Bell's Amber Ale

Ian gifted to me a six-pack of Bell's Amber Ale for my graduation. As I had already begun to get quite wasted that night, I decided to wait for a better opportunity to share them. The beer was great, it was unfortunate though, the events that brought Ian and I together for the tasting.

Otherwise in a delightful mood, I managed to upset one of my bestest friends. Things were said that probably shouldn't have been and my loaded tongue got the best of me. To quote The Secret Language of Birthdays, "It is crucial that they recognize how influential and powerful they can be, since many operate almost entirely on an unconscious level, unaware of how they are impacting on others." It is with this that I do tend to get myself into trouble more often than I ever try to. I don't know why I feel such an overwhelming need to help my friends, but I do. And if that wasn't the worst of it, I also managed to get pwned by my own Real Detroit Weekly horoscope. More often than not, that horoscope is freakishly dead on.

Any how, back to the beer. After such a rotten ending to the work day, I got the most pleasant invite to come over for beers the following night. That little invite made me smile when I really did need it the most. The following day, Ian and I enjoyed those beers, while playing washers and enjoying the hot summer sun. I managed to get more of a buzz than I really wanted too that night, but it was nice to get my mind off things for a while.

As for what I am going to do about said friend, I still do not know. I have spent the last week going over in my head what I am going to say, but it just doesn't seem like the right words are out there. It'll work out I am sure.

Remaining Beers on the To Drink List:
Bell's Brewery Inc.: Cherry Stout and Two-Hearted Ale
Founder's Brewing Co.: Breakfast Stout
Jolly Pumpkin Artisin Ales: Bam Biere, La Roja and Oro de Calabaza
New Holland Brewing Co: Mad Hatter and The Poet

Star Wars

I have never seen a Star Wars film in its entirety.

There I said it, and I know my excuses don't stand up very well, "I was too young to appreciate it," "It was 10 AM and I was drunk." Whatever the cause, I know there is no excuse. I am not worthy of the titles geek, dork, dweeb, or nerd, and in my defence, I have always admitted my short-comings.

Now, before you start passing judgements, I do have a general understanding of how the plot unfolds. I have - and I will give you a moment to ensure you're sitting and not consuming a food or beverage - I have seen Space Balls, Family Guy and listened to Weird Al songs, to have a vague idea of the story line, but I know all to well, that its just not the same.

Well, the time has come. I have made it a goal to see all six Star Wars films before September. Now I just pose two questions to you all:

1. Do I start with the original trilogy, and end with the newer three? Or do I watch them as the story should unfold?
2. Do I go balls out and watch all six films in one night? Or should I take my time, and fully grasp each movie in its entirety before moving on to the next?

I need your honest opinions. And I will take all of the criticism you would like to dole out as well. I am ashamed, and this has been eating at my dorky soul for quite some time, so it is only appropriate I get this done as soon as possible.

Celis White - Michigan Brewing Co.

So this will probably not be quite the review you would have expected. I really don't know a lot about beer. I just know what I like and what I don't like.

About a month ago a friends offered me her six tickets to see the Detroit Derby Girls play their Grudge Match, she had accidentally bought the wrong ones. I invited Gabby & Matt, Beaver, Jerri & Alex to join me. And since Gabby, Matt, Beaver and I had enjoyed Slow's so much the last time we'd gone, we decided to go again.

The day started off a bit rough due to a lack of planning and communication, but once that slow cooked meat was placed in front of us, it was all done and behind us. I had a pint of Celis White with my Big 3 entree; pulled pork, pulled chicken, and brisket. Paired with mac n cheese and waffle fries.

The food was good, and the Derby even better! The Detroit Pistoffs played a great game against The Pistolwhippers. The Pistolwhippers played hard, but Effin Money and Cookie Rumble were unstoppable! The Pistoffs won it, 131-63.

Good times with friends new and old. Food was great. Beer was good too, I would drink it again. Derby, my new love!

It's been a while...

I haven't written in a while, and I suppose its because I really haven't had a lot going on. I did reconnect with a dear friend these past few weeks. He's really one of the only people (besides Mikey of course) that I can spend an entire weekend with and not be frustrated with them at the end. It was actually kind of sad to see him go. Things are going to be good this year, besides the fact that he now gets to spend so much more time with his baby girl, it gives us the chance to appreciate one another much more. I'm not sure how we did it, but I think we listened to close to six hours of Jack Johnson the other day. We're going to the concert this summer and I apparently needed to be "schooled."

Speaking of schooled, I have my graduation coming up in a few weeks. I'm going to go up to CMU and walk the stage, then come home and have a nice bonfire with some good friends. Hopefully it will be a good time, its definitely worth it.

And speaking of good friends, I am very excited to be going to see the Detroit Derby Girls this weekend with some of my bestest friends and my sister. We're planning on going to Slow's BBQ first, which not only tastes great, but eating there just makes me feel good. They use meat from humane ranches, most of the building is made from recycled materials, and they try to recycle as much as they can. Good food with good karma... and good beer!

Ha ha! I can see where this one is going. My friend posted a list of Michigan Beers that were included in the '1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die' book. My goal this summer is to try each of them. And they are:

Bell's Brewery Inc.: Amber Ale, Cherry Stout, and Two-Hearted Ale
Founders Brewing Co.: Breakfast Stout
Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales: Bam Biere, La Roja and Oro de Calabaza
Michigan Brewing Co.: Celis White
New Holland Brewing Co.: Mad Hatter and The Poet

As I drink each of them, I will be sure to let you know!

Well, I guess that's all for now. Mikey's got burgers cooking and I should check on the waffle fries. Yum! :)

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Skate World

As anyone who knows me best will tell you, I tend to get addicted to ideas. For instance, after Gabby showed me 'Shock and Awe' by Henry Rollins for the first time, I couldn't get enough of him. I tend to spend too many nights googleing and wiki'ing my way through topics, anything from zombies to organic food, from disc golf to Zoe Bell, once I get a topic on my mind its hard to get it out for a while.

My latest obsession, Roller Derby. It started with a poster in a co-workers cubical, led to a bout by the Flint City Derby Girls, and eventually to a Detroit Derby Girls bout, to now where I have laced up skates once again just to see if I could even skate any more.

On Wednesday, I headed up to Gemini Skate & Sport, which is formerly known as the Rochester Skate Rink. From 3-5 PM, Monday-Friday, open skate is just $3. I have to admit I had to wonder if they still had those old brown and orange skates from when I was going there back in middle school, to my surprise, they did.

Skating around the old building, despite its renovations over the years, brought back a lot of memories. It made me think about all those nights that they would host parties for Avondale kids, and about how we'd all head up there to skate and hang out with our friends.

I remember my mom driving Mike, Rhonda, Jamie, Crystal and myself up to that old building in our minivan. Specifically one night after I had bought a bottle of cologne for Mike for Christmas and he used so much my mom had to crack a window.

I remember standing in line at the front doors with all the other kids from school. Holding the five or ten dollars our parents had given us for the night in our sweaty nervous hands. Its kinda gross but I can still smell all that sweaty money. Why were we nervous? I know there were a few times my teenage mind was racing with the thought of skating with that boy I had my eye on, or if that girl friend I had a fight with earlier was going to be there.

Once we'd paid our admission, I can visualise walking through those doors into that loud, dark rink. Orange/brown carpeting covering what seemed to be every surface of the building. Walking to the back of the rink to get our skate rentals, and lacing up those brown and orange skates. One of us would front the change for a locker and we'd cram all of our coats inside and make someone in charge of the key. Once that was all set there was no stopping us.

The music was always loud, playing the current top songs from the radio and not to mention a few oldies but goodies. Certain songs stick out in my mind: "Girls" and "Brass Monkey" by the Beastie Boys, "December 1963" by the Four Seasons, and "Undone - The Sweater Song" by Weezer. Don't ask me why those songs in particular, but they always make me think of those nights when I hear them. The lights would flash and the reflections of the disco ball could be seen on the floor as we skated around and around.

Of course, another common sound was that of any love song by Brian Adams. The lights would go dark and the spotlight would come on and sometimes I'd be skating along with my boyfriend at the time, or maybe I would be gaging at the thought and running up the stairs to join my friends in the snack shop area.

Speaking of stairs. Whomever decided that a two-story building was appropriate for a skating rink is nuts. But I could run up and down those stairs in my skates without even thinking about it. Not to mention the bathroom was downstairs too!

Those were the good ole days. Spending a few hours each month with many of my classmates. Singing, laughing, playing, skating, and sometimes even crying, but I really remember the kissing! Oh to be young and in love! Those days don't last forever, but they helped us grow into what we are today.

Its good to reminisce sometimes. I know I enjoyed it. :)

http://littlepitz.blogspot.com

A New Year!

Even though I had a pretty good year compared to many others, there were still a lot of ups and downs that I would like to avoid this year. There are also many things that I would like to accomplish now that I have some new freedoms. By freedoms, I mean the open schedule not held down by taking college courses, and financial freedom from not having to pay on an expensive mortgage (or on that tuition!).

Yes, in the year 2009 I managed to complete a few of life's goals. I finished my Bachelors degree, and moved-in with my boyfriend of 13 years. I also did a lot of soul searching, that has made me realize that I need to chill out and relax more.

2009 started off in a really odd way, I started using Facebook and transitioned away from MySpace and started rediscovering a lot of old friends, but also started to notice a trend. Many of the friends I hadn't seen in quite a few years were ending their long-term relationships. Even friends that I thought were in happy marriages, were breaking up and divorcing left and right. It really made me wonder what was going on. This really messed with my head.

At one point I even sent an (unanswered) letter to 'Dear Abby' asking her if she thought my generation was doomed with failed relationships. Almost everyone I knew had parents that were divorced and I was starting to think that my generation was doomed to the same because divorce had become such a common outcome. And I am not going to lie, it made me look at my own relationship with Mikey in a different way.

Thankfully to Mikey's saving grace, he bought us a new house. And even though I was worried about what kind of housewife I would be, after moving in things just began to click together.

I also had a dose of reality when I realized that just because someone says they'll be your friend for life, doesn't mean it will really happen. Some people are just never going to be happy. I tried to help a friend that was down-on-his-luck or so I thought, and in the end he decided he no longer wanted to be my friend. It was then that I was thankful to have all of the friends and family that I do have and I couldn't waste my time and energy on his problems anymore anyhow.

My friends and family have shared with me their lives and for that I am so thankful. The lessons that I learn, the shoulders to cry on the, the moments to laugh about are so very important to me. And so to them I am forever grateful.

Without further ado, here is my "resolutions" for 2010:

• Continue sharing in the joys of life with Mikey


• Spend as much time with my friends as I possibly can


• Spend more time with my sisters


• Spend less time talking about traveling, and more time doing so


• Remember to take pictures of all the good times


• Spend a little less time on Facebook


• Write on my blog more often, some of life stories need to be preserved!


• Continue to tie hemp thingers, make buttons and other crafty things to challenge my creative side


• Ride a roller coaster, sky-dive, take a hot air balloon or just be more adventurous!


• Continue to learn new things; including visit new places, see new things and just observe life


• Eat healthier, exercise more and find a peaceful weight


• Sleep in with my boys whenever I can, wake with the dawn to get up and out, be happy with the times I can just be alone, and spend time with new friends!

I know that last one is a bit of an impossibility all at once, but my overall goal for 2010 is to just be happy.

http://littlepitz.blogspot.com

Messages From Dead Friends

So its been about 3 years since a friend of mine, Vanessa, was tragically killed by her husband in a murder/suicide. In the past 3 years, she's probably popped into my mind maybe a half dozen times. However in the past 6 months, Vanessa has been on my mind a lot.

Vanessa grew up in a neighborhood just across from the one I live in currently. I have friends that live just a few roads over, and unfortunately they have been having marriage problems, and have recently filed for divorce. At times, the tension can be quite thick, and I reached out to Google to find an article on Vanessa so that I could share her story with my friends. I think it really meant a lot, put things in a perspective that they hadn't considered. I thanked Vanessa for popping into my mind at just the right time.

Vanessa and I drifted apart through high school, but our paths crossed a few times after graduation. One of the fondest memories I have of her, is from a birthday party at a friends house where we watched the movie 'Clueless' and listened to Bone Thugs 'n' Harmony's "Crossroads". It was a hot song at the time and someone had brought the cassette single and we listened to it over and over. That was way back in like 1994 or something. I know it was before Mikey and I ever met.

That song came on the radio one day and I smiled and looked up to the heavens and told Vanessa hello, and didn't think much of it. Apparently I was missing the message. In the weeks following that, I continued to hear the song randomly. I thought it was quite odd that I would be hearing such and old song so often. But then the randomness of it, wasn't so random any more. I heard the song literally as I was turning into her old hood on Sunday. Ok, "Hi Vanessa!" and I even drove past her old place, it was just to convenient.

I've had a lot on my mind lately and been having trouble dealing with an issue of importance. As I drove home on Monday, I was thinking of my dilemma and was trying to figure out my next move, and wouldn't you know it, "Crossroads" came on the radio. I think I finally figured out the meaning of her message. I had a hard time interpreting it before, but I think she's been looking out for me.

I kinda feel like I had to do all the Jennifer Love Hewitt leg work myself. But in the end it was worth it. Thanks Vanessa!

I Got Looped

Wow! So where do I begin! I have been having crazy weekend after crazy weekend! Last night Gabby, her friend Lisa, and her Aunt Lexi, Neighbor Josh and I all went out to a Limo Crawl that took place in my bubble. It was a continuous loop from JD's Key Club, Muldoons, Bourbon Jakes, Dooley's, Cactus Jacks, and Hamlin Pub. We got started a Dooley's a little late, so we had a few beers, and then headed over to Jacks. Ate some nachos and danced a little there. Got back on the bus and made it to Hamlin Pub and had a few. Josh was quite drunk by this point so we really had to keep an eye on him. We wanted to make sure we were back at Jakes just before the last limo (bus) left, but we found out that we could only get our t-shirts at JD's so we decided to stay there for one round, but the limo (bus) was totally late, something like 45 minutes. We were all standing around outside just at the right time to see some unruly get pepper-sprayed by some cop. Nothing like the burn of pepper spray in the back of your throat. We finally get picked up and they were trying to tell us that we couldn't get a ride back to Dooley's cause it was late, and we were all like "F that! Your bus was late!" So the guy from JD's talked some sense into them since JD's is the one that hosted the whole thing. We finally get going and we stop at Muldoons, let some people off, and when we get to Jakes, the bus driver tells us its the end of the line. We were pissed but thankfully the other limo (bus) showed up and they took us back... But all and all... it was a good time, had some drinks, danced, talked, laughed... what more could you ask for?