Brian at the Brickyard

I have decided that this blog could use more pizazz, so I am going to attempt to add pictures and movies to this post. This works out well since I finally dug my camera out of my stuff today to download the pictures on it.

Now for the story. . . So, part of the reason I stayed behind in South Bend for as long as I did was so I could attend the Indianapolis 500 this past Sunday. My parents had seen the race way back in 1983, and they always recommended that I go. I figured this was the last time I would be in Indiana around this time of the year, so it was now or never.

Since Indianapolis is a good 3 hour drive from SB, I woke up at 5AM to get on the road early. This turned out to be a very smart decision since upon reaching the area, I had to spend three more hours just sitting in traffic to get to my parking lot. I was honestly close to slitting someone's throat. Luckily, my early start still allowed me to get to the race with time to spare before the start.

Once there, I set out looking for Emily and Rachael. They were on the infield which is tailgate heaven and full of drunken rednecks and college kids. Unfortunately, it was heavily slanted towards the obnoxious, shirtless, "Let's chug a beer bro!", fratboy demographic. I grew frustrated looking for them, so I headed back to my seat. The sheer amount of alcohol that was around was impressive. Since you could bring coolers and backpacks in with you, at least half the adults there had beer of some kind. I honestly don't know how they survived because it was rediculously hot that day. I downed the entire 3 liters of ice water in my camelbak, and I still felt like I was getting dehydrated.

Now, watching the race is actually a lot more fun and exciting than I imagined. As you can see from the video, the cars zip past quickly, and then it's watching the big screens for about 45 seconds until they come around on the next lap. However, seeing the incredible speed of the cars firsthand and hearing the roar of the engines does do a lot to bring you into the race. My seat was in between turns 1 and 2, but I started to wander, and I found a sweet spot right along the fence on the inside of turn 1.

Now for the crashes! When you watch racing on TV, the crashes are usually the most interesting part. But in person they actually take some of the fun out of it since you most likely won't see them, and the cars are much less exciting when they drive around under caution.

The first crash occurred, as expected, on the first start of the race, RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY SEAT!! Unfortunately, I was still looking around on the infield and completely missed it. Damn! Fortunately, most of the race was fairly incident free, and there was plenty of good racing. But then, towards the end of the day, the biggest crash of the race happened right in front of me, and I actually saw it this time! Now, both drivers were ok, so I feel I can safely say this, but that was one of the craziest things I have ever seen! The picture is of the cleanup crews getting the track ready to race again while the cars drive past under yellow flag.

In the end, Helio Castroneves pulled out the win after starting in pole position. As everyone was leaving, I took the time to walk around and see the sights. I was fortunate enough to catch them moving the cars from pit road to the garages. I also got to see the famous strip of bricks across the finish line. Police did a much better job directing traffic away from the race, and I got back on the road with little hastle. I would say the experience was definitely worth the trip, and I would recommend it to anyone that's interested.

So, now I am back in Rochester. It's boring and quite possibly detrimental to my health. Last night when a hunger craving hit, I ran out and got myself a garbage plate. If I make that a habit, I may get a heart attack within a year. Sorry for the very long post, and I hope all is well with everyone else.

I can't think of a clever title for this

So... I just got back from a three day trip to Minnesota to visit Rachel. We made a last-minute decision on Monday and I drove up on Tuesday. It was great to get away from home for a while. We went to two Twins games and the Mall of America (and rode the log ride... yeeeeah!) It was so much fun. In somewhat related news, I want to make more road trips before I have to settle down, so if you want to make this happen, let me know. Also, Iowa is always open to visitors... I'm just sayin.
Oh and speaking of Rachel... how do you invite people to this blog?
Hopefully I'll be in Chicago soon with a job. It's a work in progress. Also I'm thinking about doing something for my birthday in Chicago sometime in July, so you should all be a part of that. I haven't really worked out any details yet, due to the fact that I am still working on my future. But yeah. It'd be fun.
I just found a bunch of my old teachers on facebook and am sufficiently creeped out.
Gloria- I'm currently reading your emails and I AM SO EXCITED! The one in Hyde Park (same building as before) is my favorite so far.
Andrew- I'll keep your family in my prayers!

I miss you all.

A trip down good movie lane...

I guiltily admit that the first movie I actually wanted to watch when I got home... was Wanted. What can I say - I needed to watch something on par with say JCVD? Which excluding the delicious lack of plot, the straight up predictability of it, and dreams of wrecking Ferraris was pretty good - especially with the side benefits of DSL and decent action scenes (I only wish I could curve the path of a bullet too). I highly recommend the film so long as you aren't expecting something with high quality like say Sudden Death, Universal Soldier, or Street Fighter.

As for what else I've been up to -- nothing worthwhile (as usual). Trying to avoid having to redo some random part of the house as pennance for not having a job during the summer. For anyone in htown - I'm up for house of pies anytime and pretty much any day.

Gloria – your predictions almost made me cry! Kobes - so good to see you again at the dance – I’ll be praying for your dad and your family...
Ale – safe travels – a letter will be on its way soon! Liz – good luck with the interview and/or moving!!! Jamie – you are correct – American Outlaws is awesome! :)
and Brian... I'm glad that you are alive :)

Chi-city

Being home has never been so entertaining.  My mother is officially going bonkers.  For example, this is a verbatim conversation between my mother and I while talking about the sizes of my feet: 

"Your right foot is a WHOLE SIZE bigger than your left foot?!  You know what they say, the right side of your brain controls the right side of the body, so obviously you've been doing too much physics...cuz that's like left brain stuff." 

Then she handed me a book on Zen Christianity. 

"Here, read this.  It will stimulate the right side of your brain, so then your feet with e-qui-lib-riate."  

I stood there in wonder and worry that I'm half her genetic code, and replied: 

"So you're saying if I read a Zen book, my feet will change size?"  

Sorry I've been so out of touch lately, life on the home front hasn't exactly been peaches 'n cream.  A year ago my dad has a ventricular heart attack while I was abroad, from which he has recovered well.  But sadly, a few weeks ago he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  Good news is it's in the very early stages, so treatment is feasible.  But being 65 years old, he's no vigorous youth prone to fast recovery from treatment.  I've been secretly sneaking home to spend time with the family, and subsequently got very behind in my work/social life at the end of the semester.  For having gone "missing", I apologize. 

Well, it just became official - I have an apartment in Evanston, and I'll move in on June 1st.  I'll start my PhD work in the fall, but in the mean time I'll be bouncing back and forth between Northwestern and Fermilab (apparently I have to train to become 2nd in the command in the control room?...yikes).  I just got my grad text books yesterday, and I'm giddier than a 1930's school girl in a candy store with a 50 cent piece she got from a Mexican immigrant she helped smuggle drugs into the country.  

Also, did you know that Lady Gaga's song, "Poke Face" was inspired by the fact that she would think about women while having sex with her ex boyfriend?  Puts a whole new meaning to "bluffin with my muffin".

Of course, you are all welcome, if you're in Chicago, to crash at my place in Evanston (it's only a short L ride away from downtown Chicago).  

Off to mow the lawn...effing child labor.  

Tutte le strade portano a Roma...

This is an AWESOME idea-- mad props Gloria, this is a great way to be able to keep in touch!

Basically, this is going to be really short because I am leaving tomorrow for Italyyyy!! Surprise surprise, I know... I haven't packed yet and my room looks like Hurricane Ale has whipped through it. Hmm. Should get started on that...

Other than that I spent a great three days up in Berkeley, CA with my best friend from high school who graduated from UC Berkeley-- whoo go her! Her commencement speaker was clearly not as exciting as ours though... After that, I flew back down to SoCal and I've just been relaxing, unpacking and repacking (actually I havent started that second part yet), spending time with my family, and just chillin. Oh last night we went out to see Angels and Demons--- sweeeeeet movie, you should all see it. It's somewhat corny at parts (yay Tom Hanks for having a few corny lines...) but other than that its action packed and well, I have to admit, I think I loved it the most because I could recognize EVERY single place they were going around in Rome and the Vatican, even one of my favorite coffee shops by the Pantheon and the Scavi under St. Peter's! Perfect movie right before my trip to Italy, especially since I'll be in Rome for 3 days!

Ok so I'm really going to do this packing thing now... but I miss you guys all sooo much already!!! I hope all your summers are starting off very relaxing and chill!

LOVE YOU!!! <3 <3 <3
Ale

The Votes Are in!

A recent aim conversation between Reed and I gave birth to a few predictions/superlatives which I've decided to list below.

But first, props to Brian for the blog idea! Also, you should post that video once you add in whatever you wanted to add! I'm going to Chicago in the second week of June. I may be headed to South Bend for a day or two in there, not sure yet. Prolly just a day, as I can't see my mom being happy bout me ditching her for SB. Uh, I'm doing some freelance dance stuff out here for the summer. I figure it's good for my wallet, nomadic schedule, and my resume!! I promise you I am not stripping... much.

Gloria's Predictions AKA Your Destiny
Yeah, I've chosen not to explain or excuse these. I didn't make you futures, I just read them. Some of you will experience great and wonderful things in life... some of you will experience explosive diarrhea. C'est la vie.

• Most likely to be a cougar - Sandmonster
• Most likely to get away with a crime - Jamie
• Most likely to have the coolest spouse who we're secretly jealous of - Loveshovel
• Most likely to have a restraining order against them - Simonso
• Most likely to write a book and then never read it - Reed
• Most likely to be on the cover of a magazine - Megan
• Most likely to accidentally end up raising 9 kids - Brian
• Most likely to befriend movie star while on a plane to an unknown destination - Belma
• Most likely to beat up their kid's incompetent little league coach - Lauren
• Most likely to break up the fight after Lauren gets in some good punches - Tracy
  
• Most likely to furnish their entire home with IKEA furniture - Abby
• Most likely to unwittingly be the leader of a cult - Kobes
• Most likely to discover another dimension - Dan
  
• Most likely to live in 5 continents -Ale
  
• Most likely to party with undergrads until they are in their late 30s - Gimpy
  
• Most likely to get explosive diarrhea this summer - Jeremy
  
• Most likely to run into their last hookup and their next hookup in line at the bank - Bridget
  
• Most likely to have a sandwich named after them - Joe
• Most likely to be the reason for a rule against marshmallow guns in the office - Liz

Peace

My Life Sucks Without Notre Dame

Bravo, Gloria!

So I've been trying to be really productive in order to distract myself from the fact that I won't be returning to ND for band camp this year, and thus far it's worked out. Most of my life is still in boxes in the garage, but I'm moving in a month anyway so I guess it's not that big a deal if some stuff is still packed.

I went to the doctor because I was still sick so you're not alone, Jamie. Had a sinus infection so they gave me some horse pills (literally, these things are huge!).

I really don't have much to say. I applied for a job yesterday and within a couple hours received an e-mail asking me to interview. Problem was the interview was on the 26th of May. My official moving date to Arizona is 23 of June (actually more like the 26th cause we're driving cross country). Putting pictures on Facebook kind of made me face reality a bit so maybe the real world won't be that bad.

Maybe.

I am a loser

I have officially been home for just over 3 days, and today I left my house for the first time since I've been home; it was to get dinner. I do have the excuse of being really, really sick, but still. P.S. is anyone else that was sick before we left still sick? I keep thinking I'm gonna get over it and it's just not going away. uncool. Anyway, since I've been home, Ive read 2 books, watched a lot of What I Like About You and movie channels (American Outlaws was on SCORE!). Also in my slight obsession with the daytime lineup on ABC Family I discovered that there will now be a new season of Gilmore Girls (on ABC Family instead of the CW...weird), but it will be on mondays at 5 and i will be working then. yay DVR! The other day when i felt a little bit better I started rearranging my room and unpacking. it was a terrible idea and i almost immediately felt like crap again, but I at least did something slightly productive. I've gone to bed at midnight everynight and proceeded to sleep until at least 11am each morning. Ie also put off thinking about my future as much as possible. As my title said: I have been a loser since I got home. Tomorrow I'm getting a haircut and saturday til monday I'm going to my grandmas cabin in the adirondaks for the weekend so I think after that i will reenter the world.
I miss you all like crazy
also: completely off topic from anything else in this post, I activated my stupid alumni e-mail address so my new one is jengel@alumni.nd.edu. I think the other one still forwards stuff but i just switched it like an hour ago and haven't looked at it since so I'm not sure.
I hope you are all relaxing as much as i am

About Last Night. . .

First off, major props to Gloria. I thought this would be a good idea, but I had no idea what to do. So I consulted Gloria, and she put in all the legwork to put this together.

That said, I figured I should start this off with a crazy story from last night that I have already told multiple times.

So, in case you don't know, I am still in South Bend packing and getting the apartment ready for move out. Its pretty boring and lonely with no one else here, so last night I decided to quickly run out to Fiddlers Hearth for a couple drinks and to listen to some music. I had been hoping to get there one more time before I leave anyway. At the bar, I get into conversations with a couple of random people. One guy was a 50 something businessman from Detroit who had a meeting with AM General the next morning. Another guy, who I will call Joe, (Mainly because that was his name) was in his 30's and was married to an ND sociology grad.

As we are finishing our drinks, Joe points out that there really aren't any girls around and suggests that we go somewhere else. I think that he's on sort of a pre-midlife crisis, and I found out later in the night he was just now out of work. I am not drunk yet, and I judge him to not be creepy, so I agree. First we hit up a townie bar in the ghetto. He points out that just in case, there is a gun under my seat (!!) which is even more out of place considering that he has a baby seat just behind me. After a little while there, we head to a strip club. This being my first time to such an establishment, I find to to be an overrated experience, especially considering how much money guys have to drop there. I had already told Joe that I was out of cash, and he had to cover for me for the rest of the night, so I actually didn't spend a dime. After not too long, Joe ran out of money, so we left. I thanked him for everything he bought me, and we parted ways.

In retrospect, last night was not my smartest moment. However, I think I was the only friend Joe's had in a while, so I don't feel too bad. Ultimately, I did not get killed, raped, robbed, or arrested, so I'm counting it as a success.

Since I have had enough excitement for this week, tonight I am watching Lord of the Rings. I will be getting over the lonliness by eating ice cream straight from the tub. I might as well grow a vagina and rent some chick flicks.

yo.

good call on this, gloria! i was just thinking about the girls' blog the other day and how i hadn't been on it in so long.
anyway, storm lake is exactly how i left it. i'm already bored. in fact, today i counted the number of stoplights in town (there are 20). i want to see you all this summer if possible! i'm also working on job stuff since i have so much free time now. hope you're all enjoying your time at home! ok, time to unpack/clean my room now. ugh.

I woke up thinking it was Friday

Congratulations are in order. It's been a wonderful 4 years, but it's not over (lucky some of us get a fifth year!!!). A 6'3", blond, angelic, recent grad had the wonderful idea to start this blog to save us from mass emails, viciously long facebook threads, and the threat of losing touch. Yes, it's true, there is already an FLF blog, but it's probably a good idea to create a new, gender-inclusive blog. Share your thoughts, funny stories, big news, probing questions, random happenstances, embarrassing moments, minor gossip, major gossip, prayers, wishes, hopes and dreams (in that order).

Red Hot Magma \\\w///
Red Hot... \\\<>///

Peace