After settling into Las Vegas and getting Comp'ed into a nice suite because I'm the Mack (why else would they?!) ;) I looked to take a quick shower as I had been camping and hiking and making a dirty mess of myself! Unfortunately though there was a major malfunction with the circuit breaker in room which caused me to go back and forth with maintenance for about an hour and a half before I could finally take that shower and take off out for the night to see what kind of debauchery I could get into!?
Over the next 3 days I would gamble in NEARLY ever Casino on the immediate strip and several off the main drag! My goal was to hit as many as humanly possible no matter how far I would have to walk or cab it! I think I must have hit about 20-25 casino's in all and although I did not hit the mother load, I still came out just about even which isn't a "loss" in my book what-so-ever!!!
While there, I "Slotted" it up big time! Most people are unaware but I am about a Grand or Two up life time in my Penny Slot history and have been lucky enough to hit the jackpot a few times winning several hundred dollars at a time! Some of my favorite hot spots to visit were the Rio & Voodoo Lounge, The Playboy Club within the Palms, My favorite area of the strip is the MGM Grand/New York-New York spot, the Hard Rock Casino, Paris and Planet Hollywood where they have several guests that accompany you and entertain you in the pit while you play the tables! Good times, Good times!!! ;)
After spending a few days in Las Vegas to unwind at the tail end of my first Mack'n The Nation Tour, I headed back out driving through the rest of the state of Nevada! I had already hit Reno previously so I did not feel the need to stop there and then spent the night in Boise, ID before cruising successfully through "BFE" Oregon and then into Washington, finally after two and half months on the road! What a breathe of fresh air! I literally screamed "I'm Home" along with several other passionate expletives at this point and then continued on my way through Yakima, and on across the Cascades and through into my town, on the "Eastside of the Westside," Woodinville, WA!!! I was beside myself upon reaching the last hill that leads Hwy 520 down into downtown Redmond, past Microsoft & Marymoor Park and started blazing one of my favorite theme songs, Mark Morrison's "Return Of The Mack!" As soon as I hit Avondale Rd. It was so ON!!! I flew through the last 5 miles of city streets before hitting the turn off for my neighborhood! What a Blast! What a Time! What a Finish! Two and a half months, 11,500 miles and no tickets, accidents or major mishaps later, I was HOME!!!
Big THANK YOU's go out to all of the people who made "Mack'n The Nation 2009" a huge success and so worthwhile!!! I couldn't have done it with out all of you! To all those individuals, brothers, family and friends that let me crash on their couches and floors and spare bedrooms, I sincerely appreciate it! To all those, who pointed me in the right direction, shared valuable info on where to go and what to see and all those who took valuable time from their own lives to help this "Tattooed, Shaved Head, Stranger From That Outpost Known As The Northwest," I can't thank you enough! Much Professional LUV straight from The Mack to all of you!!!
Little did I know at this point that I would return to Washington and settle in for a month spending time with all those that matter most locally and catching up on life before deciding to head back out on the road to continue my search for employment and my next passion in life! In a little over a month, I would head back out on "Mack'n The Nation, Part II" to Chicago, Illinois (Naperville) to spend some quality time with my "Professional Wife" Angela Brandenburg set up a temporary new base to continue the search for what was to come next!
Stay Tuned!!! In the coming days and weeks for many more blogs to come! Be sure to check out Facebook and add me as a friend to truly experience all of the stories I will soon share! So many amazing photos of National monuments, weather patterns, sunsets, and the best of friends and experiences! I hope all of you out there in Internet land are well and with all things in life, I must finish with two things... Much Professional LUV and watch out for there will be another "RETURN OF THE MACK!!!" ;)
Mack Out!!!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Then It Was On To Complete The Journey...
After leaving Naperville, IL and Brother/"Professional Wifey" Brandenburg behind I headed West through Iowa and stopped for the evening in Des Moines. This was the old stomping grounds for another great brother named Melissa who I have recently gotten to know through AKPSI and she has since moved to Seattle to work for my old company Microsoft!
Though I did not get a chance to do as much in Des Moines or Iowa has I had hoped, it was still nice to drive through and see the country and peacefulness that exists out there away from huge metropolis' and traffic and pollution and on and on and on! Des Moines also has a special fondness in my heart due to an old game called "MASHO" if anyone is familiar? But alas, that is a story for another time!!! ;)
From Iowa, I was Northwest bound into Nebraska briefly before entering South Dakota and spending some great times in this part of the country. While is S.D. I drove through Custer National Park named after Gen. Custer who had and is famous for his "last stand!" The park was absolutely beautiful and I drove all around it taking in wildlife from all angles from inside my car. I saw sheep and buffalo and horses and cattle and mountain goats, etc! Most impressive however were the free roaming buffalo who nearly walked right up to "Yarissa" if I had let them! I didn't stick around to see if she could fend for herself against these "Wild Buffalo" as she had already gone head to head with a Semi on the free way who kicked a rock her way and cracked her beautiful windshield and a left fog light as well!
After Custer Nat. Park, I headed to Sturgis where I took in a little Motorcycle history with museums and retail stores and historic bars just to name a few! I even got to take in a little car show action before heading out toward Mt. Rushmore! While in Sturgis, although there weren't any major rides going on with thousands of bikers, there was definitely still a lot of activity going on and fanfare for bikers and car enthusiasts and tourists alike! I had a blast and spent several hours there drinking a beer in what could only be described size-wise as an "Alcoholic Big Gulp" straight from what could have been 7-11 as this beer was 50oz! I also finished that off with some of the best steak tips this side of anywhere and talked life and history and everything else under the sun with a great bartender I had befriended there! I will never forget Sturgis and am thankful that I was able to do as much as I did while in town and not get crowded out by 100,000 bikers if infact it had been rally time!!! ;)
Mt. Rushmore in S.D. was great too! Especially since I was able to see everything and soak it all up for free but yet again my famous motto comes into play and..."That is a story for another time!" I will however say this...despite the amazingness of carving something like that into the side of a mountain, I was fairly unimpressed overall compared to other national monuments, landmarks, geographical anomalies and such that I had seen along my journey! Sorry Mt. Rushmore, but you're officially being downgraded by the Mack next to "The Alamo" with the title "Nice Attraction But Still A Disappointment!"
From South Dakota it was on to Wyoming and Devil's Tower! I made excellent time through this part of the journey and pulled into town just as the sun was going down behind the tower. What a sight! I slipped into the small town of Hulett, where I spent the night in an old Motel Cabin that was pretty sweet actually! Met some nice folks and caught up on some much needed rest. The next day I was up extra early to pack a lunch and head out to hike the tower! I spent the next few hours circling the Nation's FIRST National Monument and learning about all of the history and spirituality that exists there! What a place, after a ton more photos and sunshine and aching calves, I was off once again for Colorado en route to the Grand Canyon in Arizona!
Colorado was nice, I had never been there before and though I didn't spend that much time in the state, I took full advantage to drive through as much of it as possible! I spent the night in Fort Collins which was pretty cool and then drove through Denver and then through endless mountain ranges and ski towns including Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, etc. This driving part of my journey was one of my most fun and memorable and I will definitely return to Colorado to spend more time there in the coming years to vacation. Definitely got a "Rocky Mountain High" on Life(Unofficially) while I was driving through though, man what a drive! I had already previously been through Utah and Salt Lake City before so I flew through Utah and all of the Mormons as quickly as possible in a race to get back to Arizona.
Upon entering Arizona, I drove for miles through the most beautiful desert and rock formations I had seen in some time, I drove through Moab, AZ and other resort and vacation towns and cities that were fun to take in! Eventually I pulled into Grand Canyon National Park just before the Park closed but it was already dark so I slipped in under that cover of darkness and once again made out like a bandit, more stories, no time!!!
I found a campsite and for the first time in two and a half months on the road I broke out and pitched my small one person tent and had me a good old fashioned night in the wilderness to myself with coyotes and strange creatures howling occasionally in the night but the sky was truly amazing! Though there was much fog/clouds that blow in from the pollution in California and L.A. I could still see the entire sky and the stars were all seemingly blinking at me! It was quite surreal and I will never forget this as I had never seen stars behave in this manner before. Very special and I slept like a baby! More importantly I rested for what would be my greatest hiking challenge of the trip!
The next day I awoke early and trekked down to the Canyon edge to buy souvenirs and eat breakfast before beginning the hike. Met some nice people and workers at the Canyon and they gave me much needed hints about where to go and what to do! Note to others looking to do the Canyon... DO NOT what ever you do... DO NOT... go to the Indian Reservation and walk out on the glass bottom bridge that takes you over the canyon! I DID NOT do this myself but everyone I spoke to who had, said it was the biggest rip off and waste of time and money as it took an additional hour or two to drive there and then depending upon how big your family is it could be over $150 to go and see it and when you do, you aren't even allowed to bring a camera or recording gear with you to prove that you actually did it! Like I said, a FREAKIN' RIP OFF!!! Don't Do It!!! Anyways, I digress... The LEGIT Canyon experience was amazing and one of my favorite places again on the journey, very spiritual, very challenging hike (the way back up anyways!) and I spent half the next day taking pictures and videos and learning about the history behind the Canyon and hiking its various trails. I took the Angel trail as well, and loved it and would recommend it to everyone!
After the Grand Canyon and barely making it back up to the top all the while avoiding heatstroke, overly sun burnt skin, and death... I headed back out and traveled Northwest to Nevada where I saw the HOOVER DAM, you guys remember National Lampoon's "Vacation" with Chevy Chase and that line, "Welcome to Hoover DAM, I'm the DAM tour guide, do you have any DAM questions!?" Yeah it was a brief visit and drive through but I still laughed going over it. They were doing massive construction still and most likely because of 9/11 where they will eventually circumvent traffic over the damn via massive sky bridge to ease congestion and most likely also avoid potential for additional terrorist threats! This part of the journey was also where my car and every car before and after me was systematically stopped and searched prior to the Dam for anything suspicious and I also had a feeling they were looking for certain unidentified individuals as well by the looks of things and types of searches they were doing!!! I made it through unscathed and without felonies or misdemeanors discovered though so onward I went!!!
After several more hours I finally pulled into Las Vegas, NV though very unceremoniously at rush hour on a weekday evening so a 20 minute jaunt to the strip turned into almost an hour and a half!!! Boo on you Vegas traffic!!! Regardless though I was there...finally... for what had been planned as a sort of mini-vacation to relax, recoup and re-energize myself for two nights and three days before heading on the last leg back up to Seattle, WA!!! As I pulled on to the strip after hours of driving and hours barely moving on the freeway entering the strip, I crashed into my upgraded suite at the NEW YORK, NEW YORK which I found fitting as I had chosen not to go to NYC in New York state due to time constraints earlier in my trip. At the time I had wanted to do NYC right and chose to instead do a FULL ON vacation there sometime down the road when I could do everything I wanted and not be rushed over say 5 days at least and not less than 2 which I would have had at that point in the journey! So needless to say, I got my FAKE New York on in style and showed Vegas a thing or two about the Mack before moving on! What a time and more to come as I try to catch everyone including myself up on this journey and the blog!
Thanks for putting up with such a long post and I hope you all truly enjoyed the photos on Facebook and the blogs in their entirety to date! Cheers and more to come soon!
Sincerely,
Matthew "The Mack" Allen
"MACK OUT!!!"
Though I did not get a chance to do as much in Des Moines or Iowa has I had hoped, it was still nice to drive through and see the country and peacefulness that exists out there away from huge metropolis' and traffic and pollution and on and on and on! Des Moines also has a special fondness in my heart due to an old game called "MASHO" if anyone is familiar? But alas, that is a story for another time!!! ;)
From Iowa, I was Northwest bound into Nebraska briefly before entering South Dakota and spending some great times in this part of the country. While is S.D. I drove through Custer National Park named after Gen. Custer who had and is famous for his "last stand!" The park was absolutely beautiful and I drove all around it taking in wildlife from all angles from inside my car. I saw sheep and buffalo and horses and cattle and mountain goats, etc! Most impressive however were the free roaming buffalo who nearly walked right up to "Yarissa" if I had let them! I didn't stick around to see if she could fend for herself against these "Wild Buffalo" as she had already gone head to head with a Semi on the free way who kicked a rock her way and cracked her beautiful windshield and a left fog light as well!
After Custer Nat. Park, I headed to Sturgis where I took in a little Motorcycle history with museums and retail stores and historic bars just to name a few! I even got to take in a little car show action before heading out toward Mt. Rushmore! While in Sturgis, although there weren't any major rides going on with thousands of bikers, there was definitely still a lot of activity going on and fanfare for bikers and car enthusiasts and tourists alike! I had a blast and spent several hours there drinking a beer in what could only be described size-wise as an "Alcoholic Big Gulp" straight from what could have been 7-11 as this beer was 50oz! I also finished that off with some of the best steak tips this side of anywhere and talked life and history and everything else under the sun with a great bartender I had befriended there! I will never forget Sturgis and am thankful that I was able to do as much as I did while in town and not get crowded out by 100,000 bikers if infact it had been rally time!!! ;)
Mt. Rushmore in S.D. was great too! Especially since I was able to see everything and soak it all up for free but yet again my famous motto comes into play and..."That is a story for another time!" I will however say this...despite the amazingness of carving something like that into the side of a mountain, I was fairly unimpressed overall compared to other national monuments, landmarks, geographical anomalies and such that I had seen along my journey! Sorry Mt. Rushmore, but you're officially being downgraded by the Mack next to "The Alamo" with the title "Nice Attraction But Still A Disappointment!"
From South Dakota it was on to Wyoming and Devil's Tower! I made excellent time through this part of the journey and pulled into town just as the sun was going down behind the tower. What a sight! I slipped into the small town of Hulett, where I spent the night in an old Motel Cabin that was pretty sweet actually! Met some nice folks and caught up on some much needed rest. The next day I was up extra early to pack a lunch and head out to hike the tower! I spent the next few hours circling the Nation's FIRST National Monument and learning about all of the history and spirituality that exists there! What a place, after a ton more photos and sunshine and aching calves, I was off once again for Colorado en route to the Grand Canyon in Arizona!
Colorado was nice, I had never been there before and though I didn't spend that much time in the state, I took full advantage to drive through as much of it as possible! I spent the night in Fort Collins which was pretty cool and then drove through Denver and then through endless mountain ranges and ski towns including Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, etc. This driving part of my journey was one of my most fun and memorable and I will definitely return to Colorado to spend more time there in the coming years to vacation. Definitely got a "Rocky Mountain High" on Life(Unofficially) while I was driving through though, man what a drive! I had already previously been through Utah and Salt Lake City before so I flew through Utah and all of the Mormons as quickly as possible in a race to get back to Arizona.
Upon entering Arizona, I drove for miles through the most beautiful desert and rock formations I had seen in some time, I drove through Moab, AZ and other resort and vacation towns and cities that were fun to take in! Eventually I pulled into Grand Canyon National Park just before the Park closed but it was already dark so I slipped in under that cover of darkness and once again made out like a bandit, more stories, no time!!!
I found a campsite and for the first time in two and a half months on the road I broke out and pitched my small one person tent and had me a good old fashioned night in the wilderness to myself with coyotes and strange creatures howling occasionally in the night but the sky was truly amazing! Though there was much fog/clouds that blow in from the pollution in California and L.A. I could still see the entire sky and the stars were all seemingly blinking at me! It was quite surreal and I will never forget this as I had never seen stars behave in this manner before. Very special and I slept like a baby! More importantly I rested for what would be my greatest hiking challenge of the trip!
The next day I awoke early and trekked down to the Canyon edge to buy souvenirs and eat breakfast before beginning the hike. Met some nice people and workers at the Canyon and they gave me much needed hints about where to go and what to do! Note to others looking to do the Canyon... DO NOT what ever you do... DO NOT... go to the Indian Reservation and walk out on the glass bottom bridge that takes you over the canyon! I DID NOT do this myself but everyone I spoke to who had, said it was the biggest rip off and waste of time and money as it took an additional hour or two to drive there and then depending upon how big your family is it could be over $150 to go and see it and when you do, you aren't even allowed to bring a camera or recording gear with you to prove that you actually did it! Like I said, a FREAKIN' RIP OFF!!! Don't Do It!!! Anyways, I digress... The LEGIT Canyon experience was amazing and one of my favorite places again on the journey, very spiritual, very challenging hike (the way back up anyways!) and I spent half the next day taking pictures and videos and learning about the history behind the Canyon and hiking its various trails. I took the Angel trail as well, and loved it and would recommend it to everyone!
After the Grand Canyon and barely making it back up to the top all the while avoiding heatstroke, overly sun burnt skin, and death... I headed back out and traveled Northwest to Nevada where I saw the HOOVER DAM, you guys remember National Lampoon's "Vacation" with Chevy Chase and that line, "Welcome to Hoover DAM, I'm the DAM tour guide, do you have any DAM questions!?" Yeah it was a brief visit and drive through but I still laughed going over it. They were doing massive construction still and most likely because of 9/11 where they will eventually circumvent traffic over the damn via massive sky bridge to ease congestion and most likely also avoid potential for additional terrorist threats! This part of the journey was also where my car and every car before and after me was systematically stopped and searched prior to the Dam for anything suspicious and I also had a feeling they were looking for certain unidentified individuals as well by the looks of things and types of searches they were doing!!! I made it through unscathed and without felonies or misdemeanors discovered though so onward I went!!!
After several more hours I finally pulled into Las Vegas, NV though very unceremoniously at rush hour on a weekday evening so a 20 minute jaunt to the strip turned into almost an hour and a half!!! Boo on you Vegas traffic!!! Regardless though I was there...finally... for what had been planned as a sort of mini-vacation to relax, recoup and re-energize myself for two nights and three days before heading on the last leg back up to Seattle, WA!!! As I pulled on to the strip after hours of driving and hours barely moving on the freeway entering the strip, I crashed into my upgraded suite at the NEW YORK, NEW YORK which I found fitting as I had chosen not to go to NYC in New York state due to time constraints earlier in my trip. At the time I had wanted to do NYC right and chose to instead do a FULL ON vacation there sometime down the road when I could do everything I wanted and not be rushed over say 5 days at least and not less than 2 which I would have had at that point in the journey! So needless to say, I got my FAKE New York on in style and showed Vegas a thing or two about the Mack before moving on! What a time and more to come as I try to catch everyone including myself up on this journey and the blog!
Thanks for putting up with such a long post and I hope you all truly enjoyed the photos on Facebook and the blogs in their entirety to date! Cheers and more to come soon!
Sincerely,
Matthew "The Mack" Allen
"MACK OUT!!!"
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Exploring Chi-Town And Marrying My Professional Ball Of Yarn And Bouncy Ball!!!
After heading back to Chicago I was again greeted by Brother Angela Brandenburg. Upon my return flight, Seattle had decided to invade Chicago and there were torrential down pours everywhere. After me offering to drive and then simultaneously getting us lost several times on the way back to Naperville we finally arrived and crashed hard my first night back.
What follows is a brief narrative of a great time in Chicago that I will never forget. The days are blurred and the nights were exhilarating but very exhausting! Each day we would retire back to Naperville and literally crash out and sleep until our bodies told us we could function again!
On one occasion we spent the day driving around the outskirts of Chicago and having lunch with several of Ang's old co-workers at the Front Street Lofts in Lemont, IL! The next minute we were touring down town Naperville and hiking around her condo at The Ponds in Naperville! Each day, each moment was seemingly maximized and utilized to the Nth degree to show me all about this great part of the country and to further promote AKPSI and the brotherhood to the communities and businesses and people of Chicago and the region! What a time, I'll never forget it!
Next thing you knew, we were on a road trip up to Milwaukee, WI to speak at Ang's Alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee! After spending the day trouncing around Milwaukee and eating "LOTS OF CHEESE" amongst other local delicacies we both spoke to the local chapter at her school and made some great new connections! I was very impressed with them as a group and especially their pledge class as well as their current members! From there it was on to another great brother Vijay's where we crashed for the weekend. While there Ang took me around her old stomping grounds showing me down town Milwaukee and taking me to the top of one of the tallest buildings there to photograph and truly view the city, what a trip! We ate more cheese, made new friends across the land and really did Milwaukee right! Such amazing hospitality too with Vijay and his girlfriend Kristina, they really helped us around town and I learned a great deal in my time with both of them and will be forever grateful! We capped off Milwaukee with trips to the Mars Cheese Castle where I had my very first Cheese Curds and fell in love with them! Lastly we hit up the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park and watched a killer game in their great stadium! What a blast, who knew I would get my "golden" pants for the "professional" wedding directly from the Brewers themselves! Thanks again to their great organization for their help in this! We also met up with some more brothers and had mini reunions around Milwaukee the next few nights out on the town where we closed the famous "Wolski's" and got a bumper sticker to prove it, amongst lots of other debauchery! Besides that we also got the awesome opportunity to tour the Jelly Belly factory in Milwaukee and learn more then I ever thought was possible about those little beans!
After Milwaukee, we headed back to Chicago to take in the Depaul University's AKPSI Fashion Show that was an absolute hit and a great experience especially coming from the student chapter there! You guys ROCKED IT! Afterward we stepped out for a drink and some more networking before getting ready to tie the "professional" knot the next day.
The day was such a found memory of getting dressed up, exploring Chicago and taking photos around the city and spreading awareness of AKPSI and Brotherhood and the professional events coming up! We hit up many of Chicago's finest establishments and saw the city from the Hancock tower which took my breathe away! We ate at Ed Debevic's which is similar to those cafes where the waiters/resses talk down to you and put on a show! We did so much in so little time but boy was it worth it. Before you knew it, it was time to head back to grab our things and head to where the event and fundraiser was to take place, it took a little "TOO" long to hail a cab but when we finally did, and arrived it was great, we had a Kentucky Derby audience of patrons along with AKPSI brothers from across the country! You should check out the videos on Facebook and Youtube, they are hilarious and yet very tastefully and masterfully done by brother Matt McCall of Matt Thomas Productions in Chicago, IL! You Rock Matt, and I appreciate all your help with those videos!
The video's themselves will give you a better all around picture of what we did that day then any sort of writing here ever will so please check them out! All I can say is that we are now NOT-LEGALLY bound, but in a Professional manner in the effort to raise money for AKPSI charities and promote the idea that Brotherhood doesn't have to end after college and to celebrate all those AKPSI couples that did the "ACTUAL" tying of the knot after finding their significant others through the fraternity! What a great time this was followed by an evening out raising more money and celebrating amongst more good friends and brothers! I've been talking about "Professional LUV" for awhile now and this was truly the pinnacle of it! If you're still WTF and confused about things you can always watch the "wedding explanation" video on Facebook and Youtube and that will hopefully help a little bit more too!
After the wedding was over we retired back to Naperville and crashed heavily once again after such a hectic and busy week + promoting AKPSI and touring around Chicago and neighboring areas! After resting a day, we culminated the professional wedding with a quote, unquote honeymoon at Wrigley field where we took in a Cubbies game against the Giants! I had seen the two play in spring ball in 'Zona earlier in my trip so this was a fun deja-vu of sorts! The game was amazing, the stadium was fantastic, my company was great and we had a blast! Besides Fenway and the Red Sox, this was also a childhood fantasy of mine and I was tickled pink (or should I say blue) that I was able to go and experience this to its fullest! Again check out the photos, they were amazing and we made lots of new friends, promoted AKPSI and most likely got on TV too!
After a full week + in Chicago where I finally met my destiny of meeting the one brother who helped me the greatest during my trip, I was pretty much complete! We had been talking, texting and facebooking for a few months now and it all culminated in Chicago! Have you ever met someone who so mirrored your thoughts, dreams, ideals, passions, motivations and was just plain "ridiculously" similar to you, but with the other gender's body parts!? Crazy Truly Did Hit Chicago! I said from the get go that upon my arrival there, either Hell would freeze over or World Peace would be had! I think we saw a little of both during that time! We really did make a difference and an impact though briefly in each others lives and it was because of this that we decided to take that "professional luv" to the next level and shock the world in true "WTF" style!
Never before had I met a brother that truly got me on so many levels! It was as if we knew each other and had reconnected from a past life! Never before had I met some one who was just as misunderstood and at times judged falsely for the passion, dreams, and actions they have and continue express in trying to make AKPSI that much better! I will never forget Chicago, and like the movies... Instead of "We'll Always Have Paris," in this case "We'll Always Have Chicago!!!" Thanks for the most amazing of times and memories and may you continue to strive to realize your dreams and purpose in this life! If things don't go according to plan, you may want to take some time and rethink/rediscover where you want go next because who knows...as the "signs" may continue to point and lead you back to me Personally or Professionally! ;)
Regardless, thanks for everything and I wish you all the best in this next phase of your life and career where ever it may take you! Perhaps I'll see You again in the next one!?
Sincerely,
Matthew "The Mack" Allen
What follows is a brief narrative of a great time in Chicago that I will never forget. The days are blurred and the nights were exhilarating but very exhausting! Each day we would retire back to Naperville and literally crash out and sleep until our bodies told us we could function again!
On one occasion we spent the day driving around the outskirts of Chicago and having lunch with several of Ang's old co-workers at the Front Street Lofts in Lemont, IL! The next minute we were touring down town Naperville and hiking around her condo at The Ponds in Naperville! Each day, each moment was seemingly maximized and utilized to the Nth degree to show me all about this great part of the country and to further promote AKPSI and the brotherhood to the communities and businesses and people of Chicago and the region! What a time, I'll never forget it!
Next thing you knew, we were on a road trip up to Milwaukee, WI to speak at Ang's Alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee! After spending the day trouncing around Milwaukee and eating "LOTS OF CHEESE" amongst other local delicacies we both spoke to the local chapter at her school and made some great new connections! I was very impressed with them as a group and especially their pledge class as well as their current members! From there it was on to another great brother Vijay's where we crashed for the weekend. While there Ang took me around her old stomping grounds showing me down town Milwaukee and taking me to the top of one of the tallest buildings there to photograph and truly view the city, what a trip! We ate more cheese, made new friends across the land and really did Milwaukee right! Such amazing hospitality too with Vijay and his girlfriend Kristina, they really helped us around town and I learned a great deal in my time with both of them and will be forever grateful! We capped off Milwaukee with trips to the Mars Cheese Castle where I had my very first Cheese Curds and fell in love with them! Lastly we hit up the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park and watched a killer game in their great stadium! What a blast, who knew I would get my "golden" pants for the "professional" wedding directly from the Brewers themselves! Thanks again to their great organization for their help in this! We also met up with some more brothers and had mini reunions around Milwaukee the next few nights out on the town where we closed the famous "Wolski's" and got a bumper sticker to prove it, amongst lots of other debauchery! Besides that we also got the awesome opportunity to tour the Jelly Belly factory in Milwaukee and learn more then I ever thought was possible about those little beans!
After Milwaukee, we headed back to Chicago to take in the Depaul University's AKPSI Fashion Show that was an absolute hit and a great experience especially coming from the student chapter there! You guys ROCKED IT! Afterward we stepped out for a drink and some more networking before getting ready to tie the "professional" knot the next day.
The day was such a found memory of getting dressed up, exploring Chicago and taking photos around the city and spreading awareness of AKPSI and Brotherhood and the professional events coming up! We hit up many of Chicago's finest establishments and saw the city from the Hancock tower which took my breathe away! We ate at Ed Debevic's which is similar to those cafes where the waiters/resses talk down to you and put on a show! We did so much in so little time but boy was it worth it. Before you knew it, it was time to head back to grab our things and head to where the event and fundraiser was to take place, it took a little "TOO" long to hail a cab but when we finally did, and arrived it was great, we had a Kentucky Derby audience of patrons along with AKPSI brothers from across the country! You should check out the videos on Facebook and Youtube, they are hilarious and yet very tastefully and masterfully done by brother Matt McCall of Matt Thomas Productions in Chicago, IL! You Rock Matt, and I appreciate all your help with those videos!
The video's themselves will give you a better all around picture of what we did that day then any sort of writing here ever will so please check them out! All I can say is that we are now NOT-LEGALLY bound, but in a Professional manner in the effort to raise money for AKPSI charities and promote the idea that Brotherhood doesn't have to end after college and to celebrate all those AKPSI couples that did the "ACTUAL" tying of the knot after finding their significant others through the fraternity! What a great time this was followed by an evening out raising more money and celebrating amongst more good friends and brothers! I've been talking about "Professional LUV" for awhile now and this was truly the pinnacle of it! If you're still WTF and confused about things you can always watch the "wedding explanation" video on Facebook and Youtube and that will hopefully help a little bit more too!
After the wedding was over we retired back to Naperville and crashed heavily once again after such a hectic and busy week + promoting AKPSI and touring around Chicago and neighboring areas! After resting a day, we culminated the professional wedding with a quote, unquote honeymoon at Wrigley field where we took in a Cubbies game against the Giants! I had seen the two play in spring ball in 'Zona earlier in my trip so this was a fun deja-vu of sorts! The game was amazing, the stadium was fantastic, my company was great and we had a blast! Besides Fenway and the Red Sox, this was also a childhood fantasy of mine and I was tickled pink (or should I say blue) that I was able to go and experience this to its fullest! Again check out the photos, they were amazing and we made lots of new friends, promoted AKPSI and most likely got on TV too!
After a full week + in Chicago where I finally met my destiny of meeting the one brother who helped me the greatest during my trip, I was pretty much complete! We had been talking, texting and facebooking for a few months now and it all culminated in Chicago! Have you ever met someone who so mirrored your thoughts, dreams, ideals, passions, motivations and was just plain "ridiculously" similar to you, but with the other gender's body parts!? Crazy Truly Did Hit Chicago! I said from the get go that upon my arrival there, either Hell would freeze over or World Peace would be had! I think we saw a little of both during that time! We really did make a difference and an impact though briefly in each others lives and it was because of this that we decided to take that "professional luv" to the next level and shock the world in true "WTF" style!
Never before had I met a brother that truly got me on so many levels! It was as if we knew each other and had reconnected from a past life! Never before had I met some one who was just as misunderstood and at times judged falsely for the passion, dreams, and actions they have and continue express in trying to make AKPSI that much better! I will never forget Chicago, and like the movies... Instead of "We'll Always Have Paris," in this case "We'll Always Have Chicago!!!" Thanks for the most amazing of times and memories and may you continue to strive to realize your dreams and purpose in this life! If things don't go according to plan, you may want to take some time and rethink/rediscover where you want go next because who knows...as the "signs" may continue to point and lead you back to me Personally or Professionally! ;)
Regardless, thanks for everything and I wish you all the best in this next phase of your life and career where ever it may take you! Perhaps I'll see You again in the next one!?
Sincerely,
Matthew "The Mack" Allen
Monday, May 18, 2009
Chicago Tease...And The 10 Year Reunion Of Beta Lambda In Pullman, WA!!!
April 27th, 2008
As I sit here on the plane sipping the finest Chardonnay (for free I might add) I think back and reflect on the past weekend in Pullman, WA where I helped take part in AKPSI Beta Lambda Chapter's 10 year Reunion! What an experience! My original goal was to make it across the Nation and drive into Pullman with a fury and passion and for better or worse look to end things shortly thereafter. Almost 2 months later, that couldn't be further from reality! I made it all the way to Chicago, IL where I met the Professional LUV of my life...Ms. Angela Brandenburg. Never before had I met someone so spot on with ideas, passions, motivation and life experiences similar to my very own! Unfortunately due to time constraints I had to leave her behind after only what amounted to about a good half day and evening before jet-setting back to Pullman. In that time however we decided to do something that has never been done before and get "Professionally" married as brothers in AKPSI. Some people work so hard and spend so much time at the office that they literally develop a sort of work husband or wife, this was similar but different! Instead of being legally bound in Milli-seconds we decided to make a pledge of brotherhood to each other signifying our "Much Professional LUV" of each other and what we stand for both as separate entities as well as together! It wasn't long before I "Professionally" proposed with the biggest blue diamond my ex-Microsoft salary could afford, (She said YES by the way!) and things were on! Within hours, the world would be told of this desire for unity of brotherhood and a COLLECTIVE "WTF" could be heard across Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Email, and the Phone Lines! Most people I've spoken with wished us well but had no idea what we were doing, were we serious? Was this a joke? Were we crazy!? Perhaps all of the above would be the best answer! Yes we're serious and there is a genuine, indescribable connection and understanding between the two of us! What better way to express that and spread brotherhood and professional luv to the masses and help make a difference in the meantime!
Saturday, May 2nd we're set to tie the "professional" knot in Chicago complete with bachelor/bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, vows, reception and honeymoon! ;) Life is good and I hope all of you will keep an open mind and really see all that this event means and what it will do for AKPSI and brotherhood across the nation! We actually have brothers flying in from as far as Washington DC to take part, we have bridesmaids and the best man and videographers and photographers and even a flower girl! We've got venues, and hotels and a plan! Sounds crazy to some and we may be the only two brothers in the world to dream this up and pull it off but that's exactly what makes this event so special! Its about the coming together of brothers from all walks of life and backgrounds and chapters and history and uniting for the purpose of spreading professional luv! What is professional luv you might ask well if you know me then you may have a little bit of a clue but I can't even really begin to explain it at this point.It is something that I not only coined and created my own movement with but it is always given with the highest regard and respect as I live each day! Stay tuned for additional news, notes, video blogs, photos and announcements about this special day to come! All capped off of course with my ladies "most excellent" wedding gift...Two tickets to see the Cubbies at Wrigley Field in Chicago! I Professionally LUV you Babe!!!
Wow, can you say tangent!? I return to my original topic of the Beta Lambda 10 Year Reunion of Alpha Kappa Psi at Washington State University! When I arrived late Thursday night I was picked up by one of my favorite current members, Mr. Brandon Borchers, also known as "Brando" or "Mongoose" after this weekend's festivities! I have stayed with him and his two roommates, Taylor & Matt once before and had the time of my life on another weekend of festivities so I knew upon arrival that I was in for something great this weekend! We headed back and crashed as I had been on planes and in airports for the majority of the day, not to mention the drastic time difference between Chicago & Pullman!
The next day I set out to rediscover Pullman in all its glory on foot! Backpack in place and camera in hand, I began to photograph my way around campus in the effort to truly show brothers across the country, the true beauty of the Palouse and Washington State University! I hope you all enjoy the photos on my Facebook page and if you haven't already please go ahead and add me as a friend on Facebook to truly experience the journey through visuals which can sometimes be better or greatly add to these stories that I share across this medium! The campus is a truly beautiful one with red brick buildings that date back to 1890 and our founding! This was the perfect opportunity to exercise my old "Cougar Calves!" Cougar Calves develop over the course of our college experience in Pullman due to the never ending hills and Pullman is one of the only places where I can honestly say I used to have to go "up hill, both ways in snow and almost barefoot (flip-flops)" and I loved every minute of it! There's another reason why I say that I have a PERMANENT Cougar Calve but that is a story for another time! ;)
After hiking around campus and down town Pullman, I stopped by the CUB or student union building and met up with fellow AKPSI brothers at our "SPOT" where no one else dares sit or else face some serious "professional" consequences! It was great grabbing lunch with brothers I hadn't seen in almost a year since my last "Return Of The Mack!" I was feeling guilty about missing the last two big events at our Chapter so this one was even more extra-special to me! Afterward we all met up back at Brandon's before getting a home-cooked, very tasty meal from at another brother Sam's place! Fat & Happy we set off to collect party supplies and treats for that evenings festivities at Brandon's house! Perfect as this way, I didn't even have to walk home, I could literally crawl! (Though I did none, thank you very much!) After a killer Friday evening of catching up with some of the best current brothers I know along with Alumni, some of whom I hadn't seen in six or eight years, I crashed on the couch and slept better then I had in some time!
Upon waking up the next day I set out with brother Lauren to further explore WSU and took in some Cougar Football Spring Scrimmage while actually getting the chance to set foot on Martin Stadium! After some good times and Meeting up with several other brothers and friends we then headed to the ZZU CRU's festivities celebrating WSU Basketball which just came to an end. A free lunch later and some great times with Lauren and I was back to Brando's for a little nap before the biggest and most anticipated event of the weekend...The 10 year banquet! After getting decked out in some professional duds we set off back to the CUB along with tons of other brothers! When I arrived I was beside myself and sometimes didn't even know what to say! I was awe-struck at the professionalism and great job that the current student body had done to make this happen! I can't THANK YOU all enough for this TRULY AMAZING weekend! After some initial chatter and catching up we sat down to an excellent meal that was fully catered with bar and all! After dinner was the award ceremony along with slide shows showing the past years activities and put to a soundtrack! All the while monitors across the banquet hall played slide shows of photos from the very beginning of our chapter! Back then was a time when I was, well, slightly less follicly-challenged and well lets just say I loved it! Several brothers gave speeches and discussed their times with Beta Lambda and then it was on to take class photos and family pics with the Mack Family (Mine) looking absolutely frickin' ridiculously sexy, professional and ready to take names! Did I mention the Mack Family is mostly ladies! I ain't complaining!!! ;)
Afterward we headed back to change before attending another soiree with more singing, dancing, and catching up with our chapter! Great times though I was (like usual) one of the last brothers standing and made it home ok before watching the sun come up and reminiscing about the last 10 years and how far we've come! Got home, passed out again and then it was Sunday! We headed out with as many brothers as we could to grab brunch at Denny's before saying good bye one last time! Nice way to finish the weekend as far as brotherhood goes! Afterward I headed back to Brando's to once again take a nap! (P.S. I'm Old...Remember!) The roommates all got together and prepared another HOME-cooked meal for me that I will never forget! Hit the Spot and Then some!!! We stayed up again watching movies, updating Facebook and recollecting the weekends events! The next day I headed off to the Pullman-Moscow Airport to head back to Seattle. I met up with my Dad there and was lucky enough to grab lunch and spend a few hours with him in the terminal before heading off back to Chicago on the plane where I sit here now typing this! Keep in mind I hadn't seen any one in my immediate family in almost two months! This man was a bit homesick for the best "Pops" in the history of man! Thanks Dad, I owe you so much and love you more then I can ever begin to express in words!
Ok, well that was a mouthful and then some but alas I think my blog this time around must come to an end! All in all it was an amazing weekend with the ultimate in brotherhood and reminiscing and I can't thank the current student members enough for all they did and all the personal money that went into planning and paying for this! I hope that the alumni were able to donate some as well toward your efforts! Thank you to all my brothers! May we live on stronger than ever and continue to improve and grow as a chapter and brotherhood! I consider myself "lucky" just to be able to call you brothers and have many of you as true friends! Cheers to Us!!!
Sincerely,
Matthew K. Allen, Founder of Beta Lambda, 1999
PS. It was back to Chicago I went, to realize and experience my "professional" Destiny! I was to be "professionally" married in a week and boy was a ready to take that "professional" leap! ;)
~ Mack Out
As I sit here on the plane sipping the finest Chardonnay (for free I might add) I think back and reflect on the past weekend in Pullman, WA where I helped take part in AKPSI Beta Lambda Chapter's 10 year Reunion! What an experience! My original goal was to make it across the Nation and drive into Pullman with a fury and passion and for better or worse look to end things shortly thereafter. Almost 2 months later, that couldn't be further from reality! I made it all the way to Chicago, IL where I met the Professional LUV of my life...Ms. Angela Brandenburg. Never before had I met someone so spot on with ideas, passions, motivation and life experiences similar to my very own! Unfortunately due to time constraints I had to leave her behind after only what amounted to about a good half day and evening before jet-setting back to Pullman. In that time however we decided to do something that has never been done before and get "Professionally" married as brothers in AKPSI. Some people work so hard and spend so much time at the office that they literally develop a sort of work husband or wife, this was similar but different! Instead of being legally bound in Milli-seconds we decided to make a pledge of brotherhood to each other signifying our "Much Professional LUV" of each other and what we stand for both as separate entities as well as together! It wasn't long before I "Professionally" proposed with the biggest blue diamond my ex-Microsoft salary could afford, (She said YES by the way!) and things were on! Within hours, the world would be told of this desire for unity of brotherhood and a COLLECTIVE "WTF" could be heard across Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Email, and the Phone Lines! Most people I've spoken with wished us well but had no idea what we were doing, were we serious? Was this a joke? Were we crazy!? Perhaps all of the above would be the best answer! Yes we're serious and there is a genuine, indescribable connection and understanding between the two of us! What better way to express that and spread brotherhood and professional luv to the masses and help make a difference in the meantime!
Saturday, May 2nd we're set to tie the "professional" knot in Chicago complete with bachelor/bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, vows, reception and honeymoon! ;) Life is good and I hope all of you will keep an open mind and really see all that this event means and what it will do for AKPSI and brotherhood across the nation! We actually have brothers flying in from as far as Washington DC to take part, we have bridesmaids and the best man and videographers and photographers and even a flower girl! We've got venues, and hotels and a plan! Sounds crazy to some and we may be the only two brothers in the world to dream this up and pull it off but that's exactly what makes this event so special! Its about the coming together of brothers from all walks of life and backgrounds and chapters and history and uniting for the purpose of spreading professional luv! What is professional luv you might ask well if you know me then you may have a little bit of a clue but I can't even really begin to explain it at this point.It is something that I not only coined and created my own movement with but it is always given with the highest regard and respect as I live each day! Stay tuned for additional news, notes, video blogs, photos and announcements about this special day to come! All capped off of course with my ladies "most excellent" wedding gift...Two tickets to see the Cubbies at Wrigley Field in Chicago! I Professionally LUV you Babe!!!
Wow, can you say tangent!? I return to my original topic of the Beta Lambda 10 Year Reunion of Alpha Kappa Psi at Washington State University! When I arrived late Thursday night I was picked up by one of my favorite current members, Mr. Brandon Borchers, also known as "Brando" or "Mongoose" after this weekend's festivities! I have stayed with him and his two roommates, Taylor & Matt once before and had the time of my life on another weekend of festivities so I knew upon arrival that I was in for something great this weekend! We headed back and crashed as I had been on planes and in airports for the majority of the day, not to mention the drastic time difference between Chicago & Pullman!
The next day I set out to rediscover Pullman in all its glory on foot! Backpack in place and camera in hand, I began to photograph my way around campus in the effort to truly show brothers across the country, the true beauty of the Palouse and Washington State University! I hope you all enjoy the photos on my Facebook page and if you haven't already please go ahead and add me as a friend on Facebook to truly experience the journey through visuals which can sometimes be better or greatly add to these stories that I share across this medium! The campus is a truly beautiful one with red brick buildings that date back to 1890 and our founding! This was the perfect opportunity to exercise my old "Cougar Calves!" Cougar Calves develop over the course of our college experience in Pullman due to the never ending hills and Pullman is one of the only places where I can honestly say I used to have to go "up hill, both ways in snow and almost barefoot (flip-flops)" and I loved every minute of it! There's another reason why I say that I have a PERMANENT Cougar Calve but that is a story for another time! ;)
After hiking around campus and down town Pullman, I stopped by the CUB or student union building and met up with fellow AKPSI brothers at our "SPOT" where no one else dares sit or else face some serious "professional" consequences! It was great grabbing lunch with brothers I hadn't seen in almost a year since my last "Return Of The Mack!" I was feeling guilty about missing the last two big events at our Chapter so this one was even more extra-special to me! Afterward we all met up back at Brandon's before getting a home-cooked, very tasty meal from at another brother Sam's place! Fat & Happy we set off to collect party supplies and treats for that evenings festivities at Brandon's house! Perfect as this way, I didn't even have to walk home, I could literally crawl! (Though I did none, thank you very much!) After a killer Friday evening of catching up with some of the best current brothers I know along with Alumni, some of whom I hadn't seen in six or eight years, I crashed on the couch and slept better then I had in some time!
Upon waking up the next day I set out with brother Lauren to further explore WSU and took in some Cougar Football Spring Scrimmage while actually getting the chance to set foot on Martin Stadium! After some good times and Meeting up with several other brothers and friends we then headed to the ZZU CRU's festivities celebrating WSU Basketball which just came to an end. A free lunch later and some great times with Lauren and I was back to Brando's for a little nap before the biggest and most anticipated event of the weekend...The 10 year banquet! After getting decked out in some professional duds we set off back to the CUB along with tons of other brothers! When I arrived I was beside myself and sometimes didn't even know what to say! I was awe-struck at the professionalism and great job that the current student body had done to make this happen! I can't THANK YOU all enough for this TRULY AMAZING weekend! After some initial chatter and catching up we sat down to an excellent meal that was fully catered with bar and all! After dinner was the award ceremony along with slide shows showing the past years activities and put to a soundtrack! All the while monitors across the banquet hall played slide shows of photos from the very beginning of our chapter! Back then was a time when I was, well, slightly less follicly-challenged and well lets just say I loved it! Several brothers gave speeches and discussed their times with Beta Lambda and then it was on to take class photos and family pics with the Mack Family (Mine) looking absolutely frickin' ridiculously sexy, professional and ready to take names! Did I mention the Mack Family is mostly ladies! I ain't complaining!!! ;)
Afterward we headed back to change before attending another soiree with more singing, dancing, and catching up with our chapter! Great times though I was (like usual) one of the last brothers standing and made it home ok before watching the sun come up and reminiscing about the last 10 years and how far we've come! Got home, passed out again and then it was Sunday! We headed out with as many brothers as we could to grab brunch at Denny's before saying good bye one last time! Nice way to finish the weekend as far as brotherhood goes! Afterward I headed back to Brando's to once again take a nap! (P.S. I'm Old...Remember!) The roommates all got together and prepared another HOME-cooked meal for me that I will never forget! Hit the Spot and Then some!!! We stayed up again watching movies, updating Facebook and recollecting the weekends events! The next day I headed off to the Pullman-Moscow Airport to head back to Seattle. I met up with my Dad there and was lucky enough to grab lunch and spend a few hours with him in the terminal before heading off back to Chicago on the plane where I sit here now typing this! Keep in mind I hadn't seen any one in my immediate family in almost two months! This man was a bit homesick for the best "Pops" in the history of man! Thanks Dad, I owe you so much and love you more then I can ever begin to express in words!
Ok, well that was a mouthful and then some but alas I think my blog this time around must come to an end! All in all it was an amazing weekend with the ultimate in brotherhood and reminiscing and I can't thank the current student members enough for all they did and all the personal money that went into planning and paying for this! I hope that the alumni were able to donate some as well toward your efforts! Thank you to all my brothers! May we live on stronger than ever and continue to improve and grow as a chapter and brotherhood! I consider myself "lucky" just to be able to call you brothers and have many of you as true friends! Cheers to Us!!!
Sincerely,
Matthew K. Allen, Founder of Beta Lambda, 1999
PS. It was back to Chicago I went, to realize and experience my "professional" Destiny! I was to be "professionally" married in a week and boy was a ready to take that "professional" leap! ;)
~ Mack Out
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Off Through New York State Westward-Ho Toward Chicago!!!
Hello Again,
After heading out from Massachusetts I headed back through NUMEROUS tolls that again took all of my money! Damn you TOLLS!!! But alas I could not be stopped in my journey west toward Chicago where I would embark on a cross country trip through the air, back to Pullman, WA and my 10 year Reunion for my Professional Business Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi!
I got a late start but shot across NY state and despite some more nasty weather I hit Niagara Falls on the US side where I stopped for some time to take in this National Treasure! When I arrived there wasn't much going on! I had to ask some random strangers directions to the falls as all I could see coming into Niagara were some rapids and a large body of water rushing some where!? After getting straightened out to some degree, I headed toward the falls where I was almost, literally, BLOWN off of them and into the water below! The weather had grown horrid since leaving Massachusetts and I had already been blown all over the freeway on my way through! The pictures I took really took my breathe away although they could do NO justice to what I experienced personally! Despite the inclement weather and getting entirely soaked through, I stayed there for what seemed like forever, taking videos and pics from multiple angles! This was truly another great highlight of the trip and I took full advantage of it! I wanted to go to Niagara Falls-Ontario, Canada across the way as well and take photos but it would have taken awhile and besides an additional photo-op there wasn't much else that I could see besides tons of casinos and I had Las Vegas in my future so I decided to move on!
South-Westward bound, I headed down to Buffalo, NY where I took in some more great views of the city and was really taken back by it! Of course it is well known for some of its sports teams including the NEWEST, Terrell Owens stop on the NFL bandwagon, the Buffalo Bills along with the Sabres in the NHL and some other great colleges as well! The city itself was Super Industrial and that was something that I wasn't as prepared for, though really I had no idea what to expect in Buffalo, NY! I took some photos but there was construction everywhere! Roads, freeways, factories, everything! It did look to me as if Buffalo had been hit hard by the economy and recession but it also appeared to be doing everything it could to work with that situation! I wish I could have stuck around and seen more of the city but it was a good first impression and experience! Thank You Buffalo!
From here I continued to head down to Cleveland, Ohio where I looked everywhere for Drew Carey from the "Drew Carey Show" as well as "Whose Line Is It Anyways" another personal favorite of mine and of course who can forget his current role hosting "The Price Is Right!" I love PLINKO!!! ;) Unfortunately, Drew was no where to be seen and so I continued on after taking in more of the local sports stadiums for the Browns and Indians! (Turns out he was in Seattle, being a part owner of the Newest MLS Soccer Team, The Seattle Sounders which are kicking some tail in the league after their inception!) I absolutely love Soccer and have played it off and on for 17 years of my life! But I digress...
I continued on through Toledo taking photos and doing my thing before settling in Maumee, OH! Pronounced "Mommie" where I decided to shout to the world that very same phrase and city at the top of my lungs as I entered town! People probably thought I was a bit weird (understatement) but it was a chance I decided to take! I really liked the area and the Motel 6 (which I am UN-Officially sponsored by!) was awesome!
After a relaxing evening in and trying to catch up on photos/blogs/etc. I headed out to Indianapolis, IN where it had become my destiny to see the Heritage Center and all of its hard working staff in person! I headed out and dealt with a few more mini-storms before making my way into the city!
I arrived at the Heritage center and met up with Brother James Maher! I really am UBER-Thankful to James for taking the time that he did to show me around the Heritage center and all of the history behind our great Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi! Please take a moment to again add me as a friend and check out some of that history and great shots of where we came from and how we got to be where we are today! It was such a highlight and I have James and the rest of the great Heritage Center staff to thank for this experience and great memories! You Guys Are Awesome! Unfortunately Mr. Epperson, CEO was unavailable due to a Dentist's visit! I don't know about you but using the scales of justice to weigh opportunity costs, lets see... Meet The Mack VS. Sit In A Dentist Chair And Get Work Done!? Hmm... It was ok though and I hope I get the opportunity to meet you Mr. Epperson in the not too distant future! Hope the visit was worthwhile and not too painful too! ;)
After spending what turned out to be a few hours, I met everyone including Jess LaNore who is a fellow Cougar who graduated shortly before I was there! We took photos and I was very impressed with the Cougar memorabilia in his office! Keep up the good work Jess and keep rockin' and supportin' those Cougars!!! I hope I see you again soon perhaps at Convention along with all of the others! We then celebrated Administration Professional Day with the staff there, took some photos you can see on Facebook and I even bought some additional merchandise on the spot which is something I would highly recommend anyone and everyone to do online if you can't make it to the Heritage Center yourself! While there, I got a new pin which was nice as I had one from 10 years ago when they were much smaller and now I could really REPRESENT when wearing it in the business world! I also got the newest designed sweatshirt which was Blue/Gold and printed on although it looked like it was sewn on! Great idea and a Great sweatshirt! I love mine! Lastly, I found my original registration certificate with AKPSI when I first founded the Beta Lambda chapter at Washington State University! The fraternity doesn't complete these in this format anymore and it turns out I was one of the last ones to complete it before the change! This was an amazing discovery and I now have a copy of it for my own memories and took some photos with it as well!
I left Indianapolis, IN and the Heritage center some time later in the afternoon after thoroughly thanking everyone for their hard work and dedication to the fraternity! What a time I had, so many new friends and brothers met! Big Props to Mr. Maher, for your kindness, dedication and support while I was there! You made my visit one I will never forget and are truly one AMAZING Brother! Now it was time to realize my destiny in Chicago, IL and bring together the powerful forces of two brothers with Immense Passion and Dedication for AKPSI and all of our brothers worldwide! What a time I would have in store for me in Chicago! Stay tuned for more verbiage on this great adventure and the "professional" wedding to come!
Interesting Tid-Bits...
1. Back tracking a bit, in Massachusetts, local liquor stores have the right like most liquor stores to REFUSE service to any patron for nearly any reason! When I was in Massachusetts, I was not asked for my ID but when I offered it voluntarily, I was told to put it away and that the employee had not seen the ID. I was confused but was asked whether I had seen the sign outside. I said no, and was told that the Management reserved the right to refuse service to anyone outside the great state of Massachusetts as there apparently had been a ton of issues with fake ID's from other states! I was luckily still able to buy some merchandise and gifts while there however and learned a valuable lesson... "If you're passing through Massachusetts, and are from out of state, DO NOT give them your ID unless asked!" And then make sure your picture looks like you do!!! ;)
2. I actually had my gas pumped for me like they do in Oregon which was quite strange! I still have never been able to feel comfortable or get used to it!
3. There are a lot of towns/cities in New York state including Rome and Poland, NY!? I can't count the number of times while driving around the country that I felt like I was in another country besides the USA!!! Craziness!
4. Painesville, OH...Definitely NOT stopping there! Mentor City, sounds like a great place to work!
5. Indiana...Is the Crossroads of America!
6. Unfortunately since it has been some time between experiencing everything and writing about it I have definitely let some things out but this will no doubt come back through reflection in the days, weeks and years to come! What a Time!!!???
Sincerely, Mack
After heading out from Massachusetts I headed back through NUMEROUS tolls that again took all of my money! Damn you TOLLS!!! But alas I could not be stopped in my journey west toward Chicago where I would embark on a cross country trip through the air, back to Pullman, WA and my 10 year Reunion for my Professional Business Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi!
I got a late start but shot across NY state and despite some more nasty weather I hit Niagara Falls on the US side where I stopped for some time to take in this National Treasure! When I arrived there wasn't much going on! I had to ask some random strangers directions to the falls as all I could see coming into Niagara were some rapids and a large body of water rushing some where!? After getting straightened out to some degree, I headed toward the falls where I was almost, literally, BLOWN off of them and into the water below! The weather had grown horrid since leaving Massachusetts and I had already been blown all over the freeway on my way through! The pictures I took really took my breathe away although they could do NO justice to what I experienced personally! Despite the inclement weather and getting entirely soaked through, I stayed there for what seemed like forever, taking videos and pics from multiple angles! This was truly another great highlight of the trip and I took full advantage of it! I wanted to go to Niagara Falls-Ontario, Canada across the way as well and take photos but it would have taken awhile and besides an additional photo-op there wasn't much else that I could see besides tons of casinos and I had Las Vegas in my future so I decided to move on!
South-Westward bound, I headed down to Buffalo, NY where I took in some more great views of the city and was really taken back by it! Of course it is well known for some of its sports teams including the NEWEST, Terrell Owens stop on the NFL bandwagon, the Buffalo Bills along with the Sabres in the NHL and some other great colleges as well! The city itself was Super Industrial and that was something that I wasn't as prepared for, though really I had no idea what to expect in Buffalo, NY! I took some photos but there was construction everywhere! Roads, freeways, factories, everything! It did look to me as if Buffalo had been hit hard by the economy and recession but it also appeared to be doing everything it could to work with that situation! I wish I could have stuck around and seen more of the city but it was a good first impression and experience! Thank You Buffalo!
From here I continued to head down to Cleveland, Ohio where I looked everywhere for Drew Carey from the "Drew Carey Show" as well as "Whose Line Is It Anyways" another personal favorite of mine and of course who can forget his current role hosting "The Price Is Right!" I love PLINKO!!! ;) Unfortunately, Drew was no where to be seen and so I continued on after taking in more of the local sports stadiums for the Browns and Indians! (Turns out he was in Seattle, being a part owner of the Newest MLS Soccer Team, The Seattle Sounders which are kicking some tail in the league after their inception!) I absolutely love Soccer and have played it off and on for 17 years of my life! But I digress...
I continued on through Toledo taking photos and doing my thing before settling in Maumee, OH! Pronounced "Mommie" where I decided to shout to the world that very same phrase and city at the top of my lungs as I entered town! People probably thought I was a bit weird (understatement) but it was a chance I decided to take! I really liked the area and the Motel 6 (which I am UN-Officially sponsored by!) was awesome!
After a relaxing evening in and trying to catch up on photos/blogs/etc. I headed out to Indianapolis, IN where it had become my destiny to see the Heritage Center and all of its hard working staff in person! I headed out and dealt with a few more mini-storms before making my way into the city!
I arrived at the Heritage center and met up with Brother James Maher! I really am UBER-Thankful to James for taking the time that he did to show me around the Heritage center and all of the history behind our great Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi! Please take a moment to again add me as a friend and check out some of that history and great shots of where we came from and how we got to be where we are today! It was such a highlight and I have James and the rest of the great Heritage Center staff to thank for this experience and great memories! You Guys Are Awesome! Unfortunately Mr. Epperson, CEO was unavailable due to a Dentist's visit! I don't know about you but using the scales of justice to weigh opportunity costs, lets see... Meet The Mack VS. Sit In A Dentist Chair And Get Work Done!? Hmm... It was ok though and I hope I get the opportunity to meet you Mr. Epperson in the not too distant future! Hope the visit was worthwhile and not too painful too! ;)
After spending what turned out to be a few hours, I met everyone including Jess LaNore who is a fellow Cougar who graduated shortly before I was there! We took photos and I was very impressed with the Cougar memorabilia in his office! Keep up the good work Jess and keep rockin' and supportin' those Cougars!!! I hope I see you again soon perhaps at Convention along with all of the others! We then celebrated Administration Professional Day with the staff there, took some photos you can see on Facebook and I even bought some additional merchandise on the spot which is something I would highly recommend anyone and everyone to do online if you can't make it to the Heritage Center yourself! While there, I got a new pin which was nice as I had one from 10 years ago when they were much smaller and now I could really REPRESENT when wearing it in the business world! I also got the newest designed sweatshirt which was Blue/Gold and printed on although it looked like it was sewn on! Great idea and a Great sweatshirt! I love mine! Lastly, I found my original registration certificate with AKPSI when I first founded the Beta Lambda chapter at Washington State University! The fraternity doesn't complete these in this format anymore and it turns out I was one of the last ones to complete it before the change! This was an amazing discovery and I now have a copy of it for my own memories and took some photos with it as well!
I left Indianapolis, IN and the Heritage center some time later in the afternoon after thoroughly thanking everyone for their hard work and dedication to the fraternity! What a time I had, so many new friends and brothers met! Big Props to Mr. Maher, for your kindness, dedication and support while I was there! You made my visit one I will never forget and are truly one AMAZING Brother! Now it was time to realize my destiny in Chicago, IL and bring together the powerful forces of two brothers with Immense Passion and Dedication for AKPSI and all of our brothers worldwide! What a time I would have in store for me in Chicago! Stay tuned for more verbiage on this great adventure and the "professional" wedding to come!
Interesting Tid-Bits...
1. Back tracking a bit, in Massachusetts, local liquor stores have the right like most liquor stores to REFUSE service to any patron for nearly any reason! When I was in Massachusetts, I was not asked for my ID but when I offered it voluntarily, I was told to put it away and that the employee had not seen the ID. I was confused but was asked whether I had seen the sign outside. I said no, and was told that the Management reserved the right to refuse service to anyone outside the great state of Massachusetts as there apparently had been a ton of issues with fake ID's from other states! I was luckily still able to buy some merchandise and gifts while there however and learned a valuable lesson... "If you're passing through Massachusetts, and are from out of state, DO NOT give them your ID unless asked!" And then make sure your picture looks like you do!!! ;)
2. I actually had my gas pumped for me like they do in Oregon which was quite strange! I still have never been able to feel comfortable or get used to it!
3. There are a lot of towns/cities in New York state including Rome and Poland, NY!? I can't count the number of times while driving around the country that I felt like I was in another country besides the USA!!! Craziness!
4. Painesville, OH...Definitely NOT stopping there! Mentor City, sounds like a great place to work!
5. Indiana...Is the Crossroads of America!
6. Unfortunately since it has been some time between experiencing everything and writing about it I have definitely let some things out but this will no doubt come back through reflection in the days, weeks and years to come! What a Time!!!???
Sincerely, Mack
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Boston, Fenway, Red Sox, Lindsay!!! I LOVE THIS TOWN!!!
I arrived in downtown Boston and met up with Lindsay who is an old college friend of mine! She actually went to my rival high school in Redmond, WA but I won't judge her for that! After dropping some stuff of with her I was off to Fenway park! When I arrived I parked and headed into the madness! There are a ton of historical bars around the stadium and I made a point of having a beer or shot at as many of them as possible beforehand! I took a ton of photos and many of you will recognize and appreciate! I even had some local Fenway micro brews that really cemented my pre-game festivities! After touring outside the stadium for a few hours it was time to head in! I felt like a kid again! This was something that I had always wanted to do since I was an "actual" little boy! I had been to the outskirts of Fenway and drove around it when I was little and visiting my Grandma who lived in Roslindale, MA back then before moving to Washington to be closer to us! Never did make it inside though! This was MY time!
After spending the next few hours taking photos around the stadium, making new friends in "Red Sox Nation" from all over the country and watching the Red Sox win it was time to find Lindsay again and crash in the city! Check out the photos, it was a truly magical experience and I had a PERMA-GRIN the whole time!
The next day we set off to explore Boston and take it to the limit! We hiked around town and saw what seemed like most of it when we were through! In the park, we saw the swan boats that I had ridden years ago! We even came across the ducklings which were made famous in an old children's book. The greatest part of this was that one of the ducks that I photographed with was named "MACK!" After taking in some of Boston's best architecture we went to the Cheers Bar, Paul Revere's house and the place where the Declaration of Independence was first read aloud! We toured multiple colleges including Boston University and Hahvaad! Such beautiful campuses full of life and intellectuals! We ate some of the finest foods and had some New England clam chowder to complete my time here! We truly rocked the city and walked miles upon miles around the town! Definitely needed after such good food here! When we were through, I felt completely satisfied and content and ready to move on to my next destination! Lindsay you are an amazing lady and friend and I can't thank you enough for all you did while I was there! You made Boston that much more memorable and unforgettable! I wouldn't have done it any other way! THANK YOU!!!
Finally it was time to head out of town but I wasn't done with Massachusetts just yet! It was off to spend some time with some very close family friends Marty and Linda who are my brothers godparents and truly amazing in their own right! I always enjoy spending time with them though it comes very infrequently, so I knew I had to soak it up when I could! I headed out to meet up with them at their place outside Boston and spent the next few hours catching up and having an absolute blast! I hope we can do it again soon! I capped off my Massachusetts visit with some BOSTON CREME PIE! Wouldn't have had it any other way! You both are the best and I hope I get the chance to see you again soon and take a trip together as well!
From this point, I shoved off out of Massachusetts and headed back through New York State toward my much anticipated meeting with Angela Brandenburg in Chicago! I was revving my engines as I had very limited time to make it to Chicago and catch a plane back to Pullman, WA for my Reunion! Because of this, I did not have time to go further North and see Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine but know that I will get back there and make it so!
Till Next Time, MACK OUT!!!
Interesting Notes...
1. Certain Counties in Massachusetts have additional holidays like Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day off from work!? What the... This single-handedly made me want to move to MA and get a few extra holidays that I've never heard of and that are not observed in WA!!! Craziness!
2. I am continuously amazed with "RED SOX NATION" and the camaraderie that follows them! When the Sox play in Seattle, there is almost more noise and fans cheering on the Sox then the Mariners or any other home team!? Its weird to go to a game and hear cheering on every single play!
3. In San Francisco, I made new friends with a gentleman who approached me on the street because of my Sox Hat! After chatting for a bit, he gave me a RED SOX NATION wristband, similar to the Lance Armstrong bands of yester-year! That act of generosity never left me and I carried that band all the way to Fenway so it could find the way back to its true home!
After spending the next few hours taking photos around the stadium, making new friends in "Red Sox Nation" from all over the country and watching the Red Sox win it was time to find Lindsay again and crash in the city! Check out the photos, it was a truly magical experience and I had a PERMA-GRIN the whole time!
The next day we set off to explore Boston and take it to the limit! We hiked around town and saw what seemed like most of it when we were through! In the park, we saw the swan boats that I had ridden years ago! We even came across the ducklings which were made famous in an old children's book. The greatest part of this was that one of the ducks that I photographed with was named "MACK!" After taking in some of Boston's best architecture we went to the Cheers Bar, Paul Revere's house and the place where the Declaration of Independence was first read aloud! We toured multiple colleges including Boston University and Hahvaad! Such beautiful campuses full of life and intellectuals! We ate some of the finest foods and had some New England clam chowder to complete my time here! We truly rocked the city and walked miles upon miles around the town! Definitely needed after such good food here! When we were through, I felt completely satisfied and content and ready to move on to my next destination! Lindsay you are an amazing lady and friend and I can't thank you enough for all you did while I was there! You made Boston that much more memorable and unforgettable! I wouldn't have done it any other way! THANK YOU!!!
Finally it was time to head out of town but I wasn't done with Massachusetts just yet! It was off to spend some time with some very close family friends Marty and Linda who are my brothers godparents and truly amazing in their own right! I always enjoy spending time with them though it comes very infrequently, so I knew I had to soak it up when I could! I headed out to meet up with them at their place outside Boston and spent the next few hours catching up and having an absolute blast! I hope we can do it again soon! I capped off my Massachusetts visit with some BOSTON CREME PIE! Wouldn't have had it any other way! You both are the best and I hope I get the chance to see you again soon and take a trip together as well!
From this point, I shoved off out of Massachusetts and headed back through New York State toward my much anticipated meeting with Angela Brandenburg in Chicago! I was revving my engines as I had very limited time to make it to Chicago and catch a plane back to Pullman, WA for my Reunion! Because of this, I did not have time to go further North and see Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine but know that I will get back there and make it so!
Till Next Time, MACK OUT!!!
Interesting Notes...
1. Certain Counties in Massachusetts have additional holidays like Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day off from work!? What the... This single-handedly made me want to move to MA and get a few extra holidays that I've never heard of and that are not observed in WA!!! Craziness!
2. I am continuously amazed with "RED SOX NATION" and the camaraderie that follows them! When the Sox play in Seattle, there is almost more noise and fans cheering on the Sox then the Mariners or any other home team!? Its weird to go to a game and hear cheering on every single play!
3. In San Francisco, I made new friends with a gentleman who approached me on the street because of my Sox Hat! After chatting for a bit, he gave me a RED SOX NATION wristband, similar to the Lance Armstrong bands of yester-year! That act of generosity never left me and I carried that band all the way to Fenway so it could find the way back to its true home!
I'm Gonna Try To Catch Up To Myself... New Jersey Time!
After A killer time with Drexel University I took off for Lake Hopatcong to see my Aunt Debbie! We hadn't seen each other in a few years so a visit was long overdue! When I arrived I was exhausted and ready to take a cat nap to catch up on some much needed beauty (handsome) sleep! You should (or shouldn't) have seen me, I was pretty something...alright! After a brief catching up and nap we hung out till the late hours of the evening/morning talking and watching Tivo'ed episodes of everything from American Idol to some of my new favorite MSNBC shows that Aunt Debbie introduced to me! Keith Olbermann was a great sportscaster and an even better anchor for his new show on MSNBC! Check him out, he's hilarious!
While in Lake Hopatcong, NJ we toured around the area and took in some local Diner's which I absolutely loved! One of them has been featured numerous times on the Food Network With several of their celebrity hosts filming shows there! Check out my NJ photos on facebook and see for yourself! Good times, great eats, and awesome service! I could eat there forever! After another day of driving around and catching up it was time to think of where to go next!? My original plan was to head into New York City and see if I would truly "LOVE NYC" but at the last minute, changed course! There was so much I wanted to do while in NYC including, World Trade Center, Broadway, Yankees/Mets, Nightlife and the Statue of Liberty just to name a few, that I realized that I would not be able to do it efficiently or effectively at all in the time I had left before I had to head to Chicago, leave my car with a brother and fly home to my 10 year Founders Reunion in Pullman, WA. I was disappointed but realized that I would indeed be back and be able to do it all another time when I could have at least 3 or 4 days to take it all in! Instead I decided to head out the next day and drive through both Connecticut and Rhode Island on my way to Boston, MA and my beloved RED SOX NATION!!! In fact, that evening before leaving New Jersey I was able to secure one of the very last online tickets for the next days Friday evening game at Fenway! I tried to get tickets the rest of the weekend and Monday but all were sold out! Let's just say I got lucky and this renewed my excitement for what was to be next and helped me forget about driving around NYC!
The drive through Connecticut And Rhode Island went pretty fast but it was a beautiful drive! I stopped just briefly enough to take in some sights and people watching before continuing on! I would arrive in Boston in plenty of time and meet up with an old friend from college Lindsay D! We've kept in touch through Facebook but I hadn't seen her in like 7-8 years! I couldn't wait!
This Mack Was Out!!!
Interesting Notes...
1. New Jersey Has Townships rather then Counties which I am used to, being from Washington State and all!
2. I am SOOOOO sick of Toll Booths! New York state is straight horrific with them and I knew that I had not seen the last one! At one point I didn't have any cash to my name and had to have them take photos of my car in order to send the bill to my home! I can't wait for those or the $2 checks I'm going to have to write to take care of them! : (
3. One thing I was very fond of regarding the East Coast is the fact that you can drive through multiple states in one day! On the West Coast it can take forever to cross state lines! I was knocking out states like Mike Tyson!
While in Lake Hopatcong, NJ we toured around the area and took in some local Diner's which I absolutely loved! One of them has been featured numerous times on the Food Network With several of their celebrity hosts filming shows there! Check out my NJ photos on facebook and see for yourself! Good times, great eats, and awesome service! I could eat there forever! After another day of driving around and catching up it was time to think of where to go next!? My original plan was to head into New York City and see if I would truly "LOVE NYC" but at the last minute, changed course! There was so much I wanted to do while in NYC including, World Trade Center, Broadway, Yankees/Mets, Nightlife and the Statue of Liberty just to name a few, that I realized that I would not be able to do it efficiently or effectively at all in the time I had left before I had to head to Chicago, leave my car with a brother and fly home to my 10 year Founders Reunion in Pullman, WA. I was disappointed but realized that I would indeed be back and be able to do it all another time when I could have at least 3 or 4 days to take it all in! Instead I decided to head out the next day and drive through both Connecticut and Rhode Island on my way to Boston, MA and my beloved RED SOX NATION!!! In fact, that evening before leaving New Jersey I was able to secure one of the very last online tickets for the next days Friday evening game at Fenway! I tried to get tickets the rest of the weekend and Monday but all were sold out! Let's just say I got lucky and this renewed my excitement for what was to be next and helped me forget about driving around NYC!
The drive through Connecticut And Rhode Island went pretty fast but it was a beautiful drive! I stopped just briefly enough to take in some sights and people watching before continuing on! I would arrive in Boston in plenty of time and meet up with an old friend from college Lindsay D! We've kept in touch through Facebook but I hadn't seen her in like 7-8 years! I couldn't wait!
This Mack Was Out!!!
Interesting Notes...
1. New Jersey Has Townships rather then Counties which I am used to, being from Washington State and all!
2. I am SOOOOO sick of Toll Booths! New York state is straight horrific with them and I knew that I had not seen the last one! At one point I didn't have any cash to my name and had to have them take photos of my car in order to send the bill to my home! I can't wait for those or the $2 checks I'm going to have to write to take care of them! : (
3. One thing I was very fond of regarding the East Coast is the fact that you can drive through multiple states in one day! On the West Coast it can take forever to cross state lines! I was knocking out states like Mike Tyson!
Monday, April 20, 2009
On From Washinton DC To Spread Professional LUV To Philly And Drexel!!!
After a good night's sleep in Manassas, VA at Brother Johney's, I headed out to Philadelphia, PA and some real brotherly luv or so I would find out! I headed out through Maryland and landed briefly in Baltimore where I took in the Harbor on a dreary day from storms that shock DC the past evening! Despite the weather, I drove past the Raven's and Orioles's stadiums and took in Baltimore, MD! If I had, had more time, I would have had some seafood but alas, that time will have to wait for now! The harbor was great, lots of photo taking opportunities and even saw an old ship in the bay and photographed that as well! Come On... You know me by now... RIGHT!?
From Baltimore, I headed North East through Delaware where I stopped (BRIEFLY" at a truck stop to fulfill my INNER (WAYNE'S WORLD) Fantasy and film myself talking about being in Delaware!!! Anyone know what I'm talking about!? Not a whole lot there, or at least where I went so I continued on through to Pennsylvania where I stopped off in Philadelphia where I was lucky enough to meet up with Drexel University in Philly! David Johney had some contacts and they contacted me shortly before I ALMOST headed to Jersey where I thought of seeing Atlantic City and my Dad's house where he grew up many years ago in Leonardo, NJ before heading up to my Aunt's!!!
After making a spur of the moment decision, I headed into down town to meet up with the Brothers of Drexel University who were having some professional events and chapter! I was greeted by RAVI who saved the day and paid for University parking at Drexel so I could feel secure and crash for the evening! After several hours of meetings and chapter, I got the opportunity to meet their current pledge class and was thoroughly entertained and was able to pass on some great advice to them in their journey! The brothers of Drexel were amazing...Professional, Friendly, and open to STRANGERS!!! I then went out to SUSHI at POD with two very AWESOME brothers and then met up with others at a bar in down town where we toasted the town and bonded in the coolest of ways! I Think/HOPE I showed them some serious Professional and Social LUV and they were kind enough to let me crash for the evening! Check out the pics! Great Times! So special that I even bought a DREXEL U Shirt and sported it as an UN-Official brother of their chapter! I am SOOOOOO proud of our brotherhood and it was backed up BIG TIME with this experience! Their President, Maryann and I bonded over the course of the evening and she was kind enough to let me crash on her couch! Thank You So Much For That!!!
The next day I rose with a stir and headed out on a journey to see family in New Jersey! On my way out, I had a PHILLY CHEESE STEAK in PHILLY at 9:00AM for breakfast! Doesn't sound good, but it was AMAZING!!! Definitely capped off my time with Amazing Brothers in Drexel! Thank you again for all your hospitality, professionalism and LUV!!! See Yall In JERSEY!!!
Stay tuned for more...
PS...
1. Drexel University was recently voted as one of the "UGLIEST" Universities in America! I did NOT see this and loved my time and the CAMPUS in Philly!
2. If you GPS the Liberty Bell in Philly, it just MIGHT take you to a STRIP MALL downtown where there is NO Liberty Bell!!!???
3. Philly is a place where everyone should go to experience BROTHERLY LUV, whether its AKPSI or NOT! Good Times!!!
From Baltimore, I headed North East through Delaware where I stopped (BRIEFLY" at a truck stop to fulfill my INNER (WAYNE'S WORLD) Fantasy and film myself talking about being in Delaware!!! Anyone know what I'm talking about!? Not a whole lot there, or at least where I went so I continued on through to Pennsylvania where I stopped off in Philadelphia where I was lucky enough to meet up with Drexel University in Philly! David Johney had some contacts and they contacted me shortly before I ALMOST headed to Jersey where I thought of seeing Atlantic City and my Dad's house where he grew up many years ago in Leonardo, NJ before heading up to my Aunt's!!!
After making a spur of the moment decision, I headed into down town to meet up with the Brothers of Drexel University who were having some professional events and chapter! I was greeted by RAVI who saved the day and paid for University parking at Drexel so I could feel secure and crash for the evening! After several hours of meetings and chapter, I got the opportunity to meet their current pledge class and was thoroughly entertained and was able to pass on some great advice to them in their journey! The brothers of Drexel were amazing...Professional, Friendly, and open to STRANGERS!!! I then went out to SUSHI at POD with two very AWESOME brothers and then met up with others at a bar in down town where we toasted the town and bonded in the coolest of ways! I Think/HOPE I showed them some serious Professional and Social LUV and they were kind enough to let me crash for the evening! Check out the pics! Great Times! So special that I even bought a DREXEL U Shirt and sported it as an UN-Official brother of their chapter! I am SOOOOOO proud of our brotherhood and it was backed up BIG TIME with this experience! Their President, Maryann and I bonded over the course of the evening and she was kind enough to let me crash on her couch! Thank You So Much For That!!!
The next day I rose with a stir and headed out on a journey to see family in New Jersey! On my way out, I had a PHILLY CHEESE STEAK in PHILLY at 9:00AM for breakfast! Doesn't sound good, but it was AMAZING!!! Definitely capped off my time with Amazing Brothers in Drexel! Thank you again for all your hospitality, professionalism and LUV!!! See Yall In JERSEY!!!
Stay tuned for more...
PS...
1. Drexel University was recently voted as one of the "UGLIEST" Universities in America! I did NOT see this and loved my time and the CAMPUS in Philly!
2. If you GPS the Liberty Bell in Philly, it just MIGHT take you to a STRIP MALL downtown where there is NO Liberty Bell!!!???
3. Philly is a place where everyone should go to experience BROTHERLY LUV, whether its AKPSI or NOT! Good Times!!!
Some Of You May Have Thought I Died...Nope Just Been Too Busy Living Life...The Next Chapter Is NOW...
Slightly behind the times but life goes on and so did I!!!
After leaving Charlotte, NC, I headed out on the road Northward bound up the coast! North Carolina was beautiful and I would have liked to spend some time on the Coast if given the opportunity!? Oh well, I have a feeling I'll be back there in good time! Definitely one of the best places I've been along the road and we'll see what the future holds!?
I headed out up the Coast and drove through to Virginia! Now I must say that in Virginia, radar detectors are illegal so don't even try! I did a little concealing and continued on! Nothing beats a good drive like some CAR-Yoke!!! Some day if bandwidth and wi-fi allows, I might even share some of my VIDEO-TAPED sessions with all of you!? I "Rocked" my way up to Fredricksburg, VAwhere I rested for the evening! The locals told me that it was a safe area and that there were a lot of "older" people there! Not sure, but I didn't see many of those "older" people and where I stayed (Super 8) seemed to have some locals that I would have rather "avoided" at all costs! Despite this, it was a good stop off and I chatted a bunch with brothers I'd stayed with prior on my journey! When all was said and done, I headed to Washington D.C. to spend some time with some more great brothers and family!
That morning I headed into Down Town, DC and met up with Brother Alexander Sultan, who treated me to a great lunch filled with Bento Box Sushi and even welcomed me to DC with some FBI gifts that really made my day! Thank You Alexander! After a VERY filling lunch, I found myself, by myself to explore our great capital until dinner time with Janel, an amazing family member of mine! I hiked what seemed like the entire capital with my backpack of expensive and ir-replaceable laptops and GPS devices, etc! By the end of the day, I was about to die and so were my "Cougar" calves!!! In fact the next day, my back almost gave out on me, the length we go through some times to make sure we're kosher!!!
Now I must back track a moment! Thank you again Alexander for your brotherly luv and patience as it took me forever to get down town! There were major accidents on the highway and I got lost about a thousand times before I found you! Parking was a "BITCH" too, and I had to undergo a "FULL-ON" security search with bomb detectors and all just to park in the Reagan building down town!!! Then I couldn't find parking in the lot and the VALET attendant felt sorry for me so he let me park for free! I'm NOT done yet, after finding a spot and finding my way to the surface of the earth/first floor of the Reagan building... I couldn't even get out of the building as the Building had ridiculous amounts of directions to an exit that DIDN'T lead me to any exit! After about 10 minutes of trying to get out, I finally found my way! Not the best way to start my experience in DC!!! If it wasn't for the people I spent time with there, I would have written this town off "In A New York Minute!!!"
Now back to DC! The architecture was amazing! I loved my "self-time" in DC and definitely saw just about everything! In fact, I had been there with my own family a few years ago so I really just wanted to network and spend time with with local peeps! Come dinner time, I headed on a 25 minute walk up DC past the white house which was awesome especially since they were just completing the East Egg Roll festivities and eventually found my way to family, Janel on the outskirts of Georgetown! I hadn't seen her in years and really took this opportunity to soak in all that I could! We ate at an amazing restaurant in Georgetown that left me truly "Fat And Happy" and one of the best Steaks I've had since Texas! After walking back I headed to Manassas, VA to crash with Brother Of The Year, David Johney! I got in a bit late, but was lucky enough to spend about an hour or so in quality time with him! I was very impressed and sad that we couldn't share more stories and experiences with AKPSI! That said, I was oh so thankful to him for taking a chance on a brother and spreading more professional luv! The next day I was off to my Aunt Debra's in North, New Jersey!
Overall my time in DC was good! I hate big cities so this experience was definitely a challenging one but it was saved by those I came across in my travels! Alexander, David, Janel... You are all amazing people and I LUV YOU for your kindness, patience, professionalism and luv!!! I can't thank you all enough! Thanks for making a "SUBURB" boy into a "City Boy" for a day! More Good Times To Come! Stay Tuned!
MACK OUT!!!
Some Additional Notes...
1. There is a street named "Breeden" Ave in Virginia!? Kind of crazy but I stayed away! Sounds like some streets in this great country need some birth control every now and again! Watch out for the water!
2. Virginia State Law prohibits Smoking in Customer Service Lines! Dually NOTED but found it FUNNY that they had to ADVERTISE/SPELL IT OUT on a sign in restaurants!!!
3. Don't remember the stations but some of the best RADIO STATIONS I've listened to along my journey were in VIRGINIA!!! Great Listening! The other favorite spots have been in North Carolina, Albuquerque, NM, and Dallas, TX!!! Good radio that doesn't repeat songs every half hour is hard to find! Consider these parts of the country lucky and I am OH SO THANKFUL!!!
4. In Virginia, I was instructed to "OPEN JOINTS ON THE BRIDGE" not sure how to take this, I decided to wait to open my joint till I was safe and sound after the bridge! PS...This is a joke, I don't smoke joints nor do I support them!!! I just found it SLIGHTLY hilarious that they were UN-knowingly discussing this topic!!!
After leaving Charlotte, NC, I headed out on the road Northward bound up the coast! North Carolina was beautiful and I would have liked to spend some time on the Coast if given the opportunity!? Oh well, I have a feeling I'll be back there in good time! Definitely one of the best places I've been along the road and we'll see what the future holds!?
I headed out up the Coast and drove through to Virginia! Now I must say that in Virginia, radar detectors are illegal so don't even try! I did a little concealing and continued on! Nothing beats a good drive like some CAR-Yoke!!! Some day if bandwidth and wi-fi allows, I might even share some of my VIDEO-TAPED sessions with all of you!? I "Rocked" my way up to Fredricksburg, VAwhere I rested for the evening! The locals told me that it was a safe area and that there were a lot of "older" people there! Not sure, but I didn't see many of those "older" people and where I stayed (Super 8) seemed to have some locals that I would have rather "avoided" at all costs! Despite this, it was a good stop off and I chatted a bunch with brothers I'd stayed with prior on my journey! When all was said and done, I headed to Washington D.C. to spend some time with some more great brothers and family!
That morning I headed into Down Town, DC and met up with Brother Alexander Sultan, who treated me to a great lunch filled with Bento Box Sushi and even welcomed me to DC with some FBI gifts that really made my day! Thank You Alexander! After a VERY filling lunch, I found myself, by myself to explore our great capital until dinner time with Janel, an amazing family member of mine! I hiked what seemed like the entire capital with my backpack of expensive and ir-replaceable laptops and GPS devices, etc! By the end of the day, I was about to die and so were my "Cougar" calves!!! In fact the next day, my back almost gave out on me, the length we go through some times to make sure we're kosher!!!
Now I must back track a moment! Thank you again Alexander for your brotherly luv and patience as it took me forever to get down town! There were major accidents on the highway and I got lost about a thousand times before I found you! Parking was a "BITCH" too, and I had to undergo a "FULL-ON" security search with bomb detectors and all just to park in the Reagan building down town!!! Then I couldn't find parking in the lot and the VALET attendant felt sorry for me so he let me park for free! I'm NOT done yet, after finding a spot and finding my way to the surface of the earth/first floor of the Reagan building... I couldn't even get out of the building as the Building had ridiculous amounts of directions to an exit that DIDN'T lead me to any exit! After about 10 minutes of trying to get out, I finally found my way! Not the best way to start my experience in DC!!! If it wasn't for the people I spent time with there, I would have written this town off "In A New York Minute!!!"
Now back to DC! The architecture was amazing! I loved my "self-time" in DC and definitely saw just about everything! In fact, I had been there with my own family a few years ago so I really just wanted to network and spend time with with local peeps! Come dinner time, I headed on a 25 minute walk up DC past the white house which was awesome especially since they were just completing the East Egg Roll festivities and eventually found my way to family, Janel on the outskirts of Georgetown! I hadn't seen her in years and really took this opportunity to soak in all that I could! We ate at an amazing restaurant in Georgetown that left me truly "Fat And Happy" and one of the best Steaks I've had since Texas! After walking back I headed to Manassas, VA to crash with Brother Of The Year, David Johney! I got in a bit late, but was lucky enough to spend about an hour or so in quality time with him! I was very impressed and sad that we couldn't share more stories and experiences with AKPSI! That said, I was oh so thankful to him for taking a chance on a brother and spreading more professional luv! The next day I was off to my Aunt Debra's in North, New Jersey!
Overall my time in DC was good! I hate big cities so this experience was definitely a challenging one but it was saved by those I came across in my travels! Alexander, David, Janel... You are all amazing people and I LUV YOU for your kindness, patience, professionalism and luv!!! I can't thank you all enough! Thanks for making a "SUBURB" boy into a "City Boy" for a day! More Good Times To Come! Stay Tuned!
MACK OUT!!!
Some Additional Notes...
1. There is a street named "Breeden" Ave in Virginia!? Kind of crazy but I stayed away! Sounds like some streets in this great country need some birth control every now and again! Watch out for the water!
2. Virginia State Law prohibits Smoking in Customer Service Lines! Dually NOTED but found it FUNNY that they had to ADVERTISE/SPELL IT OUT on a sign in restaurants!!!
3. Don't remember the stations but some of the best RADIO STATIONS I've listened to along my journey were in VIRGINIA!!! Great Listening! The other favorite spots have been in North Carolina, Albuquerque, NM, and Dallas, TX!!! Good radio that doesn't repeat songs every half hour is hard to find! Consider these parts of the country lucky and I am OH SO THANKFUL!!!
4. In Virginia, I was instructed to "OPEN JOINTS ON THE BRIDGE" not sure how to take this, I decided to wait to open my joint till I was safe and sound after the bridge! PS...This is a joke, I don't smoke joints nor do I support them!!! I just found it SLIGHTLY hilarious that they were UN-knowingly discussing this topic!!!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
On To Charlotte, NC To Hang With Lara And Stimulate Some Economy!!!
Well after some fun times in Atlanta, I headed out through Georgia mid-day so I could avoid the storms that were coming, It rained and had a little thunder and lightning that morning that just rolled through but there was another storm front that was to hit later that afternoon with the possibility of tornadoes and other nasty things!
I rolled through Northern Georgia and South Carolina like a TORNADO myself and as I entered North Carolina, it began to rain heavily, again reminding me of my roots in Seattle! As I continued on things got worse and I saw at least a dozen accidents caused by slick roadways and the first hint of rain! I thought to myself... now I know that when it snows often times things grind to a halt and that nobody seems to know how to drive in it but RAIN come on now!? It was really strange but again there were accidents everywhere but most were simply cars that had slid of the road into the embankments! Apparently more people need to travel out to the NW corner and learn to drive there first!?
Anyways, after heading into Charlotte, I met up with Lara and Subakom who live on the outskirts of the city in a beautiful neighborhood and nice house! As soon as I got there they welcomed me with open arms and some much needed snacks! I hadn't seen Lara in almost 10 years since we first Founded the Beta Lambda chapter of AKPSI and this visit was LONG overdue! I was in for quite the treat as well as they had invited several friends over for a fun evening in with games/great food and conversations! I had one of my first sessions with real home-cooked Indian food that both expanded my palate and tickled my taste buds! Now, I love spicy food but often times my stomach tends to be a little on the sensitive side but this meal was no problem and I loved every minute of it! Once again we ate in Europe at like 9:00pm but had plenty of drinks including Gin-Ling and Sangria beforehand, both home-made and oh so thirst-quenching!
After the other guests arrived we sat down for that same food and chatted about life and travels and every other topic you can imagine! All of this while thunder, lightning, rain, and hail lit up the sky, creating an amazing background of sounds and sensations while the night wore on! After finishing our dinner we then dined on Lara's home-cooked brownies that also were a distinct highlight, drank some more and Wii'ed it up with the Nintendo before retiring for the evening!
The next day we set out and toured down town Charlotte, which was both beautiful and clean and little did I know but Charlotte is actually a rather small city as far as the down town and skyscrapers are concerned! This was a nice change from other cities and I really found myself enjoying the area and less claustrophobic, etc then in other places I've visited! We hit up local museums where we learned about the history of North Carolina from its days of Cotton through the Banking and Financial Mecca that it has become today! We also checked out where we would be going later that evening to dine, drink and dance the night away in what I would term the epicenter of "Fun Times" in Charlotte! After heading back out of the city, we hit up "Cracker Barrel" which is a great restaurant and store that I had passed on freeways now for many states but hadn't had the chance to really enjoy yet! We ate like Kings and then finished the early afternoon with a tour of the local Nascar Raceway which is huge here as many of the drivers including Dale Earnhardt Jr., etc., actually live in Charlotte! After this we headed home and took a Siesta after the fine Cracker Barrel Fiesta, which was much needed due to our massive food coma's!
For most of the rest of the afternoon we slept and then got caught up on Facebook and also did a mini slide show of my findings and photos from the rest of the trip! After relaxing for a few hours we headed back out to eat at a great Pizza joint down town and then it was off to MEZ which was a great and very LARGE upscale club in downtown Charlotte! When we got there we settled into some lucky sofa's outside on the patio overlooking the down town popular spot and also with great views of the skyline there as well! We settled up next to a fire on the deck/patio there and hunkered down treating each other to shots and mixed drinks, all the while making new friends and meeting up with several of my friend's, friends and coworkers as well! My social highlight of the evening was meeting a beautiful young professional/could have been MODEL named SARAH from Yugoslavia! We talked about Charlotte and her experiences there as well as the old country! (I'm half Latvian) After some more great conversations and all we bid adieu to each other and continued the evening with my other friends until we nearly closed down the joint in the wee early hours of the morning! Another great night with some new BFF's and times that I will never forget! I truly do love you guys and hope we can do this again, but lets not wait another 8-10 years to do so!!! ;)
The next morning we slept in quite a bit and relaxed before I headed back out on the road to head up to Virginia and Washington DC to visit with some brothers for the first time and family I hadn't seen in years! I had an amazing experience in Charlotte and will definitely consider it as a potential place to settle down! Beautiful people, Did I mention that the woman to man ratio is like 6 to 1!!! I like those ODDS!!! ;) The scenery is great, the weather is great, and believe it or not, it is still growing at a good rate despite the economy and times we live in! See you again Charlotte and Lara and Subakom! Thanks for everything and as always...Much Professional LUV!!!
MACKOUT!!!
I rolled through Northern Georgia and South Carolina like a TORNADO myself and as I entered North Carolina, it began to rain heavily, again reminding me of my roots in Seattle! As I continued on things got worse and I saw at least a dozen accidents caused by slick roadways and the first hint of rain! I thought to myself... now I know that when it snows often times things grind to a halt and that nobody seems to know how to drive in it but RAIN come on now!? It was really strange but again there were accidents everywhere but most were simply cars that had slid of the road into the embankments! Apparently more people need to travel out to the NW corner and learn to drive there first!?
Anyways, after heading into Charlotte, I met up with Lara and Subakom who live on the outskirts of the city in a beautiful neighborhood and nice house! As soon as I got there they welcomed me with open arms and some much needed snacks! I hadn't seen Lara in almost 10 years since we first Founded the Beta Lambda chapter of AKPSI and this visit was LONG overdue! I was in for quite the treat as well as they had invited several friends over for a fun evening in with games/great food and conversations! I had one of my first sessions with real home-cooked Indian food that both expanded my palate and tickled my taste buds! Now, I love spicy food but often times my stomach tends to be a little on the sensitive side but this meal was no problem and I loved every minute of it! Once again we ate in Europe at like 9:00pm but had plenty of drinks including Gin-Ling and Sangria beforehand, both home-made and oh so thirst-quenching!
After the other guests arrived we sat down for that same food and chatted about life and travels and every other topic you can imagine! All of this while thunder, lightning, rain, and hail lit up the sky, creating an amazing background of sounds and sensations while the night wore on! After finishing our dinner we then dined on Lara's home-cooked brownies that also were a distinct highlight, drank some more and Wii'ed it up with the Nintendo before retiring for the evening!
The next day we set out and toured down town Charlotte, which was both beautiful and clean and little did I know but Charlotte is actually a rather small city as far as the down town and skyscrapers are concerned! This was a nice change from other cities and I really found myself enjoying the area and less claustrophobic, etc then in other places I've visited! We hit up local museums where we learned about the history of North Carolina from its days of Cotton through the Banking and Financial Mecca that it has become today! We also checked out where we would be going later that evening to dine, drink and dance the night away in what I would term the epicenter of "Fun Times" in Charlotte! After heading back out of the city, we hit up "Cracker Barrel" which is a great restaurant and store that I had passed on freeways now for many states but hadn't had the chance to really enjoy yet! We ate like Kings and then finished the early afternoon with a tour of the local Nascar Raceway which is huge here as many of the drivers including Dale Earnhardt Jr., etc., actually live in Charlotte! After this we headed home and took a Siesta after the fine Cracker Barrel Fiesta, which was much needed due to our massive food coma's!
For most of the rest of the afternoon we slept and then got caught up on Facebook and also did a mini slide show of my findings and photos from the rest of the trip! After relaxing for a few hours we headed back out to eat at a great Pizza joint down town and then it was off to MEZ which was a great and very LARGE upscale club in downtown Charlotte! When we got there we settled into some lucky sofa's outside on the patio overlooking the down town popular spot and also with great views of the skyline there as well! We settled up next to a fire on the deck/patio there and hunkered down treating each other to shots and mixed drinks, all the while making new friends and meeting up with several of my friend's, friends and coworkers as well! My social highlight of the evening was meeting a beautiful young professional/could have been MODEL named SARAH from Yugoslavia! We talked about Charlotte and her experiences there as well as the old country! (I'm half Latvian) After some more great conversations and all we bid adieu to each other and continued the evening with my other friends until we nearly closed down the joint in the wee early hours of the morning! Another great night with some new BFF's and times that I will never forget! I truly do love you guys and hope we can do this again, but lets not wait another 8-10 years to do so!!! ;)
The next morning we slept in quite a bit and relaxed before I headed back out on the road to head up to Virginia and Washington DC to visit with some brothers for the first time and family I hadn't seen in years! I had an amazing experience in Charlotte and will definitely consider it as a potential place to settle down! Beautiful people, Did I mention that the woman to man ratio is like 6 to 1!!! I like those ODDS!!! ;) The scenery is great, the weather is great, and believe it or not, it is still growing at a good rate despite the economy and times we live in! See you again Charlotte and Lara and Subakom! Thanks for everything and as always...Much Professional LUV!!!
MACKOUT!!!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Getting All Olympic In Atlanta, GA!!!
Welcome Back To The Matt Show!!!
This episode takes us to the urban metropolis of Atlanta, Georgia! I started out in New Orleans, Louisiana and skirted my way through Mississippi and Alabama with "YARISsa" in full stride! She was looking all Purdy and was ready to escort me to through the South and leave a mark on the locals! Before I knew it I was knocking on the door of Brother Jessica on the outskirts of the city of Atlanta! We headed off, parked and rode MARTA (Atlanta Transit System) into the city! It was another great example of public transportation and I hope it stays that way! Its going through a budget crunch and there is a chance it could get scaled back and effect thousands of patrons in Atlanta! Let's keep MARTA alive people! She was good to me! ; )
We first hit up Centennial Olympic Park where we toured and photographed our way through town until we got to the Phillips Arena where the Hawks play basketball and the Thrasher's rock the ice! Right next door to the sports arena is the CNN Plaza! We took a break and enjoyed a very TASTY and FROSTY beverage and admired the sights inside the giant complex! There were floors upon floors of offices and studios along with a hotel for guests and a giant food court for employees and guests! Next we hit a local joint called "TACOMAC" I was beside myself as not only did this place have part of my nickname (MACK) in its title but it also had TACO's or so I thought!? Jessica pointed out that this was no MEXICAN or TEX-MEX or whatever you want to call it and I was perplexed? I mean, how could anyone in their right mind name a restaurant TACOMAC and not serve primarily that type of food? But alas, she was right! Now I did have an amazing burger with all the fixin's and sampled one of over 160 beers they had on tap! Very similar to what we have in Washington state called the "Tap House!" You might be wondering what kind of beer I sampled but unfortunately it was one that I cannot professionally repeat on the world wide web! So you can feel free to ask me at a later time! ;) Afterward we toasted Atlanta, we headed back to the "Burbs" to hang out, catch up and get some rest for the next day!
Which leads me to...what else besides the...NEXT DAY!!! We headed out early for dinner and drove around town some more checking out other subdivisions of Atlanta! It was great seeing other areas outside of the main downtown! Before we headed out we ran into one of Jessica's neighbors who gave us lots of great ideas of things to do and places to see/eat at!!! We ended up at Front Page News where we sampled some good eats and local favorite MILLER LITE! ;)
Afterward we headed out to a local sports pub where we commenced an intense evening of Darts, Billiards, A Little Impromptu Dancing and Good Conversation with Jessica and her friends! The night ended with some compliments from one DJ ( Me, though pretty Amateur) to another and then we headed back to Jessica's on a bit of a wild ride that had not expected but everything ended up well and I survived! At the end of the stay, I had a truly amazing time with Brother Jessica in Hot-Lanta and am Oh-So-Thankful for everything we did! Before you know it, I was off and headed to Charlotte, North Carolina and brother Lara who is a fellow FOUNDER of Beta Lambda at Washington State University in Pullman, WA!!! I haven't seen her in 8-10 years and was more STOKED then you can imagine to finally catch up and fill in the blanks!!! Before I leave though I wanted to finish with some more insights during my most recent days in Atlanta and around Georgia!!!
1. In Alabama and Mississippi there are a ton of Prison Inmate Clean Up Crews that I passed on the way to Atlanta! Took me by surprise but at least we're keeping our streets clean and giving them a chance to catch some sun!
2. I saw a ton of pamphlets about various Wrestling matches taking place in Alabama and elsewhere during my drive to Atlanta! Must be a big thing down here! Some of the wrestler's names were outrageous, can't remember any off hand but I definitely got a sore stomach from laughing so hard! I guess Hulk Hogan had to start somewhere right!? Backyard Wrestling anyone!? Can You SMELL What The MACK Is Cookin'!? ;)
3. There is a place called MONSTER MOUNTAIN in Alabama!? I was definitely curious to see if in fact there were actual Monster's there or if it was just legend!? Oh well, maybe next time I'll get a chance to find out!
4. Various companies now market "BLUNT PAPERS" across the Nation as an alternative to factory-rolled cigarettes, but every place I seemed to stop for gas had massive campaigns for these BLUNT papers! I was taken back a bit!? I wonder what they use them for!? Probably something professional and legal I HOPE!!! ;) Goodness!!!
5. While In Atlanta, I discovered from Brother Jessica that unlike Seattle which has a Starbucks, Teriyaki joint and Thai food restaurant on every corner...Atlanta has a Bar, Tanning Salon, Chinese joint, Wing restaurant and Nail salon!? Similar but different! Every city surprises me!
This episode takes us to the urban metropolis of Atlanta, Georgia! I started out in New Orleans, Louisiana and skirted my way through Mississippi and Alabama with "YARISsa" in full stride! She was looking all Purdy and was ready to escort me to through the South and leave a mark on the locals! Before I knew it I was knocking on the door of Brother Jessica on the outskirts of the city of Atlanta! We headed off, parked and rode MARTA (Atlanta Transit System) into the city! It was another great example of public transportation and I hope it stays that way! Its going through a budget crunch and there is a chance it could get scaled back and effect thousands of patrons in Atlanta! Let's keep MARTA alive people! She was good to me! ; )
We first hit up Centennial Olympic Park where we toured and photographed our way through town until we got to the Phillips Arena where the Hawks play basketball and the Thrasher's rock the ice! Right next door to the sports arena is the CNN Plaza! We took a break and enjoyed a very TASTY and FROSTY beverage and admired the sights inside the giant complex! There were floors upon floors of offices and studios along with a hotel for guests and a giant food court for employees and guests! Next we hit a local joint called "TACOMAC" I was beside myself as not only did this place have part of my nickname (MACK) in its title but it also had TACO's or so I thought!? Jessica pointed out that this was no MEXICAN or TEX-MEX or whatever you want to call it and I was perplexed? I mean, how could anyone in their right mind name a restaurant TACOMAC and not serve primarily that type of food? But alas, she was right! Now I did have an amazing burger with all the fixin's and sampled one of over 160 beers they had on tap! Very similar to what we have in Washington state called the "Tap House!" You might be wondering what kind of beer I sampled but unfortunately it was one that I cannot professionally repeat on the world wide web! So you can feel free to ask me at a later time! ;) Afterward we toasted Atlanta, we headed back to the "Burbs" to hang out, catch up and get some rest for the next day!
Which leads me to...what else besides the...NEXT DAY!!! We headed out early for dinner and drove around town some more checking out other subdivisions of Atlanta! It was great seeing other areas outside of the main downtown! Before we headed out we ran into one of Jessica's neighbors who gave us lots of great ideas of things to do and places to see/eat at!!! We ended up at Front Page News where we sampled some good eats and local favorite MILLER LITE! ;)
Afterward we headed out to a local sports pub where we commenced an intense evening of Darts, Billiards, A Little Impromptu Dancing and Good Conversation with Jessica and her friends! The night ended with some compliments from one DJ ( Me, though pretty Amateur) to another and then we headed back to Jessica's on a bit of a wild ride that had not expected but everything ended up well and I survived! At the end of the stay, I had a truly amazing time with Brother Jessica in Hot-Lanta and am Oh-So-Thankful for everything we did! Before you know it, I was off and headed to Charlotte, North Carolina and brother Lara who is a fellow FOUNDER of Beta Lambda at Washington State University in Pullman, WA!!! I haven't seen her in 8-10 years and was more STOKED then you can imagine to finally catch up and fill in the blanks!!! Before I leave though I wanted to finish with some more insights during my most recent days in Atlanta and around Georgia!!!
1. In Alabama and Mississippi there are a ton of Prison Inmate Clean Up Crews that I passed on the way to Atlanta! Took me by surprise but at least we're keeping our streets clean and giving them a chance to catch some sun!
2. I saw a ton of pamphlets about various Wrestling matches taking place in Alabama and elsewhere during my drive to Atlanta! Must be a big thing down here! Some of the wrestler's names were outrageous, can't remember any off hand but I definitely got a sore stomach from laughing so hard! I guess Hulk Hogan had to start somewhere right!? Backyard Wrestling anyone!? Can You SMELL What The MACK Is Cookin'!? ;)
3. There is a place called MONSTER MOUNTAIN in Alabama!? I was definitely curious to see if in fact there were actual Monster's there or if it was just legend!? Oh well, maybe next time I'll get a chance to find out!
4. Various companies now market "BLUNT PAPERS" across the Nation as an alternative to factory-rolled cigarettes, but every place I seemed to stop for gas had massive campaigns for these BLUNT papers! I was taken back a bit!? I wonder what they use them for!? Probably something professional and legal I HOPE!!! ;) Goodness!!!
5. While In Atlanta, I discovered from Brother Jessica that unlike Seattle which has a Starbucks, Teriyaki joint and Thai food restaurant on every corner...Atlanta has a Bar, Tanning Salon, Chinese joint, Wing restaurant and Nail salon!? Similar but different! Every city surprises me!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
So I Kept Dreaming About These Beads... Just Kidding But New Orleans Was On My Mind...
After heading off from Ft. Worth, I headed straight for Louisiana and Swamp Country! The Drive was beautiful again and I was amazed how much literal swamp land encompassed parts of the state that I drove through! At one point I was on a bridge that went on for miles and miles above all of these trees that were submerged in swamp water and living very happily and without drowning which I found amazing! I even managed to come into town around dusk when another great sunset despite being on the East coast per say! You could see for miles out into the water and it was a great sight to be seen especially since I ran into Baton Rouge traffic and was at a halt!
On my way however I was able to stop in Shreveport, Louisiana where I was told it was like the "ARMPIT" 0f Las Vegas very jokingly by friends of mine! I didn't care though and needed a place to use the restroom and grab lunch so I pulled over and hit up the Eldorado Casino and Resort in town! I decided to hit some Penny Slots for a few minutes and within 5 minutes time, I took $5 and turned it into enough money to buy lunch, buy souvenirs, and some gas and head back out on the road! Now I've always had pretty good luck over my life time with Penny Slots! Most people make fun of me but when you're approximately $1500-2000 up over the course of a life time on Penny Slots, I'm usually the one laughing all the way to the Cashier's Cage!!! : )
After working my way through the madness I met up with Brother Sherah in Metairie, LA just outside of New Orleans from some killer Chinese food before moving on to one of my favorite spots of all time, Cafe Du Monde, where they make BEIGNETS!!! For those of you who don't know, Beignets are basically fluffy down fried in (very healthy, not) grease and then DOUSED or should I say DUMPED with Powdered Sugar!!! Those in combination with your favorite beverage of milk, coffee or hot cocoa and you are one Happy Camper!
The next day I headed out with Sherah to explore the local surroundings! We went through some breath-taking areas with lots of life, activity and spirit and then we also hit the opposite of the spectrum and saw all of the heartache, loss and destruction of some of the Hurricane Katrina areas! I was even lucky enough to get a first hand tour of the LOWER NINTH WARD where they were hit the hardest and was also one of the least wealthy areas of New Orleans! It is simply indescribable what I saw in my time there! I tried to capture it with some photos but they don't come close! Now, I must explain that I am rather Spiritual, more so then Religious though I believe in most of the same things anyways, and I have always had a certain ability to sense energy and feeling and other strange things... In New Orleans there was such a dichotomy of emotions and energy and life! I felt this immense energy on one hand that seemed to bring great life to the city, a very proud and passionate vibe, and yet on the other I sensed great despair and a lack of life almost if you will!? It was very peculiar but powerful and very moving for me as well! After some exploration in the Ninth ward, we went to visit the Chalmette Battle Fields where there were Plantations, Monuments, Cannons, and lots to explore, however it was getting dark at the time so it was not only was it a bit spooky but I was a little on edge as well! We walked for a ways despite this and came to the Mississippi River and Levy there that didn't happen to be the one that broke but it was sure still another great sight and especially at night! I had no idea how large it was and barges were floating down it as we watched from the shore! After some reflecting and good conversation we headed back to grab a EUROPEAN dinner (It was about 8:30-9:00pm) at the Harrah's Casino and Resort next to the River walk in downtown New Orleans!
Again for those who know me! I am a "SUCKA" for all you can eat buffets and though I am fairly average in stature, I can put down a "COW'S" worth of meat and other delicacies in these types of scenarios!!! I did not disappoint and before you know it Sherah and I were dining on some of the best buffet I've had in years! We ate too many crabs and shrimp to count and followed it up with some great dessert! Craw fish Jambalaya, and various other friend local delicacies also followed suit!!! After that we grabbed a drink at this fun bar in the middle of the casino where they had an ice bar! I hadn't seen this before for some reason, perhaps I wasn't paying attention but this was like a freezer ledge at the most inner part of the marble bar where you could put your drink or Bud Light and it would keep it nicely chilled while we watched the NCAA final! Oh yeah, PS I picked North Carolina to win it all and they did! In the end I did not want them to win as I had other favorites but I still had a feeling that despite my best interests, they would! Didn't win any money in pools, but still a great experience watching March Madness, my favorite time of year also because of my Pisces background, across the country!!!
After some more gambling where we came out even, we decided to head home for the night and rest up for another killer day to come!
My last night in New Orleans we went down to Loyola University and Tulane University and toured around campus for a little while! Loyola reminded me of Washington State in that most of their buildings were red brick which I absolutely love! There was one building however that looked strikingly different than all the rest! Sherah told me that long ago Loyola didn't have the funds to pay for brand new/from scratch planning so they came across this blueprint that was originally for a ship that never actually was built! They apparently used this as a basic blueprint for the building to be built and today it stands with all of its windows in the shape of oblong circles that instantly made me feel as if I was on a cruise ship! Pretty crazy stuff but true!
After reliving my collegiate years we hopped on the New Orleans Trolley which took us further into Uptown, New Orleans where we ate at another great Mexican restaurant whose name escapes me at this moment! They have the best SANGRIA Margaritas in town and after one large one we were both a bit GITTY and Ready to Rock!!! We took the Trolley again back to Sherah's car and hit up downtown along Canal Street and many others where we actually got to sit in on a Live Jazz Session and enjoy some local micro brew that also impressed my taste buds! After another full evening of fun, we headed back to Metairie, LA and I spent the rest of the night Facebooking and prepping to head to Atlanta, Georgia and Brother Jessica! Can't wait to share more but before I go here's a few more fun facts for you guys!
1. New Orleans has little hole in the wall SNOW BALL establishments where they served shaved ice with just about any flavor of topping you can imagine! They even had Margarita, Wine, Sangria, and many other Alcoholic flavorings but minus the alcohol! This was about the point where I mentioned we should have gotten a couple of those and then hit a liquor store and added the real thing for an even greater FROSTY TREAT!!! If ya know what I'm saying!?
2. New Orleans has drive through DAIQUIRI stands where you can literally go through the line and grab your favorite Alcoholic beverage and then head off to where ever it is you're going! They also allow open containers in cars which was a bit strange but hey what ever floats your boat right! I guess in New Orleans..."One For The Road" really stands as far as possibilities go and its LEGAL!!!
3. Another big thing here is Above Ground Cemeteries! They are very mystical looking with all kinds of monuments and phallic structures reaching toward the heavens! We didn't actually go in any but you can see them very clearly from the freeways and it was another great experience to take in along the way!!!
4. Not To Offend but whatever you do, do not even acknowledge street people in New Orleans, if you talk to them they will talk your ear off and tell stories and follow up in the creepiest of ways! If you give them anything, their friends and others will see this and then follow you until you give them money too! Best strategy is the hardest for me...Just Ignore Them! Same goes in Atlanta but that is a story for another time!
On my way however I was able to stop in Shreveport, Louisiana where I was told it was like the "ARMPIT" 0f Las Vegas very jokingly by friends of mine! I didn't care though and needed a place to use the restroom and grab lunch so I pulled over and hit up the Eldorado Casino and Resort in town! I decided to hit some Penny Slots for a few minutes and within 5 minutes time, I took $5 and turned it into enough money to buy lunch, buy souvenirs, and some gas and head back out on the road! Now I've always had pretty good luck over my life time with Penny Slots! Most people make fun of me but when you're approximately $1500-2000 up over the course of a life time on Penny Slots, I'm usually the one laughing all the way to the Cashier's Cage!!! : )
After working my way through the madness I met up with Brother Sherah in Metairie, LA just outside of New Orleans from some killer Chinese food before moving on to one of my favorite spots of all time, Cafe Du Monde, where they make BEIGNETS!!! For those of you who don't know, Beignets are basically fluffy down fried in (very healthy, not) grease and then DOUSED or should I say DUMPED with Powdered Sugar!!! Those in combination with your favorite beverage of milk, coffee or hot cocoa and you are one Happy Camper!
The next day I headed out with Sherah to explore the local surroundings! We went through some breath-taking areas with lots of life, activity and spirit and then we also hit the opposite of the spectrum and saw all of the heartache, loss and destruction of some of the Hurricane Katrina areas! I was even lucky enough to get a first hand tour of the LOWER NINTH WARD where they were hit the hardest and was also one of the least wealthy areas of New Orleans! It is simply indescribable what I saw in my time there! I tried to capture it with some photos but they don't come close! Now, I must explain that I am rather Spiritual, more so then Religious though I believe in most of the same things anyways, and I have always had a certain ability to sense energy and feeling and other strange things... In New Orleans there was such a dichotomy of emotions and energy and life! I felt this immense energy on one hand that seemed to bring great life to the city, a very proud and passionate vibe, and yet on the other I sensed great despair and a lack of life almost if you will!? It was very peculiar but powerful and very moving for me as well! After some exploration in the Ninth ward, we went to visit the Chalmette Battle Fields where there were Plantations, Monuments, Cannons, and lots to explore, however it was getting dark at the time so it was not only was it a bit spooky but I was a little on edge as well! We walked for a ways despite this and came to the Mississippi River and Levy there that didn't happen to be the one that broke but it was sure still another great sight and especially at night! I had no idea how large it was and barges were floating down it as we watched from the shore! After some reflecting and good conversation we headed back to grab a EUROPEAN dinner (It was about 8:30-9:00pm) at the Harrah's Casino and Resort next to the River walk in downtown New Orleans!
Again for those who know me! I am a "SUCKA" for all you can eat buffets and though I am fairly average in stature, I can put down a "COW'S" worth of meat and other delicacies in these types of scenarios!!! I did not disappoint and before you know it Sherah and I were dining on some of the best buffet I've had in years! We ate too many crabs and shrimp to count and followed it up with some great dessert! Craw fish Jambalaya, and various other friend local delicacies also followed suit!!! After that we grabbed a drink at this fun bar in the middle of the casino where they had an ice bar! I hadn't seen this before for some reason, perhaps I wasn't paying attention but this was like a freezer ledge at the most inner part of the marble bar where you could put your drink or Bud Light and it would keep it nicely chilled while we watched the NCAA final! Oh yeah, PS I picked North Carolina to win it all and they did! In the end I did not want them to win as I had other favorites but I still had a feeling that despite my best interests, they would! Didn't win any money in pools, but still a great experience watching March Madness, my favorite time of year also because of my Pisces background, across the country!!!
After some more gambling where we came out even, we decided to head home for the night and rest up for another killer day to come!
My last night in New Orleans we went down to Loyola University and Tulane University and toured around campus for a little while! Loyola reminded me of Washington State in that most of their buildings were red brick which I absolutely love! There was one building however that looked strikingly different than all the rest! Sherah told me that long ago Loyola didn't have the funds to pay for brand new/from scratch planning so they came across this blueprint that was originally for a ship that never actually was built! They apparently used this as a basic blueprint for the building to be built and today it stands with all of its windows in the shape of oblong circles that instantly made me feel as if I was on a cruise ship! Pretty crazy stuff but true!
After reliving my collegiate years we hopped on the New Orleans Trolley which took us further into Uptown, New Orleans where we ate at another great Mexican restaurant whose name escapes me at this moment! They have the best SANGRIA Margaritas in town and after one large one we were both a bit GITTY and Ready to Rock!!! We took the Trolley again back to Sherah's car and hit up downtown along Canal Street and many others where we actually got to sit in on a Live Jazz Session and enjoy some local micro brew that also impressed my taste buds! After another full evening of fun, we headed back to Metairie, LA and I spent the rest of the night Facebooking and prepping to head to Atlanta, Georgia and Brother Jessica! Can't wait to share more but before I go here's a few more fun facts for you guys!
1. New Orleans has little hole in the wall SNOW BALL establishments where they served shaved ice with just about any flavor of topping you can imagine! They even had Margarita, Wine, Sangria, and many other Alcoholic flavorings but minus the alcohol! This was about the point where I mentioned we should have gotten a couple of those and then hit a liquor store and added the real thing for an even greater FROSTY TREAT!!! If ya know what I'm saying!?
2. New Orleans has drive through DAIQUIRI stands where you can literally go through the line and grab your favorite Alcoholic beverage and then head off to where ever it is you're going! They also allow open containers in cars which was a bit strange but hey what ever floats your boat right! I guess in New Orleans..."One For The Road" really stands as far as possibilities go and its LEGAL!!!
3. Another big thing here is Above Ground Cemeteries! They are very mystical looking with all kinds of monuments and phallic structures reaching toward the heavens! We didn't actually go in any but you can see them very clearly from the freeways and it was another great experience to take in along the way!!!
4. Not To Offend but whatever you do, do not even acknowledge street people in New Orleans, if you talk to them they will talk your ear off and tell stories and follow up in the creepiest of ways! If you give them anything, their friends and others will see this and then follow you until you give them money too! Best strategy is the hardest for me...Just Ignore Them! Same goes in Atlanta but that is a story for another time!
And Then It Was On To Fort Worth, TX!!! I Cannot Wait To Share!!!
Mack Back...
How is everyone!? Now I am a few days removed from this latest chapter of my road trip so bear with me but be ready for some zingers... ok, ok, probably just light chuckles and most likely they will be directed toward me!!!
I headed out of Dallas for the shortest of my road trip car explorations for about an hour or so up to Fort Worth, TX where I met up with another Absolutely Amazing Brother named Allison!
When I got there I will admit I was a bit under the weather despite the sun ablaze in the sky due to learning all about what it is like to be a "SOCIALITE" in Dallas with April! I would shortly recover after arriving though thanks to a "5 Dollar Foot Long" at Subway and a two and a half hour "Power Nap!!!"
Afterward we drove around and toured some of the major down town areas including a few local suburbs of Dallas/Ft. Worth, where I took in the new Cowboy's Stadium and "Jerry Jone's Palace" if you will! It truly is remarkable looking from the outside! And it apparently still has a removable roof so that they can open the roof up on Sundays and have the GOD's watch their favorite team the Cowboys!? Whatever!!! ;)
We also got a chance to see the local HUMONGOUS water park as well as 6 Flags although they were closed till later in the summer! I don't think my stomach in its present state could have afforded some of those Coasters any how!!! The Texas Rangers stadium is beautiful too and I greatly enjoyed touring around that as well! Even drove on NOLAN RYAN Ave.!!! I loved that guy!!!
After some more driving around (and snapping pics) we went to the best Mexican restaurant in the world... Joe T. Garcia's!!! The place was massive with outdoor and indoor seating for what seamed like hundreds and then some!!! We settled down to family style Fajitas, which happen to be my favorite! And some fantastic margaritas that still leave me wanting more! (Unofficial Alcoholic Drink Of The Mack's '09 Mack'n The Nation Tour... MARGARITAS!!!" Yes Sir!
After dinner we went to see the Stockyards which are where they used to bring cattle from miles around to be bought and sold and traded like stocks! They even had a building dedicated to the trading! Hmm... Stocks vs. Cattle!? Interesting! There was a Rodeo there that evening so we decided to partake in some local festivities and though I had been to a few rodeo's in the past, this one was rather enjoyable with living singing, kid games (for me of course!) and everything else you could imagine in a "Ring O' Dirt!" We even had the chance to knock a few more items off my Bucket List if you will! I had seen that another brother of ours had come and visited and got to ride a Steer while attending the stockyards so I was most anxious to do the same! I was lucky in the end as this Steer was rather "ROTUND" or "ROBUST" if you prefer rather and he had to hoist my muscular, athletic frame onto the "BEAST!" Allison was there to capture it all on Camera and I must say that not only was my Steer BIGGER Angela, but I rode him BAREBACK!!! So in the most childish of ways... Nah, Nah, Nah-Nah-Nah!!! I Win and paid for it later! Bare Back CAN be PAINFUL!!! ;) Besides the Live Steer, I also finally climbed on a Mechanical Bull and rode that as well! I have pictures to prove it but unfortunately it appears the video that Allison took of the Hilarity did not make it and will be lost forever in the ethers!!! Sorry Folks! Guess I'm gonna have to do that one again! After a killer evening of Food, Friends, And Fun! We retired to bed with visions of NASCAR dancing in our heads!!!
The next day we arose with a clatter and it wasn't us but Allison's 4 Pugs that was the matter! I loved them as they were all super friendly! Almost TOO MUCH! After much tongue lashing and that wasn't even on my part but theirs, we set off for the Texas Motor Speedway where it seemed like everyone else in the state of Texas was headed! Upon arriving I couldn't help but notice the Fanfare and Passion that went on between the Fans and their favorite Driver's! There were flags everywhere with various names and numbers and colleges and even some "Confederate" one's! Wasn't quite sure what to think about this one and in order to avoid any future death threats, I will move on! Still a sight of all sights to be seen though!
The race itself was more then I could have asked for! Allison got us killer seats that would have equated to 50 yard line in Football! We could see everything and to assist us in the experience, we also rented headsets so we could hear everything that was going on in the race and even the chatter between drivers/pit crews/spotters/etc!!! It was AWESOME! I watched as my new favorite driver, #6 David Ragan eventually took 4th in a great race! Many of you know I love the #6, what most of you don't is that it isn't simply because I was born on March 6th! There is something very magical, powerful if you will about that # to me and I deeply love and appreciate it!
While at the race we did a little bit of everything! I took photos in a Nascar! Sweetness! I ate lots of great food, though not as great for you! I drank beer in an open container in the parking lot and inside! You can actually bring your own coolers in with beverages! Best idea ever! Nascar does it right! LISTEN UP NCAA FOOTBALL! We need BEER in games!!! ;) After tons of sun-soaked hours of revving engines and lots of burning rubber stuck in our noses, we headed out to another great local establishment the Arlington State House where apparently they've had the Best Chicken Fried Steaks since the Beginning of Time Itself!!! Great home cooking, awesome red meat! Fat and Happy I was once again!!! After a few more sunset photos we retired to Allison's beautiful home and her 4 VERY hungry Pugs and watched some NCAA madness before hitting the sack!
I would leave the next day but not before making some very memorable and unforgettable connections with a brother I never met before but one that I hope to cherish till its my time to leave this place! Thank you for everything! I hope to be back again, who knows maybe I'll find a job there!? I wouldn't mind that! I miss you already! ;)
MACK OUT!!!
How is everyone!? Now I am a few days removed from this latest chapter of my road trip so bear with me but be ready for some zingers... ok, ok, probably just light chuckles and most likely they will be directed toward me!!!
I headed out of Dallas for the shortest of my road trip car explorations for about an hour or so up to Fort Worth, TX where I met up with another Absolutely Amazing Brother named Allison!
When I got there I will admit I was a bit under the weather despite the sun ablaze in the sky due to learning all about what it is like to be a "SOCIALITE" in Dallas with April! I would shortly recover after arriving though thanks to a "5 Dollar Foot Long" at Subway and a two and a half hour "Power Nap!!!"
Afterward we drove around and toured some of the major down town areas including a few local suburbs of Dallas/Ft. Worth, where I took in the new Cowboy's Stadium and "Jerry Jone's Palace" if you will! It truly is remarkable looking from the outside! And it apparently still has a removable roof so that they can open the roof up on Sundays and have the GOD's watch their favorite team the Cowboys!? Whatever!!! ;)
We also got a chance to see the local HUMONGOUS water park as well as 6 Flags although they were closed till later in the summer! I don't think my stomach in its present state could have afforded some of those Coasters any how!!! The Texas Rangers stadium is beautiful too and I greatly enjoyed touring around that as well! Even drove on NOLAN RYAN Ave.!!! I loved that guy!!!
After some more driving around (and snapping pics) we went to the best Mexican restaurant in the world... Joe T. Garcia's!!! The place was massive with outdoor and indoor seating for what seamed like hundreds and then some!!! We settled down to family style Fajitas, which happen to be my favorite! And some fantastic margaritas that still leave me wanting more! (Unofficial Alcoholic Drink Of The Mack's '09 Mack'n The Nation Tour... MARGARITAS!!!" Yes Sir!
After dinner we went to see the Stockyards which are where they used to bring cattle from miles around to be bought and sold and traded like stocks! They even had a building dedicated to the trading! Hmm... Stocks vs. Cattle!? Interesting! There was a Rodeo there that evening so we decided to partake in some local festivities and though I had been to a few rodeo's in the past, this one was rather enjoyable with living singing, kid games (for me of course!) and everything else you could imagine in a "Ring O' Dirt!" We even had the chance to knock a few more items off my Bucket List if you will! I had seen that another brother of ours had come and visited and got to ride a Steer while attending the stockyards so I was most anxious to do the same! I was lucky in the end as this Steer was rather "ROTUND" or "ROBUST" if you prefer rather and he had to hoist my muscular, athletic frame onto the "BEAST!" Allison was there to capture it all on Camera and I must say that not only was my Steer BIGGER Angela, but I rode him BAREBACK!!! So in the most childish of ways... Nah, Nah, Nah-Nah-Nah!!! I Win and paid for it later! Bare Back CAN be PAINFUL!!! ;) Besides the Live Steer, I also finally climbed on a Mechanical Bull and rode that as well! I have pictures to prove it but unfortunately it appears the video that Allison took of the Hilarity did not make it and will be lost forever in the ethers!!! Sorry Folks! Guess I'm gonna have to do that one again! After a killer evening of Food, Friends, And Fun! We retired to bed with visions of NASCAR dancing in our heads!!!
The next day we arose with a clatter and it wasn't us but Allison's 4 Pugs that was the matter! I loved them as they were all super friendly! Almost TOO MUCH! After much tongue lashing and that wasn't even on my part but theirs, we set off for the Texas Motor Speedway where it seemed like everyone else in the state of Texas was headed! Upon arriving I couldn't help but notice the Fanfare and Passion that went on between the Fans and their favorite Driver's! There were flags everywhere with various names and numbers and colleges and even some "Confederate" one's! Wasn't quite sure what to think about this one and in order to avoid any future death threats, I will move on! Still a sight of all sights to be seen though!
The race itself was more then I could have asked for! Allison got us killer seats that would have equated to 50 yard line in Football! We could see everything and to assist us in the experience, we also rented headsets so we could hear everything that was going on in the race and even the chatter between drivers/pit crews/spotters/etc!!! It was AWESOME! I watched as my new favorite driver, #6 David Ragan eventually took 4th in a great race! Many of you know I love the #6, what most of you don't is that it isn't simply because I was born on March 6th! There is something very magical, powerful if you will about that # to me and I deeply love and appreciate it!
While at the race we did a little bit of everything! I took photos in a Nascar! Sweetness! I ate lots of great food, though not as great for you! I drank beer in an open container in the parking lot and inside! You can actually bring your own coolers in with beverages! Best idea ever! Nascar does it right! LISTEN UP NCAA FOOTBALL! We need BEER in games!!! ;) After tons of sun-soaked hours of revving engines and lots of burning rubber stuck in our noses, we headed out to another great local establishment the Arlington State House where apparently they've had the Best Chicken Fried Steaks since the Beginning of Time Itself!!! Great home cooking, awesome red meat! Fat and Happy I was once again!!! After a few more sunset photos we retired to Allison's beautiful home and her 4 VERY hungry Pugs and watched some NCAA madness before hitting the sack!
I would leave the next day but not before making some very memorable and unforgettable connections with a brother I never met before but one that I hope to cherish till its my time to leave this place! Thank you for everything! I hope to be back again, who knows maybe I'll find a job there!? I wouldn't mind that! I miss you already! ;)
MACK OUT!!!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Dallas, TX: Home To Some Big Stars, The Stars, And One Star Of A Brother!!!
AND I'M BACK!!!...
After an amazing and refreshing period of time in San Antonio, TX I headed off for Dallas, TX to stay with brother April and see what this new city had in store for me! From the moment I arrived it was on and April and I proceeded to paint Dallas, the City with a Big BLUE Star...Very, Very, RED!!!
We toured downtown Dallas, which was amazing because we didn't even need to drive, we simply hopped a Trolley and headed into town to sample local delicacies and treat ourselves to some great refreshments on an amazing though blustery day in Dallas! Dallas is one of those cities where you go out to be seen and the Mack did not disappoint! April and I hit one hot spot after another each afternoon and evening and she made my stay in Dallas, one I'll never forget! We made new friends and hung out with a bunch of hers! We even managed to fit in a Dallas Stars hockey game against the Calgary Flames! Great game, Great stadium, Great company to do it with!!!
On top of all the "SOCIALITE" activities we partook in! I was also witness to more TEXAS storms of GARGANTUAN proportion!!! We witnessed Thunder & Lightning that literally shook our building! It caused flooding in the parking garage, luckily Yarissa can swim and it was truly an amazing show of NATURE's WILL and SHEER power in this world we live in! I'll never forget it!
After the better part of a week with April in Dallas it was nearly time to head out to Fort Worth, TX and spend some time with Brother Allison! Before I end this latest chapter of the Mack Blog though I wanted to take a step back... BACK INTO TIME...and reflect upon certain aspects of the trip so far that I either skipped over or completely forgot to mention along the way!
Random Facts and Ramblings...
1. In Arizona, they have Suburban or SUV Cops who sit along the side of the freeway and for anyone going 10mph over the speed limit, all of a sudden you see a Large, Blinding Flash, and Ta-Da, You have officially been photographed! Your Vehicle, Your License Plate, Your Face! Expect a little mail to come your way with a ticket attached and the proof to go along! Now I must say that I never had this happen to me but when it did to a car a few lengths ahead of me! I nearly swerved off the road in sheer terror! I've never seen anything like this before! What happened to the good old highway patrol chasing you down when you broke the law! I may pay for this but I will state that the ARIZONA Highway Patrolmen are all LAZY Sons of Guns and can't even get off their LAZY SUV Butts to give tickets anymore! Shame on YOU 'Zona!!! Not A Big Fan!!! Boo with a Capital B!!!
2. In New Mexico, they have random drunk driving check points where they apparently pull everyone over and expect for drunk driving! While I agree that this is a problem in our society and that we need to stop driving after drinking!... It is also in my opinion whether you agree or disagree that this is NOT fair or appropriate! I was scared CRAPLESS while in New Mexico, anytime I would go out and even have a drink with dinner I had worry in the back of my mind about this! .08 is not very hard to get to and I don't feel that it is fair to pull everyone and their mother over to check for this! I understand if I'm swerving all over the road but COME ON!!! Shame On YOU New Mexico!!! Again... Not a FAN and Boo with a Capital B!!!
3. There is apparently a D&D Farm in Harper, TX! Is this where all the Cowboys go after sunset to play Dungeons & Dragons!? You tell me! ;)
4. They have Cops in Texas with their patrol cars labeled as Constables!? Never seen this before but I was told that these individuals are the head of the force! Be Forewarned!!!
5. Everyone in Texas drives FORD! Everyone in Louisiana drives CHEVY!!! No Joke! I've SEEN IT!!!
6. I came across a NOAH's ARK Animal Rescue...Ok I get that one, but a NOAH's ARK SELF STORAGE!? Do they let you STORE ANIMALS there!?
7. If you ever go to Wembley, TX...Apparently it is a "LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN!?" I did not see this but perhaps!?...
8. Apparently Shreveport, LA is the "ARMPIT" of Las Vegas! I've seen it and I would AGREE!!! Though I did WIN in under 5 minutes and made my "bathroom break" there quite profitable passing through!!!
9. Every City in America apparently has a "FRONTAGE RD!" Don't Question...I've seen it!!!
10. I came across an establishment called the "PIGGLY WIGGLY" in Louisiana! Not sure what they DO or SERVE there!? Anybody help on this one!!??
11. Anyone driving in Louisiana on the freeway...WATCH OUT for POTHOLES!!! I definitely put the YARIS through the GRIND!!!
12. I've seen more BEADS hanging from REAR VIEW MIRRORS in Louisiana! Where the heck do these come from and how did they get them!? ;)
13. One sign in Lafayette, LA read "Diesel Gas: 7.9 cents!?" Yeah try maybe in 1940!!! Clearly a TYPO!!!
Well...That's about all I have for you for now! Hope you enjoyed some random facts mixed with some wild ranting on my part! Please don't take offense to any of it as it is meant in good fun and just for the pointing out! Hope all is well in your neck of the woods! MACK OUT!!!
After an amazing and refreshing period of time in San Antonio, TX I headed off for Dallas, TX to stay with brother April and see what this new city had in store for me! From the moment I arrived it was on and April and I proceeded to paint Dallas, the City with a Big BLUE Star...Very, Very, RED!!!
We toured downtown Dallas, which was amazing because we didn't even need to drive, we simply hopped a Trolley and headed into town to sample local delicacies and treat ourselves to some great refreshments on an amazing though blustery day in Dallas! Dallas is one of those cities where you go out to be seen and the Mack did not disappoint! April and I hit one hot spot after another each afternoon and evening and she made my stay in Dallas, one I'll never forget! We made new friends and hung out with a bunch of hers! We even managed to fit in a Dallas Stars hockey game against the Calgary Flames! Great game, Great stadium, Great company to do it with!!!
On top of all the "SOCIALITE" activities we partook in! I was also witness to more TEXAS storms of GARGANTUAN proportion!!! We witnessed Thunder & Lightning that literally shook our building! It caused flooding in the parking garage, luckily Yarissa can swim and it was truly an amazing show of NATURE's WILL and SHEER power in this world we live in! I'll never forget it!
After the better part of a week with April in Dallas it was nearly time to head out to Fort Worth, TX and spend some time with Brother Allison! Before I end this latest chapter of the Mack Blog though I wanted to take a step back... BACK INTO TIME...and reflect upon certain aspects of the trip so far that I either skipped over or completely forgot to mention along the way!
Random Facts and Ramblings...
1. In Arizona, they have Suburban or SUV Cops who sit along the side of the freeway and for anyone going 10mph over the speed limit, all of a sudden you see a Large, Blinding Flash, and Ta-Da, You have officially been photographed! Your Vehicle, Your License Plate, Your Face! Expect a little mail to come your way with a ticket attached and the proof to go along! Now I must say that I never had this happen to me but when it did to a car a few lengths ahead of me! I nearly swerved off the road in sheer terror! I've never seen anything like this before! What happened to the good old highway patrol chasing you down when you broke the law! I may pay for this but I will state that the ARIZONA Highway Patrolmen are all LAZY Sons of Guns and can't even get off their LAZY SUV Butts to give tickets anymore! Shame on YOU 'Zona!!! Not A Big Fan!!! Boo with a Capital B!!!
2. In New Mexico, they have random drunk driving check points where they apparently pull everyone over and expect for drunk driving! While I agree that this is a problem in our society and that we need to stop driving after drinking!... It is also in my opinion whether you agree or disagree that this is NOT fair or appropriate! I was scared CRAPLESS while in New Mexico, anytime I would go out and even have a drink with dinner I had worry in the back of my mind about this! .08 is not very hard to get to and I don't feel that it is fair to pull everyone and their mother over to check for this! I understand if I'm swerving all over the road but COME ON!!! Shame On YOU New Mexico!!! Again... Not a FAN and Boo with a Capital B!!!
3. There is apparently a D&D Farm in Harper, TX! Is this where all the Cowboys go after sunset to play Dungeons & Dragons!? You tell me! ;)
4. They have Cops in Texas with their patrol cars labeled as Constables!? Never seen this before but I was told that these individuals are the head of the force! Be Forewarned!!!
5. Everyone in Texas drives FORD! Everyone in Louisiana drives CHEVY!!! No Joke! I've SEEN IT!!!
6. I came across a NOAH's ARK Animal Rescue...Ok I get that one, but a NOAH's ARK SELF STORAGE!? Do they let you STORE ANIMALS there!?
7. If you ever go to Wembley, TX...Apparently it is a "LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN!?" I did not see this but perhaps!?...
8. Apparently Shreveport, LA is the "ARMPIT" of Las Vegas! I've seen it and I would AGREE!!! Though I did WIN in under 5 minutes and made my "bathroom break" there quite profitable passing through!!!
9. Every City in America apparently has a "FRONTAGE RD!" Don't Question...I've seen it!!!
10. I came across an establishment called the "PIGGLY WIGGLY" in Louisiana! Not sure what they DO or SERVE there!? Anybody help on this one!!??
11. Anyone driving in Louisiana on the freeway...WATCH OUT for POTHOLES!!! I definitely put the YARIS through the GRIND!!!
12. I've seen more BEADS hanging from REAR VIEW MIRRORS in Louisiana! Where the heck do these come from and how did they get them!? ;)
13. One sign in Lafayette, LA read "Diesel Gas: 7.9 cents!?" Yeah try maybe in 1940!!! Clearly a TYPO!!!
Well...That's about all I have for you for now! Hope you enjoyed some random facts mixed with some wild ranting on my part! Please don't take offense to any of it as it is meant in good fun and just for the pointing out! Hope all is well in your neck of the woods! MACK OUT!!!
Flashed New Mexico, Now On To Texas And Some Killer Firsts!!!
Well Hello Again...
In the efforts of catching everyone including myself up to speed on this journey I will continue again from where I last left off! After an amazing time in New Mexico it was off to the BIG state of Texas where I would finally see for myself if Texas was In Fact too BIG for the MACK or if the MACK was Actually Too BIG for Texas!
The drive was again extremely beautiful! I have had all the luck in my travels from state to state in regards to weather and the SUN did not disappoint on this day either! As I crossed into Texas I really took in the large never-ending plains and very slight hills that frequented my route! They seemed to roll on and on for what seemed like eternity but I did not grow tired of this! Everywhere you looked there was wild stock with cows, horses, sheep, and birds of all species! I began to see those singular MINI-Oil Rigs that are so prevalent in these parts! All working away for a little of the fortune that there is in that greatly sought after resource of ours!
As I continued on, I passed through a town called Junction where I almost stopped and camped out in my car but I decided with just a few more miles I could make it to San Antonio! When I finally arrived it was late and the only thing I could find that was economical was a KOA campground on the outskirts of San Antonio, next to the AT&T center! An area that I would later come to find was... (How Do You Say...) Not the GREATEST of areas to choose to settle down! None-The-Less I pulled up and though it was after hours, miraculously made it through the guarded gates into the camp ground where I met a very nice gentleman who let me stay the night! He was full of stories and we actually stood at the gate for about a half hour talking about my travels and where he had been in days past! He had actually lived in Alaska so we instantly had a connection and I cannot thank this gentleman enough for his hospitality and great advice! Despite the area I was in, the KOA campground was immaculately clean and hospitable, unfortunately I was still dealing with a case of the "ALLERGIES" ever since Arizona and probably kept some campers up with my coughing and wheezing! The Yaris, despite all of her amazing features and sheer "Awesomeness" as a vehicle proved to be a worthy adversary when it came to sleeping in her across the back seat! I tossed and turned and tossed some more! Probably only got about 2 hours of sleep or so but was thankful for a safe place to "Kind Of" rest!!!
The next day I headed into town and visited my first Laundry mat on the road! It was here that I met a couple of very friendly and open individuals and we story-told for what seemed like hours but in a good way! In the end this was where I discovered some places to look for work and also the fact that Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Gym Class Heroes and more were in town! In fact I was able to get a last minute ticket, front row of the balcony for the event just a few hours from this very moment! On another TANGENT, I'd just like to state for the record that it is times like these in random places along my journey where I have been LUCKY enough to come across random strangers who were both kind, open, professional (usually ;) and willing to take the time to help someone in need! I have more confidence and respect for this country due to this very fact! I have yet to meet anyone who has been or done the opposite! I did not expect this, and for that I am greatly appreciative!
Now back to the journey! Sorry about that TANGENT!!! That evening I stayed in another MOTEL 6 (Who REALLY should SPONSOR me!!!) and headed off to the Lil' Wayne concert at the same AT&T arena where I stayed the night before! It was amazing, what a diverse audience and it was a good show all things considered! Unfortunately T-Pain could not make it due to a medical emergency earlier that day but I heard about it and don't blame him for not making it! The "theatrics" were awesome with Extreme Pyro-Technics amongst many other aesthetics that really made the show "POP!" It was well worth the ticket price and I would recommend his show to anyone into the newer age of rap!
After the show I retired to my Motel 6 where I hunkered down as the dreaded "STORMS" that my MOMMA and every NEWS Channel in Texas had warned us about! In fact the town of Junction that I had passed through the other night saw two and half inch balls of hail and severe winds and rain! I luckily missed that as I did not have any undercover parking but it was still a giant "Cluster F" of weather!!! It continued though less drastic in the morning where I went to meet a good family friend Eric Haugstad and his family! We went to lunch at Papadeaux's which is a great seafood chain restaurant in these parts where he treated me to a couple more firsts and check marks off my Bucket List! We dined on Jumbalaya Soup, Alligator, Prepared Crawfish Etoufee and blackened Crawfish!!! By the time we were done exploring and experimenting, he literally had to roll me out of the joint!!! ;)
The next day I took in downtown San Antonio and got to see the Alamo for the first time! It was pretty interesting and reading about the history and all made for a memorable experience! Right next door is the Menger Hotel where Teddy Roosevelt and his "ORIGINAL" Rough Rider's used to stay and frequent!!! Of course then there was the RIVER WALK where I sampled some absolutely Thirst-Quenching Margarita's, Did some shopping and saw what downtown and the San Antonio River were all about! Another beautiful day and I even came across some fellow Washingtonian's during my Margarita libation!!! They were on a motorcycle tour and were headed to the Carolina's! They also happened to have several daughters that all graduated from Washington State University! It was pretty cool spending time in foreign land talking about a University that I am still to this day, so Passionate about regarding my education and the times I had there!
After a full day of exploring, I went back to the Haugstad's home and stayed the night with them, all the while having some of the best home-cooking I've had in some time! Tina prepared the most amazing meal with every side you could imagine and THEN SOME! We had some TEXAS-Sized steaks and all the fixings! After ward we ate home-baked pie and then all fat and happy, Iretired to bed! I am so thankful to Eric, Tina and their family for their amazing hospitality,cooking and conversation! You are all amazing and you truly made my trip!
Despite the last few (OK, Many) paragraphs of good times and good things, between New Mexico and Texas, it was also a very trying period of time for me! I spent a lot of time alone for one thing and the storms that came through dismantled WI-FI in many spots I stayed. This was were I fell greatly behind in my blogging/photos and videos! I also had several unexpected expenses pop up when I had to get a lube oil and filter taken care of and they pointed out that my tires were about ready to blow up! 4 tires and a new laptop later due to unforeseen computer issues and Mr. Matthew was temporarily in the "RED!" Despite this, though I came out of San Antonio newly refreshed and ready for bigger and better times! May the road ahead not disappoint, keep me safe and bring many more memories! Till Next Time...MACK OUT!!!
In the efforts of catching everyone including myself up to speed on this journey I will continue again from where I last left off! After an amazing time in New Mexico it was off to the BIG state of Texas where I would finally see for myself if Texas was In Fact too BIG for the MACK or if the MACK was Actually Too BIG for Texas!
The drive was again extremely beautiful! I have had all the luck in my travels from state to state in regards to weather and the SUN did not disappoint on this day either! As I crossed into Texas I really took in the large never-ending plains and very slight hills that frequented my route! They seemed to roll on and on for what seemed like eternity but I did not grow tired of this! Everywhere you looked there was wild stock with cows, horses, sheep, and birds of all species! I began to see those singular MINI-Oil Rigs that are so prevalent in these parts! All working away for a little of the fortune that there is in that greatly sought after resource of ours!
As I continued on, I passed through a town called Junction where I almost stopped and camped out in my car but I decided with just a few more miles I could make it to San Antonio! When I finally arrived it was late and the only thing I could find that was economical was a KOA campground on the outskirts of San Antonio, next to the AT&T center! An area that I would later come to find was... (How Do You Say...) Not the GREATEST of areas to choose to settle down! None-The-Less I pulled up and though it was after hours, miraculously made it through the guarded gates into the camp ground where I met a very nice gentleman who let me stay the night! He was full of stories and we actually stood at the gate for about a half hour talking about my travels and where he had been in days past! He had actually lived in Alaska so we instantly had a connection and I cannot thank this gentleman enough for his hospitality and great advice! Despite the area I was in, the KOA campground was immaculately clean and hospitable, unfortunately I was still dealing with a case of the "ALLERGIES" ever since Arizona and probably kept some campers up with my coughing and wheezing! The Yaris, despite all of her amazing features and sheer "Awesomeness" as a vehicle proved to be a worthy adversary when it came to sleeping in her across the back seat! I tossed and turned and tossed some more! Probably only got about 2 hours of sleep or so but was thankful for a safe place to "Kind Of" rest!!!
The next day I headed into town and visited my first Laundry mat on the road! It was here that I met a couple of very friendly and open individuals and we story-told for what seemed like hours but in a good way! In the end this was where I discovered some places to look for work and also the fact that Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Gym Class Heroes and more were in town! In fact I was able to get a last minute ticket, front row of the balcony for the event just a few hours from this very moment! On another TANGENT, I'd just like to state for the record that it is times like these in random places along my journey where I have been LUCKY enough to come across random strangers who were both kind, open, professional (usually ;) and willing to take the time to help someone in need! I have more confidence and respect for this country due to this very fact! I have yet to meet anyone who has been or done the opposite! I did not expect this, and for that I am greatly appreciative!
Now back to the journey! Sorry about that TANGENT!!! That evening I stayed in another MOTEL 6 (Who REALLY should SPONSOR me!!!) and headed off to the Lil' Wayne concert at the same AT&T arena where I stayed the night before! It was amazing, what a diverse audience and it was a good show all things considered! Unfortunately T-Pain could not make it due to a medical emergency earlier that day but I heard about it and don't blame him for not making it! The "theatrics" were awesome with Extreme Pyro-Technics amongst many other aesthetics that really made the show "POP!" It was well worth the ticket price and I would recommend his show to anyone into the newer age of rap!
After the show I retired to my Motel 6 where I hunkered down as the dreaded "STORMS" that my MOMMA and every NEWS Channel in Texas had warned us about! In fact the town of Junction that I had passed through the other night saw two and half inch balls of hail and severe winds and rain! I luckily missed that as I did not have any undercover parking but it was still a giant "Cluster F" of weather!!! It continued though less drastic in the morning where I went to meet a good family friend Eric Haugstad and his family! We went to lunch at Papadeaux's which is a great seafood chain restaurant in these parts where he treated me to a couple more firsts and check marks off my Bucket List! We dined on Jumbalaya Soup, Alligator, Prepared Crawfish Etoufee and blackened Crawfish!!! By the time we were done exploring and experimenting, he literally had to roll me out of the joint!!! ;)
The next day I took in downtown San Antonio and got to see the Alamo for the first time! It was pretty interesting and reading about the history and all made for a memorable experience! Right next door is the Menger Hotel where Teddy Roosevelt and his "ORIGINAL" Rough Rider's used to stay and frequent!!! Of course then there was the RIVER WALK where I sampled some absolutely Thirst-Quenching Margarita's, Did some shopping and saw what downtown and the San Antonio River were all about! Another beautiful day and I even came across some fellow Washingtonian's during my Margarita libation!!! They were on a motorcycle tour and were headed to the Carolina's! They also happened to have several daughters that all graduated from Washington State University! It was pretty cool spending time in foreign land talking about a University that I am still to this day, so Passionate about regarding my education and the times I had there!
After a full day of exploring, I went back to the Haugstad's home and stayed the night with them, all the while having some of the best home-cooking I've had in some time! Tina prepared the most amazing meal with every side you could imagine and THEN SOME! We had some TEXAS-Sized steaks and all the fixings! After ward we ate home-baked pie and then all fat and happy, Iretired to bed! I am so thankful to Eric, Tina and their family for their amazing hospitality,cooking and conversation! You are all amazing and you truly made my trip!
Despite the last few (OK, Many) paragraphs of good times and good things, between New Mexico and Texas, it was also a very trying period of time for me! I spent a lot of time alone for one thing and the storms that came through dismantled WI-FI in many spots I stayed. This was were I fell greatly behind in my blogging/photos and videos! I also had several unexpected expenses pop up when I had to get a lube oil and filter taken care of and they pointed out that my tires were about ready to blow up! 4 tires and a new laptop later due to unforeseen computer issues and Mr. Matthew was temporarily in the "RED!" Despite this, though I came out of San Antonio newly refreshed and ready for bigger and better times! May the road ahead not disappoint, keep me safe and bring many more memories! Till Next Time...MACK OUT!!!
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