Opening Day 2010...

I got a last minute call from Judy (E&A host ) Sunday asking me to fill in for her as host on Monday for the Diamondbacks baseball game... (I was already going so to get to go for free was something that really interested me). I told her no problem. Then the office emailed me the paperwork, I printed out the phone #'s (digits) of the members going, I put on my Mets tshirt and hat (opening day is always celebrated in Mets garb) and headed out the door. Because the parking is expensive, especially on opening day, I parked at Gateway Community College (free) and took the light rail to downtown ($3.50 to ride all day). Flat Stan in tow, I arrived early and went to the will call window and picked up the tickets for the group. It was packed at the ticket booth so I found a less crowded spot and called all the people coming (there were 10 of us) and told them where they could find me. Everyone arrived early and then came the hiccup... one of the members showed up with a guest that wasn't on the list and the game was sold out. I called the office and they had no record of the transaction. So, as host, I made an executive decision and gave up my ticket. So, now the host is out in the cold but it was the right thing to do. Since this was not my first rodeo (or baseball game) I sent the members in and Warren, my buddy, and I wandered around the stadium and found a scalper. I paid 30 bucks for a 12.00 ticket (the game was a sellout) but I least I could get in the game. I called the office with that information and told them they need to get on with reimbursing me for the extra expense. They agreed... (they better). So I went up to my seat (one row from the top of the stadium--what a deal! ha) and then moved down when one of the members had to go to an audition. It was a great game and the D-Backs won (along with MY Mets completing a very successful Opening Day). Got some great pics with Flat Stan and bought a Diamondbacks jersey (when in Phoenix...) and after the game we went to Majerle's Sports Bar near the stadium and had dinner so we weren't crushed in the light rail going back.

What a great place to see a game. They had former D-Back players there, Kurt Warner threw out the first pitch... (much better than the President's throw). Country singer Joe Nichols did the anthem, there was a flyover by the Air Force F-16s from Luke Air Force base and they finally left the roof open!! (last year after the flyover they closed the roof on a gorgeous 70 degree day) With the roof open it sure felt more like a baseball game should feel...nothing like sitting outside watching a game (our seats were in the shade, but you know what I mean). I did not have the traditional opening day dog (we were going out after the game) but this makes two consecutive opening days for me here in the desert. Back on the light rail, in the car and home for the NCAA championship game.

Congratulations to Duke (booooo! that last shot should have gone in). Congratulations also to "Team Goodyear" finishing second and third in the Geek's pool after winning it all last year. Lumberjack Steve and Chef Boy RD are coming into some cash once the bean counters count all the beans. Kansas did me in again (found some spilled milk to cry over) but thanks to the Geek again for running the pool. I may have to take over if the tournament goes to 96 teams... (the brackets will be printed on poster size paper--yikes!). Since living the dream allows me a tad more free time than most, I guess I could assume the controls if the Geek decides to give them up...(who knows, maybe he'll even finish in the money as just a contestant? NAAAAAAAH!) Sorry, Geek.