For baseball enthusiasts that has meaning.
It stands for "Hit By Pitch." Something that hitters take pride in and pitchers are ashamed of.
Currently I am reading "The Brothers K." A book mainly about family, religion, life, and baseball. Recently I was reading a section where the main character was talking about his dad (a pitching phenom) and one of the first times he remembered seeing his dad plunk someone. He went on to describe how painful it can be for the hitter, etc.
This sparked my thoughts and made me think of one of the most ridiculous, but yet unbelievably respectful and unforgettable thing my brother Jeff has ever, and will ever, do. To premise this story I will say that HBP's were something that Jeff was always a team leader in and always took extreme pride in.
My senior year of high school of baseball Jeff was an assistant coach. After about the first week of games he noticed something about all of our hitters. We were jumping out of the way of possible HBP's. One random practice he gathered the entire team at home plate and sent one of our hardest throwing pitchers to the mound and our catcher to the plate. He told the pitcher to throw at him. Not a person there knew what he was doing and wondered if he was possibly insane (which I'm pretty sure he is). He went on to describe to us that there is an easy way to get hit, etc, etc. The pitcher, reluctantly, threw a pitch right at him. Jeff turned his shoulder, arched his back, and took it right in between the shoulder blades. The entire team grimaced and couldn't believe what they were seeing. After the crowd settled he had the pitcher do it again, and once more after that.
After that day, no one on the team ducked or jumped out of the way of an inside pitch again. And I can guarantee that everyone on that team remembers that moment just as vividly as I do. Understandably so.
Cheers to you, Jeff.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Welcome to Real Life
Well the past few weeks I received a full dose of real life.
Real life where people don't necessarily care about you. Real life where business decisions need to be made. Real life where hit and runs happen. Real life where life can take a 180 degree turn at any second. Real life where 20 teenagers have been shot and killed in the city since the beginning of the year. Real life where just under 50% of African American teens have STD's.
For those of you who know me understand that one of my flaws is that I focus on the negative. Just to let you know, I'm getting better. I don't mean to give you all that bad news but thats what is on my mind right now.
Also, for those of you who know me probably already know I was laid off about 2 weeks ago. Myself and about 5 others. I will spare you of details but I obviously think I was given a raw deal but understand that sometimes things need to happen. It's a bit humbling. It took me two weeks to even think about putting this on my blog. But hey, it happened and I can't do anything about it (can you believe those words came from me). I never knew things we're out of my control!!!! ha, just kidding.
The other things that I mentioned earlier were fresh on my mind because of a church service I was at this weekend. It was at St. Sabina. A largely popular church on Chicago's south side with a very controversial pastor that, much to my chagrin, definitely DIDN'T separate church and state. This pastor is very involved with attempting to cut down crime in Chicago (possible??). He shot out some statistics that seem crazy. 20 teenagers have been shot dead already this year in the city alone!!!!!!! WHAT??? Also, almost half of teenage African American teens have STD's. Ridiculous. Where are we failing? Parents, schools? I blame parents first.
Some other news: Katie and I are moving to San Diego. Don't know when, not sure how, do know why, not exactly sure where. But, we're going. Katie was accepted into grad school. Needless to say, I am looking for jobs. I need a job. Housing prices>My Income. The sad part about me being "let go" is that I enjoyed what I was doing. I think my ideal job out in Cali would be leasing apartments for an up-scale apartment community. However, I am an open book. I am open to anything.
6...................Can anyone guess what that number is??? I bet you wouldn't guess "number of jobs Mark has had in Chicago in a matter of 6 months." Yeah, thats right, I am now going on my sixth job since moving to Chicago:
1: NCSA-Scouting/recruiting job.
2: The Homestead Group-Leasing apartments.
3: The Enterprise Companies-Part-time leasing.
4: WALKING DOGS!!!
5:Amundson High School- Assistant Varsity Softball Coach. Don't ask......
6: Wills- Bartending.
The last four I am doing all at once.
-Mark
Real life where people don't necessarily care about you. Real life where business decisions need to be made. Real life where hit and runs happen. Real life where life can take a 180 degree turn at any second. Real life where 20 teenagers have been shot and killed in the city since the beginning of the year. Real life where just under 50% of African American teens have STD's.
For those of you who know me understand that one of my flaws is that I focus on the negative. Just to let you know, I'm getting better. I don't mean to give you all that bad news but thats what is on my mind right now.
Also, for those of you who know me probably already know I was laid off about 2 weeks ago. Myself and about 5 others. I will spare you of details but I obviously think I was given a raw deal but understand that sometimes things need to happen. It's a bit humbling. It took me two weeks to even think about putting this on my blog. But hey, it happened and I can't do anything about it (can you believe those words came from me). I never knew things we're out of my control!!!! ha, just kidding.
The other things that I mentioned earlier were fresh on my mind because of a church service I was at this weekend. It was at St. Sabina. A largely popular church on Chicago's south side with a very controversial pastor that, much to my chagrin, definitely DIDN'T separate church and state. This pastor is very involved with attempting to cut down crime in Chicago (possible??). He shot out some statistics that seem crazy. 20 teenagers have been shot dead already this year in the city alone!!!!!!! WHAT??? Also, almost half of teenage African American teens have STD's. Ridiculous. Where are we failing? Parents, schools? I blame parents first.
Some other news: Katie and I are moving to San Diego. Don't know when, not sure how, do know why, not exactly sure where. But, we're going. Katie was accepted into grad school. Needless to say, I am looking for jobs. I need a job. Housing prices>My Income. The sad part about me being "let go" is that I enjoyed what I was doing. I think my ideal job out in Cali would be leasing apartments for an up-scale apartment community. However, I am an open book. I am open to anything.
6...................Can anyone guess what that number is??? I bet you wouldn't guess "number of jobs Mark has had in Chicago in a matter of 6 months." Yeah, thats right, I am now going on my sixth job since moving to Chicago:
1: NCSA-Scouting/recruiting job.
2: The Homestead Group-Leasing apartments.
3: The Enterprise Companies-Part-time leasing.
4: WALKING DOGS!!!
5:Amundson High School- Assistant Varsity Softball Coach. Don't ask......
6: Wills- Bartending.
The last four I am doing all at once.
-Mark
Thursday, March 13, 2008
60 Degrees
Today was my day off and it couldn't have landed on a better day. I was able to get a glimpse of why Chicago summers are so great (from my short experience and from what I've heard).
My buddy Scott called me and wondered if I wanted to join him on a bike ride. I was reluctant because it was my day off and I tend to want to sit around on my butt as much as possible. After he showed, and after I saw the sun streaming into my living room I had to take him up on the offer. We biked down to the beach and took a ride south to Navy pier where we found a spot to sit and chill in the sun for about 45 minutes. People were scattering the lake shore. Walkers, bikers, and runners came out of the woodworks. Everyones face was a little more red and and breathing patterns were a little more heavy. Definitely including mine! I had a hard time keeping up with Scott at a few points but I was fine.
Today makes me wonder how I will survive a job that requires me to work weekends.
My buddy Scott called me and wondered if I wanted to join him on a bike ride. I was reluctant because it was my day off and I tend to want to sit around on my butt as much as possible. After he showed, and after I saw the sun streaming into my living room I had to take him up on the offer. We biked down to the beach and took a ride south to Navy pier where we found a spot to sit and chill in the sun for about 45 minutes. People were scattering the lake shore. Walkers, bikers, and runners came out of the woodworks. Everyones face was a little more red and and breathing patterns were a little more heavy. Definitely including mine! I had a hard time keeping up with Scott at a few points but I was fine.
Today makes me wonder how I will survive a job that requires me to work weekends.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
"Boy's Town"
Just recently I experienced a little bit of the gay district in Chicago. One of my co-workers turned 24 and Katie, myself, and Katie's roommate Allison met a bunch of people from my office at a "gay" bar/restaurant. I hadn't been to any of the restaurants in this area since I have been in Chicago and didn't really know what to expect. It turned out to be a great night. Funny enough, there were more straight single women than gay men/women. I talked to my gay co-worker about that and he said that its pretty normal to find a TON of girls at these places because they do not feel threatened. I do not blame them.
The joke around the office was that I wouldn't come because I am slightly "homophobic." The more I thought about that it bothered me because I am supposed to love everyone. Jesus did. I think Jesus would have gone and hung out with the gays. That doesn't necessarily mean I agree with the lifestyle but I can't say much because there are things about my lifestyle that don't really bode very well either. So, I went and had fun. It's not like this was some life changing event for me but I just think there is a lot to say about how we as Christians sometimes separate ourselves from the rest of the world. We are all equal distance from the cross. It doesn't matter if we constantly take part in gossip, live a gay lifestyle, or if we murder someone. I guess this is my opinion but whatever. Sorry to whoever is reading if you don't wanna hear my opinion!
Anyways, this makes me think of a song by a great singer/songwriter: Martin Sexton
"What about Jesus
Didn't he do it too?
Hang out with prostitutes
And have a drink or two.
Power of example
My mama said it and I heard
She says one ounce of action
Beats a ton of words."
The joke around the office was that I wouldn't come because I am slightly "homophobic." The more I thought about that it bothered me because I am supposed to love everyone. Jesus did. I think Jesus would have gone and hung out with the gays. That doesn't necessarily mean I agree with the lifestyle but I can't say much because there are things about my lifestyle that don't really bode very well either. So, I went and had fun. It's not like this was some life changing event for me but I just think there is a lot to say about how we as Christians sometimes separate ourselves from the rest of the world. We are all equal distance from the cross. It doesn't matter if we constantly take part in gossip, live a gay lifestyle, or if we murder someone. I guess this is my opinion but whatever. Sorry to whoever is reading if you don't wanna hear my opinion!
Anyways, this makes me think of a song by a great singer/songwriter: Martin Sexton
"What about Jesus
Didn't he do it too?
Hang out with prostitutes
And have a drink or two.
Power of example
My mama said it and I heard
She says one ounce of action
Beats a ton of words."
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Schools and Weddings
I've got more quick news for everyone out there:
1: Katie was accepted into yet another school, in Chicago. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
2: My childhood friend Joe Westra recently became engaged to his long-time gf, Keri Kingma. Congrats.
Today, is my day off and I am enjoying it greatly.
As for experiences in Chicago......hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Nothing too exciting but I'll make sure I have a story soon.
1: Katie was accepted into yet another school, in Chicago. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
2: My childhood friend Joe Westra recently became engaged to his long-time gf, Keri Kingma. Congrats.
Today, is my day off and I am enjoying it greatly.
As for experiences in Chicago......hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Nothing too exciting but I'll make sure I have a story soon.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Grad Schools and Such
This is more of an update for everyone about Katie.
Recently she was invited by the Boston School of Professional Psychology for an interview into the Masters program. Her flight and hotel are booked and she is taking off this weekend for an adventure, by herself, to the east coast.
Also, she was invited for an interview by "Alliant." This is a similar professional school of psychology in........wait for it..................San Diego. So, as of now the list of potential destinations for Katie and I is Boston, Chicago, or San Diego. Awesome.
On my end, things are going well. I am enjoying the new job but it has presented some stress that I wasn't prepared for. I guess you never know what your gonna get.
Recently she was invited by the Boston School of Professional Psychology for an interview into the Masters program. Her flight and hotel are booked and she is taking off this weekend for an adventure, by herself, to the east coast.
Also, she was invited for an interview by "Alliant." This is a similar professional school of psychology in........wait for it..................San Diego. So, as of now the list of potential destinations for Katie and I is Boston, Chicago, or San Diego. Awesome.
On my end, things are going well. I am enjoying the new job but it has presented some stress that I wasn't prepared for. I guess you never know what your gonna get.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
City Experiences
Well, I received a suggestion from a reader that they would like to hear more about my city experiences.
The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that I moved down here in the middle of August and already am on my second job. Changing jobs that quick is weird to an extent but the fact that I somehow ended up renting apartments?!?!?!?! I hardly even know this city and I am driving people around in my car pretending that I know exactly what I'm doing. To me, that is kind of ironic. People wonder how long I've lived in the city or how long I've been renting apartments..... My response? Something along the lines of"Long enough," or "quite a while." Which, to some, could seem like a lie but I don't think so. As any salesman knows you learn to stretch the truth or say certain things that are by no way a lie. If I told a client that I just got this job and have absolutely no clue what I'm doing, they would retreat. I know I would. I tell people about how cool the neighborhoods are and what restaurants are good. This is because I have heard they are cool and good, not because I have experienced them first hand. Call me a liar. I don't mind.
How is the city from Katie's experience right now? A good way to sum up the way she feels about the windy city is, surprised. She has had some horrendous experiences with the public transit. Now she has her car and is realizing how absolutely ridiculously difficult they make it on drivers.
Funny city experience of the day: I drove a client to 2 properties today and had absolutely no idea where I was going the entire time. Needless to say, he didn't rent. Do not worry loved ones, that doesn't happen a lot. I am learning the city extremely fast.
Professionally,
Dark Maniel
The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that I moved down here in the middle of August and already am on my second job. Changing jobs that quick is weird to an extent but the fact that I somehow ended up renting apartments?!?!?!?! I hardly even know this city and I am driving people around in my car pretending that I know exactly what I'm doing. To me, that is kind of ironic. People wonder how long I've lived in the city or how long I've been renting apartments..... My response? Something along the lines of"Long enough," or "quite a while." Which, to some, could seem like a lie but I don't think so. As any salesman knows you learn to stretch the truth or say certain things that are by no way a lie. If I told a client that I just got this job and have absolutely no clue what I'm doing, they would retreat. I know I would. I tell people about how cool the neighborhoods are and what restaurants are good. This is because I have heard they are cool and good, not because I have experienced them first hand. Call me a liar. I don't mind.
How is the city from Katie's experience right now? A good way to sum up the way she feels about the windy city is, surprised. She has had some horrendous experiences with the public transit. Now she has her car and is realizing how absolutely ridiculously difficult they make it on drivers.
Funny city experience of the day: I drove a client to 2 properties today and had absolutely no idea where I was going the entire time. Needless to say, he didn't rent. Do not worry loved ones, that doesn't happen a lot. I am learning the city extremely fast.
Professionally,
Dark Maniel
Sunday, February 10, 2008
A lot has happened
Well folks I am starting to definitely slip with the blog postings and I apologize. A lot has been happening in the life of Mark Tigchelaar and I thought I would update all of my faithful followers.
The rental market is still a bit slow but starting to pick up a little bit. Today, with the wind chill, it was -30 degrees and people definitely do not want to be searching for apartments in that kind of weather. Thus, this weekend was slow. Enough about work
Last weekend I went and visited some buddies in Denver. Actually, a huge portion of my friends live in that city. Joe Westra, Kyle Hollemans, Tyler VanEps, Andy Draayer, and most recently Dan Feenstra and Drew DeVries. Three of those guys are standing up in my wedding. What is it about Denver????? Well, let's see........Mountains and sunshine are what did it for me. I arrived in Joe's apartment at about 3 AM after a horrrrrrible traveling experience and, after we did some catching up, fell asleep at about 3:45 only to wake up 10 seconds later (at about 6:30 AM) to Joe clambering around the bedroom gathering up everything we needed to make the trip up to the infamous VAIL SKI RESORT. The weather was bad but we made it and I became closer to God on that mountain. The skiing (snowboarding) was something I will never forget. There was about 2 feet of powder over the entire mountain.
Joe had been out about 30 times since he had moved to Denver and said this was the best skiing he has ever seen. By far. I picked a good weekend to go. The picture is what we enjoyed the entire day. WOOOOOOOW.
The rest of the weekend was good. Lots of hanging out and relaxing with friends. We also went snowshoeing but that doesn't even hold a candle to snowboarding.
Back in Chicago: It has been great having Katie here. An adjustment of course, but great. We are learning how to talk to each other in person again, rather than through stupid wireless devices we call cellphones. Katie is adjusting to the city life. For those of you that don't know, its a challenge. The city will eat you up if you let it. Parking, Mass Transit, Prices, Directions, People. These are just some of the things that it takes time to figure out.
Thats it for know. Stay Tuned. I would like suggestions from people on what they like to hear about.
Toodles
The rental market is still a bit slow but starting to pick up a little bit. Today, with the wind chill, it was -30 degrees and people definitely do not want to be searching for apartments in that kind of weather. Thus, this weekend was slow. Enough about work
Last weekend I went and visited some buddies in Denver. Actually, a huge portion of my friends live in that city. Joe Westra, Kyle Hollemans, Tyler VanEps, Andy Draayer, and most recently Dan Feenstra and Drew DeVries. Three of those guys are standing up in my wedding. What is it about Denver????? Well, let's see........Mountains and sunshine are what did it for me. I arrived in Joe's apartment at about 3 AM after a horrrrrrible traveling experience and, after we did some catching up, fell asleep at about 3:45 only to wake up 10 seconds later (at about 6:30 AM) to Joe clambering around the bedroom gathering up everything we needed to make the trip up to the infamous VAIL SKI RESORT. The weather was bad but we made it and I became closer to God on that mountain. The skiing (snowboarding) was something I will never forget. There was about 2 feet of powder over the entire mountain.
Joe had been out about 30 times since he had moved to Denver and said this was the best skiing he has ever seen. By far. I picked a good weekend to go. The picture is what we enjoyed the entire day. WOOOOOOOW. The rest of the weekend was good. Lots of hanging out and relaxing with friends. We also went snowshoeing but that doesn't even hold a candle to snowboarding.
Back in Chicago: It has been great having Katie here. An adjustment of course, but great. We are learning how to talk to each other in person again, rather than through stupid wireless devices we call cellphones. Katie is adjusting to the city life. For those of you that don't know, its a challenge. The city will eat you up if you let it. Parking, Mass Transit, Prices, Directions, People. These are just some of the things that it takes time to figure out.
Thats it for know. Stay Tuned. I would like suggestions from people on what they like to hear about.
Toodles
Monday, January 28, 2008
My future mother in law reads this blog...
Uh oh!!! I better clean things up!! Just kidding.
Well Katie (the fiance) is officially in Chicago and I am really excited. This is the first time that we will be living in the same city in about 9 months. Just to know that I am a 10 minute train ride away rather than a 3 day drive is comforting.
The job is going well. There is some definite growing pains but I am doing well. I have received some good feedback from the superiors.
This Thursday I am going on a journey out to Denver to go snowboarding with Joe. I have a bunch of friends that live in Denver and I would really like to try and see everyone at least for a little while. I talked to Joe today and he said that the skiing at Vail is very good right now. I am going to try hard to get some pictures that I will post up here for everyone to see.
Well Katie (the fiance) is officially in Chicago and I am really excited. This is the first time that we will be living in the same city in about 9 months. Just to know that I am a 10 minute train ride away rather than a 3 day drive is comforting.
The job is going well. There is some definite growing pains but I am doing well. I have received some good feedback from the superiors.
This Thursday I am going on a journey out to Denver to go snowboarding with Joe. I have a bunch of friends that live in Denver and I would really like to try and see everyone at least for a little while. I talked to Joe today and he said that the skiing at Vail is very good right now. I am going to try hard to get some pictures that I will post up here for everyone to see.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Newbie
Today, again, I was the new guy.
I started my new job at The Homestead Group (office pictured below). I really enjoy new beginnings but they are also very stressful and the source of some anxiety (especially with me). I am excited though and cannot wait till I am all trained and ready to do things on my own. The biggest thing I am excited about this job is the freedom. You are not confined to 9-5, at a desk, check-in, check-out, etc. There is a large sense of ownership involved.
So, with that being said, does anyone need to or know anyone who needs to rent an apartment in Chicago? Call this guy... 616-540-4300. haha
I started my new job at The Homestead Group (office pictured below). I really enjoy new beginnings but they are also very stressful and the source of some anxiety (especially with me). I am excited though and cannot wait till I am all trained and ready to do things on my own. The biggest thing I am excited about this job is the freedom. You are not confined to 9-5, at a desk, check-in, check-out, etc. There is a large sense of ownership involved.
So, with that being said, does anyone need to or know anyone who needs to rent an apartment in Chicago? Call this guy... 616-540-4300. haha
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Rite of Passage
Today something happened to me that I consider to be my rite of passage into true Chicago residency. No, contrary to what you are thinking, I didn't get beat up by a Cabrini Green gang. While I was waiting for the Brown Line on my way to City Hall a stranger approached me and asked if he was headed in the right direction. I spit out the answer he was looking for in half a second.
To me, this means two things: First, for some reason, out of all the other people around, I looked like the best person to ask a question. Maybe just because I looked like a non-intimidating character or because I looked like I know the CTA. Second, I realized myself, how much more I know about Chicago (specifically public transportation) since I first moved here.
This was just as much a Rite of Passage as circumcision, the Bar Mitzvah, or the first haircut.
To me, this means two things: First, for some reason, out of all the other people around, I looked like the best person to ask a question. Maybe just because I looked like a non-intimidating character or because I looked like I know the CTA. Second, I realized myself, how much more I know about Chicago (specifically public transportation) since I first moved here.
This was just as much a Rite of Passage as circumcision, the Bar Mitzvah, or the first haircut.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Just a little update
Its been a few days so I thought I'd do a post.
Something new that I have been involved with since I have moved to Chicago is the Chicago Chapter of the Calvin Alumni. I am now part of the leadership group and am heavily involved in planning events for the alum of Chicago. The big thing were working on right now is "The Game." If your not up on Calvin lingo, that refers to the first Calvin v. Hope game of the year. We have rented out the back room of a bar in Lincoln Park and are trying hard to promote it to everyone. I guess there is always a pretty good turnout. So if you are reading this and you live in Chicago you should come.
Being involved with the leadership is some extra work but I enjoy it. I think that involving yourself with alumni can be a huge asset and that is my driving force.
Something new that I have been involved with since I have moved to Chicago is the Chicago Chapter of the Calvin Alumni. I am now part of the leadership group and am heavily involved in planning events for the alum of Chicago. The big thing were working on right now is "The Game." If your not up on Calvin lingo, that refers to the first Calvin v. Hope game of the year. We have rented out the back room of a bar in Lincoln Park and are trying hard to promote it to everyone. I guess there is always a pretty good turnout. So if you are reading this and you live in Chicago you should come.
Being involved with the leadership is some extra work but I enjoy it. I think that involving yourself with alumni can be a huge asset and that is my driving force.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
The something new in 2008......
I took a new job with The Homestead Group as a Leasing Consultant. I will be starting in 2 weeks.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
A NEW YEAR
Well folks I would like to apologize for my laziness with the blog. I received a few comments from people over the holidays reminding me that I still have readers. I don't really know where to start with what has been happening in my life so I'll give it a shot. My initial new years resolution was to not have a resolution but I guess I'll make it to put more effort and importance on my blog.
Right now I'm laying on my couch in Chicago after a loooooooooooong Christmas vacation. My last day was December 19th 2007 and I go back to work tomorrow, January 4th. In this break a lot happened. I went home and was able to spend Christmas with the family, including my katie and steves katy. It was the first time we had them included in the official tigchelaar christmas. given it was on december 21st rather than christmas eve and christmas morning, but hey, "the times they are a changing (like that Jeff)." One of my favorite parts of this time was being able to see and spend some time with Charlotte (my neice). the last time I had seen her was when she wasn't walking or talking. This time she was a chatter box that walked everywhere. for the first few days Steve and I were both unca 'teve, but later she learned that I was unca mak.
After the christmas festivities with the newly revamped tigchelaar family, I went out to California to spend some time with katie and her family. I flew out on Christmas day, so most of my Christmas was spend en route. Once I got to Cali I was able to relax and do a lot of hanging out with the future in laws and of course the fiance. On the saturday before the new year we went on the annual snowboarding/skiing trip to Mammoth Mountain. This was my second time going along and I love it. I learned how to snowboard last year and this year I purchased my own board and was able to keep up a lot more. Mammoth Mountain is known as pretty much the biggest ski mountain in the US. When at the top of the mountain you are able to take in some of the best views I can imagine.
This is what we saw from the top of the mountain.
We took in the new year together in the cabin and headed back to Long Beach on New Years Day (after we watched Michigan beat Florida of course).
I began my trip back to Chicago with a 2.5 hour delay in LA. After delays in LA and a bad experience getting my luggage in Chicago I arrived at my lovely apartment at about 4 AM.
It feels weird to be back in Chicago after a vacation like that. I had so much fun with my family, my future family, and of course my lovely fiance.
2008 is going to bring some big things;
1: Katie and I get married
2: Steve and Katy get married
3: My good friend Mark Asma and his fiance Tina get married
4: A new president gets elected
5: Katie finds out what her future is with grad school
6: Stay tuned for something else new in 2008.........................
Right now I'm laying on my couch in Chicago after a loooooooooooong Christmas vacation. My last day was December 19th 2007 and I go back to work tomorrow, January 4th. In this break a lot happened. I went home and was able to spend Christmas with the family, including my katie and steves katy. It was the first time we had them included in the official tigchelaar christmas. given it was on december 21st rather than christmas eve and christmas morning, but hey, "the times they are a changing (like that Jeff)." One of my favorite parts of this time was being able to see and spend some time with Charlotte (my neice). the last time I had seen her was when she wasn't walking or talking. This time she was a chatter box that walked everywhere. for the first few days Steve and I were both unca 'teve, but later she learned that I was unca mak.
After the christmas festivities with the newly revamped tigchelaar family, I went out to California to spend some time with katie and her family. I flew out on Christmas day, so most of my Christmas was spend en route. Once I got to Cali I was able to relax and do a lot of hanging out with the future in laws and of course the fiance. On the saturday before the new year we went on the annual snowboarding/skiing trip to Mammoth Mountain. This was my second time going along and I love it. I learned how to snowboard last year and this year I purchased my own board and was able to keep up a lot more. Mammoth Mountain is known as pretty much the biggest ski mountain in the US. When at the top of the mountain you are able to take in some of the best views I can imagine.
This is what we saw from the top of the mountain.
We took in the new year together in the cabin and headed back to Long Beach on New Years Day (after we watched Michigan beat Florida of course).
I began my trip back to Chicago with a 2.5 hour delay in LA. After delays in LA and a bad experience getting my luggage in Chicago I arrived at my lovely apartment at about 4 AM.
It feels weird to be back in Chicago after a vacation like that. I had so much fun with my family, my future family, and of course my lovely fiance.
2008 is going to bring some big things;
1: Katie and I get married
2: Steve and Katy get married
3: My good friend Mark Asma and his fiance Tina get married
4: A new president gets elected
5: Katie finds out what her future is with grad school
6: Stay tuned for something else new in 2008.........................
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