Dan Post #4

OK so obviously we aren't the most prolific bloggers in the world.

Here's a quick update (sans pictures) of what's going on in our lives.

We spent 2 weeks in California with Becca's fam and had an amazing time.  Doreen spoiled us as usual.  The days were just packed (that's a C&H reference for those who aren't fans of the greatest comic ever drawn).

We went to Hollywood, danced on the edge of the Hollywood sign, rode the Ferris wheel on Santa Monica Pier, went bowling with Glenn and Becca's Grandpa, and I spent lots of time (but not enough) learning about how cars work from Glenn, the all-knowing guru of everything automotive -- scratch that, he's more like the all-knowing guru of everything.  I got to work on his '67 Coronet that he races in his spare time.  Consider me converted to classic cars.  (I'm still not 100% converted to MOPAR but Becca's working on it.)

We went swimming with the Cristales kids - Becca's cousins.  Never in my life have I seen kids with so much energy and so little fear.  Seriously, all four of them of half human, half fish.  My arms and back were so sore the next day from throwing them and wrestling in the pool that I could hardly lift my arms above my head.  So much fun.

We played Wii with Elizabeth and Chris, went swimming in their neighborhood pool, and ate lots and lots of great food - including all-you-can-eat sushi and Fry-Bread Tacos.  We also got our tails whipped in various games including Michigan Rummy and Monopoly.

Becca did a bunch of stuff without me - wedding showers, baby showers, etc.  I stayed home and watched football, tennis, and Storage Wars.  I'm not a big old films guy but we watched a movie called "Support Your Local Sheriff" with Doreen and Glenn and trust me - it's hilarious.  Although I'm sure it's funnier watching it with Glenn.  Speaking of watching things with Glenn, we watched one scene from Despicable Me at least 6 times one night.  "It was your cousins idea!" - "Whaaaa???"

Did I mention we went to Disneyland?  Well we did and it was incredible.  I haven't been there since I was 8 or so.  The Tower of Terror still scares me to death.  I could spend a paragraph talking about each ride - especially the ones that made my weak stomach almost explode (here's looking at you, Space Mountain).  I was introduced to the ever complex and fascinating underworld of Disney pin trading.  I was blown away by the quality of the shows there - specifically the Aladdin Musical (Broadway quality no joke) and the four man bluegrass band.  Oh, and of course, Becca's uncle, Farley the Fiddler (Gary).  He's worked there for years and basically has the coolest job in the world.

We took a break from Disneyland to go see some of Becca's family friends practice for their bluegrass style band (think Nicklecreek) in Anaheim.  I think that may have been my favorite part of the entire trip.  Fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo, and none other than our very own Glenn on the Bass.  Those guys have a talent I'll envy for the rest of my life.  I took a video I'll have to post sometime.

We moved to NYC last week.  It has been crazy.  A big thanks to my friend Matt for moving his stuff with us and splitting the cost.  We shipped our stuff via ABS Shipping in one of their freight trucks which was considerably cheaper - and very easy - for anyone considering a move soon.

Way too much has happened in the last week or so to write with the time I currently have.  We had a fantastic time with my parents and managed to go to a concert, a show, a musical, and a baseball game.  We also went to Jimmy Fallon, visited the sets of various TV shows, and made our debut TV appearances (Fox News baby!)  Also, my mom almost ran into Al Sharpton going into in elevator and had no clue who he was.  Unfortunately they only brushed shoulders.  I would have loved to have seen that exchange.

We ate in the revolving restaurant on the 47th floor of the Marriott Marquis.  We got lost multiple times on the subways.  We saw Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.  We ate breakfast at McDonald's three days in a row in order to use their free internet.  We walked through Harlem to get to Target.  I subsequently banned Becca from ever doing that again.  She's fearless - me, not so much.  She takes the bus from now on.

Our craziest adventure was, hands down, moving an 8 foot bookshelf we bought from Brooklyn to the Bronx.    We took 4 trains and 4 buses to get to Ikea and back (FYI, that's twice as much as needed, we got lost) all while I was carrying a 70 pound 8 foot (boxed) bookshelf and Becca was carrying a 5 foot mirror and ironing board.  Oh, and I didn't mention, it was POURING RAIN the entire time.  By the time we got to our place on Duke Ellington Blvd, Becca and I were sopping wet, the box was falling apart, and my arms were about to fall off.  Getting that thing through the bars of the subway entrance was the hardest (and most comedic) part.  Needless to say, I married the coolest girl in the entire world.

Pheww...  More to come.  I've got to figure out how to get some couches 9 blocks up to our house.  My wife talked me out of carrying them.  Prob'ly a good thing.

Sorry for not updating this more.  I start work on Monday and Becca's already working here and there remotely so no promises it will get better.  We're tryin'!

Dan