Listed on BlogShares So...This Is My 30's?


 

My 20's have been left behind and my 30's has begun. This is my journey into the next phase of adulthood.

So, should I be feeling any different?

News Flash! Britney Spears is a fan of my blog!
November 29, 2006

Well, I'm only assuming so. These latest shots of Miss Brit, courtesy of What Would Tyler Durden Do? and Celebrity Smack, lead me to believe she is since we now finally see what men everyhwere had been clammoring for: a Britney Bare Beaver Shot! Perhaps she read my post yesterday about going the whole 9 yards?

I can honestly say, I'm sorry it had to go this way: with C-section scars, not in the shape she was Pre K-Fed, and obviously unintentional (um...yeah)

Oh, and by the way, I'm convinced more than ever there is something going on between Spears and Paris Hilton. Hanging out a lot lately, holding hands in photos of them together, and Britney's panties missing while in Paris' company. Put the pieces together people!

posted by That 30's Guy @ 12:52 AM, |


Not Quite A Testosterone Tuesday
November 28, 2006

I'll get into my usual diatribes on sports, sex and such, but I have to admit that tonight I'm taking one for the team. I agreed to go with Batgirl to a concert many months ago. It's music that I've never been into, will likely never get into, and will have to drive 90 minutes with her to get there. It didn't really hit me until today. Not very manly; I know. I'm swamped at work and will need to leave no later than 4pm so that we can make it on time (with traffic, it's going to take me nearly an hour to get to her apartment). I look at it this way: for all the suffering I've put her through with friends' weddings and birthdays, a trip to Atlanta to see the Giants play, and my Sunday whining over my horrible fantasy football team, I owe it to her. No need to present me with a medal.

Now onto the entertainment portion of the posting...

posted by That 30's Guy @ 7:00 AM, |


Power of Positivity
November 26, 2006

The final hours of Thanksgiving weekend are ticking down, and my Giants gave me absolutely zero to smile about today. I won't bother to go on a rant, but rest assured you'll see something about today's monumental collapse in Tennessee in this week's edition of "Testosterone Tuesday"! Needless to say, I'm a bit sad the 4-day stretch is over. Sunday nights have not been easy for me of late, and the job is a big part of that. The euphoria of leaving the last job (which by the way extended an invite to me for their Xmas party) had worn off and the "new" one has disappointed me tremendously. More on that later this week.

The last 24 hours have been about positivity. Hours after the post I put up Saturday, I went over to Batgirl's for a (hopefully) relaxing home-cooked dinner. She agreed with me that we needed a fun night free of house-and-family-related stress. That we did. Dinner was excellent (can't go wrong with chicken, pasta, and a bottle of red), and then I got a great idea to spice up the night: go buy one of those bedroom games at the mall. Ever since I started hitting the mall as a teen, I always wondered what those games in the novelty store were like. Now firmly entrenched in a serious relationship, I figured why not try one out now?

Batgirl was excited about the idea. We hurried out the door quickly so we could catch the mall before it closed. We picked up two games: one had five different decks of cards with different tasks, and you spin to see which deck you pull from. The other game has 52 scratch tickets, and you pull one, alternating "for him" and "for her," each week of the year. The idea was a success. It was a lot of fun not knowing what we'd have to do next. Some cards we just could not do, or didn't want to, and some we varied up to make it better. Either way, this was the type of thing we'd been lacking lately, and it made for an incredibly satisfying night...and morning ;)

Anyone looking to try something new, I highly recommend grabbing of these games. Their cheap, and definitely can provide more "bang for your buck."

Today, we took my parents by Batgirl's soon-to-be new house and happen to catch the seller. Real nice guy. Told us all about things he updated, things he changed, how he did them, and left Batgirl with some nice tips. It was great seeing her so excited, and I think it was refreshing for her to get such positive reaction from my folks. My mom repeatedly offered to give a hand when the time came to start painting, and my dad looked things over to make sure they were in fine working order. I know Batgirl's parents will wisen up and come around (her dad is starting to), but at least she's got people in her corner and knows it.

Today was my second look inside the place, and I really believe Batgirl has a major find. The selling couple spent 27 years there, and you could really tell the husband took great care of the house. I kind of felt bad that he and his wife needed to sell it, but life goes on. It was becoming a lot for them to handle. I wondered to myself how I'd ever be able to be so handy, like he was, and like my dad is. I started being able to see myself in the place, with Batgirl by my side. The negative feelings from the last two weeks began to lift.

I know that's odd considering my thoughts on Saturday, but remember I am thinking aloud on this blog. Days like today, and nights like last night remind me of why I love this woman. She's standing up for herself in going through with this, and I see her confidence in this decision growing. I believe the more positive feedback she gets from other people around her, the more confidence she'll gain.

posted by That 30's Guy @ 9:33 PM, |


Parents Just Don't Understand
November 25, 2006

I had a good, long post and somehow Blogger erased everything but the text.

Fantastic.

In a nutshell, Batgirl went against her parents advice and on Wednesday she decided to go through with the offer. Yesterday, with me by her side, she signed a purchase and sales agreement. No going back now. The closing is at the end of next month. She was exciting, hooping and hollering, hugging me. I contained my enthusiasm because I could see storm clouds fast approaching one the horizon. She withheld her decsion from her parents so they could enjoy Thanksgiving, but made the right decision to let them know last night.

The storm was a big one. In what has to be the most unnecessary act of dramatics I've ever heard two parents peform, Batgirl was battered into feeling self-doubt and guilt once again. I did not accompany her for I didn't feel it necessary to be put through a ringer and be blamed for her "disobeying." They came off as hurt, especially her mom beacause she was "left in the dark" on this reversal decision since the Monday night scene. In fact, she is so "hurt" that she wouldn't speak with Batgirl by the time she left their house.

Pardon me, but is Batgirl doing something awful here like marrying a cold-blooded murderer, or gambling away their life savings?

Meanwhile, her dad is claiming that the mortgage broker, who's been doing this job for 30 years and is heavily recommended to clients by Batgirl's realtor, contends that he miscalculated the quoted monthly payments by $600 (should Batgirl decided to go with interest only payments the first 5 years). Thankfully, Batgirl will be taking her dad with her when she goes to meet the broker on Wednesday. I tend to think the broker knows how to calculate mortgage payments since he does it for a living, how 'bout you? At least he's showing something by going with her.

Needless to say, I'm pissed about the lack of support, and as a result it's leaving Batgirl an emotional wreck. She been a roller coaster ride for two weeks. Happy one minute, sad the next. They ask her what I think about this, and she never tells them the answer she should,"He's behind me 100% because he knows this is something I really want--just like you should be." Truth is, before we met this was something she has wanted. This house came out of nowhere. She found about it when she wasn't really looking. It has nothing to do with me, except that she cares if I like it in case we decide to get married. Logically, I'd buy in to the place if we did. I do like it, especially since it makes her so happy. Why is it her parade needs to be rained on?

What's makes ME unhappy is the strain on me. On us. I spent my Friday night on the couch, waiting and waiting for hours while she was beaten down for making an adult decision that doesn't affect her family's financial well-being. We were supposed to go out to celebrate. My stomach was left in knots, and has been physically uneasy ever since the day she went to the open house two weekends ago, putting the spotlight on our future. It's definately affected our sex life, too. I noticed we don't go at it like we used to. Even on Wednesday night, which was my traditional guys night out before Thanksiving, I welcomed not having to worry about her, the house, the drama. I also had a girl heavily flirting with me at Nern's in the late night hours, to the point I fantasized about banging the shit out of her that night. I think if I really wanted to, I could have got her digits and set up a rendez-vous, but that's not me. I love my girlfriend too much. What troubles me is I was enjoying the flirting so much that I didn't leave until she announced she and Nern's cousin (who had brought her over) was leaving.

Before Thanksgiving, I started to strongly considered making financial plans to buy a ring. Now, I think I need to hold off. If decisions she and I make will somehow always affect the mental well-being of her family, then that's not a marriage I can be a part of. I do truly like her parents, but the events of these last two weeks really have changed my opinion of them. I'm so much more grateful than ever to have two parents who will stand by me when I want to make a decision, and will do whatever they can to help out when I make it.

posted by That 30's Guy @ 11:58 AM, |


Mini-Testosterone Tuesday
November 21, 2006

Since Tuesday is under four hours away from ending (at least, in the Eastern time zone), I'll just make this short n' sweet.

Have a Great Turkey Day Everyone! I'm sure many of you will be travelling instead of blogging.

posted by That 30's Guy @ 8:07 PM, |


Lord Giveth...and Taketh Away
November 20, 2006

Some time around 3pm today, I got great news form Batgirl: the seller was counter-offering to where we thought they'd go. The decision was easy for her: up the bid another $5K and the house is hers. She sounded so excited. She was getting on the horn with the mortgage broker she was referred to by the realtor, and I was having my buddy The Attorney give her a call to discuss possible closing costs. Before she proceeded, she wanted to let her parents know that this was going to happen.

Some time tonight shortly after 9pm tonight, I found out--it's not going to happen.

Batgirl just left my place a bundle of emotion. She stood her ground for some time, but eventually her parents scared her into thinking she'd go broke and she could not get her "dream" house. While I thought she did her homework to see that the monthly mortgage would fit her budget, apparently they did some math that proved to her the contrary. She now feels like a fool saying she wasted the time of the realtor, of The Attorney, of the mortgage broker, and anyone else she came across. She feels stuck, like she just can't go forward.

I'm quite pissed right now. I'm pissed she doesn't get the support from her parents. I'm pissed because I feel like the indefinite future of our relationship (are we or aren't we getting married) is keeping her in an apartment above her grandparents. I think that no matter what Batgirl wants to do, no matter the price of a house, even if it was a condo, she'd be shot down by her folks. I told her that to. I also said if the two of us were buying a house as a married couple, and it was another $100K more, they'd probably discourage it. That's when I followed up with this vow:

"I'm going to tell you right now: NOBODY is going to tell me and my wife we can't buy a house if we want to."

Even moree comical was that they discouraged her from getting a part time job delivering flowers. While it turned out to be a bad area and she won't pursue it, the woman is trying to take the time to make it work so she can be a homeowner. I can't ever picture my parents discouraging me from trying to make extra cash. In fact, they drive me night about the fact I choose not to have a side job! I'll tell you--our parents are night and day with their philosophies.

So, I'm a bit disappointed tonight for my girl. She really had her heart set on this house, but the force of her parents' influence was just too great overcome. Their remaining single child is still under their control. I hope their happy, because I can tell you right now that their daughter and her boyfriend are not.

posted by That 30's Guy @ 10:28 PM, |


Batgirl Takes a Big Step
November 19, 2006

Batgirl has decided to take the plunge. She's taken the step forward to try and become a homeowner.

After another brief episode of unexpected and unnecessary drama concerning the subject of the house on Sunday morning, Batgirl stiffened her upper lip and made the decision to make an offer. She had taken her dad to see it on Saturday, and his opinion was that the house was a "money pit" and too much house for one person. I wasn't surprised by this, but at least she didn't come away from the viewing as upset as she was on Tuesday night when she broke the news to her parents that she may buy a house.

I agree it's a lot of house for one person, but for the price she might be paying (if the bid is accepted), it's worth the shot. It's a house we could grow into together should we decide to get married. We both want kids, so what better place to be in? I didn't see the money pit side of his point of view. With a home inspection, there should be plenty indication of whether or not the place is a Tom Hanks-Shelly Long movie in the making.

The realtor she's working with is a pretty honest guy, and he is working in conjunction with the agent who was hired by the seller. While young, he knows his shit, and gave some sound advice on the directions she could take. Even if she doesn't get the place, she at least knows she put her best foot forwared. I'm expecting that by some time tonight, she'll know if the seller refused outright, or wants to counter offer. Until then, she's making the wise decision to keep Sunday's events quiet from the parents. I warned her she should expect them to criticize the move, but remember that this is what she wants and if she's made a well-informed decision, then they can shove it. I think she's done her homework.

As for me, if she succeeds with the bid, it will mean that I need to get my ass moving on the home renovations my bro and I have been dragging our feet on. Batgirl will need a hand in getting her house ready. Lucky for her, she lives in a place rent-free right now that won't be forcing her to get out. She can do the painting/cleaning/minor cosmetic work she needs before moving in too quickly. I'd just hate to leave all the work to Batgirl, her dad, brother and brother-in-law while I deal with my obligations to my place.

I know she's scared that this could be the wrong move, but I think any time you make a purchase like this, it's a risk. I was never sure I made the right move to buy a house until the last year. My house actually helped get me out of a potentially bad financial situation early last year. I know I can't afford a house alone, but Batgirl has a lot of money saved and next fall will be getting a substantial raise. She'll be just fine if she can get through the first half of 2007 okay. The main thing here is she'll be taking a big step forward, living in a place where she won't be under someone's microscope, be able to have her dog living with her again, and most importantly, feel independence.

posted by That 30's Guy @ 11:38 PM, |


Nothing But Confusion
November 15, 2006

I got a bit of surprise late yesterday evening when Batgirl called to tell me she was close to putting in a bid on the house we looked at on Sunday. She had been pre-approved for a mortgage under her name alone, for close to the price she was going to offer. The surprise was due to the fact a couple of days had gone by and we had been given this impression from the real estate agent that there were two bids on the house. I figured Batgirl was going to let it go by. I was glad to hear it, and the enthusiasm in her voice brought a smile to my face. I knew, deep down, Sunday was not about marriage, or someone to make her decision. She wants to move forward in life, saw a house she adored, and wanted to seize the opportunity.

We talked about what she could offer, if she should low ball a bit since the house was really not bid on yet (according to a connection she has in the same realty office as the agent we met Sunday). I reiterated to her that she needs to be 100% sure that she can handle the mortgage, on top of the insurance, taxes, and whatever else could come up. I also suggested she could try to see if they could include the closing costs in the offer, just like I did when I bought my place. I suggested she drop by and we could go through my old paperwork so she could see the process. She thought that would be a great idea.

Then she said it: "Do you think I should tell my parents before I get deep into this?"

I got a bed feeling in my gut. I questioned what the reason would be since she hadn't formally offered anything and was in the early stages. She got the ok without her dad as a co-signer, so their blessing shouldn't be necessary.

She told me she would be over after picking up a small pizza. I hurried to run an errand, than went through my files to find all the paperwork I saved from the purchasing process. Time continued to tick. Soon almost an an hour and a half had passed. I decided to call her since it was getting to be almost 9:30. She answered her cell, her tone sounding down. "Where are you?" I asked.

"I'm just leaving my parents now," she said. I could hear disappointment in her voice. She broke into tears a bit. Just as I suspected, her effort to make an adult decision was met with protest. Mainly, the protest was coming from her mom. Bascially, Batgirl and I think that this is her mom hanging on to the last child to remain under her "control," being that the other two are married. One is now a mother. I questioned out loud why she had to go over there. Of course, hearing her so upset had me concerned, and I wanted to see her anyway and told her to still come by. She agreed to.

I should have just let her call it a night, because her enthusiasm to go through my papers wained quickly. I thought the whole process would come back to me, but after 3 1/2 years, the memory was a bit fuzzy. Her mood soon became rather glum, and I couldn't have been sure if it was my lack of knowledge, the talk with her parents, the amounts of money printed on the papers, or all of the above. Or, maybe it was the fact I was so enthusiastic about helping her do this. She'd technically be doing it...by herself. I think with me appearing to be useless in guiding her through the process, it disappointed her and perhaps she felt she'd be on her own. Not to mention, she had been on the run all afternoon in getting the process going, then went to visit her new niece, and then came the emotional roller coaster caused by her parents disapproval of the news. She was run down.

I didn't know what to say or do. All I could do was tell her I loved her so much, and I would do everything I could to help her through this process--even though last night made it look like I'd do her no good. I told her that, basically, her parents will probably be the only two people who will give her shit for this decision. I reminded her that I'd be behind her, her brother and sister would, their spouses, her friends, and even my parents. Evetually, her parents will come around and not disown her because she wants to be a homeowner. I told her I want her to get this house because she wants it and it will make her happy.

Nevertheless, she was still in a shitty mood as she left my front door, and I could feel the chill. I was at a loss, and a bit confused to boot. Since she wouldn't go into what happened at her parents' earlier, I didn't know what to do or say. I had to just let her be.

I couldn't sleep. I pulled out all the cards she wrote me over these last 9+ months, and saw the same theme repeatedly: how happy I make her; how lucky she feels to have met me; how our relationship has brought different meaning. Then this one really caught my eye: how she enjoyed the unknown about what was going to happen next--how we just "go with it."

This came from a card she gave a couple of weekends ago. I wondered to myself what changed so quickly. Maybe it's her newborn neice? Maybe it's this house? Maybe its her folks? I wish I knew. All I know is, she was on my mind all day, and the future of our relationship is weighing heavily on me. I don't want to let her go. I can't picture my life without her. I really can't. Maybe I have made my mind up about whether or not she is the one, and am just too afraid to admit it.

I wish I knew.

posted by That 30's Guy @ 7:55 PM, |


The Talk Rears Its Head
November 13, 2006

I can't apologize enough for the erratic posting, but really, when you don't have a whole lot interesting to say--or the time to post something entertaining--it's difficult.

Today was my day off. I took a vacation day because my company doesn't rollover vacation time, and since Batgirl was going to be off, I figured why not use 1 of the 4 days I have left. Little did I realize, this would be the day that her sister would finally go into labor and have her daughter! Talk about a long night. She was admitted to the hospital shortly after the Giants embaressed themselves vs. the Bears last night. I got this impression that because everyone was scrambling to the hosptial, she was going into heavy labor. Batgirl and I rushed to change into more presentable clothing, and were at the hospital by 12:30am. The clock ticked...and ticked..and ticked.

Finally, around 4:30am, it was clear to me that there was no need for me, Batgirl's entire immediate family, and her brother-in-law's parents, to even be there at this ungodly hour. Shit, even Batgirl's dad told me this was not a good idea. Her brother-in-law came down and said it was great we were all there, but it would be for quite a while before the baby was to come. I opted to leave and go catch some Z's since I lived close by, while most of the family remained behind, including Batgirl. She was really appreciative of me being there, and I felt like part of the family. Funny thing was, I think her sister going into labor may have helped a difficult development in our relationship.

Batgirl broke news to me Sunday morning that she wanted to go to an open house. Since June, she's wanted to desperately move out of her apartment since she lives above her grandparents. I knew she would value my opinion, and offered to accompany her. After I offered, I really wondered if I made the right decision. My plans for the afternoon were to go home, start making chili for our dinner during the Giants game, and do a few minor things around the house. This changed things. We picked up groceries for the chili, I mixed them up in her crock pot, and off we went. The house was over 50 years old, tucked away in a quiet neighborhood (not far from her parents' home, I add), and was well taken care of by the elderly couple who was selling it. I thought it was a nice place, but there were cosmetic and structural things about it I didn't like. Batgirl, on the other hand, she adored it. When she asked what I thought, I gave the honest answer,"It's now what I think about it, it's what you think."

Never could I imagine what this would start. We got back to her place, and she resumed some chores she had started before we left. She took her laundry down to the basement, and I could hear her crying from the kitchen. I knew right away that her stress was caused by two things: the fact she needs her dad's blessing to buy the place since she was pre-approved for a mortgage with him as a co-signer in late spring. The other would be that she was taking our future as a couple into account.

It finally happened. After 9 1/2 months, "The Talk" finally occurred. I really didn't know what to say. I have not made up my mind as far as whether or not I'm ready to get married, or if she is the one I want to marry. I can't figure out which of the two it is. Obviously, she wasn't happy with some of the things I had to say in regards to my uncertainty, and what kind of time table I was working with. I'm at a point where I think I need to be better at financial planning and take my future more serious, but have not taken the steps towards taking care of that. I also think I'm a bit selfish still, and feel it neccesary to have my personal space. Finally, the two factors I just mentioned make me unsure if I can be a good husband and father in the near future.

The basis of her frustration is she doesn't want to buy a house with her dad's name on the paperwork--she wants it to be mine. Of course, because I own a home with another person, I can't make a spontaneous decision like purchasing another house. In my opinion, neither can she. This all came down Saturday afternoon when she learned of the open house. I don't think she really has planned out how she'd put in a bid for this place, and for how much beyond asking price she would bid. She is convinced it's going to go this week. I, for one, think $300,000+ is too much for one person to handle on their own. My mortgage is over half that, and I know that I could swing it without my brother. There just isn't enough time for her to get her ducks in a row. I told her that if it was me, I wouldn't buy, even though I want her out of this living situation and into a place where she feels it's her own.

We also talked about the "friends thing" you longtime readers have read so much about. I made it clear that my friends will always be a part of my life, and will always get a portion of my time. I explained to her that in my family, I was taught you can't have your life be just your spouse. You need to have some outside interests, or else you'd kill each other. Unfortunately, her parents' marriage doesn't work that way. They don't have a lot of friends, and prefer to stay home. I know Batgirl isn't 100% like that since she likes to be out and about each weekend, but she doesn't have tons of overtures to do things from a social circle. Amazingly, we came to an understanding on this topic. Nevertheless, it all came back to where my head is at.

She made it clear: she is ready to move forward in her life. She's not complacent, whereas I seem to be. She wants me to be a part of that step, but it can only happen if I want to. The only reply I could give her was simply,"I can't put my name down on this house with you."

We eventually were able to lighten things up, although I decided she needed some time alone to blow off some steam and relax. I left for a couple of hours, but after one quarter of football, it became obvious that the afternoon's discussion still weighed heavy on her mind. The tension I felt throughout the game was one of the most uncomfortable feelings I ever had. Her expression was stoic, her replies to comments were one word answers, and she obviously was down-trodden. I opted to let it lie after her replies to the "what's wrong?" question was nothing but grins and a head shake. I knew she was emotionally spent, and her mind was still occupied over what to do about the house. I strongly considered not be spending the night. She needed to be left alone. However, I never got the chance to make my final decision. The phone call came shortly before midnight that her sister's water broke and she had been admitted to the hospital. The rest is history.

When this afternoon finally concluded, we shared many embraces in her place. She had not slept a wink, and I felt it would be best she have some private time to sleep, especially if she was going back to the hospital to see her niece up close and personal. I told her I loved her, and there was this part of me that didn't want to let go. I said to her that the last 24 hours have certainly been a roller coaster, and she apologized for blind-siding me with "The Talk." She said she probably should not have gone to the open house with the knowledge that there'd be no way for her to turn around an offer. I apologized for the stupid shit I said, and that I just wasn't prepared to have "The Talk." She replied that I was only "speaking the truth." I then admitted I hoped what we have wasn't going to be negatively affected by this; she said it wouldn't.

I don't know what it is, but I have my doubts that our relationship will be the same now. I felt a sadness when I left her at her doorstep today, though that's not an uncommon feeling after we spend a long weekend together. Thing is, I read between the lines, and the writing simply said,"30's Guy--I want to take the next step with you. Are you ready to take it with me?" I can't answer that definitively. My doubts are more about myself than her.

The experience we shared together with the birth of this baby made me see a part of life I never have. In the past, I've always just dropped by when a friend or relative has had a child, usually at their home. This time, I got to sit through the wait with the family, and see the joy in the faces of grandparents when they see their grandchiled for the first time. I saw the happiness in the eyes of a proud father who just spent 20 hours with his wife, bringing their baby girl into the world. I want to have that some day. I just wish I could figure out if I want it sooner than later.

posted by That 30's Guy @ 5:08 PM, |


Testosterone Tuesday (Evening Edition)
November 07, 2006

A little publicized piece of news from the world of That 30's Guy: I landed NY Giants tickets for this past Sunday's unexpected squeaker vs. the Houston Texans. Guys I work with are season ticket holders, and I was caught off-guard with a ticket offer Friday morning. Naturally, it took me no time to jump on the opportunity.

I hadn't been to the Stadium since the 2004 home opener vs. Washington. It was such a different atmosphere than the road game at Atlanta a few weeks ago. On Sunday, I saw folks who drove in trucks and trailers painted in Giants-blue with the NY logo, propped up plasma screen TV 's hooked up to Direct TV dishes, or had their X-box set up so they could play Madden'07. There were a few bands, too. Oh, and not to mention Jersey girls looking so damn hot in Giants gear. What an environment!

It got better. Among the bunch of us, we had a couple of seats down in Row 1 in the corner of an endzone. Because this was my first trip with the group, they gave dibs for the first half in one of those seats. I never had been this close to the action before. I got to see Tiki Barber break a long TD run right towards us. We could hear the hits and grunts as if we were down in the action. For the 2nd half, I moved up to the other seats in the upper tier at the 50 yard line. These weren't so bad either since you could see the plays develop. Shit, though.: if I sat anywhere I would have been happier than a pig in shit!

Ah yes. NFL football on a cool November day. I can't think of many better ways to spend a Sunday.

While the Giants looked pretty flat against a bad Texans-team, I contribute that to sitting a few dinged up players like Plaxico Burress (back), and Sam Madison (hamstring) in preperation for this Sunday's huge clash with the Chicago Bears. I won't lose sight of the fact that Big Blue's two best defensive players, Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyora, are injured. I have faith Osi will play with Strahan now being out for 2-4 weeks. No matter what, I think this offense can score on this suddenly-vulnerable defense of the Bears, and I think the defense can pressure Rex Grossman enough to force him into making a few mistakes.

Now, some takes on what's what in the world of sports and entertainment.

posted by That 30's Guy @ 9:06 PM, |


Reliving A Difficult Day
November 06, 2006

Don't ask me the reason, but I thought I'd recognize that on this very day one year ago, That 30's Guy suffered what is probably the greatest heartbreak of his life.

The best part is, I didn't realize it until tonight. It's amazing how much one can grow in a year. Of course, it helps when you've met someone and are deeply entrenched a great relationship.

About this time, my boys and I were in a local sports bar. The Giants had just beaten the 49ers, and Nern was whipping my ass in Golden Tee. An hour or so after Nern dropped me off, the realization I would never hear the voice of my long distance love broke me down. My good friend Vegas called me from NYC to see how I was doing and I girly-manned out and broke down. It was the second time of the day. The first was when she broke the shocking news. We both were emotional wrecks as she explained (somewhat) why we should end our 5-month affair that spanned across a 1,000 miles. Funny thing was in spit of the distance, I nevr felt closer to anyone emotionally. We were on the phone night after night, supporting each other when our jobs wore us down, bringing a smile to the other's face, and even engaging in the occasional "conjugal" conversation. Then, when the long 3-4 week wait was over, we'd share a long weekend together, almost like we were a couple sharing an apartment.

Eventually, it all became too much for her. She sensed I loved her, and something or someone convinced her she didn't love me. She ended it one week after she flew out to see me. It cut me like I'd never been cut before. I knew I'd bounce back, but the question was when? I thought I got my answer a week after the big dump, when I headed to NYC for "Brewtopia"--an annual beer-tasting convention. Vegas invited me down to forget about things, and I was introduced to his girlfriend's single friend. By 2am that night, I was on my way to her apartment with visions of her D's cups smooshing my face. Except, it didn't happen. I opted to not go through it. My mind was 1,000 miles away.

The healing process began, and within a three more weeks, I decided to "go for it" and met a younger girl at an alumni function for my college. I took a line out of Risky Business and said"What the fuck?" I got a number, and by the end of January I had a New Year's Eve date and we were rocking the walls of a hotel room in Groton, CT after mauling each other on the dance floor of the party we attended.

I never saw what came next, though. Batgirl came next. We were set up by, of all people, my parents. The fling with the young girl ended abruptly a few weeks after New Year's, by her choice no less, and I once again said, "What the fuck?" I met this unknown woman, and nine months later, I'm very much in love. What's best is she is in love with me. We came along at a time when we both were very jaded, and we've helped each heal and move on to embrace our relationship.

Still the scar from the wound caused by my heartbreak last November 6 is very much present. I wear it like a badge. Reason being, I learned how to love during that 5 month long-distance relationship. I learned what it's like to be involved with a woman, and not a little girl. I also appreciate the access we have to each other's life. I value every laugh I hear, every memory we make week after week, every emrbace we share. Sure, the ride has had more bumps than in the beginning, but it's how we handle it that speaks volumes. So far, I say we've passed with flying colors.

I don't know my ex is up to now. I know she still lives in the same city. I think she actually sent a letter to another blogger seeking advice recently(the background info and other details were too uncanny). Regardless, I look back fondly on that time we spent together, and I truly hope she has been able to figure out how to let someone into her heart. She showed me the way to, and for that I am grateful to have known her.

posted by That 30's Guy @ 9:07 PM, |


Another Will Bite The Dust
November 01, 2006

It's been a week since I was able to sit down at my home computer and do a post for you. Unfortunately it is nearly midnight and I need to gets me some sleep. Really quick though...

Big news from the last week is that my longtime pal, Master K, finally decided to ask his girlfriend of the last two years, Shep, to marry him. I got the call on Friday night that he was going to do it the next day. A part of me was happy for him, but another part of me was just...numb. The cold relationship between his fiance and my girlfriend tempered my enthusiasm. It has me in a tough position. While Shep has never deliberately given me attitude, I did notice her demeanor towards Batgirl when we celebrated Master K's 30th. In fact, not long after we arrived at their condo, she sort of went into hiding and later made little effort to welcome me, at the very least. I had to approach her.

In addition, I have heard from my very good friend, Ren, that Master K's stepdad (a good man who has been a second father to K) questions the motives of his future daughter-in-law. When you compound that with the fact Master K's mom does not have the best of relationships with Shep, it's hard to really get too excited. I know there is a part of her who wants to go back to Chicago (where she's from and where the two met), although those cries to go home have subsided since the couple purchased their condo in NH. My friend's homesickness--and great job offer--was ultimately what brought the two back so he would be closer to his family and friends. The talks about going back to Chi-town led to Shep and Mama K to have a showdown a time ago, according to K's sister. Since then, their relationship has not been the best.

Of course, with the aid of alcohol, Batgirl got pretty emotional about the news of the pending engagement once I hung up the phone. I can't figure out why, but I think part of it was because 2007 is now shaping up to be another year with events & weddings: my cousin in June, and possibly this one. The feelings towards the bride compounds the problem. She wanted to know how it is I can let my friend make this mistake (in her eyes). My response was simply, it's not my decision to make, nor have I seen her do anything to harm my friend. I have only the opinions of others, including Batgirl's.

So now, with the likelihood I am going to have a role in this wedding, and there will no doubt be events coming up like engagement parties and who knows what in the near future, I certainly have a juggling act on my hands. I never wanted to do this, but I think I'm going to have to have a heart-to-heart with my old pal about the obvious tensions between our loves, and how it's going to be handled. I know Batgirl has discouraged this idea for it may make matters worse. Thing is, Master K has been a good friend to me for over 20 years; almost like a brother. This is a major event in his life, and I want to be there to support him. On the other side of the coin, I'm a bit insulted by the unjustified treatment my girl gets from the bride-to-be, and those words of others can't help but make me wonder if this woman really has the devotion and proper motives to be a spouse to my friend.

Anyone else ever been in a predicament like this?

posted by That 30's Guy @ 12:24 AM, |