It was the summer of 2010

As I sit here less than a week away from our countries 234th birthday I take a step back and look at all that is going on; we are in the middle of the largest oil spill to affect the United States, our economy still has yet to bounce back, more and more people are searching for work with no luck, and our once every 4 years soccer nation had another disappointment in the World Cup.

But if you take a step back and slow things down for a second... we are doing alright. It is summer and the weather hasn't been great but we are getting warmer and warmer days and more fun nights. We have our health and our families, friends and loved ones. The summer and this country make for one hell of a relationship, now I'm not talking about that on again-off again relationship with some girl/guy. I am talking about a relationship that has gone on for centuries and has yet to miss an anniversary yet.

This Fourth of July, really slow things down and enjoy your time with the people that you are spending it with, for the firework show might only last 30 minutes but these friends and loved ones will be there for much longer than that.

Now go out and spend some time on the water, for the summer comes and goes quickly and the lakes will freeze over before you know it. So do yourself a favor and have no fear jumping into the water, or strapping the skis on for the first time in 10 years. In Minnesota we have short summers and long winter, we must not take for granted the summer that is ours.

As summer approaches, we are ready!

Summer is coming up on us fast and we couldn't be more excited. We have been waiting for the warm weather and the open water since our last visit to the cabin back in September. Now I know what you're thinking, "why don't you go ice fishing and snowmobiling, isn't that being at the lake?" I answer this yes and no. We love the winter, I mean we play hockey but being at the cabin or the lake in the summer is like nothing else. We can't take our minds off of it. It consumes our lives.

While we are both graduating seniors and moving on to smaller and lesser things, we will continue to strive for perfection in our work. We want to make sure that everyone that enjoys the same things we do and experiences the Minnesota lifestyle has a shirt on their back. While most of us spend our summers without a shirt, we do need shirts. Ever seen a "no shoes, no shirt, no service" sign? Well we have, and bar owners really live by that rule. Everyone needs a shirt.

While we have yet to adopt the "everyone needs a shirt" slogan. It could not be more true. Think about it, when you've been out on the boat all day and your back looks like the New Jersey Devils logo, you need to throw something on to cool the pain. Or when your buddy is pale as a fresh coat of white paint (not gonna mention any names, Sienko) and he needs to cover it up so the girls don't see, he needs a shirt. But more importantly, while all of us live the life, we need to remember to share the lifestyle with everyone and show our pasion for the lake.

Now get your boat in the water and start that engine... IT'S SUMMER TIME!!

Arnie

Top Fives with Robbie Vannelli

Top Fives with Robbie Vannelli (Our favorite model and brand ambassador)


Top 5 things about being a freshman
1. Still have 3 years left
2. Bringing older guys to the Binz for dinner
3. Having chicks in classes unlike high school
4. The Binz
5. Almost a Sophomore

Top 5 reasons why playing hockey is better than any other sport
1. The locker room is the best, different from all other sports
2. Toughest sport
3. Fastest sports
4.Chicks like hockey players
5. I love it

Top 5 activities on the lake
1. Chilling on the pontoon all day
2. Fishing
3.Wake Surfing
4. Showering in the lake
5.Bonfires

Top 5 things about being friends with Sienko
1. Laughing at him
2. Cleaning up his puke
3. Listening to the stupid things he says
4. He does lots of work if you do a group project with him
5. He's one of a kind

Top 5 things you’re going to do this summer
1. Go to the cabin
2. Twins games at Target Field
3. Skate and lift
4. BBQ's.
5. Sleep

Top 5 ways to spend a Sunday afternoon
1. Sleep in
2. Check out Fantasy Baseball/Football
3. Get Chipotle
4. Swim in the pool or lake
5. Beat the Soggy Eddies in Softball

Top 5 pickup lines
1. If you were a booger, I'd pick you first.
2. Did you fart? Because you blew me away
3. I'll give you a nickel if you tickle my pickle
4. Hey somebody farted....lets get out of here
5. Whatever, you're not even that hot anyways

Spring Break is upon us..

As the days get longer an the sun feels warmer we all know summer is right around the corner. But before summer comes spring and with that the nice long break called (no pun intended) "Spring Break." It's a time for some to go adventure down south and for some to just relax at home. But as you travel south to the warm destinations and the salty ocean remember where your roots are. Minnesota (This is for those from/live in Minnesota).

This is the state and part of the country unlike any other. Yeah we couldn't be farther away from the ocean than anyone but who cares. We have more lakes than anyone, everyone knows that lakes are better than oceans. And I have derived a list of why that is. So here you go the list of the week:

Why Minnesota lakes are better than any ocean!

1. When you swallow ocean water and you taste all that salt you are on the verge of vomiting.

2. Minnesota lakes are clean, cool and refreshing.

3. You might think ocean's are warm but who cares you are sharing them with millions of people.

4. The neighbor at the lake or on the lake will gladly share a story and a beverage with you.

5. Whoever is at the beach at the ocean doesn't give a rats about you and will certainly not buy you a drink.

6. Two words.. Shark Week

7. Big Island has better parties than Mardi Gras

8. Fishing is better hands down

9. Smooth butter for skiing/wakeboard/wakeskating/tubing/all of the above

10. LAKES ARE IN MINNESOTA!


So there you have the list of the week. God bless and stay safe this Spring Break.

Later,

Arnie

Been Gone Awhile..Let's talk about a few things.

Since we've both been so busy we haven't updated the blog in quite some time. As you may know there is a new look to the website..along with new shirts and a whole new attitude. We hope you see what we have going on and like our style.

I've decided to touch on a few issues because all of us have to do some catching up.

1. Olympics

Need I say anymore. The winter Olympics are for sure the coolest thing around. The sweetest dudes, the hottest chicks and the best sports. There is no way the summer games even compares. And when you have teammates playing against each other for their respective countries in hockey and actually back checking (talking to you Getzlaf) you are seeing some magical.

2. Spring

Spring is right around the corner here in Minnesota and it cannot come soon enough. The birds are chirping and the sun is our longer and longer. And everyone knows what comes after spring.... SUMMER! God's season, its been a long winter and I know everyone is patiently waiting for that hot, sunny; summer day when we can sit on the boat for hours.

3. Playoff Hockey

For us that play Division III hockey its not about the scholarship or the chance to go play in the show. Its the chance to play the sport you love with your buddies. Coming up this weekend, playoff hockey will start in DIII hockey and I want everyone to go out and support your local team. You might not know anyone on the squad this year but for what its worth, the more fans there are the better the teams will play.

4. Job Search

Obviously the job market isn't the greatest its been and for a future graduate and current job seeker, let me tell you its not what its cracked up to be. Getting a job isn't as easy as it was in the past, there are more candidates out there and better resources for companies to find the best candidate. So if anyone has any insight on the issue, fire me an email and let me know. I could use it.

5. That is all for now

I know everyone is busy so I didn't want to make it too long. As well as myself being extremely busy this time of year. Now go out and get on the water!

Holy Cow It's Cold Outside

So it's early January and the Boat Show is almost here. While the boat show really saves you during the winter months, it is becoming less and less believable that there is actually a summer in Minnesota.

Just yesterday I had to shovel my sister out from getting her car stuck. And being outside for that long really made a dent on my moral. Its been below freezing for God knows how long and I can only dream and think of how warm the July sun feels on my face.

Winter months in Minnesota can put a drag on anyone who loves the summer months. And for me playing hockey is the one thing that takes the edge off of the cold weather, matter of fact I'd rather be on the rink when its cold than when its 80 and sunny outside. But the cold weather makes you appreciate the warm months.

The Florida and California population don't really see the drastic changes in temperature in their states and don't truly get the real feeling of summer. So being a true Minnesotan I take pride in that we have quite the winter and it really can get cold.

But overall you have to take the good with the bad and remember that it will get warmer, the days will get longer and the ice will come out of the lake. So appreciate the winter and every time you think it couldn't get colder, think about out on the lake with the sun in your eyes and the tunes it. It may not last long but the thought will help you get through the winter.