Posted 8:23 AM by Mike
Lot's more to recap from my hiatus:

Last month I got to meet one of my sports "heroes". Rusty Wallace is doing this nationwide free concert tour sponsored by Miller Brewing Co. I think they have Rusty at these events so more people will show. Well, they had one in downtown St. Paul. The line was long and I usually don't like to wait in line for athletes autographs, but he is retiring after this year so I figured I would wait. An hour and a half later, I got Rusty's autograph, shook his hand and got a quick picture with him. He's a really nice guy and I'm glad I did it.

Now.....everything is right with the world. It is expected today that the lockout will officially be over for the NHL. The NHLPA and the owners are both expected to ratify an agreement that will officially end the lockout. Draft lottery is scheduled to be held tomorrow. Penguins have a 3 out of 48 chance to win the first pick, expected to by phenom Sidney Crosby (one of the many Next Gretzky or Mario's). The owners overwhelmly won the standoff. I think the players finally saw that the league was in serious trouble financially and had to give. So I think it will help the league, but I'm still miffed that again, I miss another year of wathing #66 play hockey.

Vacation was relaxing. Went up north for the first weekend. Kind of just hungout. Went to a going away party for one of my friends who is moving to Hawaii. Lucky. Other than that, just hung out with my parents and nephew. Went home that Sunday night. On the 4th, the NY Webbs and us went to the Mall of America. As usual, Pat and I raced NASCAR. I think that's the only reason I ever go to the Mall anymore. It was fun.

While in Rochester, we went canoeing in Iowa again. Didn't get sunburn like last year. Relaxing trip. I went to Batman Begins with Kristin's niece Alyssa. I was going to go by myself to a 10:00 show, but I asked Alyssa if she wanted to go so she tagged along. Great movie! Definately the best one of the bunch. Christian Bale is a great combo of Bruce Wayne and Batman.

Continuing work on my paper. I got my first section aproved and have another one due next week. After that, I will be about 80% done.

Started to plunge on the basement this week. Started framing the studs. Considering I've never done it before by myself, things are going pretty well. I've got a target finish date of October 1st. Stay tuned.....

Going tubing on the Apple River in Wisconsin this weekend with my friend Matt and his brother-in-law. Sounds like it should be a good time. I probably should be working on my paper, but I'm rebelling a bit.

Kristin is starting to show now. It really seems real now. It makes my even more excited to see her belly. She's probably getting annoyed with how much I touch/rub/kiss it. I can't wait until I have a partner to watch hockey with!!!