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August 9th, 2008

07:24 pm - Axel is 1 !!! Just a quick note to say happy birthday to Gus-man - and a splendid first birthday it was.  Hard to believe a year ago today Steph and I were new parents and had no idea what was coming...still not sure what we are doing (or I'm not, anyway), but at least we have an inkling of what to expect now. For a party, we had a family get-together at the falls, right by the lock and dam. He did very well, and even ooh-ed and awed at a few of his gifts. To top it off, he got to go in the very nice wading pool at the park.  We were also able to distribute the 1-year pics we had taken at Babies R Us yesterday - one pic of the session you can see below.  A very successful shindig.  And if any of you are at Bruisers tomorrow, i will even show you the tattoo I got in honor of our boy. He's the best.  Love you, buddy! Current Mood: nostalgic Current Music: Happy Birthday to Gus!

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May 21st, 2008

06:17 pm - Goodbye Grandma's - Hello Schwartz! Grandma's is closing tomorrow.  Schwartz's 31st is Friday.  Let's combine the two and have one last drink - whose with me?!!!  Schwartz, but anyone else?  We are meeting to eat (hopefully) at 7 or so on the main floor, and plan on heading to the basement at 8.  Say goodbye with us to the place that most of us frequented on many a night. Current Mood: nostalgic

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March 4th, 2008

10:16 pm - Thank God...and good riddance It's official as of now - Brett Favre is retiring....finally.  All I have to say is "good riddance".  I respect what he's done, but that's about it- He was an egotistical ass who held the team how loved him (and their fans) hostage when his career was in a severe decline.  I thought the stuck around just to break some records this past year, and this just proves it as the Pack had a great year with a young team and he still bolts. Luckily people will now forget the stinkers he threw up in 2005 and 2006.  In my opinion he was a chucker this year like he was the last few years, but he wasn't burned by it as much - until their playoff game against the Giants.  I was so happy at that excruciating loss for the Pack I damn near cried...especially knowing Favre was a big part of it. Am I a bitter jerk in that I can only give minimal props to a man who by all means is an NFL icon and easy first ballot HOFer?  Yes I am - but I also think he's overrated...that's just me though.  If the media (and he) would take blame for his faults on and off the field it would have been easier to deal with him.  But he regularly cost his team games and everyone shrugged it off (which I never understood) So others may miss Brett as a gamer, the last "gunslinger", and the man you "just loved to play the game".  Me?  Not so much.  I am looking forward to a more unbiased analysis of the Packers games now that their lips are off Favre's you-know-what.  I won't be tired of Packers fans supporting him when he throws his fourth INT of the game (and blaming it on the wr).  Yep - accountability is coming back to Green Bay - and that can only be better for the game...and hopefully the Vikes playoff chances as well.  What do you expect from a Vikes fan?  I'm not an idiot. Current Mood: ecstatic

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February 20th, 2008

09:03 pm - Our first Vegas wedding... Got back Saturday from our first trip as a family to see my sister get married. This was literally a family trip as my parents and brother also attended, topped off by Worm 1's attendance. Wasn't sure how Axel would handle his first flight at 6 months, but that was the least of our issues as he was great for about all of 15-20 minutes there and back on the plane. Here is a pic of him in first class (his uncle got a free upgrade just for being tall - lame) Anyway, the time down there was fairly low key - having a baby limits the craziness, but I still got to go out for drinks for a while the first 2 nights - just not as late as worm 1 who made his own friends and stayed out until the wee hours of the night. The wedding itself was a fan and yet surreal experience. My brother couldn't even ruin the ceremony (performed by a frenchman with 2 Elvis impersonators interjecting music throughout) by mentioning this was my sisters third marriage...for shame. Otherwise it was a very fitting ceremony for Sam and John, and they were very happy they went this route (as were we - especially when sam and john had them play Suspicious Minds for me - because it is inappropriate for wedding of course) A little off track, but my father received the compliment of his life after being dropped off by the limo after the ceremony. Anyone who knows my dad knows he is not shy about his gas, and is rather proud of his "craft". Well right when we got in the limo on the way there, he let one loose after we were trapped in the moving dutch oven. It was quite rank, and the limo driver (who had the privacy window open) we found out smelt it as well. How do we know? Because after being dropped off after the wedding, the limo driver told my father (and I'm paraphrasing here) "Sir - in all my years of driving that is the worst fart I've ever smelled". My father has never beamed so proudly in his life (I thought he was going to cry) - a highlight in his life for sure. Us kids were just embarrassed. Overall my favorite parts of the trip were the family meals - always great banter/ripping/storytelling that makes for an entertaining hour or two each time we get together. Another positive of the trip - we all got home safely - so we have that going for us. Unfortunately Axel is being a pill about going to bed on time now since his clock is a little off from the trip yet. So will clan Martin do another family trip (since this was our first one in 20 years)? Possibly - parents just bought a winter home outside of Phoenix, so we could see some more regular trips out of state - Will work on putting up pics of the new place once available (they close next month some time) Current Mood: pleased Current Music: Elvis - Teddy Bear

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January 22nd, 2008

08:08 pm - Well... Anyone have Heath Ledger in the dead pool?  Yikes.  Put me down as being shocked.  And a possible suicide?  Sad. On a lighter note, looks like we are heading to Vegas.  Forgot to post it earlier, but my sister is getting married down there on Dave Lofgren's bday (aka Valentine's Day).  Bruiser, Bob, and the rents will also be attending the nuptials of Sam (my sister) and her fiancee John.  Who's that?  He was her ex-boyfriend who moved with my brother over 3 years ago.  Surprise to all of us that they got engaged (since we didn't know they were dating), but she couldn't have picked a greater guy.  Wish Axel luck on the airplane (and us). Current Location: Home Current Mood: shocked

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January 1st, 2008

09:33 pm - So upon request... Worm 2 has formally requested a replay of any happenings at the Martin family Christmas.  It was actually quite uneventful.  The wife, Axel and I arrived around 9pm on Monday - and we started opening gifts at around 10.  Axel was not complying to our requests to go to bed, and stayed awake the entire time we opened gifts (midnight or so).  Good times otherwise, although quite tiring.  Worm 1 was in attendance (5th year in a row), and engaged in the gift exchange as well.  He really hit a home run with the gift of "rudy" on dvd - I was thrilled.  Rest of the time up there was very low key - had some beers, played some scrabble, and ate a lot of cheesy mashed potatoes...nummy. To top it all off, I got the green light to purchase a playstation 3 with some x-mas funds from the parents...top notch.  I got Tiger Woods golf, and was able to upload a side and front shot of my face on the game-makers website and it generated a 3d image on my game.  I then used this to create my own character that looks eerily similar to me - good times. Hope y'all had good times yourself. So when do we make our 2008 deadpool picks?  This year no putting people with cancer or set execution dates (looking at you, TD)...and no drafting someone you picked for 2007. Current Mood: refreshed

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December 21st, 2007

08:46 pm - Props for pops... It is official - my dad, at the age of 65, is retired as of this evening.  Talked to him today, and he decided to make today his last day after talking about retiring for the last 2 or 3 years.  The sale of his company pushed for him to make it official.  What's next for the big guy?  He has no idea, except golf  will be involved at some point.  Of course he retired in '96...but that didn't take.  This is different - After more 50-60 hour weeks in the last 11 years than many of us experience in a lifetime, he's burned out.  I'm glad - he deserves it after busting his hump for all these years.  To celebrate the 'rents are having an open house on 1/5, so those of you who know him (or me and want to me him) are more than welcome to stop by in TL and say "congrats"...time is tentatively 2-7 or so.  If you can't make it, help raise a glass to the smartest and hardest working man I know.  Love you pops! Current Mood: relieved Current Music: Ike Reilly - Drinks All Around...

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September 20th, 2007

08:30 pm - Jack Handey quote of the week... In honor of what should be an up an down season for the purple faithful... When the age of the Vikings came to a close, they must've sensed it. Probably, they gathered together one evening, slapped each other on the back and said, "Hey, good job." Current Mood: chipper

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September 13th, 2007

09:09 pm - My new gig... Nothing will make you think back on your life, especially your childhood, than having a child of your own. Everyone promised they would parent different than their parents at one point or another. Now I just hope I don't screw up my own kid, and hope I can do a 10th of the job my parents did. That being said, looking for sage advice I remember where I often went to for inspiration and motivation as a child...Jack Handey. In honor of Jack's wise and witty comments on life, I plan to make a post once a week with an old Jack Handey quote.  Some will revolve around children, and some will just be straight out of left field.  In honor of our child hitting his one month birthday, this first of many quotes is of the former.  Thank you Jack - for the wisdom and the laughs. "One thing kids like is to be tricked. For instance, I was going to take my little nephew to Disneyland, but instead I drove him to an old burned out warehouse. "Oh no," I said, "Disneyland burned down." He cried and cried, but I think that deep down he thought it was a pretty good joke. I started to drive over to the real Disneyland, but it was getting pretty late." Current Location: Home...surrounded by animals Current Mood: contemplative

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August 12th, 2007

09:40 pm - Introducing Axel... Won't bombard you all with details, so will keep this brief. After getting to the hospital around 3:30 in the morning on Thursday, Steph gave birth to Axel Jonas Martin at 12:45 pm. He was born with all digits intact, and came in at 21 inches long and weighing 8lb 9oz. Steph did great, I didn't pass out (and to my surprised I watched the birth). Finally got him home yesterday, and first night home had a lot of interruptions (more for Steph than myself).  A lot of you know all the crap we had to go through to get him - definitely good to see the end result after all these years. As for the name, contrary to popular belief Axel comes from my grandfather and not Axl Rose (despite my appreciation for the man behind THE band). Oddly enough I never met him. Why I personally chose his name is another story. Current Mood: tired

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July 20th, 2007

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June 13th, 2007

08:16 pm - Fairwell, oh friend... Just a quick note to thank Don Herbert for the memories. Just found out he passed at the age of 89. Watched him for years on Nickelodeon as a kid. Sad to see another one of the good guys go (and a Minnesota boy at that). Rest in peace, Mr. Wizard. Current Mood: sad

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May 14th, 2007

05:09 pm - Cameron...my brother? A Martin family revelation... So my sister was on ancestry.com over the weekend I guess, and found out some interesting info. Apparently my dad's father was a good chunk African American. Going back on census records for 3 generations, both of my grandfather's parents, and their respective parents are listed as black/negro/mulatto depending on the census year. Well that is a bit of a shock to anyone whose seen me...ever. From what I can tell I am around 1/8 - 1/16th black, then. Not sure who determined race back then (census taker or family), but there is no screwing this up over 60 years of census. I had just found out last year that my same grandfather was supposed to have been half american-indian, but that apparently wasn't true. My father has never spoken of his father to me (they didn't get along) or anyone else for that matter in his family really, so there is a chance he knew and didn't tell, or he had no idea (his parents and grandparents were both a little older when they started families). Have no idea if any of us kids have the guts to approach him about this. He is not a racist by any means (and in denial or anything like that i believe), but rather he hasn't spoken on any aspect of his upbringing to my mother for the past 40 years, he may not be willing to talk about this aspect of it either. And his father didn't talk about his family it appears, so that could mean he didn't know them well at all. Interesting week with that and starting the new job (yep - back at US Bank after a 2 year hiatus). Current Mood: surprised

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November 28th, 2006

12:53 am - A Thanksgiving Gift... Hello all, Posting here after all this time for rather selfish reasons I suppose. You see, for over 3 years now we've been trying to get pregnant/have a kid. For reasons out of her control we have been unable to, and so in March decided to do in vitro fertilization (aka test tube baby). Given the hefty price tage with this procedure, financing would fronted by my ma and pa. The first attempt was in July, after dropping $15,000 to simply start the program. We paid knowing it was our last chance since the almost 3 years previous we had each had a surgery, and had try both naturally and through several other cheaper alternatives to in vitro - each time to a heartbreaking lack of results. Our first attempt was the first time in a long time where we thought we had a great chance at being successful. The clinics average success rate was 50%, and our age and fertility issues made us good candidates. We were set to receive the pregnancy test results (done at the clinic via a blood test) the same day were going to my parents for a family reunion in early August. When we called in and got that the results were negative, I don't know how we stood standing. I've always been positive about our chances of this happening eventually, but knowing our last chance (in vitro) had failed was more than even I could take. My wife took it much worse, and all I could say was "we'll try again". Needless to say this didn't make a pleasing weekend to have a family reunion, especially since everyone there knew we were waiting for results. Well we set up a second attempt, but first they made Steph take a few months off first because of the hardship put on her body through the drugs she injected daily as part of the process. Eventually we found out that November 9th would be our retrieval date (where they take the eggs out of her), and the 12th would be the transfer (more or less where they put fertilized egg/embryo back in her). The pregnancy test this time? Friday after Thanksgiving, the same day we were going to my parents again - this time for Thanksgiving weekend. Before I go forward, I should mention at this time we had already discussed we would only try one more time after this. It was too expensive to keep going after that, and too hard physically and emotionally on Steph. I was actually not sure if a 3rd attempt would be possible since I did not think she would mentally be able to tackle that. So needless to say there was a lot riding on this, and unfortunately after 3 years of failure, emotional letdowns, and lots of money spent for "no reason" we were holding our breath. Expecting a call after 3pm Friday (like they said), we went to lay down after some early shopping around 12:30. Around quarter to 1 the phone rang and at that time I think we both were afraid to answer. After staring at the ID and have it list the clinics name, when Steph finally answered I think we both feared and anticipated the worst...you could even hear the hesitation to get the results in her voice. I wasn't able to look at her, and only found out the good news because she started slapping my arm in an excited manner. It was when she said "Oh, thank God" to the voice on the other end of the phone where it got a little dusty, folks. It summarized perfectly the pure relief of what may have well been our final attempt having been a success...more relief than jubilation that I am sure most experience when they find out they are about to have a kid. After over 3 years, 2 surgeries, countless shots for Steph, countless visits to the doctor, numerous trips to the little room with the VCR to do my thing, and well over $30,000 spent over the last 3 years in an attempt to bring a child into this world, we found out that step one of the process had been achieved. We aren't out of the woods yet, but I firmly believe it is our time. Hopefully an ultrasound in 2 weeks will confirm that, and to make sure it does Steph still is getting 2 shots a day until then. Not an overly superstitious individual, I did take it as a sign that not long after getting the greatest phone call of our life I heard U2's "Beautiful Day" on the radio while in the shower. Normally I could care less about U2, but I could not think of a more appropriate song to describe how I felt at the time. So as it stands I should hopefully have an update for anyone who cares in 2 weeks...keep your fingers crossed. I would like to apologize to those friends of ours who are pregnant or have had kids over the last 3 years where I perhaps didn't show the appropriate appreciation or excitement for their situation (ie OM, Edgar, Schaaf, Shannon, etc). As happy as I have been for all those folks, at the same time every one of their successes was a constant reminder in my eyes of our "failure". OM and Edgar more than anyone since they were the 2 most recent to have their wives get pregnant - I haven't done a good job of telling you how happy I am for you, and I am sorry about that. I just hope that you can understand why. So is this overwhelming feeling of unpreparedness normal? I'm scared shitless - I'm just glad it is now because we have something to look forward to (I hope). Keep your fingers crossed - although if U2 has anything to say about it we will be just fine. Current Mood: optimistic

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October 18th, 2006

09:32 pm - Time to party hard, kids... Ike Reilly is once again playing First Ave it appears the night before Thanksgiving. I plan on going if anyone else is interested. I won't be driving to say the least. Current Location: Home - as always Current Mood: excited Current Music: Who else...the man and his assasination

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October 10th, 2006

10:04 am - Quick movie review.... Hello, kids. Just a quick note that the wife and I went to The Departed on Saturday down in AV with her pa and step ma. Being that it had such star power, including Scorcese directing, I had some very high hopes for this flick. It did not disappoint in the least. Leo and Jack were fantastic (and as dreamy as he is, normally I'm not gaga for Leo). The story is great, scenes well acted, and they put the romance in the background as it should be. The scene with Leo and Jack at the restaurant was the shit. I won't bore you with anymore of my lame observations - just go see it. Pro-C - you will think its the shit. On a side note, just saw an advertisement for a Desperate Housewives game...that's gonna do well. It looks like you either slap people or sleep with them...lame. Current Location: Upstairs watching Days Current Mood: pleased

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October 6th, 2006

10:01 pm - There is no joy in Minneapolis tonight... Hello, all. Not sure if you recognize as it's been a while. The wife went to bed, and dinking around online gave me the grand ol' idea to update the journal. Having run a gambit of sports emotions, it is only fair that this will partially be about that. As the sports savvy (or this with a tv or newspaper subscription) may know, the Twins were finished off for a 3 game sweep by the A's in round 1 of the ALDS. Not cool - not cool at all. When more "experts" on ESPN pick you to win it all over any other team, you enter the playoffs with a decent chance of winning one game. Didn't happen. In fact, they stunk it up something fierce with their toothless aggression at the plate. Lame. i won't dwell on it as they weren't jobbed or anything - they just flat out stunk. Well done A's, and hope you meet the Tigers in the ALCS. Then we have the Vikes...after a great first two weeks, they've blown out two wheels on their playoff bandwagon and are threatening to completely derail said wagon if they lose Sunday to the Lions. Meanwhile the team they were set to beat in week 3 (da Bears) steamrolled what was thought to be the best team in the NFC last week. As I see it now, a healthy Grossman and a semblance of a running game puts this team in the SB. Well done, Lovie...and fuck you, Cameron! While the sports fan in me may be down, at least the fantasy sports geek in me is living. As you may or may not know, I am an active participant in fantasy baseball and football. Active enough that I had 13 fantasy baseball teams this year, and have 10 football teams. Do I need a life? Perhaps. But until sitting on the couch becomes a hobby this is as good as it gets...and I have skillz. Won 7 of my 13 baseball leagues, so believe that playa. For my troubles? I can collect 3 fantasy baseball champion shirts from ESPN, or combine my points into a larger gift - will let you know the route i go as I can't let you wait with baited breathe. Doing ok in fantasy football, but this football season is so fucked up I have no idea what is going on. Lame. Well - I'm tired and want to play Madden before going to bed, so I guess I lied and this is all about sports for now. Sue me. A few quick thoughts/notes before I rock... * Happy 11th bday today to my niece - called her and when i joked about showing up at her slumber party, she basically hung up on me. Sweet kid. * Happy 30th to Shannon today - and yes, they are real (so I'm told) * Happy 37th to my brother tomorrow - my gift to him being breakfast at Cap's Grille in the morning...but I am not covering extra's like bacon or toast if they aren't a normal part of his meal * Sharting at work sucks...so I've been told * In some countries, I would be considered handsome, well dressed, and "large" where it counts * The Sinatra Group is still the best S&L skit ever, and that is not debatable. * Prison Break is awful...I don't come back for the story, characters, or suspense, so why do I come back? Television masochism? Treats. Current Location: Online, of course Current Mood: sad Current Music: Lorelai by Styx - dont ask

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August 29th, 2006

10:58 pm - Initial Madden 2007 review... Well it has been a week since the annual, opening day purchase of Madden football for the PS2. As always the anticipation is as exciting as the first day of school for a kid. Unlike the uber-nuts that annually take off time from work to play Madden for a day or two straight, I didn't have enough accrued vacation to do so. Between a busy weekend and social calendar over the last week, I finally set up my dynasty with you know who - the 'queens. I won't bore you with details on how Brad stinks and I'm already starting Tarvaris, but rather will briefly discuss the game itself. First of all, you can no longer build up a player's rating by padding stats in the preseason...lame. DeAngelo Williams (who i trade heftily for) packed on 900 plus yards and over 10 td's in 4 games...he went up 0 points. Ridiculous. Last year, he would have gone up 3 or even 4. I don't like this one bit. The game play however offers some more options in and out of gameplay (many of which casual players won't use), including offering a nice new feature in place of the good ol' plowing with the triangle. Now if you push triangle, depending on the type of running back they have multiple moves they can do. The bigger guys still plow, but the little ones will do different jukes and what not. Solid. What isn't solid? The new kicking method. The old one has been around for years...hit X for power, and again for accuracy. Nice and easy. Now? you use the R3 button, and I still don't understand how the timing of the push forward affects accuracy. Not cool. Kick well enough, but never understand why. I haven't been playing enough to check out the other new features they've added. The franchise mode appears the same otherwise. I will state that the Redskins are one tough ass D on All Pro...will be a rough year if Tarvaris and Brad can't carry their weight. Deangelo running to the left will be a common MO it appears. That's it for now kids...really tired. I should state that the Vikes 2nd pick in the 2nd round, mister Ryan Cook, didn't make the team in the game. Nice. That must be a quality pick. So do you all enjoy the pick of Bruiser/Worm1 with his Christmas '04 gift of Tomato Soup from clan Worm5? Current Location: Home? Current Mood: tired

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August 17th, 2006

10:35 pm - Worm 4 returns...for one night only? And we still don't know where we are meeting. Lame...someone make a decision. Seriously, if it's just me and him I will take him to Cloggy's...or Alary's since that place rocks. Hello? OM? Current Mood: giddy Current Music: Thin Lizzy - The boys are back in town

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August 15th, 2006

11:17 pm - Formal Complaint... I received a formal complaint about lack of posts - it appears it's been 23 weeks since my last original post (is that all?). Not much has happened that is worthy - lost a job, found a job, and spent $20k for what we recently found out was a failed first attempt to get the wife pregnant through in vitro. Part of that money will cover additional attempts, so that's cool. Friends are getting pregnant and popping out babies left and right, so that's good for them but at the same time hard to watch. The effect on the wife pains me more than the effect on me if that makes sense. Otherwise things are ok. Just had a family reunion (ma's side) and that was a good time. We had a white elephant gift exchange, and someone gave my brother some Depends or some other kind of adult diapers. Didn't think much of it when he disappeared for a few minutes, then he stunned the crowd of 25 or 30 family members by coming out dressed only in a pair of the diapers. Hilarious, especially given that he is a bigger guy (7 feet tall and around 285). He's built, but even with that body I would never do that. Highlight of the weekend behind all the cornhole jokes we busted out (cornhole is a game identical to playing beanbags, but bags have corn instead of beans). Yes - we aren't mature but we have our fun. Per Worm 2's post had a goodbye bash at Gasthof's for Clan Larson for their departure to England. Yes, we all feel bad that they get to live in England for several years. Good to say goodbye, and to see Mr. Larson getting carried out by his arms. At least it wasn't me this time. Otherwise, that's about it. Excited to see Worm 4 this weekend as he comes back for his sis-in-law's wedding. Will try to get him hammered so he's in rough shape for the wedding on Saturday. Hope he doesn't read this and get wind of my crafty plan. See you in 23 more weeks? Current Mood: content Current Music: Social D - Story of My Life

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