Tomorrow at this time I'll be in Milwaukee. I've had an interesting year to say the least. At this time last year I lived in Milwaukee and was seriously considering moving home to VT... in Early April my mind was made up and the wheels went in to motion... by May 6th I was gone.
When I moved out to Milwaukee I always dreamed of returning to Vermont to visit and having nothing but good to report from my new life. Stories of interest, happiness, and a sense that things were going well for me. I felt I never really had that trip back to Vermont, but this journey back to Milwaukee is sort of that in reverse.
I had hard times in Milwaukee, some I caused on my own and some just added by whichever cruel director is running this show we call life. For whatever reason I had to go there to get to here, and I've never regretted it for a second. Sounds dumb but it's made me who I am, and i'm happy with that.
I've gone through the proper channels to get over the loss of all that Milwaukee was for me, and I know I can have a less-complicated version of that life again somewhere else in the future. But for now I welcome the chance to go back to Wisconsin, get video for my movie, and simply enjoy all that it was. I look forward to reuniting and catching up with the many friends and faces that made my stay in the 414 all that is was!
Here's a brief itinerary:
Wednesday: Arrive
Thursday: Visit Pettit National Ice Center
Friday: Open so far...
Saturday: Bucks Vs. 76ers at Bradley Center
Sunday: Blackhawks Vs. Lightning in Chicago!
Mpnday: Brewers Opening day at Miller Park!
Tuesday: Open so far...
Wednesday: Return home
Also Im sure there will be a game of Drunken Monopoly (I'm the 4-time defending champ!), probably a stop at Victors, watching Wrestlemania, hopefully some Johnny V's, a casino run, and lord knows what else...
So as you can see the NBA, NHL, and MLB all in 4 days is awesome... literally I can feel your "awe" from here. I look forward to these times to unwind, have some fun, and let loose. The winter stressed me out and although it's not quite spring I'm officially over the winter and this is the kick-off!
If you need me in VT wait until next Wednesday... until then I'll be running things in Wisconsin #TeamBringIt
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Madness of March & Milwaukee visit preview
I feel like this blog here is way overdue. There will be quick hits, FAQ's, and of course me bitching about life... cause those are the three staples that make this blog great... or awful depending on whether you read it. Although I bet if you didn't like it you wouldn't be here... so then yeah, the things that make it great!
I have to start by mentioning how weird this entire year has been for me. I'm going to spare you more of my moving back stuff and just focus on the time from calendar year 2011 to current. I've been seeing a therapist since December of last year to help me deal with a lot of stuff. To anyone who ever has considered talking to someone, I recommend it highly. There's nothing like getting unbiased opinions from a trained professional. Sure, advice and chatting with friends is great too, but I've gained so much knowledge about myself in the few months of sessions that have really helped me deal. I've also dealt with a few situations that I'm not use to dealing with, and I've handled them very poorly. Not something I'll discuss here on my blog, but decisions, actions, and non-actions I'm not proud of. Even though therapy is going well it's not a fix-all.
I mention the therapy because I used to use my blog as a form of it. A way to get out things on my mind. Somewhat healthy but also somewhat damaging. Lately my "less is more plan" has allowed me to simply check-in without dispelling everything in my head because I have another way to do that now. It's helped me get a solid view on things I probably deep down knew but didn't admit.
March Madness was fun as always but with the Men's hoop team losing the chance to host the America East Championship at home it took some of the buzz that was expected. A heartbreaking loss at Cleveland State a week later in the NIT officially ended their year. Of course the NCAA Tourney is still a reason for smiles and joyous times. A good tourney is only 1/3 of the way done so far and it's been a good one. Let's hope Duke doesn't ruin it again this year by winning it.
So basically let's get to the more fun parts of the blog:
FAQ's
Q: Are you looking forward to your trip to Milwaukee?
A: Does a fat kid love cake? Hell yes. I'm excited to go back to Wisconsin for many reasons; seeing friends, getting video footage for my movie, taking in Brewers Opening Day (3rd straight year!), other misc. area sporting events (Trip to Chicago is in the works for Blackhawks game, also watching Wrestlemania, and maybe a Bucks or Admirals game). However the thing I'm looking most forward to doing is being me in Wisconsin. I'm a much more confident, together, and financially stable dude now after a year away and I can't wait to mix-it-up in the 414! There's so much to be excited about that I might have to carry my bag in front of me when I land at the airport. (Guys will get that reference from their High School days)
Q: Would you ever move back to Milwaukee?
A: I get this one a lot and I always answer the same. I don't think so. I mean the thing I'd want to do there for work I already did and got fired from, so short of them coming to me with some sort of explanation/offer I'd say I'll not be moving back. Of course if you'd asked me about moving to Milwaukee in late 2007 I'd have given you the same small odds that I'd ever move there and look what happened. Bottom line is you never know where life is going to take you, but for now it only takes me back to Milwaukee for pleasure, not business.
Q: You always claim you want to move from Vermont. Where to then haas?
A: Although it's not always phrased that way I'm often asked where I'd like to go next. I'm not really sure but I'm thinking more south. I think I'm getting to the age where snow is just a pain, and not fun, so less of it would be cool. However I'll take myself wherever I think a good job, opportunity, or a fun time can be had. Somewhere I'll be doing things that make me happy. If you need some candidates I'd say the classics that have always been on my list like Washington D.C. or Baltimore area... maybe something out west to mix it up in an area I haven't been to, or the 'always been an option' of Orlando, Fla.
Q: (Warning: NHL Hockey question) What did you think about the hit by Zdeno Chara?
A: Chara's always been a thug. When you're that big, it happens. The guy is a great defender, but sadly is a Bruin. He simply took his frustrations of playing in an awful city with the worst uniforms and colors in the league out on a man he's jealous of for playing in the best hockey city in the world, Montreal. The two had history and I think that blurs what was otherwise a hit a lot of other people would do. If Max had bounced right back up it would be a dead issue. Since he fractured parts of his spine... it got out of hand. However I don't care what happens to Chara because as mentioned he's a Bruin (Also See: Pich' dislike of UVM Alum Tim Thomas).
Q: When will you start updating your site again?
A: Soon... I dabble on it now. I try to use time on the computer to dedicate to the Pich' Awards. I have trouble getting the steam going to get far with them though. They are my #1 computer priority. Hopefully after my Milwaukee journey they can be unleashed to the public.
There are other questions I'm asked frequently but they pertain to what I mentioned above that I care to not discuss. So with that moving forward lets discuss the 'Piche' name.
I met a gal that plays ice hockey for the University of North Dakota named Francie Piche. She later friend requested me on Facebook and I've been opened to a whole new clan of Piche's in the Grand Forks, ND region. I hope to eventually have a spot on my website dedicated to all Piche's of note... stay tuned.
Let's get to quick hits!
- I'm loving Costco more and more each visit. Not only do I get large amounts of products I need but I also earn 2% back on everything. From the low prices to Monster Energy in bulk, from excellent food to electronics deals... well played Costco. Our old hatchet has been buried... keep on keeping on.
- FUN FACT courtesy Justin St. Louis, in the city of Burlington, Vermont if 6 or more girls are living together in one place it's considered a burlesque house or a brothel. Do some research if you want more about it... I'm not a machine.
- When faced to choose between Milky Way or Snickers... I always go Milky Way. Superb galaxy and better candy bar.
- 3 new shows I like that I'm watching that I fear won't see a second season, or maybe even finish their 1st: 1) The Cape (NBC) 2) The Event (NBC) 3) Traffic Light (Fox)
- Chicken Parmesan ravioli is good... put some in your mouth.
- I've been playing MLB 11 The Show a lot lately and it's good to play as the Nationals and not have to make a ton of trades and free agent signings to make them good. As predicted over a year ago this is the year I said the Nationals would make it to the World Series and I'm standing by that claim. Getting back to the game it's awesome. I even added sounds with my microphone so when the crowd cheers they are player specific or just hilarious. Justin helped me lay down my favorite cut in ode to the kid at Centennial Field during Lake Monster game who yells, "Ice Cream Cookie Thing." It's a fun and challenging game as I'm about 20 games in to the season and barely over .500
- Coming up in May I'll be heading down to Dover for the NASCAR race. I haven't been for 3 years now but I look forward to the pageantry and fun associated with the weekend. I meet up with Carl and his uncle-in-law, Terry for a good time. Sure I don't like NASCAR anymore, but it's a fun time. I used to go at least every other year but with the Milwaukee odyssey I took time away. I'm also planning to hit at least one Nationals game the week after as Terry lives in the D.C. area of Maryland. Haven't seen the new stadium and I look forward to this trip greatly!
- I can't wait for softball season!
- This blog will end now, and is in memory of Ron Piche. He passed away from a battle with cancer on Feb. 3rd. He was a professional baseball player who pitched in the major leagues from 1960–66. He played for the Milwaukee Braves, California Angels and St. Louis Cardinals. He later worked for the Montreal Expos in the front offices. Although I never met Ron I always felt a connection to him. Especially because I grew up a Cardinals fan, lived in Milwaukee, later became and Expos fan, and my grandfather named Ron Fontaine also played baseball back in the day. I have collected his cards, and will forever be a fan. RIP Ronald Jacques Piché (May 22, 1935 – February 3, 2011)
I have to start by mentioning how weird this entire year has been for me. I'm going to spare you more of my moving back stuff and just focus on the time from calendar year 2011 to current. I've been seeing a therapist since December of last year to help me deal with a lot of stuff. To anyone who ever has considered talking to someone, I recommend it highly. There's nothing like getting unbiased opinions from a trained professional. Sure, advice and chatting with friends is great too, but I've gained so much knowledge about myself in the few months of sessions that have really helped me deal. I've also dealt with a few situations that I'm not use to dealing with, and I've handled them very poorly. Not something I'll discuss here on my blog, but decisions, actions, and non-actions I'm not proud of. Even though therapy is going well it's not a fix-all.
I mention the therapy because I used to use my blog as a form of it. A way to get out things on my mind. Somewhat healthy but also somewhat damaging. Lately my "less is more plan" has allowed me to simply check-in without dispelling everything in my head because I have another way to do that now. It's helped me get a solid view on things I probably deep down knew but didn't admit.
March Madness was fun as always but with the Men's hoop team losing the chance to host the America East Championship at home it took some of the buzz that was expected. A heartbreaking loss at Cleveland State a week later in the NIT officially ended their year. Of course the NCAA Tourney is still a reason for smiles and joyous times. A good tourney is only 1/3 of the way done so far and it's been a good one. Let's hope Duke doesn't ruin it again this year by winning it.
So basically let's get to the more fun parts of the blog:
FAQ's
Q: Are you looking forward to your trip to Milwaukee?
A: Does a fat kid love cake? Hell yes. I'm excited to go back to Wisconsin for many reasons; seeing friends, getting video footage for my movie, taking in Brewers Opening Day (3rd straight year!), other misc. area sporting events (Trip to Chicago is in the works for Blackhawks game, also watching Wrestlemania, and maybe a Bucks or Admirals game). However the thing I'm looking most forward to doing is being me in Wisconsin. I'm a much more confident, together, and financially stable dude now after a year away and I can't wait to mix-it-up in the 414! There's so much to be excited about that I might have to carry my bag in front of me when I land at the airport. (Guys will get that reference from their High School days)
Q: Would you ever move back to Milwaukee?
A: I get this one a lot and I always answer the same. I don't think so. I mean the thing I'd want to do there for work I already did and got fired from, so short of them coming to me with some sort of explanation/offer I'd say I'll not be moving back. Of course if you'd asked me about moving to Milwaukee in late 2007 I'd have given you the same small odds that I'd ever move there and look what happened. Bottom line is you never know where life is going to take you, but for now it only takes me back to Milwaukee for pleasure, not business.
Q: You always claim you want to move from Vermont. Where to then haas?
A: Although it's not always phrased that way I'm often asked where I'd like to go next. I'm not really sure but I'm thinking more south. I think I'm getting to the age where snow is just a pain, and not fun, so less of it would be cool. However I'll take myself wherever I think a good job, opportunity, or a fun time can be had. Somewhere I'll be doing things that make me happy. If you need some candidates I'd say the classics that have always been on my list like Washington D.C. or Baltimore area... maybe something out west to mix it up in an area I haven't been to, or the 'always been an option' of Orlando, Fla.
Q: (Warning: NHL Hockey question) What did you think about the hit by Zdeno Chara?
A: Chara's always been a thug. When you're that big, it happens. The guy is a great defender, but sadly is a Bruin. He simply took his frustrations of playing in an awful city with the worst uniforms and colors in the league out on a man he's jealous of for playing in the best hockey city in the world, Montreal. The two had history and I think that blurs what was otherwise a hit a lot of other people would do. If Max had bounced right back up it would be a dead issue. Since he fractured parts of his spine... it got out of hand. However I don't care what happens to Chara because as mentioned he's a Bruin (Also See: Pich' dislike of UVM Alum Tim Thomas).
Q: When will you start updating your site again?
A: Soon... I dabble on it now. I try to use time on the computer to dedicate to the Pich' Awards. I have trouble getting the steam going to get far with them though. They are my #1 computer priority. Hopefully after my Milwaukee journey they can be unleashed to the public.
There are other questions I'm asked frequently but they pertain to what I mentioned above that I care to not discuss. So with that moving forward lets discuss the 'Piche' name.
I met a gal that plays ice hockey for the University of North Dakota named Francie Piche. She later friend requested me on Facebook and I've been opened to a whole new clan of Piche's in the Grand Forks, ND region. I hope to eventually have a spot on my website dedicated to all Piche's of note... stay tuned.
Let's get to quick hits!
- I'm loving Costco more and more each visit. Not only do I get large amounts of products I need but I also earn 2% back on everything. From the low prices to Monster Energy in bulk, from excellent food to electronics deals... well played Costco. Our old hatchet has been buried... keep on keeping on.
- FUN FACT courtesy Justin St. Louis, in the city of Burlington, Vermont if 6 or more girls are living together in one place it's considered a burlesque house or a brothel. Do some research if you want more about it... I'm not a machine.
- When faced to choose between Milky Way or Snickers... I always go Milky Way. Superb galaxy and better candy bar.
- 3 new shows I like that I'm watching that I fear won't see a second season, or maybe even finish their 1st: 1) The Cape (NBC) 2) The Event (NBC) 3) Traffic Light (Fox)
- Chicken Parmesan ravioli is good... put some in your mouth.
- I've been playing MLB 11 The Show a lot lately and it's good to play as the Nationals and not have to make a ton of trades and free agent signings to make them good. As predicted over a year ago this is the year I said the Nationals would make it to the World Series and I'm standing by that claim. Getting back to the game it's awesome. I even added sounds with my microphone so when the crowd cheers they are player specific or just hilarious. Justin helped me lay down my favorite cut in ode to the kid at Centennial Field during Lake Monster game who yells, "Ice Cream Cookie Thing." It's a fun and challenging game as I'm about 20 games in to the season and barely over .500
- Coming up in May I'll be heading down to Dover for the NASCAR race. I haven't been for 3 years now but I look forward to the pageantry and fun associated with the weekend. I meet up with Carl and his uncle-in-law, Terry for a good time. Sure I don't like NASCAR anymore, but it's a fun time. I used to go at least every other year but with the Milwaukee odyssey I took time away. I'm also planning to hit at least one Nationals game the week after as Terry lives in the D.C. area of Maryland. Haven't seen the new stadium and I look forward to this trip greatly!
- I can't wait for softball season!
- This blog will end now, and is in memory of Ron Piche. He passed away from a battle with cancer on Feb. 3rd. He was a professional baseball player who pitched in the major leagues from 1960–66. He played for the Milwaukee Braves, California Angels and St. Louis Cardinals. He later worked for the Montreal Expos in the front offices. Although I never met Ron I always felt a connection to him. Especially because I grew up a Cardinals fan, lived in Milwaukee, later became and Expos fan, and my grandfather named Ron Fontaine also played baseball back in the day. I have collected his cards, and will forever be a fan. RIP Ronald Jacques Piché (May 22, 1935 – February 3, 2011)
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