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?

Testosterone Tuesday (Evening Edition)
October 24, 2006

Today was a great day to be a Giants fan!

A day after Big Blue put a whooping down on The 'Boys in their house, the New York Giants appear to finally have their act together, and look like the team we thought they'd be in the preseason. The defense was ferocious and opportunistic. The offense, lead by Tiki Barber's 100-yard effort, controlled the game. Eli was hitting Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey at will. Even Tom Coughlin could do no wrong when he challenged a fumble call early on against Eli Manning, and got the reversal, though it was the wrong call. Of course, nothing can go exactly the way we Giants fans would like it. Lavar Arrington, who finally looked like the stud linebacker we hoped he could be when he was signed, tore his Achilles tendon and is lost for the year...and possibly his career. It's too bad because I noticed a drop in the defense's intensity when he left the game in the 2nd quarter.

Now it is on to a three-game homestand in the Meadowlands, with this Sunday's game being against the Tampa Bay Bucs (winners of two straight) and Tiki's twin brother Ronde. I love the G-men's chances of making it four in a row as they face a rookie QB, and a team that I think is playing above their heads right now after upsets of the Bengals and Eagles.

Then, after what I hope will be a demolition of the Houston Texans the following week, The Giants host the (currently) undefeated Chicago Bears for their stiffest test of the season. Yours truly has a chance to go to this marquee matchup that has become the first game of the season NBC used their flex option; instead of a 1pm game, I may be freezing my ass off at 8:30pm November 12. Let's hope those tickets come through. Now, onto more guy-talk.

posted by That 30's Guy @ 7:11 PM, |


The Roller Coaster Ride
October 21, 2006

Yeah, I know I don't update like I used to, but why ramble on about nothing when there is nothing good to talk about?

With Atlanta nothing but a distant memory (thank God), I'm gladly going to enjoy the finer things home offers, like beautiful Autumn scenery, cool Halloween events, and decent weather. Batgirl and I are going to spend some quality time together today. A week ago, I wasn't sure about Us, though.

Upon our return from the trip (like, I'm talking within an hour), we sat down at my place and had a long discussion about us. She kind of wanted to know where my mind is at. I thought the talk was heading in the direction of my thoughts on marriage, but it really wasn't about that. It was more about all the running around we've been doing over the previous 4 weekends, and she wanted to know if this is what life with me would be all about. You know, going off at my friends' every beck and call.

As my loyal readers know, my girlfriend isn't blessed with a lot of friends. When she was married in her early 20's, she made the mistake many people who get married at a young afe make: they "outgrow" their single friends. Years later, her marriage crumbled and she was left with nothing but a select-few friends and her family. Years after the divorce, I come along--the guy with 20 best friends around the Northeast. It's a lot to take on.

I understood where she was coming from. She was tired from all the running around we've done since June. Admittedly, so am I. Even though I still can't understand why it's a problem for her guy to have a special place in the heart of a lot of people, I got the picture that we need to spend more time together--alone. Our lives have been nothing but birthday parties, weddings and family functions since we got serious. I can see that the silly arguments with her parents, the running around on my friends' accounts, and the comedy of errors from last weekend had just worn her out. I actually thought we were going to end things during that talk. I got a bit choked up as I realized how much I love her and have trouble picturing my future without her. Thankfully, it didn't come down to that. She broke down herself as the frustration of appeasing her parents vs. her own desires weighed heavily on her. She admitted that for all the bullshit we went through this past weekend, she was sad it was over because now we have to deal with the "sleeping over" issue that her folks aren't cool with.

I'm not sure yet how we'll handle that, but what we did have to handle within 24 hours of that talk was another birthday celebration invite. My good friend, The Attorney, called me Monday night to tell me his parents were hosting a 30th birthday dinner for him on Wednesday, and he was inviting a small group that obviously would include me and Batgirl. I cringed. I debated if I should tell about the invite, or just go on my own. I knew that if I didn't ask her to join, and she found out, there'd be hell to pay because it would look bad for her not being there. On the other hand, I didn't want to deal with the long talk that would ensue as a result of another 30's Guy's Friends-centered activity.

I opted to tell her Tuesday night. What ensued was another long talk. This time though, I became agitated. I wasn't the compassionate guy from the night before. I sounded off about how fucked up it is that it's a problem someone wants to honor one of his best friends. Among other guests was going to be there was Nern, fresh off his passing the bar exam. There was reason to celebrate. I reminded her that when we started dating, I commented often how 2006 would be one big party due to all the friends I have who were turning 30. Just because she didn't think turning 30 was a big deal, doesn't mean friends who like reasons to get together shouldn't celebrate it. I assured her that 2007 would not be like this, and I firmly believe that. It's been exhausting, both physically and financially. I only know of one wedding for next year, as opposed to the five we've had this year, and my sister's 21st is the one big birthday. At first mention, Batgirl had declined to go, but then she changed her mind after hearing me spew my venom. I think she began to see my point, and that prompted the about face.

In the end, we had a great time Wednesday night. I knew that she would enjoy herself because the group would not include Master K's girl. I now see Shep as the Terrell Owens of my friends' significent others: when she is around, I sense tension. When she's not, Batgirl feels welcome and has conversations with the girls without me being around to moderate. Shit, she even gathered some books together to give to Angel, Nerns' wife, and drove them over to the school where she teaches the other day! As a thank you, Angel gave her a bottle of wine on Wednesday. These are the folks that have gotten to know Batgirl, and vice versa, and I hope in time they will do everything they can to make her feel more comfortable. Batgirl even went as far as to say to me she was glad she came to the dinner. I saw her in a better mood than I'd seen her in weeks. It was great to hear the cheer in her voice, to see the smile, and see her openly speak to all who were at the table. She even helped The Attorney's mom clear dishes and clean up in the kitchen.

Relationships are truly not easy--especially the long-term ones, and I know it's a big adjustment to incorporate someone into your life. I acknowledge that as a perennial single guy, I need to start slowing down all this running around and consider more private time to be with my girl, consider what she wants. These aren't her friends, and it will take a very long time before she can ever consider them warm aquaintances. In years past, I've ALWAYS accepted invitations to functions, but that was because I didn't have someone else to consider. Now I do. I'm looking forward to it being just us the remainder of this weekend, and I can sense she is excited about it too.

posted by That 30's Guy @ 10:42 AM, |


10 Subtle Hints That A Trip Was Not a Great Idea
October 18, 2006

I'm sure a minority of the internet audience out there would like to know about the football weekend down in Atlanta. Naturally, the Giants victory over the Falcons was one of the true highlights, coupled with the final evening in my hotel room with my girl. That was basically about it. To make matters worse, my day back at work yesterday really sucked. It made me regret missing just one measly day. When I considered the emotional toll it took on me, and to a bigger extent, Batgirl--it almost wasn't worth it. Away we go...
  1. A week before departure, you find out you've been displaced from a downtown hotel, to one that is 12-15 miles outside of the city.
  2. Your bottle of cologne gets tossed in a trash can at the security check because it exceed 4 oz.
  3. You don't have time to stop and get a bottle of water before boarding to ease your hangover due to the security hold up.
  4. It takes a half-hour for the hotel-provided shuttle service to pick you up at the airport even though the guest service person told you 8-10 minutes.
  5. You get tailed for 4 or 5 blocks by two shady characters who first attempted to come off as friendly before falling back behind you.
  6. The MARTA service agent sends you to the wrong stop, which then leads you to take not one but two wrong turns to find the bar scene.
  7. You get charged $10.00 by a cabbie to take you what is probably a mile to two at most.
  8. The MARTA train alert says your train is arriving, even though it's on the northbound side of the platform, but the marquee on the cars reads "airport." Turns out, it should have read some thing else and the right trains is pulling in across the way as you leave.
  9. Once you make it back to the MARTA stop at the airport, you find your shuttle drive sleeping in the driver's set.
  10. You manage to land an earlier flight, but when you get to your gate at the furthest end of the airport with hands full of food, you discover the gate has been moved two concourses back, and you have maybe 20 minutes to make it. Oh--and you need to take a train to get there. That's how far.

Needless to say, there was a bit of tension between Batgirl and I all day on Monday, but the good part is we aired out a lot about what's happening in the relationship upon returning. It's just too bad the final highlight was landing an early flight home for only an extra $25.00 each. Thanks for the birthday gift Mom, Dad, Sis and Bro! (Shhh...no one tell them what really went on)

posted by That 30's Guy @ 12:01 PM, |


Testosterone Tuesday
October 17, 2006

The trip to the ATL is a not-so-distant memory. I'm back home and back to life as I know it.

Thank God.

Atlanta was not Batgirl's and my cup of tea. When I went there four years ago with Capt. Paul and his brothers, we spent most of our time up in Buckhead where we had our hotel. Our nights out were just a short walk away. Plus, Paul knew where he was going after spending a great deal of his military time there. We had a blast. This time around, even with an impressive Giants victory, the weekend was nothing but a big uphill battle. As much fun as we had at the Georgiadome on Sunday afternoon, our experiences around the game were not so enjoyable. I'll get into it maybe later this week when I have time to digest it all. In the meantime, kudos to Big Blue for rising to the challenge of being down 14-3 just minutes into the second half to score 24 unanswered points and make a statement to the NFC that they are finding their way.

Now, some other topics I've digested.

posted by That 30's Guy @ 7:03 PM, |


Ready for Some Football
October 13, 2006

Countdown to
vs.
2 days
This weekend's big game between my New York Giants and the Atlanta Falcons seemed so far away back on July 22nd when my brother and sister revealed what my family's birthday gift to me was. Now, in another 24 hours I'll be in Atlanta, GA. Then, on Sunday, Batgirl and I will be taking on the NFL experience in the Georgiadome. This gonna be awesome!
I haven't been to a G'nts game since the home opener at Giants Stadium in 2004 when Big Blue ran roughshod over the Redskins. Being surrounded by fans who share the same passion for your team is extremly exciting, especially for a guy like me who lives in an area where my team is not the local team of choice. This will certainly be a different experience in that I'll be surrounded by thousands of Falcon fans in the stadium. I'm sure I'll get some friendly razzing as I make my way through the stands to my nosebleed seats, wearing my Tiki Barber #21 jersey. It's all part of the fun. It's after the game that could be a nightmare.
Seeing your team win in a visiting stadium in any sport is VERY gratifying. Walking out of there if your team loses is humiliating. If you've been through it, you know what I'm talking about. As a Red Sox fan who's watched his team lose multiple times at Yankee Stadium, I can tell you it sucks. I'm hopeful that last weekend's stellar defensive showing by the G-men is a precursor of what's to come, because if the team who got torched the first three weeks shows up, Batgirl is going to have a long day with me!
Besides the football game, I'm hoping Batgirl and I get to live it up. We're staying in a modern, state of the art hotel. We've decided we're going to wing it as far as the nightlife and restaurants. That's how we've always conducted our dates since we met, although there are attractions we hope to see. I'm definitely aiming towards a Georgiadome tour shortly after we check in.
Unlike my last trip here in 2002 when I was with Capt. Paul and his two brothers, I don't expect our nighttime activity to be as wild. I mean, ogling chicks who are dancing on bar tops would be great, but you all know Batgirl would not go for that. Oh well. I'll just have to get her drunk so she'll do that for me in the hotel room!
Have a great weekend everyone. GO GIANTS!!!!

posted by That 30's Guy @ 6:00 PM, |


(Belated) Testosterone Tuesday
October 11, 2006



In light of today's events in New York City, I felt it more appropriate to show respect to a fallen athlete rather than go on an ignorant rant about sports, sex and (un)popular culture. As a huge sports fan with the utmost respect not only for the players I cheer, but for those who oppose my beloved teams, I thought I'd say a few words about the tragic death of NY Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle.

My deepest sympathies go out to Lidle's wife and son for their loss. Sure, as a Red Sox fan I'd be vehemently booing this guy if he took the mound at Fenway Park against my team. At the end of the day, though, we're all on the same team. It's only a uniform that draws the jeers.

Rest in peace, Cory Lidle.

posted by That 30's Guy @ 8:52 PM, |


Let Us Be Happy
October 10, 2006

I know I'm a bit late, but I'm sure the couple dozen of you who read the site must be wondering what became of the weekend. Well, to begin, my office won the intra-company softball challenge 2 games to 1. I had three AB's as a DH, reaching on two fielder's choices, and later fly out to right field.

After we got blasted in game one, our "coach" shuffled up the starting lineup and the defense played better, and we scraped out the win. Unfortunately for me, I saw little action for the day, especially that second, must-win game (no AB's) and had to leave before the third game. My right hammy was tightening up badly, and I was not about to push to get in knowing I could fuck my week up with a limp. It was off to NH with Batgirl I went, and the weekend became a roller coaster ride.

Now, some time ago, I promised myself I wouldn't divulge a lot of personal info. That's especially the case when it comes to my relationship, and the main story of my weekend revolved around that. Couple of observations and comments would be appropriate.

First, it's a fucking shame when a couple of girls who are involved with two longtime friends can't seem to get along. I saw the chill factor between Batgirl and Master K's girl Shep upon our arrival to their condo. It's amazing when you see the embrace and genuine warmth between myself and my good friend, then see the other end of the spectrum when our two girls just barely say hello.

My issue with Shep is here we are, making the trip up to celebrate my friend's 3oth, and when we walk in we fell frigid, almost awkward. It seemed like The Attorney's girlfriend and Nern's wife are caught in the middle because they both seem to really get along with Batgirl whenever Shep is not around. Even during the party while Shep was absent for a long period of time, the three girls mingled well and shared lots of laughs. Batgirl is making the effort and acknowledges she should do better, but I just don't see it from my buddy's future fiance. To see how on edge and nervous my girlfriend was on the drive up was not fun, and very uncomfortable for me. I almost felt bad that she was coming. Still, in the end, she told me the party turned out better than she expected, and I was glad to hear that.

My second opinion is this: parents need to butt out when their kids get to a certain age. Batgirl's parents have really beaten her down emotionally this last week regarding how we spend our weekends, and it's guilting her into this state where she is a wreck. It's the 21st century, and both people involved are adults in their 30's. I almost feel like I know my girl better than the people who brought her up. I'm beginning to see signs of meddling. As a guy whose folks are semi-liberal, and believe in letting their son be his own man, I can't stomach that. I fear what such outside influence will do to my relationship and the way we operate together. To change what has made it work for nearly 9 months because of what other people want is not right.

What bugs me the most is that between Batgirl and me, we have no issues. We are extremely happy together, just the two of us with little outside distraction. It unquestionable that we've found a match. The funny thing is the bumps in the road have been caused by outside elements. After being on edge all day Sunday, I made it clear: this shit has to stop. What needs to start is put what we want in front of others. Batgirl needs to handle things with more backbone, and less concern about what mom and dad think. I certainly don't worry about what they'll think if I sleep with someone. Isn't it amazing how people like to throw a wrench in the works when other people are happy?

The countdown is on for Hot-Lanta...NY Giants vs. the Atlanta Falcons. It will be nice to get away for three days, see the Giants emerge as the NFC power I believe they can be, while at the same time exploring a relatively new (to her) city together.

It's when we get back that may dictate our future.

("Testosterone Tuesday" is making an appearance on late Tuesday/ Early Wednesday. Let's see what happens to Joe Torre in the meantime.)

posted by That 30's Guy @ 12:02 AM, |


Giving You The Finger
October 06, 2006

Sorry folks. I've been on the DL, the IR, and any other injury list initial you can think of. I busted up the top of my middle finger while fielding a grounder on a bad hop this past Tuesday night at softball practice. As a result, the entire top third of my middle finger is purple and looks like it's going to explode. For a couple of days, it looked like I'd be giving everyone the finger while having my at-bat if it didn't heal in time. I couldn't even squeeze a breast with my right hand fully without the finger popping up, never mind a bat! Needless to say, it's tough to type quickly and comfortably. I'm improving, but not enough to put up a real post. Too bad cuz I had something to say.

Anyhow, the big intra-company softball challenge is tomorrow. I will be a bench-warmer, which is expected when you can barely field a pop-up cleanly. Then, Batgirl and I head to Master K's 30th birthday bash. I think I'm more nervous about that, than the game. Fingers crossed Batgirl holds-up ok. Enjoy the weekend.

posted by That 30's Guy @ 7:51 PM, |


Testosterone Tuesday
October 03, 2006

Well, it's October. I think. At least, that is what the calender says.

For the first time since 2002, Red Sox Nation will not be able to see any playoff magic. The odds of that happening died a long time ago. Sure, last year's sweep at the hands of the White Sox wasn't all that enjoyable, but it was still playoff baseball. It's too bad because the last three Octobers--especially 2004--were quite the ride. It was extremely depressing to tune in to yesterday's rain-shortened game to see nearly empty seats in Fenway Park on a rainy day in a worthless game. On the mound was the likes of Dervan Hansack, and not Curt Schilling pitching in a do-or-die/ must-win game to get into the postseason. You even go to the Red Sox website and there is no talk about tomorrow; there is talk about where they go from here. Depressing.

I really do feel for fans of teams like the Royals, Devil Rays, and Brewers who just don't even know what it is like to have your team get a chance, no matter how remote, at winning a World Series. I guess I can't complain since I'm among that group of baseball fans fortunate enough to know that each offseason, my team's front office will do everything it can to ensure the team can make a run at contending. Then again, if the Red Sox brass have another winter like the one we experienced last year, I may as well just sleep through summer in hopes the Giants will get it right in 2007.

posted by That 30's Guy @ 6:53 AM, |


Good Friends, Good Times, Another Turns 30
October 02, 2006

I knew 2006 would be one big party with so many friends hitting the big 3-0. This past weekend it was Tall Paul's turn.

It was great being able to see everyone from college for a second consecutive weekend. Some of the best times of my life have been shared with this group. Even though there were a few significant people absent, the majority were still on hand. TP was very surprised, and so genuinely touched that people like Batgirl and myself made the long trip out a week after Gian's wedding. Being that Batgirl is an outsider to this crew, she remarked to me how clear it is that we value these friendships. She laughed about how long it takes for us to say goodbye to each other every time we've had a special occasion. She calls it,"constipated goodbyes." Funny term, and true! I think we counted Tall Paul saying goodbye to us at about three times.

This place was fantastic. We had open bar, a pretty extensive menu, and a beautiful garden out back. There were a lot of laughs to go along with it. Our friend "Kid" got up and did a funny speech about how he met TP at the start of freshman year, and reflected how long the frienship has endured. While a little long, the speech was fun to listen to.

I was extremely encouraged by how well Batgirl has adjusted to the group of college friends. The real test, though, is next weekend at Master K's party. I've always been confident that Batgirl would be comfortable in the company of the college friends, but it's with the local friends whom I think she will need more time to adjust. While she is willingly coming up with me, and is even volunteering to drive so I can freely enjoy myself, I know I'll need to keep an eye on her to make sure she's not standing off to the side by herself. She and Nern's wife Angel have seemed to be gettig a little chummier, but I don't trust Angel as the type who'll invite Batgirl into the conversation with the other girls. I'll have to see how it goes.

Finally, on our way back we stopped for magarita's in Mystic, CT. I never really spent time there before, but it seemed like a really nice place. It's on the coast, and both Batgirl and I would like to live in close to the ocean at some point in our life. As I start to consider a future that includes Batgirl, perhaps that would be place to consider moving to. It seemed peaceful, and a little bit of a throwback to the way things used to be in New England. There wasn't this glut of chain stores and restaurants, just your basic "Mom-and-Pop" shops up and down a bustling Main St.

Ah, that's a long time away, but at least something worth thinking about other than my shitty 8-fucking-A.M. conference call to start my week Monday morning.

posted by That 30's Guy @ 6:00 AM, |