From the Dingle Peninsula to Galway

Sheep!!

The Ferry from Co. Kerry to Co. Clare.

Action Shots!!

Kool-Aid and I aboard the Shannon Breeze.

Outside the Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare

Unfortunately this was the only day we experience shitty weather for the trip. This is what the Cliffs of Moher should look like.

Toastmaster in the Burren, Co. Clare

Same shot. Limestone everywhere!!

The Burren, where there are no trees to hang a man. Where there is not enough water to drown him. And if you finally succeeded in killing him, it's too rocky to bury him.

More Burren.

Galway and Dublin

Galway Cathedral
Galway was the shit!!

More Galway

Dog Waste: A threat to the health of our children.

More canals in Galway.

Galway

Kool-Aid and I under the Spanish Arch

Pie Face was fucking delicious!!!

Galway Harbor, was a stopover for the 2009 Volvo Ocean race the weekend we were there.

Eyre Square, part of it at least.

Ireland's fast food, Supermac! Burger actually wasn't too bad.

Shop Street, kind of the main strip of pubs and..you guessed it, shops.

The Quays, ooh, I spent a month there one night. Damn good beef stew too.

Rocky getting into the black stuff.

More Shop Street.

Galway come nighttime. It didn't get dark till like 10:30 there.

Dublin!

Outside the Guinness Storehouse, St. James Gate.

Kool-Aid and the Toast pumping out our own pints.

A desheveled Toastmaster General with a fresh pint.

Kool-Aid smilin' big!!

Rocky done got into the Black Stuff again, although from what I hear it's more a dark red.

Trinity College

Kool-Aid and a freshly shaved Toast in the Trinity College Courtyard

I'm sorry, the Rock doesn't adhere to your conformist rules Trinity College.

Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral, the other side.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Rock and a fountain in St. Patrick's Cathdral Courtyard

The Toast at the Brazen Head, Ireland's oldest pub. Est. 1198.

Eh..Just a shot of Dublin. Enjoy.

Last Night's Setlist

June 15, 2009, Baltimore, MD, Lyric Opera House
Ed solo tour - opening: Liam Finn


Set list: Walking the Cow, (Brain Damage intro) -> Sometimes, Trouble, Around The Bend, I Am Mine, Far Behind, No Ceiling, Guaranteed, Rise, Picture In A Frame, You're True, Open All Night (Springsteen), Driftin', You've Got To Hide Your Love Away, Let My Love Open The Door, Parting Ways, Small Town, Porch

1st encore: Society (with Jerry Hannan), Throw Your Arms Around Me (with Liam Finn), Golden State (with Eliza), Forever Young, Wishlist, Arc

2nd encore: Hard Sun

Not gonna lie to you, the show was pretty amazing and despite my best efforts not to I got kinda drunk. Vedder was once again engaging with the crowd although not as much this time around as opposed to the show I went to last year. The crowd for the most part was pretty cool, aside from your assortment of douchebags just screaming out requests for classic PJ songs. One kid in particular just kept yelling for "State of Love and Trust", which I know is a kick-ass tune and all, but come-on buddy, this ain't no Pearl Jam show here. The crowd also kinda ruined his version of Arc in which Eddie will just keep looping in different notes, screeches, and other various Eddie noises. However, te crowd just started clapping as if it were already time to coax Eddie into his second encore even though, well, he was still working on his first one. Unfortunately for those still sitting on their hands, Arc was cut short and was almost immediately followed by encore number 2. So it goes.

Aside from all that, my apparent miscommunication of t-shirt size (I came home with an XL as opposed to the standard Toast L) and the fact that I was wicked ass hungry due to no pre-show eats my second go-'round with a solo Vedder was none to shabby. One might even be pursuaded enough to call it the tops!!

Toastmaster General: Man of Intrigue, Lover, Rocker, Dog Wrangler, Captain of Hilarity, Dangerous Liason, Writer???

The Toast is a man of many and yet, very few talents. For example, I can recite lyrics to songs that I haven't heard in years yet I cannot for the life of me do the running man. So it goes. For what it's worth I tend to be the creative sort that may not constantly be in search of new opportunities to put it on display as the day to day can keep me quite content but every so often I just find myself getting disgusted with a few things. I'll tell myself: "Self...it's about time for a change." Then said change either occurs or just falls wayside to the demands of being all of those individuals you see in this here post's title.

But what this that's stuck at the end of that descriptive Toastmaster list? Writer it done say. I know what you may be thinking: "You count this blog as writing Toast?? For shame; it's just a bunch of nonsense with some video clips. It's like one of those 150 episode clip shows for chrissakes." Well, I'd consider you correct in making that observation, if it were true. No, the writing that I am more referring to has to do with real book type stuff. You know, high class stuff. Editing and everything.

A long time goal of mine has been to write a children's book. Now, the problem with following your dreams is that often the result is to get sick of following them and you make the conscious decision to hook up with them later. This is something that I know oh too well. Just the other day I was sitting in my office and I yet again came to the realization that I am indeed in a rut in my life. Now, this has nothing to do with my life at home mind you, that is AMAZING. I have a wonderful lass and I'm not even talking about Tessie Girl yet. I have the Kool-Aid that I intend to spend the rest of my life with. I live comfortably. Travel a bit. Get outdoors and am quite active. Look good in pants. A kick ass pup. I own all of Arrested Development on DVD. I go to shows (Vedder, Umphreys, Wilco, Moe., and Tool lined up over the upcoming weeks). I make fucking amazing eats. Happy right???

No, this deal is all on the work side. I like what I do, you might even say that I enjoy it...at times that is. I mean, I interact with some amazing individuals and I am learning quite a bit every day, which can't hurt right?? However, I am finding more and more that what I do and what I am going to keep doing for the time being seriously puts a damper on one thing that really revs my engine...my creativity. Now I suppose I can get creative in the realm of office politics or how I teach the epic wonder that is Quickbooks and it's integration with my company's various programs and systems but let's be honest, how the hell are you going to effectively jazz that shit up?? And Politics...not for me. So, where does this leave me?? How do I find an outlet for this "supposed" creativity that is not only invigorating but also productive?? How do I get out of this rut?? Then, on a rainy ass Tuesday afternoon in my office the light bulb went off.

Screw waiting to hook up with my dreams when the time is right. I will write and write I shall. I'm tired of saying that I've always wanted to get into Children's Literature. I'm sick of using the excuses. "Oh, I don't have enough time to write" or "I don't have the right degree to get into that, stupid B.A. in History." No, I am going to use some of this time that I do inevitably have for good use, true use. Since that Tuesday afternoon I have started to fill up a few pages of a notebook that I keep at my desk with some ideas, brainstorming if you will and I feel as though I have a puh-RET-tee good idea in terms of my books topic. I may even have a title for this flash of Toastie creativity. Now I just have to keep fanning the flames to get this fire really going.

I'm not expecting this thing to be done overnight and obviously I still have a few things to work out but I tell you this, I am awfully excited about it. Rejuvenated even. Where I go from here is still wide open but the fact that I am doing something about it surely is a step in the right direction. All that's left is for me to decide on now is whether I want deep dish or thin crust. In all seriousness I feel like I am standing at the foothill of a cliff whose top that leads to immense opportunity and all its going to take for me to get to the top is a little elbow grease, determination, some luck, and, of course, my own somewhat eccentric yet highly personal flair. You know what internet audience, it is just so goddamn exciting.

"I won't wait for answers, you can't keep me here."

Ireland Pics to come but I have to share this with you all. Guess who's getting to see himself some solo Eddie Vedder on Sunday night up in Baltimore?? Need a hint, he's everyone's favorite Toastmaster General and he just shelled out some mean bucks for a show he didn't know existed until after his lunchtime sammich. Impromtu shows kick so much ass and Vedder to boot; HOT DAMN!! You can't make this stuff up. The word is still out on whether or not pre-show crabs will be on the menu for the Toast but I'm guessing all signs point to yes.

**Sidenote** I have this crazy goal of learning how to play the ukulele/mandolin/banjo. This so has to come to fruition.

Fuck and Yes!!

Pearl Jam was on Conan's First Ever Tonight Show last week and because I was still catching up from my trip I didin't watch my recording of the show till yesterday morning, post Tessie bathroom run. So...you say that Backspacer doesn't technically come out til late September. "When will then be now?? Soon."

Oddly enough Krejci is really hard to spell

I just read that the Bruins re-signed Free Agent Center David Krejci and while this isn't necessarily a sports/bruins blog I do love me some sports and I do love me this re-signing of Krecji. GREAT SUCCESS!!!

Now, the real reason for posting this, I just really like the picture. Oh, and to let you know that I'm back state side. Actually, I'm in my office typing this story that informs many a internet reader that the Toast be back. Pics and stories from Ireland to come. For those who are wondering, the term "sheer awesomeness" does not do the country justice.

Ireland...Bitches!!!

The Toast with Kool-Aid in tow fly out of Philly tonight around 8pm and are set to land in Dublin at 8am following a sweet 7 hour flight into the future. From there the itinerary is just jam packed to the gills with stops in Kilkenny, Cobh (pronounce Cove), Clonakilty (home of the Big Fella), Dingle, Galway, and trip rounds out with a couple days in Dublin. Ay...Great Success!!

So, hopefully the internet will be able to keep on truckin' without my witty banter and general nonsensicalness. Pictures to follow. Till then, I'm OUT!!

"What could be Better than a beer with Eddie Vedder"

Ahhhhhh Magic Hat....thou art so wise.

Wait a tic...hold the phone....I'm going to Ireland on Friday?!?!

Yeah...so it's kinda come to my attention that I am slated to head across the pond as they say at the end of the week; Friday to be exact. Not gonna lie to you internet audience, this has sort of caught me off guard. I mean, reservations have been made. My passport still flies. I can afford to take this trip. I know how to drive stick. Tessie Girl staying at her weekly dogwalker's arrangements have been made. Realistically, all I have to do is make sure I have enough underpants for 9 days in Ireland.

And yet...something seems amiss. I mean, am I excited to go; you bet your sweet bippy I am. I am looking forward to touring the Irish Countryside with Kool-Aid something very fierce. But how can it be that it is still to sink in?? Really, I've known about this trip for quite some time, this really isn't a surprise here. I don't know, perhaps it's due to the fact that my mind really isn't quite here at the office today and I've already checked out for this vacation that I can't seem to remember fully. Maybe I was sooo into Playoff Hockey that I am not really a part of the "real" and just mindlessly floating along?? Maybe I just need to suck it up and come to grips that I am heading to Awesome Town come week"s end?? Yeah...that last one seems about right.

To tell you the truth Toastedblog friends, no one could be as up for a trip to Ireland as your's truly. I mean, Europe, a few beers, a few laughs, my kin, fellow Cregg run-ins, QT with the Kool-Aid, boiled meats, Guinness, what-have-you's: this sure sounds like the real deal to me. And don't get me wrong, I am all-up-ons here. I just think that my head is a bit too focused on the task at hand (i.e. workies) and not really set with this whole kickass vacation thingie. Don't you worry, I'll be gettin' there. If not....there is something really wrong with me.

Guess I'll have to wait a little while longer.

Well, I've already waited close to 30 years to see my beloved Bruins win the Stanley Cup (a total of 37 years since the last time they triumphantly hoisted the trophy), what's a little while longer?? I was sooo damn angry the moment I saw that puck go in the net in the waining minutes of the first overtime. Following that moment, there was only pain. Felt like hurty.

The sad thing is, I really thought that this was going to be the year I finally got to see it happen. This was to be the year, THEIR YEAR!!! Top flight goaltending, Big Z, the ability to roll out 4 lines all of which can put the puck in the net, good powerplay, even better penalty killing. I'm not going to go on and on on their loss last night, ousting the B's from the playoffs. As much as it pains me to say it, it is only a game. That being said, it is a game that I was heavily invested in; whether it be time, heart, beers, money for beers, and a desire to see my team just keep on keepin' on.

For the first time in a long time, my team had a shot. They showed promise. Now all I can think about is, how long will it be till I can once again invest all that I have in them?? Is it next year?? Please let it be next year. On that note, thanks for the ride this year B's. True I'm a little disappointed but like anything else worth having, I can wait and I know full well that in time I will come to forget how bummed I am this morning, just a few short hours after your season, and mine has come to an end. Besides, it's summer. Time to get outside and do some shit. Look at that sun. Look at that puppy!! Look at that hot ladyfriend!! Hell, you're going to Ireland in a week.

Sure Toast, go ahead and tell yourself whatever you need to. I mean it...I'm very upset!!

BEAR MAD...BEAR BASH!!

Let me set the mood here for you folks. Think Tuesday evening at 7:30. A certain Toastmaster General is about 4 beers in and some delicious Toast-made chicken wing pizza with all it's freaky naughty fine aroma's fill the air. Tessie girl has worked herself into a pants biting frenzy. She knows what time it is. Yeah...it's business time. The time for business. Business hours are not over. Who else knew what time it was?? Well a certain team from Boston that has garnered a lot of this blogger's attention of late. You see, the Bruins, they too knew it was business time and last night they pretty much held one of those lame informal seminars for the 'Canes winning Game 6 of their Best of Seven series with Carolina 4-2 to force a Game 7 in Boston on Thursday.

Now, they weren't the dominant Bruins per-say, the ones that we saw on Sunday night in Game 5. Nevertheless they looked damn good when it counted and really took it to the 'Canes in the first period; a period that saw them jump out to a 2-0 lead. More importantly, all of this talk of Carolina poking the Bear and that Bear has finally woken up awfully ornery; well now it is starting to have some merit and not just some one time deal with their backs to the wall. When the going got tough last night with Carolina coming within one goal of tying Boston and those "Caniacs" all-up-ons and getting that joint a-rocking, the B's got going. They coolly stuck to their game and what was an edge of his seat situation for the Toast, and all Boston fans, quickly became a 3-1 lead with some steady heads up play, and one hell of a set-up for Mark Savard by Milan Lucic.

Long story short, the B's didn't get rattled. They didn't let the whole Walker-Ward debacle from Sunday get them out of their game. Lucic and Thornton weren't taking wild runs at the Carolina skaters. What can really sum up last night's game is the play of center Patrice Bergeron. In one word, SOLID. To add some more words to it, an all around, kick ass, both sides of the game, 110% effort, fucking awesome-a-thon.

So, where does this leave the Toast you ask?? Well, since Detroit couldn't close out their series last night against the Ducks like I so desparately wanted them to, both series are set for their finales tomorrow night. And since the only hockey channel that shows playoff games (FUCKING COMCAST, why do I pay more for the NHL Network to not get any sweet, sweet playoff action?!?!) I seem to get is Versus and Versus loves to slurp the Wings as they're kinda the Yankees of hockey guess what game they shall be showing?? Finally, since I am slated to see the Shins tomorrow night and said Bruins Game 7 is out there, unable for me to DVR. Do I feign illness and not go only to run out to a bar to watch it?? So far, my only other option is to call the 9:30 Club and see if they'll put the B's game on for me. I can watch hockey and have the Shins show in the background right?? Maybe some chicken tenders to boot?? My fingers are now crossed.

"I said GODDAMN!!!"

Above you'll see Boston Defenseman Aaron Ward amidst his getting sucker punched by Carolina Hurricane Scott Walker late in the third period of last night's Bruins win 4-0 of Game 5 of the Best of Seven series. Ward doesn't even have his gloves off.

Now, a lot is starting to be made of this event in the Hockey Community. The fact that Ward shouldn't have stood there defenseless like this or that Ward was obviously asking for a cheap shot for all of the stuff that he does night in and night out to opposing players behind the scenes. Nevertheless, at the end of the day what remains is that Walker took a run at Ward and followed that up with a shot to his mush that busted up Ward's orbital bone. For this, the anticipated response from the league was an obvious suspension for Walker. Instead, he received a fine that I could pay off should I choose to not pay rent for a little bit. Ward's status for Game 6 remains to be seen but I wouldn't be surprised to see him out there with a cage on.

I'm not pissed off at the league, or officials, or at 'Canes fan's that clearly have some kind of misunderstanding at what playoff hockey is all about. I am actually a fan of the nonsuspension as it gives some of the more physical B's to line up Walker and take a clean shot at him (although that probably won't happen so I should expect something chippy). I'm more kinda peeved at what Carolina Coach Paul Maurice had to say in response to last night's events.

Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice laughed off the possible repercussions.
“Scott probably has sore knuckles,” he said. When asked whether there will be a fine, he added: “I may have to sell my truck.”

Kinda makes him sound like a bit of a dick doesn't it??

In any event, I'm looking forward to a hard fought Game 6 and good news is that should this series go to Game 7, which would probably be played on Thursday night (I am assuming that Thursday would be the night, will probably look into it following this post) I am slated to go see the Shins here in the district with Kool-Aid. How the hell am I going to get out of that one?? I'm hoping that this series doesn't turn into who can out trump who in regards to playing like a bunch of assholes and the two teams turn to playing ol' time hockey Eddie Shore, Bobby Orr style. This isn't a slam, but I wonder how many 'Canes fan's get that reference??? Easy Toast...let's pump the breaks here.

The Toast of Yore

Back in the day, you know, those freshman in college days (circa '97-98), we used to rock this shit!!! Still, the best version of "Stars" by Hum belongs to "Iceberg Slim", my bestest buddy Chuck's band during those same college years. Now, if I had my way, they would have been named "Horny Rottweiler". Hmmm..I wonder what other things would be different if they'd only gone according to the Toast. I tell you what, I'd probably have a cheese-steak right now.

**Sidenote** And the award for most awesomely blunt band update goes to Hum's wikipedia page: "They have not been consistently active as a recording or touring group since 2000." oooh....you hate to see that.

Taking a page out of Dunford's book.

Because I couldn't think of anything to write about today I've decided that an old adage is the best way to go. "Chances are someone else has already done it better than you ever could so just copy them."

I present to you, five awesome things (recent):

1. Wilco in July

Wilco is playing here in N. Virginia in early July. Haven't had the luxury of seeing them yet but when I do it'll be at a local outdoor venue known only as WolfTrap. You know what's sweet about WolfTrap??? It's a small outdoor venue that allows you to bring coolers to the lawn seats. Hot Damn!!!

2. Chicken Vesuvio

This is some Italian Dish that I made on Sunday Night that went along nicely with a Bruins loss (dangited!!) It's chicken, a couple cut-up taters, cooked in marsala wine, a shit-ton of garlic, a few eye-talian herbs and spices, and according to the Dinosaur Cookbook, some Dino BBQ sauce. Delicious does not do it justice.

3. Dog Walking

You want random people to tell you that you're awesome, get puppy dog that does puppy things, like bark at inanimate objects.

4. Mickey Rourke

Rented "The Wrestler" the other night. Do the same and try not to reference this movie in your blog afterwards. You've just been dared...BOOM!!! (no seriously, Rourke is awesome in this flick, plus any guy that played Marv, digs chihuahuas, and gave up acting to return to the ring has gotta be awesome. He. Just. Has. To.

5. Bangkok 54

This is a local Thai restaurant that Kool-Aid and I have both been to and ordered from in the recent weeks. Sure, it's no Thai Restaurant/Bar/Karaoke hydra like you'll find in the "Electric City", but does it have delicious and super spicy Pad Thai and Fiery Chicken Kaproa??? You bet your sweet ass it does. Plus, I have no idea what the sauce is that comes with the spring rolls, but god damn is it tasty!!

As an added bonus, I'll give you the sixth free (take that Dunford)

6. Free chicken parm and wine after your friend teaches you to drive stick.
In preparation for our trip to Ireland, Kool-Aid and I are learning how to drive stick. Oddly enough, we never were taught the ways of manual transmission, through no fault but our own. Were we naturals?? Sure. Did it take long?? About 30 minutes, then we hit the mean streets of the District. Did Emily, our instructor/fellow Ireland traveler make us some fried stuff with cheese and and sauce?? You damn right!!

Great Caesar's Ghost....It's the "Brass Bonanza"!!

Sweet Jebus, I miss organ music at hockey games. Now everything's all rock n' roller on the grunge tip, but hockey games were meant to feature the likes of the organ during stoppages in play. The majesty that presents itself above is none other than the "Brass Bonanza", the theme song for the since disbanded Hartford Whalers. Hartford, the whale????

Why this little piece of hockey nostalgia today?? Well, the Bruins are set to begin their playoff series against the former whale tonight and this guy is set to show his Kool-Aid a night she'll never forget. What's that consist of you ask?? Well, a date night including damn fine deep dish pizza, Batty Blues, a sports bar full of dudes (of which she'll already have the proverbial "pick of the litter" and high brow Eastern Conference Playoff Hockey. This here is the stuff dreams are made of. You ladies out there should wish you get this kind of royal treatment. It's like she's a freakin' Princess or something.

In any event, even though the Bruins come in favored this series, the Carolina Hurricanes are certainly no pushover. It's going to take a good amount of Canadian Beer to console me should the B's drop Game 1 and that stuff is like moonshine. (Hell Yes!!) See, that guy knows what I'm talking about.

In related news, Tessie completed a walk (incident free) around the block last night, her first non-difficult walk in almost a week. There was much rejoicing. I was starting to wonder if we'd scarred her or but she pulled something out of her bag of tricks and acted like a normal pup for a minute there. She would later knock over a full NALGENE bottle and respond by going to the bathroom on the rug. ACES!!!

Ah hell, just root for the Bruins tonight so I don't ruin this "date night" with my special lady by creating a scene, possibly while blindingly drunk. That's not going to help things at all.

"Tessie"

Click to play and see below. A little insight into where the name for my wonder-mutt originates from.

"We're not here to mess around!"

Well, now that you got Dropkick full on in the background why don't you go ahead and get lost into the wonder that is my pup. Tessie, you truly are the only only OHHH-OHH-NLY!!

That's 9 pounds of puppy right there. Yup, you heard that right, she's packing on some poundage.

"A-buuuuhhhh"

Attacking Rocky III. I mean really, did you hate the training montage with Apollo and Rocky on the beach that much. Plus, Clubber Lang was the best Rocky bad guy this side of Ivan Drago.

She like to attack my jammies. I can't get her to stop. (Psst...the guy in the blue pants is me.)

A nice photo op with her Mr. Squeakerton.

Expect more photos to come. I can see why they're called proud parents. You should here her post bathroom praises, you would have thought she'd won a pulitzer with all the "good girl" talk going around "Fort Awesome" these days.

Toast runs 10K in 90 degree heat, surprisingly is still alive

Now, I don't have a problem running great distances, never really have. I just kind of keep chugging away at a steady clip. Not gonna blow anyone away, but certainly not slacking either. Just good enough to not get noticed. I guess you can say that about all sports I play, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

In any event, yesterday morning I was greeted with my alarm at 6AM to take out Tessie just before I hopped in the volkswagen to head up ol' Maryland way to take part in Pike's Peek, a local 10K. I've run a few 10K's in my day, few 15's as well. They're nothing to be afraid of, actually they're kinda fun as opposed to their bitchy little brother the 5K. I hate those, you don't get to spend any real time enjoying the race as its short enough so anyone who's anyone will sign up to run a few miles without properly training for it. This makes for a difficult run as you have to get through the gauntlet of walkers that are out there. But a 10K, that'll scare a few more people away. I mean, that's damn near 6+ miles. Plus, you can run somewhat leisurely unless you want to be a dick about it and try to blow people out of the water. Basically, what I am trying to get across is this; it's an easy run if you're looking for something around a 9 minute mile clip that you can kinda relax, enjoy, listen to your tunes, and get some free eats afterwards as you just paid close to $40 to run. Congrats. Why don't you just pat yourself on the back??

Anywho, the downside of all of this is it can get pretty G.D. hot down here in the District. So, even though these races usually get underway early in the morning (circa 8am) by the time you're running that sun is getting hot something fierce. Throw in the fact that you're running on some asphalt road with fresh blacktop and little to no shade and that will make things a little more interesting to say the least. Yesterday, it was something like 89 degrees when the race began and it got so bad that those throwing this little shindig ran out of water. Well..isn't that just the bee's knees, the cat's pajamas?? They say its not so much the heat but the humidity. Those people are assholes!! Hot is for the birds, whatever hot it is. (except hot wings, hot sauce, hot turkey sandwich, Andy Capp's Hot Fries, hot ladies, spicy hot mustard)

Why am I talking about all of this?? Does this blog have any merit left?? The answer to both of those questions is simple enough, who knows?? I just wanted to tell you how badass I am. Yup, paying a good chunk of change to wake up ass early on a Sunday and run to damn near heat exhaustion just plain ol' screams don't mess with this guy. Idiot.

The best part was that I went out for a few pops afterwards as to seal the deal and fully destroy any attempt to accomplish things on my Sunday. You want blast off time?? Why don't you go run a couple hard miles in extreme heat, limit your water intake, then polish off a couple tall boys at "insert bar here". You'll forget all your woes and pass out watching playoff hockey in various positions in no time.

Leftovers, Puppies, and Hockey

As you can see my plan for the evening is pretty simple. Kool-Aid is going to be out and about doing Kool-Aid things till late, the Bruins are up 3-0 in their series against the Habs, I have leftover chicken enchiladas in the fridge, and a 10 week old black lab puppy that is in the process of learning all of the Alpha's rules. Since Kool-Aid isn't going to be around, she's just going to have to experience Fort Awesome run by the Toast. Ooooh....get ready for your first sip of beer there little lady. You'll soon learn to love it, just like me.

Oh...and there's this. You're probably already picking up what I'm about to put down by now by Kool-Aid and the Toast are the proud owners of a small, sack of flour sized black lab pup whom we've dubbed "Tessie" (song posting to come, stupid at work internet filters). Prepare yourselves to be beaten over the head with all sorts of puppy pictures, inuendos, and random stories regarding her cuteness as I have a pretty good feeling that I'm going to be "that" type of dog owner. She's just too damn awesome not to be. Photos to come so my many, many internet readers can bask in and gaze at all her splendor.