So in the past 5 months I’ve had a lot of big changes in my life, that I’d rather not get into (If you actually know me, then you already know whats was up). Instead I want to talk about one of my favorite things in life,.. food. But this is not a ‘OMG.. this stuff rules’ type of post. Oh no, this is all about ‘WTF? why do they even make that’.

Let’s start with the food that sparked this post. The ‘Buttered Popcorn’ Jelly Belly jellybean.

Seriously, WTF? why do they make this flavor? I don’t think I know anyone who actually likes this jelly bean. It’s like the equivalent to grapefruit in fruit salad. If you eat it along with a handful of other, delicious jellybeans.. no dice. The nasty buttery flavor takes over and ruins the whole experience. Even worse is that it looks similar to the toasted marshmallow jellybean, so even if you pick out all the buttered popcorn, you have to check every 3rd one to make sure, thus subjecting yourself to the horribleness.

Next up.. I’ve never had this product, yet I dont think it needs any explanation why I wonder ‘WTF? why do they make this’.

It’s Chelada by Budweiser. Let me break this down for you. It’s Budweiser (or bud lite) mixed with Tomato Juice+Clam Juice. Yeah… I dont really wonder much, why I’ve only seen this product offered for $2.49 at Walmarts’ in New Hampshire. Jennifer Eblin at associated content, wrote up a good review of her attempt to drink one. read it here

So once again, Budweiser…WTF? I’d rather drink a budweiser + rockstar energy drink + champagne. Which my buddy Mike did on a dare (and won $100 from of me), and it is now offered at our bar with the name ‘the shithead dumbass’ (pronounced she-deed do-moss). And yes I have a bar in my apartment (Something I did during my absence and will surely be writing about).

Honestly I think that’s all I can stomach for the time being (oh the puns). also, I can’t think of anymore at the moment. But fear not I shall be back and I’m positive in the future there will be other eatable items I come across that make me say ‘WTF?.. why do they make that.’

Most people wouldn’t take me as someone who would want to be a bartender, or have a bartender’s skills.  I think that is because of a misconception in thinking.  People hear someone is a bartender and thinks “well, they must really like booze”, but that’s flawed, a bartender doesn’t get themselves booze, they serve it to others.  I’m not a big drinker, but I’ve always been enticed by what a bartender can do.  They can be given some seemingly random sentence (for example “Give me a wet gimlet with rocks on the side”) and give someone the exact drink they are looking for (A martini with extra lime juice, in a martini glass with the ice in a side glass) it is the perfect pairing of art and science.  In fact I believe Bartending is one of the only literal meanings of a ’social science’. Think about it, bartenders are mearly social chemists.  They take common elements (almost every drink is composed of one or more of the 5 following alcohols: vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequilla & Triple Sec).  By combining these elements in different ways they produce thousands of products.  It’s truly amazing.

For years I’ve seen flyers for Drinkmasters Bartending School and I have heard great things about the school.  But with the $500 price tag for the course, it was out of my reach finacially.  But a few weeks ago I was on groupon.com (which I visit everyday) and saw that you could enroll in the Drinkmasters course for only $150.  So for $150 I could enroll in a $500 course, get my bartending license and have alot of fun? that’s a no brainer, so I purchased it. (As did my good friend Mike Matterra).

The course was only a week long, four hour classes every night from 6pm-10pm.  You would think that a four hour long class would be brutal, but the way the instructors teach the classes it goes by quick and is wicked fun.  There is no pressure, your there because you want to learn, the instructors are there because they want to teach and everyone has a great time. And the max in each class is only 16 people, so you get to know your fellow classmates and joke with them (just how you would as a real bartender)

Every class started with drink drills (where we would stand behind the bar and the instructor would yell out drink orders and we had to make them).  Monday and tuesday night, nearly everyone struggled to make even the basic drink correctly (including handling the glasses, ices, serving the drink to the customer) but by thursday we were all nearly pros.

I surprised myself, most of the time I can be a bit of a klutz…. I tend to drop things.  But everything clicked for me behind the bar, I was scooping ice, grabing the right bottles, shaking, serving the whole nine yards.  I know I keep saying this, but it was alot of fun.

The course went over the whole spectrum of bartending, from how to properly take a drink order all the way to how to identify and pour wine.  We learned how with just a little bit of knowledge we could make any daqauri, shot, mixed drink & margartias.

Friday night was the big night for the course, it was exam night. Where we would see who would go home a bartender and who would go home a customer.  The exam consisted of a written test and a practical.  The written I found was easy, it was only 25 questions and I knew the answer to all except 1.  I was more nervous for the practical, where you had to actually make drinks.  In fact Myself, Mike and our friend Justin were so nervous that we had arrived at 3pm (3 hours before class started) on Friday to just practice our drink drills.

After the written there was a quick break, and then we had the practical.  Myself, Mike & Justin and two others (our new friends Nellie &  ‘P’) were in the first group of bartenders-to-be to take the practical (it was split up into groups of 4/5 at a time).  I was feeling confident, the instructor explained the guidelines and then gave us each our first drink orders.

I cant exactly explain what happened next, it’s all a blur I was in the bar tending zone. I heard the drink orders and it seamed that before I was even done repaeting the order back to the ‘coustomer’ the drink was made and served and I was getting the next order.  It was… I have to say amazing, I was truly impressed with my self and my classmates.

We all finished our drinks (I was first to finish) and then we’re sent on a break (so that the last waiting group could not grill us on what it was like).  Taking advantage of the 45min break we had and the adrenaline we all had pumping we decided to go around the corner to a local bar.  The one thing about the bartending course, is al week we have been making these colorful, exotic drinks but with colored water.  So they looked good, but were completly undrinkable.

One drink, in particular I had been wanting to try all week, it’s known as a planters punch.  When we first learned it the instructor told us that not many bartenders know how to make this drink and it would be hard to find.  So at the bar I asked the bartender for a planters punch, and what do you know but she didnt know what it was.  I explained how to make it and she proceeded to try. The ting about learning something is that you notice when others are doing it wrong.  For example when the bartender was making me my planters punch I could see all the flaws in her technique, and was taken back (of course it’s no big deal since she did manage to make the drink).  But it was just a wonderment to myself to know that when ever I go out in the future I’ll see these flaws.

After our break we went back to class, when the instructor tallied up everyone’s grades and presented all of us with our certificates of achievement (that’s right 100% of the class passed!). We were all excited.  the instructor then explained how the school should be the resource to us for finding bartending jobs, and that we can comeback at any time for free refresher courses or to practice.

Certified Bartender

Does this mean I’m going to quit my job and become a bartender? Of course not, I love my job and using my college degree.  But if in the future I know that I have a second set of skills in case I need to make extra cash.  For now it’s just a great party trick.

Excited with our new sets of skills Mike and I proceeded to get all the necessary tools to make our home bar an actual bar (as opposed to a cabinet with liquor bottles).  Mike purchased a bartenders kit online with all the tools, and saturday went up to New Hampshire to  get all the tax free booze we would need (about $200 worth).  And sunday we went to the christmas tree shop and bought all the proper glassware.

Home Bar

We now have a bar that any bartender would be proud of, and proceeded to christen it with a couple of home made margaritas. (with no pre-made mix, and they were perfect for the heat wave we had over the weekend).

Margaritas

The whole experience was great.  I learned a lot, made some new friends and had a lot of fun. So before I head to my home bar to make you a margarita I need to know, do you want rocks & salt?

The first actual day of my vacation where I slept in, and it felt good.  So at around 10 I awoke and enjoyed a leasurly morning eating some maple cinnamon life cereal.  At around 11:30 Jill and I headed out to the outdoor pool for some more relaxation, we were also killing time until our friend Becky arrived.

Since Jill has been commenting on my pasty complexion, I decided not to put on any suntan lotion and get some color.  Big mistake. Right now as I write this, my arms shoulders, legs, feet, and belly are as red as a lobster.  Oddly enough, I don’t have a sunburn on my neck, or between my shoulders, because of the way my head casted a shadow on my chest.

At 12:30 Becky arrived at the Cove, Jill was really excited, because she hasn’t been able to see Becky in a while.  After settling Becky in and showing her a quick tour of the Cove, we all decided to go play some miniature golf at Pirates Cove.  Pirates Cove is the mini golf course in Yarmouth, very decorative, very challenging, very crowded (usually). When we got there thou, it was still early in the day so we didn’t need to wait in a huge line to play.

capitan Becky

Pirates Cove features 2 courses, we decided to play the ‘Blackbeards’ course.  A few highlights from our game.  On hole #2 I got a hole in one. At hole #6 we all decided to stop for photos.

Jill & Becky

Jill and I

#12 Becky accidentally sat on a hot cannon.

"This cannon is hot!"

At Hole #15 (a crazy spiral 2 level hole), right after I said “I wonder if anyone has ever gotten a hole in one on this one?” Jill proceeded to hit her ball, and what do you know get a hole in one! It was an amazing shot.  After this Hole Jill also took the opportunity to ask Becky if she wanted to be Jills maid of honor, which caused Becky to jump up and down and exclaim ‘Yes!’.  It was a special moment. At the end of the game, the score was Jill 47, Becky 49, and myself 53. Bing the looser (and a nice guy) I decided to buy everyone ice cream.

We then went and got some lunch from The Golden Boy Seafood.  Not the classiest place to get seafood, but it is one of the best if your in the mood for some good fried food (such as the clam roll I got).  After lunch, we went back to the Cove and lounged out by the pool for a while (my sun burn had still yet to develop, so again I failed to apply some sun screen). After the pool, we came back to the room. I suggested that Jill and Becky have a girls night, so Jill and Becky got ready to go out.  Jill and Becky left at around 8pm and I stayed at the Cove to have a relaxing night to myself.

While they were out, I had the chance to watch the new episode of Wearehouse 13. The show is better then I first suspected (of course the pilot episode for a show is never the best).  They show is really growing on me, and I’m glad to have a scifi show I can watch still on the (now) SyFy network.  I have to say it really bothers me how they’ve changed thier name, and show line up to be more ‘trendy’ (no more episodes of Doctor Who!!).

At around 11:30 I got a call from Jill, asking if I could come downtown and get her and Becky (they had driven Beckys car, but to my suprise they both had been drinking).  When I got downtown (thanks to a ride from my sister) I was suprised to see Jill a bit tipsy. She hasent had a drink in about 2 years, and even then after 1/2 a smirinoff ice she would be a bit tipsy.

So it was funny to see her like that, she has seen me plenty of times in a drunken state (not too many, I’m not an alchaholic, just a bad speller).  On the way back to the Cove, we stopped at 7-11 to get some chips.

Back at the cove, Becky and I laughed as we listened to Jill talk about silly things ,such as how much she love Rupert (her bear) and I, and how she like how I sing about everything (Which I will never admit I do).

I slept downstairs for the night so that Becky or my sister wouldnt feel awkard.  All in all it was another great day.

A beautiful morning.  Which was surprising since the weather called for the whole day to be nothing but rainstorms (which we didn’t get any).  The first event of the day, was a meeting which Kelly (my sister) and I attended (we were also joined by my cousin Jareds wife nicki). At the meeting the General Manager of the Cove gave everyone a run down of how things are going, whats improving at the Cove, and general information.  We found out that next year the decor, and style of the rooms will be redone (80 already have been).

After the meeting Kelly, Nicki and I wanted to actually view one of the redone units, we asked the front desk and they gave us a key to a room that was empty.  The new decore looks great.  I think it gives the units a very homey feel.  Here are a few photos.

downstairs

downstairs 2

upstairs

After the meeting I met up with Jill (she went to the gym for a while).  Since we had planned on it raining all day, but it was instead beautiful we didn’t know what to do with ourselves.I called my cousin Jared to see what he was up to. He, Nicki, Jill and myself took a trip to the Hyannis Mall.  Jared and I have a tradition of going there and playing some arcade games in the arcade.  When we got there I have so happy to see a Barnes & Noble. Why? well because where there is a Barns&Noble, there is a Starbucks.  Sweet, sweet expresso, how I’ve missed you for these past few days.

We all walked around the mall for a while.  Jill and I didnt really get anything for 2 reasons. 1. we took a bus to the Cape, so anything we buy we’d have to carry back. 2 we dont have the money to buy stuff.  But we had fun hanging out.  Jill’s favorite part I’m sure was visiting a debbies petland and looking at all the puppies. Of course that meant I got to hear what has become her catch phrase “aww… I want one.”.

While backat the Cove Jill took the opportunity to read my blog.  She also took the opportunity to point out and make fun of my various spelling & typing mistakes (such as typing ‘taht’ instead of ‘that’).  I was surprised by how funny I actually found the whole ordeal.  I know my spelling is not great, and that when I type while I am tired I use alot of commas, and typing mistakes, but it was fun to poke fun at myself.

We decided to lounge out by the outdoor pool for a while, something we have yet to do on our vacation.  Actual, plain old, home grown relaxation.  So we got our bathing suits on, our ipods, books and headed out to the pool. We lounged in the sun for around 2hours, Jill building up a nice tan, me trying to get rid of my pasty-ness from being a computer jockey) and also enjoying the action of the “Bourne supremecy” (book so far much better/different then the movies).

Jill wanted to then go downtown to get something from a store, so we gathered up our stuff changed, and headed downtown.  Just a reminder, we dont have a car so we have to walk.  We walked downtown in the heat and humidity, and wouldnt you know it when we got there, the store Jill wanted to go to was closed (not open on mondays).  So we had left the pool and walked downtown for nothing (and had to walk back). On our walk back to the Cove, we stopped at a toy store and Jill was able to find a card game she’s been looking for, for a while. The game is called ‘Pit’, and is a game that simulates the stock market and trading comodities (it can get quick aggressive and loud).

When we got back to the Cove, we were invited to go out to dinner with everyone (Jared, Nicki, Nicki’s sister in law, my sister Kelly, and our younger cousin Chyanne). So we all went to downtown Hyannis and had some dinner at the British Beer Company (a great restaurant if you’ve never been).  As we’re eating we find out that it’s kareoke night, wonderful. So we laughed and enjoyed listening to the other people sing.

Nicki & her sister in law

Jared & Kelly

Chyanne & Jared

Something you might not know about me, is that  for most of my life (ok all of it) I been a pretty shy person.  I am not someone who likes, or feels comfortable with alot of attention. I get real nervous when alot of eyes are turned towards me, and am generally scared of being in front of a crowd. But watching the people sing, looking at Jill (sitting very lovelvy next to me), and being surronded by family, I was feeling curagous.  I wanted to show Jill that the man she will be marrying is willing to overcome all his fears for her (exhibit A, skydiving, becuase of my fear of heights).  So a tapped her on the shoulder and asked her if she would like to go sing a song with me.  At first she must of thought I was joking, but I asked her again.  I said ‘we can sing “If I had a Million Dollars” by Bare Naked Ladies.’ (one of her favorite bands and songs), she said yes and we went up to the DJ.

There were a few people in ahead of us so we had to wait.  While we did, we both started getting nervous.  but we were going to do this.  Our family and friends were excited for us (the whole dinner we had been joking about who from the table was going to go up first). Our turn came up and we grabbed the mics.

It was not a flawless performance (I messed up a few lyrics, and kept changing my tone between low and high) But we had alot of fun, and at the end of the song we were applauded.  Afterwords a few people said we did great (2 people even said I sounded exactly like Steven Page).  It was a feally fun experience and I’m glad we did it.  I feel we bonded just a little bit more as a couple.

After dinner we all returned to the Cove.  Kelly and Chyanne watched a movie, while Jared, Jill and I played Ace Duce (a card game we enjoyed).  At 1am, with everyone tired (and me $20 richer) we all called it a night.

Another great day in the Cape yet again.

(now with pictures!!)

Waking up at 7:45am this morning, I felt refreshed and excited for my day.  Jill and I had to get ready for our busy day and leave the Cove by 8:30am.  We were headed to falmouth to meet her aunt and uncle and go to Martha’s Vineyard. Since neither of us own a car, and we took a bus to the cape, that exactly what we needed to do to get to Falmouth (only about 20miles away from the Cove).

Our first leg of the journey was walking to the Hyannis bus deport, no problem its just as far as walking to downtown Hyannis (Which we did yesterday).  We brought with us our old sneakers (as you may recall, yesterday we bought some new shoes from the Rebock store). Why did we bring our old shoes with us? Because on our walk to downtown yesterday we noted the location of a shoes & clothing donation bin, so that we could donate our old shoes to charity.

shoe donation

They were still in good enough shape, where hopefully someone in need can use them. (Also mine had some kickass green laces). We got to the Bus depot at around 9am, bought some tickets and waited for the bus to Falmouth.  At 9:30am, the bus arrived, and we were on our way.  But oh no! the bus does not go all the way to Woods Hole ! (the port where the Boat leaves from).  So we’d be riding to the Falmouth Walmart, and catching a connecting trolley from there.

bus to falmouth

I find that bus rides always seem to be interesting, they have alot of negatives and positives.  Positive, along the route we passed a road called ‘Bacon ave’.  Negative, a man sat infront of us and he smelled of sweat and stale popcorn (not the best thing for the senses at 9:45am).  A big negative, was that at one point I was checking Twitter and found out that my friend Josh’s father had been involved in an accident on his bicycle and was killed.  I immediately e-mailed josh to extend mine and Jills condolences, and let him know that next time we participate in a bike ride (September the HUB on Wheels ride) We will be riding in his fathers honor.

We got to the Walmart, late.  it was 10:30am, and we needed to be at the ferry dock at 10:45 to catch the boat! Luckily the trolley was waiting for us, and barely followed the rules of the road to get us there in time.  We arrived at the dock on time, found Jill’s aunt and uncle but it turns out they could not find parking, so we had to stay on the shore and watch the boat to Marthas Vineyard take off without us.

With our plans now changed, we decided to take in the sites of Woods Hole, and walk around town.  Jill was excited because Her Aunt and Uncle brought their dog Mya with them, who was very excited to see Jill (But then, every dog is, and Jill is excited to see every dog). I was excited because we passed by a restaurant called ‘Quicks Hole’,.. well here’s a photo of the sign, lets see if you can tell which part excited me.

Lobster Tacos

Lobster Tacos! I never new such a thing existed.  The perfect pairing of New England & Mexican cuisine.  Unfortunately I didnt get a chance to try them. Where was I, oh right.  So Jill, her Aunt Vicki, Uncle Mike, Mya and I took a walk around town.  At one point there was a secluded beach.  We let Mya off the leach and watched her run around.

Mya in Water

She was very funny to watch, and we all had a great time. After walking around for about an hour, looking at the local flare we were all hungry. We decided to get some lunch at this seaside restaurant.  I got the Steamers, which were phenomenal. After lunch Jills Aunt and Uncle decided to take off.  It being only 12:30pm, and no bus due for about an hour Jill and I decided, why waste our trip and bought some tickets for the next Ferry to Marthas Vineyard (1:15pm). We were already there anyways, it was a beautiful day so why not.

I have not been to Marthas Vineyard since I was about 7 or 8 years old, and on the boar ride over I told Jill what I could remember.  All I could remember was the boat ride over to the island.  It was Gram, my sister kelly and myself.  I remember being young and looking out to the water and thinking, “what if a giant pirate skeleton comes out of the water and grabs the boat!? what will we do??”  and I believe I actually asked this question to Gram and she responded with a smile and told me what a creative mind I had.  As for being on the actual island I could not remember a thing.

Jill and I on the Ferry

When we arrived on the island, we had formulated a rough plan of what we wanted to do.  We walked about an 1/8 of a mile to Adventure rentals, and rented ourselves a moped.  Now lets get this out here now, neither Jill or myself had any experience on two wheeled transportation vehicles other than bicycles.  We were given a 20minute demo/ training and sent on our way.  During training we both took turns driving, but ultimately decided that only I would drive (I’m to heavy for Jill to balance).

ready to roll

We started out slowly, so that I could learn how to balance, and how to handle the moped. But our speed started to increase (up to the state max of 25mph) and we began having a fun time exploring the island.  We drove along the water, along the main street of Vine Haven (the town the boat docked at).

While I drove, Jill snapped some pictures of the road and scenery.

the road

a beach house

a cute couple

And then we decided to venture into the island, turning left, turning right, and before you know it getting lost.  We were not worried though, we’re on a island so how lost could we get.  So we smiled and laughed every time we ended up going down a dead end street and had the locals watching us turn around.  At around 3:15pm, I knew we’d need to find our way back shortly so that we got the rental back in time.

Lost, for now.

But we managed to get our barrings and find our way back to the main part of the town, and back to the renal place.  We then had an hour to kill until the Ferry back to the mainland, so we took the opportunity to visit the famous black dog Cafe, and heck out the rest of the shops on main street.  At 5pm, the ferry arrived and we returned back to Woods Hole.

right when we arrived back on shore, there was a trolley waiting and we took it back to the Falmouth Walmart, and from there took the bus (the last bus of the day I might add) back to Hyannis.  It being the last bus, and us being the only passages, when we arrived in Falmouth the driver asked us where we were going. When we said the Cove on rt 28, he said he could bring us right there (he had to drive that way to bring the bus to the overnight depot) We were really surprised.  We are used to Boston bus drivers, who are not the friendliest people in the world, and we made sure to tell this driver how thankful we were (I was not looking forward to walking amile back from the hyannis depot).

When we got back to the Cove from our exciting day out, we rested for a bit, and ate some dinner.  I then took Jill on an annual trip of mine. I’m not sure exactly when I started doing it, but every year I walk all the major hallways of the Cove, from front to back bottom floor and top. I always found it claiming, a bit of simple exploration to remind myself how much this place means to me (BTW this walk has to be done in socks, no shoes).  I was glad to be able to shaare this moment with Jill, and around every corner I filled her in with what used to be located here and there, and stories of fun I’ve had.

It was another great day in the Cape, 3 for 3 so far and tomorrow should be the same (even if we’re supposed to have thunderstorms, we’ve got a plan to watch some movies and go bowling).

<< Go To Part 2

The first full day at the cove, I must admit unfortunately it got off with an unpleasant start (due to some (to be unamed) room members coming home inebriated at 3:30am with friends and being loud until 4am).  So not much sleep the first night, But I’m a man of high spirits.  I try not to let petty things get to me or bother me.  I believe it takes a strong man to be able to remain calm and collected at almost all times.

Jill, got a chance to go to the gym at 7am.  She is the fitness master, and had a great time from what I hear (she met another girl who just got married who gave her some great wedding advice).  At 9am Jill and I attended a,.. well to put it bluntly a sales pitch. Gram had warned me about this, so I was prepared not to buy anything.  The sales guy was trying to sell Jill and I some crazy points system so we could go on multiple vacations thru out the year, and since we’re a (soon to be) new couple we were going to get a great deal.  I have to admit the plan sounded great, and if I had some extra money saved up I might of been inclined to purchase, but Jill and I stuck to our guns and walked away after an hour with a $50 mastercard giftcard (our gift for attending).

Jill and I then took a trip across the street to the Rebock outlet store. Jill has been needing some new sneakers and I promised to get her a pair.  Being an outlet store there were some great deals.  Buy 2 pairs get a 3rd free!  So Jill got 2 pairs of running shoes (she wears them down fast), and I picked myself up some new shoes (mine currently have holes in them, but I’m not picky).  With our new gift card, and a giftcard we had gotten from my step mothers parents (as an engagement gift).  I ended up paying only $16.95, for 3 pairs of $50 sneakers!  A great great buy if I might say so myself.

With our new kicks on our feet we needed to break them in, so Jill and I took a walk.  Something we’re very used to doing living in the city.  Our first destination?  Mini golf of course!

On our way to miniature golf, we came across a sign for a local yard sale.  Why not mingle with the locals we thought.  So Jill and I traveled down a side road, following the signs.  Let me tell you, not worth it, if your inclined to go to a yardsale in yarmouth at 1pm on a saturday, and your walking, just skip it.

Back to mini golf, Jill and I went to Putters paradise, which is right on rout 28 and about 1/4 a mile from the Cove.  Its famous for featuring a great big whale spouting water (for some odd reason I cannot find a photo of it online).  Since most people mini golf later in the day, the place was empty and we got to golf at our leisure, which is always great.  I’m a good sport, so I can admit Jill beat me by 8 strokes.  I know, not very impressive, but I did manage to get a whole in one at the #15 hole!

After mini golf, since Jill and I were still walking, we decided to head to downtown Hyannis (only a few more miles).  We didnt realize how hot it was outside, and needed to stop for a few water breaks along the way. Right at the begingin of downtown we saw a man holding a sign that said (young readers please advert your eyes) “Natucket [is a] Rapist Island”.  Flabberghasted as to why a man would be standing around, flagging cars with that sign I pulled out my iPhone to do some googling. Turns out the man is someone who has issues with the police, and has a few lights off upstairs (if you get my meaning).

Before we had a chance to explore some more of downtown, my cousin Jared called me.  He wanted to know if Jill and I would be interested in going to a flea market with them. (Really it was my idea, I had mentioned it on firday). He and Nikki (his wife) picked us up from downtown, and we drove down to dennis. On the way we passed a kayaking rental place on rt 28. Kayaking!!, thats right up our alley (later in teh day I found out some more info about it, and it’s really cheap) So sometime later in the week Jill and I will be doing some kayaking.

The flea market had its positives and negatives.  Negatives, there was nothing good to buy. Positives, there were a lot of interesting people to look at. People watching can be fun, so While waiting for Jared an Nikki to finish, we saw some interesting characters.

After the flea market, we returned back to the Cove for some dinner and to relax for a while (we’re both pretty tired at this point). We watched about an hour of TV before heading to the REC center so I could play my all time favorite arcade game “Police trainer”.  For years I’ve dominated that game, starting from the first level “Patrol man” and moving up to the last “Commissioner” all on one or two quarters. But alas, those times are now over because the game is no where to be found at the REC center.  Gone forever and replaced by some other game. But I did receive a phone call from Gram, who told me she had read my blog post from yesterday (Actually my Aunt lynne read it to her over the phone, Hi you guys!). She was really moved about what I had said, and let me say I mean every word of it.  It is really something to know that this time has been as special to her (if not more) as it has been ot my sister and I (and now jill).  And let me say something I say all the time, I have the greatest grandmother in the world.

A bit bummed about my game I needed a pick me up, and jill wanted something sweet. So we decided we’d take a walk to 7-11 (about 1 mile away, So I could get a slurpee, and Jill some skittles). But on the way my tastes changed and went to the A&W / KFC.  I got a burger and rootbeer float, and jill shared my corn. Corn with a burger? I know, but can you believe it they were all out of french fries!

We then headed back to the Cove to call it a night (at 9pm) dead tired with only 2-3 hours of sleep in us, we need to get our rest. Sunday should be filled with adventure, we’re going to Marthas vineyard with Jills Aunt, Uncle and Dog Mya. Warm weather, sunny skies, a big island, what could be more fun?

until tommorow, have  a good night.

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Go To Part 3 >>

The Cove

My grandmother bought the timeshare when the Cove was built back in 1985, and every year brought my sister and I down for vacation. This place hass filled my life with so many wonderful memories.  It has been one of true constants in my life, I call it my yearly reset. My time to unwind.

As I mentioned my grandmother made sure my sister and I always had a great time, she filled our week with fun and adventure.  Coming with us to the indoor pool to go swimming, to the tennis courts, to attempt to play tennis, to the rec center to play pool & racket ball.  She’s take us to the movies, out to eat, the Cape cod potato chip factory (free samples!). and generally everything I kid would enjoy doing.

Now that my sister and I are adults, things are a bit different. This is the first year Gram is not coming down, and it is just myself, Jill and my sister (as well as my Older cousin jared and his wife, who own another room).  It’s different being here without Gram, this week is not the same without her.  But it got me thinking of all the things she’s done for my sister and I, to provide us as I mentioned before with a fun experience.

I remeber that one year, she brought 2 blank journals with her.  She wanted my sister and I to write down the thing we did everyday we were in the Cape.  of course being 8-9 years old at the time we didnt really keep up (I think we managed to write journal entries for 2 whole days).  But that memory sparked an idea.  My blog is basically a journal, and as an homage to gram I thought I would attempt to write a blog entry everyday, to record the fun Jill and I have while we’re down here. (Jill might chime in also as a guest blogger)

So stay tuned this week, for pictures and adventure.

Let me start with Friday July 24th,

The day started out on a late note, since neither Jill nor I own a car we were taking the bus to get from Boston to downtown Hyannis (about a mile from the cove).  The thing is, this is a very popular week to travel to the cape, and the bus Jill and I were in line for filled up , before we could board.  So we had to sit in the Bus teminal at South station for an additional 45minutes waiting for the next one.

On the bus (which was crowded, so Jill and I had to sit next to the toilet), sitting in fronot of us was Dov Ribnick from MTV’s Nitro Circus (I believe hese a story editor).  It was cool to know that somewhere in the cape near us the Nitro Circus gang will doing some stunts and base jumping.

We arrived at the bus terminal at around 3:30, and my sister picked us up.  We checked in at 4pm and unpacked into our wonderful room, #226.

Room 226

These rooms have gone through many changes, some good and some bad. (there used to be these kickass swivel chairs!).  After unpacking we went to the grocery store with my sister to get supplies for the week.  Go, go goobers! the penut butter & jelly mix in 1 container!!

Getting pack from grocery shopping, I tried connecting to the internet in the room, only to find the Cove is still with out a wireless network (in the rooms at least).  So I’m renting a router from the front desk ($25 for the week), which gets the internet out of the electrical socket (pretty strange).  I had to do it, I dont think I could survive the week without any internet access.

Jill and I met up with my cousin Jared and his wife Nikki, and went to dinner at the 99 with them and my Aunt Maddy and cousin Chyanne.  We all then headed to downtown Hyannis to visit some of the shops.  I got Jill some cool hippy dippy cape code tee shirts, and myself a shot glass (I buy one every year).

Coming back from downtown, Jared came over to our room and him and I played some poker (mostly Acey Ducey) in which I won $10, before calling it a night at around 1am.

So that’s the start of our weeklong adventure, so stay tuned.

Go To Part 2 >>

America!

Tacky enough?

Awaiting for me in the basement was a huge pile of junk:

Basement Junk

It was quite alot of stuff to go throu, but I had the whole day (and the new chickenfoot CD to listen too) to go throu it all.  As I started going throu it I started snapping some photos of items so that I could share some of my past with the internet. Because I know the internet wants to know all there is about michael miles.

First up, my trophy from the only year I played little league (have never been a big sports guy).

1993 F.L.B.L Peanut League

You might notice the bat is broken, that’s because I use to use this trophy for science experiments in my bedroom.  I would clip DC chargers from my remote control cars to it and plug them in, to see if I could electrify it? (I don’t know what I was trying to do, guess I’m lucky I never electrocuted myself).

Next up are the race cars I made in middle school shop class (7th grade & 8th grade).

race car 7th grade

race car 8th grade

I never got a change to race them, but I’m sure with my knack for engineering they would of each won. Speaking of middle school I also found my middle school year book.  Looked up my photo, I looked pretty geeky (I was still a wet rag on a coat hanger back then).  Also I found Jill’s photo (hilarious) but she wont let me post it.

FHS

Coming up next, some stuff that is pure badass.   First off are my dog tags from battleship cove, because what kid does not want their own pair of dog tags?

dog tags

To show you how much of a nerd I was am. This is what the dog tags say :

Mike D Miles
USS Matrix B77
Weapons Expert
Framingham MA

Next up is from when I took a trip with my friend Joe and his family to Six Flaggs New Jersey.  Joe and I got one of those olde time photos of us as western badasses.

Wild Wild West

Who at one point in their lives have not gotten an olde time photo?  I think its something everyone experiances once (ony once because after that you realize what a ripoff it is, like getting a characture).

OMG… I cant believe what I found, something my dad helped me put together… A bit of back story before I show the pics.  As a young boy growing up in the 90’s there were two action packed shows I loved.  One was the animated classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  The other.. you guessed it Power Rangers!!

Go, Go Power rangers, du nu nu nu na.

Go, Go Power Rangers, Du nu nu, nu na.

Go, Go Power Rangers you mighty morphing power rangers!

Sorry a bit of nostalgia crept up on me. So yeah I loved the power ranges. Watched them every saturday morning, had the action figures and the trading cards.  Which leads me to my next discovery. ready?

Its my Mint Condition Complete first edition Power Rangers trading card collection (including all the foil cards)!!

Power Rangers!

mint condition

Quick to ebay! Ok after searching ebay I found that this collection is only worth about $15.00 .  I’m sure their value will appreciate in time.

Next up I came across my highschool year book.  The class of 2004.  Highschool not the greatest time in my life (again I’m a nerd and that equals not poular in high school).  But I did have some good time with my friends, speaking of which my friend Janelle was the only one to sign my year book, but I think its a great entry.

FHS

Janelle yearbook sign

For those of you that dont know I was involved with some less then legal co-curricular activities with my firends.  Which was the case when this was written.  If you cant read it it says (children cover your eyes!)

Yo, I dont no what makes you so damn funny but all I know is I laugh so fucking hard wen u talk. AHHHH too many words. MY leg is vibrating.

- Janelle (June 1st 2004)

Although I’ve always been a funny guy, and could make my friend laugh at any point (I almost got Janelle to pee her pants, I’ve also gotten Jill to almost pee her pants)

The summer I graduated high school, was the first summer Jill and I started dating.  For some fun summer activities we held a MGA tournament (Miniture Golf Association).  We tried to go to as many miniature golf courss as possible, and at the end of the summer the winner would get a golden putter. (What ever Jill tells you, really I’m the one who won, its not about points its about style.)

MGA

This next guy is a monkey Jill won for me our first year of college when I came to visit her in Springfield and we took a trip to six flaggs.

green monkey

He’s also featured in one of my all time favorite photos of Jill.  I took it while we were driving back to her dorm.

(When I find the photo I’m talking about I’ll upload it here)

Nothing much more worht writting about.  I went through alot of my books (again, big nerd, big reader).  Here is a shot of about half of them.

books

A box of krusty-o’s I got from 7-11 when the Simpsons movie came out. (they are just really bland frut loops)

KrustyO's

At the end of the day.  I went from that huge pile of junk (See first photo) to this:

cleaned

I was able to relive alot of great memories, get rid of alot of junk, and listen to some great tunes (again check out the chickenfoot cd if you get a chance).

Transformers 2

The plot is a bit weak, but what would you expect from a sequel of a movie thats based on a cartoon series which was created only to promote some of the greatest toys known to man (next to Legos).  But even with it’s weak plot the crowd (myself included) cheered, laughed and sighed with the autobots throughout the whole film.

Plot aside, the action… awesome.  More robot fights, bigger badder desepticons (and some smaller ones).  Funnier more talkative autobots and of course Optimus Prime!  We get to learn a bit about the history of the transformers as well as their pervious encounters with the human race.

Might I also add, Rain Wilson has a funny cameo in the film as Sams astrology proffessor (for the 15min Sam actually attended class).  Also The widwicky (sp?) parents are in the sequal as well, with lightly bigger, more comedic roles.

All in all, I think it was a great film (but take into account I’m someone who owns the entire super troppers trilogy).  It’s deffinetly a must see summer blockbuster. I plan on going again (maybe to IMAX) this weekend, since I got one of the last seats in the edge of the front row, my vision was a bit scewed.