Congratulations to Gonzaga for winning an 11th straight West Coast Conference title. Although this season was a struggle, the Zags battled through adversity and came good at the end of the season. On Thursday night they beat St Mary's in overtime, resulting in both teams sharing the regular season title. The Zags did it this year without a clear cut leader and/or dominant point guard.
Why this is important: 11 straight conference titles mean Gonzaga is now second all-time behind UCLA. At the end of the historic John Wooden era, UCLA started their run of 13 straight conference titles. Can the Zags pass UCLA for the all-time record? If they do, it will be a great achievement. Obviously, the Zags' streak says as much about the program as it does about the relatively weak conference. Only in the past few years have other teams (like St Mary's and their Sweet 16 run last season) posed a serious threat.
Regardless of the circumstances, Gonzaga's current streak has placed the program among a select "Few".
27 February 2011
26 February 2011
Pikes Peak Bonus Material
It's hard to take a picture of something and yourself at the same time. Picture exchange...
25 February 2011
Snow Angel
I should have hosted our videos privately on You Tube a long time ago. The difference in quality is staggering.
24 February 2011
Nite Lite Fun
For the second straight morning Julia stayed in her bedroom until the nite lite turned into a sun. I think she's got it. She really likes it, so much so that she keeps giving it kisses. This morning she took me back upstairs and we sat in front of it for 15 minutes rehashing how it all works. Her excitement overflowed into the rest of the morning...evidenced by the fact she didn't stop talking in one form or another until about lunchtime. When she doesn't stop talking, we know she's excited.
23 February 2011
Good Nite Lite
Julia's present arrived. Actually, it's a present for us. It's called the Good Nite Lite and it changes colors at pre-set times. Obviously, the nite lite turns blue when it's time for bed and yellow when it's time to wake up.
The goal is to train Julia when it's time to wake up in the morning. If she wakes up too early and the lite is still a moon, she has been told that she needs to go back to sleep or play quietly until the sun comes up. She's an early riser like her parents.
I think she caught on the first time we tried it. The first night we sat in front of it until it turned blue (big smile). When the light turned blue she exclaimed that it had the letter S all around it...not too bad considering that a Z looks a lot like a S. The next morning, right at the preset time, Stacey heard a faint "Momma" coming from her room. We think she woke up a few minutes before and waited until the sun came on...
The goal is to train Julia when it's time to wake up in the morning. If she wakes up too early and the lite is still a moon, she has been told that she needs to go back to sleep or play quietly until the sun comes up. She's an early riser like her parents.
I think she caught on the first time we tried it. The first night we sat in front of it until it turned blue (big smile). When the light turned blue she exclaimed that it had the letter S all around it...not too bad considering that a Z looks a lot like a S. The next morning, right at the preset time, Stacey heard a faint "Momma" coming from her room. We think she woke up a few minutes before and waited until the sun came on...
20 February 2011
Pikes Peak
Distance - 13.25 miles
Elevation Gain - 4,300 feet
Time - 8.25 hours
Nathan and I decided to change our plans and hike Pikes Peak via the Crags Campground (western side of the mountain, opposite Colorado Springs) today. A giant storm was headed our direction that reportedly could dump one to two feet of snow on the mountains farther west and north of Colorado Springs. The forecast at least for the morning and early afternoon on Pikes Peak looked good, so we decided on that peak late Friday night.
The day started out beautifully but slowly deteriorated the longer and higher we hiked. Once above treeline the wind became a factor. We measured sustained winds of about 30 mph. Fortunately, we had the right gear and were covered from head to toe. We both used "ninja masks" and ski goggles to completely cover our faces. So, the wind wasn't that big of a deal unless we stopped hiking to eat or change gear. Both my poles didn't really work and Nathan snapped one of his poles on a rock. We didn't need to use snowshoes. The trail below treeline was well packed by previous hikers. As soon as we got near the summit it clouded over. We barely spent any time at the top (nor did the poor suckers who had paid to drive up) because there was nothing to see and it wasn't a pleasant experience.
It was a long day but really not that bad of a trip. The climb is pretty gradual and has a few flat sections where you can catch your breath. I also hadn't exercised for about 10 days prior, which helped. On past trips I've worked out too much that week and now realize it made the hike more difficult. I should put an asterisk by the time and distance covered, because we did hitch a ride down from the summit to Devil's Playground. I don't know how much time or distance that saved us.
- Nice morning as we start to get out of the trees. Pikes still casting a shadow
- Beautiful western-looking shot. You can see other snowy 14ers in the distance
- Interesting east-face of the mountain. In the distance is Rampart Reservoir
- Devil's Playground. In the warmer months lightning is a major concern on Pikes
- Windblown snow creating a "glacial blue" color in the shadows
- Nathan headed towards the summit with the highway in view
- A closed summit house. We paused here only to get out of the wind and drink/eat
- Close up of C/S. What can you find? On the original I can pick out my parent's house
- Proof we made it to the top. Notice the blue sky has disappeared.
- Looking back at Pikes. You can see that the summit is clouded over now
- Nice rock formation. I particularly like the small, lone tree clinging to a crack on the face
- A nice sight at the end. Some joker (Josh, who by coincidence passed by) threw snow on my windshield!
Elevation Gain - 4,300 feet
Time - 8.25 hours
Nathan and I decided to change our plans and hike Pikes Peak via the Crags Campground (western side of the mountain, opposite Colorado Springs) today. A giant storm was headed our direction that reportedly could dump one to two feet of snow on the mountains farther west and north of Colorado Springs. The forecast at least for the morning and early afternoon on Pikes Peak looked good, so we decided on that peak late Friday night.
The day started out beautifully but slowly deteriorated the longer and higher we hiked. Once above treeline the wind became a factor. We measured sustained winds of about 30 mph. Fortunately, we had the right gear and were covered from head to toe. We both used "ninja masks" and ski goggles to completely cover our faces. So, the wind wasn't that big of a deal unless we stopped hiking to eat or change gear. Both my poles didn't really work and Nathan snapped one of his poles on a rock. We didn't need to use snowshoes. The trail below treeline was well packed by previous hikers. As soon as we got near the summit it clouded over. We barely spent any time at the top (nor did the poor suckers who had paid to drive up) because there was nothing to see and it wasn't a pleasant experience.
It was a long day but really not that bad of a trip. The climb is pretty gradual and has a few flat sections where you can catch your breath. I also hadn't exercised for about 10 days prior, which helped. On past trips I've worked out too much that week and now realize it made the hike more difficult. I should put an asterisk by the time and distance covered, because we did hitch a ride down from the summit to Devil's Playground. I don't know how much time or distance that saved us.
- Nice morning as we start to get out of the trees. Pikes still casting a shadow
- Beautiful western-looking shot. You can see other snowy 14ers in the distance
- Interesting east-face of the mountain. In the distance is Rampart Reservoir
- Devil's Playground. In the warmer months lightning is a major concern on Pikes
- Windblown snow creating a "glacial blue" color in the shadows
- Nathan headed towards the summit with the highway in view
- A closed summit house. We paused here only to get out of the wind and drink/eat
- Close up of C/S. What can you find? On the original I can pick out my parent's house
- Proof we made it to the top. Notice the blue sky has disappeared.
- Looking back at Pikes. You can see that the summit is clouded over now
- Nice rock formation. I particularly like the small, lone tree clinging to a crack on the face
- A nice sight at the end. Some joker (Josh, who by coincidence passed by) threw snow on my windshield!
18 February 2011
Robert Half Interview
My interview with Robert Half (Finance and Accounting recruiter) went well today. It was a pretty simple process. Their representative met with me, reviewed my resume, and talked about the types of jobs I am interested in and qualified to get. I didn't realize that I was also going to take a 30 minute assessment (test). I was tested on the advanced accounting and Excel subjects...and scored in the high 80s and low 90s for each test, respectively. I could have done better, but the raw numbers are mostly irrelevant since I scored well above the average for their branch on both tests.
While I was there I was presented with an opening that I may interview for on Monday or Tuesday. The job is essentially a Finance/Accounting Analyst position. The career path goes something like: Analyst to Senior Analyst to Director of Finance to CFO. That track is different from the Assistant Controller to Controller (end of the line) path. It's with a huge company with about 20 locations around the country and one in Ireland. They have over $1B in annual sales and are publicly traded on the NYSE. They offer 401K matching, a nice health care package, and an unheard of three weeks of vacation a year. The downsides are that I'd be working with a lot of women and that the mission of the company is far from exciting nor does it serve any larger purpose (like my experience in the Air Force, medical, and at Focus did). Also, it may not pay much more then my previous job did. The only positive is that I will have the chance to progress and move up that that my previous position didn't offer.
Although I have never worked in a corporate setting before, I may find that I want to stick it out more in at place like I mentioned above then at a "charitable" organization. So far I've found that I've gotten bored in jobs that aren't challenging enough nor progressing despite their larger purpose. If a find a position with a nice work environment that challenges me and that rewards good performance, I might just find it more personally fulfilling no matter what the larger picture. Ideally, I'd like to find both.
While I was there I was presented with an opening that I may interview for on Monday or Tuesday. The job is essentially a Finance/Accounting Analyst position. The career path goes something like: Analyst to Senior Analyst to Director of Finance to CFO. That track is different from the Assistant Controller to Controller (end of the line) path. It's with a huge company with about 20 locations around the country and one in Ireland. They have over $1B in annual sales and are publicly traded on the NYSE. They offer 401K matching, a nice health care package, and an unheard of three weeks of vacation a year. The downsides are that I'd be working with a lot of women and that the mission of the company is far from exciting nor does it serve any larger purpose (like my experience in the Air Force, medical, and at Focus did). Also, it may not pay much more then my previous job did. The only positive is that I will have the chance to progress and move up that that my previous position didn't offer.
Although I have never worked in a corporate setting before, I may find that I want to stick it out more in at place like I mentioned above then at a "charitable" organization. So far I've found that I've gotten bored in jobs that aren't challenging enough nor progressing despite their larger purpose. If a find a position with a nice work environment that challenges me and that rewards good performance, I might just find it more personally fulfilling no matter what the larger picture. Ideally, I'd like to find both.
16 February 2011
Waterstone #2
I'm starting to find a lot of good jobs out there, despite my first interview not being a good fit. I got a call back (which is nice considering you never hear anything) that I didn't get the job...but that I was their number two choice. I told Stacey that's because they only interviewed as many!
I was able to get an interview with Robert Half, a finance and accounting recruiter, at Friday at 4 pm. This is a very good sign and probably how I will get my next job. Companies pay them to find the best employees and to screen candidates ahead of time. If I make a good impression with them, I've got my foot in the door.
I was able to get an interview with Robert Half, a finance and accounting recruiter, at Friday at 4 pm. This is a very good sign and probably how I will get my next job. Companies pay them to find the best employees and to screen candidates ahead of time. If I make a good impression with them, I've got my foot in the door.
15 February 2011
Milan 0-1 Tottenham
The Champions League resumed play today, with Spurs beating Milan and scoring a crucial away goal. Although the result will be overshadowed by Gattuso's antics during and after the match, we head back to our own ground leading this round of 16 tie. Most fans thought we would lose this match, and would have easily taken a draw. To come away with a win was almost unthinkable...until the game started.
Both sides were without key players, but overall Tottenham was the better team tonight. I think Milan were a bit off, but that shouldn't take anything away from our performance. The game was pretty tight and both teams had about the same number of good scoring chances. We set up defensively, playing with only one forward (if you can really call Crouch that), an attacking mid, and two defensive mids. Although Crouch put a difficult shot into an open net, the goal was created entirely by Lennon on a two v two counterattack.
The game was scrappy and physical. As it progressed, it got worse until eventually some players "lost the plot", as they say. Matt and I agree that it all started when Flamini (an ex-Arsenal player for Milan) took out Corluka with a two-footed, studs up tackle at full speed. The tackle knocked Corluka out of the game and 99 out of 100 times results in a red card. Tonight was the one exception. That started the shoving, words, and tempers flying. A few minutes later Gatusso practically choked Tottenham coach, Joe Jordan (picture below). How he didn't get ejected for that action I will never know. I find it hilariously ironic that in the photo, right below the captain's armband, Gatusso's jersey says "respect". The armband must be covering the word "no" above it.
For those who don't know, this guy is crazy on the field. His nickname is Ringhio, which means "Growl". He's the equivalent of an "enforcer" in hockey, designed to get other players off of their game and bring the pain. He's always getting into it with the other team's players. Tonight he went overboard and at the end of the match, went back over to Joe Jordan and decided to headbutt him. He'll get suspended for multiple games for his actions. I'm not that surprised that it happened. A Zindane headbutt is shocking, but not a Gatusso headbutt. Anyone who has watched him play knows that he always walks a fine line between rabid tenaciousness and insanity.
I'm absolutely thrilled by the result. We now have some margin for error in the second leg. We can make a mistake and everything is still equal. If we hadn't scored and it ended 0-0, I wouldn't be felling as comfortable as I am now. Away goals count more, so we'll advance as long as we don't lose in a few week's time. As I said months ago, there seems to be something special about this run. If we can hold on to this lead, there is two out of seven possibility that we'll get a favorable draw for the round of 8...say, the winner of the Shakhtar v Roma and Valencia v Schalke games. We may be able to compete with those teams. The draw this time also sets the "brackets" for the rest of the tournament. The interesting thing is, if the other English teams advance to the final four, Tottenham could conceivably play another English team in the semi-final. I would be ecstatic if we were matched up with another English team, since it would be a familiar rivalry and give us an even better chance to make it to the final. Ideally, if Manchester United, Chelsea, or Arsenal get matched up with the Spanish sides and find a way to beat them (the Spanish sides are two of the favorites), Spurs could even face a familiar foe in the semifinals and final. I'm getting too carried away right now...and we need to finish off Milan first and foremost. If we advance past Milan, the draw will entirely determine our chances of advancing any further.
From relegation worries to dreaming about the Champions League Final in only 2 short years is nothing short of miraculous. Then again, most people would agree that finding the words Tottenham and Champions League Final in the same sentence would take an act of God.
Both sides were without key players, but overall Tottenham was the better team tonight. I think Milan were a bit off, but that shouldn't take anything away from our performance. The game was pretty tight and both teams had about the same number of good scoring chances. We set up defensively, playing with only one forward (if you can really call Crouch that), an attacking mid, and two defensive mids. Although Crouch put a difficult shot into an open net, the goal was created entirely by Lennon on a two v two counterattack.
The game was scrappy and physical. As it progressed, it got worse until eventually some players "lost the plot", as they say. Matt and I agree that it all started when Flamini (an ex-Arsenal player for Milan) took out Corluka with a two-footed, studs up tackle at full speed. The tackle knocked Corluka out of the game and 99 out of 100 times results in a red card. Tonight was the one exception. That started the shoving, words, and tempers flying. A few minutes later Gatusso practically choked Tottenham coach, Joe Jordan (picture below). How he didn't get ejected for that action I will never know. I find it hilariously ironic that in the photo, right below the captain's armband, Gatusso's jersey says "respect". The armband must be covering the word "no" above it.
For those who don't know, this guy is crazy on the field. His nickname is Ringhio, which means "Growl". He's the equivalent of an "enforcer" in hockey, designed to get other players off of their game and bring the pain. He's always getting into it with the other team's players. Tonight he went overboard and at the end of the match, went back over to Joe Jordan and decided to headbutt him. He'll get suspended for multiple games for his actions. I'm not that surprised that it happened. A Zindane headbutt is shocking, but not a Gatusso headbutt. Anyone who has watched him play knows that he always walks a fine line between rabid tenaciousness and insanity.
I'm absolutely thrilled by the result. We now have some margin for error in the second leg. We can make a mistake and everything is still equal. If we hadn't scored and it ended 0-0, I wouldn't be felling as comfortable as I am now. Away goals count more, so we'll advance as long as we don't lose in a few week's time. As I said months ago, there seems to be something special about this run. If we can hold on to this lead, there is two out of seven possibility that we'll get a favorable draw for the round of 8...say, the winner of the Shakhtar v Roma and Valencia v Schalke games. We may be able to compete with those teams. The draw this time also sets the "brackets" for the rest of the tournament. The interesting thing is, if the other English teams advance to the final four, Tottenham could conceivably play another English team in the semi-final. I would be ecstatic if we were matched up with another English team, since it would be a familiar rivalry and give us an even better chance to make it to the final. Ideally, if Manchester United, Chelsea, or Arsenal get matched up with the Spanish sides and find a way to beat them (the Spanish sides are two of the favorites), Spurs could even face a familiar foe in the semifinals and final. I'm getting too carried away right now...and we need to finish off Milan first and foremost. If we advance past Milan, the draw will entirely determine our chances of advancing any further.
From relegation worries to dreaming about the Champions League Final in only 2 short years is nothing short of miraculous. Then again, most people would agree that finding the words Tottenham and Champions League Final in the same sentence would take an act of God.
14 February 2011
Happy Birthday Mom
One of the best things about my Mom was that she was born on Valentine's Day. It's just fitting that a loving mother should be born on this day.
Even though I'm going to turn 33 this year (insert Three Amigos joke here), she still gives me candy! That means a lot too considering she's practically a vegan and an ex-dental hygienist. You are never allowed to stop this tradition (you're allowed to forget a year here and there, but not stop). As I write this post my mouth is filled full of Good 'n Plenty. Oh, it's good and I was given plenty, that you can be assured.
I'm not one to make a long sappy post about a family member on the internet...so I'll just say "thanks". Over the years I've noticed and appreciated everything you've done for me and my family. Here's to many more years.
Even though I'm going to turn 33 this year (insert Three Amigos joke here), she still gives me candy! That means a lot too considering she's practically a vegan and an ex-dental hygienist. You are never allowed to stop this tradition (you're allowed to forget a year here and there, but not stop). As I write this post my mouth is filled full of Good 'n Plenty. Oh, it's good and I was given plenty, that you can be assured.
I'm not one to make a long sappy post about a family member on the internet...so I'll just say "thanks". Over the years I've noticed and appreciated everything you've done for me and my family. Here's to many more years.
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