Thanks to my parents’ kind financial planner a gaggle of us were welcomed to the Rogers Centre this past Saturday for complimentary 12th row tickets to the International Bowl, my first experience with NCAA Football. For those not in the know this is the second year for a “bowl” game held outside the States, this year featuring the Ball State Cardinals against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. We were located directly above the cheerleaders in the Ball State cheering section, which suited us fine because it’s fine to yell “GO BALLS!” and “BALL U!” without getting admonished for it. Paul’s and my exuberance even had us getting noticed by some attractive members of the spirit squad who, when not being tossed about and held up by their burly male counterparts, were taking plenty of time to smile and wave at us. Heck, they even took a picture with Paul there. All told a fun time, I had no idea what was going on, and when it was over I was entertained. I suppose that’s all you can ask for! What did I learn from the experience? That I saw future NFL superstar Ray Rice before he was famous, and that Dante Love is only the greatest name of all time.
I should also note that I’m less than two weeks away from my first real vacation in four years, by real meaning longer than a few days and not involving any work at all. Carrie has booked us onto the Jewel of the Seas with stops in Key West, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Belize City over six days. We even secured our hotel on Priceline today for the pre-cruise stay, and booked an excursion in Belize. Three cheers for planning! What other plans do I have? I always spend my time in Cozumel ripped on tequila walking the strip and eating at Pancho’s Backyard, and I’ve been anxious to take Rob to Key West for Key Lime Pie for years now.
In Playa del Carmen I will finally satiate my desire for Mayan ruins with a three hour drive to Chichen Itza where I’ll be taking pictures with my new Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT SLR camera. Who says Boxing Day sales aren’t any good? Lining up at 5:45AM secured this puppy for only $399, and the same sale netted me a 4GB compactflash card for $45.
Now, I rest.