Yesterday I got my first job that was not a referral from a friend. I really appreciate the work that my friends have sent my way and please keep sending it! A couple of weeks ago I went around the neighborhood with flyers that advertised my services. I also put up the FASiT web site. I was a little disappointed that I was not getting any bites from my (attempt at) advertising but that all changed a couple of days ago when a woman called needing help with her computer. I was so excited I took a shower and got dressed in my official work gear which consists of a polo and khaki’s. Isn’t that what all PC techs wear? With my trusty laptop and a stack of business cards that could choke a cat I was ready! Actually my cat Casper did get hold of my business cards and tried to eat the rubber band that held the cards! Crazy fuckin’ cat!

I was greeted at the door by a VERY large German Shepard. I felt a little like the mail man. Thank God I'm not scared of dogs. Fortunately the lady's dog was a pussy cat. The lady's PC problems were minor and I wasn’t even there 20 minutes but I do think her and her husband were pleased with my service. Who wouldn’t be? Once I pour on the charm and flash my infectious smile full of dimples it would make anyone my customer for life. I have developed a definite flair for dealing with customers. I think that comes from years of retail work while in college. Let’s not forget my most difficult customer while I was working for Compaq, Motorola! I have learned that PC repair is 30% knowledge and 60% personality. Fortunately I have 100% of both! Keep those referrals coming!

Many (OK most) of you should already know that I LOVE barbecue! Normally I wait for other people to break out their grill and invite me over for some delicious smoked and charred meat. Mmm, mmm, I start to salivate just thinking about it. Anyway, Yesterday I came to the conclusion that I can not depend on others to provide me with my regular fix of grilled meat so I went out and bought one of those (very) cheap grills. You know the kind you find at Walgreen’s for $7.95 and it only holds one rib. Yes, that one. Yesterday I had a hankering for some BBQ and broke out my mini grill. This would not have been so bad if I knew what the hell I was doing! You see, I never barbecue so it was all an experience for me.

I think my first mistake was firing up the grill on the hottest day of the year. Well, it may not have been the hottest day but it sure felt like it. That little grill puts out some heat! Also, I was kind of freaking out about the two foot high flames flailing about on my all wooden back porch. I could already see the headlines. “Negligent Barbecuer Chars Condo!” I don’t think my homeowners insurance would cover something like that. After the flames died down I was able to slap my meat on the grill! I must say that this grill is so small there was barely room for two turkey burgers. After about ½ hour I determined that the burgers must be done. Either that or I was getting damn hungry! Yes, they tasted fine. At least I know why I don’t do this more often. It takes too long and I HATE the cleanup afterwards. So, if someone is having a barbecue please do not hesitate to invite me over. I am great fun and I eat way too much. I am exactly what you need for a successful barbecue!!

Yeah, I used to be a typical Chicagoan for the longest time. I live here, I work here (when I can) but rarely partake in all this city has to offer. This summer has definitely afforded me the time and opportunity. Can you believe I have lived in Chicago most of my life and until this weekend had only been on the lake once in a boat? I hd just graduated from high school and I went on a date...with a woman! Thank God I went into the service. While in the Marine Corps I was on ships for weeks at a time with thousands of men. I'm getting excited just reminiscing. My goal for this year's Venetian night was to be on a boat in Lake Michigan. I joined five other friends and we rented a sail boat Saturday evening. It was fabulous. The sails were unfurled shortly after we left the dock and we were on our way. Can I tell you that those sail boats lean a lot! Thank god I have all of this excess bulk to help stabilize the boat. :-)

We were oh so chic. While sailing we had some fabulous wine and cheese thanks to Ms. Carrie! The cheese almost didn't make it. Mind you, we were still sailing toward the fireworks while drinking and eating the cheese. At one point the cheese almost slid off the left side of the boat. Thanks to the cat like reflexes of our handy mate Salvador the cheese was saved! Thank God! What is wine without cheese!! The fireworks were fabulous but this party really got going once I saw four drunken people jump into the water for a swim. No, I didn't go in. Honeys, could you see me out there drunk on Cabernet trying to swim?! I don't think so!! Oh yes, some people forgot their bathing suits. I won't mention any names but I am assuming it was one person's birthday because they were definitely wearing the suit!