, Butler is solid, and ND is making a push for the tourney...so the state isn't all bad.

For my long-time readers, you may remember that I kept track of the cumulative taxable income (netted w/ losses) for the clients that I was responsible for during tax season. I think last year ended up around $50 million of net taxable income. I'll keep a tally again this year and am guessing the year will end up around $48 million...we'll see how accurate i am. last year I guessed $103M...so surely I'll be much closer this year!

2009 Taxable Income Reviewed to Date - $2,721,521 (it's early in the year, obviously. not the mention the economy sucked in 2009)

Super Bowl prediction

So both of the Colts home playoff games were awesome atmospheres. It was nice to stick it to Baltimore (for like the 64th time in a row). The AFC Championship game was unreal. The stadium was ridiculously loud and if it wasn't official before, it definitely is now...Peyton Manning is the greatest QB to ever play the game. I'm not sure how you can argue for anyone else. The way he can pick apart defensive schemes is unbelievable. We've been spoiled for the last 10 years and I don't want to imagine the Colts w/o him.

Along w/ the NFL playoffs comes my annual betting on every game. the first round was awful as I went 0-4. I've since gone 3-3 on the past 6 games, w/ two of those victories being the Colts covering. So, I suppose I'll have to bet on them in SB...if it ain't broken, don't fix it. 27-23 on the year for a mediocre 54%...stupid first round of the NFL playoffs! And my head-to-head battle w/ Evan is officially over as he went 0-2 last weekend giving me a 2-game lead w/ one to play. He hates the Colts anyway, so don't feel bad for him.

Thanks to all of you who voted on my 3rd goal poll. the Thriller Dance won by 1 vote, so I'll have to start working on that. Babysitting fell short by one vote, so I suppose I'll throw my name out there to potentially do that for some family members...we'll see. Sports stadiums was 3rd and I'll try to achieve that anyway as it's definitely the most fun! Calling my mom once a week was near the bottom....sorry Mom.

Goal #1 for the year, Boxing, is progressing nicely. I've been to 4 or 5 classes and I can see improvement. I've taken a couple of decent punches in our light sparring sessions...nothing that is going to leave a bruise or anything, but enough to make me take a step back and gather myself. I did take one shot to the body that put me on my knee as I had to catch my breath. Unfortunately none of my friends (Matt sucks) have joined me for the class, but that's OK, I'm still enjoying it. And yes, it's true what people say about it being one of the best workouts you can do.

Went to see LeBron tonight against the Pacers, thanks to Andy getting his boss's tickets. We had 14th row seats, so great vantage point to see him. A ho-hum game scoring for LeBron (22), but he did have 9 assists...in the 1st quarter! He finished w/ a line of 22 pts, 9 rebounds, 13 assists, 2 steals, and 4 MONSTER blocks. Good time for sure!

Busy season has officially begun for me as I'm starting to work Saturdays. I'm not happy about it. On a positive note, the Ritter Alumni Bball League starts up this Sunday, so I need to dust off the shoes and hit the hardwood again. Should be fun! Hmmm, nothing else too new. Dating life has been interesting, but as you all know, I'm not going to get into that here...

My prediction - Colts 34, Saints 20. Total domination. i'm out

a friday quickie

It's been a little while, so thought I'd post a little something. The voting is going strong w/ the two of the options neck and neck for my 3rd goal for 2009. VOTE VOTE VOTE if you haven't done so already. I think the poll is open for another 4-5 days

Started Goal #1 last night. Yep, went to my first boxing class, by myself as the two individuals who I think are going to join me couldn't go last night. To say that i'm sore today would be like saying Indy is a slightly better place to live than Elkhart...HUGE UNDERSTATEMENT. I got home last night and couldn't lift my left arm, my whole body ached when I got up this morning and I sorta felt like someone beat on me w/ a baseball bet for an hour. I wasn't really expecting to spar and take/throw punches w/ someone else on the first night, but hey, go big or go home, right? Let's just say learning to take a punch and get hit is WAY harder than actually throwing punches. Sounds fun, doesn't it?? Despite the pain, it was a GREAT workout and i'm looking forward to Matt & Kara joining me next week.

Haven't really done anything w/ the cooking goal yet, but i'll get on that here in the next few weeks.

Since Evan & I tied in our NFL picks against each other, we decided to pick every game of the playoffs. Well, we both picked the same games last week....and both went 0-4, ouch! So, we are still tied. I'm now 24-20 on the year in my actual bets and my quest for 11-0 in the playoffs was over before it began. Looking for a 3-1 or 4-0 this weekend to get off the schnied.

Heading to the Colts game on Saturday night...should be a blast! Yes, i bet on the Colts to cover at 6.5pts....no way for me to bet against them, right?!. Alright, I'm out

2010 Goal Update

Alright, so I've received numerous suggestions both via my previous post comment section along w/ a few that were passed along via email/text/in-person.

The first two goals I am setting on my own, although I have swapped the Thriller goal out w/ Katy's suggestion of increasing my culinary skills. So, the two goals that I have set for myself for 2010 are:

Goal #1 - Boxing class
Goal #2 - Culinary skills

As for goal #3, here are the suggestions for you to vote on via the poll on the right, PLEASE DO SO!:

• Be able to due the whole Thriller dance
• Begin to baby sit
• Visit 3 new professional sports stadiums in 2010 (1 down already thanks to my Buffalo trip last weekend
• Adam suggested running a half marathon, which I have absolutely no desire to do since I don't like to run. However, i'll tweak his suggestion to be to run a 5K in under 20 minutes as I do run one 5K a year. I think I ran it in around 21:45 a few years ago, so that'd be a lofty improvement for a non-runner.
• Call my Mom once a week
• Do a home improvement project that I would normally hire someone to do myself
• Travel to a new country
• Shoot a round of 5 over or better in golf

As for the dating/girlfriend suggestions, I am not making this a goal. Anyone who knows me understands that I'm not going to "settle" on a girl just to have a girlfriend. So those suggestions are being politely nixed. Thank you for caring though :)

General life update -

New Years Eve was fun. Craig was in town and we had a good time out at the bars w/ Dave & Mo, along w/ a few of her friends and another coworker of mine. Christmas was good as I got to spend some time w/ my sister and my niece, both of whom I rarely see since they live in Dallas. Good to see the rest of Dad's family as well. Mom was in Florida, so didn't get to see her & Rick over the holidays.

Spent this past weekend in Buffalo and went to the Colts/Bills game on Sunday. The Colts lost the game before they ever showed up as they weren't going to play their starters for too long. The game itself was a unique experience due to the weather. 10 degrees w/ wind chill of negative 2. It snowed more than 5 inches during the game and during the 2nd quarter was essentially a white out. Despite our hand warmers, blankets, and multiple layers of clothing, we still froze....just too damn cold. After the game we went to Anchor Bar, which is famous for "inventing" the chicken wing (hence, why they are called Buffalo Wings).

Evan & I called off our Week 17 picks against each other since the NFL lines were so jacked up this past sunday due to many teams not playing their starters. Good news is that I gained 2 games on him in Week 15-16 and we are all square heading into next week's playoff games thanks to me going 3-1 those weeks and Evan going 1-3. I also bet on a few additional games those weeks and won all of those, so overall i went 6-1 in Weeks 15-16, bringing my total for the year to 24-16, a respectable 60%!

No videos this week, but check my Facebook account in the near future for my Buffalo trip pics.