The return of the "human cheeto"

Yes, boys and girls, he's back.... (and not by popular demand). The "human cheeto" has reappeared on the scene thanks to this week's diverse schedule. I may not be raking in the big bucks (that's for sure), but you have to admit that my work is far from the "grind" of a regular job. When people ask me about my work I tell them "the money stinks and the hours are long but other than other than that it's great!" I really have no complaints other than physical: leg ache, sunburn (our topic for the day), sleep disruption, etc. The places I get to go make up for a whole lot of hurt...

Take this week for instance...after spending some quality weekend time with Melissa, I didn't have to work until Wednesday so I played golf on Monday and Wednesday morning... (after all, that's why I moved to Arizona). While my tee to green game has improved nicely, my scoring is not up to par (pun intended). I need to play less and practice my short game. I found a driving range nearby that I can bicycle to, so I need to pedal my ass over and put in some work. On Wednesday evening I was at the Convention Center for the 50th anniversary of Arizona Christian University (formerly Southwestern U). The main speaker and award recipient (1st annual Daniel award for Christian courage) was none other than George W. Bush our 43rd President. We didn't handle his security (there was plenty of Secret Service for that) but we were in the hall and manned the doors to check badges. His speech was a walking tour of the Oval Office during his administration by describing the artwork he brought in. He was quite good... (unlike my opinion of him when he was in office). He was also there to promote his new book (damn, I forgot to get a copy). Everyone behaved and he was whisked off to his car and gone before you could blink.

Following the former President was an outdoor concert venue in downtown Tempe for St. Patrick's Day... (and I admit this was more my element). I was there from 11am until after midnight hanging with hundreds of my former selves. There were six bands playing live from 5pm until midnight with Filter as the headliner. The event was in a square and sposored by the bars inside. Most of the fans were pleasant enough and we had a few that had a night to remember but probably won't... and all was peaceful until around 11:30 when Filter played their encore tunes and a mosh pit ensued. Got tossed around a bit and became a reluctant participant but no major damage and the crowd was containable. After they left the stage we cleared the square and sent the partyers into the bars for the rest of the night... and the mix of staggerers was equal between men and women (you go girls)...

Quick turn around on Friday morning...home from the concert around 1am and up and on duty at the Cardinals training facility at 7am. Because of the lockout we are there to prevent the players from entering the facility... (not that I would be able to do so physically). But the only people who showed up were some of the coaches and office staff and mainly I sat outside in my lawn chair guarding the player entrance. What a difference a few hours make. From the previous evening with raucous partyers and concert goers to quietly sitting outside the training facility with the birds and occassional office staff and UPS driver. But it was too much outside too fast and the sunblock was on but the sun here in Arizona laughs at sunblock and the "human cheeto" was baked to a crackily crunch. I can handle a round of golf with sun, but 8-10 hours with nowhere to hide but under a hat can get a little brutal... ah, but that's the price of a free ticket to venues that mere mortals have to pay for.

Oh yeah, before I go... the weather here (you know I had to bring it up) has been exceptional (haven't seen rain or snow since Tucson in Feb.) Brilliant sunshine and we hit the 90's this week... Have a good weekend. I'm working a birthday party tonight and then off on Sunday... I'll be in touch...