:: Life on Planet Dan-E ::

:: Cowboys vs. Packers Week 13 Game Diary ::

So once again, I'm at Dewey's for another Football Game Diary. This should be a good game, with two teams that have potent offenses and solid defenses. There's also the Brett Favre vs. his heir apparent, Tony Romo. They both make these ridiculous plays off that no other quarterback seems to be able to make. Both teams are 10-1, both lead their divisions and both are considered the class of the NFC. Finally, both teams at one point or another beat my 49ers in the playoffs repeatedly during the 90s so I have a certain competitive animosity towards them. I just wanna see a good football game, though if you put a gun to my head, I’d have to pick Green Bay just because I hate them less.

8:24 Favre throws a rope to his receiver who catches it two inches off the turf. You hear about analysts touting a quarterback's ability to put the ball where only his guy can make the play but Favre makes throws where even his own guy can barely get to it.

8:28: Field goal. Green Bay up 3-0.

8:29: Dallas has the ball. It’s no secret that Romo grew up idolizing Favre. Let's see now if he can play while completely starstruck.

8:31: High throw to Owens and Green Bay cornerback Al Harris rips the ball from the his hands. Looks like it happened out of bounds. Green Bay challenge.

8:36: Nope. Dallas ball. Play continues and they finish with a field goal.

8:43: Green Bay starts with a run up the middle and the running back gets clobbered by Dallas safety Roy Williams. This guy is brutal. It's not just that he's a hard hitter; he also forced the NFL to adopt a rule change preventing horse-collar tackle (the "Roy Williams rule") because he broke too many ankles. Someone you want on your side, yes?

8:46: Like last time, I ' hear the commentary but whoever fed the jukebox loves Metallica so at least the music is good. And somewhat appropriate. I just need someone to play "For those About to Rock" by AC/DC and we're golden.

8:49: The first few running plays by Dallas were with Julius Jones. Last year, he accused Bill Parcells of "not utilizing his skillz properly" or something to that effect. He had the chances to be the started lost it Marion Barber. So clearly, it's not the fault of the previous coach, he just sucks ass. And I'm not just saying that because he killed my fantasy team last year.

8:51: Terrell "Alligator-Arms" Owens just dropped a very catchable, short pass that could have given Dallas 1st Down. My manager, who's a lifelong Cowboys fan, has this love-hate thing with Owens and I can imagine him shouting at his TV right now.

8:53: Field goal Dallas. I just noticed that the referees are wearing black pants. Anyone know what's up with that? Ref uniforms just don't look good with black pants.

8:54: Was I just talking about clothes there? Sorry about that, gay moment over. Back to the game.

8:56: Oops. Favre just threw a pick. They showed a stat that says this is his first INT is 139 attempts. Remember a couple of seasons ago when it seemed like Favre threw that many INTs in one season and everyone was saying he should retire? Good times.

8:58: Touchdown Dallas; Romo to wide receiver Patrick Crayton. So far, no evidence of Favre-worship. If this was last season, Owens would be throwing a hissy fit that the pass wasn’t to him.

9:05: Green Bay runs Ryan Gant (who?) up the middle and scores a TD. See what happens when you incorporate a running game?

9:13: Another touchdown pass to Anthony Fasano (gee, you think maybe he's Italian?). If this was last season, Owens would be throwing a hissy fit that the pass wasn't to him.

9:17: Deion Sanders is doing sideline reporting, except he's not talking directly into the camera. He's wandering around, talking with his hands, while staring off into space. Apparently the NFL Network thinks this is good idea. I guess that's one benefit about having the sound off.

9:24: You're not going to believe this but Favre just threw another interception. Would this be a good time to mention that Favre has NEVER won a game at Dallas?

9:26: Romo throws another TD to Fasano, except when he falls it the ball rolls loose. Did he have possession or did the ground knock it loose? Green Bay challenges and... no good. Fasano never had possession.

9:29: No problem, short pass of Owens, and this time he manages to hold on. I hate him. I really, really hate him.

9:33: Favre got up clutching his right arm the last time he got sacked so now Aaron Rodgers is in.

9:34: ...and he nearly gets picked off throwing into double coverage.

9:36: ...then he overthrows a short pass to the running back. All that time apprenticing under Brett Favre is clearly paying off.

9:40: Romo slings it out deep to Owens, who has to slow down to get it, while cornerback Al Harris keeps running. Hey Al? This isn't a track meet. So far Dallas has been maintaining constant pressure on the Quarterback. Romo has been knocked down but he's had a lot more time in the pocket. Second series in a row that Rodgers is in.

9:44: I wonder how serious Favre's injury is. They just showed him on the sideline. There’s no splint or tape on his arm but he's still holding it. Back on the field, the kid is doing well on this series. No risky throws, some accurate short passes, and they're now at Dallas' 20.

9:53: Short pass to Greg Jennings, who jukes and weaves his way to the Endzone. 27-17 Dallas.

9:56: 31 seconds left and Dallas kneels to take it into Halftime. Important stats:
Passings:
Favre: 5/14, 56 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT. Rodgers: 5/8, 69 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
Romo: 9/15, 197 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT

Rushing:
Green Bay: 90 yards, 1 TD
Dallas: 39 yards

Green Bay started off with the short pass/run attack and everything fell apart when Favre reverted back to 2005 form by chucking the ball deep. Going back to the game plan with Rodgers resulted in a touchdown. Defensively, neither team has any sacks but Dallas has been far better at pressuring the passer, while Green Bay has done a pretty good job and holding the running backs, although their defensive backs have been vulnerable. On the plus side, they’ve held Terrell Owens to only 147 yards and 1 TD so there's hope.

10:10: And we're back. Favre is still out with what looks like an injured elbow.

10:22: Green Bay is back to the short passing game. The longest throw by Rodgers so far is about 12 yards, but it seems to be working. He's mobile enough to make some plays with his feet if there's nothing open.

10:27: 3rd and goal, and Ryan Grant (seriously, who?) punches it in for a TD. 27-24. Considering the turnovers and how relatively easily Dallas is moving the ball, the score should be higher.

10:30 That reminds me, I remember after they got bitchslapped by New England how Dallas Coach Wade Phillips said afterwards that the game plan was to "stop the running game and make Tom Brady beat us." It wasn't a great idea in retrospect, and it wasn't even a great idea to begin with. Brady's been an elite quarterback for years now and you want to make him beat you? THAT'S your game plan? It's like someone saying "we're going to walk Kevin Youkilis and make Big Papi beat us." Or "we’re going to stop Scotty Pippen and force Michael Jordan to make the shots."

10:45 I just saw Harris knock Owens down on his back, then move to tackle Barber. Don't ask me why, that just made me smile.

10:49: You have to see this play to believe it: Perfectly placed short pass to a WIDE OPEN Owens in the Endzone, and he bobbles it! Not only did he bobble it, he somehow batted it away from himself, the ball goes flying into the hands of Harris. INT, and a touchback. The ball was in his hands; enough that he virtually cradled it. The every day equivalent would be if you asked me to pass the salt and I came up to you, gently placed a salt shaker in your hands, you wrap your fingers around it, and yet somehow it still ends up on the floor and makes a mess, causing seven years of bad luck. I find myself smiling yet again. I can't prove it but I think my manager just threw his glass at the TV.

10:56: ...and after all that, Green Bay punts.

10:57: Like the last time I did this, I ordered the chicken fingers. I really wanted a burger but Dewey's burgers are big, greasy, and kinda messy (in other words, perfect) and I didn't want grease all over my keyboard. Of course the chicken fingers are a little greasy too but they're more manageable than a one-pound bacon cheeseburger. Yes, I thought this all out.

11:04: Romo throws a deep bomb and gets a pass interference call, putting them at the 2-yard line. Pass to Crayton, touchdown, 34-24 Dallas.

11:13: Rodgers is having an amazing game considering this is the longest time stretch of time he’s ever played since he got drafted. Again, he's not doing anything spectacular but he's moving the ball, running around to buy time, and not making mistakes. He led the team to another scoring drive, 34-27.

11:17: I just saw 6-1, 188lb Al Harris try to take down 6-5, 265lb Jason Witten and it made me laugh. You had to be there.

11:26: 1:51 left in the game and Dallas is running with Marion Barber to eat up the clock. They manage a field goal and lead 37-27. 1:03 left in the game.

11:30: Favre is out for the night. I wonder how serious his elbow injury is? Is his consecutive games streak going to come to an end?

11:33: Too bad, Rodgers starts out with a couple of completions only to have the next couple dropped by his receivers. Turnover on downs, Dallas kneels, and they win 37-27.

The Cowboys will probably end up with home field advantage once the playoffs start but as it stands now, New England is still the team to beat, and neither team seems like they have the overall game to beat the Patriots.

Labels: Dewey's, diary, football, NaBloPoMo

:: Miscellaneous Ramblings by Dan-E at 11:20 PM [+] :: | 0 comments
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:: 49ers Week 1 Game Diary ::

I don't get to watch many football games of my San Francisco 49ers since they're not televised here unless they play an East Coast team or if they're on a national broadcast. And that hasn't happened much recently because well, they've sucked since 2002. However, this is the first time in a long time that I've felt any sort of optimism - albeit cautious - coming into the season. I'm also excited since this is the first time in a while I'll be able to watch my them from beginning to end and to top it off it's a Monday Night Football game. Sure it’s the second game but whatever.

You'd think that ideally, I'd watch this at home in front of my TV with pizza and beer nearby but no, I head over to Dewey's to see it on their big HD TV. Also, I don't want to wake and scare my neighbors in case I start yelling at the TV when my team starts making stupid mistakes.

10:15
The broadcast is already delayed because the game between the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Jailbirds is running long. Ravens backup QB Kyle Boeller is in. Is McNair hurt? First game of the season and he's already in mid-season form.

10:27
Game one is finally over and they switch over to the Niners/Arizona Cardinals game. I hear commentator Mike Greenberg say something along the lines of it being a sloppy game so far with no scoring and "early penalties" so we "haven't missed much so far." Great. Thanks for that Mike.

They're talking about Niner's Alex Smith being the youngest QB ever to start on Monday Night Football. Must be a slow news cycle or something.

10:29
Well, at least I won't be able to hear Mike any more since they turned the jukebox back on, because the employees at Dewey's think it's not important to hear commentators during a football game. I may be wrong but I'm calling East Coast bias here.

10:34
Initial impressions so far: Arizona has a couple of receivers that look like they should be forwards for an NBA team and QB Matt Leinart looks a little shaky. My Niners on the other hand look like a young, talented team that's going to eventually develop into a powerhouse in the NFC West. I'm NOT biased.

10:35
Matt Leinart throws a pick! On his first pass! Nice. Good start already.

10:37
Hand off to Frank Gore and TOUCHDOWN!!! I love Frank Gore. Seriously, he came out of nowhere last season and rushed for 1695 yards to give us our first elite rushing threat since, what, Ricky Watters?

10:44: Just saw Arizona Offensive Line coach Russ Grimm. He looks like he'd be better off playing for the line than coaching. So far my Niner's defense is looking pretty good.

10: 50
A shoving match just broke out. 30 minutes in and this is the second most exciting thing I've seen so far.

10:52
Random note: You know those Coors Light commercials where they use postgame footage of football coaches answering fake questions from a bunch of beer-swilling frat guys? They started airing commercials with former Arizona Coach Dennis Green and while they're ok, they missed a HUGE opportunity for comedic gold by not using footage from when he went apeshit after last season’s Chicago game.

Just imagine:
Frat guys: Coach, don't you think Coors Light is more refreshing than the king of beers?
Green: If you wanna crown them, crown their ass!
Guys: So you're saying our beer is better?
Green: They are who we thought they were! And we let 'em off the hook!

You're probably thinking I typed this all out during a commercial break and you'd be right.

10:58
They're showing a graphic about Matt Leinart being drafted 10th overall last year. I'm only guessing but I think the commentators are talking about the money he "lost" by staying an extra year in college to get his (now ex) girlfriend knocked up.

11:01
End of the first quarter and we're up 7-0. Not a bad start. I'd be more comfortable with, say 70-0 but that's asking a bit much.

11:06
Arizona put together a decent drive but we held them to a field goal. I'm liking our defense. So far.

11:07
My chicken fingers and fries show up. They both look to be a shade darker than they're supposed to be, possibly because the cook was distracted by the game and forgot to pull the fry basket out in time. Perfect.

11:08
The fries have been cooked long enough that they're super crispy while having that strange, almost translucent look to it. (You know exactly what I'm talking about.) They still have enough grease that the salt sticks right on them. I love this crap.

11:11
Alex Smith gets sacked and fumbles the ball and a Cardinal falls on it. Our defense is good but now our pass protection looks suspect. Can't win 'em all, I guess.

11:15
Arizona punted and we could have had the ball if one of our guys didn't run into the punter. Way to go guys. This is what just what we need: stupid penalties. I'm gonna smack myself in the face now.

11:18
...aaaaannd Arizona scores. Excuse me again while I punch myself in the eye.

11:19
As if someone was deliberately trying to worsen my pain, it seems some 14 year-old girl picked the music, judging by the crap I've been listening to the past fifteen minutes.

11:20
Another graphic about how Niners QB Alex Smith showed the largest improvement in QB ratings over consecutive season in the history of the NFL (from 40.8 to 74.8). It's not exactly shocking since the QB coach in his first year was also the guy responsible for changing the urinal cakes at the stadium. While that type of "improvement" is like upgrading to a rusty Camaro after driving around in a Hyundai hel together by duct tape, I'm looking at any step up, no matter how small, as posittive.

11:35
Field goal. Tie game. I've seen Smith scramble around quite a bit this series. While it's good to have a decently mobile quarterback, can we start providing some pass protection? Now? Please?

There was a nice shot of Niners Coach Mike Nolan looking sharp in his NFL regulation suit. Don't ask me why, but I find it oddly comforting to have a coach that doesn't look like he should be moonlighting in Weight Watchers commercials.

11:40
Another penalty. A ticky-tack call against my Niners secondary. This is bullshit. Go fuck yourself, ref. Or at least that's what I'm hoping Nolan is saying to the ref as he argues the call. I should mention that he has an incredibly healthy looking tan. I don't know if he's naturally dark, likes being outdoors, or enjoying tanning booths but whatever, he doesn't look like your typical pasty, bloated NFL coach. Again, I find this oddly reassuring. Yes, I believe you should know these things.

11:44
So far, our run defense is looking decent. I don't know if this is a product of an improved defense or if it's because the Arizona O-line still sucks. Whatever. I’ll take it.

11:46
Almost as if they were reading my mind, they show pictures of past great coaches who also wore suits during a game. Guys like Mike Ditka, Tim Landry, and Nolan's dad, whose first name I can't remember.

11:49
Halftime. A couple of thoughts: If Matt Leinart decided against staying an extra year at USC, chances are more than likely that my Niners would have drafted him number one instead of Alex Smith. In that extra year of college, he was Big Man on Campus while taking a ballroom dancing class, enjoyed the Los Angeles spotlight while being a tabloid coverboy, led the Trojans to a winning record only to lose to archrival UCLA, and had sex repeatedly with Paris Hilton and Britany Spears.

Since getting drafted, he held out thinking he deserved Number One money even though he fell to Ten, got his ex-girlfriend pregnant, after which he continues to attend parties and events with guys like Nick Lachey, Jake Gyllenhaal (pre-Brokeback) and other c-list male celebs, all the while never seeming to actually reserve time to you know, be a parent.

Last Matt Leinart tidbit, he was on an episode of Punk'd once. He got caught soliciting a prostitute, actually uses the excuses, "I'm Matt Leinart, I don't have trouble getting laid" and "I'm about to be drafted in a month." When the police tell him to blame his friend instead, he folds faster than cheap paper. This is the kind of character you want in your franchise quarterback.

My point being, I'm still not sold on Alex Smith but I'm happy on so many levels that we didn't draft Leinart.

12:01am
Halftime is over. QB stats so far:
Leinart: 7/10, 42 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT.
Smith: 6/11, 50 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT.
I don't know why but I'm pumped up. Come on boys, let's win this thing.

12:03
As if the football Gods were sympathizing with me, Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight" started playing on the jukebox. Awesome.

Nate Clements just kept Arizona WR and Fantasy Football stud Larry Fitzgerald from making a big play. I know Fitzgerald is a stud because he was “WR1” on my fantasy team last year. I would have loved to have a stud WR from Frisco instead but there weren't any.

Three and out, we get the ball back with really good field position.

12:13
Gore just ran over four Cardinal defenders and got a First Down on our first play of the half. I love Frank Gore.

12:16
We've held Fitzgerald to 2 catches and 8 yards so far. That means, two things: 1. Clements was a great signing this offseason and 2. It's only a matter of time before he burns us with a 70-yard touchdown reception.

12:19
First down inside the Cardinal's 15 and we end up kicking a field goal. At least we're now up 13-10 and Arizona isn't really doing much on offense.

12:26
Just saw an ad for ABC's new TV show "Cavemen" which is loosely based on the Geico commercials. Hollywood has officially run out of ideas.

12:28
We get the ball back on our own 43... and on cue Smith is scrambling for his life. I think I spoke too soon. Their defense suddenly looks energetic and Gore isn't going anywhere.

12:30
Smith finally has time to zip a 10 yard pass of Arnaz Battle for first down. See what happens when you give your quarterback some time? By the way, that's only the second time all night we converted on third down.

12:31
Four pass attempts in a row. Gore has only touched the ball 15 times and it's well into the third quarter. Sure he had that hand injury in the preseason but he's fine now and just ran over four guys. Why are we not handing off to him more often? Why?

12:37
Just saw Leinart scramble and take a shot on the chest (something he should have told his ex-girlfriend to do) from one of our linebackers. Nice.

12:39
He must be woozy since I just saw him throw two consecutive passes that, had our offense been a little more experienced, would have picked off. As it is, it's two passes defended and the Cards are punting. Considering that last year, those two passes might have been caught and taken in for a score, I'll take it. Of course, that's kinda like saying "at least my new girlfriend didn't try to poison me" but, whatever.

12:41
Finally a handoff to Gore, and he's stuffed at the line of scrimmage. Oh, that's why.

12:44
Three and out. Smith looks confused out there half the time and overwhelmed the other half and our O-line isn't protecting him. Both of the defenses have improved somewhat but I saw part of the San Diego-Chicago game yesterday and neither team is at that level. This was supposed to be a matchup of two up-and-coming young quarterbacks but so far, I've seen better pass attempts by this drunk old guy wandering around the bar here.

12:51
Random note: you know that Hootie and the Blowfish song "Only wanna be with You," with the line "I'm such a baby 'cuz the Dolphins make me cry?" For the longest time, I thought they were fervent environmentalists who were protesting all the dolphins getting trapped in tuna nets or something. It wasn't until I moved to Miami that I learned Hootie was just a huge Dolphins fan. That there is the textbook definition of "overthinking."

12:57
Arizona might not have a elite defense but they're stacking the line and we're doing nothing against them. (I can't prove it but I'm certain I saw their Mascot line up in front of the safety.) Even Gore hasn't gone anywhere since his last TD. Smith just got sacked, the wide receivers aren't getting open, and when he does throw, all the passes are so high Yao Ming couldn't catch them. Another punt. I know it's only game one but I'm getting flashbacks of 2005 (where we went 4-12) again. I'm gonna go gouge my eyes out now.

1:00
Just saw Smith standing on the sideline looking confused, only this time he's not wearing a helmet. 9/19, 66 yards, and 124 total yards for our offense. If I'm gonna make it through this night, I'm gonna need something stronger than beer.

1:02
... or see Leinart get sacked hard. At least our defense is good. Next play, Edgerrin James gets stuffed after three yards. Next play, Leinart gets rushed, scrambles away, this time for first down and more. By the way, I have a feeling I'm going to be saying "at least our defense is good" a lot this season.

1:03
And they score. Short pass to Anquan Boldin. Again I spoke too soon. Excuse me, I'm gonna ram my head through the nearest window.

1:13
Random note: I just saw a friend from school here. She was sitting about eight feet away but I never noticed her because my focus was on the game and keeping up with this game diary. And I could have gone the whole night without noticing her if not for the fact that that while I was typing the last entry, I suddenly feel these arms wrap around me and I hear "Oh my God, how are you?!" She finally lets go, I see her face and much to my relief it's someone I know and not some drunk chick mistaking me for an ex or something. In my defense she was sitting with her back to me (though that isn't a great excuse either since I spent a good amount of time checking out that part of her while we were in school together). Maybe that's why I'm still single.

1:19
And once again, I have to sit through "Hotel California." For once, I'd love to watch an entire game at this bar without ever hearing that damn song. This is the "unplugged" version so now it sucks acoustically. By the way, someone explain to me just how the hell bands playing acoustic versions of their songs started being called "unplugged" being as it even acoustic guitars have to be plugged in if anyone past the tenth row wants to hear anything. I know, I'm babbling.

1:20
Oh right, there's a football game on.

1:24
Off season acquisition Darrell Jackson reels in a pass that's again almost overthrown by Smith. Maybe Smith took to heart all those scouting reports about him lacking "arm strength" and was hellbent on proving everyone wrong but now he's throwing three feet over everybody. On the plus side, if he keeps overthrowing like this, he'll be the next Brett Favre.

1:26
Niners receivers finally catch of couple of passes and Smith has now completed 50% of his passes (12/24). A few more games like this and he'll be at Eli Manning's level.

1:28
My team decides to show off this newfound arm strength and go for a deep pass, which Jackson let SLIP THROUGH HIS HANDS. They showed a shot of 49ers fans doing exactly what I'm doing, standing with the hands on their hands, looking dumbfounded. Seriously, it was IN HIS HANDS and he dropped it. That could have been the fucking game right there! I'm kicking myself in the stomach now.

1:29
They show Coach Nolan with a look of consternation on his evenly tanned face. Or maybe its something else, I'm not sure exactly because that's about the only expression he's had all night.

1:30
Again, Smith is scrambling, though at least it's for a first down this time. Ugh. It's gonna be a long season. At least our defense is good.

1:32
Smith pass to WR Arnaz Battle and it's caught for a TD! Nope! He dropped it. HE FUCKING DROPPED IT!!! I'm running out of body parts to maim and I'm too chickenshit to self-immolate so I'm gonna go hurl myself into oncoming traffic.

1:34
We somehow make it inside their 5. I say "somehow" because I wasn't paying attention, with my head pounding on the table and all. Actually, what happened was that Battle caught the ball, had possession, was stripped just before he entered the endzone, and one of our guys recovered it in the endzone. However, there's a new rule stating that if a fumble occurs after the two minute warning, if it goes forward of the spot of the fumble, it won't be spotted forward of the spot, unless it's recovered by the player who fumbled it. Get all that? Me neither.

1:36
TOUCHDOWN!!! HOLY SHIT WE SCORED!!! FUCK YEAH!!! Ok, the ball was spotted at the 1 yard line. Smith audibles, Battle goes in motion, he hands off to Battle, and he runs it in on an endaround!!! Coach Nolan you magnificent bastard!!! You tricky motherfucker, that was awesome! That rocked!

1:37
Random Note: Microsoft Word doesn't like "endzone," thinking it should be "end zone." Yet when I typed out "mother fucker," Word says it should be "motherfucker." Someone explain this logic to me, and introduce me to the idiot who programmed this. I wanna have a word with that mother fucker.

1:40
Cardinal ball and they have 22 seconds to get into field goal range. Let's hold them here. No big plays. Shut 'em down boys, shut 'em down. Leinart throws deep and... he’s picked off!!! My 49ers win!!! WOOO!!!

Wow. Talk about an UGLY win. Obviously we still have things to work on but this is the kind of game that would usually get away from us in previous seasons so us pulling out a win is a great start. Granted, it's against the Arizona Cardinals but still. And the fact that we're finally over .500 for the first time since, what... 2003? I'm happy. Yeah, it's gonna be a long season but I'm looking forward to it.

Labels: 49ers, Dewey's, diary, football

:: Miscellaneous Ramblings by Dan-E at 3:03 AM [+] :: | 0 comments
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:: Hey, it's something ::

I had the night off yesterday and feeling the need to leave my apartment, I decided to watch the Dodgers-Gnats game at Dewey's. I got there around ten. It was pretty empty so I grab a seat at the bar in front of a TV showing the start of the game. The usual bartender isn't there. Instead this cute little brunette greets me and takes my order. She must have been new since I don't think I've seen her before and as it turns out, she moved here two months ago.

Anyway, the game starts and since it's my favorite sports team playing my most reviled sports team, featuring one of the most polarizing players in recent history chasing down what's regarded as the most hallowed of all sports records, I'm somewhat into this. She notices my interest and asks if I'm a baseball fan (well, duh). We start talking and I find out she's from Philly and love the Eagles, among other things. As it gets later, the bar starts to fill up and she has to make drinks; which is fine with me since the game is close and time pretty much stops every time Barry Bonds is up to bat. In the middle of all that, AC/DC's "For the About to Rock" starts playing and I unconsciously start to bob my head to it. She notices and says, "I'm glad somebody appreciates my music." I simply smile and ask, "how can anyone not like AC/DC?" I think it was then when I finally noticed that, hey, she really is kinda cute. (We've already established that I'm slow with women. And my Dodgers were on TV and I rarely get to see them out here. What do you want from me?) It goes on like this the entire night, we chat here and there when she isn't serving drinks or if there's a commercial break.

It gets to the ninth inning, I've finished my wings and my third beer, and we're still down by three. Deciding I need something a little stronger I order a Gentleman Jack on the rocks (it's not Maker's Mark but still a very good whiskey). We lose the game. Somewhat dejected, I finish the rest of my Jack and ask for the bill. I look it over and see that she forgot to charge me for the whiskey. Maybe it's because I'm a waiter but I point out the error in case she might get into trouble (not likely but the owner has a reputation for parsimony). She briefly has that "oops" look on her face, but then looks up at me says, "that one's on me."

Oh. Cool?

The only time a bartender's ever bought me a drink is if it's a buddy at one of my hangouts and the bartenders are guys. The only time a female bartender tried to buy me a drink was three years ago and I decline because I was about to leave (a friend gave me shit for not letting a girl buy me a drink, and told me "Dan-E, sometimes, you just need to take one for the team.” I blogged about this, now that I think about it. Sorry, I'm rambling.)

So my mind is racing. Did she really forget? Was she flirting with me this whole time? Was she flirting with me because she might like me or was she just working me for a bigger tip? Should I ask her out? If I do, how do I do it without coming off like one of those creepy assholes who probably hit on her nightly? What would I even say? (I'm guessing the only guys who actually get numbers from female bartenders are either extraordinarily good looking - which I'm not - or are filthy rich and leave huge tips - which I don't. I mean, I tip well but not quite like that.)

I just suck it up. I'm tired of second guessing myself, I'm tired of wondering "what if?" I ask for her number, not exactly smoothly (rather clumsily in retrospect, not because I was drunk or tipsy - it takes more than four drinks for me to feel anything - but because as we've established in some of the previous posts, I have no game). Surprisingly, she quickly writes it down on the back of the receipt. Yep, it's a Philly number.

This wasn't like some breakthrough or anything. I was happy, but I wasn't jumping for joy or pumping my fist or anything. I'm not getting my hopes up or anything. It's one thing to get a number but I still have to see if anything come from this. I haven't been on a date since the breakup so if all I get is a nice conversation and friendly company out of this, I'll be stoked. It feels like ages since I've done this but it's a start, I guess.

Labels: dating, Dewey's, I'm an idiot

:: Miscellaneous Ramblings by Dan-E at 8:05 PM [+] :: | 0 comments
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:: I Could be an Alcoholic, but I'm not Trying Hard Enough ::

... not that I actually want to become alcoholic or anything but my ability to consume large quantities of beer (and other forms of alcohol) without major adverse affects isn't disuading me either. For example, last Saturday night, I went out with some co-workers to Dewey's for a "few" drinks and this is what I ended up having:

• 2 Yeunglings
• Knob Creek on the rocks (it was chilly)
• 4 pints of Guinness
• 2 Crown Royal on the rocks (it got chillier)
• 2 shots of Sandeman's Tawny Port

11 drinks in 3 hours and no ill affects, no stumbling, no slurred speach, no awkward dancing on the bar, and postively no hangover the next morning, as I woke up around my usual time at the crack of noon. (It probably helped that I ate a pile of pulled pork with collard greens and fried green tomatoes.) It's not like I do this often but this is just going to encourage me.

Labels: Beer, Dewey's, drinking

:: Miscellaneous Ramblings by Dan-E at 1:51 AM [+] :: | 0 comments
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