Yep, today was my birthday.

Probably not news to many, but today was my birthday. I had a nice leisurely morning of chilling with the pets and watching a little Scooby Doo. Then I met the family at Famous Dave's for lunch and a rendition of Happy Birthday that included cowbells and pyrotechnics.

Shortly after, it was to Tom and Laura's for a bit a dessert and a few presents. Besides the glow sticks, this was the most fun present I got. My mom made this owl bookend for me to use at work. Love it!

The most alive gift goes to Tom and Laura. But you'll have to wait until I can show you. Soon enough, my yard won't be naked anymore and I'll have a new kick-ass tree thanks to them.

I forgot to call my mom to remind her to bring the birthday hat to lunch (I guess that's what turning 33 will do to a person.) I couldn't go to the Chiefs game without it, so I dropped by their house to retrieve it.

Next up was the Kane County Cougars game against the Peoria Chiefs. I got there at 4pm, so I could try to fill my baseball with autographs from Cougars. Mission accomplished! Sadly, not one player wished me happy birthday, but I did manage to get a foul ball from the 3rd base coach. I do believe the birthday hat played an integral part. Also pictured below is the one and only Hall of Fame inscribed piece from Andre Dawson. Not sure how dad found it, but I'm glad he did.

I had yet another fun night at the Chiefs game. So glad some of my friends and family could make it out. It would not have been the same without you. Chances are pretty high that I'll be dreaming about Vo - Gel - Bach! and Pa - Pa - Cci - O! tonight. Fun times!

Hey Jane, would you...

...get your face painted if I gave you $5?

These are the words of my Mom at the Chiefs game tonight. I can't remember the last time she made it out to the game. I'm so glad Tom and her were in cahoots.

Here's the finished product, what one gets when requesting a blue tiger with a Cubs logo.

As Mom watched me get my face done, she decided to get a little artwork too.

Tom wasn't going to have any of it, but there's always tomorrow!

One of the best games of the year, even if the Kane County Cougars didn't beat the Peoria Chiefs.
Hmmm, guess we should have used a flash.

Whitney's Walk for Life 2013

I actually got out of bed earlier today than I do on a normal work day, but I look forward to this day every year (assuming I don't wake up to crazy storm damage in my backyard). Anyway, Sparky was just as jazzed for Whitney's Walk as I was! What might be better is how my friends and family helped me surpass my donation goal. THANK YOU!

If you haven't stepped outside today or don't live in Central Illinois, let me tell you, the weather was absolutely beautiful for the walk. It's almost noon and the temperature has yet to reach 70 today. So gorgeous outside!

I should have taken this photo from the other direction, oh well, maybe I'll get it right next year. This is our team, Living for Lynn, gathering together before the race and walk started.

And here's Sparky leading me along. This was the first year I didn't walk with music on, so I got to hear all the comments about my short, stocky, super cute, little friend. If other walkers follow through, there should be at least 22 more dogs showing up to Whitney's Walk next year.

Support and Nonsense

First off, I want to thank those who supported Whitney's Walk out of the kindness of their heart and/or in honor of my birthday next weekend (the 28th and there's still time to support WW on the 27th). You helped me surpass my goal and get WW within $4,000 of their $100k goal. Thanks again, this makes me so happy and proud. I picked up my WW t-shirt and Sparky's already resting up for the walk next Saturday.

That's the the main thing on my brain tonight, other than my upcoming vacation. I'm headed to Boston to see Matt & Brian and found out we'll be hitting Rhode Island for a bit. Between WW, my birthday, a Cubs game at Wrigley and a vacation... well, let's just say it's going to take everything in my power to stay focused on the task at hand.

So, why not throw in some random nonsense that I may or may not have blogged about already.

Some of you may know that I have some goofy coworkers. I know, it's amazing that I get along with them. Anyway, here's something they found and have continued to hide throughout the building. I thought it was E.T., but was corrected. Please meet our hairless Dora the Explorer.

When it's sweltering outside, Sparky loses out and doesn't get to fill his nostrils with 45mph fresh air. Next best thing, air conditioning straight out of the vent.

Here's Jinkies' favorite activity of the summer. Stalking bunnies and birds from the front window. Needless to say, he hasn't caught any. Good thing Sparky has his back (eye roll).

Upon arriving at my parents house one weekend morning, I turned to Sparky to find him wearing his harness sideways. I wish I could blame this on user error, but have to admit it was operator error.

Watermelon is a favorite of mine during the summer and I should really treat myself to it more often. My first taste of the season was thanks to my brother. Gotta love how Mathman packs it in there!

It always cracks me up to see Jinkies slowly getting sucked into the couch.

This year is the every in the every other year for the black walnuts (2009, 2011). I despise my neighbors two trees that drop hundreds, if not thousands of these blasted black walnuts into my backyard. This will not be the last you've heard of these.

Here's the little friend I met today. He was chillin' in the driveway waiting for me to get home. One step closer and he flew away. Phew, I thought he might be cat bait.

Whitney's Walk is Just Around the Corner

Whitney's Walk is just around the corner and the only money as of 3:50 today that is filling up my thermometer (left column under my glow stick head)  is the $25 I added upon signing up for the walk. I don't want to pester people with a request to please donate on a daily basis, so I might just go on a blog and posting strike until my goal is reached.

The Magic 8 Ball predicts this won't make an impact to anyone and some will never even notice, but it's worth a shot, right?

I came to know of Whitney's Walk when a former teacher reached out for me to be on her team, Living for Lynn. Her daughter (my longtime classmate and teammate) committed suicide during my college years, and this is how we celebrate her life and help support programs for depression awareness and suicide prevention.

This year my birthday falls the day after Whitney's Walk. As usual, if you ask me what I'd like for my birthday, I'd be honored if you'd make a donation on my Whitney's Walk page. If money isn't an option, then go donate some blood (I've been getting notices that the supply is low this summer).

Sparky and I plan to be at Jubilee College State Park bright and early on the 27th for Whitney's Walk and if you're in the area and want to be a part of the walk, please join us! Go here, agree to the waiver and join the team, Living for Lynn.

7-17-13 Update: Goal reached thanks to Emily,Tom and Laura! Thanks for getting the thermometer to Explode! Can you FEEL IT?!?!

7-16-13 Update: My Iadipaolos came through! Up to 67% thanks to Vince and Sandra... woot, woot!

7-15-13 Update: Theresa and Jim stepped up to the plate with a donation. I'm half way there, thanks to my Angells!

FYI, With each addition to my goal, you're helping move the counter for the overall Whitney's Walk goal of $110,000!

Mascots make all the difference!

I'm not a big stat person or even recall what our record is so far this season as a team, but I have a strong hunch we've gone unbeaten when we have a mascot at the game. Tonight's mascot cheering us on to another victory was Indie!

As far as I'm concerned, this was our first true summer weather game. As we wrapped up around 8:00, it was a temperature of feels like 88 degrees with a might as well be raining because it's so frickin' humid. One would think I went swimming with my clothes on, but I simply just played a game of softball.

Sooooo, knowing that summer weather is in full swing, who wants to come cheer us on next Monday at 7:00 and 9:00? Note: Mascot not required, but strongly encouraged.

Have you seen these women?

This is my favorite photo from my parents' party, 5th Annual Olson Summer Games and Fireworks Extravaganza, from over the weekend. I gotta be fair, this is the only photo I have from the events that ensued.

Mom sporting a mustache and me with a unibrow! My aunt won the mustaches during the post-game prize drawings. It took much pestering to get my mom to join in on the silliness.

I had such a fun time I forgot to take any photos. Kind of nice to live in the moment and just enjoy the friends, family, games, glowsticks, Scooby Doo pop rocks, and fireworks.

7th Time is the Charm?

Remember that summer when I work in the yard... played frisbee golf... or, well, just went outside, and days later I had a hideous, itchy, oozy, rash somewhere on my body? Oh wait, that's been every single year since I moved into my house in 2007! 2008 Flashback and photo.

I thought I'd become the master of avoiding the Yard Rash, but it struck yet again. My plan worked well, except for one small detail, or some may call it that lump three feet above my ass. Anyway, after weeding last week I doused myself in a shower of Dawn dish detergent. If it can save animals from oil spills, then why not me from the oils of those evil weeds in my backyard?

And now I bring you to the problem... I chose not to suds up my whole head in Dawn. While weeding I did not touch my head and and instead used my shirt to wipe sweat off my brow. As the photos clearly show, this was not a foolproof plan.

Here's a random text conversation with my out of town coworker who was just checking in.

Soooo yeah, I've been using the topical steroid cream from last year that gets me through most of the day. Plus, the positive thinking of, "At least I don't have a rash in my belly button." 

More than anything it's unpleasant. I enjoy yard work and this is my consequence, but I think I may have finally nailed down the solution for a future 99% rash free outcome. In the meantime, I'm glad to have awesome friends that help me through these itchy and scratchy times!

Shout out to Theresa. Woot woot!