We Have Contact! *OR* Spend More Money On Me

Gather around folks, it's true story time. This week's episode is brought to you by the movie From Justin To Kelly.

Moving on, Brent Lee himself called me this past week. Sure, this may not sound like much to you, but considering he never calls and hardly sends a text or an email, this was a big break-through. You might think we only talked about horsepower and chicks, but it turns out that B does not really care much for horsepower. Therefore, we can assume he has never seen Top Gear and is about to lose his man-card.

 

Anyways, he informs me that I should think about making reservations at some hotel where they think they are having the wedding. I guess he hasn't been reading the blog, because I think we have opened up some alternative locations. Yes, you better hurry and make your reservations for a hotel nearly 6 months in advance to beat the St. Patrick's Day rush. Hey, I haven't even received the official invitation yet and you want me to make reservations? And wait, why am I paying to stay in some hotel to come to your wedding? Isn't that your responsibility? When I invite someone to my home for dinner, I don't make them bring dinner. Something must change here.

If that isn't enough, I am now informed that some guy with a pretty good beard has got to measure me for a tuxedo. 

 Again, I thought that we had explored some other options that were quite a bit more comfortable than wearing a tie, vest, coat, and someone else's shoes. And here comes the kicker, B wants me to pay for that too! Wait just a minute here, are you saying that none of my suits are good enough for you? I look pretty darn good in them and I have a wide variety of ties to choose from. This is all quite tragic.

Yes, the conversation turned elsewhere and we caught up on some things and discussed his Halloween costume, which I did not know was going to be shiny. 

I would not trust that man to pilot my red wagon, let alone an airplane. Did you know he once hit about 12 cows while driving a firetruck? Yup, this is your state money here folks.

Here's to waiting to hear from B until February when the groomsdudes go on a vacation and we see if B decides to tag along and call it his "bachelor party."

Skip The Toast, More Wilco! *OR* What Has The Stig Done For Me Lately?

You've waiting patiently and here we go, a new blog entry today. Of course, the problem becomes what on earth to write about?

Some of the Lee clan was down in the civilized world this past weekend to associate with their friends and of course the topic turned to the wedding. I asked Paul about his speech, to see if he had any ideas, because I don't want to trample on his speech with my own. Greg was interested as well, because we all need to be unique. Of course, this will be difficult when we are each trying to fill in our allotted toast time of 40 minutes or so. I was thinking I may put together a multimedia presentation.

I hope there is a big enough room for a screen this size. I've got some great pictures that will look amazing at 40' wide. I guess the issue now is what to talk about. I assume that Paul will actually talk about B and Corrin, so there is no need to rehash that old subject. Greg could talk about a variety of things, but I really hope he presents his "Top Gear" thesis.

I think I may try to cover the career of alternative rock darlings, Wilco.

I am pretty sure the folks at the wedding will appreciated being enlightened about some of the more important aspects of the art culture in the modern day.

Too often we get a bit too involved in the bride and groom at the wedding. Life still goes on and they need to learn it is not always about them. You can have your few moments, but let's talk about some of the bigger things in life, shall we? And darnit, you are going to sit there for the entire time that each of us is speaking and you are going to take notes. You will be turning in those notes at the end of the wedding and be graded.

So sit back, relax, enjoy the presentations and don't worry, the beef won't get that cold.

199 Days Left *OR* A Wedding To-Do List

We're nearing the home stretch here folks on this wedding and the merciful ending of this blog. Have you ever tried to write a wedding themed blog for over a year all while trying to keep the content fresh? Call me when you figure that one out Mr. Smarty-Pants. I can't imagine anyone will miss the blog, in fact, I may end it much like a Mission: Impossible task where it may self-destruct in a few hours. Once I figure out how to do that, I'll let you know, but you may want to stand back.

Okay young people, before Tom Cruise did Mission: Impossible there was a t.v. show and the messages would self-destruct. This is a picture of said action.

Only 199 days left until we get Radio (my nickname for B and Corrin) hitched and on their way to wedded bliss. And then only 200 days until they realize that wedded bliss is merely a cover story for "discussions" over who is doing the dishes...but I digress.

Any organized couple. ok, let's be honest, any organized bride will have her to-do list. So to help out Corrin, I have come up with her to-do list. This will keep her on schedule and make her life so much easier.

1. Make To-Do List (see, already done, you can cross this bad boy off!)
2. Add to To-Do List (another one down. This is easy.)
3. Review To-Do List (so far, so good)
4. Do To-Do List (hmm, I think we got that one done too. You're welcome).

Okay, that was easier than expected. Gheesh, people think these lists are so difficult. I just knocked that bad boy out in about 30 seconds and now I have time to watch Top Gear. First I think I will enjoy this Beatles song that came up on my iTunes; When I'm Sixty-Four off of their Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album.

This is a great album, a seminal album really. It influenced the Beach Boys to make Pet Sounds, which is another great album. Seriously, the Beatles really raised the bar here. You compare these songs to what they were doing on Meet The Beatles and it doesn't even compare.

Ugh, off topic again eh? Um, okay, you should play this full album at the wedding. It may confuse some, but the older folks and those that appreciate music will enjoy the wedding all the more. So play this album and show this picture of B and all will be good:

Somebody's Due For Prison *OR* How To Have A Memorable Bachelor Party

Greg and I were having dinner and watching Top Gear last night, I know, surprise surprise. Oh, we ate some smoked ribs and potatoes. You know two guys are cooking when nothing green makes it on the plate.

After Top Gear was over (great episode by the way), we continued our months-long conversation about B's upcoming bachelor party. I don't want to give too much away, but B thinks we are headed to Vegas. I hope he is not tied to that idea, because we have some actual other ideas. However, we both agreed that somebody is due for prison. Let me repeat that, because it is important, SOMEBODY IS DUE FOR PRISON. Why, you ask? Why not? We've avoided it as a group for years. You would think that in the nearly 20 years we have known each other that somehow, one of us would have landed in jail, even just a quick hold, with some of the things we have done. I can't go into the specifics because I have no idea what the statute of limitations is in 5 states and a couple of other countries.

Both B and Paul are employed and have a nice little steady income. While Greg and I have "incomes," I wouldn't call it steady (pimpin' ain't easy). What better way to get some free food and lodging than by getting yourself tossed in the slammer? Just ask my friend Lindsay!

B can spend a few nights in the clink and the rest of us can enjoy whatever bachelor party we were going to throw. It is brilliant really and I wish we had thought of it earlier. And think of the stories that B can tell from his time behind bars! Bubba and his friends are waiting to meet you, B.

While we might miss B for about 4 minutes, I think the feeling would pass. I think it would also humble the groom-elect. You know they call marriage a jail sentence, well, now he would really know the meaning. Brilliant as always Mr. Kathol. Another problem solved.

Fly Me To The Moon, Part II

This really isn't a sequel to a previous post, but the title was too good to pass up as you will see.

Greg and I had the chance this past Monday night to watch the best show on television: Top Gear. Of course, we are talking about the British version. Yup, two unemployed dads sitting around the couch on a Monday night with sodas and cookies watching three middle-aged English chaps romp around in expensive cars. Sounds like a good Monday night to me.

We started to talk a bit more in detail about the potential bachelor party. We recognized that unlike previous bachelor parties, we've now got three married guys with kids and one guy who is engaged. This changes our plans a bit, because all the married guys want to do is get away for a little while and do nothing. So as we talked about some options, inspiration struck.

So B, I am excited to announce what will be happening for the bachelor party. This is breaking from tradition, since you visit Vegas too often anyways. We are going to go seperate ways for this bachelor party. Greg, Paul, and myself will end up in Santa Barbara or something like that, find some nice hotel rooms, watch some tv, eat dinner, and call it a weekend. You on the other hand are in for a treat.

Brent Lee, you're going to SPACE CAMP! You will be able to reach for the stars and hunt down E.T. while learning all about science. Yes, you will be spending six days with kids ages 12-14 while you all visit the stars. Spin around in this thing and see how long that spaghetti lunch stays with you:

Luckily you look so good in orange that you will right in. Nevermind the fact that you could be the father to half of these kids, they will accept you, braces and all. You can be their mentor and teach them all about puberty and girls. Let's be honest here, if some of these boys are going to space camp, they are going to need help with girls. And more importantly, I want to see you looking like this guy:

I hear you can also eat all the ice cream you can stand:

So while Greg, Paul, and myself enjoys views of the Pacific Ocean while sitting back and relaxing, you will be preparing for a fake space mission to the moon with fifteen of your new best friends. I think this sounds like a gear idea. Enjoy Space Camp B!

Bachelor Road Trip *OR* How Many Cans Of Oil Can We Use In A Week?

I think I have mentioned the BBC television program Top Gear before on this blog. And yes, there is an American version as well, but it isn't quite the same yet. One the hallmarks of the show are the road trips that the hosts take and the vehicles that they use. This got us here at Downward Brent Lee thinking, which is always a dangerous prospect.

Why don't we get the ol' gang back together, find our cars from high school and take them on a trip up the California coast? We'll start here in the Los Angeles area and make our way up Highway 1 all the way to Vancouver (The Canada one, not the Washington State one).

Here is your line-up:
Paul Lee driving a Chevrolet S-10.

Greg Kathol driving a Buick Century

I will drive a Chevy Camaro.

So awesome!

And B will finish up in the famous Kona Nut.

Next week we will tackle the adventure. Stay tuned.

And don't forget to vote in the poll. I need stuff.

Slowly Getting To A Point *OR* Do Your Own Thing

Did you miss me? No? Okay, I understand.

A great positive way to start off a new blog, right?

Thanksgiving has come and gone, but our guts are all just a little bit bigger. And we'll carry that joy all the way until Christmas and then think about getting rid of it around the New Year, but we'll get either lazy or cold and forget all about it.

As promised, Greg and I went to the LA Auto Show and spent about 5 hours molesting and breaking cars apart. I even met TV's The Stig!

Me hanging with The Stig from Top Gear!

Have you ever watched the BBC version of Top Gear? Pure Genius. But who was not at the Auto Show? Our own Brent Lee. I can prove it.

See? This was out in public for anyone to see.

Where is this one going? I wasn't sure for a moment, but I think I have a topic now. File this one under "marriage advice." Yup, we're making files and making you store things. Luckily, this one is simple. While you are two people coming together as one or something sappy like that, you are still two people. And as two people, you have different interests. B's interests include flannel, wine, and fire. Not necessarily in that order either. Corrin's interests (as far as I can tell) are taking pictures, country music, and charity work. But you have to keep some things to yourself. A place that you can always go that you can call yours. My place like that is either an auto dealership or Best Buy. Don't really know why, just places I tend to head when I need to get out and do something.

So Corrin, let B walk down the street to Paul's house so they can listen to 80s music and talk about Smokey the Bear. And B, let Corrin have her girl's nights. Trust me, it is good for you both.

In general blog news, we are going to finally go away from a daily posting regiment. I know, where else will you spend hours online? We are aiming for a few times a week, but I guess this means you have to check in all the time to see what may be new. Have a great week and start thinking about getting me a Christmas present. I'll give you a hint.

Welcome to Brent's Demise

Greetings blog followers, this will be your home on the web for the next 18 or so months as we count down to the wedding of Brent Lee and Corrin Clark. Sure, they may have a nice wedding website all set, but this is for those of you who want the real scoop. But really, we are here to do some planning. Yep, we are becoming wedding planners for this. Why? Why not?!

Yes, we could talk about flowers. We could talk about whether steak or fish is the best way to go. We could talk about dance lessons. However, we should use our time in a more productive fashion. Let's talk about Brent's (from now on, we call him B on the blog as we do in real life) bachelor party.

Let's introduce the players shall we? Can't tell your players without a program. First off, there is B's older brother, Paul. Paul, too, is a fireman and lives two blocks from his brother (actually, his brother lives in his old house). Paul likes fire, Smokey The Bear posters, and YouTube videos of fire. Next you have Greg. Greg likes pretty much everything. He is a foodie and a wine guy. He likes to plant trees and pumpkins. He likes to go to car shows and watch Top Gear. Then there is me, Justin. I like music, guitars, cars, and Top Gear. Paul and Greg have known each other since 4th grade. I have known B since 7th grade and we have all been hanging out for over 18 years or so.

What we need are good ideas for the wedding and the bachelor party. We'll bring you a new idea each week. Feel free to participate. I'll start with this idea: