Today I got two emails: one from Abercrombie, one from Hollister. Abercrombie owns both brands and apparently they are so obsessive about being conformist that they can't even make an effort from distinguishing the "California" lifestyle from "New York."

2. I won my first game of chess EVER today

(p.s. I don't know how to play chess)

3. I am happy the part-timers are back.

4. I'm surprised that I've never seen this before but...the other day, in the middle of the day, I finally saw someone take the roundabout in Brookfield backwards.

5. Damnit, I just noticed Showgirls is on tonight. That pretty much means I have to watch it.

6. Quote of the day from the Marketing boss at work: "GREAT NEWS!...We're in the Batman movie!"

- Planning Road Trips (and that I found at least one crazy friend who wants to drive to Mount Rushmore with me over Labor Day)

- Daydreaming (even though they will never come true)

- That I now may be booked to shoot three weddings.

- Another magazine might be publishing some of my photos.

- When people use my photos and credit me.

- That my favorite competitive eater asked if he could use a photo I took on a t-shirt!

- When the guy at Starbucks gives me my mocha for $2 and includes a free raspberry brownie because there was apparently a coupon for it that I didn't have.

- Free Leinenkugel Lip Balm

- My new Wii :) and my new Guitar Hero :) and my new Wii Fit :)

Things that make me sad:

- Daydreaming (because they will never come true)

- Realizing that if I ever do want to be a wedding photographer I'd have to give up my weekends.

- When people use my photos and don't credit me.

- That I can't figure out how to connect the Wii to the internet and therefore cannot get the competitive eating game. And that Iron Chef America isn't out yet...

- The fact that Robert Irvine lied and therefore was fired from Dinner: Impossible, which was my favorite show but now is horrible with the new host because the new host isn't as much of an ass and therefore the concept doesn't quite work. (I do like the host on Iron Chef (as much as I can like anyone on Iron Chef) just not on this particular show)

- I haven't seen the new Batman yet.

- Melted ice cream.

- Crappy expensive studio apartments (can I afford anything on my own in Chicago?)

***

So in typical Val/Emily fashion, this is how my Friday night plans came to fruition:
Val: Look Em, a sex tour of chicago!
Emily: I'll get the tickets!

Really, neither of us needed any convincing that this was a BRILLIANT idea. And really I could have said any event in there and we'd both be up for it...

***

After work I met up with Em, her coworkers, Parker (who DID NOT bring any hot law students with him), and Julie at Cactus where we got some beers and chatted (except not with hot law students). We left shortly after though to go grab dinner.

We grabbed a cab from an awesome cabbie and got dropped off at the Hard Rock Cafe. We got cosmos and purple hazes. The waiter made us get those instead of Irish coffees. He was cute and an actor and from Effingham and didn't like when we asked about the cross. We left him our numbers...

After dinner we went outside where our bus was waiting...

Our bus, of course, being the bus for the Weird Chicago Red Light District Sex Tour of Chicago!

Yes, yes. Emily and I spent our Friday night on a sex tour!

Our first stop was an "Adult Book Store" where our guide, Ken Berg, showed us around, explained the differences between types of butt plugs, anal beads, vibrators, etc. etc. Then we were taken into the private booths in the back to watch porn. Apparently it is actually illegal for women to be back there. You had to put tokens into the booth to watch it and then could flip the channels. There was even animated porn on one of the channels and some guy on guy and a lot of anal. Just in case you were keeping tabs.

This creepy guy then introduced himself to Em and I. He was kind of creepy.

The next stop on the tour was the liquor store to get some booze. Em and I got two big bottles and shared. I was already drunk by this point anyways and had to pee pretty badly, but you kind of have to drink when you're in a bus looking for sex-related things.

On our way to the next stop we drove through the Viagra triangle, and heard all about the advent of brothels and playboys in the city. My only gripe really was that we didn't really see any of these places, we were just kind of told about them.

Oh well because next up...

It was time to play "Spot the Ho!" aka "Ho or CVS (Common Variety Skank)." We drove up and down Lincoln in an area where all the hooker motels apparently are. We spotted plenty of CVSs and we spotted a few women who we were pretty certain were whores (we even saw one with a guy closing the door on a motel room...) It was a fun game!

We sped down LSD and then past Comiskey to get to our next location:

the S&M Dungeon of Miss Simone.

Basically it was a really nice apartment that just happened to have sex toys, restrains, masks, etc. over every inch of the wall. Mistress Simone is a pro dominatrix who specializes in medical play, which includes enemas and play piercings and such like that. There were several rooms and several apparatuses and a "Cross Dressing Room."

At one point I was startled to see someone in the corner in a cage but then realized it was just probably a mannequin. But then later when I got closer I noticed he was moving. Nope, the naked, blindfolded man with a rope hung around his penis standing in a cage was most definitely real...

We also saw a "full service" massage parlor that offers full release...But alas they were closed for the night...

The last stop was Batteries Not Included, which was another sex shop. We were schooled on the different types of vibrators. We were told things named after animals were good. What I never understood? Why are vibrators and dildos always given women's names?

Yup...it was just a typical night in Valryland :-)

p.s. sorry for the lack of photos. I really didn't think it was appropriate to take pictures of strangers in sex shops and dominatrixes in their natural environment...

2. I shot a rooftop party today. This was the view:

Awe-some.

I wouldn't have gone anyways because I always assumed it was a joke.

***

Musing from the airport I forgot to blog about:

"Did you leave a banana?" - Lady in the airport bathroom.

Bryan had to bring a whole lot of syringes through airport security and they didn't bat an eye or ask for his doctor's note. But they had to search my bag (twice) and confiscated a bottle of soap. Good to know our airport security has their priorities straight.

"save it for the line at McDonalds"

***

I've had to censor my blog way too much lately to either protect myself or protect others. I'm sick of it. Here's a (not entirely) cryptic blog of random (not entirely) cryptic thoughts to remedy all that.

I sometimes feel so stupid, getting swept away in possibility, and not taking time to think.

I used to cry that he would only want me while drunk. Now this.

I complain that no one wants to date me and then complain when someone does.

I now know how (t)he(y) problably felt.

You shouldn't have to pay.

Girlfriend for the night.

I know you two are dating. I was waiting to see how long it would take for you to tell me.

I don't call because I want you, I call because you're the only one who knows.

I don't think you think I'm over it.

2. I need to get a wii so I can play that and Mario Kart and Guitar Hero whenever I want. I won't any get better though. As soon as I buy one they will unveil Wii Pink.

3. Wii needs to invent a game called "Broadway Star" where you have to sing and dance to showtunes. I am the only one who would buy that.

***

Monday I had the day off because it made more sense to take off then that this Friday. I've found that more people notice that you are off on Mondays.

Monday MK was a demanding ass and MADE ME go buy him lunch and bring it to him.

***

After about a million years of being together Glen and Jen finally got married on Saturday.

My morning started at 8am with my alarm going off. My alarm clock broke a long time ago so I now just use the alarm on my cell phone. After I turned it off it occurred to me that I certainly did not set an alarm clock for 8am. And that wasn't the alarm clock ring. I apparently had just picked up and hung up on Heather. Damnit Heather. I called her back. She wanted to know if I had an envelope.

***

Julie picked me up a few hours later and we headed off to the church. Heather kept calling me for directions, which is never a good plan because I am horrible at giving directions, don't know where anything is, and don't know which way is which. Luckily she made it into the pew just in time for the wedding to begin.

The wedding was a full Catholic ceremony. So it was your pretty standard wedding...until the priest walked out on them... Yeah, so I guess he picked up the wrong book and at one point just walked off the stage and left everyone there for a few minutes. At least he came back or they both would have been left at the alter.

After the wedding we hung around for a bit and saw Amy and Aaron's new baby Hannah. She was adorable and looked way older than one-week old. Then we headed to JoeJoe's parents house where we raided their fridge because we were all starving. Julie, Heather, and I left there a bit early to go check into our hotel. It was a very awesome place that had a swiveling tv and a giant bed and a walk-in closet. After freshening up a bit and a costume change from Julie (that only two people noticed) we called up a cab and left for the reception.

***

We were pretty much the first ones to get there as "MattyK and the Hepcats" were still setting up to play cocktail hour. The grooms cake (a Guitar Hero guitar) was out for all to see and the drink specials were up...Including THE IRISH PIRATE!!! For those of you who don't know, way back in college Glen played bartended at Joe's birthday party. Glen, who at the time didn't drink at all. He invented a drink: the Irish Pirate...which is Baileys and Captain...and pretty damn disgusting...

More people started showing up so we grabbed some drinks and mingled and ate appetizers. I bet JoeW $5 to grab the big garnish off the platter when the appetizer lady came around. He said he'd take the bet but he didn't :( MK finally played my song for me but wouldn't play Journey for Heather.

After cocktail hour we took our seats, watched everyone make their entrances and watched on as the beautiful newlyweds took the floor to cut the cake and share a first dance or two.

During our dinner of soup, salad, mashed potatoes, and meats our awesome table was totally awesome. After Glen's mom gave a speech Heather whispered to me "I made a dirty joke during her speech" and then she and Sarah wrote a limrick about it (see above). Then Heather said we should get Glen and Jen's names tattooed on our foreheads. I said no and she suggested I get it on my inner thigh because "no one will ever notice it there." Gee thanks Heather! :-( This resulted in Heather writing me a note that said "remember somebody special out there wants to look at your pubic crevice" and Julie yelling really loudly "Val wants to have sex some day." We also got our hands on a copy of the itinerary...which was made dirty by phrases such as "in bed" "sexy cocktail hour" and "for a good time call ###" I called the number Heather wrote down, which happened to be Jeff's. He didn't know what I was saying so he gave the phone to Russell and I told Russell "Oh baby baby. Oh baby. Oh baby baby. Oh baby." He just kept saying "Who is this?" Hahaha.

See. Awesome table.

We were also totally enthralled by the salad which came in a cucumber bowl which was quickly deconstructed by us all.

After dinner it was time to dance, dance, dance and drink, drink, drink.

I said I'd take an Irish Pirate when everyone went to take one, but I didn't get handed one. Oh well...the last thing I needed was to be given a drink that almost immediately curdles. That surely wouldn't have gone well.

JoeJoe discovered the key to getting him to dance: Whiskey. Although he kept dancing than stopping as soon as I tried to take his photo. But I do have proof.

Alas, the night finally wore down and we said our goodnights to the beautiful bride and dashing husband.

Julie, Heather and I headed back to our hotel room and got into our one big bed (OK, so maybe we didn't all stay there...)

***

The next morning we headed off to Jimmy's in Naperville for a day-after lunch. Of course, I get a text from Glen that they'll be an hour late as I am pulling into the parking garage. Oh well. Luckily I spotted one of the bridesmaids and her boyfriend when I got there, so I pulled up a chair.

People came and some went and finally Glen and Jen arrived. We had a ridiculous set up of chairs, tables, and a booth that made a big el shape in the bar and we had good conversation and good food.

***

So congratulations to Glen and Jen! The wedding was beautiful and we all had an amazing time!

Photos Here!!!

Monday
Met with my financial panther to go over my finances. After I looked at my statement that said that after a year of investing I have LOST $50 he said that technically I had made money but I had to pay fees...So basically that means I have lost money and he has made money off of me. I told him he was buying me dinner.

I asked him if he was losing his other clients money or if it's just me he hates. He said he couldn't disclose that so I called Scotty and asked him how his finaces were doing. Scotty laughed.

I played with the boat on his desk and he then stole one for me from someone else's desk. He also told me that I was by far his most entertaining client.

After the meeting we went to some Mexican restaurant for dinner. I had yummy mole enchiladas (the sauce not the vermin) and he tried to order in Spanish which didn't go so well.

He paid :-)

Tuesday
I went over to MK's to watch Top Gear but again didn't end up watching it because my nose was buried in hot dog eating pics.

Went home and finished my hot dog photos while watching a taped episode of the Price is Right. Yes, I said TAPED. Val is old school like that. I saw Brian in the audience :-)

Wednesday
Headed over to Ravinia to listen to CSO with Joshua Bell. Ravinia is one of the most beautiful settings to listen to live music. You can't see the stage from the lawn, but whatver, between free park and ride and a free student lawn pass it is a very very good deal. Plus you don't need to see classical music being played to appreciate it. Although Joshua Bell IS a site for sore eyes. Alina and JoeJoe joined me, although Joe spent most of the time watching the Sox game on a mobile device. We had a picnic. I made peanut butter cookies and apricot chicken salad and ALINA cooked up some yummy pasta salad and pita sandwiches. Chelsa joined us after intermission when she got off of her box-office duties.

Thursday
At around 5am the fire alarm that is directly over my bed started letting off a loud, shrill beep every five minutes. For two hours it kept waking me up in that way where I couldn't remember if my actual alarm had gone off yet. I was too lazy to get up and do anything about it.

At 7am I unplugged it from the wall. It then beeped the "I'm unplugged from the wall" beep every two minutes. I took out the battery. It somehow STILL beeped the "I have no battery" beep. Luckily I found a new battery.

***

I found out that my photos are going to appear in the next issue of Chicago Agent Magazine.

***

After work I went shopping in a downpour. While I didn't get most of what I set out to get, I did happen upon this cute (and pink) Heatherette dress that was marked down from $270 to $30...I can't pass that up even though I have no idea where I will ever wear it to. I actually would more likely wear it with jeans.

Friday
Met up with Em at Cactus for happy hour. Drank half of her shark drink and a beer. Ian had to add the lime for me because if I tried it I'd have spilled it all over.

***

The soundtrack to Spring Awakening doesn't do justice to what it sounded like live.

***
Glen invited me to meet up with everyone at Uncle Julio's after the rehearsal dinner at 11. Julie and I got there around 10:30 and got some margaritas. A little after 11 JoeJoe and Alina showed up...but couldn't get in. Turns out the place closes at 11.

So we left the bar and headed somewhere else. And then we stayed there for a while.

But this past weekend I was at the point where I was so exhausted and worn out that I kept thinking "God, I really don't want to go on this vacation."

Not that I wasn't excited to go see the Nathan's finals, because it was a totally kick-ass experience and the downright coolest event I've ever been to in my life...it's just, I wasn't really prepared for it. And I certainly wasn't prepared to spend three days in the city that never sleeps after basically not sleeping for the last two months...

I boarded the plane on Thursday morning after barely getting three hours of sleep the night before. At one point I woke up and thought "Hmmm...we're in the air...how about that?" I put my seat back and fell back asleep.

We arrived in NYC and checked into the Affinia. They had a special beverage at the front desk for us, a "pillow menu," a stuffed gorilla on the bed, and apparently you could order up a rubber duckie (although we didn't know that one until in the airport home...). We even had a kitchen. Why we needed a kitchen, I don't know, but it let us keep our water cold.

The first thing we did was take off to find...well...something...

We took a walk down Fifth Avenue and decided we were hungry so we ducked into Heartland Brewery for lunch. I had a delicious roast chicken and a Berry Champagne Ale that was tasty.

When I went to the bathroom there were three doors. One had an icon of a man on it. One had an icon of a woman on it. The middle one had icons of both a man and a woman on it. Huh? I chose the woman.

We continued walking up the street, saw the Empire State Building, saw St. Patrick's Cathedral, saw Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall...We didn't go into any of the buildings mind you, just saw them...

Then we hit Central Park. I'm a sucker for parks so besides the contest this was the only other thing I really cared about seeing while there (well, that and Broadway...) My only real mission there was to track down the Alice in Wonderland Statue. After quite a bit wandering we finally stumbled upon it :)

We walked around a bit more and then, of course, waited outside a bit trying to figure out what to do. Outside of the park was no Jenny's front lawn, but it would have to do. Nad and Bryan got in a bit of a tiff at this point and stormed off in different directions leaving me alone. I ran after Nad and we made our way back to the hotel.

Later Bryan was off to meet some businessy people so Nad and I headed to check out Times Square. It's a lot crazier than I remember it from last time. It used to be a lot seedier and now it just has giant glowing M&Ms. We walked around looking for food and settled on a little diner where I got some spaghetti and meatballs.

Friday was the hot dog eating contest. After the contest we took naps. We proceeded to sleep through the fireworks. oops. This is what not sleeping for two months does to you. Honestly I was perfectly happy to take this is a true restful vacation and didn't really care if we did anything or not. I was perfectly happy to take advantage of the pillow menu and sleep away my weekend. I needed it.

Saturday after I don't know how many hours of sleep we woke up and were out the door around 11. Apparently the city that never sleeps sleeps in because it was pretty dead outside.

We got coffee at Juan Valdez just because we were hungry and we had never seen a Juan Valdez shop.

Our truly brilliant idea for the day was to take a double decker bus tour. Now, I am usually pretty against doing tours like that and prefer to wander on my own, but a) Nad's coworker gave her some unused passes that got us on for free and b) it was a hop on/hop off thing so we could get on and off as we pleased anywhere that we pleased. So, think of it as a free cab.

Our truly brilliant idea for the day quickly turned to being truly stupid when it started to downpour and we were stuck, freezing and soaking wet on the top of a bus. They gave ut ponchos but conveinently ran out leaving us the only three on the bus without one.

We got off at the first stop and bought overpriced tourist sweatshirts to keep warm. I at least got mine in pink.

We were driven around and saw all the sites and neighborhoods. We got off at the World Trade Center site and later at the Statue of Liberty.

After the bus dropped us off at the end Bryan took off for more business dealings and Nad and I chilled around Times Square. Now, if you've known me for a while you'll know that way back when in high school I was your quintessential theatre geek. And so to me New York is really about just one thing: Broadway. I was dying to see a show while there. So Nad and I went to go check out prices at the half-price booth. Unfortunately her and Bryan couldn't justify the money for tickets. :( After discussing it with Nad though she said it was OK, if it was OK with me that I could just get a ticket for myself. So I bought myself a single ticket to see Spring Awakening, which won the Tony in 2007 and has been on my list ever since.

Before heading to the show we grabbed a bite at an Irish Pub where we split some Whiskey Chicken and Guinness beef stew. And then I headed off to the theater.

I felt a little self-conscious because I didn't have time to go back to the hotel to change so I was in my jeans and just a t-shirt. I normally always like dressing up at least a little for the theater.

Spring Awakening was AMAZING. It's a "coming of age" take set in long ago Germany set to a pop rock score. A boy with radical philosophies gets a girl pregnant. Another student is wrongly held back in school and commits suicide. A guy masturbates on stage. Typical Broadway.

Warning signs promised "partial nudity" but that just meant half a naked man ass. That's not even partial.

So I got to see hot dog eating, an Alice in Wonderland statue, and a Broadway show...and caught up on some much much much needed sleep (of course, I am already back to ruining that). And I guess that's all I can ask for in a weekend getaway.

Photos Here!

I think we've proved time and again that I am one weird chica. I wouldn't even try to argue that one. But I think you know you have a problem when a COMPETITIVE EATER tells you that you're weird for being a fan of COMPETITIVE EATING...

***

So this weekend Nadia, Bryan, and I flew half way across the country to New York City to watch the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest.

I like to think of that plan as awesome and not weird, thank you very much.

Friday morning we arrived at Coney Island (not so) bright and early at 9am (we arrived in NYC on Thursday morning...I'll recap the rest of the trip later). Even though we got there three hours early there was already a big crowd and we weren't able to get a prime viewing spot. We waited around on the outskirts and got some Nathan's hot dogs and fries for breakfast. Soon enough they opened up another gate and we flooded in to try to get a better spot. Considering there were about 35,000 people there our spots were pretty good. But considering that there are a lot of tall people and people holding cameras in the air and people clapping thunder sticks it made it hard to see or get good pics. :( All I have to say is thank god for my 300 uberzoom lens. (And all I additionally have to say is I am sososo sorry to anyone who I may have accidentally hit in the head...numerous times...with my lens. It's really long and I don't notice what it's doing.)

We watched the countdown clock do its business and listened to the many opening acts. There were a few bands, performances by Mr. Badlands Booker himself (one of the competitors who recently found his way out of retirement), and some trampoliners.

Finally the competitors were announced and one by one took the stage. They came out in everything from the plain contest tee to purple jackets to a 007 tux to Cubs gear (stay tuned to later in the post where I yell at him for that one...) to almost nothing at all...

Takeru Kobayashi made his entrance decked in red and yellow dyed hair inspired by the famous condiments. I've been a CE fan for a while now and it's been a goal to see Koby live so it was reassuring and thrilling to see him walk across the stage.

Last to hit the stage was Joey Chestnut, the reigning champ who last year at this time pulled ahead of Kobayashi to steal the Mustard Yellow Belt. Really, as much as I'm a Pat Bertoletti fan and want to bring the belt to Chicago, it was guaranteed that this would be a fight to the end between Joey and Kobayashi.

After introducing them all they were all sent away. These were merely the intros for the crowd and they would later do it all over again for the camera.

In the mean time we had more entertainment...including a marriage proposal and surprise "wedding" on stage between two fans.

Finally, the clock started winding down and the ESPN broadcast began with some pre-taped footage. Then the competitors were announced and once again took the stage.

As the contest was about to begin they positioned "Frankster" the hot-dog mascot on one of the wings...who directly blocked the entire competition from our view. We all started chanting "Hot Dog Move" but the hot dog just thought we meant he should dance. Luckily someone got him out of our way just before the final ten-second countdown began.

And then they were off...the competitors crammed hot dogs into their mouths, dipped buns into water and koolaid, crammed particles of food into every crevice their mouth could hold. Joey and Kobayashi were dead center and despite surges of eating power from their surrounding competitors it soon started to be their game. At any moment it was hard to tell just who was in the lead and how many dogs had been eaten.

The ten minutes went by entirely too fast and in the end it was hard to tell just who won...and then they announced it...a tie.

Kobyashi and Chestnut both finished 59 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Crazy.

Since we can't leave the Fourth of July battle at a tie between America and Japan that could only mean one thing: overtime.

Each competitor had five hot dogs laid in front of them. The one who finished first would be declared the victor.

I couldn't see much of it, since there was a photographer in the way (hmmm...what do I have to do to be that guy next year...) but from what I gathered they both ate their five hot dogs pretty darn quickly, but Chestnut managed to once again declare victory by stuffing five hot dogs down his throat in 50 seconds and America was the champion.

It's hard to say how I feel. When you look at baseball I am not really a fan fan and even though I cheer on the Sox I don't usually (or at least only playfully) diss too much on the Cubs. But when the crosstown classic hits I am a diehard Sox fan through and through. But with eating I respect each eater individually, and while I have my favorites, I never really care too much as to who wins over the other. I think I was kind of hoping for a Koby win because it was always a goal of mine to see him compete in person and it may have made my life to see him win. But I am happy either way. As Marge Simpson says "Can't I just bet that all the horses will have a good time?"

***

After the contest we headed over the after party at this bar on the boardwalk.

Yes, I got myself invited to the after party.

Yes, I am a crazy fan/groupie...but that 's OK...

So, last year after the Square Off the pics I took got linked to from a few places so a bunch of people saw them. Imagine my complete and utter shock when an email arrived in my inbox from one Mr. Patrick Bertoletti (my fav eater because he's a Chicagoan AND has a mohawk). He saw my pics and wanted to respond. So before leaving for this contest I emailed him just to let him know I'd be going and he emailed me to let me know about the party.

So I talked to Pat a bit there, who, despite having eaten 38 hot dogs, said he was still hungry but saving room for beer.

At one point Rick The Manager came up and said to me "you look familiar." I said I'm sure we hadn't met but maybe he'd seen me at another contest. "What was your name again?" "Valerie." "Wait, did you take photos for Humble Bob? I looked at your whole website!" Crazyness. :-) Usually when I hear "you look familiar" it's because they for some reason think I am Kirsten Dunst (I still don't really see it). It's not often I get recognized for being me.

I decided to pick a fight with Tim "Gravy" Brown (another Chicago-based eater) because he had come out wearing a Cubs mask. Forget what I said earlier about not hating on the Cubs.

Me: What's with the Cubs Gear?
Tim: I'm from Chicago!
Me: So am I. Go White Sox!

I guess he can be forgiven since he said he's not really a fan of baseball. And because he said that if Nad and I found him a Sox mask that he'd wear that next time. I've also decided that Tim Brown is awesome because he is a big fan of Troll 2. And anyone who likes crappy movies because they are crappy movies is ace in my book.

I gave Tim one of my nifty new "business" cards (I had these Moo Cards made up after the last contest I went to because I thought it would look cooler that scrawling out my website for people to tell them where they could find all the pics I took) because I'd taken a bunch of photos of him at the qualifier. He didn't quite notice that I gave him one that had his picture on the back of it. Later he came up to me and said someone else pointed that out to him.

After a few beers and a bit of time hanging with the eaters we headed off and boarded the Subway back to Manhattan. It was a weird and wonderful and wacky day. But I can't think of a better way to celebrate the Fourth.

PHOTOS HERE!!!

p.s. I tried my best to get good photos, but it was really hard because we were a bit further back and there were peoples ' heads/thundersticks in the way. :( So there aren't any really good close ups of food spraying from faces like I got at last year 's Krystals...

p.p.s. Speaking of Krystals, they announced that the date of this year 's contest will be September 28...I really want to make it, but the 27th is the Opening Night Gala and Opera Ball at Lyric...how stupid of a plan is it to hop in my car in my gown at midnight after the ball and drive the ten hours to Chattanooga? And what the hell happened to red eye flights?

Sometimes he then asks two days later what he had said because he doesn't even remember calling.

Sometimes I am an ass and decide that instead of telling him what the message said I'd just post it to my blog. :-)

Recap of the Nathan's Fourth of July Hot-Dog Eating Contest and my trip to New York coming as soon as I wade through the 857 photos I took of a 10 minute competition...

I'll be in New York City for the Fourth of July weekend watching people eat lots of hot dogs!!!

That's right, I'll be watching the Super Bowl of competitive eating live at Coney Island: The Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest!!!

Watch ESPN on Friday at 11am central and maybe you'll spot me in the crowd!

Last year Joey Chestnut brought the title back to America by defeating the undefeated Takeru Kobayashi...who will win this year?!?!?!

All I have to say is...Go Pat!!!!

because really...this guy is all kinds of awesome:

FINALLY! After over a month and a half...and after not sleeping for the last week...I FINALLY finished my Amsterdam Photo Site!!!

It was the best trip ever, so I hope you all enjoy the photos!!!

Click here for the Amsterdam Photo Gallery!!!

Monday Dinner

Crab Legs (Grazie! Ristorante), Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Tomato and Mozzarella Cheese Salad (Tavern On Rush), Guacamole and Chips (Adobo Grill), Fried Dough (Harry Caray's)

Tuesday Lunch

Sesame Crusted Salmon (Chant), Chicken and Waffles (Lagniappe-Creole Cajun Joynt)

Tuesday Dinner

Toasted Cheese Ravioli (Harry Caray's), Orange Duck (Chant), Salpicon (fruit salad in watermelon juice) (Las Tablas), Garlic Mozzarella Cheese Bread (Polo Cafe & Catering)

***
1. Today I was on standby for jury duty but luckily I did not have to go!

2. I dragged JoeJoe into my insanity today by letting him accompany me to the Taste for lunch.

3. Despite the fact that I have millions of things to do I went over to MK's to watch Top Gear tonight...of course, I ended up just bringing my laptop and working the whole time...I have no idea what went on in that episode...

Edit: July 2, 2008, 7:18pm
I don't feel like making another post today, so I'm just adding to this one. I have discovered that the absolute maximum anyone can make it to the taste is 8 times. Between the rain and the 3 hours of sleep I'm working on I just couldn't make it after work. So here's my little lunch, and my last taste of the year:

Steak Burger with Blue Cheese and mustard sauce (Tutto Italiano), Hand-cut Sweet Potato Fries (Hashbrowns)