This was by far THE best Brewer's trip ever. I'm sorry to any of you who may have missed it, but it was phenomenal. Here's the rundown:
I got into the MKE about 6:00 on Thursday night. Timmy D picked me up and we got some food at a local CedarB hangout and then hung out as his place. Chatted sports, music, life and jammed for a while on guitar and synthesizer. After a while, Nick and Big D pulled into Sam's place on the Southside, so we cruised on down there. After a quick beer, we hit the road to North Ave. and one of Sammy's favorite Irish pubs. After a few drinks, we were ready to get serious, so we gave each other knuckle tattoos. Sam's read: John Jaha. Mine: Base Ball Danek's: Fuck Yeah. Nick's: Thug Life. Sam's Cousin's: Guin Ness.
We crashed at Sam's and in the morning began an epic errand run. We got donuts at a local place, traveled up-town to Papa Zig's work to pick up the tickets, got sign supplies, and had a lunch at Sonic.
Sign making was a lot of fun. We put on Step Brothers for a background laugh-track and took turns cutting, pasting, coloring, and drinking beer. My signs said, "Go, Go, Gomez" and "Ryan Braun Stole My Girlfriend." We also bought some Happy 40th Birthday banners to wave around in celebration of the Milwaukee Brewer's 40th year in Milwaukee!
After signs were made, pre-game beers were drunk, and gear was loaded, we headed down to Kelly's Bleachers. We made certain to arrive early enough to guarantee free parking and a leisurely dinner before the game. I had a fish fry and some Spotted Cow. Man, did it feel good to be home!
We walked to the stadium and headed right in to our FRONT ROW SEATS! We were a few sections past third base and I was hoping for some foul-ball action, though none ever came. I did snag a ball the guy-who-plays-catch-between-innings-with-the-left-fielder threw into the stands. I think it ended up going home with Nick Smith somehow...
All the action in the game happened right away and the Brewers hung on to win! WOO!
We got Ryan Braun to notice my sign towards the middle of the game. He just shrugged as if to say, "I'm sorry." Or maybe, "What are you going to do about it?" In hindsight, I should have tried to give it to him.
I saw Goody and Leah and Jenny and Rose and Travis and Laurel only on Friday. I might not see them again for a long time. I didn't think about that alot then though. I was living in the moment as much as I could. It was so great to see them all though, if only for a fleeting moment.
The post-game party was at Miss Jackie B's South Milwaukee residence. We started a fire in the backyard, finished off the beers, and was in bed by 1:30. Ok, 2:00 at the latest! It was great to sit and laugh with friends I hadn't seen in ages.
My the morning light, it was time to get rolling! Jackie's parents spoiled us with pancakes, pancake accessories, and much-needed coffee. Once everyone got their butts in gear, we made it to the Pick 'N Save to shop for supplies and went straight to the stadium to begin tailgating!
Rain was moving in so we parked the 2 vans (Jackie's and Tyler's) rear to rear and rigged a tarp between the two trunks. It worked out pretty well except that while it kept most of the rain out, it also kept the grill smoke in. Tony arrived with the keg within a half-hour and the party REALLY got started. Brats, burgers, cookies, chips, beer, and more beer were flying like it was nobody's business. No games were played due to the uncooperative weather, but I personally enjoyed just chatting, drinking, and stuffing my face with more sausage than I knew what to do with. A Fox6 news camera came by to film us. We aired later that night as a segment called, "Tough Tailgaters." Just another resume-padder!
Chelsea and her crew and Rosy Ricks were the only Saturday-only fans and it was amazing to catch up with both of them as well. I also really appreciated my brother's ability to have fun with his and my friends at the same time!
The keg was cached with 20 minutes till game-time so we cleaned up and headed in. Our seats were a little past first base this time and in rows 13-15. Phenomenal seats nonetheless. This game was more of a nail-biter. The Brewers couldn't hold a lead and it looked like the Tigers were going to pull it off until the Tigers turned into a Little League team in the bottom of the 9th, throwing the ball around and letting up 3 runs. All Tiger fans were pretty bummed, but I was elated.
We went to Leon's for some frozen custard after the game, which was SO good. That's the place Happy Days was based off of. Then, we went home to Mayville!
My parents had sandwich stuff all ready to go with so many snacks and Easter candy. We grabbed some more beer and ate, ate, ate. A few high school friends stopped by and we decided to get some flip cup going in the garage. Tyler and I each captained a team and I will graciously say his team kicked mine's ass Every. Single. Time. We sucked!
When we were drunk, but not too drunk, we started the annual night walk around Mayville. We took the train tracks past Parkview and eventually made everyone drunkenly cross a creek on an 0verturned tree. Wayne fell in. Then we spun on the merry-go-round till I thought Schmiz was gonna vom. Next, we walked to the pavilion and looped around to the dam steps. That's my favorite part of town. Everyone made it home safely!
The biggest disappointment of the trip was that we forgot about Poppa Z's story time. I really was excited to see what my dad had come up with, but we got too wrapped up in flip cup. Sorry Dad! He had a whole nature walk planned around the house telling stories of some of our most famous foliage. It would've been really cool...
I spent the night with Andrea talking about us and feelings and such and if you would like to know more, you'll have to ask personally. Let's just say it was good for both of us.
I made a sort-of egg scramble breakfast in the morning as many people headed out. Carload by carload, they left Mayville headed to their respective homes to recover from an AWESOME weekend. Eventually, Andrea, Steve, and Evan were left until Jackie could come pick them up after a family Easter brunch. So, we took my new(ish) car for a drive and took a walk through Ziegler park. It was nice and relaxing.
After the final person left, I enjoyed a little bit of "just me and family" time. Then, it was time to head out. Tim met me and my dad half-way to Milwaukee to take me to the airport. We grabbed some dinner at Copp's (another Milwaukee staple in greasy deliciousness) and met Sam at her place for a little farewell catch. They both took me to the airport and I said my final goodbye to WI...for now.
However, I wasn't out of the clear yet. I was in a hurry to get through security at the airport, expecting quite a long line of post-Easter travelers. But, the line wasn't there. Needless to say, I breezed through security until I was pegged as "suspicious." I got wanded, felt up, and ALL of my bags searched through. I told the TSA officer this happens to me alot and asked if there was a reason. He told me there was indeed a reason I had been stopped, but he couldn't disclose that information with me. He did offer me a word of advice, "calm down." Guess I was nervous. I read some of Salinger's Nine Stories waiting for the plane (which I highly recommend) and made it safely back to CO.
What a weekend!
Can't wait for the 2011 MM@MP! Hope to see you there!
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