Friday Jams

Posted on March 29, 2013 by tosabarbell

About two weeks before Easter, my mom would get out the records from Jesus Christ Superstar. It would play off and on until I became old enough to be trusted not to scratch the double album and then it was non-stop. I loved the jazzy, hippy, rock and roll. Looking back, I have to give my folks props for being so cool.

Having a piano teacher for a Ma meant a love for music was instilled from the get go. I still love Jesus Christ Superstar. I suppose it was my first exposure to musicals and although I never need to see another production of Oklahoma, I enjoy them to this day.

For me, music is still the connector for a spiritual life. I can get swept up gy a good Organ solo or a Michael W. Smith tune and forget about the hypocrisy that goes with the territory.

Enjoy the weekend.

Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.

Martin Luther

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Aim For The Ice

Posted on March 28, 2013 by tosabarbell

A day over 30 degrees in Wisconsin in springtime means it’s time to go throwing. At a balmy 44 degrees, it was nearly shorts weather.

We got out to the park, saw all the mud when the Oz man (my shagger) says ‘You better aim for the ice Ma.’ Good advice. Especially for him because every time I’d hit the mud, he’d get splattered with it. It was a fun day and I hit some very steady throws. One LWFD went 48′ and change. A big PR but I’ll be more excited when I hit it consistently AND in competition.

For now, I’m thankful that my almost 13 year old thinks this is fun and keeps coming with me. And I’ll aim for the ice as long as possible.

None of us are nuclear experts, but we know that if there is a melt-down and breach of containment, that’s clearly the most odious thing that could happen.

William Scranton 

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Americans vs. European Geography

Posted on March 27, 2013 by tosabarbell

We took some pretty good ribbing in Finlandia for the entire American populace. It seems the Europeans are awfully tired of us Yankees not having a handle of their Geography. One Dutchie explained it like this, ‘The Americans think there’s Britain, and then everything else is smashed next to Russia.’ Word.

So just for them, here’s a special map…

The Dirty Porn country actually did come up. The trash talk was so prevalent on Saturday night that we had to step in. My, “Dudes! We’re literally sitting right here!” got a belly laugh from Zydrunas so I’ll call it a win. One half of my favorite ‘L’ duo, Laurence Shahlaei quickly piped in that we weren’t included. Good save.

Of course you know Europe Matt, you tear your biceps all over it.

Ervin Katona

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Cheers

Posted on March 26, 2013 by tosabarbell

Cheers was one of my favorite sitcoms. I thought it remained funny throughout the 11 years it was on air and honestly, I believe Kirstie Alley was one of the most beautiful and funny women on television. I told Bigg that when I moved to Wisconsin, I wanted us to find our own Cheers. Enter McBob’s. It’s just nice going into a place where people are familiar with you. Some know our names but there’s always a smile and a “Hey, is today the day you eat three Highlanders?” Heh.

When we arrived in Ruka, we didn’t intend to find our Finnish Cheers. It just happened. Our friendly Twin Peaks bartender, Emelee, and his counterpart who’s name we didn’t get greeted us with a big smile and a “Matt!” (He always gets remembered;) after our first time there.

Finbarfight

The last time we stopped in was Sunday afternoon prior to getting on the bus back to the airport. Emelee was there with his smile as well as the bartender from the Mountain top bar I met on Friday during Bigg’s Iceman shoot. We literally walked right into a ‘Cheers’ situation where everyone knew our name (or at least Matt’s;) The bartender asked how his competition was and it was a great ending to an incredible weekend.

When I told our two bartenders I needed a picture, they wasted no time in making it fun…

Finbarfight1

Coach: What’s shakin’ Norm?

Norm: All four cheeks and a couple of chins, Coach.

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