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Wednesday, January 05, 2011

I Am Committed

Yesterday on facebook, I got an encouraging message from someone who was challenging us all to lose 15 pounds by March 31. Her trainer Mike Snader, is getting ready to run a 50 mile race and he is looking for 50 people to commit to losing 15 pounds by March 31. He wants to raise money for a little girl who was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma.

Her name is Isabella and this is her story. I saw that and I needed to lose a few pounds, so I asked Michelle if she would commit and join me to be one of the sponsors for 50 Miles for Isabella. Mike wants to run 50 miles and have 50 sponsors, one for every mile, to purchase a T-Shirt or make a donation.

I found it to be a heart warming story and I definitely need to lose a few pounds. I posted this on Facebook and my beautiful Niece Val was the first to respond by sending in her application through e-mail. I have to extend a heart felt thank you to her, and three others who have committed to doing this because I posted it on Facebook.

If you are reading this, have a few extra dollars to spend or donate, or even if you don;t and you just want to lose a few pounds. Support someone who is selflessly trying to do something nice for a young little girl.

Mike will be sending e-mails occasionally to assist in losing weight. Allow me to share his email with everyone else who may want to get healthy.




Hi George and Michelle,
 
Below is the first week of healthy tips. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!
 

Hello Everyone,

Thank you again for participating! I know that some people struggle consistently to lose weight, and many don't believe that it's possible to drop the pounds because they have tried so many times. I work in the health and wellness industry and I see it all of the time. I think the biggest problem is that people try to do too much at once. So what I am going to give you are some basic tips each week that we will build on. Remember, it's not drastic changes that will yield the biggest results, but small changes that add up to something great over time. So for all of the participants trying to lose weight, here is your Week 1 Homework Assignment:

-Eat breakfast everyday no matter what. Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. Don't worry so much about what it is, we just want to get into the habit of eating breakfast every day. We will add different guidelines as we go, but for now just get it in.

-Eat at least 3 meals per day.  In an ideal world we would eat around 6 meals per day, but that cannot fit into everyone's schedule. So make sure you're getting at least 3 meals.

-Eat a vegetable at each meal. Vegetables are low in calories and provide an abundance of vitamins and minerals. Make sure you have one serving at each meal or use them as a snack.

-Don't let food on your plate touch each other. What does this do? It makes sure that you are having reasonable portions. Foods piled on top of each other are a good indicator that you have too much on your plate.

Go on and say it. Mike what about counting calories? Carbs, fats, protein? Some meal suggestions? Where are the specifics? The truth is that we need to master the basics before we worry about anything else.

There you have it. That's it! Simple yet effective nutrition strategies to help you lose the weight. We will be adding to this list each week so don't be too concerned if it looks too easy. Get these habits down first. As far as an exercise goal this week, let's shoot for 15 minutes of daily physical activity for 4 days this week. Examples include: walking, biking, jogging, hiking, etc. Just get out and do it! Be active and move! Please keep me updated on your progress and if I can help you in any way. Focus on mastering these habits this week and stay tuned for week #2. We will be adding healthy habits. You can lose the weight, you just have to want it bad enough!

-Mike Snader

He's Out, he's In, we Don't know

Yesterday was a total roller coaster ride in the world of MeatChicken football coach Rich Fraudriguez. Reports early in the day had him fired as the Coach which caused me to celebrate like like a fat guy at an all you can eat buffet.

Later in the evening, we find out there was no decision on his future and the celebration was a but premature.

There will be a press conference today however to discuss Benedict Arnold Fraudriguez's future today at 4:00. Personally I hope they fire him again so i can get two times the enjoyment.

Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

Hi ho hi ho are words I hope Rich can;t say tomorrow.

Tuesday, January 04, 2011

Tuesday's Tidbits

* Well it is Tuesday, and the first one of the new Year. I can't think of a better reason to do a tidbits.

* It's day 1,026 on the ed and Michelle watch. It's been 1,026 marvelous days since our first date.

* 249 Days since the engagement.

* 214 days until our wedding.

* Yesterday was Michelle's Mother's Birthday.

* Today is Michelle's Neice's birthday.

* Rich Fraudriguez is probably not going to be employed by the University of Michigan by the end of the week. Couldn't happen to a nicer sack of Shiitake Mushroom Fertilizer.

* We're going to try to get out tonight to watch Arron and Isiah lead the University High JV basketball team to victory tonight. They were both over here this weekend watching the Winter Classic with us, I think we are going to go for moral support this evening provided we are not too tired.

* Hi ho hi ho

Monday, January 03, 2011

Back at it for 2011

Well the holidays are finally passed us and it's time to start a new work year for 2011. Wow, what an idea for the first BLOG of the year.

Some interesting things from the weekend. Pitt's new football coach that they hired last week because Dana Holgorsen had "Lifestyle Issues" as they said, has fired their new coach because of Domestic Violence over the weekend. I thought it was a bad football hire, but the guy gets fired a few days later. Ha ha

Michigan played their Bowl game on Saturday. Wow have they fallen way back. I would say Rich Rod will be out of a job sometime before this workweek is over with. They were embarrassed 52-14 and I loved every minute of it.

Oh well, so much for the fun, hi ho hi ho

Sunday, January 02, 2011

Afternoon BLOG

Kind of forgot to do my BLOG today, I meant to do one early this morning but got a little sidetracked trying to see what day they are going to fir Rich Fraudriguez from Michigan for getting hammered in the bowl yesterday.

Sitting here watching the Steelers game wearing my Mike Wallace Jersey my sweetie bought for me for Christmas. He's already got 2 40 yard plus receptions and we are still in the first quarter. It's the Jersey, I know it is.

Trish is going to be coming over, Michelle has made some football food for us to watch the game.

I hope everyone had a great New Years. We stayed home this year.

Saturday, January 01, 2011

Happy New Year 2011





Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!

Chorus.-For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne. 



HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, December 31, 2010

Goodbye 2010


* Michelle and I attended a Gymnastics Meet in early January. It was the first Gymnastic's meet that she has attended.

* I learned that I was going to have to have my first surgery in 37 years when I was going to have to have Cataract Surgery later this year.

* We lost one of our own, as Richard Snider entered into the afterlife in January.

* Moke came in from his tour in Iraq for a visit. He was in for two weeks during Rich's funeral. 



* Phil, the rat from Punxatawny saw his shadow.

* I purchased the Roku. It was a nice investment and I would buy another one.

* Josh Judy started the year in the Major League Camp.

* Phil really let me down as we got nailed with a Winter Blast in the first week.

* Michelle had her surgery.

* We did one of our few Geocaches for the year.

* Nasrin came into town and we had dinner with her.

* Mountaineer basketball team wins the Big East Tournament.

* I had cataract Surgery.

* Hayley took the first of her Two trips to Alabama.

* The Mountaineers advanced to the First Final 4 in Basketball since 1959. 

April

* Michelle and I hosted an Easter Egg hunt at our home.

* Mom ended up having Open heart Surgery. It all started with a simple Catherization, and turned out as open heart surgery at Ruby Memorial.

* On day 777 since our first date, I proposed marriage to Michelle and she said yes. 

May

* We had a dinner with an old Friend. Smitty and Steph invited us over for dinner. Has it really been that long since we did that? Wow.

* I joined Skywarn and became certified.

* I obtained a copy of my Birth certificate. Couldn't say I had seen in in 30 years, so I ordered a copy of it for myself.

* I went to the WVU Commencement to hear Bill Clinton Speak.

* Moke returned from Iraq for good. His tour of duty was now complete and he and Ang could start to prepare to spend the rest of their lives together.

* Brittany got into her first car wreck in front of Krogers. 

June

* Kim participated in the Relay for Life, Michelle and I stopped up for moral support.

* Hayley celebrated her Birthday, but she did so in Alabama while visiting Phil.

* My Doctor had moved on and it was the last time I got to see him.

* Sophie, one of our cats had a litter of kittens. She waited for Hayley to get back from Alabama before she started giving birth (Literally).

* Kim was in a car wreck.

* Michelle and I found a new trail to walk on that we really liked. It was a part of the backwaters of Cheat. 

July 

* The Rosiak family Fourth of July Party was the way Michelle and I started the month. I have been going a number of years and 2010 was Michelle's third.

* I bought another website, george-hall.com and haven't really done anything with it.

* We traveled to see Michelle's family one weekend. 

August

* Our softball season came to an end in August. Our last game ended with a game ending brawl between the two teams. Sadly, and I just found this out recently, this was the last game for the MiHaley's softball team and quite possibly my swann song from the game. More to come on that in 2011 though.

* Michelle and I went to see Jimmy Buffett for the third year in a row.

* We took a mini vacation to the NFL Hall of Fame and visited Amish Country in Ohio.

* We did have a trip to the Emergency Room. Michelle was complaining of stomach pains.

* We surprised Michelle's grandmother for her Birthday in Ohio. Everyone just kind of showed up.

* We drafted our Fantasy Football league. 

September 

*  I had the honor of having a meeting with the Secretary of Energy Stephen Chu. Great man, I was very impressed.

* We set a Wedding Date and started to compile our guest list.

* Michelle and I attended the Wine and Jazz festival.

* Michelle was rushed my Ambulance to the Emergency Room at Mon General. This turned into a few night stay over the same issues that we were in a month earlier for.

* Michelle and I did a little research on possible wedding venues.



October 

*  Michelle, Chad and I went to see Hayley on the production of Sweeney Todd.

* Moke and Ang tied the knot. Michelle and I were honored to be at the wedding and the reception.

* Hayley attended her Senior Homecoming Dance.

* I attended an ESRI seminar in Pittsburgh.

* Trick or Treating once again at Jean's. We had a large number of tricksters this year, Michelle and Pam spent the night handing out the Halloween Candy. 

November

* Josh Judy, the subject of numerous of my BLOGS. Was called up to the Major's with the Cleveland Indian's. I think I was more excited than he was to find out.

* I got a copy of Microsoft Office Professional edition to use at home. Same deal I had with SAIC, I just now have it with NETL.

* Michelle's Uncle had passed away and we returned to where she is from for the Funeral.

* Hayley ordered herself a Bird. 

December

* We set up our Christmas Tree. We once again decided to go with a live tree.

* Michelle and I hit the 1,000 days since our first date milestone. Must mean she likes me to have kept me that long.

* We had a weekend full of Christmas shopping and spending some valuable Christmas time with Michelle's family back home.

* West Virginia hired a new Football head Coach in waiting who will take over in 2012.

* On our cookie day, we had friends stop by to see us and help us make our 2010 Christmas Cookies.

* I spent much of the Christmas break sick with Bronchiolitis. Michelle also had it and we were both down for the holidays.

* 420 BLOGS later, my 2010 year of BLOGGING has come to a close. 

Big Ole hairy Next to Last BLOG of the Year

Yes it is once again that time of the year. When I take a little bit of time out and reflect how my year was lived by me according to what I had written in my BLOG. I do a year ending BLOG every year. I did a Goodbye 2005 for my first one. A Goodbye 2006, Goodbye 2007, Goodbye 2008, Goodbye 2009 and followed that up with a Good Bye Decade.

I think these are my favorite BLOGS to write. It lets you take a little time out and just reflect what has happened over the course of the past twelve months. I didn't do a goodbye 2004 as In wasn't a BLOGGER for that entire year, but this will be my sixth Goodbye whatever year BLOG plus the one goodbye to the Decade.

Overall it has been a great year for me. There were highs and lows, but I only really try to talk about the highs. The lows do make for some juicy gossip, but that is not why I started writing a BLOG. I didn't want a piece of my life to be used to hurt people or say nasty things.

So, I'll leave you with my Goodbye to 2010 BLOG that will publish later this morning and I'll see everyone on the other side.

Be safe tonight, have fun and have a great 2011.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Start of a Three Day Weekend

Well I guess you can almost call today my Friday. With the New Years Holiday coming up soon and tomorrow being a Holiday for both me and Michelle, I think we will call this almost a Friday.

I've started to write my favorite BLOG of the year already. That is the one where I look back through the last year of my BLOG and relive my year month by month. It is the one that takes me the most time, and it is also a time of reflection of my previous 12 months based on my BLOG.

It will be out the Day of the 31st sometime, but it won't be my normal daily blog.

Oh well, hi ho hi ho

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Hump Day

Well this has been a quick week so far. One day sick, one day in and we are at Hump day looking at another weekend.

I have a future BLOG I am wanting to write, but I want to gather all my facts and have them straight before I rip a certain Medical Facility and a few Doctor's a new asshole when I speak my mind on their business practices. But that will be another blog and another day. The year is starting to wind down and I have a big year ending BLOG to be writing soon.

Hi ho hi ho

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Let's try this again

I wasn't exactly feeling too good yesterday morning, so I decided to let the anti-biotics kick in a little bit before returning to work, which I am going to be doing today.

Michelle and I have both been down pretty hard with this, now it's time for me to get back to work.

Don;t forget tonight at 6:30 it's the Champs Sports Bowl when WVU takes on NC State. Let's Go Mountaineers.

Hi ho hi ho

Monday, December 27, 2010

Bronchitis

Well it's official, I've been fighting it but I have now been diagnosed with Bronchitis. I've been fighting something for about a week and a half, but went to WVU Urgent care and have been diagnosed with it. I'm now on anti-biotics and well on the road to recovery.

Christmas Day for me was a day that I was sedated with NyQuill all day and slept pretty much until Sunday Morning.

I am on the road to recovery now, so we'll see how I feel to decide if it is hi ho hi ho  today.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Under the Weather

I have been fighting this bug about a week and a half now, it gets better it gets worse and I think I am fianlly at the point where I am going to seek medical attention about it today.

Michelle did last week, I thought I was getting better and had it put me down Christmas Eve and all day yesterday. I've had so much Nyquil and Hall's Cough drops in my system that maybe it is time to seek a professional opinion before this gets any worse.

The Steelers are off today after winning Thursday Night, so maybe I need to get some anti-biotics in me before returning to work.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Eve

OK, if you haven't finished your Christmas Shopping yet this is your last chance. Today is Christmas Eve and I imagine by later this afternoon all stores will be closed for the Holidays.

Santa Claus has already started his Journey, NORAD is currently tracking where he is at on their Santa Tracker. They track Jolly Ole Saint Nick's Journey around this rock. We are not tracking him at our National Lab, but another DOE lab, Los Alamos will also be keeping track of Santa and making sure he is on schedule.

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Holiday. Michelle and I will be celebrating Christmas Eve from the comfort of our home with her kids. We celebrated here last year, but this will be the first time that all of us are together on Christmas Eve. Two years ago I still lived at Brunswick and last year Chad was living in South park and did not make it over Christmas Eve.

Tree's up, the stocking are hung and the Hot Sausage is not to far off from hitting the crock pot and my camera is ready.

Merry Christmas.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Big Ole Hairy Thursday for Me

Today is my last day to work this week, we will be off tomorrow for the Christmas Holiday, so today will be the last day to work for this week. It'll be a nice three day Christmas weekend for me and Michelle.

Michelle has been under the weather, she went to the Doctor's yesterday and found out she has strep and the start of bronchiolitis. We've both been fighting it for over a week, yesterday morning however she was royally sick. They have her on anti-biotics and hopefully she can get back into the swing of things today.

I hope everyone has a great day, but for me it is hi ho hi ho

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Hump Day

We had my Company Christmas Dinner last night at Oliverios here in Morgantown, this was the second straight year working for Sextant that we have had there. We did it on a Tuesday Night this year and we ended up getting the deck reserved to ourselves, I think we were scheduled to have 30 people there and that is about how many we had.

Today however is a new day filled with new challenges and another fun filled day of being in the office. Actually that wasn't sarcasm as I honestly do love my job and what I do. It gives you a rewarding feeling and a feeling like you have somehow made a difference, or at least helped influence that difference in this world. I really do consider it an honor.

That being said, it's Hump Day Plus for me. I'm off Friday and will have a three day weekend.

Hi ho hi ho

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Tuesday's Tidbits

* Well Monday is now once again behind us, we are well on our way to Tuesday and I can't think of a better reason that that to do a tidbits.

* Both Michelle and I are still under the weather. We've both been fighting this on and off for about a week now, I think we are both ready for this damn flu bug to be over with and have it behind us.

* It's going to be a long day today. Starting with work, and culminating with my companies Christmas Dinner this evening at Oliverios. Dale treats his employees right is all I have to say. I am one lucky guy to be working at the best job I have ever had or been offered in my life.

* It has been 1,012 days since mine and Michelle's first date.

* It's been 235 days since our engagement.

* It's only four days till Christmas, and only a few shopping days left. I'm done shopping with the exception of a few stocking stuffers that we are going to put out.

* I don't know if I have ever mentioned this, but I hate snow. Not just a little bit, I mean I really hate snow with a passion. Let's get Christmas in and get to spring.

* For you science buffs and if you are reading this early in the AM> We are at a full Lunar Eclipse as we start the first day of Winter.

* Hi ho hi ho and I still hate snow.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Back at It

All good things must come to an end, and in this case it is the end of yet another weekend and a time to put our noses back on the grindstone for yet another week of work. It will be a short week for me, as I will be off Friday, however Michelle will be off for the Holiday on Monday.

We did get a lot accomplished this weekend, obviously we did our Christmas baking. Still have a boatload of supplies that are unopened, but we will use them some time or another. We were both a little under the weather yesterday and neither one of us felt like doing much of anything other than resting.

I do officially have my Christmas shopping completed. There is still some wrapping to go, actually a good bit of wrapping to go, but we have a good head start on that already. I finished up yesterday with the last of my regular Christmas shopping. I may still do some stocking stuffer stuff for the stockings, but I am done for the most part.

This week will be doing our final things to get ready for Christmas. Michelle has some shopping to do, we have my Company Christmas Party Tuesday and of course this weekend is Christmas.

Hi ho hi ho

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Friends and Cookies 2010

It was a day of fun and cookie making for 2010. Trish and Arron were supposed to come over and give us a hand, but we also got another very big surprise as one of Michelle's closest friends who lived in New York for a few years, moved to Maryland and came and visited us on our Cookie Day 2010.

Paul and Lynn, two of Michelle's very close friends who she used to go to New York to visit, recently moved to LaVale Maryland and stopped by for a visit yesterday and partake in our cookie baking day 2010.

It was nice to visit with them, and Trish and get some assistance in making our 2010 Holiday Cookies. I know my favorite ones are the Butterscotch cookies.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Cookie Day 2010

Woo Hoo, it's Christmas Cookie making day 2010!!!!

Michelle and I went to Sams last night and stocked up on what we need to make quite a few cookies today. I think we bought enough stuff to make a bazillion cookies, which is a good thing because I like cookies a heck of a lot more than I like snow.

Michelle makes some awesome cookies, stop over and try a few.

=)

Friday, December 17, 2010

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday.

I have to say this is one weekend that could not get here quick enough. The weather has been absolutely atrocious around the Morgantown area, so much as they shut down the DOE yesterday at 1:00 due to inclimate weather. I left and worked the afternoon from home to avoid the headaches and traffic jams that were about to happen yesterday afternoon.

I still have a touch of the flu bug believe it or not, had a little relapse yesterday evening, hopefully that is the end of this thing. We have cookies to bake tomorrow!!!!

Hi ho hi ho

Thursday, December 16, 2010

A Sick Day All Around

Wow yesterday morning was a unique one. Both Michelle and I were under the weather, we must have both been bitten by the bug. It was in my chest and her sinuses were clogged up.

We both decided to take a midweek break from the grindstone and take a day to medicate, sleep and relax so that we can finish out the week strong and make it to the weekend. We have plans to do some Christmas Baking this weekend.

Other than that, yesterday was just that, a sick day of rest and relaxation.

Today however....hi ho hi ho

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Hump Day

Two days down, three to go and today is up over that hump day.

I can't believe this weather as of late, talk about cold as heck, it has been just that. I think the Penguins are even starting fires to warm up around these parts. Temps in the low teens and a decent wind had made the wind chill factor, well freaking cold.

WVU football has a new Offensive Coordinator and 2012 head coach, Dana Holgorsen has been hired as the OC and Coach in Waiting. I have to say I think he will be a nice addition to our staff.

I also have to say, Oliver Luck needs to be fired. This University is better than the back door behind the back dealings that our former coach used to do. You were hired to make sure that this University maintained the integrity we had established with Coach Stewart. Your back stabbing and down right despicable way of handling this. You need to be shown the door, you disgust me and need to be shown the door. Bill Stewart does not deserve to be treated like this you worthless sack of shit. Take your ass back to Texas.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Tuesday's Tidbits

* Monday is behind us and we are looking straight at Tuesday. I can't think of a better reason to do a tidbits than that.

* It has been 1,005 days since Michelle and I had our first date. We're finally into quadruple digits and I count my blessings every day that she came into my life.

* Day 228 since the engagement.

* Now the really important one, 11 shopping days left until Christmas. Mine is most of the way done, we're just in the home stretch with cookie making on the horizon.

* Fantasy Football was good and bad for me this past week. I had the absolute worst week points wise that I have ever had since I started playing Fantasy Football. This was an important week, if I won I locked myself into the playoffs and into the prize money. If I lost and had a good showing I had enough points where I would have went into a tie breaker for the last playoff spot and probably would have won. Worst case scenario happened, I lost and didn't score any points. HOWEVER, the guy who beat me for the Big money a couple years ago was the guy I would have tied with and I really thought he was going to win this week. Thank You Michael Toth for having your best week of the year and putting me in the Money!!!!!

* Have I ever mentioned that I HATE SNOW?

* Hi ho hi ho

Monday, December 13, 2010

Back Home, Weekend's over

Yesterday was a day of traveling to see Michelle's family in Ohio. It started as a day at her Grandmothers and culminated with a trip to see her Father and a return trip back to good ole Morgantown.

Today we take our noses and stick them back on that dreaded old grindstone for yet another week as we take the past few days we referred to as the weekend and place them into our memories.

I hope everyone had a great weekend, I know we did. We have one more weekend left before Christmas and there's gonna be a whole lot of baking going on next weekend. Our time set aside to make Christmas cookies.

First though, we have to get through the next five days, so hi ho hi ho

Sunday, December 12, 2010

East Liverpool Ohio Bound

Today is the day Michelle's family back ion Ohio celebrate their Christmas. Festivities take place at her Maternal Grandmothers (GiGi) and usually culminate with us stopping by and spending some time with her Dad before we head south for the end of the days festivities.

This will be my third Christmas at her Grandmothers and they are always a blast. Food is plentiful and there are even some fun games of Bingo with some nice prizes that are on the yearly agenda.

We did get about 90% of our Christmas shopping done yesterday. To say that I found some VERY good deals at Tanger is an understatement. Lancome, Columbia, the Kitchen Stores, deals were all over the place. It was a wise decision to do our Christmas Shopping yesterday at that location.

I did get to eat at a Red Robin yesterday. Wow could we really use one of these in Morgantown. Michelle had eaten at one previously, and this was my first venture into one. I'll say it ranks up their with my favorite restaurants. YUMMMMMM

Have a good day.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Christmas Shopping

I got a real good start on my seasons Christmas Shopping yesterday evening after work. Michelle and I went out for our Friday Pizza complimented with a trip to Sam's Club for some vitals and a trip to the land of Christmas Gifts for a few lucky boys and girls.

Today, we get serious about our Christmas Shopping. We're heading out to Tanger Outlet in Washington PA and going into full head shopping mode. It'll be an early start for Michelle, Hayley and myself.

It's going to be a very busy weekend for us, which will also include heading to East Liverpool, Ohio on Sunday for Michelle's family Christmas with her family back home.

It's going to be a busy weekend.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday.

Well High School Football season is almost over with, this years AAA game that had to go to the State Supreme Court to be ruled on will finally take place this Saturday evening. Good luck to the kids of Martinsburg and Brooke as they both seek to win the 2010 State Title.

Looking at mine Michelle's schedule, last weekend we cleaned carpets and put up our beautiful Christmas Tree. On this weekend's agenda, shopping and traveling. We're heading up to Tanger Outlets tomorrow to do our Christmas Shopping. Hopefully we can find some really nice deals =)

Sunday we're traveling to East Liverpool for Michelle's family Christmas. We'll visit her grandmother and stop by and see her Dad before we head back to Morgantown Sunday Night.

To say that it is going to be another busy weekend for us is an understatement. Next weekend is my company Christmas Party and all of our Holiday Baking.

Hi ho hi ho

Thursday, December 09, 2010

1,000 Days Ago

March 15, 2008. One Thousand magical days ago my life was changed forever for the better. I had no idea what was going to happen, I had just been going out with an old friend that things just really didn't work out with dating. Great person and a very long time friend, but lives were just a little too different.

I was on MySpace a couple of days earlier and I had became friends with someone I had seen for the first time in years at Christmas time. I uttered those magical words "BTW, I Think I'm Single" and the rest was history.

1,000 days ago I picked Michelle up and took her out to dinner, at Pizza Hut and we went to see a movie. 10,000 BC (just wait another 9,000 days =)) was the movie we went to see, the movie to be honest with you was well, lousy. If you have never seen it, don't waste your time.

However that was mine and Michelle's first date and our first Kiss. 1,000 days ago today. The day my life changed forever.

Michelle, all I can say is Thank You and I Love You. Thank you for saving me from the prison of solitude that I had imprisoned myself in.

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Humpday

Just went to see my Doctor yesterday, of course he advised me to lay off the extra snacks, but all my blood work came back pretty good and I feel good. I'll go back again in three months, we're going to see if we can reduce or eliminate some of the meds or have to move forward.

On the football front, the University of Pittsburgh has fired their coach Dave "the Stache" Wannstadt. Maybe the WVU coaches can start taking a harder look at the Pitt recruits and see if any of them would be willing to change their commitment now that Wannstadt is no longer coaching there. He was a very notable recruiter, just so so in his coaching....except for the one time it really mattered, December 1, 2007.

Speaking of December 1, 2007, guess whose name has popped up as a possible replacement to the Stache. None other that Rich Fraudriguez. Seems his coaching days in Ann Arbor Michigan may be numbered and some Pitt people have tossed his name around. I guess we'll just have to wait and see, you know how rumors go.

Oh well, hi ho hi ho

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Tuesday's Tidbits

* Well Monday is once again behind us and we are at Tuesday, I can;t think of a better reason to do a tidbits.

* It's been 998 days since Michelle and I had our first date for those of you still counting. I guess we are a couple of days from a monumental event for us.

* By that count, it has been 221 days since I proposed to Michelle.

* And for those of you who are really paying attention, we have only 18 shopping days left until Christmas.

* I don't know if I have ever mentioned this on this BLOG, but I hate snow. I can't stand the slippery and cold white stuff that falls and lands on the ground. Give me the warm weather and longer days. (I type this as I am getting ready to watch Jack Frost on ABC family. Go Figure.

* How does everyone like the new Facebook? I think I like the new one and I am not one who really likes to see things change, but this is one that I don't really mind.

Monday, December 06, 2010

Back To Work

Another weekend of enjoyment has come and gone, our objective this weekend was to get our Christmas tree up in addition to all of the other things that we do. We started Saturday Morning and went and got the tree, but were a little sidetracked from shampooing the carpets, grocery shopping as well as watching the Mountaineers, making fresh home made from scratch (our first attempt) bread, we finally got the tree up and decorated.

I do have to say it has been a very busy weekend, and we really got a lot accomplished. Michelle was an absolute trooper and an inspiration. I'm not sure what this household would be like without her. I am a very lucky man to say the very least.

Now it's time to stick our noses back on the grindstone and get back to that thing we call work until we reach another weekend. Only next weekend will be filled with travel. Either with Christmas Shopping on Saturday or traveling back to Ohio to celebrate Christmas with Michelle's family, it will be a weekend full of traveling.

West Virginia will be playing in the Champs Sports Bowl on December 28th against North Carolina State. It was believed if WVU got the BCS Bowl, or possibly evein if we didn't that Notre Dame would take the Big East's spot in the Champs Sports Bowl. They are allowed to do it once every four years. Because we are the best bowl traveling team in the Big East, we got the bid.

Until then, hi ho hi ho

Sunday, December 05, 2010

Christmas Tree Part Two

Yesterday we went and bought our 2010 Christmas Tree. Once again it is a very robust live tree. It has been trimmed and set up and sitting where it is going to sit, today we are going to decorate the tree and put lights on it.

We intended on putting it up yesterday, but we decided the carpets where the tree was going to go up needed shampooed. Which turned into us getting an industrial carpet shampooer and doing the carpets.

We had talked about doing it before Christmas, but with traveling next weekend and the following weekend set aside for baking, this turned into the weekend that we shampooed carpets.

Today all the fun stuff happens as all the furniture has been moved and the tree is already set up and in place. Might even build a fire in the fireplace this afternoon as we do this.

Have a great and fun filled day.

Saturday, December 04, 2010

Maybe a Special Day

This could be a special day with all that may potentially happen. I say potentially because Michelle has been under the weather and actually came home from work early yesterday feeling sick, so this mornings plans may depend upon her health.

Potentially on the agenda this morning. CHRISTMAS TREE!!!! This is the day we have set aside to go and get our tree tree this year. Last year we went to Southern States and I'm pretty sure that is where we are going to be going once again this season health permitting.

Today is Senior Send Off day for the Seniors on the Mountaineer Football team. I think back to my first BLOG ever about Noel Devine and am Happy and sad. Sad that this is the last time he will ever play in Mountianeer Field and Happy that he chose and stayed at West Virginia. If the Mountaineers win today, they win at least a share of the Big East Championship.

If this happens tune into ESPN2 tonight at 8:00 as I am sure every Mountaineer fan will be doing. I'll make it simple, if South Florida beats UCONN, we play as the Big East Representative in the BCS Bowl. If UCONN wins, they are the Big East Representative.

Let's Go Mountaineers.

Happy Birthday Kim SanJulian

I would like to take this opportunity to wish my Sister Kim a very Happy Birthday. Her's is one of the easiest for me to remember, as it is only just a few short days after the anniversary of my birthday =)

Anyways if you see Kim today, Make sure you take a little bit of time out to wish her the Happiest of Birthdays.

Friday, December 03, 2010

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday.

Well the High School Footballs play offs will finish this weekend with the A and AA Championship games. The AAA game has been suspended pending this legal mess culmination that South Charleston and the judge they have in their back pocket are trying to pull off. They should impeach her for stepping where the State Supreme Court had previously ruled that it was out of her jurisdiction.

I think Michelle and I are going to get our Christmas Tree this weekend. We have the next four or five weekends planned out and this is the one we have set to make the homestead look all christmassy. So we are going to go and get our live tree tomorrow morning and decorate.

I'm ready for a weekend, could be an exciting one if the Mountaineers win tomorrow and UCONN would happen to lose to South Florida tomorrow night.

Hi ho hi ho

Thursday, December 02, 2010

Have I ever said I Hate Snow

Ok, I don;t care how pretty it is or what it looks like for that matter, I just want to officially go on record to say that I hate snow. Give me a 1/4 dusting on Christmas Eve but stay off the roads and melt away after Christmas and I would be perfectly happy.

I'm more of a spring and summer kind of guy, a get outside and do something not a sit around and watch TV because it's cold and dark out. Give me the warm summer rays, some softball games and long days where you have a few hours of nice daylight after you get off of work.

I guess I'll have to suck it up and deal with this winter stuff, but I want to officially go on record and say that

I HATE SNOW

Hi ho hi ho

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Happy Birthday Ed


Today is Ed's birthday, now I am not going to say how old he is, since he doesn't want to celebrate birthday's, but judging by the photo that I have added you can figure it out. So give him a shout out today and wish him a good one. Happy Birthday Honey, thanks for allowing me to share another one with you. I love you and hope you have a great day.

Hump Day

Well that is two days for the week that are done and over with, we are now in the middle of the week and looking to make it up over the hump for the week.

I have to say that there was a ruling yesterday by Kanawha County Circuit Judge Carrie Webster that just has me completely disgusted. It all started a couple of weeks ago in the State HS Playoff game between South Charleston and Hurricane and ends up with a judge overstepping her bounds to rule on participation ion a High School Football game. Because of her ruling, the state AAA Championship game has been suspended. I'm absolutley dusgusted by this ruling that started off with this.



When police and pepper spray have to enter the field of play to break up a brawl, someone needs to be suspended and that is exactly what the WVSSAC ruled. However this idiot judge took it upon herself to change the rules of the governing body and ignore testimony by officials in charge of the game.

This is a can of worms that will only hurt the kids affected. They should disbar this judge.

Oh well, rant over.

Hi ho hi ho

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Tuesday's Tidbits

It's no longer Monday, so I can;t think of a better reason that that to do a Tidbits.

* 991 days and Counting since mine and Michelle's first date a few years ago. We've come a long from since seeing 10,000 BC.

* It has been 214 days since I got down on one knee and proposed and I heard the words yes. She hasn't booted me to the curb yet, so I must be doing something right.

* 25 more shopping days are left before Christmas. I'll probably go into full Christmas shopping mode in a couple of weeks.

* Hayley bought herself a bird last week. She named him Veritas, but I think my suggestion of "Here Kitty Kitty" was a much better name. =)It's a good bird though as far as aviary friends go.

* We'll be doing our weekly "Crock Pot Meal" tonight. We're going back to an old favorite and doing a good hearty and home made Beef Stew. We have a small number of meals that we do regularly with the crock pot, beef Stew is one we like. As well as home made Chilli, stuffed Peppers and Meat Loaf, Briscut, Meatballs, Hot Sausages and anything else we may find interesting, it makes it nice one night a week. We cooked one crock pot overnight (yes I can smell it) and we'll fire up the bigger one when we leave this morning.

* I think I have come to the realization that this years BLOG numbers are going to be less than last years total number of posts. It will be the first year since I became a Blogger in six years ago that my yearly total went down from the previous year. This is BLOG 386 for the year, I did 452 last year. I'll probably come in 25-30 less Blogs than last year on the year.

* For those of you keeping track this is my 2,225th Blog post. That is a lot of personal online journal entries.

* Hi ho hi ho

Monday, November 29, 2010

Back To Work

Well, the nice extended Holiday Weekend is over for me, it's time to stick my nose back to the grindstone and get back to work.

It'll be a nicer day as one of the guys I am working on the Atlas with is a Pitt grad and a HUGE Pitt fan. He has to travel all the way down to Morgantown to meet with us this week.Don;t worry, I'll remind him of the game and the result of the game.

We got back from Pittsburgh about 9:30 last night. Michelle went and paid her final respects to her Uncle and we spent a little time visiting with her family.

Hi ho hi ho

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Ha ha ha ha




Just skip to about the 1:58 mark for your enjoyment.

Squirm you worthless weasel.

A Day of Travel

Today is going to be a day of travel, Michelle's Uncle passed away over Thanksgiving and we are going to be heading North for the Funeral/Memorial service this evening.

We will be leaving Morgantown early afternoon and heading towards the Pittsburgh Airport, the area that her family resides.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

What a Great Day

Yesterday was an awesome day. I decided to make this a four day weekend and the Mountaineers hammered Pitt in Pittsburgh 35-10. It's always nice to win, but to beat the crap out of your rival on their home field and crush their BCS hopes is priceless.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Happy Birthday Valarie Nicholson

I would like to take this opportunity and a little bit of time out from everyone's Black Friday Shopping to wish my beautiful Niece Valarie a very happy Birthday birthday today.

I'm sure she is out shopping right now, but if you get the chance, remember to wish Miss val a very Happy Birthday today.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday.

Actually for me, I'm still about 50/50 today, I have nothing that needs done and no one else is going to be there, so I just may extend it to a four day weekend by taking today off.

Looking for a little bit of Football? No High School on tap, but it is once again that time of the year for the 103rd edition of theBackYard Brawl that will be played in Pittsburgh this year. Gloves can come off and I say bring on the Panthers.

Let the Madness Begin

Alright you deal seekers and those willing to stay up all night and fight crowds to save a couple bucks on your Christmas Shopping. It is Black Friday, the single busiest shopping day of the year. The day when most people and stores "Officially" start their Christmas Shopping season by offering and seeking specials to a few lucky shoppers.

I've done Black Friday once, it accomplished nothing but waiting around and not getting what we were seeking. People had camped out and lined up the night before to start the madness.

It seems like there is always one tragedy at some Wal-Mart somewhere every year, usually someone getting trampled by the horde of shoppers wanting to get the deals. So, with that being said, don't put yourself in a bad situation to say a couple dollars. Have fun, enjoy your day but please remain safe. I'm sure people would rather have you at Christmas time than some toy you tried to get or save $5.00 on that caused a tragedy.

Have fun and let the madness begin.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving

It is always the fourth Thursday in every November, a day that our forefathers set aside to celebrate a bountiful harvest, it is Thanksgiving. I hope everyone has a good time, Michelle and I will be celebrating it with her family today at the Cassville Firehall.

Michelle and I went over last night, she bought ten dozen rolls (turned out to be 20 dozen) from Texas Roadhouse. We initially had bought ten dozen, but as we were almost there they called and said that they gave us unbaked ones instead and that we could have those and they would supply us with ten dozen baked rolls. Michelle baked all ten dozen of the first batch and we ended up with twenty dozen rolls.

It should be a great day for us, her family has came into town and is staying for a couple of days to do a little bit of Black Friday Shopping tomorrow.

I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. May it be filled with friends, family, football and an overstuffing of Turkey along with a few Parades.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Hump Day

Well I guess you can call this Hump day, it is Wednesday, but tomorrow is Thanksgiving and both Michelle and I will be off work. She has to work Friday, I'm still up in the air as to whether I am going to or not, I have a couple of weeks of vacation built up and am about 50/50 on whether or not I take off.

I got a Home Use license of Microsoft Office 2010 Professional Extended yesterday. First time I've actually seen it as I have office 2008 on all of my work computers. It is a bit of a change from 2008, and it is a welcome change as there are many nice new features.

I hope all the hunters have nailed themselves a buck or two this week. It's been a little warm for this time of the year and that might affect hunting a little bit. Not really a hunter so I can't really comment on anything other than that.

Michelle was starting to feel a little under the weather yesterday evening, so we popped her (and me) up on Vitamin C and made sure she got plenty of rest.

Hi ho hi ho

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Tuesday's Tidbits

* It's Tuesday, I can't think of a better reason to do a tidbits.

* 32 days until Christmas if you are counting. Black Friday shopping starts this week if you are waiting for any of those special deals that lure people in.

* 984 Days since mine and Michelle's first date for those of you other than me that are keeping track of this. Wow, that means I'm heading towards 1,000 days.

* 207 Days since our engagement.

* I can make it easy by saying only two days until Turkey Day!!!

* Home made Chilli tonight for dinner, the crock pot is already set up and about ready to be turned on for the day. Make some home made corn bread tonight to go along with it. Yum.

* Hi ho hi ho

Monday, November 22, 2010

What Great Weekend

All good things have to come to an end, and that includes a marvelous weekend that we had. It's time to stick our noses back on the grindstone for the workweek, and it will even be a short one for me.

Mohigans Won, Mountaineers Won, Steelers Won, Josh got called to the Majors and I got an unexpected, but much appreciated bonus at work. It has just been a very good week for me to say the least.

I have to give a shout out to all the hunters in West Virginia who will be, if they are not already, out in the woods today for the first day of rifle deer season in West Virginia. Good luck to all the hunters, bag the big one and may all hunters return home safely.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Josh Judy Update

I have written a number of BLOGS on a young kid who used to play softball with us starting with the old Recourse Softball Teams that we used to have a few years back.

From my first post about him on this BLOG six and a half years ago to when the draft occurred when he told me prior to the draft that it was his dream to be selected by the Cleveland Indians to today's announcement.

Josh Judy is Officially not only a member of the Cleveland Indians organization, he is now officially a Major League Pitcher with the Cleveland Indians. He signed his Major league Contract a week ago, a couple days after I had spoke with him and it became official on Friday evening. I found out about it last night.

He spent last spring with the Major League team, but did not break spring training with the team. To be a part of the 40 man roster, you have to have broke spring training with the Major League team. This year, Josh reports Feb 13th and will break spring training with the Major League team.

It has been an honor and a pleasure to watch Josh develop.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Saturday Morning Blog

Ahhh, the weekend. Don't have to rush top get out of the house today, because neither Michelle or I have to work today.

The Mountaineer Football team takes on Louisville at noon on the TV, that might very well be part of our agenda for the day. Watch a little bit of TV and stay home because Michelle seems to be a little bit under the weather this morning as well as yesterday evening.

Might even be a popcorn kind of day =)

Friday, November 19, 2010

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday.

Looking for a little High School Football? Well Morgantown will play host to Capital High School tonight in the second round of the High School Football playoffs. The Mohigans come in at 10-1 and will be playing at Home tonight to try to advance to next weeks semi-finals.

After yesterdays's 84-70 win against Davidson in the opening round of the Puerto Rico Tournament. The Mountaineers will play at 11:30 once again today in the Tournament's Semi-Finals.

Men's College Football sees the West Virginia University Mountaineers traveling to Louisville to take on the Cardinals tomorrow at noon. Let's cheer on the Mountaineers to a second consecutive victory and have our sights set on a BCS Bowl.

Let's get this partty started, hi ho hi ho

Thursday, November 18, 2010

For the Christmas Shopping Season

As we get closer to the Christmas Shopping Season, I just wanted to point a merchant out. This is a forwarded e-mail, but it is accurate. I already have my opinion of them, maybe just spreading a little unlove here.




BEST BUY

If you purchase something from Wal-Mart, Sears, etc. And you return the item with the receipt, they will give you your money back if you paid cash, or credit your account if paid by plastic.

Well, I purchased a GPS for my car:
a Tom Tom XL.S from
'Best Buy'.

They have a policy that it must

be returned within 14 days for a refund!

So after 4 days I returned it in the original box with all the items in the box, with paper work and cords all wrapped in the plastic. Just as I received it, including the receipt.

I explained to the lady at the return desk I did not like the way it couldn't find store names.

The lady at the refund desk said, there is a 15% restock fee, for items returned. I said no one told me that.
I asked how much would that be. She said it goes by the price of the item.
It will be $45 for you.
I said, all you're going to do is walk over and place it back on the shelf then charge me $45 of my money for restocking? She said that's the store policy.
I said if more people were aware of it they would not buy anything here! If I bought a $2000 computer or TV and returned it I would be charged $300 restock fee? She said yes. 15%.

I said OK, just give me my money minus the restock fee.

She said, since the item is over $200 dollars, she can't give me my money back!

Corporate has to and they will mail you a check in 7 to ten days.! I said 'WHAT?'

It's my money! I paid in cash!
I want to buy a different brand..
Now I have to wait 7 to 10 days.
She said well, our policy is on the back of your receipt.

I said, do you read the front or back of your receipt? She said well, the front! I said so do I. I want to talk to the Manager!

So the manager comes over, I explained everything to him, and he said, well, sir they should have told you about the policy when you got the item. I said, no one has ever told me about the check refund or restock fee when I bought items from computers to TVs from Best Buy. The only thing they ever discussed was the worthless extended warranty program.
He said, well, I can give you corporate phone number.

I called corporate. The guy said, well, I'm not supposed to do this but I can give you a 45 dollar gift card and you can use it at Best Buy.

I told him if I bought something and returned it, you would charge me a restock fee on the item and then send me a check for the remaining 3 dollars.

You can keep your gift card, I'm never shopping in Best Buy ever again, and if I'd been smart, I would have charged the whole thing on my credit card! Then I would have canceled the transaction.

I would have gotten all my money back including your stupid fees! He didn't say a word!

I informed him that I was going to e-mail my friends and give them a heads-up on the store's policy, as they don't tell you about all the little caveats.

So please pass this on. It may save your friends from having a bad experience of shopping at Best Buy


It's true! Read it for yourself!!

Best Buys return policy

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Happy GIS Day

Today is November 17, 2010 and it is GIS Day for 2010. As many of my readers know I studied GIS in College and have worked as a GIS Analyst for a number of years now. I've worked for the WVU NRAC, VARGIS which later became Infotech, IMCWV which became NISC which became IBM after I left, I have worked for SAIC and finally I am at the best jobn that I ever had with Sextant Technical where ironically I celebrated my one year anniversary yesterday with them.

GIS is a science that was brought to its modern state by Jack Dangermond who founded ESRI a number of years ago. He has helped develop us from the old Arc Info to Arc View to the full blown ArcGIS Desktop that we use today. The man revolutionized the GIS Industry and we should all be thankful for him.

GIS has helped introduce things that maybe today we all take for granted like Google Earth or even your GPS unit you use to navigate your way around. You can thank a GIS Analyst for all of those abilities that I'm sure most people wouldn't know what do do without today.

Happy GIS Day!, Hug a Geographer.

Hi ho hi ho to do Geography I go

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Tuesday's Tidbits

* Well Monday is in the books and we are looking at Tuesday, can't think of a better reason than that to do a tidbits.

* It's been 977 days since mine and Michelle's first date. How many people would count that far?

* Since it's 977 days since the first date, it's been 200 days since I proposed.

* You might want to get a start on the Christmas Shopping season if you haven't, only 39 more days until Jolly Old St. Nick shows up around these parts.

* Tonight is going to be mine and Michelle's crock pot meal night. Once a week for the past couple of months we've made a crock pot meal once during the week. On tonight's menu, stuffed peppers. slowly cooked all day.

* I had a good week in fantasy football, I managed to win in my money league are remain very much alive for a playoff spot and the financial rewards that go with it this season.

* In case no one knew, Calvin has decided to partake in a little bit of Grappling this season. A kid after my own heart, I wrestled for two seasons in High School and loved it. Now Calvin will be wrestling for Clay Battelle as his brother did before him.

Finally, Chris has put up the basketball entrance video from the first game of the season. Enjoy

Monday, November 15, 2010

Let's Do It Again

Yet another relaxing weekend is over with and it is time once again to stick our noses back to the grindstone and head back to work for yet another week.

this will be a full week for me at work as last week was a short week. Next week will once again be another short week with Thanksgiving being next Thursday, but alas this is a full week of sticking my nose to the grindstone.

We went to our first Women's Soccer game earlier this year when the Mountaineers lost 1-2 to Penn State in Overtime. Yesterday the Women were once again playing host to Penn State and we didn't want to jinx them like we did the last time these two teams met. We didn't and they won 2-1 against Penn State to advance to the Sweet 16 of NCAA Soccer.

Oh well, so much for the weekend, hi ho hi ho

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Sunday Morning Blog

Typical Sunday Morning here in the household. I'm up early again watching TV and about to wake Michelle up so we can do our Sunday Morning Routine of Breakfast and some grocery shopping.

Had a good day yesterday, even though it was a lazy one. Watched the Mountaineers beat the Bearcats in football and had a relaxing day around the house.

Not too much to say this morning.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Game Days

Michelle, Arron and I went and watched the Mountaineers last night to start a weekend of Mountaineer Festivities off. To say the Coliseum was busy yesterday was an understatement.

We watched the WVU Women beat Loyola of Maryland pretty handily 80-49 to start the evenings festivities off. It was a solid performance by the ladies, you could see that they are ready to make a run this season already. They looked sharp and pretty much controlled the game from the opening tip.

The men took the court around 9:30 and played the Oakland (Michigan)Golden grizzlies. Usually you start the season with a throw away game or two at home, the Grizzlies however had a 7'0" Center named Keith Benson who I would say has a career after this year ahead of him in the NBA. The Grizzlies were 26-9 last season so the test was on and the Mountaineers lived up the test with a 95-71 opening game win at home. John Flowers was an absolute beast last night blocking 7 shots. It was a solid effort by the men as everyone contributed to this win.

Today the WVU Men's Football Team takes the field to try to halt a two game Big East skid and try to get their focus back on winning the Big East Championship this season. The game is at noon today.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Big Ole Hairy Friday

s it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday.

Looking for some High School Football Playoffs? You know, it is that time of win and go on, lose and go home. The Morgantown Mohigans will be hosting RCB tonight at Pony Lewis Field. The University High Hawks travel to Bridgeport to take on the Indians tonight. Good luck to both teams, let's win and get ready for next week.

Basketball you ask? Well the WVU Womens team take on Loyola Maryland tonight at 7:00. The Women return everyone from last years squad and could make a very serious run for the National Title this season if they can get past conference foe and two time undefeated defending National Champions UCONN.

The Men play at 9:00 this evening against Oakland. This will be the first official game in the Coliseum since played in the Final 4 in Indianapolis last spring. Bob Huggins returns a solid club this season, it should be very interesting to watch.

The WVU Women's Soccer team will be taking on Morehead State in the NCAA tournament at 6:00, so the area will be crowded and we will have lots of Mountaineer Fans on hand.

The Men's Football team takes on Cincinnati at Noon on Saturday.

It's going to be a busy weekend in Morgantown, that's for sure.

Hi ho hi ho, it's back to work for a day after a day off.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

A Day Off

I am a very lucky person today, I have a day off of work today and it is so we can honor all of the Veterans who have served this country and so we can say thank you on Veteran's Day.

I have a Nephew who served a year in Iraq and a few friends who are still serving their country and I would just like to say thank you to them.

Thank you to Moke and Dan Barnes who have served and continue to serve our country as members of the armed forces. It is because of people like you that allow people like me the freedoms that I enjoy. Do to Dan and Moke and anyone who has ever served this country, a big heart felt thank you from me.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Hump Day

Well we have made it past the first part of the week and we are going up and over the hump today and it's all down hill from here for most. Me on the other hand, I am off tomorrow for Veterans Day, but I have an important meeting Friday, so there will be no extended four day weekend.

Had a couple of nice long phone calls last night. Pam called and we BS's with her for a little over an hour and then Trish called and we BS'd with her for a while. I've got about 7,000 rollover minutes, so it's nice to actually use some of the minutes that I pay for rather than having them expire.

There will be a nice treat for dinner tonight. Once a week (sometimes twice) we do a crockpot meal one night during the workweek. That way we set it before we go to work and let it slow cook all day to arrive home to an awesome meal. Tonight, Hot Sausage Hoagies!!!!!!!!

If I want the hoagies and a day off tomorrow I have to get today in, so hi ho hi ho

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Tuesdays Tidbits

* It's Tuesday, I can't think of a better reason to do a tidbits.

* 46 shopping days left until Christmas. I can honestly say that I have started shopping already for someone very special and got them something that they told me that they wanted. It's kind of an unusual gift, but one that can last a lifetime.

* 970 days since mine and Michelle's first date.

* 193 days since I proposed to the love of my life earlier this year.

* It's once again getting that time of the year when the Holidays are coming upon us. I'm not sure who this needs to be addressed to, but they will. Every year there seems to be some kind of drama in this family when the holidays come around. The holidays are a special time a year when memories are created and families are together. If you are the cause of the drama 2010 in this family, stop it. Life is too damn short, quit wasting it on insignificant petty things that only cause headache and heartache. Enjoy life and all that come with it and create memories for not only yourself, but the ones around you.

* Have I ever mentioned that I hate snow? Bring back the 90 degree days and shorts, sandals and T-Shirts. Driving down the road with your windows and the radio playing songs that we all love to sing along to.

* Update on Josh Judy, I spoke with him over the weekend and he's in the Dominican Republic pitching in the winter league. There were some roster moves made recently that may be good news for him. The Indians have until I think the 19th of this month to protect him and name him to the 40 man roster or he becomes a free agent and other teams can claim him. 96 MPH Fastball and two consecutive Championships in the Minors (AA last year and AAA this past season), he's ready for the big money.

* Hi ho hi ho

Monday, November 08, 2010

Monday Again

I guess all good things must come to an end, and that includes weekends. It was strange that so far there was no High School, WVU or Pittsburgh Steeler football for me to watch all weekend. The Steelers play tonight, but nu guarantees I'll stay up to watch them. I like the Sunday afternoon games.

We'll all be adjusting out bodies to new sleeping patterns now that Daylight Savings time is over with for 2011. We'll go back to daylight savings time on March 11, 2012 and for me it could not get here any sooner. I guess we have Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and me begging Phil to not see his shadow before we see long days again.

Anyways it's back to work today for both me and Michelle. I wonder if it will be dark by the time that we will get home?

Hi ho hi ho, let;s get this party started.

Sunday, November 07, 2010

Fall Back

Well, if you are running your normal schedule today and feel like you are early, it's probably because you missed the fact that daylight savings time has ended. Yes, we turned the clocks back last night, so we all gained an hours worth of sleep overnight and the weekend will just be a little bit longer than it was last week.

In todays modern age, I guess it is the non self setting and electronic clocks that we need to pay attention to to see if time did fall back. We have a battery powered clock in the kitchen and one on the stove, other than that all the clocks in the house are self setting and adjust themselves including our alarm clock and the atomic clock on the wall.

I hope everyone had a great day yesterday, it was a lazy day for us filled with home made chili and corn bread, movies and a nap. It feels good every once in a while to be able to do this.

The Steelers are off today and play tomorrow night, so this means no football Friday, Saturday as the Mountaineers were off and today. Maybe another nap will be in the works today.

Saturday, November 06, 2010

Lazy Saturday

After a long week at work, I don't have too much planned out for today. Michelle went out last night with some of the wives from my softball team. Our left Fielder Justin Knapp and his wife Samantha and daughter Hayley all are moving to Charleston since Samantha found a new job down in the capital city. So a few of the wives, Girlfriends and ex-GF's got together last night at Applebees to say goodbye to Samantha.

I fell asleep before Michelle got home and briefly remember talking to her about 10 seconds before I fell back asleep yesterday evening.

I think it is going to be a lazy day today that may consist of popcorn and watching a few movies. We got the Karate Kid from Netflix and plan on watching it today. The movie Avatar is on at 8:00 this evening on HBO.

No WVU football today, they are off.

Friday, November 05, 2010

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday.

You looking for some High School Football? Well you will not find any High School Football this weekend in Monongalia County. Morgantown High and University High have both completed their seasons and are waiting for the playoffs to begin next week. Clay Battelle does close out their season tomorrow at Madonna and are the only Mon County team to play this weekend.

WVU is off this week, trying to regroup from a two game slide and will play Cincinnati next Saturday here in Morgantown. Hopefully Coach Stewart can have a heart to heart with the Offensive Line Coach. This has to be the center point of all our troubles and is arguably the worst offensive line I can ever remember at West Virginia University. Something needs to be done to try to salvage the season, and some very serious changes need to happen in the offseason. I said last year that they were the worst offensive line I had ever seen here, and they all returned. I had hoped for some improvement, but they have regressed and have been the primary reason the offense has struggled this season. That and they can't seem to stop turning the ball over.

Oh well, life is like that in a small town without Bufford Pusser as your Sheriff.

Hi ho hi ho, let's get this day over with.

Thursday, November 04, 2010

Thursday

We are getting closer and closer to the weekend, it's Thursday. Don't have too much to yap about, other than I got my new work computer hooked up yesterday. 12 GB of Ram and a quad core 64 bit Xeon processor, talk about a machine that needs to be water cooled. I think it runs on Diesel rather than electricity...LOL

I hate to admit it, but summer is fading farther and farther away in our memories. Leaves have fallen off the trees and we are starting to look at the holidays. I'm a spring and summer kind of guy, so to say that this makes me a little sad is an understatement.

Hi ho hi ho

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Eye Exam

I had my what will be now yearly diabetic eye exam yesterday afternoon. Went to the eye clinic at WVU Hospital and had mine. Last time I did this earlier this year, it was a cataract that needed to be removed from my right eye. My left eye has a slight cataract (everyone pretty much does by certain ages) but everything is fine and my eyes are very healthy.

That's good news considering when this year started, I was basically blind in one eye.

So that was good news.

Monday, November 01, 2010

Tuesday

I was going to do a tidbits today, but I thought I would change it up a little bit. It's getting to the point where my blogs are becoming nothing short of predictable.

I did manage to get a new KVM switch hooked up in my office yesterday. I had my regular computer, an older computer I no longer use, my administration computer and just got a new decked out Z800 workstation all in my little office. I have everything running off my dual displays and one keyboard and one mouse.

I had a smaller switch that would change one monitor and two computers, but I just got a brand new one with my brand new computer (second new computer in a year). I love it when the people are trying to get money off their budget's I get all kinds of new toys.

Oh well, it is election day, make sure you get out to vote.

Bad Weekend

I guess not all of them can be good ones, I happened to have a bad one. yesterday was a total disaster from the very get go.

Fantasy Football? Wow, what can I say other than I had a very bad weekend. I basically lost in all four leagues that I play in. Lost a couple head to heads and in the other two I basically screwed the pooch with this weeks output.

I guess just like good weekends, bad weekends end also.

Hi ho hi ho