My first encounter with Drew Carey happened in 1998 when visiting a friend in Los Angeles. On a whim, another friend convinced us to attend a taping of a new show called “Whose Line is it Anyway?” We were familiar with the British version but didn’t know a thing about the American. It turned out Drew Carey was host. At the time, we liked his sitcom and were pleased he was finding success elsewhere, too. He wasn’t very funny that day but he was still likable.

In 1999, I moved to New York and by an accident of fate ended up with tickets to a taping of the “Late Show with David Letterman”. His guests that afternoon, unknown to us prior to arriving at the theater, were Drew Carey and Dolly Parton (with Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull sitting in with Paul’s orchestra). I sat in the very first seat in the first row - the closest seat in the theater to Dave’s desk (and Carey). It was cold in there, like they say, and so was Carey. He seemed nervous and wasn’t very funny. He was likable, though. He’s always likable, right?

Then, on a business trip in 2003, I had to change planes in Chicago. Who do you think was standing in line in front of me getting ready to board the flight to New York? Indeed, it was Drew Carey. Still not funny and his likability bottoming out, I pretended not to recognize him as I pulled my hat down low and concentrated on my shoes. All I knew at the time was that something sinister was happening and I didn’t want any part of it.

It’s been four years since my last Carey encounter. Four glorious years of peace and harmony. Until yesterday, that is. That’s when I heard this news:

Drew Carey will be appearing Monday between 12 and 2 PM at my favorite soccer-watching haunt, The George & Dragon [g-d], representing himself and the other owners of Seattle’s new Major League Soccer franchise.

Yes, the team I’ve been saving my season ticket purchasing dollars for will finally arrive in 2009 and marijuana lover [youtube], Price is Right host, and Clevelander, Drew Carey is co-owner [times].

I think you know what this means. And I think I’m Googling “how to file a restraining order in Seattle” as soon as I hit the publish button on this post.

Watch it, Carey.