Christmas time = no blogging time

So the Christmas season is in full swing which is why I haven't blogged in several days. I'm just too busy running everywhere and hanging out with everyone I haven't seen in so long. After 5 days in Cleveland (basically touring the whole city) to visit all of Sarah's family and friends of the family, we headed to my home. While being there with her for Christmas was great in it's own regard (great food and I truly had a good time getting to know her family better), nothing beats home itself for me. I realize I'm the one who made the decision to go to school 6 hours away, and don't get me wrong, I love it....but it is always great to come hang out with the friends and family in a happy time of year. My parents and sister held off opening most of their presents on Christmas Day so that Sarah and I could join them the next day. It was that much better because of that. I also go many things that are useful to me and not a bunch of junk. The night of the 26th was a great end to a very long day of driving. The next few days were filled with games of Wii, bogge pong in the basement with the guys, the annual winter meetings for our baseball fantasy league, and church today. Other than that, it's just a lot of relaxing around the house and running a few errands here and there. Tomorrow, I finally get a working cd player/radio for my car. That will be very nice. Hopefully the next few days are refreshing heading into the new year and start of the next school quarter.

First GA interview

So I just had my first interview for a graduate assistantship next year. It was a phone interview with Georgia Southern University. It was a little weird talking over the phone for so long and trying to sell myself but I think it went really well. I should be hearing from them in a few more weeks if I got an on campus interview. I should also be hearing about my other schools soon, as well.

One year....oh my

Last night I spent my one year anniversary with the most amazing girl in the world. We went to dinner at a place called La Scala. It was decorated for Christmas so that atmosphere was really nice and the food was amazing. We had never been there before but were pleasantly surprised. Then we went to the zoo to walk around at night. The whole place was lit up with Christmas lights. It was unbelievable. Santa was there and they had an ice skating rink. The weather held up for us so we were able to walk around hand in hand smiling with our rosy cheeks. Just walking around last night, I was thinking about all the fun and exciting things I had been a part of in the past year because of Sarah being in my life. I've been happier than I ever was any year before and I can't explain how excited I am to see what the next year has in store. I plan on holding on to this one for a long time so I hope the memories keep flowing. She is an incredible person and beautiful on top of all of it making me the luckiest guy around.

Going broke

So all my Christmas shopping is finally finished. After spending too much money, I hopefully will making everyone happy.

I also finally got all of my grades for this quarter. It was my first 4.0 ever. It made my day.

Ouch

So life is much tougher when your back is out of whack. Simple things like putting on your socks and shoes or pulling on your pants are extremely painful and difficult. It hurts to walk up stairs and hills. Picking things up off the ground or from the bottom shelf of the fridge hurts so much that whatever it is I'm picking up doesn't even seem worth it in the end. I can't stand up or sit down or get into bed comfortably without shooting pain. In general, it sucks. Maybe today it will loosen up a bit while I'm Christmas shopping. If nothing else, my wallet will be a bit lighter.

Done...oh yeah!!

So after researching and writing my 4 page Yiddish paper last night in 1.5 hours I went back to playing video games for the rest of night. I woke up at 9 and studied for my Yiddish exam for an hour. I'm pretty sure I dominated it and then I was done. It feels good to be free.

2 down...well 3 really

And one to go. Tennis and my two athletic training classes are both completely done for the quarter. I had presentation/projects due the last two days in my AT classes but I think they went really well. I have to write a paper this weekend for Yiddish and then take the exam on Monday morning and I will be done for 2008. Wow...only 5 more months of my undergraduate career. My how time flies.

Turkey and family

So it's been a while since I posted last...mainly due to a crazy travel schedule and then my parents coming up for Thanksgiving. I guess I'll start where I left off.

The soccer team went up to Akron on Monday night for our game that was supposed to be on Tuesday. After hanging out all night and all day Tuesday, we finally headed for the field. As we were on our way, we were told that the game was being canceled because the field was already torn up and wet from the previous snow and it had snowed all day long so it was no better. We checked back into the hotel and waited until Wednesday to do it again. After another intense battle (at the school where LeBron went to high school), the boys lost on a questionable call by the referee with 5 seconds left in double OT. Talk about heartbreaking. It was an awful way to end their season and careers for the seniors there. I felt bad for the guys.

After getting home about 830...my parents arrived at my apartment at about 10. It made me quickly forget about the loss. They got to hang out all weekend with me and Sarah. Noone else was in my apt. so it was nice to have the run of the place. We got to make a Thanksgiving feast, go shopping and a movie on Saturday, and play lots and lots of Wii (MarioKart & Mario soccer). It was great to just relax and hang out with them. Every chance I get to see them anymore is great. It was disappointing to see them leave earlier but it was time. I have work and things to get done and I will see them in a month for Christmas.

As for other updates....I'm going into the last week of the quarter. I have some projects to finish up this week and then finals but I really dont have any big exams at the end of the quarter...it's kind of nice. Other than that, it's just work and Christmas shopping when I get the chance. Should be a good time.

Best game ever

Buckeye soccer won their first round game in the NCAA tourney yesterday in true underdog fashion. After barely squeaking into the tournament early this week after a disappointing end to the season, we soon found out that 6 of our starters were suspended for the first round game for breaking team rules. 6 starters....3 of them our senior captains. We had to travel to Pontiac, Michigan just north of Detroit where we practiced in the snow on Friday. It was mighty cold. Game day on Saturday was intense, though, and the team played out of their minds to go into overtime tied 0-0. After creating several chances in OT to no avail, the team held on and went to penalty kicks. We shot first and missed our first shot digging a hole right off the bat. After their 2nd shooter missed, however, we were back in the game. We went into the 5th shooter for both teams tied at 3 goals a piece. Shooting first, the Buckeyes scored to go up and then our goalie made an incredible save on their last shooter to seal the victory. The crowd went crazy and the team was ecstatic. It made the 3.5 hour bus ride home much more enjoyable. Now it's on to Akron on Tuesday night for round 2. Hopefully, whoever we have playing can bring the same intensity and desire to the next game. Now I have to go to practice to get ready for that game.

Pujols and soccer

My favorite player, Albert Pujols, deservedly won the NL MVP award today. After putting up some impressive stats and carrying the Cardinals through the season (with a hurt elbow to boot), the writers recognized he truly was the best player in the league. Hopefully the Cardinals can build off of him and actually win next year.

In other sports news, the soccer team found out we made the NCAA tourney (I assume on the skin of our teeth). We play at Oakland (Michigan) in the first round on Saturday at 1. We have a chance to win but there are too many external factors to really know. The bad part about this is that it is during the Ohio State-Michigan football game. It sucks that I'm going to miss the game but at least it means I won't be sitting in the snow and I'll be a couple hundred dollars richer (hopefully).

Bond...and stuff

Saw the new James Bond movie tonight. It was a solid view. I never actually saw Casino Royale so it was pretty cool getting to see Daniel Craig doing his own stunts and a "new generation" Bond.

I also had a funny encounter at the Sports Med Store the other day. There is apparently a new category of injury to go with the Average Joe, Weekend Warrior, and your regular athlete injury....it's the Wii athlete. Had a 50-60 y/o guy walk in the other day with physical problems related to his Wii Fit. This is going to add a whole new realm to sports medicine.

Grad school apps are getting close to finished. Only a couple more days of pounding stuff out and I should be good to go.

Other than that, I'm ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas. This should be a good time of the year.

Uh oh...

My roommate brought his Wii back from home along with like 15 games. This is not good. I have to get my applications finished. Hopefully, I can still make time for fun.

And the soccer team lost in OT in the first round of the Big 10 tourney. this probably means they won't make NCAA's. It was a fun season despite the result though.

No school tomorrow

No school tomorrow for Veteran's Day means that I'm going late night bowling tonight. There is a sweet alley in Columbus where we can bowl as many games as we want in 3 hours from 3am-7am. Me and a group of friends are hitting up the lanes around 3:30am so it should be a good time. I'm guessing I'll hit about 150 three or four times by the end of the night.

Life is good...most of the time

So I hadn't written in a while so I figured I should. Lots of things happening lately. I'm getting all of my applications filled out and preparing to send them in. There is sooooo much material that you don't realize is included in these things until you do them and then it hits you in the face. I think I'm doing a pretty good job staying on top of stuff though and I will be done before I know it.

Soccer game tonight (senior night) against the Akron Zips. They are #4 in the country and we basically have to win tonight to have a shot at the NCAA tourney. Granted we could win the Big 10 tourney and have an automatic bid but I don't foresee that happening so tonight is the night.

As you know, the election has come and gone. I didn't vote because I was registered in Illlinois, I was voting for McCain and he clearly wasn't going to win Barack's home state...plus, I had to absentee and all that stuff so not fun. I don't know how I feel about everything, though. I'm sure Obama will be a good leader, but how much difference can he make like he says he will? I just don't trust any President to really do anything they promise. I know he called for change...but what will he change? He never really said what would change...except for him being the Prez and not Bush. It's whatever though. I realize I'm not going to have money when I retire, my health benefits will be minor, and I'm sure taxes will go up. They always do. I just gotta live my life doing what I can.

That's all from this end. I'm gonna go play some Madden before I leave for soccer. Peace.

Quick update

-I'm traveling again this weekend to the school up north (That's M*ch*g*n for all of you non-OSU kids).

-I went to a haunted farm last night with Sarah and some friends. Parts were really good. Others weren't so hot. Either way, it was a fun night.

-My cell phone died randomly last night without any outside cause (I didn't drop it, get it too hot, get it wet...etc.) It was really aggravating and now I have to get a new one. I can still send and receive calls but I have no screen so I wont know who it is and can't get texting.

-My new credit card didn't get sent out and it expires today. That means I can't swipe anything until my new one arrives.

-I'm addicted to Mt. Dew.

-My fantasy football teams are all doing great.

-I'm disappointed the Rays couldn't win.

-Grad school apps need to be getting done but I keep putting them off. Not good.

-Happy Halloween

disappointing weekend

So the football Buckeyes had plenty of chances to win the game on Saturday but just couldnt pull out a victory. We didn't fall too far in the polls though and should still be ok for bowl season. Win or lose, it was a really fun night getting to see the game under the lights with all the hype and everything.

The soccer Buckeyes didn't have too great of a weekend either. They lost in overtime 3-2 against our soccer rival Indiana on national TV. After being down 2-0 a few minutes into the second half...the boys stormed back to tie the game and had several opportunities to go on top but couldn't come through. Hopefully we can finish out the season with 2 wins and then play well in the tournament. I'm not ready for the season to be over yet.

I have the day off today so I'm just relaxing for the day getting some errands done.

boo...rain

So scratch the haunted house plans....too much rain canceled everything but the actual house part of the trip so now it's not worth the drive. Maybe we will try again next week.

midterms...football....haunted houses

So I made a post earlier this week how I was through the first 5 weeks of the quarter (after today) and that means midterms were floating around. They usually stress me out because I have several tough ones but I really only had one big one so far because I only have one class that could possibly be tough. I mean...12 credits is what I'm taking so that I can be a full time student. 1 of those is my tennis class, 2 others are an Athletic Training class that everyone gets A's in, 5 are my Yiddish class but it's honestly the easiest class I've ever taken in college (I got a 32/30 on my midterm w/o studying...yes, that's over 100%). Everything about the class is easy, but it is interesting. We had a midterm in my Psych of Injury class on Wednesday and I think it went well but we shall see. I never really want to make assumptions until I get my grade. I have a practical today that shouldn't be too difficult. I mean....lets face it. I'm blogging right now when it is 2 hours from now. Hopefully the rest of the quarter plays out the same way as the first part.

Ohio State plays in its biggest game that wasn't a national championship since my sophomore year when Ohio State was #1 and Michigan #2. We are #9 and Penn State is #3. It's only the 8th night game ever at Ohio Stadium so it should be an unreal atmosphere. It is supposed to be balls cold with possible rain/mush falling from the sky. This could make the intensity dead or that much better. We shall see. Either way, I can't wait til Saturday night. In other football (futbol) news, the Men's soccer team plays a big game on Sunday against perennial soccer powerhouse Indiana. It's at our place and on the Big 10 network. If you all are bored and want to see a chance of me in action, turn on the Big 10 and watch the game. It should be a great one.

Tonight, with it being the weekend before Halloween, me, Sarah, Mike, & Mallory are all planning on going to a Haunted Farm...dun duh dun. That was my spooky noise for those of you unaware and questioning my sanity. If it doesn't rain, we are going to the barn, on a haunted hayride, and weaving our way through a haunted corn maze. It should be an exciting time.

One last note: THIS IS MY LAST SHIFT AT THE DORM DESK EVER...WOOOOHOOO. I have many memories from late nights and hang out times at the desk and it really changed my life in the best way possible. Every time I look at Sarah, I will remember this place. Well, maybe not every time. She does remind me of other things.

That's all for the day....its quite a bit but it's been a while.

A day off...well worth it

So today was basically a day off for me. Both of my classes this morning were cancled and I was commanded not to come into clinicals today. Nothing was wrong, my clinical instructor just knew that I was feeling the buildup of stress from the past two weeks and she wouldn't let me come in today. She made me take the whole day to myself and go have some fun. So with no class or clinicals, I had my normal work this morning and I'm working tonight but I had all day free of any obligations. Sarah and I went and saw Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist. It was enjoyable. Nothing too exciting but nice to relax and see it. Then I went grocery shopping for some things. After that, we went shopping for a while and then cooked a nice dinner before relaxing and then work. No super special stuff today but it was very nice to be free for a day. I love clinicals with the soccer team but this last couple of weeks has been pretty rough. It was lots of fun but very grueling. Today starts my last week of work in the dorms. I really can't wait for this to be over with. That's all I have to say on that subject.

Wow....he can play

So the concert was absolutely unreal. Sarah and I were in this music hall/bar thing called The Basement, and it was exactly that. It was a very small, packed in crowd because that's all that would fit. And since we were packed in, I was about 5 feet from Jon McLaughlin throughout the whole concert. Not only is his voice absolutely incredible and so chill to listen to but he is a phenomenal piano player. His energy level while he plays is unmatched. It was almost like he was running around the stage even though he had to stay in front of the keys. On top of that, his hands move faster than any keyboard/piano player I've ever seen before (check out this link to watch his hand... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlO78wuP9v0. Halfway into the second song, he had sweat dripping from his ears, chin, and nose. Not exactly the most appealing thing but somehow it added a lot to the performance. It looked like he was pouring everything (literally) into his music which made the concert that much more special. After about six songs the band left for a little bit and just left him sitting at his keyboard with his voice. The two songs he played like that were unbelievable. He was really able to show off how good his voice really is and it was sooo relaxing. Once the band came back out, they played a few more songs and finished the set with an absolutely ridiculous musical bridge. The two guitars and drums added in with the base and his keyboard sounded like something out of an orchestra. It was that good. Jon came back out for an encore, played a song on his own, took a picture of the crowd (which will be on his MySpace..and I'm in), and then played his big hit "Beautiful Disaster". It was the perfect way to end the show and the night. I'm so glad I got turned on to his music. He is by far my favorite artist right now and top 5 in my life. I plan on having his cd's playing over my iPod for a long time.

And seriously, go watch him play the piano. He reminds me of Schroeder off of "Charlie Brown" when he is leaning over his piano and standing up while he's still playing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlO78wuP9v0

Change of plans

So this Thursday, I was planning on going to a haunted house with the Athletic Training club at OSU. However, as I was fiddling around on my computer today, I saw that Jon McLaughlin is going to be in Columbus that night. On an impulse, I bought my tickets and changed my plans just like that. I'm really excited. His new cd is amazing and I've heard that he puts on a great show. I can't wait. The haunted house and things can wait until next weekend.

Ouch...thats gonna hurt

So this was not a good weekend for the soccer team. We traveled to Penn St. for a game that should have been an easy win on the road and bumped us in the standings. We were 7-2-2 and #14 in the country in RPI. Penn St. was 2-7-2 and #166 in the RPI. Not only did we lose, but we were up 2-0 early in the first half and gave up 3 goals before the end of the half to go on and lose 3-2. Not what we wanted at all. Now we have to recover in time for West Virginia this Wednesday. Playing on such short rest has physically and mentally drained the team. Half the guys are playing hurt and their focus is not there. They really need some help right now.

In other news, I only have about a week left of working at the desks. It's kindof bittersweet b/c I was able to work evening and night shifts after clinicals and still put 30 hours a week in. That was good and bad. I have another job lined up, but the hours are normal business hours meaning I can't work as many. But it also means I get regular relaxation time at night as well as sleep...the most important thing. I've had some good times here but I think I'm ready for it to end. The dorms have become entirely too young for me and I'm just thankful not to be living here again. Life goes on though. I'm sure I will find something to take up that free time...like a girl or playing tennis or something.

Round 1...complete

So I made the short trip to Chicago and back with only a couple of casualties. It was a very hard fought game that ended in a 0-0 tie. While ties aren't great, it was still positive because it was against the #6 team in the nation at their place in front of a record crowd. That should bump us up in the standings just a bit. Leaving the hotel at 4 am this morning was killer, and going to class at 1030 on top of that sucked. But I got through it. The view from my hotel room window looked straight down the middle of the Chicago river and the Sears tower was only about 300 yards away. Being on the 17th floor allowed me to see far into the city so that was pretty sweet. I leave tomorrow evening for Penn State for the weekend. Hopefully we can finish the weekend off at 1-0-1. That's all now....I have some homework to catch up on so I better get on that.

Crazy next 2 weeks

So tomorrow starts quite possibly 2 of my craziest weeks of college to date. Besides the normal work, school, and clinicals everyday, I am traveling a lot. Wednesday at noon, I leave for the airport to go to University of Illinois-Chicago. We play that night and then fly out early Thursday morning so we can be back for class on Thursday. Then I leave Friday afternoon for a Penn State game Saturday and drive back early Sunday morning. Then I leave on Tuesday afternoon for a Wednesday night game at West Virginia. We leave after the game and arrive back early Thursday. Then we have a home game on Saturday night against Wisconsin. Then I can breathe. Hopefully, I don't fall too far behind during this time.

Blah...

So I feel like death right about now. I don't know if it was the quick change in temperatures the other day or what but I've come down with something and it has completely wrecked my days the few days. Sore throat, stuffy nose, runny nose, headache, disgusting coughs, lack of sleep, etc., etc. I feel awful and can't wait for this crap to be gone. It makes everything in your day suck even if everything else is great. Oh well...what can you do but deal with it and move on.

Best field I've seen

So I went to Northwestern this weekend with the team and that is by far the best soccer field I've ever seen in person as far as location goes. The field is turf so that it can be used by lacrosse as well. The left side of the field is about 20 yards from Lake Michigan. There is basically a row of trees, a sidewalk, some rocks and then water. How sweet is that. Then on the far end of the field, you can see the Chicago skyline lit up jutting out into the water. Now I'm not a huge fan of Chicago but the city does have a very large, elegant skyline. It was pretty cool I must admit.

I would have enjoyed the trip more if we had won. We controlled the ball for 80% of the game but gave up a goal on a deflection by our own player and lost 1-0. Now we are 5-2-1 on the season, 1-1 in Big 10 conference play, but we are still ranked in the top 25 so its all good right now. As long as we win the Big 10 tourney and get to NCAA's, it will be awesome. Next up is Bowling Green on Wednesday and Eastern Illinois on Sunday. I get a few weeks off from traveling so that will allow me to get some things done. Even still, I don't mind going to places I've never been and seeing fields like this one. It's been a great senior year so far and today is only the start of the first full week of class.

first day

Classes start tomorrow so of course I'm working until 4am the night before thereby not getting more than 5 hours of sleep. I don't know why I do this to myself. It is not fun and tomorrow will suck. I'm heading back to Illinois this weekend when the Buckeyes play at Northwestern. Should be a fun trip.

Move in day....Oh the memories

So today was the campus move in here at OSU when approximately 5000 students participate in the organized chaos that is Move-In Day...it's like its own holiday or something. It is quite possibility one of the craziest things you have ever seen but somehow has been perfected to be about as smooth as possible. Lucky for me, I didn't have to work the desk during any of the check-in because I was at soccer all day (we won 1-0 and are now 5-1-1 on the season). However, I am now working the desk in an all freshman dorm until 11p and in my dorm for the past 3 years from 11-1. It is crazy looking at all the young freshmen and how raw they are to the college experience. None of them have been down this road before. I see birthdates in the 1990's and it scares me. My little sister who I still consider little, was born in 91. This means I'm getting older. Just seeing all the kids makes me feel older. I can tell they are still physically and mentally immature. It's amazing how much change takes place in just 3 years when you are out on your own. I'm a senior now going into my last year. I've started looking for graduate schools. I'm thinking about marriage. I am going to be out on my own with my own expenses in a very short time. A part of me is ready for it. I've gotten over the "college" part of things. I mean, it's been great but I'm done with it. I'm ready to move on. But the other part of me looks at my parents or even people just a couple years older than me and I don't feel ready at all. I'm scared for the future. I'm scared to be in charge of all my expenses and other things. I'm going to enjoy this year for what it is though and live it to the fullest. That's all I can do. There is no sense in looking to the future and forgetting about the present. You miss too much of life when you do that. All I can say is that I hope this is the best year of my life to date and I can't wait to see what's in store.

Finally moved in

This past week has been spent running around with my head cut off trying to get everything moved into the new apartment. This task in itself would not be too difficult or take that much time however, I'm going to clinicals on a daily basis for 5 hours and I've worked 30+ hours to this point in the week. Add in helping Sarah move into her place on Wednesday all afternoon and evening and there isn't a whole lot of time left over to fix up my place.

Last night though, I finally had a night off work and was able to take Sarah out to dinner for her birthday. We hit up the Japanese Steakhouse which was an absolute blast and the food was amazing. We had such a good time hanging out and watching the cooks in the element.

Today is Buckeye football day so hopefully we can get back in the win column with a dominating performance. That hasnt really happened to much in the past couple weeks. Now its time for lunch. Mmmm Canes chicken.

Charleston, SC...and then some

So this past weekend, I traveled with the soccer team on very brief notice to play a 2 game tourney in the sunny Charleston, South Carolina. It was hot, very humid, and the mosquitos were absolutely ridiculous down there. The team finished 1-1 on the weekend for an ok finish. I got to visit the historic downtown as well as hit the beach for an afternoon. Needless to say, I was busy down there and it didnt stop when I got home.

Tonight I have to pack everything up b/c I'm moving into my new apartment tomorrow. I'm pretty excited to start this new page in my life. School is also getting dangerously close. I think I'm ready for my senior year but we shall see. There is just always so much to do.

I'm just thankful everyone close to me is ok and I have power at the moment.

Down the crapper

So my fantasy baseball season went down the toilet in one bad week. Entering the last week of the regular season, I was sitting comfortably in 3rd place...9.5 games away from losing my playoff spot. As luck would have it, I had one of the worst weeks anyone has ever had in our baseball league and my worst week of all time. I finished the week losing 24-2 and getting knocked out of the playoffs. This is the first time I've not made the playoffs in the 5 years of our league. I'm disappointed and very frustrated especially since I don't have the Cardinals or Indians to watch in the playoffs. I guess I'll just move on to football.

On the road

So I'm on my hotel bed right now. I'm traveling with the soccer team for the first time this weekend. We have two games on Penn State's campus so I'm out of commission for a while.

In the meantime, here is a poem my friend Mike wrote that I think embodies how most of us feel on a daily basis.

It watches me while I'm asleep,
Silent, never makes a peep;
Its electronic brain devised
A sinister design, disguised
By innocent and quiet slumber
Before the auditory thunder.
It finally launches the attack!
I curse it, lying on my back.
My perfect dreams have now been broken --
The six AM alarm has spoken!

I am not a morning person.

GRE = longest 4 hours of my life

I'm finally done with it. After working vigorously from 9-1245, I completed the GRE with very satisfying results. I finished with a 630 quantitative and 470 verbal for an overall score of 1100. Most colleges only want a 1000 with a 450 in both categories. No more studying for this stupid thing ever again.

He shoots....HE SCORES!!! and the crowd goes wild

So the Buckeyes hosted their annual classic this weekend in which 3 other teams come and each plays two games. They were supposed to be on Friday and Sunday but the weather had other plans. After getting the first game in with only a minor delay on Friday, the Buckeyes game got going and about 30 minutes into the first half was delayed for lightning. After an hour and a half wait, the lightning still never left so they called it for the night. The only time to make up the game was at 200 pm the next day during opening day of football season. Not exactly the most convenient time but we pulled out a 2-1 win over Florida Gulf Coast U. Today, we suited up again and had an amazing game. It reminded me of why I love sports so much.

The Buckeyes went into halftime tied 0-0 with U. Central Florida. We came out in the 2nd half and were controlling everything but UCF managed to find the goal on a defensive breakdown with about 22 minutes left in the game. The rest of the half was a flurry of substitutions and attempts to tie the game up. Our magical moment came with about 1.30 left on the clock. We found and open shot and put it home to force OT. After no score in the first overtime, the Bucks came back out and put the win away with about 3 minutes left. The crowd went crazy and it was a great way to top off the game. Despite putting in over 20 hours this weekend as hosts....I loved every minute of it. I cant wait to see what the rest of the season has to hold for the team.

Man or Beast....or Both?

So I met this guy this winter when he came to a qualifying competition at Ohio State's pool. I was doing athletic training coverage at the facility and got to see him race and then I wrapped an ice bag on his shoulders. Not that this makes me cooler than anyone else but I'm just putting it out there as a possibility.

Two-a-days: Real Life

So I haven't posted in a while for a couple of reasons. Two-a-days started for soccer on Tuesday and have been going non-stop for the last week. Practice early in the morning and in the afternoon. In the mean time, I stay in the hotel with the guys and haven't had my computer to update. Things are great though. I get all my meals paid for, I get per diem when they don't feed me. I get clothes and lodging sometimes. The weather has been perfect. And the guys are a lot of fun to be around. Not to mention watching soccer is the best thing that could have happened to me. I'm finally in a routine with practices and things of that nature and the other night, we took a team bowling adventure to a local alley. I was over my average every game.

I'm really looking forward for this year, even though school doesn't start for another 36 days. Wow, that's a while away. Anyways, it should be a good year with soccer, less class, and a wonderful girl to spend it all with. I can't wait.

Back to the same ole' place...but with a new ride

So I just got back from my 5.5 days at home back in the Vern with Sarah. It was a great weekend/half of a week where I was just able to relax, have fun, and enjoy the family before getting going hardcore into soccer season. As I stepped out of the car in my driveway on Friday, my hood started smoking and smelled of some burnt transmission oil. My transmission had stalled as I came around the last road before home. On Tuesday, it was finally able to be looked at and we found out that my $600 car needed a $1000 transmission replacement. Not good. Anyways, I'm extremely thankful Sarah and I made it home without any problems (somehow). Tuesday afternoon after we heard the "good" news (it's all in the perspective), my dad, mom, Sarah, and I went car shopping. We found a 2003 Pontiac Vibe which I am now the proud owner of. Talk about a stressful car search though. I was basically limited to Tuesday evening to find one since I had to come back to Columbus today. This car was going to be a graduation present next year but came a year early. I can't be more thankful.

Overall, the weekend was great. Grandma's on Saturday, relaxing Sunday with some bogge pong, Six Flags on Monday with the whole family plus my aunt's family. It was soooo hot but entirely enjoyable. Tuesday consisted of car shopping. And I drove back today. It was all so nice. Plus I got to eat some great homecooked food. Can't complain there.

Time for soccer for the next year. I hope I'm ready.

The GRE...Does it really matter?

I'm going to take a leap and say not at all. I do not believe it determines how well I will do in graduate school. I've been studying for this college-aged standardized test that I'm scheduled to take September 2nd and it really goes nowhere. Everyone I talk to says it doesn't matter how much you study, it's whether or not you know how to take the test. I mean, the math is stuff I had when I was a sophomore in high school and I still remember a lot of that because it's basic algebra and geometry. The grammar is stuff that only very profound speakers use and that the common person does not understand. I consider myself to have a very good grip on the English vocabulary but some of this stuff is crazy. Words I've never even heard of in my life. I don't see the point to testing either of these categories. They do not prove how successful I can be in my next 2 years of continuing education. But until the man is defeated, this is how it has to be done. So I will be studying somewhat regularly assuming baseball isn't distracting me.

At this point in the week, I only have to get through 3 more days of cheerleading camp and I get to go home. I'm so excited to go and just relax for 5 days without having to do anything...well except go see my grandma, visit with my aunt, go to the dentist for my checkup/cleaning (blugh), and then relax. Haha, breaks are always so full. I love it.

In my fantasy world, I just made a trade that I think can be very positive for me. I got a pitcher who has been as good as anyone in the league and now I have a Big 3 on my staff which I never thought would happen. Hopefully it turns them around. I did have to give up the guy I just traded for a week ago who won the HR derby but I think I'll be ok. Only time will tell how this works out for me.

back pain and busyness

So the last 3 days have been really busy. I've been working a men's lacrosse camp and then staying in the dorms with the kids at night. It's great putting in 13 hour days and then not even getting to come home and chill (aka watch tv and check my baseball stats). However, it's good money so I won't complain too much. Plus, I got to see a kid fracture his collarbone and separate his shoulder. Another parent got smoked behind the net and broke his nose. So it's been kind of exciting. I got one more day left in the dorms and tomorrow is only a couple hours.

In other news, life has been so much more painful recently. I hurt my back playing tennis last week and it hasn't been right since then. It's got me restricted to the point where I can't lift objects that are only a little bit heavy and standing/sitting are very uncomfortable. Hopefully this recedes soon.

In the positives, my baseball team is having a good week. Hopefully I can finish strong and jump some in the standings. I'm positioned to make my end of the summer climb. Can't wait to see what happens.

That's all for now. I gotta get back to the dorms for the evening pretty soon. Hopefully it's as uneventful as it's been all week.

Round 1

So I feel like all of a sudden everyone is getting into blogging so I figured I would jump in with the crowd and start one too. This is something I used to do on a different site but kind of fell away from when I thought that no one even read it anymore. This whole writing my thoughts out is still a little bit awkward, but I'll get used to it. It will help me keep everyone else informed of my life if nothing else.

Summer has been flying by like no other. Granted my break started several weeks after everyone else in school but even so...its already a month and a half gone. I have 10 days of work left, a trip to home for a couple days, and then back to Columbus for clinicals. Speaking of those things, I guess that would be the newest news in my life. I will be traveling home for the first time with the girl that's quickly becoming the love of my life. I am so excited for her to be able to meet the extended family, see some close friends (minus Trevor), and experience the place where I've grown up. This is a huge step for us in our relationship, but I'm totally ok with it. I wouldn't want to take this step with anyone else. Also, new in my life is my clinical assignment for this coming year. I get to spend my whole senior year of college (already?...wow) with the men's soccer team here at Ohio State. They are the defending National runner-ups (yeah, I know another 2nd place...whatever). I've loved soccer my whole life so this rotation is absolutely perfect for me. Along with that, I've been studying for the GRE for grad school and trying to find a place to spend 2 more years studying. It has its moments when it's really stressful and other times are really exciting because I get a glimpse into my future. Who knows what the future holds for me as far as school and relationships go but it seems like it will be a fun ride getting there if nothing else. I can't wait to see what comes of it.

Other than that, not much other news. My fantasy team is hanging in there, hopefully making a push here soon. The football Buckeyes start camp soon in what is supposed to be another run at a Championship? Third time is a charm right? As long as they don't play the SEC, everything is a go.

So thats a wrap for round 1. I hope everyone enjoys this and can actually keep up with the hectic life I lead.