Chicago

I spent Thu-Sun in Chicago. I was in my buddy from high school's wedding. My wife and I arrived in Chicago Thursday afternoon. We checked into the hotel and looked at a couple of stores. We then went to the John Hancock building for a drink on the 97th floor. What a view!! Unfortunately, there was smog so the view was not completely clear but it was nice.

After the drink, we headed up to Wrigley Field. We took a couple of pictures and had an appetizer at Harry Caray's tavern. We then returned to our hotel for dinner. We walked over to Morton's for a steak. We didn't realize how expensive Morton's was. Our bill totaled $160! That is the most expensive meal I have ever ate. Thankfully, it was a business expense for my wife.

Friday we headed up to where I grew up. The rehearsal dinner was nice and the wedding was long but nice as well.

Sunday we headed back to O'hare for our flight back.

I miss Chicago! Our trip was too short but we plan on going back next year for a longer trip.

Uneventful Weekend

Nothing very interesting happened this weekend. Saturday's highlight was booking our trip to Chicago. My wife and I will be in the Chicago area Thu-Sun. I wish we were going to be there longer, but school and other factors prohibit it. The Cubs did clinch their division this weekend!! Go Cubbies!!

We did book an interesting "chic" hotel through Hotwire, Hotel 71 (hotel71.com). The hotel looks really interesting and modern. In addition, it's right on the Chicago River. I'm sure my blog next week will be all about our trip to Chicago.

What a crappy week. My car's heater core went out on me on Thursday. I was stuck on I-26 for about 45 minutes waiting on a tow. Then I found out that AAA only covers a tow for 3 miles unless you have the premium membership. What a waste!! If you know of anyone selling their car/truck, let me know!

We were going to Myrtle Beach this weekend but with my car dieing and gas increasing, we decided to stay in town. My wife's business partner has a condo at the IOP connector and we stayed there this weekend. There was one stipulation...I had to help them move their bedroom furniture. No problem I thought.

They arrived late on Saturday morning cutting into our beach time. Then we tried to move a 500-pound entertainment center. Big mistake. I was on the bottom while the other guy was at the top. He let go and I was pinned between the railing at the entertainment center. Just a little scary!!

We did make it to the beach on Sunday! The weekend wasn't a complete waste.

My Second Blog

This blog will be easy to write. This past weekend was my first drill as an officer. I went to a unit that I was in Kingstree (58 miles from home). The unit has great leadership. The CO and XO are great guys who are experts in the transportation field.

I met two of the three platoon leaders and they seem like great soldiers.

When I arrived Saturday night, it appeared as the unit would be activated Monday for hurricane duty in Florida. Everyone was busy preparing the trucks for duty in Florida. When Ike turned, the unit was not getting deployed.

Sunday, I drove an Army "semi truck". This was the first time I drove a vehicle that size. The truck I drove did not have a trailer on it so the ride was a little bumpy. I drove roughly 60 miles and now I am a licensed driver for military tractor trailers.

I found out on Sunday that I will be drilling with a unit in Laurens. The trip will be ~160 miles each way. That means there are going to be some early mornings in the upcoming months.

Being an officer is much different that being enlisted. Most of my work will be behind the scenes. I won't be out with my soldiers conducting PMCS (preventive maintenance, checks and services). Another change will be having to pay for my meals from now on. Officers are paid more so we now have to buy our meals at drill. We also pay for our uniforms.

We'll be heading to Myrtle Beach this weekend for a mini getaway. Chances are, my blog next week will talk about our trip.

This is my first blog EVER (I am 33 years old)! I feel like those old people who never want to change. I love change, I just never jumped in on the blog highway.

A little about me. I am 33 years old and spent the first 19 years of my life near Chicago. I graduated from The University of South Carolina in 2000 with a degree in management. Currently, I work for the Department of State as a contractor. I received my commission as a 2LT August 16. I have been married for three years and my wife and I have custody of our 2 year-old niece. My wife and I are currently building a house that should be ready mid October.