"Happy Halloween"

This was a sign in a grocery store, pretty much says it all..

Chicago-God I Love his City

I am sitting here in my hotel room and view is spectacular. Lake Michigan, the museums, and Soldier Field..what a sight. We are getting ready to head over to Wrigley Field maybe catch some Cub's batting practice. It is going to be a grand day....good friends, baseball, and of course some adult libations.

We said goodbye to Cecilia Canc'er and The Rocketts

Well, this has been a few days I care not to remember. I mentioned a few weeks ago that my younger sister had to have a biopsy done. Well, yadda yadda and what it all boiled down to was she had cancer in her right lung. Well, she had surgery this past Wednesday and they ended up taking the upper lobe of the right lung and all the lymph nodes, hence the title of the blog. Prior to the surgery she was told that it would be the most painful thing she will have experienced for a long time. Holy shit, was that Doctor right. My brother Mark and I saw her this morning and it was gut wrenching to see her in that much pain. She was ready to give up and at that moment and I told her you are tough and a "Hayes" and things will be ok. Since then I have talked with her husband Sammy and she is doing better. They were finally able to regulate everything and figure what pain meds will help her the most. I am rambling on because I am sitting in a motel room in Mt. Vernon, Illinois missing family and most of all my other half, Val. We haven't seen each other in a few days. We are meeting in Chicago for a Cubs' and Bears' game Love to all my family, Sue (Sue's friend), Val, Ed, and all my friends hope to see you soon.

Go Cubbies!!

Well, one down three to go! I am here in St.Louis with my better half and a friend for the Cubs vs. Cards game toinight and can hardly wait. We arrived about 9:15, checked in, and went to the bar just in time to see the Cubs beat the Cards. Even tho they won they had to provide a heart attack moment to the tune of loading bases in the bottom of the ninth but thank God to no avail. Can't they just come in the bottom of the ninth and win like everyone else does? The Cubs have a 1 1/2 lead with 15 games to play. Next week we're off to Chicago to see them play Pittsburgh. Go Cubs Go, Go Cubs Go, what do ya say Cubs are going to win today! Those of you that are Cubs fans sorry, the tune is in your head isn't it?

Big Brother 8

Finally, she is gone! She being Jen of course. I quit smoking and think it's a terrible addiction but I think I would have just about killed her if she would have done that to my cigs. Now that she's gone who can I hate now? Ok hate is a little strong how about Zach? He's flying so low he is going to crash. Time to say bubye, Zachman. I am so ready for a dry weekend. I have to mow before I have to bale hay. Later Gators

It's Been A While

For some reason I just can't get into blogging. I suppose I could let everyone know about Big Brother and Pirate Master, dirty bastards cancelled it. At least you can still catch the episodes on CBS.com. Well, received bad news on the home front today. My sister Sue had a catscan done today and they found a mass on one of her lungs. She is going to have a biopsy done next Wednesday. She can be tough when needed and now is the time for toughness. Now on a lighter note, we in the midwest are going to float away if it continues to rain. Up north it reminds me of the floods of '93. Yuckkkkkkkkk!!!!!!!!!! Well till next time, adios.

Big Brother 8

I must say this has been interesting. Besides Dick being a "dick" and way too much crying going on my only question is why is Jen still there? GET RID OF HER!!!!!!!! She isn't as stupid as everyone thinks and before she can do anymore damage she needs to go.

Jen picture courtesy CBS

Iowa State Fair

Well, it's that time of year again. If you have never been to Iowa State Fair than you don't know what you are missing. There is everything from the "Butter Cow" to giant boar that has gonads as big as basketballs, no I am not kidding. The food choices a plenty. Corn dogs, funnel cakes, and turkey legs, roasted corn-on-the-cob are the norm but if you want something on a stick you have come to the right place. There is chicken on a stick, pork chop on a stick, meatballs on a stick, (one of my favorites) cheese on a stick, deep fried pickle on a stick, and last but not least deep fried Twinkies, Snickers, and Milky Ways on a stick. The new item last year was "Hot Beef Sundae" that's right, bread, mash potatoes, rost beef, gravy, and a cherry tomatoe on top. I hear it is pretty good. I have been to a few other state fairs with high points being a turkey leg and some carnival rides. If you are in the neighborhood join us and experience a "real" State Fair.

Blogging Again

Well, it's been awhile since I have chatted. Not much going on except it's been hotter than a welldigger's ass here in the heartland, thank God for central air. I can't believe growing up we survived with just a couple of window units. Our parents were fortunate to have one in their room and we had one in the dining room where we could eat in comfort. As far as sleeping in comfort, fans were the thing. To this day I sleep with a fan year round, as do my brother and sister. Ah, the wonderful sound of a fan....zzzzzzzzzz

Work Update #2

Well, it's been a month and I am not so sure this line of work is for me. As you can tell I have yet to win the lottery. I am still in training and am not quite sure how it will be when it's over. One thing I know for sure is it's been a long time since I have studied this much, the brain is a little dormant. That's all for now, when I am actually doing the job I will let all know what's happening.

Dottie the Dalmation

This was a little girl I was hoping to meet. Unfortunately she didn't survive the aftermath of being abused. Check out www.seyah1.blogspot.com for the whole story. To those of you that delight in treating animals like kicking posts, punching bags, and anything else that causes pain I hope you get caught and get prosecuted. Anything you do to an animal should be turned right back on you! Assholes!!!!!!!!!! Sorry, I do so feel better....

Survivor Finale

Well, this is a little late but I knew that Dreamz would f--- Yau-Man, which he did. Earl won with every vote from the jury. Congrats Earl!!! I hope the next Survivor's contestants have a little more class and personality.

Survivor-Fiji 13

Well I thought for sure that Yau-man was a goner but good Ol' Stacey decided to tip their hand. Let me explain: Yau-man made a deal with Dreamz that he would give (Yau-Man won the the vehicle) Dreamz the truck if Dreamz would guarantee that if he made it to the 4th round he would give up his spot to Yau-man. Well, Dreamz, Stacey, and Cassandra ( they thought Earl was with them) wanted Yau-Man out because he is a definite threat. Their first choice was Boo but he won immunity. Well during tribel council Stacey made the comment that she thought the vote would be split. Well the look on Yau-Man's face was priceless and he figured he was probably going to be voted out so at the very last minute he decided to use his hidden idol. It was a good thing because everybody but Earl voted for Yau-Man but because he used the the idol any votes against him didn't count. Whew, did you get that??????? I hope so because I am not explaining that one again. Wow, what a tangled web we weave . When do suppose they will figure out that Dreamz can't be trusted? He is the one that initiated getting Yau-Man out so he wouldn't have to live up to his part of the bargain. Again, I will say, wake up people HE HAS TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kentucky Derby

Life is good! What a great day it was. The Queen enjoying the race, Street Sense sitting in 19th place coming from behind to win the Derby, and last but not least Val & I hitting the trifecta. Yes, you heard right. We placed a four horse $1 trifecta bet (2-7-8-12) and won $220. We threw the 12 horse in because that was Val's number in softball and just in case there was more rain this horse had previously won on a muddy track. Although the payout was no where close to the payout in 2005 and 2006, $133,134.80 and $11,418.40, the extra money is welcome. The Queen fit right in with her hat and I am sure she had a good time. I hear she didn't place any bets but I would like to have known what horse she liked.

Don't Drink The Water

For these four I think there is definately something in the water. It's probably booze for Paris and David but I think there is something evil mixed with it for Kim & Alec. So, here we have it; Paris is going to jail, David fell off the wagon, and well the other two are just plane evil for puting their daughter in the middle of their differences.

David, Kim & Alec pictures courtesy of CBS

Paris picture courtesy of MSNBC

Work Update

A week has gone by and being back in the workforce sucks. I so enjoyed the time I had off. I had no idea what the Insurance world entailed. My hat's off to those that have been in this industry for awhile. It can be a little intimidating but I am sure I will fair well. I survived the 1st week, let's see if I survive the 2nd. Stay tuned updates to follow....

Survivor-Fiji Part 12

Another one bites the dust, so long Alex. Before he was voted off Alex tried his darnedest to get everyone to vote off Yau-Man but to now avail. I caught myself screaming at the T.V. yelling "not Yau-Man! Use the idol", thank God he didn't, he might need it next week. Yau-Man and Boo should really keep an eye on the rest of the bunch or they will be next. The targets on their backs are growing larger by the minute. I still can't believe they trust Dreamz so much. He needs to go far far away. I believe it's going to get nasty the next couple of weeks, some are starting to drift away from their old alliances.

Alex picture courtesy of Yahoo.

Shoot If I Must....

Well, tomorrow is the day I have to go back into the workforce, drat. As you have figured out I didn't win the damn lottery, somebody did but it wasn't me. Marsh appears to be a good place to work and am looking forward to starting a new career. We shall see what we shall see.

Survivor-Fiji Part 11

Mookie, Mookie did you really think you would be sticking around after going through Yau-Man's things? So sad too bad, now if they will just get rid of Dreamz. How can they be so blind to this guy? I believe Alex is next but they better get Dreamz before he backstabs everyone and wins the damn thing. Please don't let that happen. Go Stacey and Boo.........

Mookie Picture Courtesy of Yahoo

Urban Dare Part 2

Well, even tho it was fun helping Mark and Ed out with several clues, the boys didn't fare to well in the Urban Dare this past weekend. This is the second time I have helped them and this time I felt more at ease navigating the internet. Although the clues were tricky it seemed they figured them out in a more timely fashion. Their downfall was not reading one of the dares correctly and probably would have been penalized for it. They might do it again in September and with all the experience of the past two I have every confident that they will win. Even if you didn't win, kudos to you!!!!

Survivor-Fiji Part 10

Another one bites the dust that wasn't suppose to. Dreamz (the double agent) did it again by duping the "four horsemen". He managed to get rid of Edgardo by convincing them to play Mookie's hidden Immunity Idol. With everybody thinking Alex would be voted out Edgardo was blind-sided for sure. Someone take Dreamz out please!

Edgardo picture courteous of Yahoo

Urban Dare

OK, here you go....these two guys my bro Mark (on the right) and his partner Ed should have been chosen for the "Amazing Race" but since they weren't how about the "Urban Dare" in the D.C. area? Here you have two intellectual guys, one that is a stickler about geographical things and the particulars and one that loves the physical things and the particulars. I am not so sure about the reading of maps is a strong point of either while the other is driving....(oh my gosh no way).................Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!

Virginia Tech Tragedy

Now that we know who was responsible for this horrible loss of life why is the media giving him center stage? I don't want to know about him much less see his picture plastered all over the news. This is what this guy and people like him want. Granted this was a sick individual but the more I hear about him and his road to this atrocity the more I think he had ample opportunity to right his ship. Instead of giving this guy all the attention the media should be focusing on what was lost. Let the friends and families get through the grieving process without this freaks picture in all the papers and on every TV channel.

Back In The Workforce

Well, I have been of the unemployed since October of last year and I am happy to say I have found a job with Marsh a leading risk and insurances firm. Happy because I will finally have a steady income and health insurance. Sad because I really could do this not working thing and also because I am going back to work just when summer is on the horizon. So, I continue to buy lottery tickets and cross my fingers every time there is a drawing hoping to become one of the rich and famous. My first day is May 1st and will have 6 weeks of training. We will see how it goes..

Concert Weekend

This past weekend was a pretty busy one. Friday night I went and saw Kenny Chesney and Saturday night Val and I saw Rod Stewart. Both these guys rocked the house. For 60 Rod hasn't skipped a beat. Did I mention we were randomly picked and got our seats upgraded to the $126 tickets about 6 rows from the stage? We also were sitting next to his wife. She is a cutie and could pass for his grandaughter. Oh well, "whatever trips your trigger". Two great concerts and lots of adult beverages, life is good!

Survivor-Fiji Part 9

So long Michelle. What the hell was Dreamz thinking voting for her? Please tell me he is not that stupid, what happened to Stacey the person he wanted to be voted off so bad? Next week should be pretty interesting with Mookie getting in Dreamz' face and Dreamz telling Cassandra & Earl about Mookie having the idol. I have a feeling some shit might hit the fan or how about some sand pounded up someone's ass. I have but one dream..get Dreamz out of there!

Michelle picture courteous of Yahoo

Like A River...

Well, we went to the game on the 7th and the Cubs beat the Brewers 6-3. For once Ben Sheets had an off day. So, Val and I are sitting in the car enjoying a brewskie before the game and this guy gets out of the truck in front of us and decides to take a whiz, thank God his back was to us. Now this guy must of had to really go because it was like a river. I mean to tell you it went the length of 4 cars. I honked at him and was hoping he would turn around but he didn't, I was going to wave and then ask him if he felt better. I guess when you gotta go, you gotta go.

Ramada Workout Room

Okay, so Val & I are in Milwaukee for the Cubs game tomorrow and we are staying at the Ramada downtown, now don't get me wrong, the rooms are four times the size of our stateroom we had on the cruise but their workout room is smaller. I am not so sure I would advertise that they had one. I think I would just let the patrons that had too many adult libations stumble upon it. Your thoughts?? I for one love to workout but cherish the times I can't due to no fault of my own. All in all, the bar, restaurant, rooms and most of all the service was a-ok. Did I mention how f-----windy it is here? Damn, Mary Poppins wouldn't have a chance..

Survivor-Fiji Part 8

I want to go home, I want to stay, I want to go home , give me a chance..hello, your wish was their command. I think you dug your own grave missy. Other than the fact that Dreamz disliked you so much, I think if you would have kept your mouth shut and hadn't whined so much (there's no crying) you might still be there. I was hoping Dreamz would be gone, maybe next week. Kudos to Yau-Man for doing so well in the immunity challenge.

Lissy picture courteous of Yahoo

"Take Me Out To The Ballgame"

Val and I leave Friday for Milwaukee to catch a Cubs Brewer game. Here I thought it would be a nice spring weekend with the temperatures in the 70's, whatever!! The high is only going to be in the 30's so I guess there's no need to pack shorts. Thank God Miller Park has a retractable roof, if it didn't I don't believe we would be making the trip. "Go Cubbies"

To think just a few weeks ago we were cruisen. Damn..... Speaking of cruisen we received pictures from Karin and Rich & Paul of the cruise and I must say we are all good photographers. Check out this sight and see the pics Val & I and Karin took. http://milleniumcruisers.snapfish.com/snapfish Keep checking back I am sure more will be added.

Survivor-Fiji Part 7

Yahooooo, he's gone. It was just a matter of time before Rocky's mouth determined his fate. What an obnoxious guy! Even tho he was right about giving his tribe crap about eating too much, it was the straw that broke the camel's back. How stupid was it for them to stuff themselves especially with that kind of food. They are lucky they didn't feel worse for a longer amount of time. The body can only take so much.

Rocky picture courteous of Yahoo

Bye Bye To Trap

Mark an Ed had to put their dog "Trapper" on the big train to doggy heaven today. Trap lived a good life and couldn't have asked for better owners than Mark & Ed. We all will miss the little guy but I am sure he is having a blast with all his friends. If you want to see a picture of the little man go to www.znum.blogspot.com. I know Ed will miss him the most. Afterall, to Trap he figured he and Ed together had traveled the world. So long friend...

Cruise Pictures

Val & I at dinner, Ed, Mark, Val, & I at Paradise Point, and other pictures of St. Thomas. Without a doubt I could live there. That probably won't happen but I can definately see a vacation there.

Naughty, Naughty....

St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa was arrested Thursday on a drunken driving charge after police said they found him asleep inside his running sport utility vehicle at a stop light. He is pretty lucky that an officer found him before his foot came off the brake and someone got hurt. Maybe a couple of days in the slammer or a huge fine from the Cardianal organization would remind him that he is a role model (why I have no idea) and Cardinal fans and players love and look up to him. It seems like this is happening more frequent. Stiffer penalties from the organizations might deter this kind of behavior. Start dipping into their pockets who knows what will happen.

Survivor-Fiji Part 6

Well, it was just a matter of time before James got his way and got Anthony booted. After James had his little tyrant at tribal council I was so hoping he would be next. What is Lisi's problem, does she want to stay or go? Now that the tribes have changed maybe this Survivor will start to get more interesting.

James picture courteous of Yahoo

Ahhhhhhhhh

You take a tram up 700 feet to Paradise Point and you have quite the view of the Carribean. There are shops and of course a bar. After para-sailing and a tour of St. Thomas we had developed a thirst.

Need I say more? Ahhhh so cold, so good...

Done Cruisen

Is this not the coolest picture (St. Thomas)? Hellooooooo, I'm back. The cruise was the best vacation I have been on. There will definately be another and another in the future. Val, Mark, Ed, and I had a great time. There were a couple of tiffs but isn't that the norm when you have strong minded people together? I have always said no arguing, maybe I should say differences of opinions, would make for a pretty boring place. I hated to see it end but man did it feel good to sleep in my own bed. Oh yeah, Murphy was excited as hell to see us. Hey one more thing, if you are thinking about taking a cruise I would strongly suggest checking out Celebrity Cruise Line. We were on the boat Millennium and you could not ask for a better way to go. Now if you are looking to "booze and cruise" take Carnival. Later......

Survivor-Fiji Part 5

Well, another member of the Ravu tribe bites the dust. In my opinion Rocky should be gone. He's too much of a whiner. Will Ravu ever win a challenge??

Rita picture courteous of Yahoo

Finally.....

Well, I never thought the day would get here. Barring no problems we finally start our vacation. Two days at my brother & Ed's and then we will be sailing across the ocean blue. "Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale", oops sorry, are you singing the song?? It will be a little bigger boat than that, more like "The Love Boat" another catchy tune, ey? Once we are on our way updates regularly..

Cruise #6

Well, I went to my final tanning session today and Val goes tonight. We can hardly wait to get on the boat. Sunday the 11th is departure day. We leave Sunday out of D.C., fly to Laguardia and have a mere 45 minutes to catch our flight to Ft Lauderdale. My brother checked it out and we land and take off at the same terminal, thank God. We get in about 1:00 and the boat leaves around 4:30, thank God again we are only about 8 minutes from the port. We have been waiting too long for this trip and would hate to have anything upset the apple cart now. Oh, I forgot to mention, Ed (Mark's partner) might have to pull an all-nighter at work Saturday night and just meet us at the airport. Boy I tell ya if it's not one thing it's another.

Balloon Art

These people have too much time on their hands..

http://www.lobzik.pri.ee/modules/news/article.php?storyid=329

What's Next?

Last week, TSA began using backscatters at airports to screen passengers for weapons. The first machine is up and running in Phoenix. The next ones will be in New York and Los Angeles. The machines have been modified with a "privacy algorithm" to clean up what they show. But even the tempered images tell you more than you need to know about the endowments of the people seated next to you.

Are you up for this? Are you ready to get naked for your country?

This is no joke. The government needs to look under your clothes. Ceramic knives, plastic guns, and liquid explosives have made metal detectors obsolete. Carry-on bags are X-rayed, so the safest place to hide a weapon is on your body. Puffer machines can detect explosives on you, but only if you're sloppy. Backscatters are different. They can scan your whole surface, locating and identifying anything of unusual density—not just metals, which have high atomic numbers, but drugs and explosives, which have low ones.

No need to bitch we practically have to strip to get on a plane now. Take your shoes off, take your belt off, oops my bra has metal clasps..

I Agree Totally...

After reading my brother's blog on his gym update (www.seyah1@blogspot.com) I toatally agree about working out. After our cruise (we leave on Sunday) I probably will continue to get my daily run in. I am up to 5-6 miles a day and I would hate the fact that I worked so hard to get to that point to just say the hell with it. I really don't want to go through the soreness stage again. Who knows I may just stay committed and run when I am on the cruise.

Whew, Glad That's Done

Well, we started packing for our cruise today. We don't leave for another 8 days so why not? Don't want to be rushed and Lord knows we don't need our shorts and flip flops now. I always make a list and I must say there is not much left to pack. With all the snow and crap we have had the past two weeks I am so ready for fun in the sun and hangin out with Mark and Ed.

Survivor-Fiji Part 4

After winning the challenge the Moto tribe is given the choice of giving up their camp to the Ravu tribe or going to tribal council and voting off one of their own. Needless to say they weren't going to give up their living quarters. Good choice? Probably, because you don't want Ravu to get a good night's rest and food because I think they could kick some ass. I do believe they got rid of the wrong person. Lilliana is as strong as some of the guys, if not stronger. This will most certainly bite them in the butt. Personally, I would have voted Dre off.

March 1st Blizzard

Ice last week blizzard this week. March came in like a frigging lion, snow and 50 mile an hour winds! Mother Nature is making damn sure we appreciate our cruise that's coming up. We leave in 9 days, not one day too soon.

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme has come out with a whole wheat doughnut with caramel flavoring. Weighing in at 180 calories as apposed to 200 for their regular glazed doughnuts. What do you suppose their point is? The only thing that is down because of the 20 calories is their stock.

Will It Ever End?

The poor robins are wondering the same thing. You guessed it, another storm, rain tomorrow and snow Thursday. I truly love the white stuff but enough is enough. Mother Nature do your thing now and forever hold your peace. We leave on our cruise next week, please oh please don't stop the plane from leaving.

Heroes

Whew, Ted got a little "hot" under the collar. Burn baby burn..(sory if I put the song "Disco Inferno" in your head)

Cruise 5

All I am dreaming about is white sandy beaches instead of white fluffy snow....14 days 4hrs. 26min.

Ice, Snow, Limbs Down, Power Outages....

We had it all. Val just got done cleaning off her new car and her old car, well let's just say it didn't fair too well. Thank God she was going to sell it for parts. We ended up with about 1/4" of ice and 6" of snow. The stuff sure is pretty but a pain in the back to shovel. Oh, did I mention we lost power for about 5 hrs. Just pulled out the sleeping bags and pretended we were camping. We were lucky, there are people that aren't going to get their power back for days. The storm is tracking east so lookout and get ready.

There Goes The Neiborhood

A 330-foot-deep sinkhole killed two when it swallowed about a dozen homes early Friday and forced the evacuation of nearly 1,000 people in Guatemalan City.

Now you see it now you don't....

Governor Vilsack Out

Gov. Tom Vilsack has withdrawn for the 2008 presidential race $20 million needed, $1.1 million raised but only $396,000 in the bank. Even though you were the underdog, I am sure deep down you even knew it would never happen, you have made the state of Iowa proud.

Mother Nature At It Again

Let the storm begin. I went outside to get the newspaper and decided to check and see if everything had blown away. I went around the corner of the house and about bit it. We have a pretty good sheet of ice on everything. Have you ever tried to walk on ice with your slippers? Let me just say, forget it! I believe the weather forecasters were actually right except they scared the bejeebers out of everyone again. They are telling everyone how power will be restored in case we lose it. How in the heck can they say that without assessing the damage? Just say we will have a storm with ice and snow and be done with it. We are expecting 5-8 inches of crap today and tomorrow. Yippee, I still love snow.

Survivor-Fiji Part 3

Bye Bye to Sylvia. She may have been one of the smartest but physically she was really lacking. During the challenge last night I think she thought the slip and slide was going to get her to the numbered ball and finish line. She laid there like a fish out of water flopping around. The Ravu tribe better get with it...losers.

lovie Smith

Shit or get off the pot!! Past two years 24-8, just sign him..

Here We Go Again

The last three days we were in the 50's and all the snow is gone. Wait, hold on a minute, late breaking news (ticker tape in background)...just in, Winter Weather Advisory in effect for tomorrow night and the weekend. A possible 5 inches of snow in the Metro and freezing precipitation in the North. What???? And I thought we were on the downhill side of winter. There goes the bread, milk, and toilet paper. I better get to the store now to avoid standing in line for days....

Happy Birthday

"Happy 275th Birthday" George!

Token's Family Fun Center

Very good friends of mine and Val's own and operate a fun place called "Token's Family Fun Center" (formerly Pizza Palace). This is a great place to take your kids and have a fun family outing. They have games for every age from Lazer Tag to Miniature Golf. Did I mention we couldn't get Val off the Skiing machine? All the machines take tokens. We had their pizza for the first time tonight and we both were impressed, very good crust. Sorry, the only beverages they serve are non-alcoholic. If you get to Des Moines stop in and check it out. If you live in town where have you been? I got so excited telling you about it and forgot the address at 313 Grand Ave., West Des Moines, IA, tele: 515-222-5656 . . . go check it out!