Something in the Water

Once again I've fallen prey to the water of Chaska, Minnesota. Need I say more? Can't wait to get back to my East Coast tap, my wimpy Brita water filter, and the Kastrounis throne.

My In-Laws are Cool

It's Christmas Day!!! My wife and I have landed in Minnesota for the Holidays and I've been reminded of how much I love family. Granted I'm spending Christmas this year with my wife's family, and not my immediate family in Pittsburgh, but there's something about being surrounded by people, young and old, that genuinely care about you and your life. It's just so comforting and cozy. I'm so happy that I can find this kind of love and acceptance in PA and in Minnesota. Maybe I should look into starting families all over the U.S. like some of those extreme polygamy practicing mormons...nah. I love the Holidays!!

Oh Happy Day!

I love me some 24. For Christmas my more than awesome wife bought me Seasons 1, 3, and 4 of the thriller/drama that showcases the very essence of a man with nothing left to live for except his passion for killing terrorists by the hundreds in a matter of hours.



It's coming whether you're ready for it or not. Season 6. You know I'm psyched!!
http://www.fox.com/24/

R and R

I fell asleep in a car today, seated upright and proper, and now my neck hurts. I've just never been able to figure out a comfortable way to sleep in a car. I rest my head on the window...uncomfy. I rest it on the seatbelt height adjuster...uncomfy. I lay the seat all the way down (for those who own a VW, "I dial it down")...and still my head rests uncomfortably in between the head rest and the seat. The only way to get some sleep is to just let my head droop onto my neck and chest, sort of like a relative nodding off after a nice Sunday dinner. I'm comfy while falling asleep, but man, afterwards I'm just all jacked up in my neck and shoulders. Maybe I should look into investing in one of these things. My friend T-Bone has one, and he's an analyst, so I'm sure he's figured out the secret to traveling/sleeping comfortably. T-Bone, don't let me down.

Fashion Sense

I've got a pair of Pajama pants on. I've never been a PJ guy, never, but tonight it feels really cool. They're made out of cotton. Brings back some memories. When I was in elementary school, I was Mr. Sweat Pants. I rotated like 5 pairs of sweats every day, every year. My reds, blues, greens, and my pairs that had the names of Colleges written up the legs played the part of my lower limb wardrobe for a little under a decade. Luckily, I remained somewhat of a popular guy despite my horrible fashion sense. I was comfortable, and I didn't care about looking good so I'm not really apologizing. Dang, I'm really comfortable. Is it too late to ask for sweats for Christmas? I bet my mom would get me a pair.

Guitar Boy

My wife bought me a guitar while we were dating. It was sort of an engagement gift. She figured that since I bought her a ring, she felt like she was supposed to get me something. I did my best to explain the meaning of the ring, knowing full well that she already understood the 1 carat White Gold symbol, but in the end she just really wanted to buy me something. Since at the time we were both living off our own separate incomes, I figured "Why not? Get me something awesome!" And she did. However, she did make sure to tell me "Jason, I love you, but if you don't write me a beautiful love song, you're in troubs." Dang. She was joking of course. Today I came across a song by this sweet band, Cartel, called "The Minstrels Prayer." The song's about a guy that wants to woo his lady, who he has a lot of feelings for, with a song. I've got a lot of respect for guys that can write a song about the power of a song, without ever mentioning the woman that they hope will be affected by a future song. Sounds confusing, i'm still confused as to the purpose of the song. But whatever. Here are some lyrics.

Shelter me oh genius words
Just give me strength
To pen these things
And give me peace to will her wings
And oh oh carry on all you minstrels of the world
We will catch our lady's (or ladies') ear
We will win for us the girl

Listen to the song at http://www.cartelrocks.com

Say "Yes!"

Looking at pictures like this one reminds me of my wedding day. Instead of telling us to say "Cheese," the photographer wanted us to say "Yes" every single time she took a posed picture. I must of said "Yes" a thousand times, and every time it felt like I was reliving the seen from Blazing Saddles. "Sounds like steam escaping."

Tis the Season

Christmas + "Rocky Balboa" = The Most Wonderful Time of the Year