A Year has Passed

It's been just over a year since i was certified as an ADCO. I was officially certified on Jan 27, 2006. It's hard to believe that a year has already passed. I believe i was ADCO 18 (or the 18th cerfified ADCO). We are currently at ADCO 21 with ADCO 22 and ADCO 23 coming soon. The good news there is that we have more people supporting console which means that our console work load will decrease some...assuming we don't lose anyone that is already certified. And it is possible that we will lose a certified person to the opening for our group lead. Well...that's about it from the work front...

...where have i been? well, i've been busy with rockstar practice. I want to make damn sure that i am ready for the show. I am confident that we'll do at least one song. I am hopeful that we'll get to do two at the show. And the word got out that Finding Reason will be a special guest at the party (previously we were just "special guests".) So the excitement builds...

Crawfish, Birthday, and Fireworks

And today, all three of these things are related. For Ben's Birthday today, his girlfriend Jennifer had a crawfish boil for him. Again, some members from two great bands (Finding Reason and LTS) were in attendance. While I have tried crawfish, they just aren't my thing. I do like the other items that are placed in the brew, corn on the cob, potatoes, carrots, and sausage. So, i filled up on some good food and enjoyed the good times. Then it was time for some birthday cake. As day grew to night, it was time for a few left over fireworks.
Before the fireworks though, Finding Reason had a bonding moment by shucking 30 lbs of crawfish. Greg purchased too many crawfish and not everyone showed up (the reason you should be true to your RSVP). Well, anyway...it was a good time.
Well, I am exhausted...it's been a very busy weekend. I need time to recoup. Too bad i have to go work in the morning.
I honestly don't know when i'll have a weekend to myself. It seems i have something planned for every weekend...

Where Everything Never Used To Be...

Tonight, some of two great bands (Less than Serious and Finding Reason) went to The Comedy Showcase for a night of comedy. The comedy showcase gives out up to 10 free tickets to those that are having a birthday. Tomorrow is Ben's birthday and he was gracious enough to share those tickets with us. Thanks Ben. Well, there were some good comics...and then some not so good comics. The headliner, Jack Mayberry, was pretty funny. He's been on the Tonight Show with both Johnny Carson and Jay Leno. He's been on a host of other well known comic shows. One of his jokes is about where everything never used to be...hence the title of this post. It was a very enjoyable time. Perhaps, when my birthday comes around, i'll get a call about some tickets to a comedy show.
Do you like to laugh?

Rockstar Practice

Well, we're two weeks away from the big day and i've been practicing every day for about an hour or so. And well, as corny as it sounds, practice does make perfect...or close to not totally sucking. After band practice we took a band poll and have decided that we'll probably drop one of the songs (i'm just not comfortable with it). So, the target is 2 songs...and we'd be content with one song. But I will continue to practice all of the songs and maybe we'll pull off all 3. We'll make a better informed decision when we have our next practice with a drummer.
...and yes, panic mode has set in...

Horelica House of Music #15

I just realized that i haven't had a Horelica House of Music at all this year. I guess I've been really busy. So, without further ado, here is the first edition of 2007:

This first one is Bush, circa 1994. I consider Bush one of my influences. The current status of Bush is well, not necessarily broken up, but not together anymore. I don't think they ever officially broke up. Gavin Rossdale, the lead singer of Bush, has another project called Institute. But i haven't heard much after that...other than he's a daddy again.



Next is Alice in Chains. This is a common influence of Finding Reason. Of course, Alice in Chains is no longer the same as Layne Staley, the lead singer, is no longer with us.

Happy Birthday Dad

Today is my Dad's Birthday and I just wanted to wish him a very happy birthday. Your gift is on the way and I am working on getting you another gift. So, next time I see you, I should have your gift...hopefully.
Anyway, I hope that you had a wonderful birthday.
I love you.

...And the Winner Is...

Thanks, Erin.

Customer Service Lingo

So, I called TiVo today to cancel my account. I no longer need TiVo with my new HD DVR box. I'm not terribly fond of the new interface, but it records in HD, so i'll deal with it. For the interface, TiVo is much better...and there are other features that i like about TiVo that i have to give up.

Well, anyway, the menu options have you choose "cancellation", so they know what you want when they get to you. This is a direct quote from "Sandra" (name not changed to protect the innocent) the friendly TiVo representative, "So, what's the deal? What's going on? I mean, why are you ..." Wow...I almost burst into laughter...i couldn't believe what i was hearing...

So, what has customer service come to these days?
What is your customer service story?

Pittsburgh Penguins to become a Houston Team??

HOLY CRAP!!! That would be awesome!!!
I didn't make this up...check it out here

Well, if this comes to fruition, i might be buying season tickets...maybe...but it would be nice to have an NHL team in town.

But for now, the Aeros are my hockey team. Speaking of that...anyone want to go watch some Aeros Hockey?

Convicted Felon and the ISS and Pro Pillow Fighting

Convicted felon Martha Stewart had a conversation with the ISS crew this morning. I wasn't in the control center when this conversation took place, so i don't know what was said, but i'm sure it was an interersting conversation.

I just hope we don't see curtains and fluffy pillows floating around the station....

Speaking of pillows...did you know there is a professional pillow fighting league? Men everywhere rejoice! hehe But realy, this is true... Check this out!
I'm willing to bet that this could become big!

Chicago Bears vs Indianapolis Colts

...in Super Bowl XLI on Feb. 4th (also Lisa's Birthday). I've been hoping da Bears would make it this year. I think Josh and I had a conversation at the beginning of the season and i mentioned that i'd like to see da Bears go all the way. Well, they made it to the big game...Now they just need to finish it off.

This will be a special Super Bowl for it will be the first time in history that the teams will be coached by an African American, two in fact. Tony Dungee of the Colts and Lovie Smith of the Bears will share the history making event.

At any rate, it should be a good game...i look forward to it!

But, I'm pulling for da Bears. And speaking of da Bears, this is what i'm reminded of from the '90s timeframe of Saturday Night Live.

Pool Tournament Pictures...

...are out there for your viewing pleasure.
See Parris Perceptions for all your picture needs.
Thanks for your photography skills, Josh.

Charity Pool Tournament and Strange Power Outages

Today was the 4th annual Metrocavage Invitational C0-ed Pool Tournament. More than $200 was raised for St. Jude Children's Hospital. This was my second year to attend this fun filled event. This was my first year to actually play in the tournament. My partner, Erin, and I didn't do so well in the tournament, but we had fun. We lost our first game which knocked us out of the tournament...but it was fun to watch the competition between the other teams. Cory and Erin won the tournament and Jeff and Lauri came in a close second. This was the first year that Kevin and Bridget (the tournament's hosts) didn't win the championship! They were bummed, but the other teams rejoiced. Pictures may be coming soon to a blog near you. Since i don't own a pocket camera anymore, i'll have to rely on josh to get the pictures.

There were some very strange power outages here at Horelica Manor. For only a few seconds on two separate occasions, the power went out here. There were some strange noises and flashes of light coming from the backyard area...it sounded as though a transformer had started to fizzle out. But there are no above the ground transmission lines in this neighborhood...so i'm not sure what was going on. My backyard neighbors have the large power box in their yard and probably an hour after the first outage i noticed the power company taking a look back there. They didn't seem to stay long and left without doing much, from what i could tell anyway. At any rate, the power outages were really strange.

Number 1, Texas A&M, in Basketball??

I was just as baffled as you were by this statement. As of this writing, the men's basketball team is number 1 in the Big 12...and ranked number 8 in the AP and ESPN polls (that's number 8 in the country) What the hell is going on? This is very uncharacteristic of Texas A&M basketball. But the tides have turned, i guess. A&M is doing very well this year. They have been invited to play in the big tounament. Hopefully they can do well. I haven't watched much college basketball. But i happened to stumble upon the game tonight and A&M was really good. It's not like they played a no name team...they played the number 12 ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys. Perhaps this year, i'll be more interested in the NCAA tounament.

3/4 Finding Reason Rehearsals

Tonight was another round of rehearsals for Finding Reason. Only this time it was 3/4 of us. Ron, our temporary drummer has a very busy schedule and can't make every rehearsal. It was kinda depressing for me...i have no sense of time and was all over the place. I need lots of work. Hopefully i can make it work. But i felt like i made some progress...some progress is better than no progress. I just need to work a little harder.

The pink shirt suggestions have been coming in...via email. I have received a lot of good suggestions. Check back for the one that i decide on.

The Pink Shirt Search

Next month is Finding Reason's first "live" performance. It will be at Jen's private birthday party. Since it is a big birthday for her, she is requesting that all her guests where a pink shirt...or something pink anyway. So, I'm searching the internet for the perfect pink shirt. It's gotta scream rockstar, though. I have a few shirts in mind that i found, but i want to see what you can come up with. So, when you have nothing to do, search the WWW for pink t-shirts. Post your findings in the comment section and we'll see if i wear your pick? Good luck...

Weather, shopping, and bonsai...

1) Bundle up...it's gonna be cold the next few days. We're in store for possible icy conditions. Be careful out there. According to the Horelica weather station it is 36 degrees F and falling. It's been raining for the better part of the day. It most likely won't be that cold here, but there could be some ice forming out there. I'll probably go to work tomorrow, but i'll make a decision tomorrow morning.

2) Today, I took advantage of the day off and did a little shopping. I bought a few more painting supplies so that I could do some experimenting. I have a few ideas that i'd like to try, but didn't have the right tools to do the job. Now, i just need to find the time to do some painting. I also bought some high quality headphones for our upcoming February gig. These headphones will be my monitors so that i can hear what i need to hear... Having these headphones will mean that we won't have to lug around hundreds of pounds of amps and speakers. And when i'm not using these headphones for gigs, i can use them with the iPod.

3) I am now the proud owner of a bonsai tree. I have always liked these cute little trees...again, my fondness for Japanese decor. Mom and Dad picked up this tree for me. Now, i need to do my best not to kill it. I will get some pictures out there when i get the camera charged and ready.

The Brotha from anotha Motha

The Brothas

Well, the surprise worked. My visit was indeed a surprise for my brotha from anotha motha... Nick and I go way back...probably sometime before 4th grade. You know, i can't remember the last time i saw nick. He said he hasn't been in this area for 4 years...so i guess it's been at least 4 years. Well, it's tough to keep in touch when you are busy in your own life...and nick said he was home only 43 days this past year...join the navy and see the world. He spent some time in Afghanistan and Iraq. He showed me a video from some of the engagements he or his squadron was involved in. Pretty cool stuff in a morbid sort of way.

Nick, his lovely wife Jen, and beautiful daughter Lily are on their way to Fallon, Nevada.

Jen, Nick, and me.

The beautiful Lily...she scratched herself with her nails...which were then promptly trimmed.

Nick will be flying as an adversary for Top Gun. He will be flying the F-16. Yep, that's right...a navy guy getting some time in an air force bird.

Anyway, Nick and i picked up where we left off...almost as if we had never been apart. I've always enjoyed spending time with my surrogate family. I spent quite a lot of time with Donna and A.C. Nick's sister, Natalie, and her kids were there. I feel old now...Natalie's oldest, Carl is now 20 years old...it almost seems like yesterday when he was knee-high to a grasshopper (one of those strange sayings...). I missed Danny (Natalie's husband). He's such a riot to hang out with.

Well, my visit came to an end and it was time to go. I miss my old friend. But seeing Nick and his family again put a smile on my face. So, thanks Nick for making my day. It was good to see you again. I hope to visit you in the in near future!
Take care and see you soon...

Return of Saturday Football and Surprises

I bring you this post from East Bernard. My internet has been down the last few days and it is really frustrating when you want to get some information and you can't get to it.
Yesterday, was my first time at Saturday football for 2007. I must say that I am not as sore as i thought i would be today. It was a lot of fun though. We just need more people to play...those short, narrow fields can be a pain.

Surprises are only surprises when the person you are trying surprise knows nothing of the planned surprise. Melissa Green is relentless when it comes to surprises and gathering information on said surprises. Some how Melissa found out about the party we had planned for her...although i don't know all the details, but she previously thought we were throwing her a party on the 20th, but in reality it was last night. I think the word on the street is that she found out...oh well, it was an interesting party nonetheless...Stay tuned to Parris Perceptions for the party pictures...

And as far as surprises go, i plan on showing up at my best bud's parent's house this afternoon. I don't know if he knows i plan on making an appearance, but i'd like to think he doesn't. I should have a few pictures to post following my visit with my very good friend...assuming that i have internet.

Oh by the way, Texas weather is about to surprise you. When i left the house this morning it was a balmy 72 degrees F outside. By the time i got to EB, it was a chilly 48 degrees F. I expect it to only get colder throughout the next few days...with the potential for ice...

Stay warm....

STS116/12A.1 Team Celebration...

Tonight, Lisa and I headed over to Villa Capri for the post STS116/12A.1 mission celebration. The crew was there as well as a hand full of other astronauts, flight directors, trainers, engineering, family and friends. The food was good, the wine was flowing, and the laughs were aplenty.

Now, if only i didn't have to go to work tomorrow. I'm pretty exhausted. I've been "on call" this week. That means if anything bad happens during the night, i get called. Well, last night I got called...at 1:30am. Well, luckily i didn't have to use my brain very much...and the situation was under control before i was called. But i hate when i leave the pager on vibrate...that damn thing makes more noise and racket than if i were to leave the pager on beep mode. It scared the crap out of me...nothing like a shot of adrenaline to wake you up. Well, nonetheless, it was a little difficult to go back to sleep...

I need a vacation...

Finding Reason Rehearsals

Tonight Finding Reason had our first "full band" rehearsal. We are borrowing Less Than Serious' drummer for our pseudo gig in February. The rehearsal went rather well...a bit better than i thought it would. You were right, Erin. We played through the 3 songs that we plan on performing. Of course they were all rough the first time through. But the next few times through they started to come around. A lot of work is still needed (mostly on my part), but i'm confident that we can get at least one song done. So, I'll be doing a lot practicing over the next few weeks to make sure that i'm ready.

On another note, House in HD is awesome.

On yet another note, I'd like to wish my best friend, Nick Pinson, a happy belated birthday. His birthday was on Sunday. I hope to see him this weekend as he treks across the country from Virginia to Nevada. Another exciting weekend to look forward to!

Stay tuned for Finding Reason Rehearsal progress...
Rock on...

Fashionably Disturbing...

Introducing...the Handsome Horelica Brothers...


Ok, so when i pulled into the driveway at the East Bernard residence, my brother came out to greet me. I haven't seen him since April. He comes out sportin' a blazer over a simple t-shirt, jeans, and chucks (converse). I find this disturbing in a weird way. I am wearing the same ensemble: Blazer over a t-shirt, jeans, and chucks (same color even).

The weirdness continued later that day when I noticed that we were sitting the exact same way. We're not twins...not even close. But somehow we use this telepathic force to do much to the same things. Before i bought my first guitar, he had been wanting to take guitar lessons...and we never talked about that. Another bizarre instance was when Brandon started getting painting supplies so that he could paint. He didn't know that i had done some painting myself already.

I guess i never really paid attention to the weirdness of our similarities, but i guess that's what brothers do? I miss my brother. I'm glad i got to see him and my beautiful sister-in-law. I should really go see them more often. In fact, I think i'll make a trip to San Antonio in the near future so that i can spend some time with them. And when baseball season rolls around, i'll have them come down here for a few Astros' games. Perhaps, we can also catch some hockey...perhaps when the Aeros play the Rampage?

Christmas was good this year -- as it is every year. I got a few gift cards which have already been spent in my head. I got a few new ties and shirts, and some new slacks. I also got a 137 piece mechanics tool set...which will definitely come in handy.

Brothers being brothers...


Well, i should turn in...be on the lookout for pictures of me and my brother.

"Boondoggles, Alpha..."

...was the call that came down from the International Space Station last night. Normally, it's "Houston, Alpha." Last night was the "half-way" party for Expedition/Increment 14. The US crew (Mike LA and Suni Williams) called down to "join" the party that was being held at Boondoggles (a local watering hole for astronauts, flight controllers, engineers, and others). The call lasted for about an hour and a half and went well into the crew sleep period. The phone was passed around and many people got the chance to congratulate the crew. Unfortunately, i was on console while this was going on, but it was entertaining to listen to the conversations.

Following my shift, I headed over to Sherlock's (another favorite watering hole) to watch the last few sets of Less Than Serious. I stayed up way too late though...i'm tired this morning. But as always, it was a good show.

I suppose i can catch up on my sleep on the weekend.
What are your plans for the weekend?

Happy Feet

Today, before work, i caught the early showing of Happy Feet with a close friend. That was a pretty good little movie. This movie carried a few messages and had some subtle adult humor. The graphics were outstanding...can't wait to view it here on the TV. There was a little issue with the theater sound system part way through the movie (all but the front speakers cut out). Lost about 20 minutes of surround sound...oh well...

I still need to see Casino Royale...i love Bond movies and have been told that this is an excellent one! Anyone wanna go?

Excitement...

I'm starting to get excited about this weekend. I get to see my brother and sister-in-law for the first time since their wedding back in April. This weekend we're doing our family "Christmas". You see my brother is a manager at a Journeys in San Antonio and well, working retail around Christmas is not conducive for family get togethers.

On another note, I'm sitting here watching "Sunrise Earth" on Discovery HD channel and Bowie is intently watching the TV. He's sitting on the floor just watching TV. I'm not sure what he's interested in other than the stunning clarity of the picture. Perhaps i should get one of those aquarium screen saver DVDs or something...it would probably be entertaining to see him watch that.

Well, that is all i have time for today...until next post...

iFell for iPod

Well, i never thought that i'd own an iPod. I'm very anti-apple. Never really liked them since we started using the Apple II-C back in grade school. Just didn't like the user interface. Now, apple is very reliable and has a lot of power...but just couldn't bring myself to use 'em.

Until now...i sprung for the 30GB iPod video. I have a vast collection of music and some of it i can't listen to in the car. Well, iPod is the best product on the market for the price. It's no wonder the world has been taken by storm of iPod users. Kudos to Apple on this product. The software is great...it grabbed all 5000+ songs that i have on my laptop without me pushing a button...and it'll sync to my laptop every time...grabbing any additional music that i put on the laptop. Great little tool. I'm still working through all the features, but this is a very user friendly mp3 player. And the other thing that makes this a wonderful product is all the accessories that are available for it.

Well, i'm off to listen to a few tunes before work...

Welcome to 2007!!

I want to wish everyone a very happy new year! I wish you the best of luck in '07!
Usually this is where i would do a quick recap on the previous year...but i'm not doing that this year.

Last night i spent a quiet evening watching Cars with my Godson. I hadn't seen that movie yet and it was a pretty good little show. I enjoyed it.

I also played Santa Claus to the Green's. Since Melissa was in Moscow for the mission, Christmas was going to have to wait...I must say that i envy the carefree imagination of a little child. Sometime i wish i could have that again...

I think it is safe to say that Josh has won the first annual "blog posting contest." His reward is knowing that he is the reigning champion for at least 365 days. Good job Josh.

2007 is going to be a year full of new things for me. Stay tuned right here on HorelicaNet to find out what happens in 2007.

Happy New Year Everyone...and Happy Birthday Melissa!