Working for a living... sort of

Cooperstown... Alice Cooper's theme restaurant is located 2-3 blocks from Chase Field (where the Arizona Diamondbacks play baseball) and right behind US Airways Arena (where the Phoenix Suns and Mercury--can't forget the ladies-- play). It is packed with rock n'roll and sports memorabilia and features signature sports bar food and multiple televisions to watch games. It's a very popular pre-game hangout and with the New York Yankees in town to play, all the transplanted New Yorkers were out to see the games (3 sell outs). I worked there doing security (I wonder if they wanted me because of my East Coast roots) just walking around making sure everyone was behaving. When game time came on Monday the place emptied like someone pulled the plug on a full sink... By 7:30 it was "Ghosttown" rather than Cooperstown so I was cut early but paid for 4 hours so I was not unhappy. I was back on Wednesday night expecting the same result... but it was not to be. In addition to the baseball game, Ringling Bros. Circus was across the street at US Airways Arena. So traffic was bad and the place was packed before both events got under way... (I had parked my car in the park-n-ride in Tempe and rode the light rail downtown. It dropped me off about 3 blocks from the venue).

So, as I said, the place was packed... (there were a few more Dbacks fans but it still felt like I was back in the Bronx with all the Yankee jerseys milling about). Again, around 7:15 the place emptied as if the health department had declared an ecoli breakout...but this time I was required to stay until the game was over. So basically I was being paid to watch pedestrian traffic walk up and down the street (not that I am complaining. At least my ankles were safe from the little vampires that attacked my ankle last week. That wound is healing nicely, thanks for asking). What was cool was that the animals from the circus were penned directly across the street under the arena, so we were serenaded by the elephants and big cats... (glad they were in cages). So, the game dragged on... (I figured we would be done around 10:30 because most baseball games are around 3-3 1/2 hours long and it started at 6:40). But noooooooooooo! This game went into extra innings and didn't finish until 11:00. But I figured cha-ching... more greens fees for me. Then my partner told me that the last eastbound light rail left at 11:15... (a fact I overlooked when deciding to take the train). But he lived in Mesa and offered to drop me at my car. (Whew!) Plus there were a few diehards that came back for more adult beverages so we had to hang around... (we did get to escort 2 over zealous drinkers from the bar before we were done. They were happy drunks so there was no altercation). We were finally released around 11:45 and the ride back to my vehicle was much appreciated... (will have to learn the light rail schedule better for the next time. Not used to things stopping at certain times although I should be by now). A good gig all around.

Want to thank one and all for the birthday wishes... It was a quiet day... (I celebrated with a round of golf on Tuesday). In fact, I was part of setting a world record for most golfers at a shotgun start... (golfers tee off at the same time from different holes on different courses across the country). It was all set up to benefit the Livestrong Foundation.. (Lance Armstrong's charity to aid cancer survivors) so it was for charity and it was a great outing. We set a new world as 2,223 golfers teed off at the same time across the country breaking the old record of 1,019. This is my first Guinness World Record and probably my last (although the longest fingernails record intrigues me, I don't know how I would hold onto a golf club so never mind). It was a beautiful day (what else?) and we played with a great bunch of guys and gals and if I can find where they posted the picture I will put it on facebook. Another tournament coming up on Sunday to benefit charity so I need to practice up. Work is scarce but I may have something for July 4th. More details to follow...

200... and counting...

Trumpet blasts and fanfare please... this is my 200th blog (I told you I had a lot to say) and I am combining a Happy Father's Day, happy first day of summer and Happy Birthday to you (me) all in one enchanting rant.

First of all, Happy Father's Day to all the Dads who are fans of my blog (and even those who are not). Special wishes to brother-in-law Craig, who is the dad of my two wonderful nieces, Vee and Nat...(and congratulations to Vee on all of her academic awards--WAY TO GO, VEE!!!!). I am so lucky to be their Uncle and love them very much and hope they treated their Dad to a very special day. I also hope that all the other Dads I know had a great day also. You guys deserve it. I am also thinking of my Dad today (I think of you often, Dad and miss you very much) and how cool it would be to spend one more day together playing golf or watching it together on TV. Rest in peace, Dad, and know that I love you...

Tomorrow (today, depending on the time zone) is also the first day of summer and the longest day of the year... (summer solstice--useless piece of trivia-you know I had to throw some in). It also commemorates the day that your intrepid author first made his appearance way back in 1958... (for those of you arithmetically challenged that's 52 years ago). 52. Somehow I never pictured that number and myself being the same. Back in the bad old day of Jim's age... (B.S.--before sobriety) 52 was a number I felt sure I would be long gone before attaining. But here I am at the verge of obtaining this lofty goal (still an hour before midnight here) and humbly shaking my head in disbelief... I am turning 52 and loving every minute of it. I am truly blessed and continue to kick myself for not appreciating how blessed I truly am. Since the day I started this journey 200 blogs ago and up until the present time my life has been an exciting and unbelievable adventure in all ways. There have been troubled times but all in all I am still able to continue on this adventure in the way I had hoped... and that is truly a blessing.

I worked on Saturday at Mighty Mud Mania (the city of Scottsdale builds a water and mud park at a city park for kids to play in--water slides, mud pits, mud obstacle courses, playground and wash stations) and survived the 100+ temps with no shade for 8 hours and came through it with a darker tan (very cheeto-esque) and a swollen ankle (that some sort of varmint caused by biting me four times--looks like the world's smallest vampire bit me on the ankle... twice). I popped the swelling and out oozed some viscous, pus-like fluid (gross!). I don't know what bit me, but I'm not happy about it. No pain, so I'll keep an eye on it for now. Next up for me is Cooperstown (Alice Cooper's restaurant downtown) for security during the Yankees-Diamondback series Monday (yes, I'm working on my birthday...like everybody else does), Tuesday and Wednesday. Going to ride the light rail back and forth (love that train!) to save some gas and crazy expensive parking fees (no charge at the park-n-ride in Tempe). Should be fun to hang with the Yankee fans at Cooperstown (ya know what I'm sayin?)...

How y'all doing?...

Greetings and salutations from the Great Southwest... Enjoying the weather (we are solidly in the grip of 100+ and the monsoon season starts tomorrow). I was trying to figure it out and the last time I remember it raining for any length of time was during the Phoenix Open. In case you forgot that was in February... it is unsubstantiated but it has been a long, long time. Monsoon season is something I not familiar with yet. When I think of monsoons I think of the Far East and torrential rains and flooding. Here it means humidity (but not the kind I used to know) and flash flooding from storms that seem to appear out of nowhere... (some pretty cool lightning storms too). But according to the weatherman there are still 7 suns in the 7 day forecast (toughest job in the valley), so our intrepid golfer is spending some quality time on the links the next few days... The kids (golf clubs) have been waiting patiently while I have been moving in to the new place and I need to get them (and me) some exercise while the swing is still in a good place.

In the meantime, I have been indulging my sports obsession with college baseball (ASU is ranked #1 and qualified for the World Series in Omaha), World Cup soccer (football), Major League baseball and the NBA finals... I need golf to pry myself away from the TV for a few days and get some sunshine and fresh air... But while I'm on the subject, here's hoping the Celtics do away with the "no one can compete with the Laker's length" Lakers in six games and let Kobe and the boys relax this off season (let someone else be defending champions). The games have been everything a basketball fan could hope for. Physical, exciting and down to the wire. It's a shame it has to come to an end but "Let's go Celtics".

Other than that I worked a show at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts last Friday and was assigned to keep people from touching the exhibits in one of the halls... Got to love the arts. They kept the room at about 60 below zero (exaggerating) which I loved but the patrons weren't too happy about. The actual exhibit was photographs and paintings of the surrounding Scottsdale area (and I learned much to fill the fountain of useless knowledge). It was a quick gig (4 hours) but pleasant one that contributed to my next round of golf. This Saturday is Mighty Mud Mania in Scottsdale. They flood a local park with water and build water slides and the kids play in the mud and water slide and then rinse off to beat the heat. It's a parking gig but not the usual suspects and more relaxed... (I know I said no more parking, but a gig is a gig. Life is all about change and adaptation). Plus, this year I am more prepared because this is the second time I'm working the Mud event and the new cooler is making its maiden voyage into the fray... (more cubic inches and cooling capacity for more drinkables). Should be an awesome time for the human cheeto...

Rattlers, boxes and golf... oh, my!...

No, not the poisonous, slithery kind... a friend had tickets to the Arena Football League's Arizona Rattlers vs. the Milwaukee Iron (are there no good nicknames left in Wisconsin?) on Saturday night. Interesting take on football. Hard to believe future Hall of Famer Kurt Warner came up through these ranks... (sorry, pro football snob talking). It was highly entertaining and hard hitting and the crowd was really into it. Our seats were about 10 rows from the field and the players interact with the fans and throw footballs into the seats. In a tough fought defensive game, the Rattlers won 61-60 by going for a two-point conversion in overtime and making it. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday night if you ask me. Plus, we rode the light rail to and from the game which is always a treat... (having tickets to the game means no charge to ride the rail). But the long day (no nap) and excitement over the record golf round and football game wiped this old man out.

Sunday was spent lounging around the apartment recovering from the previous day. With the temperatures well into the 100's, if you don't have a reason to be out there, there's no reason to out there. I had no reason, so I spent the day putting a few things away (very few) and hydrating in front of the TV and in front of the current book I'm reading... (Undone by Karin Slaughter---murder mystery). The apartment is coming along like the tortoise in the fable (slow and steady) but like I told you, I'm in no hurry to move in. Everything in its place and if there isn't a place, its place is the dumpster or Goodwill. The pile of boxes is dwindling now and the place is shaping up. I did good again picking this location. Plenty of amenities and closer to everything I need to be closer to. I am now an official resident of Tempe, thanks to the Arizona DMV... (I never would have thought I would be thanking the DMV for anything). I changed my address, registered to vote (should be getting the jury duty notice any day now) and got a new license all online for 4 dollars and never had to leave my computer to visit the DMV. I don't know how it is back East anymore (I'm still getting jury duty notices and registration renewals from NJ) but I'm sure it's still a nightmare. What a refreshing change...

I played the round after THE round yesterday and the magic is still happening (fashioned a 73 at the course next door to where my sister stayed in Phoenix). Had a couple of hiccups, but managed to come back and play a solid round. And my friend and I finished 18 holes in 3 hours and 23 minutes (gotta love the heat in Arizona for keeping the golfers away) all for 25 dollars... (not to rub it in but this course blows away many of the courses I paid 4x that amount to play back East). One round of golf at Centennial ($135.00) equates to 5-6 rounds out here. And the replay rate is even cheaper!! So, my golfing enthusiast buddies, get on a plane and bring the sunblock and play some terrific courses for not much cash... (I'm going to do it whether you come or not, but I sure would like to see you).

The security business is in the slow time of the year, but I have prepared this year and should have no trouble making it to the busy season... (meaning the greens fees coffers are doing quite well). Thursday my company is throwing a party for associates at the office downtown and I will be attending... (free food and drink=no brainer). A chance to mingle with the office staff and hopefully network myself into some more cool gigs. I will be working Mighty Mud Mania again next week (which I will get into in a future blog) which is a parking gig, but not an unpleasant one... (although it was last year--115 degrees and no shade. This year I will be prepared). got to take what is available (greens fees IS green fees).

Return of the "Human Cheeto"...

Back by unpopular demand after a gorgeous winter in the Valley (winter---HA!)... it's the "Human Cheeto"!! The arrival of 100+ degree days is upon us here (near 110 this weekend) and that means run and hide from the sun... unless you're working outside security. I got the call on Tuesday during moving day that my company needed someone "good" to work the Arizona Cardinals OTA's (Organized Team Activities) at their practice facility in Tempe on Thursday and Friday. It was parking lot security and perimeter control to keep the fans and media from watching practices and bothering the players and coaches and their vehicles. It was cool meeting the players and coaches and I got to ride around in a golf cart but there was nowhere to hide from the sun (and yes, it still hasn't rained in I don't know how long). So along with meeting Coach Whisenhunt and the players, I became the "toasted" of the town of Tempe. Best news was that the facility is only a couple miles from my new digs and allowed me to scout the "hood" for stores and such. Bad news was that the job required long pants... (the things you need to do to look security like). But besides the baking, it was a good gig (keep filling the greens fees bin, thank you).

Speaking of the new digs, I love my new apartment... (I saved money but still have the guest room available so make your travel plans--no crowding please. First come, first served). The complex I'm in is quiet, I have two balconies (one off each bedroom) and the view from the master bedroom is the golf course next door... (Super double BONUS!). I'm on the top floor and no one is walking on my head anymore. All the appliances work, the a/c works beautifully and the cable guy did a terrific job on my TV and internet connection. Now it's up to me to empty all those freaking boxes... (I swear that they multiple over night). I unloaded a lot of crap before i left and the dumpster here is getting the same treatment. There is a Goodwill store down the block that is going to love me in a week or two. I have decided that if something doesn't have an obvious place in the apartment, it is dumpster food or someone else's "treasure". No mercy... my back can't take it and I hate the clutter and toe-stubbing going on right now. It may hurt me and frustrate me, but it will NOT beat me. (great mantra, don't you think?). Slow and steady is how I'm moving in... (don't plan on going anywhere for a least a year and I promised myself it wouldn't take that long).

On a personal note... I shot the best round of golf ever today at the Duke (named after John Wayne--cowboy theme). The best round ever for me not the course, a one under par 71... (first time I ever shot a round under par). I hereby dedicate this milestone round and all others like it to my Dad (may he rest in peace) who took me golfing with him as a child and gave me the chance to discover this wonderful game and nurture the overwhelming passion I now have for the game that saved my life... (those of you who know my story can attest to the fact that golf was the one constant throughout all my trials and tribulations). What a great day and round it truly was... who cares that it's going to be 108 this afternoon. Heat---it's whats for summer...

Time flies when you're...

Uprooting your existence again. I can't believe so much time has passed since I spoke to you guys, but a lot has been going on out here left of center (out West). When we last visited, I was ranting on a political soapbox about SB 1070 (the Arizona immigration law) and trying to get Pomp and Circumstance out of my head... Since then, much has happened and my fingers are warmed up and here comes the news I deem fit to print.

After toiling in the halls of academia working college and high school graduations, it came time for some serious packing for my move... but the phone rang and my company needed me to work a high end convention at the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale. It was a week long event and they wanted me for three days, but the days were 15 hours long and in a row... but there was good news. It was an inside gig (except for the late afternoon buffet and outdoor party) and the floors were carpeted which made my legs and feet ache that much less. The convention was for a large pharmaceutical company and we were employed to keep outsiders away... (all participants had badges so we just kept out the unbadged). I worked with a good crew and the client was thrilled (how could he not be?) but the days took its toll and I got nothing else done those days (including sleep). So then I get a call on Friday morning (after working Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) for a "special" assignment at ASU for the weekend. I really can't get into too much detail because it was a covert operation. I worked midnight to 7am Friday and Saturday and then 9:30 to 7am on Sunday night (great Memorial Day weekend, huh?). But I can't complain because the work is welcome and I am so blessed to be able to work and it's pretty obvious my company is happy with me because they keep calling... but those shifts really screwed up my sleep schedule. I'm still trying to recover.

So I get home Monday morning and crash until around 3 pm. Then I go into turbo-packing mode and finish boxing everything up around 6am on Tuesday morning (one hour before my window for the movers to arrive!). Back into the bed (which is now apart and on the floor) for a 2 hour power nap and then the movers arrive and proceed to lift my life from the apartment in Chandler and load it in a truck en route to Tempe...