Ok, before you read any further...if you are in my immediate family or you have known me and Mallory for some time now(pretty much all you Paris folk), then go to Mallory's blog right NOW. I mean it. Go HERE. All your premonitions over the years have finally been verified. Just read. You'll know what I mean. Totally hilarious...
It's been a week since the last post, so let's see what has happened...
Our amazing intramural soccer run has ended. I wish I could have had a say in the outcome of our last game, but unfortunately I had a prior engagement: hockey. Our soccer game was scheduled for Sunday at 6, and my hockey game that day was scheduled for 5. Normally our hockey games are about an hour long, so I thought I would at least be able to make the second half of the soccer game, but it wasn't going to happen. Sunday turned out to be one of the hottest days here so far this year, and we had to use all of our timeouts to recover from the heat. The breaks were more for me and the other goalie, as having another layer of pads and equpipment on really intensifies the heat. The game time ended being closer to 2 hours; there was no way I was going to make the soccer game. We lost 12-11 in hockey, which sucks. My GAA is usually around 5-6ish, so you can see that this was a massive departure from my norm. I usually don't care about GAA and other stats and usually just focus on one: wins. Unfortunately, I didn't get the W that day. Nevertheless, we ended up 2nd in the regular season. Our first game of the playoffs is tomorrow at 5pm, and we're going to have the #1 leading scorer in SIHL history back playing for us. I'm optimistic and anxious. I need another Sewell Cup on my shelf :)
My soccer boys were just as unlucky; they lost 6-2 that day. I was so bummed that I wasn't able to help them. From what I hear, Kyle did a great job in goal, so I can just assume that the other team was just very good. Oh well, we've improved each year. Maybe next year we bring home the intramural championship.
Of course, the end of one sport means the beginning of another. This Wednesday we(Trevor, Aaron, and I) started intramural softball. We joined a team from which we knew no one; our only connection to them was through Trevor's co-worker, BJ. Despite the anonymonity, we quickly befriended the team. With their new additions, they had too many players, so we had to switch midway through the game. I started in left field while Trevor manned the 3rd-base coaching position. I didn't have any put-outs or assists, but I did field the ball twice. I was much more productive at the plate. I went 1-2 with 2 RBI and a double. I was pretty satisfied considering the last time I played baseball/softball competitively was about 6 years ago. Trevor and I switched roles around the 4th inning. He did just as well. We won the game 10-4. We're looking to repeat that result this Wednesday.
Speaking of baseball, the MLB season has officially started. My Sox are 4-1, and they lead the AL East with the Yanks trailing 3 games in last place. I know I know. It's early, but it's never too early to rub it in the Yankees' faces :)
The NHL playoffs are quickly approaching. My Avs, who were battling for first place in the Northwest Division about a week ago, are now struggling to just make the playoffs. It's looking like 5-6th place will be where the stand when the tournament starts. When it actually does, I'll give my Stanley Cup predictions. I will say this: I'm scared of the Wings right now. They've won a record number of road games, and they are just blazin'. Screw you, Richard, haha. I know you are loving this. Even your Pistons are doing well!! Detroit needs to start having crappy teams!! Hell, even the TIGERS are undefeated in baseball!! What's the deal!? I think steroids are the answer :)
Over the past few weeks I've tried to maintain a relatively regular workout schedule, and for the most part I have kept to it. I'm feeling great. Nothing near what I felt like around last summer, but I'm getting there. I really enjoy running now. I can only attribute that to my kick-ass mp3 lineup of running music. There's no problem with getting motivated; I just pop on the headphones and I'm good to go. I even can run 3.0 miles now without any trouble at all. That's a HUGE improvement over my high school years, haha.
I'm excited about next week. Not only is it a short week(Easter weekend), but I have NO tests or assignments due. I haven't had that feeling in awhile. I'm ready to actually do fun things during the week. We didn't get a chance to play volleyball this weekend due to the bad weather, so hopefully we'll get a chance this week. We even have more sun to play with during the day due to Daylight Savings last week.
I just finished filing my taxes yesterday. I was rather elated to find out that I had a HUGE tax return on my wages from last year's co-op tours. It was a ginormous number. Unfortunately, I realized that Mississippi has an income tax, so I lose pretty much all of that refund due to the money I have to pay the state. Damn you Mississippi. I didn't have this problem in Tennessee. No income tax there. Grrr...
Well, it's looking like everyone is crashing here tonight, so I should probably close my laptop to give them some darkness to sleep in. Wish me luck on our first hockey playoff game tomorrow!
-Henry
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Friday, March 31, 2006
"We came, we saw...we kicked ITS ASS!"
(props to anyone who can tell me what movie that quote is from WITHOUT looking it up. About 200 cool points are on the line on this one...)
Ok, this just had to be blogged about...
In what can only be described as the greatest Cinderella team story since the Villanova Wildcats of 1985, Team Glen Hollow United(kinda gay name, I know, but Dan came up with it ages ago. We all don't even live in Glen Hollow, so it really doesn't make sense. I prefer GH United, as it sounds slightly more refined. Anyways, I digress...) soccer pulled off their SECOND playoff victory today!!! This is our first deep run into the playoffs, and considering we won our FIRST ever playoff game 4 days ago, this is just great news.
We played the Catholic Student Association soccer team, and let me tell you, they weren't being very Catholic, let alone Christian, in the contest. They pressured early with several shots, and from a quick through ball sent from the 18, they scored 10 minutes into the match. Unphazed, we bounced back quickly, scoring 2 goals within the next 10 minutes. The second half was even more heated, with CSA fouling more often and yelling very non-Christian words, haha. Adam Brown miraculously put a ball in the back of the net halfway through the second half. The ball was actually shot by dan from about 30 yards out, but the ball deflected off a defender, and Brown happened to be at the right place at the right time. In stride, he simply extended his left foot and the ball shot into the lower left corner. GOOOOOOOAAAAALLLLL!
Defensive-wise, we were solid. Trevor was back(had to miss last game due to class), and coupled with Dusty playing left fullback, we were a brick wall. Because of the guys in front of me, I didn't have to exert too much effort. There were a few balls I had to dive for, but they weren't super-dives(which are fun, as well as entertaining to watch). I also had to charge from my line on a few occasions, punching the ball out of play once and leaping to grab it the other times.
If you can believe it, there IS a downside to this whole affair. Our next playoff game is scheduled for SUNDAY AT 6:00pm. What the f#*@!?!?! Who schedules intramural games for Sunday afternoons?? Not only is this time just bizarre in its own rite, but it also happens to be during a hockey game I am scheduled to play. Under normal circumstances, I would call Richie in a heartbeat and ask him to reschedule the game, but since I have already done that to Richard once this semester, I don't think I can do that to him again. He has a hard enough time scheduling these games, and when they have to be re-scheduled, it's just a headache. My hockey game IS at 5:00 on Sunday, and they do usually last around an hour. If we can get done early, I can shoot on over across town to the intramural fields to join my teammates. I will already be stretched and primed for action, so it may even be good for me. Kyle, a fantastic player we drafted this year, has quite a bit of goalie experience, so it's looking like he will start in goal until I can get there. He's got a bitchin' shot, so once I get there, he can move to the front and start hammering away.
I go to get pre-advised tomorrow. Just wait until I tell you what classes I have to take next semester. Oh man, they are freakin' sweet. Next fall I think I can be officially called an aerospace engineering student. All engineering classes, no electives. It's gonna be fun, haha. I'll post my fall schedule on my next post.
The weather outlook has improved for tomorrow, so it's looking like round 2 of Dan/Adam vs. Henry/Trevor will commence as planned. Everyone of us has been dying to play all week, as the weather has been very summer-like. I can't wait to play tomorrow. At some point I'll try to get someone to take some pics, so we can show you how it's done :)
-H
Ok, this just had to be blogged about...
In what can only be described as the greatest Cinderella team story since the Villanova Wildcats of 1985, Team Glen Hollow United(kinda gay name, I know, but Dan came up with it ages ago. We all don't even live in Glen Hollow, so it really doesn't make sense. I prefer GH United, as it sounds slightly more refined. Anyways, I digress...) soccer pulled off their SECOND playoff victory today!!! This is our first deep run into the playoffs, and considering we won our FIRST ever playoff game 4 days ago, this is just great news.
We played the Catholic Student Association soccer team, and let me tell you, they weren't being very Catholic, let alone Christian, in the contest. They pressured early with several shots, and from a quick through ball sent from the 18, they scored 10 minutes into the match. Unphazed, we bounced back quickly, scoring 2 goals within the next 10 minutes. The second half was even more heated, with CSA fouling more often and yelling very non-Christian words, haha. Adam Brown miraculously put a ball in the back of the net halfway through the second half. The ball was actually shot by dan from about 30 yards out, but the ball deflected off a defender, and Brown happened to be at the right place at the right time. In stride, he simply extended his left foot and the ball shot into the lower left corner. GOOOOOOOAAAAALLLLL!
Defensive-wise, we were solid. Trevor was back(had to miss last game due to class), and coupled with Dusty playing left fullback, we were a brick wall. Because of the guys in front of me, I didn't have to exert too much effort. There were a few balls I had to dive for, but they weren't super-dives(which are fun, as well as entertaining to watch). I also had to charge from my line on a few occasions, punching the ball out of play once and leaping to grab it the other times.
If you can believe it, there IS a downside to this whole affair. Our next playoff game is scheduled for SUNDAY AT 6:00pm. What the f#*@!?!?! Who schedules intramural games for Sunday afternoons?? Not only is this time just bizarre in its own rite, but it also happens to be during a hockey game I am scheduled to play. Under normal circumstances, I would call Richie in a heartbeat and ask him to reschedule the game, but since I have already done that to Richard once this semester, I don't think I can do that to him again. He has a hard enough time scheduling these games, and when they have to be re-scheduled, it's just a headache. My hockey game IS at 5:00 on Sunday, and they do usually last around an hour. If we can get done early, I can shoot on over across town to the intramural fields to join my teammates. I will already be stretched and primed for action, so it may even be good for me. Kyle, a fantastic player we drafted this year, has quite a bit of goalie experience, so it's looking like he will start in goal until I can get there. He's got a bitchin' shot, so once I get there, he can move to the front and start hammering away.
I go to get pre-advised tomorrow. Just wait until I tell you what classes I have to take next semester. Oh man, they are freakin' sweet. Next fall I think I can be officially called an aerospace engineering student. All engineering classes, no electives. It's gonna be fun, haha. I'll post my fall schedule on my next post.
The weather outlook has improved for tomorrow, so it's looking like round 2 of Dan/Adam vs. Henry/Trevor will commence as planned. Everyone of us has been dying to play all week, as the weather has been very summer-like. I can't wait to play tomorrow. At some point I'll try to get someone to take some pics, so we can show you how it's done :)
-H
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Alot of Sports with a Little Bit of School
Quick update:
-Our men's intramural soccer team won our first playoff game in the history of our clubt(almost 3 years!). We somehow managed this win without our steadfast sweeper, Trevor, but we did it nonetheless. It was great soccer all-around from our team. We play again on Thursday at 6:00.
-Softball was moved from Wednesday to Thursday night, so we wont get to start softball this week(see previous note).
-We had to forfeit our hockey game on Sunday. Once again, my team lacked the minimum number of players to play. TWO forfeits in one season. SO SO SO lame!
-Friday has been set as our next volleyball match with Dan and Adam. We are itchin' to play everyday, but it's evident from all of our schedules that volleyball is going to have to be restricted to Friday-Monday of the week. On Friday, we are all out of class by noon, so come 1pm, we're going to be ballin' it up on the sand :)
-Family Force 5 is playing at Rick's Thursday night. I admit that I'm not that big a fan of their music, but everyone says that put on a bitchin' show, so I figure why not(despite my dislike of Rick's). Besides, what a great way to kick off the weekend of the party, volleyball...and more volleyball.
-I've erected a countdown to my 21st birthday on the right column over there in red. No, I don't update that thing EVERYDAY with a new number; rather, I constructed a simple javascript to do the math for me everytime you log in. Sweet, huh?
-Henry
-Our men's intramural soccer team won our first playoff game in the history of our clubt(almost 3 years!). We somehow managed this win without our steadfast sweeper, Trevor, but we did it nonetheless. It was great soccer all-around from our team. We play again on Thursday at 6:00.
-Softball was moved from Wednesday to Thursday night, so we wont get to start softball this week(see previous note).
-We had to forfeit our hockey game on Sunday. Once again, my team lacked the minimum number of players to play. TWO forfeits in one season. SO SO SO lame!
-Friday has been set as our next volleyball match with Dan and Adam. We are itchin' to play everyday, but it's evident from all of our schedules that volleyball is going to have to be restricted to Friday-Monday of the week. On Friday, we are all out of class by noon, so come 1pm, we're going to be ballin' it up on the sand :)
-Family Force 5 is playing at Rick's Thursday night. I admit that I'm not that big a fan of their music, but everyone says that put on a bitchin' show, so I figure why not(despite my dislike of Rick's). Besides, what a great way to kick off the weekend of the party, volleyball...and more volleyball.
-I've erected a countdown to my 21st birthday on the right column over there in red. No, I don't update that thing EVERYDAY with a new number; rather, I constructed a simple javascript to do the math for me everytime you log in. Sweet, huh?
-Henry
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Newton is My Homeboy
I really should start updating this thing more often. I always intend to post every few days, but I inevitably hold it off, thinking that I can sum everything up in a post at the end of the week. Of course, by the time I sit down to write about everything I usually forget to include at least a few crucial events that occured the previous week. Here's to keeping up with the times...
I don't have to tell you that I really didn't want to come back to school this week. I was having such a great Spring Break(snow skiing, road trip, V for Vendetta, mom's cooking, hanging with the dogs), and I also knew that there were some big tests awaiting me upon my return. The week did get off to a good start on Tuesday, however. The Dynamics test I took the Thursday before Spring Break was returned to us, and I got a 98. I'm really rolling in that class; I got a 100 on the first test, and the homework is just ridiculously simple. This whole class is basically physics I, except it has much more calculus. I think that's why I like this subject. Everything we use is derived from one simple equation created by Sir Newton himself, and it has real applications in the world.
Tuesday afternoon was my Early U.S. History test, an exam covering the span of the War for Independence and the American Revolution. According to my grade on the first exam, I obviously didn't write enough on the discussion questions for my teacher, so I made sure to give him mounds and mounds of text this time. The multiple choice questions are, as my Differential Equations teacher a few years ago stated, "Mickey Mouse." Every junior high student knows the answers to them. Considering that my hand really felt that it was going to just fall off my right arm by the test's end, I'm feeling like a perfect score was accomplished. We'll see on Tuesday.
Wednesday was our second Physics III exam. It covered pretty much all of our lenses, mirrors, and optical subejct matter. I was actually shocked by how easy it was, and that's not just my talking. Pretty much everyone said that after walking out of the room. For example, this was an ACTUAL question: A clown stands in front of a mirror that is 1.8 meters high. Approximately where should the clown look in the mirror to see his feet? Yeh, exactly. (The answer is halfway down/up the mirror, or 0.9 meters. Just common sense stuff that everyone knows). Despite the level of difficulty, I was excited to see later that day that I got a 100 on the exam. Awesome stuff.
My Materials exam was moved to next Thursday, so I still have time before that one. I had a poor showing my first test in that class, so I'm ready to bounce back. I completely understand the material(beam loading, beam deflection, shear and bending moments in beams), although Dr. Sullivan is renown for pulling problems out of nowhere to put on her test. We'll see how it looks come Thursday.
The rest of the week minus school was still just as hectic. My hockey team had a game on Tuesday; we didn't play poorly, but we weren't magnificent either. My control of the puck was WAY off. I kept leaving juicy rebounds right in the slot through most of the night, which did lead to two goals for the other team that ended up being the difference in the game. Our best player is out for a few games because he is covering the Final Four in Indianapolis(broadcasting major), so we're going to have to change our gameplan slightly these next games leading up to the playoffs.
The intramural soccer tournament started this week, but our mens game was moved, so we only played with our co-ed team on Thursday. We ended up losing(catching a theme here?), but we never expected much with our co-ed team. If we had girls like Mallory or Kate(Trevor's friend from high school. AMAZING soccer player) on our team, I could guarantee that we'd go deeper into the tournament. Oh well. Our mens round 1 game is tomorrow. We feel much more confident with that group.
Wednesday and Thursday the group went to Polliwogs(Thursday to celebrate our not-so-triumphant end to the co-ed soccer season).
Friday, we decided to have some fun. Knowing good and well that the movie Stay Alive would be very very very bad, Aaron, Reggie, Trevor, and I headed to the movie with all intentions of making fun of its entire length. We would have never guessed that everyone that went to that movie showing was planning on doing the same. The theater was full of laughter and comments AT the movie the entire showing, which made it even better. We continued the fun night at Dan's after the movie.
Saturday continued the fun. Trevor and I woke up around noon to play some 2v2 beach volleyball with Dan and Adam Brown, the official start to our own volleyball season. I think we stayed out there for close to 3 hours. Trevor and I didn't drop a game the whole day(they play "games" instead of "sets" in volleyball), and that equated to 3 straight matches that we won. We played a short game to 15 points at the very end, and due to our faulty net(Avalon has ordered a new $100 net to be here soon), we lost the match point to Dan and Adam. Neverthelesse, we were pleased with our performance. We get better with each match. The weather was on the slightly chilly side, with the high around 58ish, but being in the direct sunlight made it feel closer to 75 degrees. I can't wait for it to warm up. I need to get to work on my tan :)
Saturday night(last night) we went to Dave's Tavern to see an old friend of Trevor's, Reggie's, and mine from Grenada play in a band. David O'Bannon(our friend) has been in Iraq with the military for the past few years, but he's been home on and off throughout that time. He plays the drums for this band called Mosaic(at least, that's what we think it was called). They are a combination of jazz band, jam band, and latin jazz. I had no idea what to expect from these guys, but they ROCKED. The whole place was jumping halfway through the night. The highlights of the evening included the great music(of course), the random conga line that materialized near the end of the night, my being offered free drinks(I said "offered" mom!), and the lead saxaphone player jumping onto the bar at Dave's to play the finale. Put simply, the evening kicked ass.
As always, stuff is happening this week...
Mike Griffin, Administrator of NASA is coming to MSU tomorrow to kick off a lectureship series started by a group of professors here. I saw Griffin speak at JSC last semester, but I am looking forward to seeing him speak again. I mean, how many times does the NASA Administrator come to Starkville, MS?!? My parents, being the cool people that they are, are driving all the way from Canton to Starkville tomorrow, just to see him speak. It's open to the entire public, so I bet that the Hunter Henry Center is going to be packed.
This week is the start of softball season for Aaron, Trevor, and me. I'm looking forward to returning to the diamond. Aaron even bought himself a Boston cap over break, so now we are all set hat-wise. Aaaron has his Red Sox cap, Trevor has his red Yankee-Hater cap(which is awesome, btw), and I have my trusty old Red Sox cap as well.
The AVP season starts this weekend. Can't wait. The AVP Tour is even coming to Birmingham and Atlanta this summer, but too bad I'll be in Houston :(.
The big March/April party is this weekend too. The month's fall a little funny this year, so we're having to split it this weekend. Friday will be the March Party, and Saturday(April 1st) will be the April party. SO many people are coming to this thing; it should definitely be fun. Mallory may even come down as well.
Well, I think that's about it. I have a busy day today: laundry, schoolwork, hockey, grocery run, hanging up stuff, schoolwork. It just never stops, haha...
-Henry
I don't have to tell you that I really didn't want to come back to school this week. I was having such a great Spring Break(snow skiing, road trip, V for Vendetta, mom's cooking, hanging with the dogs), and I also knew that there were some big tests awaiting me upon my return. The week did get off to a good start on Tuesday, however. The Dynamics test I took the Thursday before Spring Break was returned to us, and I got a 98. I'm really rolling in that class; I got a 100 on the first test, and the homework is just ridiculously simple. This whole class is basically physics I, except it has much more calculus. I think that's why I like this subject. Everything we use is derived from one simple equation created by Sir Newton himself, and it has real applications in the world.
Tuesday afternoon was my Early U.S. History test, an exam covering the span of the War for Independence and the American Revolution. According to my grade on the first exam, I obviously didn't write enough on the discussion questions for my teacher, so I made sure to give him mounds and mounds of text this time. The multiple choice questions are, as my Differential Equations teacher a few years ago stated, "Mickey Mouse." Every junior high student knows the answers to them. Considering that my hand really felt that it was going to just fall off my right arm by the test's end, I'm feeling like a perfect score was accomplished. We'll see on Tuesday.
Wednesday was our second Physics III exam. It covered pretty much all of our lenses, mirrors, and optical subejct matter. I was actually shocked by how easy it was, and that's not just my talking. Pretty much everyone said that after walking out of the room. For example, this was an ACTUAL question: A clown stands in front of a mirror that is 1.8 meters high. Approximately where should the clown look in the mirror to see his feet? Yeh, exactly. (The answer is halfway down/up the mirror, or 0.9 meters. Just common sense stuff that everyone knows). Despite the level of difficulty, I was excited to see later that day that I got a 100 on the exam. Awesome stuff.
My Materials exam was moved to next Thursday, so I still have time before that one. I had a poor showing my first test in that class, so I'm ready to bounce back. I completely understand the material(beam loading, beam deflection, shear and bending moments in beams), although Dr. Sullivan is renown for pulling problems out of nowhere to put on her test. We'll see how it looks come Thursday.
The rest of the week minus school was still just as hectic. My hockey team had a game on Tuesday; we didn't play poorly, but we weren't magnificent either. My control of the puck was WAY off. I kept leaving juicy rebounds right in the slot through most of the night, which did lead to two goals for the other team that ended up being the difference in the game. Our best player is out for a few games because he is covering the Final Four in Indianapolis(broadcasting major), so we're going to have to change our gameplan slightly these next games leading up to the playoffs.
The intramural soccer tournament started this week, but our mens game was moved, so we only played with our co-ed team on Thursday. We ended up losing(catching a theme here?), but we never expected much with our co-ed team. If we had girls like Mallory or Kate(Trevor's friend from high school. AMAZING soccer player) on our team, I could guarantee that we'd go deeper into the tournament. Oh well. Our mens round 1 game is tomorrow. We feel much more confident with that group.
Wednesday and Thursday the group went to Polliwogs(Thursday to celebrate our not-so-triumphant end to the co-ed soccer season).
Friday, we decided to have some fun. Knowing good and well that the movie Stay Alive would be very very very bad, Aaron, Reggie, Trevor, and I headed to the movie with all intentions of making fun of its entire length. We would have never guessed that everyone that went to that movie showing was planning on doing the same. The theater was full of laughter and comments AT the movie the entire showing, which made it even better. We continued the fun night at Dan's after the movie.
Saturday continued the fun. Trevor and I woke up around noon to play some 2v2 beach volleyball with Dan and Adam Brown, the official start to our own volleyball season. I think we stayed out there for close to 3 hours. Trevor and I didn't drop a game the whole day(they play "games" instead of "sets" in volleyball), and that equated to 3 straight matches that we won. We played a short game to 15 points at the very end, and due to our faulty net(Avalon has ordered a new $100 net to be here soon), we lost the match point to Dan and Adam. Neverthelesse, we were pleased with our performance. We get better with each match. The weather was on the slightly chilly side, with the high around 58ish, but being in the direct sunlight made it feel closer to 75 degrees. I can't wait for it to warm up. I need to get to work on my tan :)
Saturday night(last night) we went to Dave's Tavern to see an old friend of Trevor's, Reggie's, and mine from Grenada play in a band. David O'Bannon(our friend) has been in Iraq with the military for the past few years, but he's been home on and off throughout that time. He plays the drums for this band called Mosaic(at least, that's what we think it was called). They are a combination of jazz band, jam band, and latin jazz. I had no idea what to expect from these guys, but they ROCKED. The whole place was jumping halfway through the night. The highlights of the evening included the great music(of course), the random conga line that materialized near the end of the night, my being offered free drinks(I said "offered" mom!), and the lead saxaphone player jumping onto the bar at Dave's to play the finale. Put simply, the evening kicked ass.
As always, stuff is happening this week...
Mike Griffin, Administrator of NASA is coming to MSU tomorrow to kick off a lectureship series started by a group of professors here. I saw Griffin speak at JSC last semester, but I am looking forward to seeing him speak again. I mean, how many times does the NASA Administrator come to Starkville, MS?!? My parents, being the cool people that they are, are driving all the way from Canton to Starkville tomorrow, just to see him speak. It's open to the entire public, so I bet that the Hunter Henry Center is going to be packed.
This week is the start of softball season for Aaron, Trevor, and me. I'm looking forward to returning to the diamond. Aaron even bought himself a Boston cap over break, so now we are all set hat-wise. Aaaron has his Red Sox cap, Trevor has his red Yankee-Hater cap(which is awesome, btw), and I have my trusty old Red Sox cap as well.
The AVP season starts this weekend. Can't wait. The AVP Tour is even coming to Birmingham and Atlanta this summer, but too bad I'll be in Houston :(.
The big March/April party is this weekend too. The month's fall a little funny this year, so we're having to split it this weekend. Friday will be the March Party, and Saturday(April 1st) will be the April party. SO many people are coming to this thing; it should definitely be fun. Mallory may even come down as well.
Well, I think that's about it. I have a busy day today: laundry, schoolwork, hockey, grocery run, hanging up stuff, schoolwork. It just never stops, haha...
-Henry
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Spring Break Shenanigans
Spring Break 2006 has come and gone, and it was absolutely the best one yet
Note: Mal's posted many of the pics from the trip on her latest post, and she's also added a link to the Facebook album that has ALL of our Spring Break photos. So if you want visualizations to go with what you read in my post, open up a new tab and scroll through Mal's blog. Definitely make sure to check out the Facebook album. Don't worry, you can still access the pics even if you do not have a Facebook login(just click each picture to go onto the next one)...
So yeh, Trevor and I packed up and headed to Chatt-town U.S.A. early Saturday(the 11th) morning in my mom's bitchin van. We made a stop in the Big Ham so I could do look for some new swim trunks for the summer(yes, I was successful); we also stopped to eat(twice) while we were in the mall. We arrived in Chattanooga around dusk, and Mal, Alicia, Trevor, and I went to this nice(and evidently very popular) Italian restaurant. The highlight of the meal was my daring Trevor to drink the rest of the melted butter that was in the bread roll holder. I offered to pay his way for the movie, and he accepted the challenge. He shot the butter with no problem, but he did feel the after-effects throughout the night. After dinner we(just Trevor and I...the girls had to pack) went to see The Hills Have Eyes. Definitely one of the most disturbing movies I have ever seen. Trevor says it's nothing compared to Hostel, so I'm making a point of checking that one out when it hits the dvd shelves.
Our whole ski group congregated Sunday morning at the parking lot near Mal's place. After some creative packing, we were off in 3 cars toward Snowshoe, West Virginia.
.......8 hours later.......we arrived at what we were hoping to be snow-capped mountains and slopes. Unfortunately, just the slopes were covered, and worse still, it wasn't the "real" snow. Our spirits weren't broken, though, and we proceeded to check-in at the bottom of the mountain. This is where the trip took a turn for the better. Mallory and Alicia, with their amazing powers of persuasion and charm, were able to turn a mistake made by Snowshoe(not making one of the rooms available) into an SUPER sweet deal for us. Mal and Alicia ended up saving everyone about 75$, and they were able to make it where the entire group was housed in one 3 story-condo. Needless to say, at that point we were all very, very, very excited.
We headed up the rest of the mountain pass, checked-in(again), and moved into our freakin' sweet condo. This place was awesome: huge kitchen, plenty of space, too many rooms to count, fireplace, great balcony view of the valley and mountains, 3 bathrooms, and a living room made for Spring Breakers. After we got settled in, we headed to the Village area of the resort to get some grub.
That night was occupied mostly by a game of Catch-Phrase. Basically, it's like Taboo, except a little more mobile in that you pass around a device that displays the word you need to describe. Unfortunately, at a point about midway through the night, my brain had a fatal memory lapse. The Catch-Phrase gizmo came my way, and I was charged with starting the round. I pressed(what I thought to be the "word" button), but in reality, I had pressed the "category" button, so the display of the device read the category of the words that would follow. There is the Sports category, the Around the House category, etc. etc. When I pressed the button it happen to show the category "History Buff," which is, as you guessed it, a category of historical facts and notes. At the instant I see the words pop on the screen, I start describing "History Buff" perfectly, and within mere seconds, my team had correctly guessed it. I then passed the device over to CG, who was on the other team. It didn't take him long to realize that I had read the category instead of the words, and he made that fact known to the whole group. About 2 very very very very long minutes of laughter ensued. Of course, I couldn't help but laugh too, as it was one of the dumbest things I think I have ever done. I can guarantee that most, if not everyone there during that trip, will make sure I remember that deed.
Trevor and I woke up really early on Monday to get a jump-start on the skiing. The only person awake before us was Tyler, who had the day's forecast laid out on the breakfast table, as well as a fresh pot of coffee going. Trevor and I were on the sloaps no later than 9:30. It had been 7 years since I last skiied, but Trevor was very patient to help me rejog the skills Gabi had taught me in Switzerland. After about a half hour, we were bolting down the slopes. Granted, these were Green(as in difficulty, not in color. They made sure there was enough fake powder mixed with the real stuff) slopes, but even Trevor admitted that they were some of the more fun ones he had tried. From that point until 4:30 that afternoon, all we did was ski(with a small lunch in between). It SO kicked ass...
That night we all went to eat at the nice restaurant in the Village, the Bistro. Mal and I splurged, ordering the Filet and Beef Tips Special respectively. Our waitress was also very sociable and fun, which just added to the already great evening.
We returned to the condo to start up a game of Turbo Cranium. We had 3 teams, with Mal, Trevor, and I composing one team. Without going into the details, I'll just say that we had no trouble at all in winning that game. I'm willing to bet that that triumvirate is unbeatable........It will be interesting to see how good Mal and I are come August this year, when we go to the beach with my family. Will/Andrea and Carolyn/Richard are sure to be awesome at Cranium, so we'll definitely have our work cut out for us. You hear that, Caro and Rich? Start brushing up on your Cranium skillz, haha. (If you can't tell, I'm pretty excited about Horne Beach Party 2006...but that's another post for another day)
Tuesday was CONSIDERABLY colder than the day before. Whereas the high on Monday was around 75, the high on Tuesday was closer to 36. Yeh, that's about a 40 degree drop. Yikes. Nevertheless, we were all out at when the slopes opened, and it was another glorious day of snow skiing. I even attemped a dreaded Blue slope in the earlier part of the day. It was very icy, but I managed to go through some moguls without TOO much difficulty. I felt I improved my turning and sharp stopping skills during the second day; I just need to do this ski thing on a more regular(yearly) basis, and I think I can get up to Trevor's skill level in no time, haha.
A myriad of games were played Tuesday night at the condo, and it sucked that the trip had to end. Tyler and I woke up on Wednesday to about a foot of fresh powder that had fallen the night before. We couldn't believe it. The day we leave is the day the best snow comes. Grrr.
We were cleaned up and out of Snowshoe by about 10:30 local time, and we were on our way back to Tennessee and beyond.
So that about sums it up for my Spring Break. Again, head over to Mal's blog for more pics and funny captions.
As for the rest of the break...
Trevor and I saw V for Vendetta at the new Madison theater. AWESOME place to see movies. It's closer to our house, uses digital projection, has huge screens and one MEGA screen for some movies(like the one we saw), and produced some bombastic sound. Absolutely breathtaking movie experience. Can't wait to go back :)
Found out Mike Griffin(aka Administrator of NASA) is coming to MSU a week from tomorrow to speak on "Leadership and Space Exploration." This is part of a new Lectureship Series created by some professors and alumni here at State. It's pretty cool that we get such a bigwig as Mike himself to come. I'm definitely going to attend and here what he has to say. I saw him speak at JSC last fall, but this time promises to be a much less-crowded affair.
Uhm...we kick ass at baseball. The defending SEC Champs(that would be the Mississippi State Bulldogs) are 15-0, the best start in school history. Better than the '85 Palmeiro/Clark/Brantley team even. Kick ASS. We wooped up on some Vols this weekend taking 2 out of 3 before the finale was cancelled today due to rain. Definitely picking up some tickets before this season is over. Omaha-bound, anyone??
School starts tomorrow....bleh.
-H
Note: Mal's posted many of the pics from the trip on her latest post, and she's also added a link to the Facebook album that has ALL of our Spring Break photos. So if you want visualizations to go with what you read in my post, open up a new tab and scroll through Mal's blog. Definitely make sure to check out the Facebook album. Don't worry, you can still access the pics even if you do not have a Facebook login(just click each picture to go onto the next one)...
So yeh, Trevor and I packed up and headed to Chatt-town U.S.A. early Saturday(the 11th) morning in my mom's bitchin van. We made a stop in the Big Ham so I could do look for some new swim trunks for the summer(yes, I was successful); we also stopped to eat(twice) while we were in the mall. We arrived in Chattanooga around dusk, and Mal, Alicia, Trevor, and I went to this nice(and evidently very popular) Italian restaurant. The highlight of the meal was my daring Trevor to drink the rest of the melted butter that was in the bread roll holder. I offered to pay his way for the movie, and he accepted the challenge. He shot the butter with no problem, but he did feel the after-effects throughout the night. After dinner we(just Trevor and I...the girls had to pack) went to see The Hills Have Eyes. Definitely one of the most disturbing movies I have ever seen. Trevor says it's nothing compared to Hostel, so I'm making a point of checking that one out when it hits the dvd shelves.
Our whole ski group congregated Sunday morning at the parking lot near Mal's place. After some creative packing, we were off in 3 cars toward Snowshoe, West Virginia.
.......8 hours later.......we arrived at what we were hoping to be snow-capped mountains and slopes. Unfortunately, just the slopes were covered, and worse still, it wasn't the "real" snow. Our spirits weren't broken, though, and we proceeded to check-in at the bottom of the mountain. This is where the trip took a turn for the better. Mallory and Alicia, with their amazing powers of persuasion and charm, were able to turn a mistake made by Snowshoe(not making one of the rooms available) into an SUPER sweet deal for us. Mal and Alicia ended up saving everyone about 75$, and they were able to make it where the entire group was housed in one 3 story-condo. Needless to say, at that point we were all very, very, very excited.
We headed up the rest of the mountain pass, checked-in(again), and moved into our freakin' sweet condo. This place was awesome: huge kitchen, plenty of space, too many rooms to count, fireplace, great balcony view of the valley and mountains, 3 bathrooms, and a living room made for Spring Breakers. After we got settled in, we headed to the Village area of the resort to get some grub.
That night was occupied mostly by a game of Catch-Phrase. Basically, it's like Taboo, except a little more mobile in that you pass around a device that displays the word you need to describe. Unfortunately, at a point about midway through the night, my brain had a fatal memory lapse. The Catch-Phrase gizmo came my way, and I was charged with starting the round. I pressed(what I thought to be the "word" button), but in reality, I had pressed the "category" button, so the display of the device read the category of the words that would follow. There is the Sports category, the Around the House category, etc. etc. When I pressed the button it happen to show the category "History Buff," which is, as you guessed it, a category of historical facts and notes. At the instant I see the words pop on the screen, I start describing "History Buff" perfectly, and within mere seconds, my team had correctly guessed it. I then passed the device over to CG, who was on the other team. It didn't take him long to realize that I had read the category instead of the words, and he made that fact known to the whole group. About 2 very very very very long minutes of laughter ensued. Of course, I couldn't help but laugh too, as it was one of the dumbest things I think I have ever done. I can guarantee that most, if not everyone there during that trip, will make sure I remember that deed.
Trevor and I woke up really early on Monday to get a jump-start on the skiing. The only person awake before us was Tyler, who had the day's forecast laid out on the breakfast table, as well as a fresh pot of coffee going. Trevor and I were on the sloaps no later than 9:30. It had been 7 years since I last skiied, but Trevor was very patient to help me rejog the skills Gabi had taught me in Switzerland. After about a half hour, we were bolting down the slopes. Granted, these were Green(as in difficulty, not in color. They made sure there was enough fake powder mixed with the real stuff) slopes, but even Trevor admitted that they were some of the more fun ones he had tried. From that point until 4:30 that afternoon, all we did was ski(with a small lunch in between). It SO kicked ass...
That night we all went to eat at the nice restaurant in the Village, the Bistro. Mal and I splurged, ordering the Filet and Beef Tips Special respectively. Our waitress was also very sociable and fun, which just added to the already great evening.
We returned to the condo to start up a game of Turbo Cranium. We had 3 teams, with Mal, Trevor, and I composing one team. Without going into the details, I'll just say that we had no trouble at all in winning that game. I'm willing to bet that that triumvirate is unbeatable........It will be interesting to see how good Mal and I are come August this year, when we go to the beach with my family. Will/Andrea and Carolyn/Richard are sure to be awesome at Cranium, so we'll definitely have our work cut out for us. You hear that, Caro and Rich? Start brushing up on your Cranium skillz, haha. (If you can't tell, I'm pretty excited about Horne Beach Party 2006...but that's another post for another day)
Tuesday was CONSIDERABLY colder than the day before. Whereas the high on Monday was around 75, the high on Tuesday was closer to 36. Yeh, that's about a 40 degree drop. Yikes. Nevertheless, we were all out at when the slopes opened, and it was another glorious day of snow skiing. I even attemped a dreaded Blue slope in the earlier part of the day. It was very icy, but I managed to go through some moguls without TOO much difficulty. I felt I improved my turning and sharp stopping skills during the second day; I just need to do this ski thing on a more regular(yearly) basis, and I think I can get up to Trevor's skill level in no time, haha.
A myriad of games were played Tuesday night at the condo, and it sucked that the trip had to end. Tyler and I woke up on Wednesday to about a foot of fresh powder that had fallen the night before. We couldn't believe it. The day we leave is the day the best snow comes. Grrr.
We were cleaned up and out of Snowshoe by about 10:30 local time, and we were on our way back to Tennessee and beyond.
So that about sums it up for my Spring Break. Again, head over to Mal's blog for more pics and funny captions.
As for the rest of the break...
Trevor and I saw V for Vendetta at the new Madison theater. AWESOME place to see movies. It's closer to our house, uses digital projection, has huge screens and one MEGA screen for some movies(like the one we saw), and produced some bombastic sound. Absolutely breathtaking movie experience. Can't wait to go back :)
Found out Mike Griffin(aka Administrator of NASA) is coming to MSU a week from tomorrow to speak on "Leadership and Space Exploration." This is part of a new Lectureship Series created by some professors and alumni here at State. It's pretty cool that we get such a bigwig as Mike himself to come. I'm definitely going to attend and here what he has to say. I saw him speak at JSC last fall, but this time promises to be a much less-crowded affair.
Uhm...we kick ass at baseball. The defending SEC Champs(that would be the Mississippi State Bulldogs) are 15-0, the best start in school history. Better than the '85 Palmeiro/Clark/Brantley team even. Kick ASS. We wooped up on some Vols this weekend taking 2 out of 3 before the finale was cancelled today due to rain. Definitely picking up some tickets before this season is over. Omaha-bound, anyone??
School starts tomorrow....bleh.
-H
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Off to the Slopes
TONS of stuff has happened this week...here's a brief recap:
-My hockey team won both our games on Saturday, 18-4 and 14-6. We're rollin.
-Had a Dynamics test on Thursday. OWNED it. Had a Early U.S. History test too later that day, but classes were cancelled after 1:00pm due to the impending super storm, so I got out of that one :)
-We lost our co-ed soccer game on Wednesday. We are playing SO much better, though, and our guys' team is now STACKED. Too bad our guys' game was cancelled due to the super storm on Thursday.
-Trevor, Aaron, and I were recruited at the deadline as Free Agents onto the softball team of BJ's(Trevor's co-worker). Trevor and I are stoked. We wont start playing with them until our soccer season is over, so that will be in a few weeks. I can't wait. I'm) ready to start ballin' on the diamond again(hopefully)...
-Schilling says he is feeling the best he has ever felt in his career(awesome)
-Foulke says he will be ready by opening day. Says he is in the best shape he has been in over 4 years(awesome again)
-My Avs traded the hot as-of-late David Aebischer to the Montreal Canadiens for the 2001-2001 Hart and Vezina Trophy winner Jose Theodore. Normally, I'd be ecstatic about this trade. I mean, Aebischer was a bitchin' goaltender, but Jose Theodore is equally impressive, and he is entering the prime of his career. The part about this trade I hate is that Jose JUST injured is ankle, and he's going to be out for several weeks. That means the Avs have to mind the net with backup goaltender Peter Budaj until the playoffs. Theodore says he will be ready come playoff time, so that's good. He's an experienced goaltender, and that's what we need. But why trade your badass goaltender(Abby) for a guy that just fractured his ankle(Theodore)? My only guess could be that Pierre Lacroix(GM for the Avs) was hoping to make another Patrick Roy trade. Roy was acquired by Colorado from Montreal after he had a falling out with the coaches and management. He in turn led the Avs to two Stanley Cup titles. Theodore is no Roy, but(again) he's entering the prime of his career, and he's been in the playoffs before, so maybe there's promise. He's not in the intense spotlight of Montreal anymore, and that allowed Roy to prosper, so Lacroix might think Colorado will have that same affect on Theodore. Here's to hoping.
-Trevor and I are packed for West Virginia. We leave tomorrow morning around 9am.
-Colin, Eric, and I have purchased our season tickets for the new MLS team in Houston, the Houston Dynamo. We have AWESOME seats. I'll try to post pics of the seats sometime. We've already drafted what games we want, and I've got a few really good ones. I'll post about those as the dates approach.
-I have bought tickets for me and Mal to all 3 games of the Boston/Atlanta series later this year in June. We have(again) some AWESOME seats. We're both really excited. I'm gonna fly in from Houston, while Mal will drive in from Paris. More details as the games get nearer...
-This just in....this summer is going to be awesome.
-Trevor and I officially started our volleyball season today. We went out to the court(which is about 50 yards from our apartment) for two hours today, working on drills and receiving serves from Aaron. Man, what a workout that game gives you! I got a feeling that we're going to be really good. We both saw a dramatic improvement today from when we first hit the ball to the final serve from Aaron that we successfully bump-set-spiked. Trevor and I, for some reason, naturally tend to be pretty good teammates in the sports arena. We're both ready to come back from Spring Break and play Dan and Adam(who have been boasting their vball skillz) in some 2v2 beach volleyball on the court. It's gonna be great. The weather isn't as warm as we want it yet, but it will be there before too long. This summer is going to especially be awesome volleyball weather, as I'll be in Houston. Who knows, maybe I will actually get even darker than last year! No whammies no whammies...
well that about sums this week up. We are headed out early in the morning. I promise great pics of our Spring Break in my next post. Until next time...
-Henry "Downhill Skiing" Horne
-My hockey team won both our games on Saturday, 18-4 and 14-6. We're rollin.
-Had a Dynamics test on Thursday. OWNED it. Had a Early U.S. History test too later that day, but classes were cancelled after 1:00pm due to the impending super storm, so I got out of that one :)
-We lost our co-ed soccer game on Wednesday. We are playing SO much better, though, and our guys' team is now STACKED. Too bad our guys' game was cancelled due to the super storm on Thursday.
-Trevor, Aaron, and I were recruited at the deadline as Free Agents onto the softball team of BJ's(Trevor's co-worker). Trevor and I are stoked. We wont start playing with them until our soccer season is over, so that will be in a few weeks. I can't wait. I'm) ready to start ballin' on the diamond again(hopefully)...
-Schilling says he is feeling the best he has ever felt in his career(awesome)
-Foulke says he will be ready by opening day. Says he is in the best shape he has been in over 4 years(awesome again)
-My Avs traded the hot as-of-late David Aebischer to the Montreal Canadiens for the 2001-2001 Hart and Vezina Trophy winner Jose Theodore. Normally, I'd be ecstatic about this trade. I mean, Aebischer was a bitchin' goaltender, but Jose Theodore is equally impressive, and he is entering the prime of his career. The part about this trade I hate is that Jose JUST injured is ankle, and he's going to be out for several weeks. That means the Avs have to mind the net with backup goaltender Peter Budaj until the playoffs. Theodore says he will be ready come playoff time, so that's good. He's an experienced goaltender, and that's what we need. But why trade your badass goaltender(Abby) for a guy that just fractured his ankle(Theodore)? My only guess could be that Pierre Lacroix(GM for the Avs) was hoping to make another Patrick Roy trade. Roy was acquired by Colorado from Montreal after he had a falling out with the coaches and management. He in turn led the Avs to two Stanley Cup titles. Theodore is no Roy, but(again) he's entering the prime of his career, and he's been in the playoffs before, so maybe there's promise. He's not in the intense spotlight of Montreal anymore, and that allowed Roy to prosper, so Lacroix might think Colorado will have that same affect on Theodore. Here's to hoping.
-Trevor and I are packed for West Virginia. We leave tomorrow morning around 9am.
-Colin, Eric, and I have purchased our season tickets for the new MLS team in Houston, the Houston Dynamo. We have AWESOME seats. I'll try to post pics of the seats sometime. We've already drafted what games we want, and I've got a few really good ones. I'll post about those as the dates approach.
-I have bought tickets for me and Mal to all 3 games of the Boston/Atlanta series later this year in June. We have(again) some AWESOME seats. We're both really excited. I'm gonna fly in from Houston, while Mal will drive in from Paris. More details as the games get nearer...
-This just in....this summer is going to be awesome.
-Trevor and I officially started our volleyball season today. We went out to the court(which is about 50 yards from our apartment) for two hours today, working on drills and receiving serves from Aaron. Man, what a workout that game gives you! I got a feeling that we're going to be really good. We both saw a dramatic improvement today from when we first hit the ball to the final serve from Aaron that we successfully bump-set-spiked. Trevor and I, for some reason, naturally tend to be pretty good teammates in the sports arena. We're both ready to come back from Spring Break and play Dan and Adam(who have been boasting their vball skillz) in some 2v2 beach volleyball on the court. It's gonna be great. The weather isn't as warm as we want it yet, but it will be there before too long. This summer is going to especially be awesome volleyball weather, as I'll be in Houston. Who knows, maybe I will actually get even darker than last year! No whammies no whammies...
well that about sums this week up. We are headed out early in the morning. I promise great pics of our Spring Break in my next post. Until next time...
-Henry "Downhill Skiing" Horne
Saturday, March 04, 2006
So Close...
Not sure why I haven't posted any this week. It was almost completely uneventful, so I'm assuming that that makes me lazy?
We lost our hockey game Tuesday 7-6 in overtime, and it was ALL my fault. I was too aggressive on a player coming in on the left face-off circle. I was certain he was going to have a breakaway if left unchallenged(and he would have certainly scored; he's good), so I went too far from the crease. He effortlessly put it over my left shoulder. It sucks because we were having a great game and playing really well. We're still have a solid group of guys, and I like our chances heading in the 2nd half of the season and playoffs.
Our intramural soccer team has come alive. I was unable to play on our co-ed team on Wednesday; I was definitely not feeling good that day due to a lack of sleep and headaches the night before. I was ready to go for our men's team on Thursday night though. I don't know what it was, but we started hitting our passes, started talking, and started scoring. Dan had two goals including a bitchin' header off a set piece, and Kyle had 2 as well. It was a pretty lame game for me; I don't even think they had a shot on goal the entire time. We ended up winning 5-0. We celebrated by going out to Chili's afterwards.
Last night was basically a party at Aaron's all night with the Splendid Chaos concert in between. After the concert, the guys brought back about 11 people that we didn't even know, haha. They were all relatively cool, though, so it wasn't too awkward.
Today Trevor, Dan, Aaron, Reggie, and I went out to the public soccer fields to kick the ball around. We got some good practice end and came up with some great ideas for more set pieces and corner kicks.
I got a dvd in the mail today that we've been waiting on for about a week. It's the movie The Wizard. Being video game nerds, this movie is one all of the guys remember from their childhoods. It's basically a 90 minute commercial for Nintendo products...seriously. We haven't watched it since I got it, but we are all pretty sure it has the same bad acting it had in the 80s. It's hard to find on VHS, let alone on dvd. That's because it DOESN'T exist on dvd; the guy I bought it from on ebay copied the movie from vhs to dvd, which I thought was cool. We're all going to Aaron's tonight to watch the movie. Should be fun.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow. My parents are coming to Starkville to attend this fund-raising breakfast at the Episcopal Church here; the fund-raising has something to do with the Gray Center, so naturally that's why my parents are attending. While they are here, they are also going to switch cars with me, as we need the van to transport people on the ski trip in a week. Mom and Dad are also going to get to see me play some hockey as well, which is great. They haven't seen me in a game in a loooooong time(remember, I was gone for a year). I'm sure we'll eat lunch in between all this madness tomorrow too.
Speaking of skiing......uhm, yeh, I'm exicted. In one week will be on the snow-laden peaks having a freakin' blast. Two tests stand in my way next week, however. My professors just had to make it difficult didn't they?
We lost our hockey game Tuesday 7-6 in overtime, and it was ALL my fault. I was too aggressive on a player coming in on the left face-off circle. I was certain he was going to have a breakaway if left unchallenged(and he would have certainly scored; he's good), so I went too far from the crease. He effortlessly put it over my left shoulder. It sucks because we were having a great game and playing really well. We're still have a solid group of guys, and I like our chances heading in the 2nd half of the season and playoffs.
Our intramural soccer team has come alive. I was unable to play on our co-ed team on Wednesday; I was definitely not feeling good that day due to a lack of sleep and headaches the night before. I was ready to go for our men's team on Thursday night though. I don't know what it was, but we started hitting our passes, started talking, and started scoring. Dan had two goals including a bitchin' header off a set piece, and Kyle had 2 as well. It was a pretty lame game for me; I don't even think they had a shot on goal the entire time. We ended up winning 5-0. We celebrated by going out to Chili's afterwards.
Last night was basically a party at Aaron's all night with the Splendid Chaos concert in between. After the concert, the guys brought back about 11 people that we didn't even know, haha. They were all relatively cool, though, so it wasn't too awkward.
Today Trevor, Dan, Aaron, Reggie, and I went out to the public soccer fields to kick the ball around. We got some good practice end and came up with some great ideas for more set pieces and corner kicks.
I got a dvd in the mail today that we've been waiting on for about a week. It's the movie The Wizard. Being video game nerds, this movie is one all of the guys remember from their childhoods. It's basically a 90 minute commercial for Nintendo products...seriously. We haven't watched it since I got it, but we are all pretty sure it has the same bad acting it had in the 80s. It's hard to find on VHS, let alone on dvd. That's because it DOESN'T exist on dvd; the guy I bought it from on ebay copied the movie from vhs to dvd, which I thought was cool. We're all going to Aaron's tonight to watch the movie. Should be fun.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow. My parents are coming to Starkville to attend this fund-raising breakfast at the Episcopal Church here; the fund-raising has something to do with the Gray Center, so naturally that's why my parents are attending. While they are here, they are also going to switch cars with me, as we need the van to transport people on the ski trip in a week. Mom and Dad are also going to get to see me play some hockey as well, which is great. They haven't seen me in a game in a loooooong time(remember, I was gone for a year). I'm sure we'll eat lunch in between all this madness tomorrow too.
Speaking of skiing......uhm, yeh, I'm exicted. In one week will be on the snow-laden peaks having a freakin' blast. Two tests stand in my way next week, however. My professors just had to make it difficult didn't they?
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Gearin' Up
Trevor and I took a day trip to Jackson on Saturday to get some gear for our ski trip over spring break. We first met out parents for lunch at Amerigos, an excellent Italian restaurant. After grub, it was time to get shopping. Mrs. Joyce knew of this ski store right beside Indian Cycle, and it did not disappoint. I eyed a red ski jacket right as we came in, and I was sure that was what I wanted. Unfortunately, it was a size too small, and I had to find another one. At the end of our stay at the store, I procured a nice ski jacket, another pair of ski pants, several pairs of thermal socks, and ski gloves. From Trevor's past ski expeditions he had an extra pair of Smith goggles, so I lucked out with those. Plain and simple, Trevor and I are ready to get skiing.
stylin for the slopes...
In not so good news, my team had to forfeit our hockey game today; we did not have enough players show up. Above all else, I hate losing, but forfeiting a game could actually be a worse feeling. These guys made a commitment when they paid their dues before the season. You can't just "not show up." It really bummed me out today that so many of my teammates didn't show. It's just very disappointing. I did find solace in the fact that my game's forfeit made it possible for me to attend our group's Mexican night(we eat at El Sombrero every Sunday). I rarely get to join the guys on Mexican night due to my hockey schedule, so it was fun to go today.
This week should be pretty easy going. A co-worker of Trevor's has approached him in regards to recruiting teammates for a softball team. I am not sure if this is intramural or not, but I think it would be fun as hell to get a softball team going for intramurals(or any other league). Trevor and I were actually talking about it a few days prior to his coworker's inquiry. I am a baseball nut, and I absolutely love playing the game and thinking the game. Most people don't realize that I played baseball my entire life and even one year into high school. I had to give up baseball to play soccer in Paris, as their seasons coincided, and I was upset with making the decision. I have been longing for a return to the diamond. Granted, intramural softball is kinda limiting(no stealing), but I still think it will be a blast. Even if we don't join Trevor's coworker's team, we are definitely joining the softball forray in the fall, just in time for the Fall Classic :)
-H
This week should be pretty easy going. A co-worker of Trevor's has approached him in regards to recruiting teammates for a softball team. I am not sure if this is intramural or not, but I think it would be fun as hell to get a softball team going for intramurals(or any other league). Trevor and I were actually talking about it a few days prior to his coworker's inquiry. I am a baseball nut, and I absolutely love playing the game and thinking the game. Most people don't realize that I played baseball my entire life and even one year into high school. I had to give up baseball to play soccer in Paris, as their seasons coincided, and I was upset with making the decision. I have been longing for a return to the diamond. Granted, intramural softball is kinda limiting(no stealing), but I still think it will be a blast. Even if we don't join Trevor's coworker's team, we are definitely joining the softball forray in the fall, just in time for the Fall Classic :)
-H
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Craziness
Whew. I have just now recovered from that crazy week of stuff I told you about last week. All kinds of thing went on, but I'll try to give you the concise version...
Sunday I had 2 hockey games. One was at 3pm, and the other was at 7pm. Somehow, someway, despite our fatigue, we managed to get 2 wins that day.
Monday was spent studying, studying, studying for all my exams and quizzes happening that week.
Tuesday I had my first Dynamics test. I love how my professor pulled these problems WAY out of her ass. I swear, coming into the test, I felt I knew this stuff cold. Then, she gives us those 5 hellacious problems. After yelling expletives in my head upon receiving the exam, I slowed down, took a look at everything, and went to work. I actually felt pretty good about the test after I turned it in. My proff said she'd have them graded and posted online by Saturday afternoon, but no...they weren't. At this moment, she has YET to give us our grades...grrr. I have heard that she is sometimes scatter-brained, so maybe that's the problem
Tuesday night I had yet another hockey game. It was a personal best for me for the season that night, and my team played well offensively too. All-around a great game for the Predators. We are now in first place, baby :)
Wednesday I had physics class and my lab. The rest of the time was spent studying some more and packing for Chattanooga. Wednesday night was our first soccer game for our co-ed team. We lost 5-0. Not cool.
Thursday was my 3rd Mechanics of Materials quiz. I didn't have time to finish it because the last part was solving 3 equations with 3 unknowns, which is a bitch on paper. Dr. Sullivan saw what I was working towards, however, and I still got a sweet grade on the quiz anyway. Later that afternoon was my Early U.S. History test; I'm rather confident I smoked it. I'll see the grade tomorrow.
Thursday night was our first soccer game(mens), and we played this team called DeVille. See, all these guys have been playing soccer together in Starkville since conception, and they all(for some reason) decided not to leave Starkville after high school. They all opted to attend Mississippi State and never leave their hometown; the only reason for this I can think of is that they just wanted to own in intramural soccer. And they do...or did...or something like that. We lost by way too much, and we didn't score any either. That's pretty much all you need to know. Thursday night I was up until the wee hours studying for Physics and packing for Chattanooga.
Friday rolled around(thank God!), and I woke up extra early to finish packing and get some last problems worked. I took the Physics III exam at 11:00 am, and I was outta there by 11:30. I smoked it. The only things I missed were teeny tiny errors. I have the concepts down pat.
Around noon I headed to Chattanooga. I rolled in to Chatt-town around 5:30 local time, and Mal and I headed to dinner shortly thereafter. We at the Acropolis, a nice Greek restaurant near the mall. Afterwards, we tried to get some shopping in. I needed a new dress shirt for the weekend, and I was able to find one(and it was on sale!).
Saturday, Mal took the practice GRE, and when she returned around noon, we went to eat at Sticky Fingers with Alicia. While there, I got to meet Graf, a guy that will be going with us skiing on Spring Break. He seemed to be pretty cool, and I think we'll get along well.
Saturday night Mal and I had planned to go eat somewhere nice. I tried to find the poshest restaurant in Chattanooga, and I think we got pretty close. We tried our Porter's Steakhouse. It was fabulous. Mal had the pepperloin, and I tried the filet mignon. We also dabbled into this apple cobbler-like dessert too. If I had been 21, we would have also tried to their wine selection, haha. We like to go all-out sometimes at nice restaurants, so OF COURSE we had to look our best:
After dinner, we rented what we thought would be a good movie: The Legend of Zorro. BZZZ! WRONG. Terrible terrible movie. We had fun making fun of it anyways.
Sunday night Mal and I flexed our intellectual muscles in a game of Turbo Cranium against her friends and roomates. Needless to say, we owned the playing field. I swear, Mal is probably the best person in the world at drawing accurate pictures with her eyes close. Seriously. She does better than I do when my eyes are open!
After the huge win, we went to get another movie to watch. This time it was The Cave. We were hoping to get at least a little scare, but again, we chose poorly. I know I know. We should have known. Oh well. We did have fun making fun of this movie too, so it wasn't all bad.
Monday morning, Mal had class, so I slept in until shortly before noon. I got showered and met Mal and her friends in the UC for lunch. I headed back to Starkville right after lunch. I had a blast in Chattanooga(as I usually do); I just with the weekends had about 4 days in them instead of 2. It just flies by too quickly. I really can't wait for spring break :)
Yesterday I had my first Mechanics of Materials quiz. I felt pretty decent about it, but we'll have to see tomorrow how I did. No whammies no whammies.
Whew. And that's it. I told you it was a crazy week.
I'm out.
-H
Sunday I had 2 hockey games. One was at 3pm, and the other was at 7pm. Somehow, someway, despite our fatigue, we managed to get 2 wins that day.
Monday was spent studying, studying, studying for all my exams and quizzes happening that week.
Tuesday I had my first Dynamics test. I love how my professor pulled these problems WAY out of her ass. I swear, coming into the test, I felt I knew this stuff cold. Then, she gives us those 5 hellacious problems. After yelling expletives in my head upon receiving the exam, I slowed down, took a look at everything, and went to work. I actually felt pretty good about the test after I turned it in. My proff said she'd have them graded and posted online by Saturday afternoon, but no...they weren't. At this moment, she has YET to give us our grades...grrr. I have heard that she is sometimes scatter-brained, so maybe that's the problem
Tuesday night I had yet another hockey game. It was a personal best for me for the season that night, and my team played well offensively too. All-around a great game for the Predators. We are now in first place, baby :)
Wednesday I had physics class and my lab. The rest of the time was spent studying some more and packing for Chattanooga. Wednesday night was our first soccer game for our co-ed team. We lost 5-0. Not cool.
Thursday was my 3rd Mechanics of Materials quiz. I didn't have time to finish it because the last part was solving 3 equations with 3 unknowns, which is a bitch on paper. Dr. Sullivan saw what I was working towards, however, and I still got a sweet grade on the quiz anyway. Later that afternoon was my Early U.S. History test; I'm rather confident I smoked it. I'll see the grade tomorrow.
Thursday night was our first soccer game(mens), and we played this team called DeVille. See, all these guys have been playing soccer together in Starkville since conception, and they all(for some reason) decided not to leave Starkville after high school. They all opted to attend Mississippi State and never leave their hometown; the only reason for this I can think of is that they just wanted to own in intramural soccer. And they do...or did...or something like that. We lost by way too much, and we didn't score any either. That's pretty much all you need to know. Thursday night I was up until the wee hours studying for Physics and packing for Chattanooga.
Friday rolled around(thank God!), and I woke up extra early to finish packing and get some last problems worked. I took the Physics III exam at 11:00 am, and I was outta there by 11:30. I smoked it. The only things I missed were teeny tiny errors. I have the concepts down pat.
Around noon I headed to Chattanooga. I rolled in to Chatt-town around 5:30 local time, and Mal and I headed to dinner shortly thereafter. We at the Acropolis, a nice Greek restaurant near the mall. Afterwards, we tried to get some shopping in. I needed a new dress shirt for the weekend, and I was able to find one(and it was on sale!).
Saturday, Mal took the practice GRE, and when she returned around noon, we went to eat at Sticky Fingers with Alicia. While there, I got to meet Graf, a guy that will be going with us skiing on Spring Break. He seemed to be pretty cool, and I think we'll get along well.
Saturday night Mal and I had planned to go eat somewhere nice. I tried to find the poshest restaurant in Chattanooga, and I think we got pretty close. We tried our Porter's Steakhouse. It was fabulous. Mal had the pepperloin, and I tried the filet mignon. We also dabbled into this apple cobbler-like dessert too. If I had been 21, we would have also tried to their wine selection, haha. We like to go all-out sometimes at nice restaurants, so OF COURSE we had to look our best:
we could have hosted Fashion File or something
After dinner, we rented what we thought would be a good movie: The Legend of Zorro. BZZZ! WRONG. Terrible terrible movie. We had fun making fun of it anyways.
Sunday night Mal and I flexed our intellectual muscles in a game of Turbo Cranium against her friends and roomates. Needless to say, we owned the playing field. I swear, Mal is probably the best person in the world at drawing accurate pictures with her eyes close. Seriously. She does better than I do when my eyes are open!
After the huge win, we went to get another movie to watch. This time it was The Cave. We were hoping to get at least a little scare, but again, we chose poorly. I know I know. We should have known. Oh well. We did have fun making fun of this movie too, so it wasn't all bad.
Monday morning, Mal had class, so I slept in until shortly before noon. I got showered and met Mal and her friends in the UC for lunch. I headed back to Starkville right after lunch. I had a blast in Chattanooga(as I usually do); I just with the weekends had about 4 days in them instead of 2. It just flies by too quickly. I really can't wait for spring break :)
Yesterday I had my first Mechanics of Materials quiz. I felt pretty decent about it, but we'll have to see tomorrow how I did. No whammies no whammies.
Whew. And that's it. I told you it was a crazy week.
I'm out.
-H
Monday, February 13, 2006
A Dog's Love
I think it is safe to say that many times we forget that animals are living, breathing creatures, and that they, especially dogs, grow attached and more than likely develop a sincere bond of love with their masters or caretakers. That attachment is no more readily apparent than with my own two dogs, Greta and Grace, or should I say, my Mom's two dogs. My brother-in-law had G&G for several years since their birth, and when they first met my mom in summer of 2003, they had no clue who she was; they still followed Richard on a whim and were with him every day all day. Slowly, as my mom began to care for them and be their "Nana," as my mom calls herself in relation to the dogs, G&G started to develop that bond that they had created between them and Richard. Now, whenever you visit my house, you will notice that my(or mom's) dogs follow my mom's every footstep. They react to her voice. They react to her movement. When she's upset, they are quiet and somber; when she is lively, they are verbose(with yelps and barks). When mom sits down in the living room chair, they are usually within mere inches of her feet. If mom is walking to the kitchen, they look at each other, decide that she isn't coming back, and begin to follow her right on her heels.
The point of this isn't to show how obedient and cute my dogs are(although they are every bit of those two adjectives). Rather, it was to show that that love bond between master(Nana) and dog is as real as the computer on which you are reading this post.
That bond exists between my family and our dogs, and it definitely existed between Trevor and his dog Holmes, who unfortunately had to be put to sleep this past weekend due to increasing eye problems and renal failure that occured over just the past few days. Jay-Jay, Trevor's other dog, experienced the same problems before he eventually had to be put to sleep months later(last year). Trevor and his family agreed that they didn't want to put Holmes through that much pain if she didn't have to experience it. The decision was hard for the Acy's, and I am sure it was especially hard for Trevor.
I was friends with Trevor in Grenada when he found Holmes. She was evidently beaten her whole life(at that point, about 2 or 3 years), her body was emaciated, and she was very thirsty and hungry. Trevor took in the dog, who looked to have some pitbull in her, and within a year, Holmes was jumping in Trevor's backyard and loving her new life with him. I can say that I too grew very attached to the dog, and every time I visited Trevor's house, be it in Grenada or Madison, I always made a point to play with Holmes or sit beside her on the floor while we watched tv. She could easily bring a smile to the face of anyone at anytime on any day.
Trevor and his family drove up to Greenwood this weekend to bury Holmes right beside Jay-Jay.
Sometimes we forget that our animals will eventually die, and chances are good that we will outlive the pets we have. It pains me just writing this post. Holmes was a central part of the Acy household, and the Acys are almost an extension of my family, so it is as if one of my own dogs has passed away. Holmes will be greatly missed.
Yet, somehow, someway, be it by coincidence, or what I believe to be the Big Man up there hard at work, there is a silver lining to this somber set of circumstances. I warn you beforehand, though, that it is very graphic to begin with...
Trevor's step-grandfather's son(stay with me) was driving along a backroad highway last week, and he ended up behind a moderately moving truck. Before too long, Trevor's step-grandfather's son(we'll just call him Ben, as I have forgotten his true name) sees something thrown out of the cabin of the truck as the truck is going along the road. Upon quick inspection, Ben realizes that a SMALL DOG was just THROWN FROM THE TRUCK. Now, Ben(as well as I, or any other human person) would have followed the trucker until he stopped, gotten out of his vehicle, walked over to the man, and beat the SHIT out of him. Fortunately for us, though, Ben knew that the rescue of the dog was more important in the immediate timeframe. He stopped his vehicle near where the dog was thrown, found him, picked him up, and got his wounds taken care of at the vet. Thankfully, a broken leg was all that the dog suffered. It could have been much worse.
The dog, named Jill by Trevor's relatives, is now doing the normal things puppies should be doing. Trevor's mom was able to snap some shots of the dog...
Keeping this dog theme going(again, it is interesting that these events all took place now), the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is starting tomorrow! Yes, that's right; it is two days of some beautiful dogs strutting their stuff in Madison Square Gardens. I can't wait. Mom and I will again be cheering for the Bernese Mountain Dog. Unfortunately, I have a game on Tuesday night, so I will miss the 2nd night of the show, but I will be able to see my favorite breeds on Monday.
and with that, I bid you all a good night.
-H
The point of this isn't to show how obedient and cute my dogs are(although they are every bit of those two adjectives). Rather, it was to show that that love bond between master(Nana) and dog is as real as the computer on which you are reading this post.
That bond exists between my family and our dogs, and it definitely existed between Trevor and his dog Holmes, who unfortunately had to be put to sleep this past weekend due to increasing eye problems and renal failure that occured over just the past few days. Jay-Jay, Trevor's other dog, experienced the same problems before he eventually had to be put to sleep months later(last year). Trevor and his family agreed that they didn't want to put Holmes through that much pain if she didn't have to experience it. The decision was hard for the Acy's, and I am sure it was especially hard for Trevor.
I was friends with Trevor in Grenada when he found Holmes. She was evidently beaten her whole life(at that point, about 2 or 3 years), her body was emaciated, and she was very thirsty and hungry. Trevor took in the dog, who looked to have some pitbull in her, and within a year, Holmes was jumping in Trevor's backyard and loving her new life with him. I can say that I too grew very attached to the dog, and every time I visited Trevor's house, be it in Grenada or Madison, I always made a point to play with Holmes or sit beside her on the floor while we watched tv. She could easily bring a smile to the face of anyone at anytime on any day.
Trevor and his family drove up to Greenwood this weekend to bury Holmes right beside Jay-Jay.
Sometimes we forget that our animals will eventually die, and chances are good that we will outlive the pets we have. It pains me just writing this post. Holmes was a central part of the Acy household, and the Acys are almost an extension of my family, so it is as if one of my own dogs has passed away. Holmes will be greatly missed.
You could not help but love this dog.
Yet, somehow, someway, be it by coincidence, or what I believe to be the Big Man up there hard at work, there is a silver lining to this somber set of circumstances. I warn you beforehand, though, that it is very graphic to begin with...
Trevor's step-grandfather's son(stay with me) was driving along a backroad highway last week, and he ended up behind a moderately moving truck. Before too long, Trevor's step-grandfather's son(we'll just call him Ben, as I have forgotten his true name) sees something thrown out of the cabin of the truck as the truck is going along the road. Upon quick inspection, Ben realizes that a SMALL DOG was just THROWN FROM THE TRUCK. Now, Ben(as well as I, or any other human person) would have followed the trucker until he stopped, gotten out of his vehicle, walked over to the man, and beat the SHIT out of him. Fortunately for us, though, Ben knew that the rescue of the dog was more important in the immediate timeframe. He stopped his vehicle near where the dog was thrown, found him, picked him up, and got his wounds taken care of at the vet. Thankfully, a broken leg was all that the dog suffered. It could have been much worse.
The dog, named Jill by Trevor's relatives, is now doing the normal things puppies should be doing. Trevor's mom was able to snap some shots of the dog...
Isn't she CUTE?!! Notice the cast on her back foot due to her broken leg.
I do believe she has some Bernese Mountain Dog in her.
Come on!! She just begs to be held!!
There is a good chance that Trevor and the Acys may end up taking this dog into their own care. It's not a guaranteed thing, but it is a definite possibility. It turns out that the end of one dog's life may very well have been balanced the rescue and subsequent survival of another.Keeping this dog theme going(again, it is interesting that these events all took place now), the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is starting tomorrow! Yes, that's right; it is two days of some beautiful dogs strutting their stuff in Madison Square Gardens. I can't wait. Mom and I will again be cheering for the Bernese Mountain Dog. Unfortunately, I have a game on Tuesday night, so I will miss the 2nd night of the show, but I will be able to see my favorite breeds on Monday.
and with that, I bid you all a good night.
-H
Sunday, February 12, 2006
You hear that? It's a busy week getting closer...
This weekend pretty much kicked ass, but the fun was only temporary, as this upcoming week is sure to be one of the craziest.
Thursday night got things of to a pretty entertaining start. Around 10pm that evening, the whole gang headed over to Polliwogs, and we stayed there until closing time, which is around 12:30 on weeknights. We pretty much just sat around, but there were some random points of dart-throwing, although I mainly just watched; the dartboard was the plastic kind, so it wasn't that impressive. I will have to say that Polliwogs is about twice as smokey as Dave's, and that's really saying something. My eyes were burning like hell as we walked out...
Friday night Aaron, Reggie, Adam Wandler, and I headed to Tuscaloosa at around 7pm. The weather was terrible, and add that to the fact that Wandler can't drive on the road in the rain without a car in front of him, it took us almost 2 hours to get to Tuscaloosa. After navigating through the high waters in T-town, we finally arrive at Adam's good friend Andy's house, who also became good friends with my group of guys over the past year. I barely knew Andy, and I didn't know anyone else at all beyond him, so I didn't know what to expect that night. Thankfully, Andy was cool as hell, and so were his friends. I mean, how could you not have fun at a house where there are multiple Houndstooth hats floating around all night?(that's a UA reference for those of you not in tune with college football history). I met several people that have the same major as I do(they attend UA), and they all turned out to be some really cool people to know. At its peak, the party had about 45 people in the house at one time...yeh, it was THAT nuts. I am definitely going back to T-town with the guys the next chance I get.
Aaron had to work at 2pm today, so we left around noon from Tuscaloosa. I vegged the rest of the day, and we went to Peppers for dinner tonight. After that, we retreated back to Aaron's crib to watch the final 4 episodes of the Arrested Devlopment series, which aired last night(while we were at the party). Reggie recorded the shows on a vcr tape(we need a damn DVR), so the shows were ready for viewing tonight. It goes without saying that those last episodes were HILARIOUS. Please, if you haven't already, go pick up the first 2 seasons on dvd. Better yet, if you would like to pick those up for ME, that would be swell as well :). Oh, and word has it that SHOWTIME is going to pick up the series. That's great on one hand, but on the other it's not because we dont have SHOWTIME :(....I'll try to figure that problem out...
This week coming up is gonna be wild. Tomorrrow, I have TWO hockey games; one is at 3pm, and the other is at 7pm. Why we have a double header I don't know. I also have a game on Tuesday night. It's going to be tough on the body. School-wise, I have a Dynamics exam on Tuesday, a U.S. History exam on Thursday, a Mechanics of Materials quiz that day as well, and a Physics III exam on Friday. As you would expect of an engineer, I feel pretty confident with everything except U.S. History; I have ALL these terms to know and discuss. Bleh. Thankfully it's not Tunisian History or something(no offense to readers from Tunisia!).......continuing the craziness, intramural soccer starts this week; we have a game on Wednesday and Thursday. We haven't practiced once yet this semester, so we'll try to squeeze that in somewhere this week too.........oh, and the craziness doesn't stop. The upcoming weekend will give me something to look forward to(thank God!!); I am leaving for Chattanooga right after my Physics exam on Friday. I would like to actually wear something NEW for my stay up there, but I simply don't have time this week to get anything in Columbus. Maybe I'll get something while I am up there? I am in dire need of additions to my wardrobe, and I am sure the Chattanooga crew is wondering if I ever wear any other clothes, haha. My car also needs an oil change, so that will need to be done at SOME free point in my week.
There you have it. Crazy-fun week #1 is nigh...
Random thought...I have no clue, but I have been addicted to R.E.M. the past few days. I am trying to assemble a TVBO(the very best of...) cd right now. Again, no idea why they are in my head, just are. Go figure...
I am going to get some things arranged in my apartment, then I'm headed to bed. I need all the rest I can get for tomorrow...
-Henry
Thursday night got things of to a pretty entertaining start. Around 10pm that evening, the whole gang headed over to Polliwogs, and we stayed there until closing time, which is around 12:30 on weeknights. We pretty much just sat around, but there were some random points of dart-throwing, although I mainly just watched; the dartboard was the plastic kind, so it wasn't that impressive. I will have to say that Polliwogs is about twice as smokey as Dave's, and that's really saying something. My eyes were burning like hell as we walked out...
Friday night Aaron, Reggie, Adam Wandler, and I headed to Tuscaloosa at around 7pm. The weather was terrible, and add that to the fact that Wandler can't drive on the road in the rain without a car in front of him, it took us almost 2 hours to get to Tuscaloosa. After navigating through the high waters in T-town, we finally arrive at Adam's good friend Andy's house, who also became good friends with my group of guys over the past year. I barely knew Andy, and I didn't know anyone else at all beyond him, so I didn't know what to expect that night. Thankfully, Andy was cool as hell, and so were his friends. I mean, how could you not have fun at a house where there are multiple Houndstooth hats floating around all night?(that's a UA reference for those of you not in tune with college football history). I met several people that have the same major as I do(they attend UA), and they all turned out to be some really cool people to know. At its peak, the party had about 45 people in the house at one time...yeh, it was THAT nuts. I am definitely going back to T-town with the guys the next chance I get.
Aaron had to work at 2pm today, so we left around noon from Tuscaloosa. I vegged the rest of the day, and we went to Peppers for dinner tonight. After that, we retreated back to Aaron's crib to watch the final 4 episodes of the Arrested Devlopment series, which aired last night(while we were at the party). Reggie recorded the shows on a vcr tape(we need a damn DVR), so the shows were ready for viewing tonight. It goes without saying that those last episodes were HILARIOUS. Please, if you haven't already, go pick up the first 2 seasons on dvd. Better yet, if you would like to pick those up for ME, that would be swell as well :). Oh, and word has it that SHOWTIME is going to pick up the series. That's great on one hand, but on the other it's not because we dont have SHOWTIME :(....I'll try to figure that problem out...
This week coming up is gonna be wild. Tomorrrow, I have TWO hockey games; one is at 3pm, and the other is at 7pm. Why we have a double header I don't know. I also have a game on Tuesday night. It's going to be tough on the body. School-wise, I have a Dynamics exam on Tuesday, a U.S. History exam on Thursday, a Mechanics of Materials quiz that day as well, and a Physics III exam on Friday. As you would expect of an engineer, I feel pretty confident with everything except U.S. History; I have ALL these terms to know and discuss. Bleh. Thankfully it's not Tunisian History or something(no offense to readers from Tunisia!).......continuing the craziness, intramural soccer starts this week; we have a game on Wednesday and Thursday. We haven't practiced once yet this semester, so we'll try to squeeze that in somewhere this week too.........oh, and the craziness doesn't stop. The upcoming weekend will give me something to look forward to(thank God!!); I am leaving for Chattanooga right after my Physics exam on Friday. I would like to actually wear something NEW for my stay up there, but I simply don't have time this week to get anything in Columbus. Maybe I'll get something while I am up there? I am in dire need of additions to my wardrobe, and I am sure the Chattanooga crew is wondering if I ever wear any other clothes, haha. My car also needs an oil change, so that will need to be done at SOME free point in my week.
There you have it. Crazy-fun week #1 is nigh...
Random thought...I have no clue, but I have been addicted to R.E.M. the past few days. I am trying to assemble a TVBO(the very best of...) cd right now. Again, no idea why they are in my head, just are. Go figure...
I am going to get some things arranged in my apartment, then I'm headed to bed. I need all the rest I can get for tomorrow...
-Henry
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
7-6
Arrrrrrgh...I hate losing close games because it usually means that I am the one that could have changed the outcome. True, I could have definitely have played better, but oh well. We play those foes several more times this season. It was a great game, and for the unusually large crowd that was there tonight, it was an especially good game to watch. It's all about the fans, after all(at least that's what the NHL "says")...
I would be a terrible person if I didn't say HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY REGGIE!!! Yup, that's right. The friend I have known the longest finally passed that magical barrier today. I was swamped with my schedule and early hockey game, so I was unable to celebrate at Applebee's with him and Trevor this afternoon. He had 2 Sam Adams with his lunch; I'm so proud*tear*. Aaron turned 21 a month ago, Reggie turned today, and Adam Brown turns the two-one next week. It definitely feels like eternity until June 11....
I was doing some deep thinking during my Early U.S. History class today, and this is what I came up with: be it either by coincidence or on purpose, but ALL of the Horne children's names are prominent names of kings and queens in world history. Just do a Wikipedia search or a Google search. You'll see what I mean. William, Caroline, John, Henry, Richard....all of them. I wonder if the Horne parents knew what they were doing....hmmmmmm....
Wandler has persuaded me to go with them(he, Aaron, Reggie) to Tuscaloosa to their friends' party this Friday night. I don't have to drive, and I don't have to pay for any of the gas. Why WOULDN'T I go?! Besides, the Tuscaloosa gang is cool as hell, so it'll be good to see them again(they were here for my Welcome-Back party). We're returning on Saturday, so I'll still have time to do the things I was originally planning on doing this weekend...
well, I have to get up relatively early tomorrow. Richard Wright(SIHL president) and I have a weekly breakfast at The City Bagel, a tradition started by Richard, Richard Sewell, and I many moons ago. Each week this year we have had a progressively larger group of hockey players show up, so hopefully it will keep up. Plus, I get to play with Brennan, Richard's 1.3 year old baby. This kid is awesome, and he's definitely going to be a hockey player. He'll be amost 4 when I leave Starkville, so maybe if he sees me on a constant basis, he'll remember me at some point when he gets into the NHL. That's the plan anyway, haha...
-Henry
I would be a terrible person if I didn't say HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY REGGIE!!! Yup, that's right. The friend I have known the longest finally passed that magical barrier today. I was swamped with my schedule and early hockey game, so I was unable to celebrate at Applebee's with him and Trevor this afternoon. He had 2 Sam Adams with his lunch; I'm so proud*tear*. Aaron turned 21 a month ago, Reggie turned today, and Adam Brown turns the two-one next week. It definitely feels like eternity until June 11....
I was doing some deep thinking during my Early U.S. History class today, and this is what I came up with: be it either by coincidence or on purpose, but ALL of the Horne children's names are prominent names of kings and queens in world history. Just do a Wikipedia search or a Google search. You'll see what I mean. William, Caroline, John, Henry, Richard....all of them. I wonder if the Horne parents knew what they were doing....hmmmmmm....
Wandler has persuaded me to go with them(he, Aaron, Reggie) to Tuscaloosa to their friends' party this Friday night. I don't have to drive, and I don't have to pay for any of the gas. Why WOULDN'T I go?! Besides, the Tuscaloosa gang is cool as hell, so it'll be good to see them again(they were here for my Welcome-Back party). We're returning on Saturday, so I'll still have time to do the things I was originally planning on doing this weekend...
well, I have to get up relatively early tomorrow. Richard Wright(SIHL president) and I have a weekly breakfast at The City Bagel, a tradition started by Richard, Richard Sewell, and I many moons ago. Each week this year we have had a progressively larger group of hockey players show up, so hopefully it will keep up. Plus, I get to play with Brennan, Richard's 1.3 year old baby. This kid is awesome, and he's definitely going to be a hockey player. He'll be amost 4 when I leave Starkville, so maybe if he sees me on a constant basis, he'll remember me at some point when he gets into the NHL. That's the plan anyway, haha...
-Henry
Sunday, February 05, 2006
yes, I am a nerd.....sometimes
Well, this weekend was fun.
Friday was a marvelous occasion. The Onkyo HT-S780 7.1 surround sound system is installed!!! Ladies and gentlemen, you have GOT to visit my apartment at least once in your lifetime. This thing is unbelievable. I will not go into all the details, because that would be boring. Just know that since about 3am Friday night, we've been playing video games(well, just one) and watching movies on it like crazy. It's so so so so awesome. Come check it out.
time for a nerd moment:
Friday was also a big deal because we(Dan, Adam, Adam, Grant, Robert, Reggie, 2 other guys, and I) finally beat what many considered to be one of the hardest video games of all time: Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts for the Super Nintendo. We've been trying since this summer(when I acquired the game); Dan and I were up until 5am one night trying to beat it. We can get to the end easily; that isn't the hard part. What IS difficult is the final boss, and well, it just annoys the hell out of ya. When Reggie and I arrived at Dan's on Friday night(around 7), Dan had already gotten to the end(the easy party) but having hard times with the boss(the hard part). After several grueling hours, I came away victorious. We took pictures of the credits because this is a VERY rare occurence...once I have those pictures I will post them to prove to you that we beat the game(and that I'm a geek sometimes...)
Saturday rocked as well. After a day of(again) more fun with the Onkyo, the whole gang headed to dan's for a pre-Dave's warmup. After about two hours, we all headed to Dave's to see Young Agent Jones play. Man, these guys ROCKED. I'm working on burning their cds as we speak. I love these guys. Plus, we were at Dave's, so that automatically makes things fun. Reggie and I owned at foosball, I waxed Regg in Golden Tee, and all of our clothes smell like smoke. I also saw about half a dozen people I had not seen since my last semester here, so that was fun. There are some great pics from the evening, but I'll have to steal them from Trevor before I put them on here. There was an after-party after Dave's, but I was worn out. I headed home to crash for our early hockey game..........
.....we won 12-5. My team played GREAT. Their score would have been lower, but a few pucks dropped out my glove off hard shots, and that left juicy rebounds. So it SHOULD have been 12-3, haha, but as long as we get the W I don't mind. I've added links over on the right column of my blog(you know, somewhere under my picture, with the rest of the links) for direct access to SIHL scores and score sheets. Now all of you can keep up with what should be a Sewell Cup Championship run. Enjoy!
Watched the Super Bowl tonight. Nothing super exciting, but some good football all-around. Always good to just eat burgers and hang out with the gang in front of a big tv. I hope my bro had a great Super Bowl party at his place with his new Panasonic EDTV. I think Caro and Rich went up there to the party as well. Guess I wasn't invited, haha...
I know I keep saying this, but pictures are on the way, I promise...we got pics of the living room(with the system set up), my room all organized, and other things. Bear with me!
now I am off to the wonderful world of Physics III....
-Henry
Friday was a marvelous occasion. The Onkyo HT-S780 7.1 surround sound system is installed!!! Ladies and gentlemen, you have GOT to visit my apartment at least once in your lifetime. This thing is unbelievable. I will not go into all the details, because that would be boring. Just know that since about 3am Friday night, we've been playing video games(well, just one) and watching movies on it like crazy. It's so so so so awesome. Come check it out.
time for a nerd moment:
Friday was also a big deal because we(Dan, Adam, Adam, Grant, Robert, Reggie, 2 other guys, and I) finally beat what many considered to be one of the hardest video games of all time: Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts for the Super Nintendo. We've been trying since this summer(when I acquired the game); Dan and I were up until 5am one night trying to beat it. We can get to the end easily; that isn't the hard part. What IS difficult is the final boss, and well, it just annoys the hell out of ya. When Reggie and I arrived at Dan's on Friday night(around 7), Dan had already gotten to the end(the easy party) but having hard times with the boss(the hard part). After several grueling hours, I came away victorious. We took pictures of the credits because this is a VERY rare occurence...once I have those pictures I will post them to prove to you that we beat the game(and that I'm a geek sometimes...)
Saturday rocked as well. After a day of(again) more fun with the Onkyo, the whole gang headed to dan's for a pre-Dave's warmup. After about two hours, we all headed to Dave's to see Young Agent Jones play. Man, these guys ROCKED. I'm working on burning their cds as we speak. I love these guys. Plus, we were at Dave's, so that automatically makes things fun. Reggie and I owned at foosball, I waxed Regg in Golden Tee, and all of our clothes smell like smoke. I also saw about half a dozen people I had not seen since my last semester here, so that was fun. There are some great pics from the evening, but I'll have to steal them from Trevor before I put them on here. There was an after-party after Dave's, but I was worn out. I headed home to crash for our early hockey game..........
.....we won 12-5. My team played GREAT. Their score would have been lower, but a few pucks dropped out my glove off hard shots, and that left juicy rebounds. So it SHOULD have been 12-3, haha, but as long as we get the W I don't mind. I've added links over on the right column of my blog(you know, somewhere under my picture, with the rest of the links) for direct access to SIHL scores and score sheets. Now all of you can keep up with what should be a Sewell Cup Championship run. Enjoy!
Watched the Super Bowl tonight. Nothing super exciting, but some good football all-around. Always good to just eat burgers and hang out with the gang in front of a big tv. I hope my bro had a great Super Bowl party at his place with his new Panasonic EDTV. I think Caro and Rich went up there to the party as well. Guess I wasn't invited, haha...
I know I keep saying this, but pictures are on the way, I promise...we got pics of the living room(with the system set up), my room all organized, and other things. Bear with me!
now I am off to the wonderful world of Physics III....
-Henry
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Onkyo = Sound
No, seriously. Trevor looked it up. ONKYO means "sound" in Japanese. It alllll makes sense now.
Short post today...
The sound system is here. We picked it up on Saturday. It is not FULLY installed yet, so just wait a little longer for pics. Once everything is in its final place, I'll post the pictures. We have tested the bad boy, and it is INCREDIBLE. I wish I could somehow post the sound on here.
My room is almost finished as well. When I hang up my last poster or picture, I'll snap a few shots of my little corner of the world for ya.
The SIHL draft was today. My team is STACKED, but don't take my word for it; check it out HERE. If you still don't know why we're stacked, then just ask me; I'll explain. For yet another season I'm on the Predators, sportin' the number 33, baby :) The first game of the season is on Sunday.
No word yet on Super Bowl plans. SURELY there will be someone hosting a party.
Also, on Saturday Young Agent Jones(or HERE) is playing at Dave's Tavern. Can't wait. I love YAJ(they played at my sis' wedding, for all of you not in the know), and they are playing at one of my favorite places in Starkvegas to hang out. Should be an awesome evening.
welp, I should get to bed.
-H
Short post today...
The sound system is here. We picked it up on Saturday. It is not FULLY installed yet, so just wait a little longer for pics. Once everything is in its final place, I'll post the pictures. We have tested the bad boy, and it is INCREDIBLE. I wish I could somehow post the sound on here.
My room is almost finished as well. When I hang up my last poster or picture, I'll snap a few shots of my little corner of the world for ya.
The SIHL draft was today. My team is STACKED, but don't take my word for it; check it out HERE. If you still don't know why we're stacked, then just ask me; I'll explain. For yet another season I'm on the Predators, sportin' the number 33, baby :) The first game of the season is on Sunday.
No word yet on Super Bowl plans. SURELY there will be someone hosting a party.
Also, on Saturday Young Agent Jones(or HERE) is playing at Dave's Tavern. Can't wait. I love YAJ(they played at my sis' wedding, for all of you not in the know), and they are playing at one of my favorite places in Starkvegas to hang out. Should be an awesome evening.
welp, I should get to bed.
-H
Friday, January 27, 2006
Feel the Rhythm, Feel the Rhyme
Well, it's Friday. I am done with all my work that needed to be done, and my first full week of schools is over.
I am finally in the rhythm of things. Tuesdays and Thursdays are full of classes, and Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays are pretty easy going. I like that setup. It gives me 3 days during the week(MWF) to really get work done, while T-Th days keep me occupied, but I have a 1 hour 45 minute in between classes, so work is also able to get done in that timespan. Wednesdays I will have a physics lab, but I don't think that will greatly complicate or mess up things. I have hockey on Tuesdays and Sundays, so the fact that I dont have class until 11 am in the mornings of the days after hockey helps. Another bonus is that I have just one class on Fridays, and it is one that I can easily miss a day or two of during the school year. The class is/will be very easy, so missing a class lecture(they are all available online from her) doesn't really hurt much. Obviously, I am not going to skip every Friday class; this is just convenient should I ever want to go to, say, Chattanooga, for a weekend, and I want an extra day up there. It's very nice.
Things are different here at State then when I was last here in fall of 2004. There are new buildings on campus, buildings have been torn down, there are new parking areas and decals, there are new students, and there are new teachers in my department. Most upsetting of all is probably the fact that John isn't here anymore. Besides being my savior in times of sever virus attacks on my computer, or whenever my jeep needed a little help, it was just a comforting feeling having my next oldest bro right down the road, so to speak. It's kind of like that extra added layer of protection. You know, "nothing can happen while John is here." Of course, I guess this is kind of like when I went to college; no longer did I have the safety of my parents at my house to go to. And it wasn't like I didn't know this was coming or that it was sudden. Nevertheless, it's a new feeling that I must get used to.
Hockey went great on Tuesday. I'm definitely rusty, but I was thrown right into a game after I got suited up, so that helped ease into things. My legs need to be faster, and my lateral movements need to be quicker as well. Those things will definitely improve once I get my workout routine back in action. I'm going to be playing intramural soccer soon with the guys, as well as beach volleyball, so getting in shape is definitely a must. I think Trevor is going to join my routine with me, so we can do things in tandem to make it less mundane. I'm looking forward to getting more active; hockey last Tuesday really jump-started me.
Tomorrow is a big day in the G-5 household. We are going to pick up my baby at the Circuit City in Tupelo. Then we are going to bring her back here and get it all set up, which will probably end up consuming our entire Saturday. No matter, though. It's really going to enhance the video game, as well as movie experience in our household. If you are in the Starkville area, you are invited to come by tomorrow night and see(of hear, rather) for yourself. Trevor and I, as well as the guys, are excited about it. I've been eyeing this sound system for months now, and after doing the research, we think we have a winner. I'm about to order some speaker stands from Crutchfield, which should get here on Tuesday. They are sharp, and will definitely add to aesthetic of the room.
You may think I am sucking up, but I have befriended the son of the Aerospace Engineering Department Head. Yeh I know, you are probably saying to yourself that I am low for doing that. We did meet by chance though, so it really isn't my fault. His name is Anthony Vizzini(just like his father's name), and he is(you guessed it) in aerospace engineering as a freshman. Anyway, we met at my Welcome Back party the weekend Mal was down here, and I discovered that he is in my Physics III class. He needed some slight instruction on our last homework set, so I invited him over last night to help him. Turns out we have similar interests: we both love to throw darts, he loves the Red Sox(his dad went to MIT and lived in Boston for many years), and he has our type of sense of humor. He also likes hockey, but for the WAY wrong team: the Red Wings. Half of his family is from Detroit, so that's his connection. He doesn't seem to be as into hockey as I am, so I'm not TOO bothered by it. With that being said, I did put on my Avs jersey as soon as he divulged to us that he was a Red Wings fan. Oh well. No one is perfect, haha.
Well, I guess that about sums things up for the past few days. Theo is back with the Sox as GM, which I predicted would happen a few months back. Aebischer got into a fight with Philippe Suave(old Avalance teammate, now with Calgary) the other night in Colorado's trouncing of the Flames. Nothing cooler to watch than the two goalies of an NHL game throwing fists. Not as good as Roy/Osgood match, but still fun to watch.
I have no idea what the plan is for tonight. Splendid Chaos is playing at Rick's, but I really do not like going there. Maybe Dave's will be the alternative. ANYWHERE but Rick's, haha....
-H
I am finally in the rhythm of things. Tuesdays and Thursdays are full of classes, and Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays are pretty easy going. I like that setup. It gives me 3 days during the week(MWF) to really get work done, while T-Th days keep me occupied, but I have a 1 hour 45 minute in between classes, so work is also able to get done in that timespan. Wednesdays I will have a physics lab, but I don't think that will greatly complicate or mess up things. I have hockey on Tuesdays and Sundays, so the fact that I dont have class until 11 am in the mornings of the days after hockey helps. Another bonus is that I have just one class on Fridays, and it is one that I can easily miss a day or two of during the school year. The class is/will be very easy, so missing a class lecture(they are all available online from her) doesn't really hurt much. Obviously, I am not going to skip every Friday class; this is just convenient should I ever want to go to, say, Chattanooga, for a weekend, and I want an extra day up there. It's very nice.
Things are different here at State then when I was last here in fall of 2004. There are new buildings on campus, buildings have been torn down, there are new parking areas and decals, there are new students, and there are new teachers in my department. Most upsetting of all is probably the fact that John isn't here anymore. Besides being my savior in times of sever virus attacks on my computer, or whenever my jeep needed a little help, it was just a comforting feeling having my next oldest bro right down the road, so to speak. It's kind of like that extra added layer of protection. You know, "nothing can happen while John is here." Of course, I guess this is kind of like when I went to college; no longer did I have the safety of my parents at my house to go to. And it wasn't like I didn't know this was coming or that it was sudden. Nevertheless, it's a new feeling that I must get used to.
Hockey went great on Tuesday. I'm definitely rusty, but I was thrown right into a game after I got suited up, so that helped ease into things. My legs need to be faster, and my lateral movements need to be quicker as well. Those things will definitely improve once I get my workout routine back in action. I'm going to be playing intramural soccer soon with the guys, as well as beach volleyball, so getting in shape is definitely a must. I think Trevor is going to join my routine with me, so we can do things in tandem to make it less mundane. I'm looking forward to getting more active; hockey last Tuesday really jump-started me.
Tomorrow is a big day in the G-5 household. We are going to pick up my baby at the Circuit City in Tupelo. Then we are going to bring her back here and get it all set up, which will probably end up consuming our entire Saturday. No matter, though. It's really going to enhance the video game, as well as movie experience in our household. If you are in the Starkville area, you are invited to come by tomorrow night and see(of hear, rather) for yourself. Trevor and I, as well as the guys, are excited about it. I've been eyeing this sound system for months now, and after doing the research, we think we have a winner. I'm about to order some speaker stands from Crutchfield, which should get here on Tuesday. They are sharp, and will definitely add to aesthetic of the room.
You may think I am sucking up, but I have befriended the son of the Aerospace Engineering Department Head. Yeh I know, you are probably saying to yourself that I am low for doing that. We did meet by chance though, so it really isn't my fault. His name is Anthony Vizzini(just like his father's name), and he is(you guessed it) in aerospace engineering as a freshman. Anyway, we met at my Welcome Back party the weekend Mal was down here, and I discovered that he is in my Physics III class. He needed some slight instruction on our last homework set, so I invited him over last night to help him. Turns out we have similar interests: we both love to throw darts, he loves the Red Sox(his dad went to MIT and lived in Boston for many years), and he has our type of sense of humor. He also likes hockey, but for the WAY wrong team: the Red Wings. Half of his family is from Detroit, so that's his connection. He doesn't seem to be as into hockey as I am, so I'm not TOO bothered by it. With that being said, I did put on my Avs jersey as soon as he divulged to us that he was a Red Wings fan. Oh well. No one is perfect, haha.
Well, I guess that about sums things up for the past few days. Theo is back with the Sox as GM, which I predicted would happen a few months back. Aebischer got into a fight with Philippe Suave(old Avalance teammate, now with Calgary) the other night in Colorado's trouncing of the Flames. Nothing cooler to watch than the two goalies of an NHL game throwing fists. Not as good as Roy/Osgood match, but still fun to watch.
I have no idea what the plan is for tonight. Splendid Chaos is playing at Rick's, but I really do not like going there. Maybe Dave's will be the alternative. ANYWHERE but Rick's, haha....
-H
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Starkville Hockey
HAS RETURNED!!!
I am on my way to the rink right now. This is my first time to play in over 13 months!
My water bottles are filled. My new(used) hockey bag is full. My wheels are rotated. And my pads have been re-stringed.......
it's go time.
-H
I am on my way to the rink right now. This is my first time to play in over 13 months!
My water bottles are filled. My new(used) hockey bag is full. My wheels are rotated. And my pads have been re-stringed.......
it's go time.
-H
Sunday, January 22, 2006
In David I Trust
Unfortunately, my Avs lost to Detroit today 4-3. My boys from Denver played amazingly despite losing, and many are now talking that they are a serious Cup contender(especially after that 8 game winning streak that ended this week!). They are probably saying this for one special reason: David "I-am-a-badass-in-the-net" Aebischer. This guy has been absolutely brilliant since coming off the DL earlier this season.
If you did not see the game, I suggest you turn to ESPNews right now, or maybe check NHL.com or ESPN.com for highlights of the game. Abby made this one outrageous save, but it was really THREE saves in one. I can barely describe it. Aebischer was somehow pulled to the right side of the net and lost his stick...the puck flew to the left face-off circle...a Red Wing launched the puck as soon as it hit the center of the circle, and David DOVE from the right side of the crease and blocks the puck...the puck flies out to center ice, and another Red Wing blasts it from there, and Abs makes ANOTHER reaction save with his left pad...and the puck flies out again to the left face-off circle, and yet again a Detroit player just WAYLAYS the puck towards the upper 90 of the goal, an almost impossible area to block...Aebischer flips his ENTIRE body around, throwing his legs into the air, deflecting the puck at point blank into the stands. TRULY remarkable.
St. Patrick made an eerily similar play a few years ago in the playoffs against San Jose. BOOM BOOM BOOM. Three saves in a row. Unbelievable.
One week until hockey starts in Starkville :)
-H
If you did not see the game, I suggest you turn to ESPNews right now, or maybe check NHL.com or ESPN.com for highlights of the game. Abby made this one outrageous save, but it was really THREE saves in one. I can barely describe it. Aebischer was somehow pulled to the right side of the net and lost his stick...the puck flew to the left face-off circle...a Red Wing launched the puck as soon as it hit the center of the circle, and David DOVE from the right side of the crease and blocks the puck...the puck flies out to center ice, and another Red Wing blasts it from there, and Abs makes ANOTHER reaction save with his left pad...and the puck flies out again to the left face-off circle, and yet again a Detroit player just WAYLAYS the puck towards the upper 90 of the goal, an almost impossible area to block...Aebischer flips his ENTIRE body around, throwing his legs into the air, deflecting the puck at point blank into the stands. TRULY remarkable.
St. Patrick made an eerily similar play a few years ago in the playoffs against San Jose. BOOM BOOM BOOM. Three saves in a row. Unbelievable.
One week until hockey starts in Starkville :)
-H
Friday, January 20, 2006
Classes
I AM here to learn, right? Well, if my parents ask, then tell them that. No, seriously. My #1 goal here is to further my knowledge in the field of aerospace engineering and acquire the skills necessary in the field. With that in mind, I attended my classes for the first time this week.....
Monday, Wednesday, Friday @ 11:00 am. Physics III.
Continuing on the path of physics that I have been on since freshman year, this semester we will study simple harmonic motion, waves, optics, and even dive into a little modern physics(relativity included!). We just started with SHM, and it's very fascinating to me, as are the rest of the topics in this class. I look forward to the labs associated with this class.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Business Ethics.
This is an online course, so no traveling to school for this one. The syllabus and instructions are pretty straight forward. It involves alot of reading, and much more typing and responding to responses. Hopefully, by the end of this semester I will have learned a little something about ethics in the business world.
Tuesday, Thursday @ 9:30am. Engineering Mechanics II: Dynamics.
Basically an extension from EM1, Statics, in which all the systems of loads/supports were in a zero-acceleration frame. Dynamics now involves acceleration, so the simple mathematical concepts we used in Statics don't work so well now. We can't just take the sum of all the forces or moments to be zero now; they add up to "m*a", and that can include all kinds of forces. I'm very excited about this course. We're getting closer and closer to real-world situations.
Tuesday, Thursday @ 12:30pm. Mechanics of Materials.
Building off of what I have learned in Statics and Dynamics, Mechanics of Materials is focused on the actual members that make up the systems we studied in EM1 and EM2. Things like cross-sectional area, stress/strain relationships, torques, and beam deflection, among many other things, will be studied. Yet another very cool class I am very excited about.
Tuesday, Thursday @ 3:30pm. Early U.S. History.
Quite possibly my favorite portion of history of any kind. I already love the subject, but I believe my professor will make me appreciate even more. He looks like a skinnier version of the old man that helped Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone. He's very enthusiastic about the subject, which is a definite plus. I came into the classroom for my first class, but I didn't see him initially; all I saw was a pair of leather pull-over chaps, a leather jacket, and a leather cap on the table. I knew this guy must be a biker. Sure enough, he spent half the class talking about his two bikes, "Red" and "Hun," and it was actually an engrossing story. Needless to say, this class should be a fun time.
So there you have it. My classes of Spring 2006. It should be a very intellectually stimulating semester, haha.
In other news...
I was walking back to my car after my Early US History class on Thursday, and I was about to pass the library. I noticed a short, stocky fellow carrying a box of books into the backdoor of the library. He looked familiar, but I wasn't sure. I then heard him cry out "Hank!!!" Well, that immediately narrowed it down to who the guy was because there is only a handful of people on this planet that call me Hank. That list includes Brandon Hodges, Scrapper, and my baseball guys from Grenada. I knew it wasn't Hodges or Scrapper, so it had to have been one of my baseball teammates. And it was. It was Ben Vaughn. I hadn't seen the guy in FOREVER, and we must have just talked there for half an hour, catching up on where old friends were and how they were doing. Turns out that Ben is rooming with Michael Hammond, a good friend from Grenada that I played soccer with, played in the GHS band with, went to Switzerland with, and even went to the same church with in Grenada. They live in the Crossgates Apartments, which is RIGHT across from Avalon. I can see our hanging out in the near future. Ben even said that they enjoy beach volleyball. Looks like Trevor and I have another duo to compete against :)
I am home this weekend. Dad just left for a 2-week business trip in Virginia, so I came home to keep mom company for a few days. I also needed to pick up my hockey equipment, so this was a good time to come home. Richard Wright had an extra hockey bag, and he gave it to me before I left for Canton. The bag is extra-large, so it's going to be perfect for my rather large goalie equipment. Also, now I can store my equipment(in the bag) in our balcony storage room, so my jeep will remain free of the used-hockey-equipment smell. Yay.
The season starts on January 29th, and I am obviously excited about playing. I have been absent from the league for over a year, so I'm anxious. I plan on somehow getting pictures taken of my playing this season, because I believe that at least 50% of my readers don't believe I play hockey, haha. So expect some proof this semester! haha.
Also, upon advice from a certain someone, I have decided to teach myself all I can about automobiles. No, I don't plan on becoming the next John Horne in the subject, but it has been suggested I take up the subject, and I tend to agree. I am going to pick up a good book on the material this weekend.
Mom and I are going to go see Glory Road tomorrow night. I am pretty sure it is going to play out JUST like Remember the Titans(one, the plots are pretty identical, and two, both movies done by Jerry Bruckheimer), but I like the actors in the movie, so we'll see how it ends up. Besides, it gives mom and me an excuse to get out of the house, haha.
Good hockey tomorrow: Detroit @ Colorado. Yet, for some reason NBC is going to carry Philadelphia @ Pittsburgh instead. WTF. Yeh, ok, I can see the rationale in that....
"Instead of showing two teams who are playoff bound, on hot streaks, and have a storied rivalry, let's show a number one team against a last place team"
Yeh. That sounds brilliant guys. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh: 0 Stanley Cups in the past 10 years. Colorado and Detroit: 5. Do the math, NBC. It's not that hard.
and with that, I'm out.
-H
Monday, Wednesday, Friday @ 11:00 am. Physics III.
Continuing on the path of physics that I have been on since freshman year, this semester we will study simple harmonic motion, waves, optics, and even dive into a little modern physics(relativity included!). We just started with SHM, and it's very fascinating to me, as are the rest of the topics in this class. I look forward to the labs associated with this class.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Business Ethics.
This is an online course, so no traveling to school for this one. The syllabus and instructions are pretty straight forward. It involves alot of reading, and much more typing and responding to responses. Hopefully, by the end of this semester I will have learned a little something about ethics in the business world.
Tuesday, Thursday @ 9:30am. Engineering Mechanics II: Dynamics.
Basically an extension from EM1, Statics, in which all the systems of loads/supports were in a zero-acceleration frame. Dynamics now involves acceleration, so the simple mathematical concepts we used in Statics don't work so well now. We can't just take the sum of all the forces or moments to be zero now; they add up to "m*a", and that can include all kinds of forces. I'm very excited about this course. We're getting closer and closer to real-world situations.
Tuesday, Thursday @ 12:30pm. Mechanics of Materials.
Building off of what I have learned in Statics and Dynamics, Mechanics of Materials is focused on the actual members that make up the systems we studied in EM1 and EM2. Things like cross-sectional area, stress/strain relationships, torques, and beam deflection, among many other things, will be studied. Yet another very cool class I am very excited about.
Tuesday, Thursday @ 3:30pm. Early U.S. History.
Quite possibly my favorite portion of history of any kind. I already love the subject, but I believe my professor will make me appreciate even more. He looks like a skinnier version of the old man that helped Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone. He's very enthusiastic about the subject, which is a definite plus. I came into the classroom for my first class, but I didn't see him initially; all I saw was a pair of leather pull-over chaps, a leather jacket, and a leather cap on the table. I knew this guy must be a biker. Sure enough, he spent half the class talking about his two bikes, "Red" and "Hun," and it was actually an engrossing story. Needless to say, this class should be a fun time.
So there you have it. My classes of Spring 2006. It should be a very intellectually stimulating semester, haha.
In other news...
I was walking back to my car after my Early US History class on Thursday, and I was about to pass the library. I noticed a short, stocky fellow carrying a box of books into the backdoor of the library. He looked familiar, but I wasn't sure. I then heard him cry out "Hank!!!" Well, that immediately narrowed it down to who the guy was because there is only a handful of people on this planet that call me Hank. That list includes Brandon Hodges, Scrapper, and my baseball guys from Grenada. I knew it wasn't Hodges or Scrapper, so it had to have been one of my baseball teammates. And it was. It was Ben Vaughn. I hadn't seen the guy in FOREVER, and we must have just talked there for half an hour, catching up on where old friends were and how they were doing. Turns out that Ben is rooming with Michael Hammond, a good friend from Grenada that I played soccer with, played in the GHS band with, went to Switzerland with, and even went to the same church with in Grenada. They live in the Crossgates Apartments, which is RIGHT across from Avalon. I can see our hanging out in the near future. Ben even said that they enjoy beach volleyball. Looks like Trevor and I have another duo to compete against :)
I am home this weekend. Dad just left for a 2-week business trip in Virginia, so I came home to keep mom company for a few days. I also needed to pick up my hockey equipment, so this was a good time to come home. Richard Wright had an extra hockey bag, and he gave it to me before I left for Canton. The bag is extra-large, so it's going to be perfect for my rather large goalie equipment. Also, now I can store my equipment(in the bag) in our balcony storage room, so my jeep will remain free of the used-hockey-equipment smell. Yay.
The season starts on January 29th, and I am obviously excited about playing. I have been absent from the league for over a year, so I'm anxious. I plan on somehow getting pictures taken of my playing this season, because I believe that at least 50% of my readers don't believe I play hockey, haha. So expect some proof this semester! haha.
Also, upon advice from a certain someone, I have decided to teach myself all I can about automobiles. No, I don't plan on becoming the next John Horne in the subject, but it has been suggested I take up the subject, and I tend to agree. I am going to pick up a good book on the material this weekend.
Mom and I are going to go see Glory Road tomorrow night. I am pretty sure it is going to play out JUST like Remember the Titans(one, the plots are pretty identical, and two, both movies done by Jerry Bruckheimer), but I like the actors in the movie, so we'll see how it ends up. Besides, it gives mom and me an excuse to get out of the house, haha.
Good hockey tomorrow: Detroit @ Colorado. Yet, for some reason NBC is going to carry Philadelphia @ Pittsburgh instead. WTF. Yeh, ok, I can see the rationale in that....
"Instead of showing two teams who are playoff bound, on hot streaks, and have a storied rivalry, let's show a number one team against a last place team"
Yeh. That sounds brilliant guys. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh: 0 Stanley Cups in the past 10 years. Colorado and Detroit: 5. Do the math, NBC. It's not that hard.
and with that, I'm out.
-H
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Moved In
Short update. Pictures to come later tonight.
We're officially "in" the apartment now. New additions and furniture arrangements are made each day we are here. Milestones completed today include setting up the dartboard(which looks freakin SA-WEET against the corkboard backdrop), putting the Fenway pic up on the hallway wall, and getting our high-speed internet and digital cable installed. Things are still changing even as we speak.
Mallory came down this weekend, as she had a 3-day weekend due to MLK Jr. Day. She came down on Friday, and due to a lack of good directions(see her blog), she was slightly delayed. She also had some battery problems(as in a dead battery), and we got that fixed as well. After that incident, things went smoothly the rest of the weekend. We mainly just relaxed in the new apartment for a couple of days, but we also attended my "welcome back" party on Saturday night at Dan's, ate dinner/lunch on several occasions with the crew, and rented Red Eye(which is in fact a TERRIBLE movie. Don't go see it. Ever.). I was able to send Mal off on time this morning at the early early hour of 6am.
So as you can see, it was a great weekend. Definitely glad Mal was able to come down. I'm looking forward to going up to Chattanooga soon.
Well, that's all for now. Like I said, pictures to come. The place isn't finished yet, but it's getting there.
-Henry
We're officially "in" the apartment now. New additions and furniture arrangements are made each day we are here. Milestones completed today include setting up the dartboard(which looks freakin SA-WEET against the corkboard backdrop), putting the Fenway pic up on the hallway wall, and getting our high-speed internet and digital cable installed. Things are still changing even as we speak.
Mallory came down this weekend, as she had a 3-day weekend due to MLK Jr. Day. She came down on Friday, and due to a lack of good directions(see her blog), she was slightly delayed. She also had some battery problems(as in a dead battery), and we got that fixed as well. After that incident, things went smoothly the rest of the weekend. We mainly just relaxed in the new apartment for a couple of days, but we also attended my "welcome back" party on Saturday night at Dan's, ate dinner/lunch on several occasions with the crew, and rented Red Eye(which is in fact a TERRIBLE movie. Don't go see it. Ever.). I was able to send Mal off on time this morning at the early early hour of 6am.
So as you can see, it was a great weekend. Definitely glad Mal was able to come down. I'm looking forward to going up to Chattanooga soon.
Well, that's all for now. Like I said, pictures to come. The place isn't finished yet, but it's getting there.
-Henry
Monday, January 16, 2006
Starkville It Is
I'm in the new place, and I am getting everything settled. Expect pictures, information, and MORE soon. We are getting internet/cable today :)
-H
-H
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Christmas Presents!!
Okay, I am back, and I am going to brag...so just bare with me this post.
I got quite possibly the COOLEST gifts this Christmas. First off, John got me a set of surround sound headphones. Even used as stereo headphones, they are SUPERB. I can't wait to test them out on a source that has multi-out. These headphones have center, front left/right, surround, and subwoofer components. Yeh, I know. It's bitchin.
Next, my godparents got me a very neat little desk calendar. Every day has a different technique or exercise that is supposed to improve my memory. Definitely looking forward to remembering more stuff.
My parents got me this EXCELLENT fold-up chair. Why do I need that kind of chair? Well, if you ever came out to the rink before our hockey games, then you would see my attempting to get my skates on while sitting on an ultra-ghetto lawn chair. Well, that chair has seen MANY better days, and it is on the verge of complete collapse. With my new, stylish chair I can get dressed at the rink with ease and comfort. And it's fold-up, so it takes up zilch room in my jeep. My rents are also going to help with the purchase of a sound system I am eyeing for our apartment.
But I think I was completely spoiled by Mallory this Christmas. She got me some AMAZING presents. I shall explain.....
aren't those great!? I can't wait to move in.
-H
I got quite possibly the COOLEST gifts this Christmas. First off, John got me a set of surround sound headphones. Even used as stereo headphones, they are SUPERB. I can't wait to test them out on a source that has multi-out. These headphones have center, front left/right, surround, and subwoofer components. Yeh, I know. It's bitchin.
Next, my godparents got me a very neat little desk calendar. Every day has a different technique or exercise that is supposed to improve my memory. Definitely looking forward to remembering more stuff.
My parents got me this EXCELLENT fold-up chair. Why do I need that kind of chair? Well, if you ever came out to the rink before our hockey games, then you would see my attempting to get my skates on while sitting on an ultra-ghetto lawn chair. Well, that chair has seen MANY better days, and it is on the verge of complete collapse. With my new, stylish chair I can get dressed at the rink with ease and comfort. And it's fold-up, so it takes up zilch room in my jeep. My rents are also going to help with the purchase of a sound system I am eyeing for our apartment.
But I think I was completely spoiled by Mallory this Christmas. She got me some AMAZING presents. I shall explain.....
Mal got the Norman Rockwell poster(which she gave me for my last birthday) framed. Now it can go up in my new apartment! I love it!
Mal got this awesome aerial shot of Fenway(during the '99 All-Star Game) framed. Again, this baby is going up in the apartment where everyone can see it!!
To keep up with the myriad of events in my life, Mal got me this Red Sox wall calendar. Once more, this is going right up on the wall in the apartment(duh, it's a wall calendar).
For all my carbonated beverages before June 11, and for all my adult beverages post-June 11, Mal got me this Red Sox mug. It has these special crystals in the mug, so if you put into the freezer for an hour, it creates a cold, frosty outer layer. Now I can put beverages into this mug without worry of them ever getting watered down, and they will stay cold!!
I also got this great Red Sox tee. This gives me something to wear around campus, at a game, or just casually as I'm watching a game on tv. It has "Ortiz" and "34" on the back as well!!!
And this is probably my favorite present from Mal. It's a collection-frame of pics of us from over the past few years. Counterclockwise from top-left picture: my first visit to Mal in Chattanooga, right before Prom, World Series 2005 Game 3, Halloween 2005, Turner Field at a Braves/Pirates game in 2005, D.C. trip in December 2004, and a water slide in Tampa at Busch Gardens in 2005. The central pic is(of course) Fenway Park circa August 2004. You can safely bet that this frame will be prominently displayed on my wall in my apartment.
Mal got this awesome aerial shot of Fenway(during the '99 All-Star Game) framed. Again, this baby is going up in the apartment where everyone can see it!!
To keep up with the myriad of events in my life, Mal got me this Red Sox wall calendar. Once more, this is going right up on the wall in the apartment(duh, it's a wall calendar).
For all my carbonated beverages before June 11, and for all my adult beverages post-June 11, Mal got me this Red Sox mug. It has these special crystals in the mug, so if you put into the freezer for an hour, it creates a cold, frosty outer layer. Now I can put beverages into this mug without worry of them ever getting watered down, and they will stay cold!!
I also got this great Red Sox tee. This gives me something to wear around campus, at a game, or just casually as I'm watching a game on tv. It has "Ortiz" and "34" on the back as well!!!
And this is probably my favorite present from Mal. It's a collection-frame of pics of us from over the past few years. Counterclockwise from top-left picture: my first visit to Mal in Chattanooga, right before Prom, World Series 2005 Game 3, Halloween 2005, Turner Field at a Braves/Pirates game in 2005, D.C. trip in December 2004, and a water slide in Tampa at Busch Gardens in 2005. The central pic is(of course) Fenway Park circa August 2004. You can safely bet that this frame will be prominently displayed on my wall in my apartment.aren't those great!? I can't wait to move in.
-H
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Wireless Woes
Matt's wireless network is gay. It has the most bizarre security details, so I can't even upload pics to blogger. As SOON as I get this figured out, I will post my Christmas presents I got from Mal :)
-H
-H
Friday, December 30, 2005
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Well, this is it...
My last post from Houston.
It's been a wild ride this year. We've had our ups, and we've had our really big ups. My loyal readers from last term continued reading this term, and I appreciate it. I also would like to thank my new readers this term: Andrea and Mary-Margaret(the newly-married Mary Margaret!!).
My final post is tonight only because tomorrow our furniture is being taken away, and I really wont feel like typing a post while sitting on the ground with everything else. Friday we are taking the modem back, so after Friday morning, we will be Internet-less. Plus, Friday is going to be crazy crazy. First, it will be my last day, so I have to say goodbye to everyone and their daughter at work. Second, I have to have my exit interview with the Co-op Coordinator, which will take up a good chunk of time. Finally, Eric and Colin are throwing me, and I quote, a "Get the Hell Outta Here" party on Friday. I do not know what that will entail or involve, as the guys aren't saying anything, but I figure it should be fun. I just hope I get back to the apartment in time to get some sleep before my journey on saturday, haha.
Speaking of journey, check out the weather for Saturday. Basically, if it's shitty weather, then I am going through it. The bad weather loves to find me. Definitely not looking forward to this.
I really am SO excited about being back in the MS/TN/AL area; you have no idea. This Christmas break is going to be awesome, and the upcoming school year will be the best yet, no doubt. If I am here too much longer, I just may scream, haha.
I am not sure yet if I will start a different blog when I'm at school or if I will continue to use this one. Technically, I will still be an employee at JSC even when I'm at school, so I could technically still be a Horne in Houston. Then again, this semester is much longer than my 3.5 weeks of summer school, so I may decide to start a new blog. No fear, though; I will provide a link on here directing you where to go. Oh, and another thing; I probably wont post much during the break. I may do it every now and then when I have some good pictures(like from the Avs game), but other than that, my blog will remain pretty scarce.
And with that, I am gone. You've been great, Houston. It's time I finally return to being a normal college student.
Go Sox. Go Avs. Go Dawgs.
-Henry
It's been a wild ride this year. We've had our ups, and we've had our really big ups. My loyal readers from last term continued reading this term, and I appreciate it. I also would like to thank my new readers this term: Andrea and Mary-Margaret(the newly-married Mary Margaret!!).
My final post is tonight only because tomorrow our furniture is being taken away, and I really wont feel like typing a post while sitting on the ground with everything else. Friday we are taking the modem back, so after Friday morning, we will be Internet-less. Plus, Friday is going to be crazy crazy. First, it will be my last day, so I have to say goodbye to everyone and their daughter at work. Second, I have to have my exit interview with the Co-op Coordinator, which will take up a good chunk of time. Finally, Eric and Colin are throwing me, and I quote, a "Get the Hell Outta Here" party on Friday. I do not know what that will entail or involve, as the guys aren't saying anything, but I figure it should be fun. I just hope I get back to the apartment in time to get some sleep before my journey on saturday, haha.
Speaking of journey, check out the weather for Saturday. Basically, if it's shitty weather, then I am going through it. The bad weather loves to find me. Definitely not looking forward to this.
I really am SO excited about being back in the MS/TN/AL area; you have no idea. This Christmas break is going to be awesome, and the upcoming school year will be the best yet, no doubt. If I am here too much longer, I just may scream, haha.I am not sure yet if I will start a different blog when I'm at school or if I will continue to use this one. Technically, I will still be an employee at JSC even when I'm at school, so I could technically still be a Horne in Houston. Then again, this semester is much longer than my 3.5 weeks of summer school, so I may decide to start a new blog. No fear, though; I will provide a link on here directing you where to go. Oh, and another thing; I probably wont post much during the break. I may do it every now and then when I have some good pictures(like from the Avs game), but other than that, my blog will remain pretty scarce.
And with that, I am gone. You've been great, Houston. It's time I finally return to being a normal college student.
Go Sox. Go Avs. Go Dawgs.
-Henry
Monday, December 12, 2005
Bing Me Up
So Saturday was pretty fun.
I woke up early and headed to Eric's for the Newcastle vs. Arsenal game. I brought the fun, and Colin brought the 2nd greatest food ever: Little Ceasar's pizza and Crazy Bread. It was good times. I could only stay for an hour because I had to be at Metro's pool tournament by noon...
I had high hopes for the pool tournament, but those were quickly diminished. We lost our first game by a large margin, so we were quickly in the loser's bracket. A few hours later we played the first game of the loser's bracket, and despite playing better than the first game, we lost again. We were the first team out of the tournament, but the fun we had was in the next room.... That's right, it was a game for the ages. An ESPN Instant Classic. It was the Men vs. the Ladies. Oh yes, it was Pictionary. Led by the mentor/mentee combo of Tarik and Henry, the Men steamrolled to a victory over the Ladies team. It was seriously getting crazy near the end of the match; almost the entire crowd was in the living room watching or participating. I drew the winning picture: swan dive. I had to be only slightly creative: I first drew a cliff, then some water, followed by a stick figure with an arrow going from the figure to the water. The guys got "dive" from that pretty easily. Next, I had to draw my best swan picture, which was rough to say the least, but Josh came through and was able to recognize it. Swan Dive. It was brilliant.
The whole event was a huge success. About $300 was raised for St. Jude's Children Hospital, and of course, Metro and his wife won the tournament again for the 3rd straight year. When we weren't playing pool or Pictionary, something else was always going on. Basketball was on all day. Food was in every room. Metro's dart board was pretty nice, and I just so happen to bring my darts :) . Again, it was good times.
I had to leave Metro's slightly early so I could come back in time to get ready for dinner. I met the gang at Chubaca's down on NASA Road 1. I had the filet, and I ended with some New York(how appropriate!) cheesecake. It was divine.
After a few hours at Chabuca's, we went down to the Harbour Playhouse. The play was pretty incredible. It was a small venue, but it was very well produced. Since we knew one of the actresses, we got to hang out with the entire cast after the show. We all went to Carlos' Beer Garden to celebrate, where they serve some INCREDIBLE hamburgers. They kicked so much ass.
I tried on Eric's topcoat before we went to the play. It's a London Fog blended wool topcoat, and I absolutely love it. I want one for myself. Unfortunately, the one's on ebay are not in my size(42R), so I will have to keep searching. Eric did snap a picture of me with his coat and hat on, and we realized after I took it that I was doing an impeccable Bing Crosby imitation. Just look at the pic to see for yourself...
I woke up early and headed to Eric's for the Newcastle vs. Arsenal game. I brought the fun, and Colin brought the 2nd greatest food ever: Little Ceasar's pizza and Crazy Bread. It was good times. I could only stay for an hour because I had to be at Metro's pool tournament by noon...
I had high hopes for the pool tournament, but those were quickly diminished. We lost our first game by a large margin, so we were quickly in the loser's bracket. A few hours later we played the first game of the loser's bracket, and despite playing better than the first game, we lost again. We were the first team out of the tournament, but the fun we had was in the next room.... That's right, it was a game for the ages. An ESPN Instant Classic. It was the Men vs. the Ladies. Oh yes, it was Pictionary. Led by the mentor/mentee combo of Tarik and Henry, the Men steamrolled to a victory over the Ladies team. It was seriously getting crazy near the end of the match; almost the entire crowd was in the living room watching or participating. I drew the winning picture: swan dive. I had to be only slightly creative: I first drew a cliff, then some water, followed by a stick figure with an arrow going from the figure to the water. The guys got "dive" from that pretty easily. Next, I had to draw my best swan picture, which was rough to say the least, but Josh came through and was able to recognize it. Swan Dive. It was brilliant.
The whole event was a huge success. About $300 was raised for St. Jude's Children Hospital, and of course, Metro and his wife won the tournament again for the 3rd straight year. When we weren't playing pool or Pictionary, something else was always going on. Basketball was on all day. Food was in every room. Metro's dart board was pretty nice, and I just so happen to bring my darts :) . Again, it was good times.
I had to leave Metro's slightly early so I could come back in time to get ready for dinner. I met the gang at Chubaca's down on NASA Road 1. I had the filet, and I ended with some New York(how appropriate!) cheesecake. It was divine.
After a few hours at Chabuca's, we went down to the Harbour Playhouse. The play was pretty incredible. It was a small venue, but it was very well produced. Since we knew one of the actresses, we got to hang out with the entire cast after the show. We all went to Carlos' Beer Garden to celebrate, where they serve some INCREDIBLE hamburgers. They kicked so much ass.
I tried on Eric's topcoat before we went to the play. It's a London Fog blended wool topcoat, and I absolutely love it. I want one for myself. Unfortunately, the one's on ebay are not in my size(42R), so I will have to keep searching. Eric did snap a picture of me with his coat and hat on, and we realized after I took it that I was doing an impeccable Bing Crosby imitation. Just look at the pic to see for yourself...
See, I told you. The picture also confirms what my mom has always said: I have dimples.
Today was my last Monday of work here for a loooong time. It actually flew by, and I hope the rest of the days this week do the same. My group is taking me out for lunch on Thursday, and I give my exit pitch on Friday. Should be fun.
I'm looking forward to going home so much...
-H
I'm looking forward to going home so much...
-H
Friday, December 09, 2005
I'm Ready
I've been absent for awhile, I know, but I do have good reason. After Saturday, I began to feel quite unwell. I do not know if it was allergies, a 48-hour virus, or something else, but I was completely out of comission. I managed to get to work, but I wasn't much use there. Don't think I was stupid, because I was pretty sure I wasn't contagious; I merely had severe congestion in my upper nose and face area. If I thought I had something that someone else at work could catch, I would have stayed home. Work needed to be done despite my condition, and I was able to finish my exit pitch just in time for Thursday's presentation to all the managers of the Systems Division.
The pitch went well. I love it that Jerry Pfleeger, Bryan's boss's boss's boss, knows me by name. He even comes by the office sometimes just to say hey. I talked to Colin, and he said that Jerry doesn't even know his name, and he(Colin) has been working here for years, haha. I was even asked some really good questions after my pitch, which did not happen last term. I think they actually paid attention this time! The big question was what I think NASA has been doing right and what I think they have done terribly wrong. They feel my youth and relative inexperience in the field gives me a fresh perspective. I honestly could not answer the man(forgot his name, haha) at that point, but he said I could just email him from school after I have thought about it. I have tons of opinions on the manned space program, but I could not manage to put them into words at that point. I fully plan on shooting him an email soon.
I am pretty much done with all of my projects as of now. I am just going to touch up my pitch for the group presentation(on the 16th) and tie up some loose ends on some projects from last term.
This term was great, and I have enjoyed every part of it. My next tour in Summer 2006 will either be in GNC(basically the Shuttle side of what I did this semester) or Propulsion, which is all about the Solid Rocket Boosters on the Shuttle :).
Although either of those will be great, I can say with great certainty that right now I am in NO hurry to get back here. I am "worked" out. I am ready to actually be a kid(a 20 year old kid) again. I'm ready to room with my best friend and jump right back to where we left off in December a year ago. I'm ready to be irresponsible. I'm ready to have college fun again. I'm ready for the inside jokes. I'm ready for college sports(bball, baseball and football). I'm ready to sleep in to 11:00 every other morning. I'm ready to own some volleyball with my new partner Trev. I'm ready to return to the SIHL and defend my records. I'm ready for Dave's. I'm ready for Predators hockey games when I want. I'm ready to be less than 4 hours from Chattanooga. I'm ready for our amazing home theater will we have in our apartment living room. I'm ready to not have to dress nice 4 out 5 weekdays. I'm ready to be less than 2 hours from the Gray Center. I'm ready to play intramural soccer with my boyz. I'm ready to be more relaxed. I'm ready to watch baseball season with Trevor. I'm ready for a college spring break. I'm ready to go to the movies on a more regular basis. I'm ready(really) to see my professors. I'm ready to eat Subway every other day in the Colvard Union. I'm ready for the Reflector. I'm ready for the Starkville Cafe. I'm ready for Sunday Mexican night. I'm ready for the parties. I'm ready to host some parties. I'm ready to see all my friends every single day. I'm ready for Dawg Daze. I'm ready to use my experience from working in the workforce for one year.
So as you can see....I'm ready to return to typical the college life.
Of course, between now and then, I have one week left here and a full month of what is sure to be a GREAT vacation. Tonight we went to BJ's after work for a few hours. Considering Colin bought our group tickets to Narnia ahead of time, I figured we were heading to the cinema after the bar, but that was not the case. Earlier today at work, Colin and Eric had communicated their inability to see the movie tonight, so we had to cancel. No prob, though, as you can refund your tickets when you purchase way in advance. Besides, I think Mal and I are both going to wait and see the movie together in Paris. She's reading the book before viewing, so I think I might now do the same.
Colin had also been very hush hush about what his plans were tonight, so Eric and I were eager to hear what they were at BJ's. A few hours in, he finally disclosed his agenda, and we'll just say that I definitely had to say NO to his plans tonight(for once!), haha. Eric also had to decline, but Jude and Todd seemed eager. Oh well. I'm rather confident I made the right decision.
No matter, though, as we are meeting up tomorrow morning for the Newcastle/Arsenal game on the tele. Remember, Eric is now very into soccer, so we have to support him every step of the way, haha.
Speaking of soccer, the U.S. Mens team got the SHITTIEST draw of the 2006 World Cup today.More on that later. Just know that it SUCKS and we will be hard pressed to make it past the first round of group play.
Anyways, after Erics, I'm heading over to Metro's for the pool tournament. Hopefully I can pick up a few bucks after it's all said and done.
After the tournament, I come back home and shower. Then we're off to dinner and the play. If I have time, I am going to JCPenney's to try on this coat here. I need a good overcoat for the evening, and every man needs one anyway, so I'll try it on for size. I also need to go and pick up a new "power" tie, haha. Bold colors will be the S.O.P. If I find a nice shirt, I will also pick that up. If not, I will use my french blue shirt. I'm pretty excited about the evening; I haven't been to a play in forever, so it should at the very least be refreshing.
That should bring everyone up to date with what's going on with me. I need some rest
The pitch went well. I love it that Jerry Pfleeger, Bryan's boss's boss's boss, knows me by name. He even comes by the office sometimes just to say hey. I talked to Colin, and he said that Jerry doesn't even know his name, and he(Colin) has been working here for years, haha. I was even asked some really good questions after my pitch, which did not happen last term. I think they actually paid attention this time! The big question was what I think NASA has been doing right and what I think they have done terribly wrong. They feel my youth and relative inexperience in the field gives me a fresh perspective. I honestly could not answer the man(forgot his name, haha) at that point, but he said I could just email him from school after I have thought about it. I have tons of opinions on the manned space program, but I could not manage to put them into words at that point. I fully plan on shooting him an email soon.
I am pretty much done with all of my projects as of now. I am just going to touch up my pitch for the group presentation(on the 16th) and tie up some loose ends on some projects from last term.
This term was great, and I have enjoyed every part of it. My next tour in Summer 2006 will either be in GNC(basically the Shuttle side of what I did this semester) or Propulsion, which is all about the Solid Rocket Boosters on the Shuttle :).
Although either of those will be great, I can say with great certainty that right now I am in NO hurry to get back here. I am "worked" out. I am ready to actually be a kid(a 20 year old kid) again. I'm ready to room with my best friend and jump right back to where we left off in December a year ago. I'm ready to be irresponsible. I'm ready to have college fun again. I'm ready for the inside jokes. I'm ready for college sports(bball, baseball and football). I'm ready to sleep in to 11:00 every other morning. I'm ready to own some volleyball with my new partner Trev. I'm ready to return to the SIHL and defend my records. I'm ready for Dave's. I'm ready for Predators hockey games when I want. I'm ready to be less than 4 hours from Chattanooga. I'm ready for our amazing home theater will we have in our apartment living room. I'm ready to not have to dress nice 4 out 5 weekdays. I'm ready to be less than 2 hours from the Gray Center. I'm ready to play intramural soccer with my boyz. I'm ready to be more relaxed. I'm ready to watch baseball season with Trevor. I'm ready for a college spring break. I'm ready to go to the movies on a more regular basis. I'm ready(really) to see my professors. I'm ready to eat Subway every other day in the Colvard Union. I'm ready for the Reflector. I'm ready for the Starkville Cafe. I'm ready for Sunday Mexican night. I'm ready for the parties. I'm ready to host some parties. I'm ready to see all my friends every single day. I'm ready for Dawg Daze. I'm ready to use my experience from working in the workforce for one year.
So as you can see....I'm ready to return to typical the college life.
Of course, between now and then, I have one week left here and a full month of what is sure to be a GREAT vacation. Tonight we went to BJ's after work for a few hours. Considering Colin bought our group tickets to Narnia ahead of time, I figured we were heading to the cinema after the bar, but that was not the case. Earlier today at work, Colin and Eric had communicated their inability to see the movie tonight, so we had to cancel. No prob, though, as you can refund your tickets when you purchase way in advance. Besides, I think Mal and I are both going to wait and see the movie together in Paris. She's reading the book before viewing, so I think I might now do the same.
Colin had also been very hush hush about what his plans were tonight, so Eric and I were eager to hear what they were at BJ's. A few hours in, he finally disclosed his agenda, and we'll just say that I definitely had to say NO to his plans tonight(for once!), haha. Eric also had to decline, but Jude and Todd seemed eager. Oh well. I'm rather confident I made the right decision.
No matter, though, as we are meeting up tomorrow morning for the Newcastle/Arsenal game on the tele. Remember, Eric is now very into soccer, so we have to support him every step of the way, haha.
Speaking of soccer, the U.S. Mens team got the SHITTIEST draw of the 2006 World Cup today.More on that later. Just know that it SUCKS and we will be hard pressed to make it past the first round of group play.
Anyways, after Erics, I'm heading over to Metro's for the pool tournament. Hopefully I can pick up a few bucks after it's all said and done.
After the tournament, I come back home and shower. Then we're off to dinner and the play. If I have time, I am going to JCPenney's to try on this coat here. I need a good overcoat for the evening, and every man needs one anyway, so I'll try it on for size. I also need to go and pick up a new "power" tie, haha. Bold colors will be the S.O.P. If I find a nice shirt, I will also pick that up. If not, I will use my french blue shirt. I'm pretty excited about the evening; I haven't been to a play in forever, so it should at the very least be refreshing.
That should bring everyone up to date with what's going on with me. I need some rest
Sunday, December 04, 2005
The Great Gig In The Sky
Yesterday Colin, Eric, and I kicked the soccer ball around at this field right around da corner from Eric's house. I had almost forgotten how fun it was to play the game of futbol; I now look forward to playing intramurals with the boyz back at State this spring. What I do not miss, however, is the soreness that is prevalent after playing soccer for the first time in months. This is a sign I need to be more active...
Which I plan on doing for my final two weeks here. I beat Shadow of the Colossus today, so now I do not have an excuse for being lazy. Starting tomorrow, my ass is getting in gear. (speaking of SotC, it's a FANTASTIC game. I'd play if if you haven't already).
Last night we(Eric, Jennifer, Rachel, Colin, Jude, and I) went to Don Picos Mexican restaurant, which is about 300 yards from Colin's place. It was 99 cent margarita night, but I had a KILLER headache from soccer earlier that afternoon(no idea why), so I did not partake. I did, however, order the chicken enchilada, and it was divine. Afterwards, we walked back to Colin's...
Eric and Colin told me recently that the album Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd synchronizes with the movie Wizard of Oz. I didn't believe them, so they proved it to me last night. The only trick is to start the cd on the conclusion of the 3rd roar by the MGM Lion at the introduction; after that, just sit back and watch. The number of events that match, as well as the words in the songs that describe the current scene is amazing. The best sync has to be when Dorothy opens the door to the "colored" world for the first time; at the precise moment she does, the song "Money" begins to play, with sounds of coins falling being heard. VERY COOL. We tried setting the cd to repeat to see if anything else syncs up, but no luck with that.
I present my exit pitch for this co-op tour to my upper upper upper management on Thursday. I haven't even created one slide for it, so I best get my act together tomorrow. I also have 3 other tasks that need to be done at work by this Friday, need get my exit paperwork done, and maybe get's some console time in. Two weeks more, and I am free for a month :)
-H
Which I plan on doing for my final two weeks here. I beat Shadow of the Colossus today, so now I do not have an excuse for being lazy. Starting tomorrow, my ass is getting in gear. (speaking of SotC, it's a FANTASTIC game. I'd play if if you haven't already).
Last night we(Eric, Jennifer, Rachel, Colin, Jude, and I) went to Don Picos Mexican restaurant, which is about 300 yards from Colin's place. It was 99 cent margarita night, but I had a KILLER headache from soccer earlier that afternoon(no idea why), so I did not partake. I did, however, order the chicken enchilada, and it was divine. Afterwards, we walked back to Colin's...
Eric and Colin told me recently that the album Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd synchronizes with the movie Wizard of Oz. I didn't believe them, so they proved it to me last night. The only trick is to start the cd on the conclusion of the 3rd roar by the MGM Lion at the introduction; after that, just sit back and watch. The number of events that match, as well as the words in the songs that describe the current scene is amazing. The best sync has to be when Dorothy opens the door to the "colored" world for the first time; at the precise moment she does, the song "Money" begins to play, with sounds of coins falling being heard. VERY COOL. We tried setting the cd to repeat to see if anything else syncs up, but no luck with that.
I present my exit pitch for this co-op tour to my upper upper upper management on Thursday. I haven't even created one slide for it, so I best get my act together tomorrow. I also have 3 other tasks that need to be done at work by this Friday, need get my exit paperwork done, and maybe get's some console time in. Two weeks more, and I am free for a month :)
-H
Friday, December 02, 2005
Good News Friday
I must have been bitten by the good news bug this morning or something. Tons of great things were revealed and/or happened today.
First off, today is my mom's birthday!! That's reason enough to be excited about today.
Second, Metro(the guy's whose house I went to a few weeks ago) sent out the email flyers for his fundraising co-ed pool tournament that will take place on the 10th. I am pumped about it. It's 20$ entry fee, with half of that going to the St. Jude's Research Hospital. The other 10 bucks go to the pot for 1st and 2nd place. I might head to Breakers on Thursday or Friday of next week to get a tune up for the match.
Colin's girlfriend is in the Dickinson Community Theater production of Beauty and the Beast, so we have set the 10th as the nigth when we are all going to see her in the play. She plays a rather important role, but I cannot think of it right now. She also plays a napkin and teacup as well. We are all going to go out to eat before the show. Don't worry, the pool tournament will be over by then, as my partner and I will have owned everyone and taken their money by that point. Colins says the dress is casual, but Eric and I want to go all out, so we may bust our suits and the Who-Wants-to-be-a-Millionaire ties. It should be a fun evening.
I found out today that I actually get a Christmas bonus!! Woo hoo! I was pretty excited when I found out.
Colin and I have been trying to get Eric interested to soccer for months now, and it seems it has finally paid off. He wants to go kick the ball around tomorrow, so of course, Colin and I accepted, haha. This will be great, as this will be the first time I have laced up my soccer cleats since this summer. I am also getting dad to send me the highlight tape of my high school soccer days; I told the guys about the tape, and they want to see it, as do I. It should be quite funny because I haven't seen the tape in years. It will be great to hear my dad's classic soccer comments.
The temperature difference between Houston and other places is ridiculous. At one point today, the temp here was 66 degrees. I checked on Canton, MS: 56 degrees. Then Chattanooga: 46 degrees. Finally, I checked Paris: 36 degrees. It's a THIRTY degree difference between here and Paris! Wow. I better bundle up when we head up there in a few weeks.
Since the holidays are now in full swing, I have been on a Trans-Siberian Orchestra kick. I really like some of their remakes of classic songs. It's cool to just go through their songs on iTunes and see how many you actually remember from your youth. I'm working on a TSO compilation cd as we speak.
Trevor went to our future apartment the other day just to check it out. We have the COOLEST apartment number, but I wont divulge that on here, because you never know what lunatics are reading, haha. Just ask me if you are curious. Also, we are a building away from Adam and Aaron's apartment; not too far to walk, but far enough where we can have some privacy. Also, the apartment has not been occupied this semester, so it will be in perfect condition when we move in. They have also repainted the place this semester, so it will also look nice. We have a balcony(we're on the 2nd floor), and we also have face the street. That means we can holla at people as they drive up, or maybe just try to solicit some Mardi Gras beads. Finally, and probably most importantly, we are RIGHT BESIDE the sand volleyball courts! Trevor and I are SO going to kick some ass come this spring. We'll also be in killer shape.
This Tuesday(Dec. 6th) will be a great day if you are a guy. If you are, then you know what I'm talking about. If you're not, then I'm sure you'll figure it out as the date approaches.
Well, I slept 4 hours after work today, so I am wired. I'm going to go find something interesting to do.
Night!
-Henry
First off, today is my mom's birthday!! That's reason enough to be excited about today.
Second, Metro(the guy's whose house I went to a few weeks ago) sent out the email flyers for his fundraising co-ed pool tournament that will take place on the 10th. I am pumped about it. It's 20$ entry fee, with half of that going to the St. Jude's Research Hospital. The other 10 bucks go to the pot for 1st and 2nd place. I might head to Breakers on Thursday or Friday of next week to get a tune up for the match.
Colin's girlfriend is in the Dickinson Community Theater production of Beauty and the Beast, so we have set the 10th as the nigth when we are all going to see her in the play. She plays a rather important role, but I cannot think of it right now. She also plays a napkin and teacup as well. We are all going to go out to eat before the show. Don't worry, the pool tournament will be over by then, as my partner and I will have owned everyone and taken their money by that point. Colins says the dress is casual, but Eric and I want to go all out, so we may bust our suits and the Who-Wants-to-be-a-Millionaire ties. It should be a fun evening.
I found out today that I actually get a Christmas bonus!! Woo hoo! I was pretty excited when I found out.
Colin and I have been trying to get Eric interested to soccer for months now, and it seems it has finally paid off. He wants to go kick the ball around tomorrow, so of course, Colin and I accepted, haha. This will be great, as this will be the first time I have laced up my soccer cleats since this summer. I am also getting dad to send me the highlight tape of my high school soccer days; I told the guys about the tape, and they want to see it, as do I. It should be quite funny because I haven't seen the tape in years. It will be great to hear my dad's classic soccer comments.
The temperature difference between Houston and other places is ridiculous. At one point today, the temp here was 66 degrees. I checked on Canton, MS: 56 degrees. Then Chattanooga: 46 degrees. Finally, I checked Paris: 36 degrees. It's a THIRTY degree difference between here and Paris! Wow. I better bundle up when we head up there in a few weeks.
Since the holidays are now in full swing, I have been on a Trans-Siberian Orchestra kick. I really like some of their remakes of classic songs. It's cool to just go through their songs on iTunes and see how many you actually remember from your youth. I'm working on a TSO compilation cd as we speak.
Trevor went to our future apartment the other day just to check it out. We have the COOLEST apartment number, but I wont divulge that on here, because you never know what lunatics are reading, haha. Just ask me if you are curious. Also, we are a building away from Adam and Aaron's apartment; not too far to walk, but far enough where we can have some privacy. Also, the apartment has not been occupied this semester, so it will be in perfect condition when we move in. They have also repainted the place this semester, so it will also look nice. We have a balcony(we're on the 2nd floor), and we also have face the street. That means we can holla at people as they drive up, or maybe just try to solicit some Mardi Gras beads. Finally, and probably most importantly, we are RIGHT BESIDE the sand volleyball courts! Trevor and I are SO going to kick some ass come this spring. We'll also be in killer shape.
This Tuesday(Dec. 6th) will be a great day if you are a guy. If you are, then you know what I'm talking about. If you're not, then I'm sure you'll figure it out as the date approaches.
Well, I slept 4 hours after work today, so I am wired. I'm going to go find something interesting to do.
Night!
-Henry
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