For Christmas 2007, I received a VERY special present.
My Grandma Combs passed away back in 2000. While she was alive, she did tons of knitting and crocheting - all of the grandkids were kept in a regular supply of hand made slippers, potholders, etc. (DAMN...I miss my slippers!) This summer, the aunts and uncles gathered at the old homestead to clean out the basement of all the pictures, junk, memories, etc. Fast forward to Christmastime, and unfortunately, I was unable to make the big Combs Family Christmas Party. Imagine my surprise when I take the family over to Dad's house after Christmas to exchange gifts, and receive a gift addressed "From: Grandma Combs".
Apparently, one of my uncles found it in the basement, and figured that Grandma was pretty prophetic, and that this priceless family heirloom belonged with me.
The best part is when you pull back his cowl, and realize that instead of having the typical "monk haircut", he is completely BALD!
A closeup of his bald noggin...a BIG THANK YOU to my family for passing this along to me, it means more than I can say...and to Grandma Combs...thanks for watching out for your own Evil Monk!
In September of 2007, we were proud sponsors of the Minority Council Golf Tournament (second year in a row!).
Bart and I got to spend the day on the golf course, pouring Monk for folks. What a ROUGH day!
Our famous Monk Girl, Michelle, strikes a pose at our table.
What goes great with golf and Evil Monk? Monk cigars!
Anybody got a bowling ball? Or a glass with some ice?
Also in September, we attended our second Worldwide Fall Show tasting in the Worldwide warehouse.
Bart and I working our table at the fall show. The Worldwide warehouse is located in some industrial caves in Lenexa, KS.
As usual, we got to work side by side with Seth from High Plains Distillery, who makes Most Wanted vodka.
Just like last year, Amy baked up a ton of Monk brownies for the tasting. I always tell people that I'm going to quit making Monk and just make Monk brownies!
A closer look at our table, where we also were promoting our appearance at Pitch Weekly's Best of KC party. If you look closely, you can see that I also brought my China pictures to show off.
In May of 2007, I travelled to Beijing, China for my day job. I couldn't help but take a couple of bottles of Monk with me for some photo ops!
The group I traveled with on the night of our arrival. We found a TGIFridays in downtown Beijing. From left, Jason, John, me, Cullen, John, and Richie.
Anywhere you go in the world...you can find something familiar. I took this picture for my kids...McDonalds in China!
We spent part of a day touring some Chinese historical sites. This is the Monk waiting to start the revolution in the Forbidden City - where the Chinese emperors used to live.
Another shot of the Monk in the Forbidden City. Note the backpack at my feet, I was a little nervous about getting busted with alcohol in the Forbidden City, so I kept the bottle of Monk in the backpack until the last possible moment, posed quick, and then tucked the bottle away for later.
This was just a shot as we left the Forbidden City. You can't even IMAGINE the sense of history at these sites.
Our next stop was the Temple of Heaven, a Taoist site.
The bearded guy in this picture is my cousin Jeremy, who lives in China and teaches English. When I found out I was going to Beijing, I knew we had to get together while I was there, and I ended up leaving one full bottle of Monk with him to drink. He seemed to appreciate it!
Another Monk photo op, this time at the Temple of Heaven.
Our last tourist stop of the day, The Summer Palace - an absolutely amazing place.
After a hard day of touring...we had to go to the Hard Rock in Beijing to replenish our precious bodily fluids. The cuz and I lifted a mug and celebrated how surreal it was to be drinking together in China, a goddamn LONG way from home!
We also cracked open one of the two bottles of Monk and did a little pre-revolution partying back at the hotel.
Some shots from a tasting we did at O'Neill's Restaurant & Bar.
Another Monk minion, Aaron (Amy's little brother) helps the Monk pour at O'Neill's
Bart's Aunt Elaine and Aunt Cherie were in town from Maryville, MO and came out to visit us. We appreciate the support!
Once again, we were lucky enough to have The Lucky Charms playing at the same time.
The Monk and Sales Manager (keeping minions in line is a BIG job) Bart.
Bart's wife Christine cozies up to the Monk. Bart and Chris are both great friends and tremendous supporters!
Amy's cousin Michelle (and our Monk Girl), Aaron, and Mrs. Monk herself.
Another shot of the Lucky Charms. They were amazing.
The happy couple, Mr. and Mrs. Monk.
Pictures from the January 20th Monk Night at the Triple P in Greenwood, MO. Our FIRST official Monk event in Missouri!
On January 20th, Bart and I drove through the blowing snow out to Greenwood, Missouri to attend the birthday celebration for Kathy Payne - owner of the Triple P, and give out free samples of Monk.
The Lucky Charms - Gerry, Alaina, Cricket, and Dori.
The Lucky Charms sing "Happy Birthday" to Kathy.
The Evil Monk (me) and my Senior Sales Minion (Bart) pouring samples for the guests.
Gerry plays while Alaina sings. If you haven't heard The Lucky Charms...you HAVE to catch them, they are incredible!
Bart from The Evil Monk and Cricket from The Lucky Charms, hanging out between sets.
These folks drove all the way in from Jefferson City in the snow, just to see The Lucky Charms!
Bart entertaining some guests at the bar.
The Evil Monk, behind the bar in Missouri for the FIRST TIME!
Thanks to both the Triple P and The Lucky Charms for hosting an incredible evening!
Here are some pictures from our annual pumpkin carving. This year, we got ambitious and decided to do an Evil Monk pumpkin.
Little brother Aaron, who designed the pumpkin pattern and sketched it out starts to actually carve.
The finished product. Wait until we light it up!
The finished Monk O' Lantern - it looked cool as hell!