People out here think Go Blue means something about BYU?

Welcome to big-boy football, Utah.

So listen - tomorrow is an important day. I am living in the heart of Utah, and by heart I mean the only actual city of note (with all due respect to Magna), Salt Lake City, the home of the Utah "Utes". Yes, they are really called the Utes. It is not even short for anything - like "Utility Worker", for example (all due respect to utility workers). Utes is one of the more clever mascot names in all of sports, if you ask nobody.

I write to all my fellow Michigan fans out there: Oh ye of the maize & blue blood! Even though my beloved wife sort-of-kind-of supports my support of Michigan, and does not claim any allegiance to the “U”, I am somewhat isolated. So, on this first Saturday of the season when you cheer the Wolverines, think of your son/brother/cousin/friend also, in enemy territory, hoping and praying he does not have to return to the office on Tuesday in shame. For he has worn the maize & blue to work on this football Friday, carrying around a mug with Block M, showing off the mini-helmet and national championship Pepsi can from 1997 (sadly it’s empty, in more ways than one).

Although I show those things off always, because I’m weird like that, it is of greater importance tomorrow. In this City of Salt, a Lake, and super-dry skin due to lack of humidity, I hope to stand tall and represent my home, Michigan, my team, Michigan, and proclaim “Hail to the Victors!” so it may echo up and down the valley. Also, give me a call on Saturday, so we can talk some big-boy football.

GO BLUE!

Stepping Up

I've been working on a concept for a new blog about being a Stepdad. I'm trying to develop it into more of a general public concept than a personal outlet. I have a URL purchased with a clever (I think) name and the first 2 or 3 entries mostly written.

Since I started this blog, I've received several comments from family and friends on my writing style and ability, and I've been very flattered and appreciate the feedback. For this Stepdad concept, I'd love to hear your thoughts - do you know of any blogs similar to that? If written anonymously and for a general audience will it be interesting to read (espeically for other Stepdads)? And if any of you (Charon, Exuberman) have some insight into how to best link up with similar interests and generate traffic, as well as build upon the basic formatting of Blogger or work with HTML to make it look, well, professional, that would be helpful too.

Any input is appreciated! I hope to get it off the ground by Oct 1.

Wedding photos and memories

I just have a quick minute on my lunch break, but wanted to get our wedding photos out there. This link will take you to the photographer's "Favs" - the site has a ton of pics, so if you navigate away and want to get back to the concise selection, go to "Thumbnails" and click on "KMO Favs".

Lowlights (get them out of the way):
Heidi's car accident
Mom's slip and fall and stitches (OUCH!)
Huge liquor bottles in the park from the bums

Highlights from the weekend in Chicago:
Heidi and Mom are both okay
Bums were rousted out by our secret patrol, the Sonnenberg Boys (ooooh, scary!)
Weather was perfect, park was beautiful
Tigers won on Thursday
Mardi Gras party on Friday
My hot wife
Dave & Matt narration of video
Brad & Heidi's toasts were awesome
Bryce's ceremony message was perfect
Eating myself in cookie form
Slideshow memories
My hot wife
Dancing with Zoey
Preston in sunglasses, then with tie around head
Leaving it all for the Caribbean!

Thanks to all who helped make it a perfect wedding. We both appreciate it.

So Long Sweet Singleness

The next time I post will be the first time as Mr. Annie Sonnenberg - er Gingrich? Which makes this my last post as "Technically, the Bachelor of the Year" (TBOY) as awarded by several of my friends' wives. Don't read too much into that.

In less than 48 hours, I'll be arriving in Chicago toting a suitcase full of clothes, a grown up suit, a swimsuit, some shoes, more sandals, a Tigers hat, and the shattered memories of eternal singleness and irresponsibility. Just kidding - this year has already proven that I was never meant for that life. We're getting hitched on Saturday, and off to the Caribbean on Sunday - cruising via San Juan P.R. to Curacao, St. Maarten, Aruba and other places I've never spelled before. Hopefully, the only hurricanes we come across are the ones in tall glasses - HUZZAH! It's a joke fest tonight - anyone else hear crickets?

We took some engagement photos a couple months ago in Chicago - the photog's blog has a few of them posted. I, of course, ruined the best one by having my eyes closed. But look at those groovy jeans I was wearing!

I am quite excited to get to it, and get it done, and celebrate with my family and friends. I couldn't invite everyone I would've liked to due to size limitations and the, ahem, large extended family of Sonnenbergs (I love you all!), but I hope to be better about catching up with everyone when I'm back from the sea. Au revoir!