Back to the Grindstone

Weekend fun as we have enjoyed it is now over with, it's time to take our collective noses and stick them back to the grindstone for yet another fun filled week of sewing what wish wish to reap.

Hopefully Phil and Mother Nature will start to be cooperative this week and we won't get the bad weather that we have experienced not only last week, but for the past few moths. I work inside in an office, so the elements really have no affect upon me and what I do, other than traveling to and from my place of employment. However, I am getting sick and tired of the snow and am ready for some nice warm weather to be bestowed upon us.

I hope everyone had a nice weekend and had the chance to relax a little bit before entering another week of work. Hopefully by next weekend, the Super Bowl weekend featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers, the weather will break and our health will be back at 100% so we can enjoy the game.

Hi ho hi ho

Hey Phil

My little groundhog buddy, king of all things groundhog. I am humbly coming to you this year to appeal to both you and Mother Nature to not see your shadow on Wed.

I know this is your day, Eric and Kevin will try not to live the nightmare that Phil Conners had to live some 18 years ago, and try to do a live remote from Gobblers Knob with you.

Tens of Thousands of people will flock to your little knoll and await to see what you say about our future weather. But Phil, my old dear and trusted groundhog friend. I've tried bribing you in the past, I've tried scaring you in the past, this year I humbly come to you and ask what it is you desire to fail to see your shadow?

A bottle of Scotch? A new car? A couple slutty midget groundhogs? What ever it is you need to "not see your shadow" just tell me and I will do my best to arrange it.

Please Phil, I HATE SNOW and am sick of it.

Saturday Morning Ramblings

Ah yes, yet another Saturday. The only bad thing about it is now Michelle has come down with a touch of the flu that I am still trying to shake. This has been one horrible cold and flu season and I am more than tired of the snow and cold weather and am ready for springtime.

I'm suffering a little bit of the cabin fever and am just ready for a nice fun filled outdoor day to enjoy. With everyone's health and the current weather conditions however, this is looking like it will be sometime in the future rather than today.

Have a great day.

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 swear I hate this time of the year, nothing really going on and the weather, well is less than cooperative so to say. It would be nice to get out and run around a little bit, especially after having the flu and being down for so long. I'm ready to get out of the house and do something.

However that may not be the case this weekend. I think we are planning on doing a little bit of after holidays after sickness cleaning tomorrow. So nothing really on our agenda for the weekend.

I did get a start on my taxes last night, I use the H&R Block Software, they sent me my software this year and they were charging me $34.95 for it (I use it every year) and they sent one to Hayley exactly like mine for $14.95, so I used hers and bought the state program with it. Plus I get five free Federal e-files, so I am off to a good start.

Hope everyone has a great weekend, I'm ready for one.

Hi ho hi ho

Ok Let's try this again

Yesterday was one for the ages, my work let out at noon because of the road conditions that we were getting handed in the Morgantown area. A thick and heavy snow blanketed the area in a very short period of time making travel next to impossible.

Roads were being shut down, including the one I live on, a Jeep was in the ditch outside my driveway and it was burried. Many local roads were also being shut down and the Interstate was going to be shut down for a while.

Businesses were closing as well as the town center.

It was a great day to stay put, eat some home made Chilli and Corn bread and watch the movie RED.

Today is a different day, so let's try this again and hi ho hi ho

Hump Day

Well we have made it through these first two days of the week with little trouble, now it's just a matter of going over the hump and heading towards the weekend.

I don't know about anyone else, but I am getting sick and tired of the short days, cold weather and winter all together. I'm ready for a little bit of springtime weather, cookouts and longer days where we actually have a little bit of sunlight when we get home from work.

Alas we are still stuck with this white crap on the ground.

Come on springtime and hi ho hi ho

Well I Finally Made it Back to Work

I finally made it back to work yesterday after pretty much being off last week due to illness. It was a little rough initially and that was just walking to my office because I hadn't been out in the elements much in the past week. However I made it through the day and am ready for another one.

The flu bug has hit the office pretty hard also even without me being there. One co-worker has been out since Friday and another has been shaking it off for a few weeks. I would say though this year may have me reassessing whether or not I will get a flu shot next year.

Well here we go again, hi ho hi ho

Steelers Advance to Eight SuperBowl

I have to say that I am lucky, I have been fortunate enough to watch my favorite NFL team advance to their record tying eighth SuperBowl with a 24-19 against the New York Jet's last night.

It was an exciting game at the start when we jumped out to a 24-0 lead, but then the Jets just tried to give us everything they could and scored the next 19 points, but it wasn't enough.

The Steelers advance to Dallas to take on the Green Bay Packers who beat the Chicago bears 21-14 earlier in the day.

Follow the boys in two weeks as their Stairway to Seven continues.

Feeling a Little Better

Well, I am finally starting to feel a little bit better believe it or not. This flu has kicked my rear end and let me know just how vulnerable to being pretty much incapacitated that we can all be. I was finally able to get some rest last night, something that I had not been able to do for a few days due to the congestion build up in my chest.

Michelle is an absolute trooper, she did all of our grocery shopping yesterday without me so that I could have another day to rest without having to go out and exert myself. I did try shoveling the snow on the back patio while she was gone, which lead to a 10 minute coughing fit from hell for just about two minutes of pushing a shovel.

We;ll see after today though, a Steelers victory will make everything go away.

Just Can't Shake This

I started to feel a little better yesterday afternoon, but had a bad night as I can't sleep or lay down flat. No matter what I do I just can not seem to shake this flu bug as hard as I am trying.

Now I think Chad is getting it too and Hayley sounded like she was getting a touch of it.

This is a bad one and it is tending to linger on for a while.

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.

For me however it is day three of recovering from the flu. I am home from work once again and Michelle is taking today as her birthday Holiday for a few things she needs to do.

Not too much to say today, but I am starting to feel a little better today after letting some of the meds kick in and do their job. I'll be staying home and resting once again.

Have a great day and stay safe

Still Sick

Well at least I managed to make to see a Doctor yesterday, the bad news if I am positively infected with the flu bug and am contagious.

I went out and bought a number of surgical masks as well as a few prescriptions yesterday, so I am going to take another day and rest and relax in an attempt to recover this virus.

I'm trying not to infect anyone with what I have, so I'll be staying home coughing and trying to watch a few movies.

Under the Weather Again

I was ill arouind Christmas time, I waited around and let it linger much longer than it needed to and it got worse.

Well I am sick again. It's in my chest and have some high temperatures to go along with it, this could very well be the early stages of Pneumonia, so I am considering taking the day off and visiting a Doctor.

Isabella's Journey Update # 3

The latest update, Enjoy:




Hello Everyone,

I hope that your weight loss efforts are going well for you. This week we will be adding two additional habits that will add to the previous weeks. Week 3 Homework Assignment:

-Add 2 pieces of fruit a day. You can either add a piece of fruit as a side to one of your meals or use it as a snack. Pick something that you like and make sure to give yourself some variety. For example, don't eat apples everyday. If you eat 2 apples per day that is 14 apples per week, you're going to get tired of them. Make sure to mix it up. Apples, oranges, bananas, peaches, etc. Branch out and try something that you haven't before. Another reason for variety is because various fruits have different vitamins and minerals. Get a good mix and pick things that are convenient for you to consume throughout your day.

-Take the TV challenge. TV is one of America's ultimate time wasters. Take the TV challenge this week by commiting to exercising 15 minutes for every 30 minutes of television that you watch. This will be in addition to the exercise guidelines below. If you watch 2 hours of TV every night that means you're looking at an hour of extra activity per day. Acceptable activity examples are listed below. We can't spend so much time sitting. We gotta get up and move! Either that or pull the treadmill, stationary bike, or elyptical machine in front of the tube and get moving! We all have the same 24 hours, some people just manage their time better than others ;)
 
This week we are going to bump up our exercise time by 5 minutes. Let's shoot for 20 minutes of daily physical activity for 4 days this week.  Again, examples include: walking, biking, jogging, hiking, etc. Just get out and do it! Be active and move! In addition, continue your strength training exercises that I have attached from week 2. Please keep me updated on your progress and if you have any questions that need answered. Remember, I am here to help. Good luck this week!

-Mike Snader

Tuesday's Tidbits

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

* If you are keeping track, it's been 1040 days since mine Michelle's first date. We're a couple months away from a three year anniversary.

* It has been 263 days nice I proposed to Michelle and she said yes.

* We leads me to say it is 200 days until we will be getting married.

* Well I just had a three day weekend, but it is back to the grindstone for me today.

* The Steelers will be playing for the Conference Championship for their 15th time Sunday. This will make the Steelers the team that has played for the most Conference Championships in League History. The Dullus (yes I spelled it right) Cowgirls have played for 14, this breaks the tie with the Cowgirls. The Steelers have more Super Bowl wins than any other franchise with 6, if they win Sunday they will tie the Cowboys for most ever Super Bowl Appearances.

* The annual Capital Classic basketball game is going to be played tomorrow night in Charleston. Hopefully Bob Huggins can beat the blundering turds again.

* And Last but certainly not least, I would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to Layla Marie Rosiak who will be celebrating her third birthday today.

* Hi ho hi ho, it's back to work I go.

Martin Luther King's Birthday

Today is a Federal Holiday, it is Martin Luther King's Birthday so any banking you may have wanted to do or any mail your anticipating will just have to wait until tomorrow. I am fortunate enough to have this day as a holiday and will extend my weekend yet another day.

In honor of Dr. King, I will repost his "I have a Dream" speech.

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check — a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.


It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating "For Whites Only". We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Sunday Morning Ramblings

Here I sit, in a quiet house collecting my thoughts from the previous day and looking ahead to what this day carries.

The Pittsburgh Steelers advanced to the AFC Championship game next week with a 31-24 victory over the arch rival Baltimore Ravens. I have to say after being down 7-21 and with the manner of how the first half went, I had given up on them. The Ravens scored one of the most "What were you thinking" touchdowns I have ever seen when Ben was being sacked and fumbled forward, 21 of the 22 guys on the field were standing around thinking incomplete pass, all except one player who knew there was no whistle. Touchdown Ravens.

The second half, the Steelers absolutely initiated their will and dominated. It was to different football teams.

We had a small dinner and Trish came over for birthday cake and to help Michelle celebrate her birthday. It was a complete day.

Today there is nothing special planned. Trip to the grocery store and probably a little relaxation to get ready for the week ahead.

Have a good day.

Happy Birthday to the Love of My Life

Today is the birthday of the women who has filled my life with so much joy. Today is my Fiancée, my best friend and my lover Michelle's birthday. I would like to take this opportunity to wish her the very Happiest of Birthdays today, or maybe I should make that Hoppiest.

Thank you for everything you do for me, done for me and for fulfilling my life of emptiness with so much joy, I love you with all my heart.

Happy Birthday Sweetie.

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 AND a three day weekend for me.

Well if you are looking for something fun to do tonight and something for everyone, try going over to the WVU Coliseum tonight at 7:30 for Beauty and the Beast. Both the WVU Men's Wrestling team and the WVU Womens Gymnastics team will both take the Coliseum floor simultaneousness and face Michigan State. Here is the good part, admission and select concessions are only $1.00. So if you are looking for some cheap entertainment, the WVU Coliseum is the place to be.

Both Michelle and I are planning on being in attendance for the event, so come on out and enjoy the evening with us.

Hi ho hi ho

On the downside

Well we are over the hump for the week and on our way downhill towards another fun filled weekend. I think we are passed the worst part of the storm, but it is still winter, at least we'll have some time off for the weekend.

Speaking of the weekend, Monday is a Federal Holiday and I am off. Michelle has to work though, so it will just be me that is off for the day.

Oh well, Hi ho hi ho

Hey Phil

My Punxatawney little buddy, how are you doing? Did you enjoy the assortment of fine chocolates that we sent you or did the damn snow prevent them from arriving.

Listen Rat, I'm not one who gets all giddy when they see freshly fallen snow, I'm more the exact opposite. I don't like the stuff. I think you and I have had our discussions in the past about how I don't like this stiff.

I need you to do me a small favor, tell Mother Nature since you are closer to her than I am at this moment that I'm tired of all the snow already. Warm it up so the roads aren't hazardous to travel and you don't need to wear a winter jacket to go outside. Is this too much to ask my little rodent friend?

Hi ho hi ho I hate this freaking snow.

Tuesday's Tidbits

* It's Tuesday, it's also 1-11-11, all kinds of 1's going on there, so I can't think of a better reason to do a tidbits.

* For those of you counting, it is day 1,033 since Michelle and I went out on our very first date. I consider myself a very lucky man every day knowing this.

* It's been 256 days since our engagement.

* It's only 207 days until our wedding later this summer.

* Yesterday was Moke's first day of college and the first day of the her fourth Semester for my niece Brittany. I have to say that I am very proud of both of them.

* Have I ever mentioned that I really hate snow. It's beyond dislike, I really do hate it. Hey my little Punxatawney Rhodent buddy, the king of all groundhogs, how about not seeing your shadow this season? Come on, you want to see spring the same as everyone else does.

* I managed to finish in third place in my Fantasy Football League this year in my 12 team money league. I finished second place on all three non money leagues.

* We have had a house guest as of late. Chad is babysitting Penelope the kissing Ferret this week. I think when Penelope goes home, Michelle is going to be the saddest of all. I'll have to get some pictures of her before she goes home.

* You know I did cut my hair Sunday, I wonder if that has anything at all to do with all this damn snow we are and supposed to be getting?

* Hi ho hi ho

Happy Birthday Sandra Irene Bell (aka Mom)

Well it is 1:11 AM on 1-11-11, and I would like to wish my Mother, Sandra Irene Bell, the most happiest of Birthdays today.

Mom, I have to thank you for all you have done for me and the inspiration that you have given me to get to where I am today. I consider myself a very lucky person to have a Mother like you. I want to wish you a very Happy Birthday today.

If you see Irene today, make her take a break from watching all that midget porn adn wish her a very Happy Birthday today.

Isabella's Journey Update #2

As many of you know, I have committed to losing at least 15 pounds by March 31 as a sponsorship for Isabella's Journey. I want to share with everyone the advice I get, so that maybe it can help you in some of your lifestyle choice.

Update #2.

Hello Everyone,

I hope that the first week's habits are going well for you. This week we will be adding two additional habits that will add to last week.Week 2 Homework Assignment:

-Ditch the calorie containing drinks (including fruit juice) This week we will be getting rid of the calorie containing drinks. This includes fruit juice, alcoholic drinks, Turkey Hill iced tea, sodas, and yes even diet sodas. Studies show that people who drink diet sodas consume more calories throughout their day than those who don't. One factor is due to the fact that people assume that they can eat more because of the diet drink. You don't need it! The absolute best choices are water and green tea (not Turkey Hill Green Tea), the kind of green tea that you brew.

-A minimum of 1 meal per day must only contain whole foods.  This means that this meal will not come from a package, wrapper, or box. The only exceptions will be packaged vegetables, and meat. So a sample meal might be a grilled chicken breast, with a sweet potato, and a side salad. I know I will probably get a million questions about this one so if you have to question what you're eating it probably doesn't fit the criteria. Note: Bread comes in a package. We're looking for natural foods, things like lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. You only have to do this once per day so I think you can handle it ;)

These two habits will be our main focus this week. As far as an exercise goal, let's shoot for 15 minutes of daily physical activity for 4 days this week.  Again, examples include: walking, biking, jogging, hiking, etc. Just get out and do it! Be active and move! In addition we will incorporate some strength training that can be done anywhere. Please see the attached for the designated exercises. Please keep me updated on your progress and if you have any questions that need answered. Remember, I am here to help. Good luck this week!

-Mike Snader

Back to the Gridstone

Well weekend is over and it's bask to the grindstone for yet another fun filled week at work. The weekend is now a distant memory and time to start to concentrate on the week ahead.

For WVU, the students are back in town after winter break and they will start the spring Semester. Brittany is starting her fourth semester and Moke is starting his career at West Virginia University.

For those of you who live in North Central West Virginia, we are going to be on a winter storm watch until Wed. Significant amounts of snow could be dropped on the area and I've already given you my opinion about that hellish white stuff already. Maybe it's time to take a trip to Punxsutawney and take Phil out on the town. Get his little groundhog butt on about a four week drunk so he can;t see his shadow this season.

Hi ho hi ho

Mission Accmplished

We have finally taken down the 2010 Christmas tree and returned the house to the way it looks the other eleven months of the year. We did manage to change the way the living room looks a little bit, but that change only affects the eleven months time period, IOW we didn't move the furniture back to where the Christmas Tree was.

Our Christmas memory of this year.



We played a little prank on Hayley Christmas morning. She thought (and did) get a pair of boots she liked for Christmas. We wrapped a couple old pairs of sandals in the box and hid the boots.

=)

Today's Mission

We got a little bit sidetracked yesterday in removing our Christmas 2010 decorations. We ended up going to one of the P & P Family Auction yesterday in Osage. We managed to pick up a 14 Piece Pyrex Set pretty cheap.

They are going to have their next auction on January 22nd at the Old Osage Firehall. They are buying tractor trailer loads and sell off the items, plenty of fine stuff to bid on. I'll update on my blog before the next one.

Today's mission however. Break down the Christmas tree for the year. I have to say this one has been up a month and I almost think we could replant it because it really has lost no needles. With all the snow, it might be a nice project for today.

Trying Something New

Trying a new service.

Untitled from George Hall on Vimeo.

Have I Ever Mentioned...

My favorite time of the year is the summer time. A time when days are long, warm and weather does not restrict your movement. When you can walk outside in shorts and sandals and a good pair of sunglasses and just sit and soak up those beautiful rays that the sun is giving us. It's a time of baseball, no school, softball, hiking, geocaching, and just some outside enjoyment.

It's a time of BBQ's and get together's with friends and family. It's a time when the smell of fresh cut grass and all that fresh oxygen being emitted by all the trees that are now in full bloom. These are the smells that just tickle your nasal passages and help you forget the trials and tribulations that we experience during a week of working.

Whether it be birds chirping or the sounds of a Harley Davidson Motorcycle, or just children playing outside or just the magical and relaxing sounds of a nice and relaxing thunderstorm that makes you want to take a nice relaxing nap. The sounds of a summer time.

I'm not one to hide my feelings, I'm not one for being secluded (especially once Christmas is over with), short days, travel advisories or just watching the grid lock that a city with a mountainous terrain would experience as snow covers the ground.

I don't know if I have ever mentioned this, but I HATE SNOW!!!!

Congratulations Moke

Moke called me last night with a little news that I can say really touched my heart. He will be starting at West Virginia University on Monday in the Engineering Program. I have to say that this is a very tough program, but the rewards are great.

I think he'll do OK this time. A married man, war veteran, and that will give him the edge he needs that not all Freshmen have. I really think he understands what he's going to need to do, I have confidence in him moreso this time than any other effort he made.

He's always wanted to do this, he went the long way around, but he has never seemed to lose focus on where he wants to be and what he wants to do.

Last night he called and said he went through orientation yesterday, got his schedule, his ID card and such.

He'll be joining Brittany as a student of my alma mater Monday Morning.

Keep your focus and don't get distracted. The world is yours to take, you just have to grab it and you have positioned yourself to succeed, now do it.

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.

Wow, we have made it through the Holidays and we are now into 2011. Summer Movies are over, Football season (at least High School) is over with, now I am going to be stretching for something to talk about to kick off a weekend.

Our weekend plans are probably pretty simple this week. Our Christmas Tree is still up and it's time to retire it for the season. It has been a very good one, much better than last years tree that we just didn't seem to do right. By the time we broke last years tree down, it has lost the majority of its needles. This years, maybe one or two have fallen off and the tree is still healthy believe it or not. It could probably be replanted.

Oh well, hi ho hi ho

Happy Birthday Arron Rosiak Hill

I would like to take this opportunity to wish Arron A very Happy Birthday. I have watched him grow up from a young boy to a 6'5" High School basketball/Football player for that cross town team that is NOT my Alma mater.

So if you see Arron today, wish him the happiest of Birthdays.

Sorry Rich, Not Really

Yesterday to this Mountaineer fan was like an extended Christmas. Rich Fraudriguez was finally fired as the Head Football Coach at the University of Michigan.

From all of us "Jilted Ex-Girlfriends" as you once referred to the residents of this state, I have to say that this could not happen to a better slimeball.

I have no problem with someone wanting to better themselves or looking for a better employment opportunity. However with all the lies, the sneaking and the what I would call less than truthful accusations he made I have zero pitty for this man. He made his bed, now he has to lie in it.

Truth be told however, he won't be unemployed that long, he really is a good football coach. He was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. I just take joy in this because of how he stabbed so many people in this state in the back three years ago.

I know he was under a lot of stress in Ann Arbor, I just hope where ever he ends up he can find peace in this whole thing and realize he walked away from his career dream job.

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'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

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

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.

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Goodbye 2010

January

* 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. 

February

* 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.

March

* 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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

Merry Christmas

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.

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

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'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.

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

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.

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.

=)

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

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

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'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

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

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.

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.

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

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.