Technically speaking, my nine-year anniversary of self-employment is April 7. But the reason I'm bringing it up now is because that afternoon was Opening Day at old County Stadium, and I was there on the first day after I stopped working for The Man.

It's also fair to say that that day was the unofficial first day of OnMilwaukee.com, though we didn't actually launch the magazine till Sept. 1, 1998.

Now, sitting in the press box, practically sitting on my hands so I don't accidentally applaud, I feel like it's all coming full circle.

I don't remember a ton about that game on April 7, 1998. I know it was cold, I probably paid for some cheap tickets then snuck my way down to better seats. I do remember thinking to myself, "If this is what life is like a entrepreneur, count me in."

Fast forward to today. To my right is my managing editor, Bobby Tanzilo, who's been with OnMilwaukee.com since 2000. To my left is my senior editor, Drew Olson, former president of the Baseball Writers of America, who started with our company about a year ago. The box is filled with lots of people who may or may not deserve to be here. It's like a fraternity up here, and I finally feel like a brother (albeit a pledging freshman).

That said, there's lots of OMC love up here. Our veteran freelancer Gregg Hoffmann is hanging out here -- he's representing Mario Ziino, who puts out Brewers Gameday. (Mario filled in, quite well, for Molly Snyder Edler, during her first maternity leave). Right now, he and Bobby and talking shop.

One row back is Drew Wagner, our intrepid sports columnist -- he says he'll be writing about Opening Day from the fan's perspective. In all, I think I know about 20 people here -- all great writers and broadcasters. And you know what, it's pretty cool.

A little part of me misses the old way of attending Opening Day. Getting up early, throwing on the old-school Brewers T-shirt and cap, grilling out way before the gates open.

But this isn't bad, either. The view from up here is unparelled, the food is good -- and they've got Wi-Fi.

And Ben Sheets has thrown one-hit baseball through seven innings.

I'd love to mus more, but if you don't mind, I'm gonna get back to watching the Crew start their run for the pennant. Go Brewers.