FAIL! FAIL! FAIL!

What was that crap about writing a blog post every day?

I have stockpiled some interesting things and while Karen sleeps, I will release the stockpile as separate posts, since that is what they were supposed to be. Not going to number them b/c I'm not sure what the point of that would be.

I do know there are a mere nine days until Christmas! I wish I could reveal what Karen and I are getting the kids this year. I don't think the kids read this blog but I'm sure not going to be responsible for them accidentally finding out about our plans for them prior to 12/25.

Before I get to the purge of stuff I wanted to post, I will summarize some of what has been going on in my life since I last wrote - which is, after all, the purpose of a blog.

Karen, Mark, Susie, and I went to the Isle casino in Waterloo on Saturday night. Mark and I sat at the same blackjack table. I started with $20 and walked away with $42.50. I don't want to believe I know what I am doing because then, I think, I will want to return. I liked hanging out with Mark. It was the longest I've played blackjack at a casino on $20. Mark thinks he's a good luck charm or some bullshit like that.

There are some upcoming live events and concerts that I am trying to work my way into.

• We received confirmation yesterday that the entire family is going to go see the Harlem Globetrotters in Moline, IL, on Saturday 1/5. It will be Dave, Chris, Emily (?), Rachel (?), Adam (?), Mark, Susie, Jonathan, Tyler, Karen, Megan, Alex, and I. Alex and I are very excited. Karen and I saw them sometime between 1998 and 2010. Alex was a baby but the exact year is fuzzy. We didn't think, at the time, Megan would like it.
• Next is ShineDown, Three Days Grace, and POD in Moline, IL, on Friday, 2/1. I don't have confirmation that I will get a press pass (aka free ticket), but I'm pretty sure I will get a photo pass. 
• A couple of weeks later Doro is playing with Sister Sin opening in Waterloo on 2/15. Kevin wants me to go to that show. I am not the biggest fan of either band - can't name a single song from each band - but it may still be worth going to go see them.
• The next night, Mark's band plays at the Hub in Cedar Falls for what may be their second-to-last gig. Their singer is moving to St. Louis after school is out. My vote is to advertise it as their last gig and then, if a final gig materializes in the spring, advertise it as "Back by Popular Demand, for One Night Only!" I don't know what their marketing budget is. I know our friends Jeff and Karen are planning to go see them as well.
• The following weekend, 2/23, Sevendust plays in Waterloo with Lacuna Coil opening. I need to spend some time with Lacuna Coil to get more familiar with their music. As for Sevendust, I had a beer with Lajon, the lead singer back in 1998 when they were opening for Megadeth. There was also the night they headlined the Five Seasons Center for a charity concert. Admission was $5 and I drank waaayyyy too much. I saw one of their songs before passing out. I have been sober for nearly two years so I don't see that repeating again. Then, just over a year ago, they were on the bill with Five Finger Death Punch in Waterloo and played an excellent set. I'm anxious to see them again, though, to be honest, I have no clue what their songs are about. I've always thought Lajon needs to sing more clearly - he kind of mumbles.
• Bon Jovi plays in Des Moines on Sunday, April 14, 2013, but that is only lightly written in pencil on my calendar. I have never, ever, seen them in concert. I have also enjoyed their music since their debut, always considering "She Don't Know Me" to be one of many personal anthems for how I view high school.