A Timely Day Off

I wish I could say that I planned to take today off because I knew it was going to be the best day of the week (weatherwise) to do so, it just happen to work out that way. The truth is, since I've previously confessed to suffering from futbol fever, I decided to take today off because the UEFA Champions League Final between Barcelona and Arsenal. I even chose this occassion to wear my newly purchased Team USA World Cup jersey to T's house where I was going to watch the Big Game...

Before that I was able to get a lot of things done today. First and foremost I took Pogie to get a well overdue haircut. His hair had gotten so unruly that it was difficult finding ticks that have been showing up on his skin more frequently lately. After dropping him off at the Dog Groomer's over on Union Ave., I mailed out some bills then made my way to the good old Sachem Public Library to renew the latest book I've been reading: The Plot Against America by Philip Roth (it's quite good).

After that it was off to gym (gotta really buckle down now because Vegas is quickly approaching). When I was finished there I picked up the newly trimmed Pogie and made my way home to do some unfinished chores such as sweeping the floors and washing dishes.
Then I jumped in and out of the shower and before I knew it I was on my way to T's house.

The game failed to live up to the hype, mainly because Ronaldinho and Henry, Barcelona and Arsenal's best players respectively didn't play up to their sublime abilities. That's not to say that it didn't have it's moments. Barcelona ended up winning 2-1 much to the chagrine to me and T who were rooting for Arsenal to win. And for the majority of the match it looked like the Gunners were going to prevail after scoring the first goal in the 37th minute. Unfortunately, Barcelona wore them down and finally broke through with about 14 minutes left and went ahead 4 minutes later. Those were the first goals Arsenal had given up in over 10 Champions League matches and they couldn't have come at a worse time for Arsene Wegner's charges.

After watching all the post game celebrations T and I went to grab some pizza. From there we went to the Mall, mainly because I wanted to buy a new pair of swimming trunks to no avail.

Well there you have it, my day off in a nutshell. I'm looking forward to this weekend because: the Da Vinci Code comes out on Friday (I'm probably goin to see it later on that night after work), I'm picking up my new laptop (more on that later) on Saturday in the city and then on Sunday I'm going to Shea to see the Mets take on the hated Yankees. Let's Go Mets!

Oh and before I forget, I'd like to give a Crimson Bastard shout out to Shane and Karen who are still basking in the afterglow of their engagement. Word on the street is that they'll be getting hitched some time next July. Congratulations once again you crazy kids!

Allergies Suck

Although I haven't had a full blown attack, lately my allergies have been starting to annoy me more and more with each passing day. Sometimes I wish I would have a major coughing/laughing episode as opposed to the annoying little hints of allergic reactions past. Such as the slight itch in my throat or the occassional cough that comes out in a maddening staccato pattern while at work.

I know, I know that I should be careful what I wish for but it's just frustrating when I'm not sure whether or not I might be coming down with a cold or if it's just the excessive pollen counts that have been recorded out here on Long Island. And don't get me started about the weather that we've been having the last week either. I swear it feels like April has moved into May like some sort of unwanted in-law overstaying their welcome.

Normally I'm not such a curmudgeon, so don't worry, I promise not to let this affect too many future postings.

What a relief...

the one thing that was standing between me and Vegas was the specter of Jury Duty. Keep in mind was the first person to send his money into Alfie for K and Allen's bachelor/bachelorette extravanganza. I was so distraught, I didn't want to tell anyone that this might come up partly because I was hoping that it would just go away. But I knew it wouldn't just go away, so when it came time to call to see if and where I would have to report last week, let's just say I was a little worried.

Well, after calling back 3 days in a row, I'm happy to say that I do not have to report anywhere for Jury Duty for the next 6 years! I was so relieved that I felt like I was a death row convict that was just pardoned by the Governor at the last possible moment.

In other news, I just received my federal tax refund, thanks Uncle Sam! So between the jury duty reprieve and this added (well earned) windfall, I am starting to feel that things are starting to look up. With less than 3 weeks to go I just hope and pray that I am in the clear.

USA! USA! USA!

I officially have World Cup Fever. How do I know? I just bought the authentic Team USA home jersey today. To put that in perspective, I've never bought any type of soccer er futbol paraphenelia in my life! In fact, I've never played a single organized game of futbol in my life, unless of course I count the times I used to get up early, before school started mind you, and kicked the ball around with some other kids that had nothing better to do than sleep. All under the watchful eye of my PE teacher Mr. Montalbano. Thanks again Mr. Mont wherever you might be.

Where is this all coming from? I guess it goes back to the last World Cup where the US made an incredible run to the quarterfinals, beating Portugal along the way. I still remember waking up around dawn to watch that match and being all beside myself when we actually won! Granted that was during the time when I was woefully underemployed and had nothing better to do. At least something good came out of it right?

Since then I've been watching more and more futbol matches, thanks to my buddy T, mainly English Premier League as well as the venerable Champions League. I really got into it, last year, when Liverpool made their run to the Champions League title, defeating AC Milan after being down 3-0 at halftime! And now this year T has gotten me to root for Arsenal as they made their run to the Champions League Final. They will play Barcelona May 17th for the right to be called Europe's best club. Needless to say I can't wait.

Before I know it it'll be June and then I'll really be hard to deal with.