Time to reformat and retool.

Man, after such a layoff I really have no idea where to begin. This is just the Toast dropping by here to find some way of cleaning up this blog which has come to resemble nine miles of bad road....especially when you put it in comparison with blogs belonging to "the boys". Ah, those are conducted the way a decent blog is supposed to; chock full o' hilarious pictures and witty 80's baseball references. And what are the readers gonna get here???

http://www.poetv.com/video.php?vid=72

Yup....you guessed it. Cheap laughs and nonsensical information. But, we have to start somewhere and before we get the dynamite drop-in of this being almost the second full year of Toastedblog action this kid is going to take you in a completely different direction; SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS!!!

A night of dang its here in Central NY as the Sabres dropped game 7 to Carolina 3-2. Trust me, I have nothing against the former Whale especially seeing as how a certain Uncle was drafted by the organization only to be seen spending his time in Edmonton currently, or is it Drexel?? I get confused. But I think the "storied" Carolina Hurricane franchise doesn't really need another shot at the Cup. Not just yet, especially after the sight of all the Redneck Hockey signs in the Carolina crowd. I'm just glad I didn't have to deal with any of that "Honky-Tonk Badonkadonk" nonsense. "Ooh weee!!"

Even though I am a Bruins fan, I found myself completely involved in every Sabre playoff game this year. True, they did have Danny Glover out there killing off penalties (take a close look at any shot of a bearded Mike Grier) and the lead singer of Willie Moe's favorite band between the pipes. But all Ryan Miller's aside, I was really getting into watching this squad play hockey. Fast paced, hard hitting, high octane hockey, that's all it was all throughout the playoffs. I just wished it could have gone on a bit longer. I'm not switching allegiences or anything even though the Bruins have done nothing the past few years to allow them the benefit of ertaining this Toasted supporter, but the Sabres and their style of play sure made for some entertaining hockey.

So there you have it; Toastedblog she's a back. I just hope some people still decide to drop by and give it a read 'cause it sure has been a while. Steady as she goes. Toast OUT!!

A New Dirt Dog

See, Wily Mo Pena gets it!!
Just a few months from signing former Buffalo Bison great CoCo Crisp, the Sox did it again yesterday when they traded hard rockin' pitcher Bronson Arroyo to the Reds for outfielder Wily Mo Pena. Nice collection of weirdos and dudes we got in the outfield huh?? Personal Toast favorite Trot Nixon, nutball Manny "Trade Me" Rameirez, a breakfast cereal, and good buddy Willie Moe. I like!! A nice addition overall I think. If you look at it; the Sox pretty much had seven starters going into this year so losing Arroyo isn't that big of a deal seeing as he was most likely sitting in the pen when the season got underway and to get a backup outfielder with a lotta pop like Pena certainly is choice. Kinda curious to see how this pans out.

"YAY!" Day for a May Day

Over the past few weeks I have begun to pay a bit more attention to the goings on in the music world to gain a little insight on some highly awaited albums. Now years of agony are being set afire on what is to be the greatest day to hit the Toast since this coming Friday. New albums from Pearl Jam and Tool out on May 2nd!! JACKPOT!!


Oooh....and Tool too!

Now, not much has really been mentioned about the Tool release other than its title, which is "10,000 Years", and the track listing. Meanwhile, PJ's site has a link to the single "World Wide Suicide" and the Toast gave it the one over. Not too shabby; reminds me a bit of The Who which I guess they can have a tendancy to do but let's not get sidetracked. To top it all off, Pearl Jam is also going to be running around this neck of the woods during the first leg of their tour this summer as stop # 3 is Albany, NY on Friday, May 12th. "Little Crapper" Chuck and myself are currently in the works of planning a mode for attack. Any takers??

In other news I'm finding it difficult going up and down stairs with much stability as spring rugby practices have hit full swing. I tell myself that I am in decent running shape all throughout the off-season until that first day after that initial practice when my legs feel like they've had a louisville slugger taken to them. If only the internet audience could see me trying to get up and walk after sitting down for about ten minutes. Tremendous dang it I assure you. Damn you hill running!! Now, if you'll excuse me, its time for me to struggle out of this chair. Toast OUT!!!

**Wait, before I go I just wanted to mention something; do yourself a favor and find a way to listen to "White Lines", by Grandmaster Flash. It just popped on iTunes whilst spell checking here. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up; extremely happy!!

Music for a Solemn Mood.

I find myself sitting in front of my computer here on a Saturday afternoon listening to "Hunky Dory" by David Bowie trying to make sense of my most recent phone conversation. My mother called to tell me that Pop Pop, my Grandfather out in Chicago, suffered a heart attack and died early this afternoon. As I sat back down "Hunky Dory" just sort of popped on and I haven't been able to really move to change it. I don't really know what the next step is as it was a rather difficult talk with Mom but I should be heading west within the next few days. I can't really write anymore as no time has really past and this is just starting to sink in. However, I'll leave this post with something to help me out. One of my favorite memories of Pop Pop occured just this past Summer when I was out in Chicago during Dependence Day Weekend. I was able to free myself from the neverending partying onslaught provided by Danny and Uncle Jitter to have dinner with my mother and Grandparents and this is where Pop Pop did his best to score me a date with our waitress. Had I lived out there, it definitely would have worked. I'm really going to miss him.

I Just Done Got Raq-ed!!

Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, oh my God the last few weekends here have been musical bliss for the Toast. A few of my more recent favorites have decided to stop in to blow. me. away!! Ah yes, the three week ROCK BLOCK!!! A hard core sandwich of MUSIC AWESOMENESS!!! This all sounds fun in my head. Nonetheless, if we hit 88 in our delorian and go back in time we'll find that the Toast had a rockin' good time with bands like The Breakfast and some smooth jivin' and groovin' with Oshe!! (Sidenote: Sources close to the Toast inform me that Oshe has broken up.) But those are just the app's before the wicked feast that was Raq, hence the title.

Raq (pronounced: "rack") has uncannily become some kind of a b12 shot for music and me. Its seems like its been ages since one band has reinvigorated and rejuvinated me as Raq has of late. My first real Raq experience was at Lew Au , a weekend festival back in August and the Toast got blow'd up. Since then, the Toast has pretty much decided to saddle up and ride whenever they be in town, most recently last Saturday. The energy and the excitement that is created at their shows is really something that has to be experienced. Here's a link to give you a little sample of some sweet sweet Raq action. Please use responsibly. I've hopped on board for a few more of their shows here in the NY. More importantly, Raq's going to be in Albany on March 9th and 10th. Perhaps we can get Javen, Dunford and EC Paul involved. Ooh thai martini bar karoake.

All right kids, drive fast and take chances!! For now I'm going to take a chance on a delicious sandwich. I'm out like kraut.

"Der Bulldozer" ist sehr Hervorragend!

I had a great idea for a wicked Toastedblog but since I caught a tiny glimpse of SNL last Saturday after the UConn v. Louisville game; I decided that I should try to find a way to post what I saw. Here I was hanging out with a few of the boys a few minutes before heading out to meet rugby buddy Army Matt at Coleman's for a couple pop's, beers, what-have-you's and I was instantly trapped in one of my infamous and uncontrollable fits of laughter. Billy Ball, you should get a kick out of it. Take a look.


Of course "Der Bulldozer" can make a woman climax by simply pointing at her and saying "booyah".

I'd like to say that SNL is coming round again to reach new heights of comedy but the next two skits quickly brought me back to my previous opinion of the show. However, that whole "Lazy Sunday" short by that Andy Samberg fella seemed to make me laugh a bit. As for now we can attribute Saturday Night's laughter to Mr. Norris.


Is it so hard to believe that this man lost his virginity before his father?

Has it really been almost ten years??

Take a look at the picture you see below. What you see is Senior Toast on picture day for my high school hockey team. Look at me, so young, so full of promise and boyish good looks. Now I struggle to barely keep this train wreck of a blog up to date. It's Friday the 13th and here I am with my first entry of 2006 and what is it about, teenage Toast. Check out the red pants though. Lookin' sharp my friend. And my, could I pick up those rebounds in the slot; not to mention go into the corners with the elbows up. Elbows high, that's what my Dad would always say. My penalty minute stats definitely proved that I was listening.


Toast just the way I like it, aged 17 years.

Back then, I wasn't the Toast. Just Casey. I didn't have to worry about going back to school in a few days so I could complete my education certification. As far as I knew, I was going to head down to the University of Pittsburgh and become a chemical engineer. There was never a thought of sticking around Central New York for College and I had a good idea of where I was heading in life. There was no bionic shoulder (although my senior year would ultimately lead to my having reconstructive surgery), no difficulties with money, and love had yet to kick the shit out of me. I had some goals that I wanted to achieve and it seems that I am almost further away from them now then I was when this picture was taken.

Does this mean that I am disappointed in where my life is now, close to 10 years later? No, not really. I've had a ball. But that may be just it. The Toast is not getting all serious on his readers. This is just one of those things that you think about when you are struggling to get to sleep. But I am at least heading in the right direction. Classes start in a little over a week. Nervous? Far from it. Actually kind of looking forward to it all. Makes me wonder why I've put this off for....let's see four years now. I just know that I'm tired of being a college graduate that has to struggle to find a job. If there are any college advisors out there let me give you a piece of advice. Never, under any circumstances, allow a student to graduate with just a degree in History. Trust me, it doesn't work. Perhaps those fellas in Schenectady will see a bit more of me in the coming months as teaching in NY State requires some sort of Master's Degree. I hear SUNY Albany has a hell of a program...hint hint.

So this is Christmas?

Merry Christmas folks. Not gonna lie to you but its not the best holiday this Toast has had seeing as how I am still airing my grievances from Festivus but it is still a time for family and to be with the ones you love so I got that goin' for me....which is nice. Uber smooth with the ladies kid brother Cory is in town for the holiday so there's a little bonus hop in my step and there's always some grand eating to be had at the Godmother's. Aunt Julie, you never seem to let my tummy down. Word on the street is that there's gonna be plenty of peanut butter fudge. Now that's what I call the Jackpot!!! I just wanted to take a quick minute and wish another Merry Christmas to all of those who I know and love. You know who you are. But on the slight chance that you may be concerned with the amount of Toast love this Irish scamp has in store for you, puhlease, you are encouraged to ask. I can give hugs like no other. And open handed slaps to the mouth. Enough of this, I gots me some turkey to get my hands on. Merry Christmas and Happy Belated Festivus to all. You mean more that you know.

More Casey adventures to come.....

If you want to have some good Toastedblogs you've gotta grab 'em by the haunches and hump them into submission. It's the only way.

Ah Dodgeball, you're always good for a laugh. The sequence with Patches O' Houlihan teaching Average Joe's how to play by whipping wrenches at them sends me into hysterics everytime. recently I have been a bit out of it. Not gonna lie to you my Toastedblog friends but the the Toast was laid out on the couch for the majority of last week with some "flu-like" symptoms. Not good times, definitely bad times. My near death was in direct response to burning the ol' midnight candle for about a week and a half too long leaving me a shell of my normal awesome self. However, I did catch up on my daytime television and orange juice consumption. In case y'all are wondering though, the Toast is doin' mighty fine and looking forward to Turkey Day and having Aunt Julie load me up with some take home leftovers. YAHTZEE!!

So, what do we write about here for our Toastedblog faithful. A story of intrigue and espionage perhaps?? Erotica?? Tales of historic blunders featuring everyone's favorite Uncle Jitter?? Actually, I went to the NY Giants game on Sunday against the Eagles and really should have called JT for that game. I had an extra ticket and was pretty sure that he would have driven the hour from Philly to spend a few hours with yours truly in the Meadowlands. May even have helped cheer on Shockey or joined the Toast in his last place Eagles chant. LAST PLACE EA-GLES!! Hahaha, take that Phelps!! Dang it, I'm so stupid.

Ok, I am getting all sidetracked and I'm not even drinking. This post is to have a topic. A few nights ago while trying to get to sleep I found my traditional beddy bye time music to be some random Radiohead mix and I got thinking about a night spent with the boys over the summer and a talk that sent the Toast into a frenzy. Let's revisit shall we...

Picture if you can, a few good time having boys enjoying a few too many pops and the local bar where only rambly conversations can ensue. At this point I am chatting it up with Billy Ball and Bung's sister. (key sidenote, Bung is one of Jitter's teammates from college) The topic of choice, one of my top five, Radiohead. Now this was a simple enough discussion. First, I was all amped to find a fellow Radiohead enthusiast, especially one that is a lady. Seldom is this a topic of conversation amongst my friends for many of them have a not so good opinion about my musical tastes. Unless it happens to be about Uncle Huey. Anywho, basically at this point of the evening we were talking about which album of theirs happens to be our favorite. My answer is easy enough, for me that is. It's "The Bends". However, my party vehemently didn't agree with my decision, citing many other albums as more worthy choices.


"Oy!! I finks Toast be roght wif 'is opinions of me musik."

Now, I'm not trying to say that everyone who disagrees with my thoughts on this matter are way off, but in my opinion I'm pretty sure of what I enjoy. I didn't think that you could be wrong in having a favorite album by an artist, even if some of there more recent work happens to be better than what you enjoy. Bung's sister and Billy Ball both opted to select "OK Computer", which is great and had that been the album that I really grew to love the band that'd be up there as my top five. As for now, "The Bends" is where we're stayin'. I'm not taking shots or preaching to anyone on this, I just stick to my guns when it comes to my favorite music, movie, candy bar, anything and they'll never be changed. I guess what I am trying to say, the night as I was rehashing this drunken powwow, I started to think of what some of may all time favorites are and what their current counterparts may be. For your enjoyment I present the Toast's all time favorite five albums.

Pearl Jam, "Vs." (Yep, not Ten)
Radiohead, "The Bends"
Tool, "Aenima" (cue Javen's hatred of processedindustrialnewmetal Tool garbage comment)
Pink Floyd, "Animals"
Stone Temple Pilots, "Purple"

If you check my profile you'll even see that STP and Floyd aren't even the tops for me. Hell, many of you might not even consider these albums to be good. All I know is that when I am able to sit there and really give them a listen, these five always bring me back to where I was when I first gave them a listen and how they either stepped up and increased my love of their particular bands music or fully sold me on what's to come. Well, that is except for PJ, I was sold right away. For now, I leave this mess of a blog behind me for I am afraid to read it myself. Enjoy your Thanksgiving everybody. I have a night to prepare for.

Reverse Dang-It, Definitely.

Ah, the chicken wing. The Toast is a big fan and its a pretty safe assumption that those tuning in to today's Toastedblog are wingie supporters as well. Could there be anything more terrific??? No way, aside from some peanut butter pie. That guy over there knows what I'm talking about. So many styles, so many signature tastes, let's break it down a bit shall we??

We've got the infamous COP to which their wingies can only be described as brilliant. You combine that with some high class Change of Pace atmosphere (chair tossers and Scooter's friends bring the COP some awfully handy special bonus points) plus lets not forget the $1 pints of Labatts and that makes for a good time. Best wings in Syracuse I'ms told. A trip to Buffalo in your future, hit up Duff's for a taste of the traditional wingies in a giant bucket. I like the Mount St. Helens flavor. Ooh, and some fries too....for the side. They're for the whole group.

But what if you like your wings with a little odd twang, maybe with what seems to be italian dressing. May I suggest the Stockade District of Schenectady and a little place known simply as BL's. Obvious high points of BL's include a possible guided tour of beautiful Stockade Schenect by one Javen Bohall, down the block from Slick's and a RC Cola vending machine, and maybe, just maybe, a drunken trip to the river. The wingies aren't bad, but if your a big fan of not getting indigestion, these wings may not be for you.


I like's 'em hot and chewy...Javen knows!!

We're not done there kids, what if you'd rather have them wings in a completely different format. May I suggest the chicken wing pizza and for that there is only one place to go, Oompas Pizza. Just make sure to go all hot sauce on the pizza and all hot on the wings for some good eatin'. I can still recall the first experience with the Oompa's chicken wing pizza, the "Tuck Rule" game with Javen and Willie Moe. Its sooo damn hot!! Pa Toastie laughing in the background while we get drunker. Priceless!! Do you prefer your wingies with a lovable Bostonian Irishman, the two go together I know, but maybe you should head to the Four's right across the street from the Fleetcenter in Beantown to enjoy their buffalo wing nachos with Tucker. Tuck's will tell you all about 'em. I'm a big fan to boot.

But what I write about has to do with where the Toast is heading for a little bit this evening with Army Matt and little Charlie Coville. That'll be the Blarney Stone. The wings, they're 20 cents tonight and what I'd call pretty damn good but its the intangibles that make the Blarney the best, around. What's that you say?? What intangibles?? Well, that would be Rachel, the bartender. Good times, good times. The only problem we have here is how do you approach the bartender and not seem like that guy, the drunk asshole trying to pick up the hot bartender. I may be drunk, but the Toast is lovable...and funny. You throw in some free popcorn, convenient location (walking distance), and a rendezvous with Rachel, you'll win every time. Just wish all the boys could be going with. We could stop at Chuck's and drink all of his beer before we head over. Now that's what I call the jackpot.

Hell hath no fury like the misapplication of Icy-Hot

Hey, the Toast has emerged from his nonblog writing slumber to announce to what few readers he has remaining that I am once again a champion and she's nothing like that Intrepretive Dance Title I held back in '87, for this is not solely based on a judge's score. My rugby team has once again won the NYS Div. III Championship and after the weekend I am all sorts of tuckered out. I guess that'll happen after playing a good two days worth of rugby. Plus, the partyin' doesn't help all that much, I'm sure of it. With a game against Binghamton on Saturday, the finals against arch rival Rochester on Sunday, hard core celebrating, and some west coast Shockey action the Toast rarely had time to sit and calm down.

However, I'm a bit sad to see this rugby season come to a close. I mean, there are a few things that I'll be looking forward to, like the being able to walk around without being in constant pain, normal Toast smell as opposed to the Icy-Hot cologne that I has become my new trademark, the possibility that my knee will no longer be the sized of a cured ham. Plus, I'll finally get to see this college football that everybody's been talking about. But I really do love playing and I don't think I can wait till the Spring season. Can I really live without that feeling one gets when he cakes his shoulders with that Icy-Hot all too soon after a nice hot shower?? If you've never had the experience let me tell you, its the best.......and the worst.

But, as mentioned, I'm going to have a bit more time on my hands and with this new found time I believe I'll have to start trying to see some of my friends that I haven't had too much contact with of late, and maybe some more Toastedblog worthy adventures. I found it hard to believe that I hadn't typed one of these mutha's in over a month. Really, what's the deal. Its not like I have the attention span of a.......Ooh, I'm missing Arrested Development.

Toastedblog, it's Totally Sick, Twisted, and F***ed Up

Well, Well, Well, what have we got here tonight kids?? Some interesting days have been had of late, and mark my words, the Toast has been doin' a good job of enjoying 'em. So, this Toastedblog entry may seem to be a tad more upbeat than the last. We can all breathe a collective sigh of relief.

First things first, I have been in pretty good contact with the little brother over the past week and a half. Word on the street is that when he finishes school in Michigan this December that we'll have another Cregg in the area. YAHTZEE!! I haven't been in the same state as Cory for more than a week since I was a senior in college. To top it off, he wants to get a place together. Sounds intriguing, I'm not gonna lie. Here I was previously stating that I wasn't going to be emotional. I'm really looking forward to him coming back. Cory and I are similar as Creggs come seeing as how we're just pretty much so damn awesome. Is that being too over the top?? If so, I apologize. But, much like his older brother (psst..that's me), Cory's not half bad at being goofy and likeable. Plus, its never bad having a goalie around.

Last week was loaded with some awful weather here in the 'cuse so the Toast was faced with finding ways to spend some time as we were kinda rained out at work. But don't you worry my toastedblog faithful. You see, I resorted to something the High School Toast would've done, and no, its not what your sick minds may think. I had videobattles amongst the music networks. Back in the day I discovered that the music channels actually played music videos during the hours of 8am to about 3pm, conviently the same time the kiddies be at school as they cannot be exposed to some what us locals call "music". So on the days that I went in to work only to be sent home either early or right away, I would find myself making some coffee and a tasty breakfast to try to see some of these "music videos" that I once remembered watching. It wasn't as enjoyable as I remembered seeing as how back then there was the possibility of seeing some videos by Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden, AIC, and much much more. Oh well, new Foo Fighters music will suffice. I like the Foo's. You know what else I am finding myself enjoying a bit more. Kanye. That's right, you heard me. I watched some live at the 10 spot concert one afternoon. Not to mention that Gold Digger video that is on at least 30 times a day. It's cool though, I don't mind. Toast is diggin' his style. "Ooh, I've got that ambition baby, look into his eyes."


Toast was 'spose to buy ya shorty TYCO with ya money!

The Toast got his first start of the fall season this past weekend as my rugby team, the Syracuse Chargers, beat Watertown 38-0. Not too shabby huh. Didn't play too bad either. Had a few nice runs, couple hits....ooh and a beer or two. Chuck and BFF Mary stopped out to catch what I hope is a good glipse of the Toast in short rugby shorts. "Ladies, I ask you to please control yourselves. I know its difficult, but please try, for the sake of the readers." Don't laugh, there are readers. Nonetheless, they stopped out to watch for a bit. I do hope this starting thing is a new trend that sticks around for a while though. Usually I just sub in during the A games and play the B game. This seems to play ball though.

Finally, we get to something that is giving the Toast a little extra hop in my step. Hockey's back!! Jackpot!! I have decided to celebrate by heading to Buffalo this weekend with a few boys from my Rugby team to see the Bruins take on the Sabres. From what I'm reading the Bruins seem to be lookin' all right and from what I'm remembering Buffalo is a pretty awesome town. A few beers and chicken wings, Oh Mama!!

"Where I End and You Begin"

I can watch but not take part
where I end and where you start
where you, you left me alone
you left me alone.

For sentimental reasons, this post is written more through the identity of Casey rather than the Toastie you all know and love. We thank Radiohead for creating the solemn mood. To be honest, I'm not doing so well and its for reasons that all of my friends may not truly understand, just because they know what she did to me. The girl that changed my life upon meeting her four years ago is moving, and I am still in love with her. Jess has accepted a job with the Portland Opera. That's Portland, Oregon. She leaves tommorrow morning to drive across the country and out of my life for good. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you, the first uberdang-it of my young life.

Our story isn't really a long one, but its not one that is enjoyable for me to tell. Jess and I dated for two and a half years, roughly. Living together for close to a year. Everything was great. How could it not be with a girl who loved bacon, Star Wars, cartoons, hot dogs, baseball, video games, and most importantly, me. Its not just that she liked goofy stuff that nerds like me enjoy, this was the first relationship that I knew the very instant of meeting the girl that I was in love. I never could stop thinking about Jess, even to this very day. She shared her family, life, heart, all that mushy stuff, and did so with enthusiasm and joy that I had never experienced before. This was it. I had found a beautiful, extremely smart, funny, honest girl that truly was in love with me, and I knew it.

We met the fall after I graduated from LeMoyne, September 2001, and as I previously mentioned I was all up ons from the beginning. At the time, Jess was a Junior at Syracuse University and she had just begun working at the friendly local Zany Brainy where your's truly had been working all throughout college, selling toys to the youngsters. Oh god, I was so shy, but "not really" around her. We hung out for a few months before I even made my "move". She had to kiss me. I was too busy trying to show her that I could jump through the driver side window of the Wabbit. I meant, that we would talk for hours and hours on end but I was often too nervous to plant one on her. You should have seen me when I asked her out for the first time. If Loretta Buck ever comes across this website, or even Jess, they may remember. But the point I was originally going to get to before all of this heartfelt rambling was that with her being a two years younger than me, I wanted to wait till she was fully done with school before I was going to ask her to marry me. We had talked a lot about what we were going to do over the future, but I never told her that I had planned on proposing after she finished grad school, just this past spring. She had joked about it over one Christmas together that her friends thought that I was going to ask her but didn't. It wasn't my plan though. I had begun putting money aside for it when we split up abruptly in March of '04. Hell, even her stepfather Steve joked about the fact that Jess and I were going to be the next in their family to get married at his brother's Al's wedding in late October of '03, just a few mere months before she broke me, by telling me that she had in fact cheated on me, a suspiscion of mine that she had repeatedly denied over the last month or two that we were living together. You have no idea how it felt to return to our apartment that you offered to leave so she can pack and move out for the first time. To have to move the couch that we had in our computer room so you had a place to sleep because there was no bed. I don't really like talking about this. After all of this time it still hasn't gotten easier.

I have known about this move for a little while now, well, I found out about ten days ago. It has been over this time that I have reflected on my life with Jess and am beginning to see that maybe this is a good thing. Going through boxes of stuff that I can't get rid of, all memoirs of our relationship. Goofy notes, cards and letters, some that I can't even finish reading bear to look at. Billy Ball and I discussed this on Friday night and until right now, he stood as one of the few that knew what I was going through. He mentioned this very fact. You can finally move on. Perhaps he's right. I broke up with Margaret, a fantastic girl whom I dated following Jess for a number of months, just because there was a period of time last summer where we almost got back together. Ever since then I have stayed in regular contact with her and the one thing that remained was the hope that someday we would once again see each other the way we once did. Every other girl that I met would instantly not get the nod because I had this insane dream that we'd fall back in love and everything would be ok. Why did I feel this way. Last August, Jess told me that she had made a mistake and still loved me. That's why I state that we almost got back together. But, as before when we initially broke up, I got dang-ited. Just as it seemed that everything was going to work out, it just stopped. With no explanation. Now, this marks the second time a relationship of ours has ended with no reason. First one, the person who I loved would never had cheated on me. I loved her too much. But it happened nonetheless. No explanantion. Now, for the simple fact that she is moving across the %$&#*@! country, I should be able to finally move on. I really have no other choice.

It has been a year and almost seven months since we broke up despite all that we have been through, I still love her. We went to breakfast yesterday and had what seemed to be just a regular outing. A few times I almost tried to mention how I feel, but what is that going to do now. Perhaps its better this way. I don't feel it, but if I keep saying that to myself, maybe it'll help. Chuck and my BFF Mary have been trying to help me with this and no matter how much I want it to work, things aren't too fun right now. But my friends do care about me and want to see me through this. For that I say thank you.

I have invited the help of music to aid me through these horrid times by turning into a emotion filled mixmaster and creating the "Portland, Huh" box series featuring songs that have some meaning throughout the many different eras of our relationship. From the nights were we spent all night talking in my car when I was too nervous to kiss her and listened to "True Love Waits" by Radiohead to how I could yell the "You fuc%'in disappoint me" line from A Perfect Cicle's tune "Passive" that proved to be some drunken yelling music (Click on link and give a listen). PJ Harvey, Ben Folds, Tool, every band and song has some meaning. All culminating in the final track, "The New Style" by the Beasties. That to show a new era of Casey. I'm losing someone I will always love with all of my heart. Someone who I was prepared to spend the rest of my life with, and who I thought was ready to do the same. Jess, I really don't know what to say. I love you and I do wish you the best of luck. Wish things were much different between us and I'm sorry to see you go. I never felt as happy as I did when I was with you and its something that I will always remember. I'm done typing for now. Too difficult and I feel so helpless. But, its not about me. Enjoy life out west. No matter what you have done to me in the past I still remember how I loved you. I hope you continue to remember the time we spent together and if it meant just a fraction of what it meant to me, I'll be more than happy. Now, for what appears to be for the last time: I love you Jess. I love you so very much.

Sunday's can always be counted on for providing a few o' my favorites: watching some football, a beer or two, and fried stuff with cheese!

Ahh..the NFL, she's a back. Toast is a huge enthusiast of surrendering his entire Sunday to the likes of some healthy beer swilling men and the dank dark hole that we always return to come mid-September. Javen..Bill...you would have been awfully disappointed with the performance of Pat's Pub yesterday. Here's just a short list of dang its:

- only one sheet pizza was provided
- even scarier dudes than normal and the previous scary dudes got even worse
- a forty year old non-hot bartender
- no random really hammered townie!

What's the deal??

With the aid of a certain "Willie Moe" Emerson and Marcus C. Chumps, I was able to forge ahead with my opening day and make it to the coveted Giants v. Card's matchup. The decision to go to the C.O.P. at half put a little more hop in my step. Good evening all around, we get a Billy Ball run-in, Shockey gets a touchdown while the Giants win, and not to forget some top notch eating. A little word to the wise, too many garlic wings will not improve your standard "I drank a few beers while watching football and I may have made a big mistake" status.


Ooooooh...Stuff's gonna get Shockeyed!!

In other opening day news, my rugby team beat Buffalo pretty good on Saturday. I even scored my first try of the season. Not half bad Toast. Not bad at all. The Toast was forced to wear a knee brace as my right knee is still a bit filled with fluid since injuring it a few weeks ago in a rugby tournament in Saratoga and it feels like it needs a bit of support. I got the knee looked at this past Friday and the Doctor refered me to see another. Thinks it might be the MCL. I really am not having any stability issues with it or "real" pain. I practiced on Thursday, played two games on Saturday, ran, got hit, and gave hits and no problems were had. We'll see where it goes from here.

At the drink-up after the game, I ran into a guy I knew from my college days, John McGowan. He played rugby at LeMoyne and lived near me back in the Lancaster Ave. days. McGowan was the scrumhalf playing for Buffalo and I didn't really notice it was him until about the halfway point of the second half for I was at my normal wing position. The run-in we had at the chili on our post game spread would confirm the McGowan sighting. By the way, the chili ended up being pretty tasty.

All righty folks, I gotta get runnin' here. We's got some mo' football to watch! I just hope Madden refers to some Shockey.

SHOCK-EEE!!!

26 year old Toast...sounds terrific.

Happy Birthday Toast!! I'm another year older, and based on a conversation last night with my good buddy Kyle while watching the Sox game, my 26th year should be a good one. According to him, the odd numbered years are the ones that kick our ass and even ones, dem's the keepers. Looking back over the last few years and comparing my odds and evens, he's got a point. So Kyle's got that going for him...which is nice and the first few hours of 26 are shaping up to be pretty much gravy for me. Got's me a long weekend from work in which moe shall be enjoyed. That's right, the Toast is heading to Turin, NY for moe.down! Woo!!


Don't worry 'bout the Toast...this kid still got the chops!!

"Toast...Do you know anything about moe.?"

Of course not. But that's not the point. I'm goin' up with a few of the boys and meeting a good group of people there on Friday and lookin' forward to a weekend of gettin' loose!! You all know what I'm talkin' about. Lil' campin', lil' grillin', some booze, lil' what-have-you, gittin' down, ooh.....and hopefully some Chipwiches!! First weekend of 26, not so bad at all.

Quick rundown of what's been and what's to come to keep all up to date on the Toast:

- Raq at Lew Au in Sheds, NY a few weeks ago. A little pregame for moe.down. Only two words can describe that show, and you kids better earmuff it here..."fuckin' awesome!!"

-Saratoga Invitational Rugby Tournament last weekend. Only played two games because we actually lost the first game, giving us just a consololation game for third place to look forward to. Shouldn't of lost but a few too many errors and penalties. Toast took a hell of a shot though whilst trying to hold on to the ball just a bit longer before passing it off. My right knee is currently double the size of my left, not its normal white irish color that I am commonly used to., and has decided to make simple movements difficult. But I kept on playin'!! Dang it!! Fall Rugby season is officially underway.

-I've run into my past four girlfriends over the course of a month and two either have been or are currently pregnant. The one I have wanted to run into I am running into again soon. Hmmm....

-Got a package from Marquette for grad school in the mail the other day. You know where Marquette is don't ya??? Ooohh!!!

-Possible visit to see my brother and sister on opposite sides of Michigan. By the way, Kate is moving to Jacksonville, Fl in a few months.

-Annual Coville/Cregg trip to NYC for Giants v. Redskins game. Little Crapper, the Skins gonna get Shockeyed!!!

There's more but lets not ruin the surprise. But now its time for me to clean up my act for there's birthday fun to attend to.

Take 'er easy.

Major life altering decisions on the way??

Sorry it's been so long folks, but I've been a bit carried away of late. Way way too much partying if you get my drift. However, this recent month has made me realize that something has to be done. I HAVE to slow down drinking.

Look at this picture. This is just some imagery to help prove my point. I'm the one on the right. Now this shot is from Dependence Day Weekend on a night when it was my Bachelor Party in Baltimore. More on this when I finally can devote the time to write up the second leg. Look how hammered I am!! (I'm the one on the right.) In any event this blog is devoted to my behavior over the last few weekends since the vacation with the boys, Dependence Day Weekend is not the cause.


Second Leg Blog of Dependence Day Weekend to be written shortly, been busy. You know how it is.

I have been out of control over the last few weeks! I don't want to get this crazy and it's affecting how I have been spending my time. Instead of enjoying the world around me or furthering my intelligence, I choose to bunker myself in my TV room and nurse my hangover while repiecing key events of the night before. Now, a few weeks ago it was the Empire Brewfest here in Syracuse and my friend Sharon was in town from Long Island. Then the following weekend it was Yanks v. Sox with Boston dropping three out of four games, and that will drive any Red Sox fan to hit the sauce. Another weekend involved my buddy Kyle's neighbor Liz having a party at her house with unlimited booze However, over that time I have slept on someone's couch for two days straight, almost gotten in a fight with some dude at a bar, stood up a good friend for an evening together, been yelled at by a lady that I happened to be uber-smooth with a few weeks earlier for being too drunk and loud, made a fool out of myself several different times and the piece de resistance, had a insanely drunk phone conversation with my Mom in Chicago. This is not good. And what am I planning this weekend, my rugby buddy Army Matt is turning 26 and it also happens to be Harbor Fest in Oswego. Oy!!

I guess what I am saying is that I need to start controlling myself a little better when I am drinking. Perhaps my week and a half party with Uncle Jitter has revved up my partying for good. You Jitter enthusiasts know what I mean. So, after this week, I have decided to only bar hopping one night over the weekend and try being a little bit more low key on the other; thus giving me the ability to go and do something productive rather than not showering and eating Stouffer's french bread pizza all day. I'm gonna grab the world by the tail and wrap it around and put it in my pocket. Don't worry, I couldn't make it through an entire blog without quoting anything. Let's see how this works out.

"Oh Mama!!"

Well, where do I begin. Dependence Day weekend, the first leg. Should I be writing this blog while I'm a tad hungover and its almost 3pm? I feel like this story needs some proper thought to tell. A clear head if you will. But, I wasn't really clear headed over the weekend, or the entire week and a half that I was away. Can I just present a list to my Toastedblog readers of the random haps of my trip?? Am I having a conversation with myself through the internet? Well, I'm pretty sure that I confused the hell out of myself, and on a Sunday no less. OK, enough rambling about nonsense. Here's your stupid story.

-Thursday, June 23rd-
My Uncle Jitter (See tall guy in classicoverblog photos) and I head out to Chicago in his little red Mercedes complete with blown driver side speaker to hook up with Danny and his friend, Jeff. Who proves to be key with his retelling of Troy McClure line "Gay?? Selma baby I wish!!" from the Simpsons. While awaiting our arrival, Danny gets a second degree burned-ded right foot in a horrific beer brat marinating accident. However, Danny is certainly "living the dream" when we show up as he is seen sitting in his recliner with his foot in a large bucket of cool water wearing nothing but his boxers and drinking an Old Style. Thus begins the week and a half long drunkening with some of the greatest friends a kid named Toastie could have.

-Friday June 24th-
After some shirtless MLB 2k5 with Jitter, we head out of Danny's brat perfumed apartment to pick up some beers, mustard, and a lot of ice. Cubed, that's good stuff. Oh, and we had to get Danny at work so we could go to the greatest city know to man, Milwaukee. Mind you the Toast is dressed to the nines wearing a homemade yellow "Classic Overbay" t-shirt. While stopping for gas, Danny's inquisitive mind wonders what the conversation would be like with a stripper who works at a truckstop on the Illinois/Wisconsin border. This sends me into yet another giggling frenzy. Once Miller Park is in site while on the interstate, Danny once again gets me going with a classic Rodney Dangerfield line from Caddyshack; "Over there!! Swanson I wanna go over there!!" At 2:30 pm, we are the first car in the parking lot and all riled up for some tailgating. Game time, 7:00pm. Some damage is done as a drinking game is created while watching a few of our fellow tailgaters play some beanbag toss game. As we walk into the park, some dudes admire Danny's rainbow colored headband a give each of Jitter, Danny, and the Toast a beer. Two dudes sitting on a bench with nothing but a 12'er in between them, only in Milwaukee. Free Brewers Beerpen t-shirts we given to us a we were seated in the quote on quote beerpen. Go to the game, get a high quality T, not bad times at all. A hot girl yells at me in the 8th inning because I told Jitter that I was too drunk to hit on her and she thought that I called her dumb. I explain myself and make her feel foolish, but then I feel the same as my secret feelings toward this Wisconsinite were revealed. This wouldn't be the last lady that would run into the Toast in Milwaukee. I also made the mistake of having a really great conversation with a really unattainable woman. Who is this you may ask?? The wife of the musician that was performing at Guitar Bar downtown after the game. Its all good though, he ignored my heeds to play Huey Lewis' "Happy to be Stuck with you" when he was asking for requests. Bastard. Just play it!! If you aren't going to play requests why ask for them?? This week is starting of nicely!!

-Saturday June 25th-
For some reason I wake up singing "Shakin" by Eddie Money. My enthusiam after such a crazy night instantly inspires Danny to join in. That hotel had no idea they were going to host two of the hardest rockers in the world. Key sidenote, I drink to much shower water and almost die. After a quick nap and Danny throwing up in a coffee cup, I take over driving as we head from Milwaukee to St. Louis. After a nice drive with absolutely nothing to look at along the way, we find that we have made it to St. Louis. A nice hotel is our home for the night (ooh, the Heart of Rock and Roll has just come on the cd player, more Uncle Huey is all right with me; excuse me whilst I rock out for a moment. I just gotta groove baby)....Where was I?? Yeah, so we head out after the game and who's in the mood for nachos. It seems that the shortest member of Dependence Day Weekend, Danny friend Jeff has a hankerin for nachos. Jitter takes control with a poised and timely comment; "This place probably has nachos." Thats when the dancing begins. We find ourselves at some dance club type place and since we had already had a few beers ourselves, we decide to give it a shot. No more than 8 minutes into it, some lady starts dancing with the Toast and getting a little too friendly. Not gonna lie to you, I may kick ass at most things, but a dancer I am not. I can't even do the running man. Sure, I have my goofy dancing, but real stuff waved bye-bye to me a long time ago. She literally pulled my shirt up and starting pulling on my burly man chest hair. I'm not really quite sure what followed but at some point I managed to get away. She wasn't my type really. Danny and I also almost get in a fight with some Douchebags talking shit as we were walking to another bar. Good times.

- Sunday June 26th-
Its really quite simple, I manage to drink for about 17 straight hours. I don't really know if I am proud or a little disgraced with that last statement. I have nothing left to say for my defense. Cards lose extra inning game and we go back to Chicago.

-Monday June 27th-
In Chicago on a four day homestand while Danny goes to work and Jitter keeps dominating me in playstation. Over the week, his record against the Toast stands at 18 and 1. I'm awfully embarrassed. What makes it worse is that he had never played the game before and I was already halfway through a season with the Red Sox. Dang It, I know. Danny comes home and takes us to Moody's for the Moody Bleu Burger. Were talking a half-pounder with this blue cheese paste sitting atop it. Oh Mama!!! Toast out of commission but it hurts so good.

-Tuesday June 28th-
Jitter and I head out early in the morning to the Field Museum in Downtown Chicago. I love history, was my major in college. I really should have looked into becoming a Paleontologist or something. Dinosaurs rule. While there I got a uber classy photo of me behind a cock fight statue doing a George "Tamale" impression (from Little Jerry Seinfeld episode, see a future Jitter post on classicoverblog for more info), built a Triceratops skeleton the size of a volkswagen with the help of a nine year old. I also got my picture taken in front of a t-rex, just as I did 20 years before when I first visited the Museum. A little gift for my mom as I am to have dinner with her, my grandparents, and cousin Kristin later on in the evening. My mom moved to Huntley, Il., a suburb about 45 minutes from Chi-town a few years ago. She was real happy to see me as I was happy to be there. We went to the Outback. I ordered a monster steak and baked potato. Papa (my grandfather) tried to coerce me into asking out our waitress who had a thing for me. A possible maneuver to get me to move out there, hmmmm... It was outstanding to see everyone, especially my mom. Given our history of course. But it wasn't about that. It felt nice to be with family again. To have them want to talk to you, rather than feeling obligated at forced family functions. One of the highlights for the trip. Didn't think I'd get all sentimental on ya?? Nice touch huh?

-Wednesday June 29th-
Its the Taste of Chicago here all week so Jitter and I head out for it. My Uncle is impressed with how casually I can walk over to hot girls who are complete strangers and chat as I did at one point as we were trying to find our way to the Taste. After leaving he mentions that if I had asked them to join us they definitely would have with the way I was workin'. But I was just asking for directions, that thought hadn't even crossed my mind. Perhaps I should start giving myself a little credit. Anywho, armed with backpacks chock full o' Old Styles Jitter and I ate and drank our fill. Not before getting caught by some undercover cops while drinking our illegal home brought alcohol. We never should have gone over by the stage when we felt the urge to get down. One of the key sidenotes here, Morris Day and Jerome, the mutha-fuckin' Time were playing there that day. The rundown of what I ate: giant bbq turkey leg, bison burger, african jerk chicken, cajin' catfish nuggets, vietnamese chicken, pad thai noodles, chocolate covered cheesecake, Bailey's ice cream, beef enchilada, and two steak tacos. Oh Mama!! Late night was highlighted with a Toast explosion all drunk outside Danny's apartment which featured me yelling for no apparent reason and chucking a baffle of RC Cola at the wall. The best part about it was Danny only having to sing a part from the Planet of the Apes Musical starring Troy McClure in a Simpsons episode to get me cracking up and forgetting about everything . Dr. Zeaus, Dr. Zeaus indeed. Heee heee hee, and then the ape starts breakdancing. HA HA HA!!

-Thursday June 30th-
We head to Mansfield after a half day of work for Danny. Mansfield, Ohio. The home of our Uncle Jitter and Ma Jitter's infamous late night drunk mexican feasts. Us four end up at some karoake bar at about midnight and tear the roof off the mutha with a killer rendition of "The Power of Love" by, you guessed it, Huey Lewis and the News. We also meet some dude named Garth (real name Garris) who introduces us to some delicious shot called Storm Clouds. Baileys, 151, and a little amaretto, Nice!! I don't think anything can beat rockin a doob with a dude named Garth.

There it is, the first wave. We laughed, we cried, drank and ate way too much. Most importantly, I enjoyed every single moment of it. More to come in future Toastedblogs, I just can not type anymore. My elbow is actually starting to hurt. Sorry to leave you hanging. Don't worry, round two is even crazier. I'm getting excited!!

Dependence Day Weekend

The annual summer baseball trek across the Northeast. It has quickly become the most anticipated event of the season for the Toast. Chock full with plenty of Stoh's, sleeping with men, Big K, armbands, Chigago deep dish pizza, and Malorts; last summer's trip quickly became dubbed the "Classic Over-binge Weekend" and this journey would not be the same if it wasn't given the same treatment. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my esteemed pleasure to introduce you to, "Dependence Day Weekend". The countdown till the 4th of July starts now.

Loaded with a tremendous roster of dudes, "Dependence Day Weekend" does have definitely has some potential. We are loaded to the brim with characters old and new, but will there be a Phelps??? Only time will tell. I just hope I can come close to repeating the performance of last year's baseball trip. I did some damage let me tell you. Damage that can never be erased from there brains, no matter the number of Pabsts! So far, it seems that we're all in order. We have Javen, Billy, Willie Moe, Tucker (hopefully with Reyn), JT, Danny, Danny's friend, the Toast, and Dunford. Now that's a full van there. Burly dudes looking to get loaded and enjoy some games. Let us not forget about the pre- and postgame Oklahoma Drills.

As of this Thursday, following a well thought out Beginning II stop on Wednesday night, Jitter and I start heading towards Chicago to grab Danny for a highly touted Brewers matchup with the Twins. Seats in the Beerpen you ask, you better believe it. We get free T-shirts!! From there, the three of us will pick up shop and head to St. Louis for two games at Busch Stadium with the Cards taking on the mighty Jason Bay and Pirates of Pittsburgh.

But we don't stop there. That's just the first leg of the trip. A warmup if you will. Heading back to Syracuse to rendezvious with the rest of the boys is where this thing really gets under way. After forcing the 9/10 of us in a rented van pointed south, "Dependence Day Weekend" takes off in a whirlwind of stops over the course of three days. A game in Philadelphia between the Phillies and the Braves, Camden Yards in Baltimore to see the O's take on the Indians (and some Boog Powell BBQ), and finally a drive down to RFK stadium in Washington to see the Nationals and the Mets. We got a hotel in Philly for a night and one in Baltimore for the two nights. The Atlantic Coast has no idea what is about to hit.

These baseball trips seem to have taken the place of going to concerts and music festivals that my summer's used to hold. I am still waiting for a copy of the tape made by Billy from last year's adventure. I need to study it a bit so I can freshen up on my moves and have a repeat performance of proper drunkening. If last year was any indication of what these annual trips will have in store, there is no way I will be disappointed. I'm just looking forward to getting all of us together again for some sweet beautiful drunk talk....and the eating of grilled meats. I can not wait for the beer brats in Miller Park.

Well, that's about it for now. I have to continue compiling lists of classy 80's hits for some mix cd's to provide a soundtrack for D Day weekend. Feel free to throw out any requests. And don't worry Bill, there will be plenty from Bon Jovi's New Jersey album.

"Who Died and Made You Mark Bellhorn?"

Where have you been Toastedblog?? Let me be the first to apologize to my loyal readers for my blog production has been slipping steadily. The only way to correct this problem, write a little synapsis of what the hell I have been up to. So, in order to satisfy Toastedblog supporters (if they still exist) and to coincide with weather restrictions (its summertime), I give you the short version of my last month. See future Toastedblogs for "real" posts.

Well, let's see, where do we start? I did find myself a job for the summer (that is til grad school) working for a Contractor who knows my father real well. Remember, if you will, back in March I lost my job for some seedy reasons. I now find myself actually making similar money to what I was getting at my last joint; and the real bonus, I am working outside all of the time as opposed to crappy office. Can you say golden brown Toast? Reverse Dang It!! A semi-tan Irishman!!! Its great let me tell you. No longer am I a pasty Toast.

We finished our spring rugby season the other week beating Saranac, and drinking afterwards!! Nice!! As a quick sidenote, I think I have been playing the last few weeks with a broken bone in my hand, right near where the thumb meets the wrist. While tackling some dude three weeks ago playing against a team from Fort Drum, my hand got stuck underneath him and we kinda slammed on top of it. I continued playing only stop to quickly tape up my thumb to prevent it from moving around. However, the days that followed saw my hand swell up to twice its size and me not being able to turn a doorknob. Well, its been a while and it really isn't bothering me anymore. From time to time I can notice something but, if it really was broken, I would have known it right?? I broke my wrist similarly in a hockey game in high school. By similarly, I mean that I didn't know anything was wrong until three days later. Anywho, we're doing ok now.

So, how does this Toastedblog title fit this post?? It makes no sense!! Well, it would if you were where I was last week. I WENT TO FENWAY!! Last weekend I hit up Boston with good buddies (and fellow Sox fans) Joe and Kyle for a few games. Some dude I ran into in the beer line had the best t-shirt ever!! The aforementioned "Who died and made you Mark Bellhorn". Simply put, a great tee!! So, I saw the Sox bullpen get ripped in a 13-6 loss to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim from the bleachers in Right Field last Saturday. We followed that up by sitting in the fourth row behind home plate in a 6-3 victory on Sunday. I sat in front of the radar gun guy!! We stayed in a hotel about a half mile from the Park and just soaked in all of the sites and the sounds of a weekend in Beantown. Let me be the first to say, it was good times!!

Well, time restrictions have hit and its time for me to head on out. One of the best things about summer, the outdoor beer. I would like to extend another apology for my lazy posting. Please continue to read. They'll be better I swear!! That's it, I'm out!!