An added bonus you weren’t expecting

I had my first shot of jury duty yesterday – sat in the waiting room for 6 1/2 hours before being released.

Most folks dread doing their “civic duty,” as evidenced by the room erupting in applause at release time.

The added bonus for me?  I got to see Roy in the afternoon, plus do bathtime & bedtime.  A rare treat that I usually only get on the weekend.

I’m curious about your added bonuses, the benefit from things you don’t like doing normally.

Let’s chat about it, today after 3pm.

Say what you need to say, today

Jill & I attended the wake of a close friend this afternoon.  He lost the battle with his 2nd bout of brain cancer over the weekend, and he was only 33.

He lived an amazing life, full of energy and happiness.  He and his wife were the ones who convinced us to move out of the city into their neighborhood, and that bond remained.   We shared playdates at the park with our kids, swapped babysitting, and took care of each other’s pets on vacation too.

Their youngest was born only months ago.

I turn 33 in two weeks, and it makes no sense he didn’t live any longer.

Tell your loved ones how you feel TODAY, as tomorrow is not promised.

J, we’re going to miss you, buddy.

A lot.

$10,000 of Mega Tickets, in the first 10 rows

This week, I have $10,000 of concert seats up for grabs…

It’s the COUNTDOWN TO FRONT ROW for Mega Tickets, for our 2009 Summer Country Concert Series.

• George Strait, Blake Shelton, & Julianne Hough.
• Rascal Flatts and Darius Rucker (more to be announced).
• Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, & Jimmy Wayne.
• Toby Keith & Trace Adkins.

10th and 9th rows today, down to Front Row Friday.

Don’t miss a minute, after 3pm today!

Road trips can go either way

I think we’re heading to central IL tomorrow for a visit with my wife’s grandparents.  They recently moved from their farm to a retirement home, and I know they’d love to see Roy.

I’ve never been a big fan of the “road trip,” having done several in college and beyond.

Then again, with the right combination of weather, companions and a little luck, anything can be great.

Big road trips planned for the spring?  The last great trip you took?

Let’s talk about it, today after 3pm.

Daydreaming is a good thing, right?

With each day getting closer to baseball’s Opening Day, I find myself daydreaming a bit more about springtime.

Sun, 50-60 degrees, green grass, baseball, the promise of a great summer and warmer weather ahead.

I can’t shake it.  Every other thought is something to do with my spring daydreaming.

Am I the only one?

Let’s chat about it, today after 3pm.

Baseball & Country Music: Bigger than big, on so many levels

I teased it yesterday on Facebook, and it’s now official.

Rascal Flatts is headlining the 1st EVER country concert at Wrigley Field.

Saturday, July 18th with Darius Rucker & other country friends TBA.

No idea on ticket prices or an on-sale date yet, but be sure to mark the date now.

With Kenny Chesney @ Soldier Field and Flatts @ Wrigley Field, this could be the biggest summer EVER.

I’m already dreaming about the pre- and post-parties … care to join us?

Getting the best out of everything

A lot of folks have today off for President’s Day, including my wife Jill.

After some much-needed and long-overdue housecleaning, we grilled jalapeno burgers for lunch (enjoying the sunshine even if it IS only 34 degrees).

How are you making the day count … what’s the best thing to do on your day off?

Let’s talk about it, today after 3pm.

Out of your comfort zone

Jill & I went to the opera last night.

Apparently, I made a random comment in conversation last October about how everyone should go to the opera just once, including myself.   Christmas morning, there are 2 tickets!

We saw Tristan und Isolde, by Richard Wagner.  At 4 hours and 40 minutes in length, it was way too long for a beginner’s opera (according to EVERYone at the Lyric Opera).

Definitely outside our comfort zone, but it turned out great.   An experience to behold and the subtitles really helped too.

I’m curious about the last time you ventured outside the norm in YOUR life, and the results.

Let’s chat about it, today after 3pm.

Keith Urban & The Opera

I’m off this afternoon, headed to the opera with my wife Jill (her Christmas present to me).  I’ve never been to the opera before, so I’m not sure what to expect.  Regardless, I’m excited.

Craig is filling in this afternoon, and again, you have two chances to grab Keith Urban tickets UNDER THE TABLE, with the Short Term Memory Quiz, and the Drew Walker Drive @ 5.

I am back for The Road tonight at 10pm, though.  My special guests are Toby Keith & Sugarland, plus Montgomery Gentry, Rascal Flatts, and many more.  Join me for 2 hours of live music and conversation tonight!

Make it a great day, and we’ll chat soon.  As always, thanks for playing!

Sometimes you just want to scream

Frustration.

Many things cause it, and throughout life, we find a way to reduce it, release it, even eliminate it.

We disconnected our home phone number this week, but kept the DSL — and the phone company has been nothing but trouble ever since.  Our internet was down over a day (they made me RE-APPLY to be their customer), and now the internet is operating at only 1/10th the speed it used to be.

They’re sending a new modem (“that should help somewhat”), but the changeover also destroyed all of my outgoing mail server settings.

I’m at my wit’s end with this stuff, and SO tired of all the excuses.

Any suggestions on frustration release?  What do YOU do when you can’t stand it anymore?   The last time you let it all go?

Let’s chat about it, today after 3pm.