Labor Day Weekend Wrap Up
The weekend started on Friday with a ginormous whimper. I stayed home just as I was planning but missed an excellent opportunity to go out with some cool kids but I inadvertently left my phone in the car overnight so I didn't get the text that they were even going out until Saturday morning when I went out my car to find it. I'm still regretting that stupendous move. Saturday a pal and I went to the Black Crows Concert downtown at Grinders in the Crossroads. The night started when she arrived at my house at about 6:30 had a few beers then we were off to the show. The plan was to stop by Grinders and pick up our VIP tickets first, then get some dinner then head back for the show, but the plan was foiled by the massive line that was out front of the venue, apparently everyone else had the same idea. We skipped picking up our tickets and went to dinner instead. With all of the new construction downtown we ended up getting lost on our way to Harry's Country Club in the River Market. But I wouldn't say I got "lost" I knew WHERE I was going just not how to get there because of all the bridge closings. But thankfully I found Grand Ave was still open so it didn't take too long to get to Harry's. When we first got there we took a table outside on their patio, it was a good five minutes before the waitress came over and asked us for our drink order which was a bad sign because we were kind of pressed for time in order to get back to Grinders before the start of the show. I ordered a Boulevard Wheat she ordered a Bomb Pop Martini. The service was good but really slow even though they weren't even that busy. We quickly realized that we didn't have time for a full meal so we just ordered a few appetizers and chowed down. Just after we ordered our food a band started setting up. Then the waitress comes back to our table and informed us that they had a 5 dollar cover to listen to the band or we could move inside where there wasn't a cover charge. I asked how much was the cover charge? She replied that it was five bucks and that she could just add it to out bill if we wanted. I told her that we weren't going to be here for the band and that we were going to leave just as soon as we eat cause we had other places to go. The doors opened at 7:30 and I knew that there were no seats at this outdoor venue which probably explains why there was such a line when we went by the first time. We left Harry's about 8:15, which kind of had me a little worried that we would miss the opening number. But we arrived at the concert with about 10 to 15 minutes to spare, just enough time to get some beers and get to the VIP area. But we had to stop by will call to get our tickets before we headed into the show. We also had to get not one, but two wristbands. WTF? Why did we need 2 wristbands? Hell if I know, we just did, for some lame ass reason. I had paid for the VIP tickets which were twice as much as the regular tickets (all tickets were general admission) I guess one of the wristbands was for being over 21 and the other one was for access to the VIP area. The VIP area is directly in front of the stage and on both sides of the stage with picnic tables. With the VIP treatment (double the cost of the regular price ticket) you get shorter lines to the bathrooms port-a-johns, and shorter lines for the Booze Shacks, which isn't too bad if you are trying to impress the ladies but I've known this girl since high school. So there was no point in me trying to impress her (which I wasn't) but she might have some hot single friends so I sprung for the VIP tickets. But she paid for her own ticket anyway. The venue it's self is pretty neat. It's basically just a stage at the bottom of a small hill. It's outdoor and the night was just a great night to be outside for a good old fashion rock show. With all of the other tall buildings surrounding this place it makes is seem like you're in some ones back yard for a kegger (If you have to click on that to find out what a kegger is then I feel really sorry for ya). In fact, the lead singer (Chris Robinson) even said "Thanks for coming to my parents back yard for the show." I highly suggest you going to a show there some time this year. The ground is all wood chips just so you are aware of it. Plus one of the best part was that the beers (and mixed drinks) were only 5 bucks a shot, as opposed to $6.50 or whatever they are at Verizon or any other concert. After the show we went over to The Cashew and had a couple more drinks and called my buddy The EYE-talian, we made plans to meet up with him at Paddy O'Quiglies, across the street. He finally showed up around midnight. Paddys is a fun bar with a lot of TVs where I could catch up on all the scores that I missed. (I have to say that I was quite surprised that K-State ended up losing that game when they were leading most of it. Better luck next time Wildcats, it was a nice try. Kansas, on the other hand whipped Central Michigan which makes me very happy.) After Paddys kicked us out we went back to my place, my pal called it a night and went home. But being the studs that we are the EYE-talian and I stayed up until 4 drinking and shooting the shit on the front porch. Over all Good time, Good times! On Sunday night I had my first of two fantasy football drafts this week. What a cluster fuck this first draft was, last year the site crashed on us. This year I couldn't stay connected for whatever reason so now I have to manually put in all of the rosters which is going to take hours to do. Plus I was planning on using the web to fill out my rosters. But with the connection issues that wasn't possible so I had to keep barrowing some ones printed sheets, which blew chunks because I didn't know who was available and who wasn't when it was my pick. But I still think I have a Superbowl caliber team. After the draft we went down to Tanners on 119th in Overland Park for a few beers and some good times. Monday night I just stayed home and wrote this post for ya'll. Tuesday night I have to go to the gym for my one year weight in. If I'm under 170 I'll be pretty happy cause that will put me at over 80 lbs lost since I started my diet on September 1st of last year. But if I'm not under 170 lbs then you won't be hearing from me for a while. Ya'll be Cool!
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