Much Fun Was Had By All

Last night, Iwanski and I went to the Cubs game with Sfoofie (aforementioned as the nieciest niece), my niece Melissa, my nephew DJ, and a couple of Sfoofie’s friends, who flew in from Washington D.C.

It. Was. A. Blast!

First of all, the Cubs rocked! Not that I’m totally into baseball or anything, but there was no denying that they really did rock. And they did so again today!—in today’s game, they came from behind, losing 9-1 and ended up winning 10-9. What a team! Could this be the year?

But even more awesome than the Cubs was the conversation. It was wonderful to catch up with my nieces and nephew, all of whom I felt like I hadn’t seen in FOREVER. We exchanged stories about their parents (my brother and sister) that made us all laugh. If either of them are reading this, rest assured that it was all good stuff—mostly. (evil laugh)

But seriously, folks, we had a rockin’ good time.

Iwanski and I first met up with Melissa and DJ (Sfoof and her friends came later), and they (Mel and DJ) are both die-hard Cubs fans—even though DJ had never been lucky enough to actually go to a game in person before last night. So it was particularly exciting for him. When Iwanski and I met up with the two of them, hugs were exchanged, then Melissa started squealing in delight. Apparently her favorite Cubs player, Ted Lilly, was signing autographs right in front of us. And then, when he agreed to take a picture with her, and even put his arm around her for the picture, she was positively bubbling with excitement. I, on the other hand, barely knew who Ted Lilly was and couldn’t imagine what all the fuss was about. Iwanski reminded me that when I was younger, I would have started squealing like that if Billy Joel was in front of me signing autographs. Well, he was right about that. (I have since outgrown my Billy Joel crush.)

Then we went into the stadium, and hot dogs, nachos, sodas, and beers were purchased. I got excited that I got carded and had to show my ID with my now 35-year-old birthdate on it. The beer vendor wished me a Happy Birthday. I wish that he had wished me a free beer, instead…but alas, I had to pay the outrageous price of $6.50 for it. Oh, well, you pay for the atmosphere, I guess.

Sfoofie then showed up with her friends, just in time for the game to start. Here’s the breakdown:

Melissa and the 3 guys = huge Cubs fans who paid attention to the game. (DJ even scored the whole game. He REALLY loves baseball.)

Sfoofie’s friend Beth = nice girl who also seemed to be enjoying the game.

Sfoofie and me = call ourselves Cubs fans, but pretty much ended up yapping with each other the whole time.

So we all had fun, for many different reasons. I enjoyed Sfoofie’s company a lot. She is so fun and hilarious. And it was great to talk to Melissa and DJ, as well. We all bonded over our love of the show “The Office.”

Great food, great atmosphere, great conversation—what more could you ask for?

Birthday!

Some people would prefer that people not know that it’s their birthday.

I am not one of those people.

My birthday is tomorrow! And I’m going to be the big 3-5.

Wow. Time sure flies when you’re having fun!

I’m always happy when my birthday comes around. The weather’s getting warmer, the summer festivities are on their way…and I have enjoyed yet another year on this earth! Despite its challenges, I’m very, very grateful to be here. Especially since I have so many wonderful friends and family members that I love so dearly. For example, I happen to be married to the most wonderful man in the world. Aren’t I just the lucky one?

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I know that I’m extremely blessed to have all the great friends and family that I do (you all know who you are!).

I could mention all of your names right here, but then I would be afraid I’d forget someone’s name. Oh, the horror!

Instead, I will just tell you about one more person: my sister Sheri. I’ve mentioned Sheri before on my blog, and I just want to reiterate that she and I have one of those special “sister relationships.” We know each other so well, and even if we don’t talk often, we always have and always will share that special connection that sisters often share. And again she showed how well she knows me by sending me the most thoughtful, clever birthday gift—check it out!



Isn’t this the coolest gift ever? I love it! And I love my sister.

And I love my birthday! I’m not ashamed to admit it.

Why Do I Like These Songs?

I like crappy music. And often I realize that a song is crappy, but I still LOVE it. Or as Alvy Singer says in the movie “Annie Hall” (and as I would say to each of the following songs):

“Love is, is too weak a word for what I feel - I lurve you, you know, I loave you, I luff you, two F's, yes I have to invent, of course I - I do, don't you think I do?”

Here are my top 10 “guilty pleasures” songs:

1. Dancing Queen by Abba (This is now my theme song if I guest co-host on the Iwanski-Winter show.)

2. God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood (I have no excuse for this one.)

3. We Built This City by Starship (I cry when I hear this song—really! It’s pathetic.)

4. Copacabana by Barry Manilow (I like Barry Manilow. Yes, I said it.)

5. Escape (The Pina Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes (Aww, it was my own lovely lady!)

6. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by Wham! (Shut up. This song rocks.)

7. Even the Nights Are Better by Air Supply (Air Supply got me through many breakups. Deal with it.)

8. Can’t Fight This Feeling by REO Speedwagon (The lead singer attended the same grade school as Iwanski. So you gotta like them.)

9. Macho Man by the Village People (You gotta love a song where the singer brags about “my big thick moustache.”)

10. YMCA by the Village People (I love the song. I love the dance. I am that lame.)

Yes, I love the Village People. I have listened to their greatest hits album several times while exercising. It is what I like to call “peppy” music. Iwanski hates it when I call music “peppy.” That’s why I like that word.

But you know what I mean. Every single one of these songs can instantly energize me or make me nostalgic—or both!

I lurve them.

Radio Is Fun

If you want to hear about the fun I had, the show will be downloadable tomorrow on iwanskiwinter.blogspot.com or on itunes.

And for anyone who wanted to call in but didn't know the number (you know who you are!), I believe you can still call in and leave a message at 1-877-Iwanski. But beware: what you say may be used against you on the Iwanski/Winter Show.

Tonight...

Last minute news:

I will be co-hosting the Iwanski/Winter radio show tonight. Check it out if you wish!

Here's the lowdown:

Tonight at 7:00 central time on boskeyradiowest.com

Hope you tune in and enjoy our silliness!

The Invisible Aliens are Not In DuBuque

Damn! I still didn’t find the invisible aliens.

However, I did find something that I’d been missing for quite a while: real relaxation. You know how sometimes you don’t even realize how stressed you’ve been feeling until you get away for a while? Yep, that’s how I felt.

On this three-day voyage, Iwanski and I traveled through Northern Illinois, into Iowa (ooo, Iowa!), and then through Southwest Wisconsin. We saw beautiful green hills and valleys, pastures with cows lazily grazing, and forests with the occasional deer venturing out into the open. We even saw a bald eagle carrying his prey (perhaps a snake) over the treetops. We did some real hiking, and some real relaxing. It was just beautiful.

And at night, we retired to our hotel to swim in the pool and kick back with a couple of cold beers while we listened to some country and bluegrass music. Ahhh…this was the life.

Now we’re back in the city, in the place of beautiful manmade “hills” known as the Sears Tower and the John Hancock Building. It’s the place of city parks, where pigeons graze on the popcorn or corn chips somebody left behind, and of metal rails with the occasional subway rat venturing out into the open. It’s the place where we often see seagulls soar over the rooftops of buildings, in search of their next meal.

And I love it, too. I just need to remember that it’s just as important to relax here in the city as it was in the country.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to crack open a couple of cold beers and listen to some hip-hop music.

Ahhh…home sweet home.

Not Giving Up

Alright, y’all…I have not yet given up on finding the invisible aliens. They must be out there! And I must find them!

Therefore, I will embark on a three-day alien hunt. No stone will be unturned, no sticky note untouched.

And no writing will be done by me until I return.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!!