Well the cards are all out, and everyone should have received their's by now. So I want to hear what you have to say about it.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to everyone. I have taken some heat over the last couple of years, in which some people have said that my Christmas card is "weak". Well the cards are all out, and everyone should have received their's by now. So I want to hear what you have to say about it.
Well the cards are all out, and everyone should have received their's by now. So I want to hear what you have to say about it.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
MKA Has Some Explaining To Do
If you watched MKA's game Saturday, you might have caught that he got some pretty decent face time. They even put up his face and stats. Seen below. 
Although after closer inspection I found one thing to be very troubling. His nickname. Who the hell is "Sherm"?
I can do a little research, but as far as I know, he has always been called MKA. Isn't this how those stats should have looked?
The announcer even called him "Big Sherm". How great would it have been to hear the announcer say "He calls himself, MKA, which stands for Mike Kicking Ass"? So MKA, which is it, MKA or Sherm?
Although after closer inspection I found one thing to be very troubling. His nickname. Who the hell is "Sherm"?I can do a little research, but as far as I know, he has always been called MKA. Isn't this how those stats should have looked?The announcer even called him "Big Sherm". How great would it have been to hear the announcer say "He calls himself, MKA, which stands for Mike Kicking Ass"? So MKA, which is it, MKA or Sherm?
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
MKA Day
MKA day was a success in every way but one.....MKA did not win. It was a good game, but they came up just short, losing 31-26. I had a great turn out for MKA Day. And I think everyone had a good time. Although I probably should have ordered one or two more pizzas. I would like to take this time to congratulate MKA on a great college career. According to my records with MKA in the starting lineup over the last two years, the team posted a 27-3 record with one national championship and one national championship runner up. Although as I always say, 2nd place is first loser. This past season he was named a 2008 Division III All American. And while things didn't end as well as they could have, MKA can be nothing but proud of all that he has accomplished.
Alright, enough blowing sunshine up MKA's behind. Now lets get to the more important topic at hand. The MKA Challenge. If you are a loyal blog reader, you may recall a challenge that MKA put forth to me on May 7th of this past year. If you do not recall, well then allow me to refresh your memory. While at my niece's birthday party at Skateland, I entered the races and narrowly lost to a 9 year old. And while I did lose to a 9 year old, I made the claim that none of my readers could have beaten him either, and for that matter none of my readers could beat me. MKA took exception to this and made the wild outlandish claim that "Rickie I will take you to town any day in a rollerblade race." ANY DAY. Since that time I have thrown down the challenge to take on MKA. It has been 7 months. In my world, any day has come 230 times, in MKA's world any day has not come once. MKA has been ducking me and back pedalling on his claim ever since. He had used excuses that range from having football practice and going to the Prime Quarter with his parents for dinner. On May 9th MKA went on to say "The next couple weekends are busy for me because of football, the semester ending, and moving out of my apartment and into my new house with my buddies. Once I get done with school and all moved out, I will set a specific date for us to race." Well MKA, you have listened to the music and now it is time to pay the piper. I have given you 7 months to finish football practice (which is now done), end last semester (which would have been last spring semester) and now finish this semester (fall), move out of your apartment and move into your new house, and I am sure you have have a number of meals with your parents. Let's set that date, I want to see you "take me down" as you claimed. And I believe their are a number of blog readers who have also been patiently waiting to see and hear this outcome. Loyal blog readers, I beg you to leave a comment and also implore MKA to accept the MKA challenge.
Alright, enough blowing sunshine up MKA's behind. Now lets get to the more important topic at hand. The MKA Challenge. If you are a loyal blog reader, you may recall a challenge that MKA put forth to me on May 7th of this past year. If you do not recall, well then allow me to refresh your memory. While at my niece's birthday party at Skateland, I entered the races and narrowly lost to a 9 year old. And while I did lose to a 9 year old, I made the claim that none of my readers could have beaten him either, and for that matter none of my readers could beat me. MKA took exception to this and made the wild outlandish claim that "Rickie I will take you to town any day in a rollerblade race." ANY DAY. Since that time I have thrown down the challenge to take on MKA. It has been 7 months. In my world, any day has come 230 times, in MKA's world any day has not come once. MKA has been ducking me and back pedalling on his claim ever since. He had used excuses that range from having football practice and going to the Prime Quarter with his parents for dinner. On May 9th MKA went on to say "The next couple weekends are busy for me because of football, the semester ending, and moving out of my apartment and into my new house with my buddies. Once I get done with school and all moved out, I will set a specific date for us to race." Well MKA, you have listened to the music and now it is time to pay the piper. I have given you 7 months to finish football practice (which is now done), end last semester (which would have been last spring semester) and now finish this semester (fall), move out of your apartment and move into your new house, and I am sure you have have a number of meals with your parents. Let's set that date, I want to see you "take me down" as you claimed. And I believe their are a number of blog readers who have also been patiently waiting to see and hear this outcome. Loyal blog readers, I beg you to leave a comment and also implore MKA to accept the MKA challenge.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
The Drive Home
I was up working in the Wisconsin Dells area Wednesday and Thursday and then drove home Friday morning in all of the snow. It actually wasn't all that bad. And didn't take even close to as long as I thought. I put the over/under at 35 for cars in the ditch. But I only counted 12. I did however take a picture of nearly every car in the ditch. Here are my two favorites. This is a double trailer UPS truck, double jack knifed.
Here is another semi in the dtich. I rode down with a co-worker. Everytime we saw a car in the ditch I would say "Boy that is a funny place ot park.?.?" It never got old....at least to me.
Here is another semi in the dtich. I rode down with a co-worker. Everytime we saw a car in the ditch I would say "Boy that is a funny place ot park.?.?" It never got old....at least to me.Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Soccer and Christmas Cards
I let this fall a bit behind. Last Wednesday was the last soccer game of the season. Shocking as it may sound, but we actually lost. We were even up 6-3 at one point. It didn't help that the ref, whom I actually played soccer with in high school and someone I attended classes with in college, called a phantom "hand ball" on The General and awarding a penalty kick. He also gave us a yellow card for too many men on the field during a substitution switch. The other team also brought in a ringer. It is a guy I have played against in majors who got them at least 3 goals. One of them nutmegged me. Anyhow we lost 8-7. But despite this blemish on our record we still won the league. And we have decided to give it another shot next session. We finished 6-1-1. As for the wager between The General and myself, well it wasn't too close. I finished the season with 8 goals and 3 assists, The General 2 goals and 6 assists. The point totals were 19 for me, 10 for The General. Now it is just a matter of collecting.
For those who have been checking their mailboxes everyday, you only have a couple days more to wait. They went out in the mail this morning.
I will actually be out of town until Friday. I have some work matters to deal with in the Wisconsin Dells area. So for my loyal blog readers, there won't be much new for a couple days. But that is probably a good thing because I have nothing to report.
For those who have been checking their mailboxes everyday, you only have a couple days more to wait. They went out in the mail this morning.
I will actually be out of town until Friday. I have some work matters to deal with in the Wisconsin Dells area. So for my loyal blog readers, there won't be much new for a couple days. But that is probably a good thing because I have nothing to report.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Carolina Trip
Here is the recap of the Carolina Trip. Tree picked me up Thursday evening from the airport. Not much was planned for that evening. We picked up some pizzas and watched the Bears - Saints game. Tree and I both had fantasy football players going in that game. Here is a picture I took of Tree's daughter, Kaitlyn, Thursday night. I can't believe I didn't take more pictures of Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn is one cute kid. And I don't recall ever being around a kid with more energy than Kaitlyn. She was running around the entire time I was around.
On Friday, Tree and I went to Lowes Motor Speedway. I am not much of a Nascar fan, but I will say that I was impressed with the facility. Dare I say that I would even go to a race there. Here is one of the cars racing around. You can pay $500 and go to a drive school, then drive an actual Nascar on the track. Tree and I didn't pony up the money.
But we did pay for the $5 van tour in which they drive you on the track for one lap. Here you are on the front stretch going into turn one.
This is the back stretch.
Here Tree and I posing with a car in the winners circle.
Friday night Tree and I went uptown to scalp tickets to Neil Diamond. We went to a bar before hand. Upon leaving we talked to a couple girls and asked if they had any extra seats. They said sure and just gave us 3 upper deck tickets for free. I wasn't too excited about sitting in the upper deck. When we got to the arena we started talking to some scalpers. They were pretty confident that they were going to get us for $60 a ticket. We didn't budge until they were down to $20 a ticket. They were good seats, but all the way on the opposite side of the arena from the stage. 
I didn't think that we were being too loud, but Tree got hushed twice by the lady in front of him. I had the setlist that I printed out before the Milwaukee show. So as one song ended and before the next one began, I would say to the girl, Rachel, next to me, "I hope he plays (insert song title here)." And then Neil would break into that song. Rachel thought I was psychic. Before "Brooklyn Roads", I yelled out "Neil!!!!! Tell me a story!!!" The next words out of Neil's mouth were, "I'd like to tell you a story about a boy who grew up living with his brother, mother, father and grandmother in a second story apartment over a butcher shop in Brooklyn, New York." Here is Neil singing "Brother Love" as his final encore song.
After the concert Tree and I went back to the same bar that we were at before the concert. We had talked a little bit with the owner before hand. I saw him again and he asked how the show was. I talked to him for a little bit, and he asked what else we were doing while I was in town. When I mentioned that we were going to the Panther game Sunday, he pulled out two tailgate party passes. That was pretty cool of him. So now we have our tailgating all taken care of.
Saturday morning we took a drive out to the US Olympic Whitewater training facility. It is were they do training for Olympic Whitewater events. They also have a bunch of mountain bike trials. This was the only disappointing part of the trip. It had rained the day I got into town and the trails were still too wet to ride. So we were unable to do that. Here are some pictures of the training facility. Normally while training the water level is much higher.
Still it was pretty cool to see.
Saturday night was a company Christmas party for a company that Tree used to work for. Tree and Heather.
The party was in uptown Charlotte at the Wachovia Building in the atrium. It was pretty cool. It reminded me of building that Michael Douglas fell into at the end of the movie "The Game". The food was really good. They had hushpuppies stuffed with shrimp and crawtails. I think I only ate about 10 of those.
Tree and Heather again. We got there around 7:30 and after I ate all that I could, left around 9:00.
Sunday morning Tree and I headed back to uptown to the stadium. We took a walk down along the main drag through town. Charlotte is a very nice and clean city. A lot of new sculptures and corporate art monuments. They also had a number of new skyscrapers going up.
I was standing here when I learned that this is where Jefferson Davis was standing when he was informed of Lincoln's Death.
This was one guy's tailgate set up. Four TVs in the back of his Avalanche. Pretty cool. He must have had $15,000 in electronics to his set up. He even had a smoke machine.
We finally made it to our tailgate party. It was pretty weird. Free food and beverages. It started at noon, we got there at 12:30 and were the 7th and 8th people to show up. If this was in Green Bay, it would have been packed at 12:01. Plus this party was located about as close to the stadium as possible. The party never really even got too busy. We talked to one of the girls that was working the tailgate party. Tree asked "How many beers do you think we can sneak into the stadium?" She said, "They check you really closely, you won't get any in." She was wrong, we smuggled in 4 cans a piece. Too easy. Here is Tree stocking up for the game.
Here was our view of the game. It is great stadium. The game could have been a little better.
It was a great weekend, thanks again Tree for showing me such a good time.
On Friday, Tree and I went to Lowes Motor Speedway. I am not much of a Nascar fan, but I will say that I was impressed with the facility. Dare I say that I would even go to a race there. Here is one of the cars racing around. You can pay $500 and go to a drive school, then drive an actual Nascar on the track. Tree and I didn't pony up the money.But we did pay for the $5 van tour in which they drive you on the track for one lap. Here you are on the front stretch going into turn one.
This is the back stretch.Here Tree and I posing with a car in the winners circle.Friday night Tree and I went uptown to scalp tickets to Neil Diamond. We went to a bar before hand. Upon leaving we talked to a couple girls and asked if they had any extra seats. They said sure and just gave us 3 upper deck tickets for free. I wasn't too excited about sitting in the upper deck. When we got to the arena we started talking to some scalpers. They were pretty confident that they were going to get us for $60 a ticket. We didn't budge until they were down to $20 a ticket. They were good seats, but all the way on the opposite side of the arena from the stage. I didn't think that we were being too loud, but Tree got hushed twice by the lady in front of him. I had the setlist that I printed out before the Milwaukee show. So as one song ended and before the next one began, I would say to the girl, Rachel, next to me, "I hope he plays (insert song title here)." And then Neil would break into that song. Rachel thought I was psychic. Before "Brooklyn Roads", I yelled out "Neil!!!!! Tell me a story!!!" The next words out of Neil's mouth were, "I'd like to tell you a story about a boy who grew up living with his brother, mother, father and grandmother in a second story apartment over a butcher shop in Brooklyn, New York." Here is Neil singing "Brother Love" as his final encore song.After the concert Tree and I went back to the same bar that we were at before the concert. We had talked a little bit with the owner before hand. I saw him again and he asked how the show was. I talked to him for a little bit, and he asked what else we were doing while I was in town. When I mentioned that we were going to the Panther game Sunday, he pulled out two tailgate party passes. That was pretty cool of him. So now we have our tailgating all taken care of.Saturday morning we took a drive out to the US Olympic Whitewater training facility. It is were they do training for Olympic Whitewater events. They also have a bunch of mountain bike trials. This was the only disappointing part of the trip. It had rained the day I got into town and the trails were still too wet to ride. So we were unable to do that. Here are some pictures of the training facility. Normally while training the water level is much higher.Still it was pretty cool to see.Saturday night was a company Christmas party for a company that Tree used to work for. Tree and Heather.The party was in uptown Charlotte at the Wachovia Building in the atrium. It was pretty cool. It reminded me of building that Michael Douglas fell into at the end of the movie "The Game". The food was really good. They had hushpuppies stuffed with shrimp and crawtails. I think I only ate about 10 of those.Tree and Heather again. We got there around 7:30 and after I ate all that I could, left around 9:00.Sunday morning Tree and I headed back to uptown to the stadium. We took a walk down along the main drag through town. Charlotte is a very nice and clean city. A lot of new sculptures and corporate art monuments. They also had a number of new skyscrapers going up.I was standing here when I learned that this is where Jefferson Davis was standing when he was informed of Lincoln's Death.This was one guy's tailgate set up. Four TVs in the back of his Avalanche. Pretty cool. He must have had $15,000 in electronics to his set up. He even had a smoke machine.We finally made it to our tailgate party. It was pretty weird. Free food and beverages. It started at noon, we got there at 12:30 and were the 7th and 8th people to show up. If this was in Green Bay, it would have been packed at 12:01. Plus this party was located about as close to the stadium as possible. The party never really even got too busy. We talked to one of the girls that was working the tailgate party. Tree asked "How many beers do you think we can sneak into the stadium?" She said, "They check you really closely, you won't get any in." She was wrong, we smuggled in 4 cans a piece. Too easy. Here is Tree stocking up for the game.Here was our view of the game. It is great stadium. The game could have been a little better.It was a great weekend, thanks again Tree for showing me such a good time.
Monday, December 15, 2008
MKA Day
Here is a little update on my cousin, M.K.A. He and the rest of the University of Wisconsin Whitewater Warhawks, went down to Belton, Texas this past weekend and took care of business. They put the top seated, Mary Hardin Baylor College, in their place with a 39 - 13 thumping. The Warhawks reward for posting this victory, a trip to the Stagg Bowl in Roanoke, Virginia. The Stagg Bowl is the Championship Game for Division III Football. 
I unfortunately will be unable to attend. I have all of my vacations this winter tied up in ski trips out west and gambling excursions to Las Vegas. The game is to be televised on ESPN2 Saturday at 10:00 a.m. I have decided, with some encouragement from M.K.A., to have a little gathering for the game. We all know the last thing we want is for Dan to throw a party. That is the curse of death for any team for which you root. I haven't really put any planning into it. Most likely I will just order some pizzas at noon. I will be sending out an Evite, but if I don't have your email and you would like to attend leave a comment here. With the right turn out, there is an excellent change that this will lead into a table or two of sheepshead and possibly a friendly game of speed quarters later in the evening.
I unfortunately will be unable to attend. I have all of my vacations this winter tied up in ski trips out west and gambling excursions to Las Vegas. The game is to be televised on ESPN2 Saturday at 10:00 a.m. I have decided, with some encouragement from M.K.A., to have a little gathering for the game. We all know the last thing we want is for Dan to throw a party. That is the curse of death for any team for which you root. I haven't really put any planning into it. Most likely I will just order some pizzas at noon. I will be sending out an Evite, but if I don't have your email and you would like to attend leave a comment here. With the right turn out, there is an excellent change that this will lead into a table or two of sheepshead and possibly a friendly game of speed quarters later in the evening.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Patrick Grayson
After work last night, I stopped by to meet Preston and Jessica's baby boy. Patrick Grayson. I think they said that he was 4 lbs 6 ozs at birth. Probably one of the smallest babys I have held. And yes, as everyone points out, he already has more hair than Preston. For those who haven't seen or met Patrick, it is my pleasure to introduce him to the world of my blog readers. 
Patrick and Bubs. The more I think about it, the more I like the name Grayson. Although I think Grayson Patrick sounds better. Sorry Bubs.
Of course I couldn't leave without a Heisman pose with Patrick. Preston insisted. 
Patrick and Bubs. The more I think about it, the more I like the name Grayson. Although I think Grayson Patrick sounds better. Sorry Bubs.Of course I couldn't leave without a Heisman pose with Patrick. Preston insisted.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Christmas Presents
I have noticed that I haven't been getting as many comments as I would like. I am guessing it is just because my readers are lazy. Don't worry about it I am lazy too. Or maybe it is because I haven't been doing my part to post something interesting. To solicit more comments here is today's post.
What would you like for Christmas this year?
Me, I don't want anything, I already got a snow thrower.
But I have an "in" with the big man. Let me know what you want, and I will see what I can do.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Weekend Update
Well it was quite the weekend for me. I thought Friday was going to be pretty low key. That quickly changed with one email. Jim Villa sent me an email and invited, myself along with Eric and Nate to the Bucks game with him. It took some good ribbing to get Nate to come out, but he finally did. We all met up at O'Connors for a drink before hand. Nate was the last to show. When he did we gave him a hard time, "Oh Michel decided to let you come out tonight." Nate quickly declared that Michel didn't let him come out, rather to told Michel that he was going out. None of us believed him. The game started at 7:30, we didn't leave O'Connors until 8:30. We showed up at the Bradley Center and got to our seats with 4 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. And what great seats, second row on the baseline. Thank you Jim. After the game we headed to Buck Bradley's until bar time. Afterwards, Nate and I went out for breakfast, and I was home by 3:30 Saturday morning. So much for low key.
Not surprisingly, I didn't get the greatest jump on Saturday morning. I didn't get out of bed much before 9:00 a.m. I picked up my brother in law, Tim and headed to my brother, Jon's place. From there we piled into Jon's SUV (yes it is an SUV, not a truck) and headed Whitewater for MKA's game. We tailgated up to game time and went into the game. As usual at half time we headed back out to the parking lot. My cousin, Justin, was ready to fire the beer bong right back up. He did a double beer bong and wanted me to do the same thing. It was my turn, and I had just dumped in one beer. Justin was trying to pour more in, but I took off running. So here was the scene for one person who was driving out of the parking lot at halftime. A guy dressed in a gorilla suit running in front of her suburban while doing a beer bong. Probably something you don't see everyday. In the second half the game started getting pretty interesting. Whitewater was up 20-17, but Wartburg College, had the ball and was driving for a score. They had to settle for a field goal attempt. But it was blocked, and that turned the whole game around. Whitewater went on to win, 34-17. After the game, we went to Big Bend for my aunt / godmother, Charlotte's surprise birthday / retirement party. By the time I got there I was actually pretty tired. The life of a rockstar is not easy, and even takes a toll on me. I got home Saturday night around 9:00 and was asleep by 10:00.
Sunday afternoon was my niece, Abbigail's birthday party. And as I called Friday, whenever Dan and Jody have a party, whomever is playing on TV loses. So you can blame the Packer loss on them. The other big event that happened to me on Sunday was that my fantasy football team locked up first place for the regular season. It is good to know that my trophy is coming back home. Pictures to come. Speaking of pictures, here are the images from the weekend.
The Bucks and Bobcats in action.
But who really cares about watching the Bucks with these girls in the way.
More pictures of the cheerleaders. Eric asked specifically for me to snap a bunch of these pictures. 
Here is Villa with the Bucks in the background closing out the game. Thanks again buddy, what great seats.
Here is Pocahontas at MKA's game.
Justin taking care of a beer bong. It was so cold that the tube was froze, you only needed one hand to hold the bong.
Pocahontas went up to Jon and asked him if he would do a beer bong if she did. Jon was taken back a bit. I don't think he wanted to, but since Pocahontas did, he felt that he had to. Nice to know that at his age, he will still cave to peer pressure.
Maria and MKA after the game.
Here are some of the Stocks kids at my aunts birthday party. Aunt Sandy, Charlotte, my mom, Marilyn, and my Uncle's Gene and Eddie.
Julie and Dan at Abby's birthday party.
Me and my dad.
Here is Chucker paying up for fantasy football. The General, I hope you are taking note, you are still in the hole to me $60 for fantasy and $40 from sheepshead. Pay up or expect to wake up with some broken thumbs.
Joey, on the left, then Sarah, Lindsey and the birthday girl, Abby.
Abby with her cake.
But who really cares about watching the Bucks with these girls in the way.More pictures of the cheerleaders. Eric asked specifically for me to snap a bunch of these pictures. Here is Villa with the Bucks in the background closing out the game. Thanks again buddy, what great seats.Here is Pocahontas at MKA's game.Justin taking care of a beer bong. It was so cold that the tube was froze, you only needed one hand to hold the bong.Pocahontas went up to Jon and asked him if he would do a beer bong if she did. Jon was taken back a bit. I don't think he wanted to, but since Pocahontas did, he felt that he had to. Nice to know that at his age, he will still cave to peer pressure.Maria and MKA after the game.Here are some of the Stocks kids at my aunts birthday party. Aunt Sandy, Charlotte, my mom, Marilyn, and my Uncle's Gene and Eddie.Julie and Dan at Abby's birthday party.Me and my dad.Here is Chucker paying up for fantasy football. The General, I hope you are taking note, you are still in the hole to me $60 for fantasy and $40 from sheepshead. Pay up or expect to wake up with some broken thumbs.Joey, on the left, then Sarah, Lindsey and the birthday girl, Abby.Abby with her cake. Christmas Cards
It is hard to believe that another year is just about over. Christmas is just a couple of weeks
away. Funny it was only a month ago I was moving back into my house and it was 70 degrees out. Anyhow it is that time of year where I send some holiday cheer out to all of my friends, family and loyal blog readers. I put the card together and ordered it this past weekend. I think it is kind of funny, I am not so sure you will see it the same way. But I guess that is your problem. I sent out emails to make sure I have everyone's updated mailing address. But if I don't have your email address, and you want one of these collectible Christmas Cards, send me an email with your mailing address and I will be sure to get one to you. Here is my email address:
away. Funny it was only a month ago I was moving back into my house and it was 70 degrees out. Anyhow it is that time of year where I send some holiday cheer out to all of my friends, family and loyal blog readers. I put the card together and ordered it this past weekend. I think it is kind of funny, I am not so sure you will see it the same way. But I guess that is your problem. I sent out emails to make sure I have everyone's updated mailing address. But if I don't have your email address, and you want one of these collectible Christmas Cards, send me an email with your mailing address and I will be sure to get one to you. Here is my email address:Friday, December 05, 2008
Soccer Night in America
Wednesday night was another soccer game. We had our normally goalie back between the pipes for the first time in two games. Those games were a 5-5 tie and a 5-4 win. A little too close. Last night was disposed of our opponents 7-4. That moved us to 6-0-1. I know you are wondering how the scoring contest between The General is going. I would love to say that it actually is a contest, but it isn't. I am up by 10 points. Which means that The General needs to score 5 goals in our final game just to tie. Not a chance. The problem now is trying to collect on the bet. Little chance of that.
Last night I did get one goal. It was actually a pretty nice looking goal. I brought the ball up on the left side, I passed it off to Tom and made a run through the box. Tom took two touches and returned the ball back to me and I one touched it between the keepers legs and into the goal.
I have been feeling rather sluggish out on the field as of late. And I know that it is because Wednesday night is the only exercise that I have been getting all week. But that is all going to change. My office building has a fitness center in it. But since my move was after the deadline for adding the month by month membership, I needed to wait until December to sign up. That means that Mr. Fitness is back. Last night our team discussed playing the next session and came to the conclusion we would give it another go. I am expecting a much better session out of myself.
Now lets talk about this upcoming weekend. For Friday night I have nothing planned. Most likely I will be getting to bed early, as Saturday looks to be a full day. Saturday is the Division 3 Football Quarter Final Game at Whitewater. MKA will be doing what MKA does best.....kick ass. Game time is noon, tailgating should begin around 10:00 a.m. All are not only welcome, but urged to attend. After the game I have a surprise birthday party to attend. Because it is a surprise, I can no longer talk any more about that. Sunday I have a non-surprise birthday party for my niece, Abbigail. Unfortunately for the Packers, whenever there is a party at my brother, Dan's, whatever Wisconsin team is playing always loses. So you heard it hear first, as much as I would like to see the Packers win on Sunday, there isn't a chance.
Last night I did get one goal. It was actually a pretty nice looking goal. I brought the ball up on the left side, I passed it off to Tom and made a run through the box. Tom took two touches and returned the ball back to me and I one touched it between the keepers legs and into the goal.
I have been feeling rather sluggish out on the field as of late. And I know that it is because Wednesday night is the only exercise that I have been getting all week. But that is all going to change. My office building has a fitness center in it. But since my move was after the deadline for adding the month by month membership, I needed to wait until December to sign up. That means that Mr. Fitness is back. Last night our team discussed playing the next session and came to the conclusion we would give it another go. I am expecting a much better session out of myself.
Now lets talk about this upcoming weekend. For Friday night I have nothing planned. Most likely I will be getting to bed early, as Saturday looks to be a full day. Saturday is the Division 3 Football Quarter Final Game at Whitewater. MKA will be doing what MKA does best.....kick ass. Game time is noon, tailgating should begin around 10:00 a.m. All are not only welcome, but urged to attend. After the game I have a surprise birthday party to attend. Because it is a surprise, I can no longer talk any more about that. Sunday I have a non-surprise birthday party for my niece, Abbigail. Unfortunately for the Packers, whenever there is a party at my brother, Dan's, whatever Wisconsin team is playing always loses. So you heard it hear first, as much as I would like to see the Packers win on Sunday, there isn't a chance.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
College Football
College Football. Is there any better sport? I don’t think so. Could you imagine how great of a sport it would be if they had a real playoff other than the stupid bowl format? I was just looking at the BCS Standings. How unreal would an 8 team playoff be? I have heard that those opposed to a playoff system claim that it would be abuse of the student athletes. Screw that. I give you the Division II and III playoff system. And those are real student athletes who actually go to class. I don’t hear anyone crying about the abuse of those student athletes. I drew up a quick bracket for this imaginary tournament based on the current standings and what I think the end result would be. 
Think about all of the buzz that the NCAA basketball tournament generates. A football playoff be ten times better than the basketball tournament, just because it is football. I am sure that Las Vegas would pay whatever they would have to, in order to ensure that a football playoff system was implemented.
Here is one shocking revelation that I learned on the internet. This weekend Alabama plays Florida in the SEC Championship, and Oklahoma plays Missouri in the Big 12 Championship. You would think that if Florida and Oklahoma both win, that they would play each other in the National Championship game. However, because Texas is ranked ahead Florida, there is a chance if that scenario plays out, Texas would go to the National Championship Game over Florida. This is why a playoff system would be so great.
Think about all of the buzz that the NCAA basketball tournament generates. A football playoff be ten times better than the basketball tournament, just because it is football. I am sure that Las Vegas would pay whatever they would have to, in order to ensure that a football playoff system was implemented.Here is one shocking revelation that I learned on the internet. This weekend Alabama plays Florida in the SEC Championship, and Oklahoma plays Missouri in the Big 12 Championship. You would think that if Florida and Oklahoma both win, that they would play each other in the National Championship game. However, because Texas is ranked ahead Florida, there is a chance if that scenario plays out, Texas would go to the National Championship Game over Florida. This is why a playoff system would be so great.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
New Years Resolution
Well I already broke my New Years Resolution for this next year. My resolution was to be, that I 
wasn't going to do anything for New Years Eve. The plan was to boycott the entire evening and to go to bed early. Well that changed and that night is all of a month away. What do I have planned? I am headed to the Riverside to see Cake in concert. My friends, Mark and Suzanne, are going to the concert and invited me to come along. It looks like we are going to head to Crawdaddy's for an early meal. Then head down to Moe's Irish Pub which is right next to the Riverside for pre concert drinks. Then just maybe a trip to Oakland Gyros for a post concert meal. Sounds like a pretty decent New Years Eve. Although I have had other New Years Eves where the plan sounded pretty good. Time will tell.
wasn't going to do anything for New Years Eve. The plan was to boycott the entire evening and to go to bed early. Well that changed and that night is all of a month away. What do I have planned? I am headed to the Riverside to see Cake in concert. My friends, Mark and Suzanne, are going to the concert and invited me to come along. It looks like we are going to head to Crawdaddy's for an early meal. Then head down to Moe's Irish Pub which is right next to the Riverside for pre concert drinks. Then just maybe a trip to Oakland Gyros for a post concert meal. Sounds like a pretty decent New Years Eve. Although I have had other New Years Eves where the plan sounded pretty good. Time will tell.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Visiting Tree
Here is a quick question for all of my loyal readers. Let me give you some background. Tree has been guilt tripping me for 4 some odd years or at least as long as he has been living in North Carolina, to come down and visit him. I have recently booked a flight and I will be down visiting Tree next weekend. We have planned out the weekend already with Neil Diamond on Friday, the Bobcats game on Saturday and the Panther game on Sunday. Just this week Tree called me up and said that he had a problem with the plans. Or at least the plans for Saturday night. He informed me that he has to go with his wife to a work Christmas party on that Saturday night. Tree gave me to options for that night. #1. I can hang out with myself down town. #2. Go to the party with them and pretend that I am doctor. But I have to wear a shirt and tie. Here is the poll:
Monday, December 01, 2008
Weekend Update
Well here is the recap of my Thanksgiving Weekend. Wednesday I played soccer. I discussed previously how we managed to squeak out a win. Thursday I was out at my parents house by noon we played some cards, watched some bad football, had a great meal and that was it for the day. 
Friday, I did about as little as possible. I watched a lot of college football. I also did some laundry and hung pictures up in my house. Friday evening I stopped by Nate to give him a quick lesson in ping pong. 6 games to none. Afterwards we headed down to Bayview to meet up with Eric. We went out to a couple bars in the area. But we weren't out just to drink and screw around. There was actually a purpose to the whole evening. It was the first of a couple meeting for Eric's Bachelor Party Planning Committee. Unfortunately we were off task all night, and instead we had too many beers and played too many rounds of Golden Tee Golf. Maybe we will get something accomplished at the next meeting.
Saturday I headed out to my parents to perform my "head boner" duties in cutting up a couple deer. I can honestly say that the thing I was most thankful for this weekend was that my parents weren't doing deer processing on a grand scale as in the past. I think I cut up 40 or so. Which was more than enough for me. Saturday night I was a substitute bowler for my sister and brother in laws bowling team. My sister just had ear surgery and my aunt and uncle were in Oregon watching MKA play football that night. So it was my brother in law, Tim, my brother, Dan, and Tom Brady. I didn't bowl too bad. I had a 420 series which averages out to 140 a game. I did beat Dan and I also beat Tom Brady by one pin. My favorite thing about bowling is trying to pick up the spare when only the 10 pin is standing. I always attempt to pick it up with my left hand. And I can say that I was highly successful. I would say that 70 percent of the time, I picked it up.
Sunday I woke up and my arm was killing me. Between just having shoulder problems, cutting deer and bowling, it felt like it was going to fall off. But I did manage to crawl myself out of bed and I headed out to the garage to assemble my new snow thrower. I had mentioned to my parents last week, that if they knew anyone who was getting rid of a used snow thrower, that I was interested. Well my parents just went out and bought me a new one instead. It was highly unnecessary, but also highly appreciated. With winter upon us, I am now prepared. In the words of Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump, "I am right here God, come and get me. It is time for a show down.... you verses me."
I do want to send out a couple thank yous and congratulations for the weekend. First congratulations to Preston and Jessica on the arrival of their baby boy, Patrick. Preston has already inquired as to when I will get the Heisman picture up on the blog. Speaking of children, I spoke to my old roommate, Truz, he informed me that they will be expecting their second child in a couple of months. I don't know if everyone knows, but then again my readership isn't all that high so I think it is safe to discuss.
Friday, I did about as little as possible. I watched a lot of college football. I also did some laundry and hung pictures up in my house. Friday evening I stopped by Nate to give him a quick lesson in ping pong. 6 games to none. Afterwards we headed down to Bayview to meet up with Eric. We went out to a couple bars in the area. But we weren't out just to drink and screw around. There was actually a purpose to the whole evening. It was the first of a couple meeting for Eric's Bachelor Party Planning Committee. Unfortunately we were off task all night, and instead we had too many beers and played too many rounds of Golden Tee Golf. Maybe we will get something accomplished at the next meeting.Saturday I headed out to my parents to perform my "head boner" duties in cutting up a couple deer. I can honestly say that the thing I was most thankful for this weekend was that my parents weren't doing deer processing on a grand scale as in the past. I think I cut up 40 or so. Which was more than enough for me. Saturday night I was a substitute bowler for my sister and brother in laws bowling team. My sister just had ear surgery and my aunt and uncle were in Oregon watching MKA play football that night. So it was my brother in law, Tim, my brother, Dan, and Tom Brady. I didn't bowl too bad. I had a 420 series which averages out to 140 a game. I did beat Dan and I also beat Tom Brady by one pin. My favorite thing about bowling is trying to pick up the spare when only the 10 pin is standing. I always attempt to pick it up with my left hand. And I can say that I was highly successful. I would say that 70 percent of the time, I picked it up.
Sunday I woke up and my arm was killing me. Between just having shoulder problems, cutting deer and bowling, it felt like it was going to fall off. But I did manage to crawl myself out of bed and I headed out to the garage to assemble my new snow thrower. I had mentioned to my parents last week, that if they knew anyone who was getting rid of a used snow thrower, that I was interested. Well my parents just went out and bought me a new one instead. It was highly unnecessary, but also highly appreciated. With winter upon us, I am now prepared. In the words of Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump, "I am right here God, come and get me. It is time for a show down.... you verses me."
I do want to send out a couple thank yous and congratulations for the weekend. First congratulations to Preston and Jessica on the arrival of their baby boy, Patrick. Preston has already inquired as to when I will get the Heisman picture up on the blog. Speaking of children, I spoke to my old roommate, Truz, he informed me that they will be expecting their second child in a couple of months. I don't know if everyone knows, but then again my readership isn't all that high so I think it is safe to discuss. Congratulations to MKA and the Whitewater football team in winning their playoff game out in Oregon. And with the win of the Wartburg College Knights over the Monmouth College Fighting Scots, that assured Whitewater of a home playoff game this next Saturday. I am going to be pushing to get as big of a turnout of friends and family as possible.
Thank you to Deb and Tim for inviting me to bowling.
And I want to again thank my parents for the snow thrower.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Soccer Night in America
Wednesday night was my soccer game. The team was trying to rebound from a 5-5 outing the previous week. We were again without our normal goalie. We were also without our backup goalie, The General. Our team has also been suffering from a lack of turnout of field players. We were again short on subs, with only 3. At half time it was 2-0. Midway through the second half we pushed out lead to 5-1. I think we were just tired, and our lead slowly started to disappear. With 2:30 minutes to go the match narrowed to 5-4. Our team finally found a sense of urgency for the first time in the game. We spread the field out and moved the ball around and I don't think the other team touched the ball for the last 2:30 of the game. But I did think that we were going to put the ball in the back of the net over that last part of the game. It just seemed like we were too lazy to put together a real push. So we milked out a win. Their is just a huge difference in how you play with 3 subs rather an 5 subs. The shifts get longer and the pace of the game really slows down. We did push out record to 5-0-1. And with two games left against teams we have already beat, it seems highly unlikely that we will not win the league. On a personal note, I really didn't play that bad. I had one assist. I warm-ups before the game, I was hitting the ball fairly well. But in the game I couldn't hit the water if I jumped out of a boat. Of course that didn't stop me from trying. If I had the ball within 15 yards of the goal, I was shooting. I also came to realize that I without a doubt leading the team in fouls. I am not going to candy coat it, I do play with a rather physical style. But I do think that I get more fouls called on me because I am bigger than most of the players on the field. A little guy pushing me, isn't going to draw a whistle, but if I push the little guy back, I am for sure getting called. And because of my size, I also getting hacked pretty good. Tree, knows what I am talking about, it used to happen to him all of the time when we played basketball.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Bob's Haircut
This story came up this past weekend. I thought I would pass it along to my readers. When I was in college, I lived with Bob, Todd and Kevin. One day Bob decided that he wanted to get a flat top hair cut. Mind you this was the mid 90s. We were all pretty poor and I think that Todd had convinced Bob that he could perform this service for Bob. They were going to do this after class one day. We were all in the house and I recall that Todd was cutting Bob’s hair in the kitchen. I was watching out of morbid curiosity. Todd did a decent job on the sides, but the flattop part just wasn’t happening and he couldn’t get it straight. After a while, Kevin took over, but Kevin got the flattop slanted the opposite way. Kevin and Todd continued to take turns, with head turn, the slanted top saw sawed each way. Finally Bob ran out of hair and he was down to the scalp at the very top of his head. Bob eventually looked in the mirror and didn’t like what he saw at all. I recall him proclaiming “What the “F”? You guys are butchering me.” Then he turned to me and asked, “Davies, what do you think?” I said, “If it was me, I would just shave my head balled.” Bob looked at me and said, “Really.” I said, “Oh yeah, it can’t look any worse.” Next thing you know, Bob is in the bathroom with shaving cream all over his head. I know that pictures exist somewhere. I think Bob has them. But I remember from the pictures, that as they were cutting Bob’s head, you could see me in the back ground, making and then eating Mac and Cheese.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Krum the Ironman
Normally my blog doesn't stray too far from talking about anyone but myself. I do want to take some time to shed some light on to someone other than myself. This past weekend, Krum participated in the Arizona Ironman Triathlon. I have done a couple of triathlons, but nothing like this. This ironman, consisted of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run. The winner of this race finished in 8 hours and 14 minutes. Krum finished in 10 hours and 9 minutes. His time was good enough to finish in 33rd place in his age group and 169th overall out of over 2000 participants. Krum averaged 21 miles per hour on the bike and ran at a 8:33 minute mile pace. I find those number just staggering. Let me help put those numbers into perspective. I don't think it is too far of a stretch to say that I am in pretty good physical condition. And this past summer I competed in a couple of much smaller triathlons. My best was managing a 19 mile an hour pace on the bike, and that was for only 15 miles. But I did manage a 7:42 minute mile pace for the 3 mile run. I know that I wouldn't even come close to that pace or Krum's pace for 26 miles. So Krum congratulations, you are a far better man than I will ever be.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thanksgiving Eve
From what I have been hearing and seeing, it is sounding more and more like the day before Thanksgiving is a throw away day, just like the day after Thanksgiving. 
Unfortunately I am working today. Here are my plans for this long 4 day weekend that I am really looking forward to. Tonight, I have a soccer game at 10:00 p.m. And this is the only night of the year that the team goes out to the bars after the game. Thanksgiving Day is at my parents house. I am hoping to get some sheepshead in, other than that just eating and watching football. I can recall years gone past when we were cutting deer on an full scale, and we would start out the Thanksgiving Day but cutting up 10 deer in the morning. I am glad those days are far in the rearview mirror. Friday I have nothing planned at all. This day has, in the past, been known as Natesgiving. But I haven't heard of any plans for a Natesgiving, so anything that happens would have to be last minute. For Saturday, a card game is in the makings. But I am planning on subbing in a bowling league for my aunt and uncle. Sunday should just be on the couch watching football. The biggest thing I am looking forward to this weekend is sleeping in, in my own bed for four mornings in a row. I hope everyone has a fantastic four day holiday weekend. Enjoy your bird.
Unfortunately I am working today. Here are my plans for this long 4 day weekend that I am really looking forward to. Tonight, I have a soccer game at 10:00 p.m. And this is the only night of the year that the team goes out to the bars after the game. Thanksgiving Day is at my parents house. I am hoping to get some sheepshead in, other than that just eating and watching football. I can recall years gone past when we were cutting deer on an full scale, and we would start out the Thanksgiving Day but cutting up 10 deer in the morning. I am glad those days are far in the rearview mirror. Friday I have nothing planned at all. This day has, in the past, been known as Natesgiving. But I haven't heard of any plans for a Natesgiving, so anything that happens would have to be last minute. For Saturday, a card game is in the makings. But I am planning on subbing in a bowling league for my aunt and uncle. Sunday should just be on the couch watching football. The biggest thing I am looking forward to this weekend is sleeping in, in my own bed for four mornings in a row. I hope everyone has a fantastic four day holiday weekend. Enjoy your bird.
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