January 17

WHEW!!! I just made it back in time. Literally walked through my door, hung the coat up, and turned on the computer to post something before the clock struck 12:00AM. Let me just say that driving in a windy snow storm is bad enough; Try doing it for 80+ miles. Not cool. I'm talking near zero visibility at times.

*Also, quick word of advice to anyone aspiring to become a bus driver. If the conditions are as stated above, it's probably not a terrific idea to drive so close to someone that you could spit on the trunk of his car. Also, may not be the best idea to quickly veer into the left lane (which is covered in snow) and speed passed said car with no apparent regard for the weather or other drivers on the road.

Needless to say driving was pretty bad going down to the Palace of Auburn Hills. However, it was a good time once we arrived. I'm sorry, I need to back on up for a second. As you probably have read in an earlier post, I got tickets to the Pistons home game that took place tonight against a great New Orleans Hornets squad (thanks eBay). I was accompanied by Bradley Thibaut, Matthew Coe, and one Joshua Hockin. Before the game we stopped in a restaurant called "Montana's." It's not a steakhouse, it's a "cookhouse." Don't ask the differences, but that's what it is. Anyway, I've always been fond of the place because, instead of loafs of bread and butter, this establishment offered up endless skillets full of a sweet, cornbread type dessert with a cinnamon, sugar butter. Mmmm...so good. Well, come to find out, that must have been a while ago; Because when we sat down at our table and asked our waitress about it, apparantely it's not free anymore. It's also not endless anymore. It's also not a skillet full...anymore. Mini-loaf; Small cup of butter; $0.69. Lame. My meal was still good (plus a free dessert for the birthday) but man, what a bummer.

Flash forward to arriving in the Palace. Got there about 20 minutes before tip-off, got to our seats, and watched a closely contested game all night (with the Hornets pulling away right at the end). Yeah, New Orleans won; But all I really wanted was to watch a game that was competitive (not a blowout) with a great group of friends. Check.


You know how the drive back was. Most of the time was spent watching every other car on the road so as not to die or listening to some music. Joe Sollinger was on the line during this time as well, with the phone being passed from person to person, catching up with the man. I took a turn too...and quickly realized it wasn't such a bright idea. Also, did I mention bus drivers be crazy? Well, now I'm sitting here typing up the happenings of the day. Just got a text from my close friend, Gina, wishing me a happy birthday. Hmmm, actually just got off the phone with one Fred Brushaber regarding the same thing. All-in-all, a great time.

To everyone who called or texted or contacted me in some way today, I thank you dearly. 24: Crazy, but a quarter (I hope so, at least) of my life has passed already. Here's hoping for a few more good ones.

Goodnight,
B