"Small" Party

Last night, Mike & Molly hosted a farewell party for the Russians. With the work completed, it was time to get together and be merry.

Enjoy the pics...

ADCO/TOPO/Russian Party

Last night Cory (ADCO) and Erin (TOPO) hosted a party for the Russians. The neat thing about this party was that our (ADCO) Russian counterparts are in town for a two weeks worth of meetings. And the TOPOs Russian counterparts are also in town. So, it was decided to have a party. A good time was had by all!

Halloween 2008

One of my co-workers and his wife threw a Halloween party at their house. Of course, you have to dress up...what's the fun in not dressing up?!

Here are two different camera views throughout the night.
First was from my camera...



And then from Josh's camera...
Of course, if you wanna see me, Josh's pics are the one's to view.

It was a fun little party...

Black Ops

Last night Carla and I took part in some black ops. Unlike the government, we aren't shy about disclosing the evening's activities.

First, a little back story: An inside joke got started when we were in Moscow for the shuttle mission between me, Carla, and Al. Al is a shuttle planner who was on part of my shift for that mission. Anyway, the sheep thing started and has traveled to the US. Al bought a sheep for Carla, and that sheep made it to the hands of Carla prior to the last Clandestine show. (All has a celtic band that we've been too a couple of times now).

Now what to do with it? Carla and I came up with an idea to TP Al's bushes. We found out that Al lives one street over from Carla. Last night...we struck, er, i mean the sheep struck.



Here's what the sheep looked like before deployment.



Here we are...pre-black ops.



Here's the sheep's handiwork. The sheep has a firm grasp on the TP. The sheep has been passed...

I wonder where it will pop up next?

There will be some videos that follow...

The Annual July 4th Bash

What would be a 4th of July celebration without good friends? Well...let's just say it wouldn't be the same without them. Again the annual 4th of July celebration was held at the Parris' for the 2nd year in a row. The Green's weren't available the last two years...we missed you! Anyway...great food (the American flag cake made by Carla), pleasant conversation, a wee bit o'drinkin', the blueberry incident (which replaced last year's cheeto incident), and some good ol' blow up in your face fireworks...what's not to like?

Ok, no one was hurt in the fireworks demonstration. Although, we were trying for the "blow up in your face" part of the night when our firework finale failed to go off.

Here is a small slide show of some of the events of last night. I'm hoping Josh or Melissa Wallace will post more pictures.

A Wii Bit O' Fun

Yesterday, for Josh's birthday, a group of us had a nice dinner at Texas Land and Cattle Company. There we enjoyed a fine meal, fine conversation, and a tasty cookie cake.

We then moved the party to my house. And the main event was gettin' down and dirty on the Wii. We had a few rounds of Guitar Hero, some boxing, some tennis, some bowling and some mario cart. No doubt some people will be rather sore in the morning. Wii will do that to you. I'm glad i have the space to accomodate such an event. And, i'm sure there will be more Wii parties. They are just too much fun!

Here are some pictures from the night's event.

Happy Birthday Luke!

Today was Luke's 4th birthday! I think the boy had fun...here are the pictures.
Once again, i didn't have time to filter them...so there is a bunch of em.

Luke_4_Bday

Oh Yeah! and Aww Man...

Bummer. I missed the paintball festivities today. Today was Rob's 30th Birthday Paintball surprise party. For some reason, i thought that was next weekend. Awww man...i've got some mad paintball skillz too. Sorry i missed it Rob. Hope you had fun.

In a continuing string of good things, my good friend from high school, Jason, called me up Friday afternoon to let me know that he had some free time this weekend. We've been trying to get together for some time now. With noting on my agenda for saturday night, he drove down here and we hung out getting caught up on all the goings-on. We ended up shooting pool at Main Event for a few hours. It was good to catch up with an old friend. Unfortunately, the catching up lasted into the wee hours of the morning. This only afforded me about 4.5 hours of sleep.

I would've slept in, but Rockstar practice takes priority over sleep. I went over to Groovy B studios to work on the live sound of Finding Reason. And Oh Yeah!!! Ben and I dialed in some killer tones. I'm super excited about the sounds we created. We dialed in an awesome acoustic simulator sound that will be used on Blue Devils and Got Me Wrong. Ben was so envious of my patch, that he tweaked his patch to get it closer to mine. My guitars sound great...despite the mediocre guitarist behind the guitars...I'm getting really excited now...
We're getting closer...Are you ready?

Wednesday Wind Down...

First of all, i got up an hour earlier than my what i set my alarm for this morning...how disappointing. I missed out on a great hour...at least that is what i'm telling myself.

After work, a few ADCOs went to Boondoggles for a little celebration. Today was the 100 day celebration for Peggy and Yuri. We also celebrated Dan's Around the World in 80 Days. The crew was nice and bought those of us that attended some tasty beverages to take the edge off of our daily grind. We had a good time with some good conversation. I also saw Mike LA there...not only did he recognize me, but he remembered my name too. Pretty cool, huh?

I didn't get chance to work on music tonight. I was way too tired to get into the studio. And the sad part is that i had been jonesing to work on stuff all day. I still have 3 days left before FR gets together, so i can get in some more music time.

Happy Hump Day to ya...

Let It Begin...

I'm done with my two 13 hour shifts for the weekend. Now the holidays can begin. I'm looking forward to some time off. I'm also looking forward to seeing the family again, especially Brandon and Jessica. I will probably get to play the Wii. I hear it's a hoot! I also hope to catch up on some sleep, but that probably won't happen until later in the week.

Following work tonight i met Erin at the favorite watering hole, Boondoggles, for some food and good conversation. I had an enjoyable time.

Hope everyone is having a splendid holiday season so far!

Cancer Risk and Cancer Gone?

A new study came out today (or recently). It says that "working the late shift" will now be known as a potential cause of cancer. Nope, you can't make this stuff up...it's true: Late Shift Cancer Risk. or CNN's version: here. Hmmm...this should be interesting.

Cancer Gone? We hope so. A friend of mine, Lauri, had a successful surgery today to remove some tumors from her lungs. Early reports are good news. But if you'd like to send your prayers and well wishes her way, go here: Mauldin News Desk. She will appreciate it.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Lauri and Jeff! I'll make some Dirt pudding to celebrate...you know you want some...

Debs Visit

Ahhh...it was good to see you again Debbie! Debbie and I go way back...almost 10 years now...or something like that. You see, Debbie was my professor in college...and has since been a good friend. She contacted me the other day saying that she was going to be in town for the weekend. It was great to see her. It was also great to see Al, her husband. He's a really cool guy. We spent the rainy day walking around the large...ok GIGANTIC Saturn V rocket at JSC. I wish she would've given me a bit more notice...then i would've been able to get her and Al visitor badges and we could've have a real tour. Next time though. Ethan is a friend of mine who i knew at A&M and i see him every now and then on site and and Freebirds.

We braved the weather and headed over to Boondoggles for lunch. Had some great conversation. Alas, time is too short. I think i need to plan a trip to the D.C. area.



Well, i think i'm off to take a short nap...nothing else to do on a rainy day...

What a Day!

First of all, i welcome the cooler weather!

I was fed well today. The first feeding was at work. Several members of management delivered food to the entire flight control team. Good stuff. Peggy, the station commander, had some starbucks treats sent in a big basket...with a giant turkey balloon. I think i might be able to find some pictures of that tomorrow.

The second feeding was with some good friends. Erin and Branelle put together a very yummy feast. Thanks girls! It was much better than the first feeding...

With all the food in my belly, i'm not sure i know how i'm not face first in this keyboard...

I'm grateful...

Merry Thanksgiving

Merry Thanksgiving to all, and to all a good night!

This post is coming to you a little early...tomorrow i'll be working on console supporting the US manned space program...and following that i'll be spending some time with some good friends. I probably won't have much time to post tomorrow...

Be thankful for all that you have...Be thankful for what you don't have...
Be thankful for those that make you laugh...be thankful for those that are there when you cry...be thankful for family...be thankful friends...be thankful for all that you do...be thankful...

I'll leave you with perhaps the best short film parody that i've ever seen!!! And it goes well with my profession and the holiday... This is brilliant!!! Thanksgiving with the Kranzes. It'll take about 20 minutes to watch, but it's well worth it!

Discover Card a Callin'...

I'm sure by the end of the day, i'm going to receive a call from Discover Card Services. Why you ask? Well, i don't use that card all that often, and usually for small purchases. Today, i made large purchases.



I just couldn't make it another 3 or 4 months on my old tires. So, i had to buy the cruiser new sneakers today. Luckily i had today off and i could spare the time to wait while they were installed.



Directly from the tire store, i made voyage to IKEA to see if they had what i wanted for the studio. Good news is yes, they did have what i wanted...and it is so comfortable. This particular item had to be ordered and will arrive (at the store) in 2-3 weeks. The bad news, i need to figure out how to transport it. I refuse to pay their ridiculous shipping charges. I think the package will be just a bit too large for the cruiser.

Weekend Update:

Saturday Night i spent in EB with mom and dad, since we were going to a family reunion in Austin on Sunday. Seeing family is a good thing. It was a nice distraction from the usual grind.

So, some of you have already seen my new frames that i bought a few weeks ago. I just realized that i haven't posted any pictures of the new specs. So, take a good close look Luke, it's just me ... Uncle Todd. No need to run away...



And on a final note, I'm not dating anyone. Some of you have been asking who kelly is. She is a friend, and the wife of a good high school buddy of mine. She just likes my blogs. Don't you??!

The End to a Long Week...

After a long week of work, unwinding at the local watering hole was in store. Lisa, Cory, and I went to Boondoggles to celebrate the 100 day in space for the current ISS crew...Oleg and Fyodor. we were later joined by Tarik and Josh...and we ran into a long lost friend/former co-worker, Mr. Aaron Bulter. Aaron lives in Germany now and works for the European Space Agency. He flew in for the weekend to take care of some business. But it was good to see him. It must be three years since he left the ADCO group. A good time was had by all!! We should do that again sometime!

Weekend Work

Well, i survived a 12+ hour shift today. It wasn't as bad as i thought it would be, but there was definitely a lull in my activeness. I did get some work done, but i also left some work to be done. What else am I gonna do tomorrow? Tomorrow, i hope to be a little more active...but we'll see?

It's the little things that make a large difference. I had a short conversation with one of my Russian colleagues and he wished me a good weekend when we were done talking business. It was in that moment that i was reminded that i have a very unique and great job, interacting with someone over 5000 miles away to achieve a common goal. It does make the job that much more enjoyable. Like i said, it's the little things that make a big difference.

On another note, i did spend some time looking for a computer recording interface for the studio, as well as monitor stands. No such luck though...i didn't get to do a lot of research and there are just too many interfaces to choose from. I could go with what we use at Groovy B studio, but i think i want something a little different.

After console tonight, i went to a graduation party for one of my football friends. I wish i could've stayed longer...it was turning out to be a good little get together. But, i need to get some sleep in before i have to be back on console.

I can tell it's a holiday weekend, for there haven't been too many visits to HorelicaNet today. I usually see a drop off on the weekends, but it seems to be much more sparse this weekend. Of course, i know where most of my regular visitors are. I hope you are enjoying your time away. Anyway...i hope you are all enjoying your weekend. I live vicariously through you...

Lift, Carry, Set. Repeat as Necessary

This weekend I helped Erin move into her new pad. I've never lived in such a nice apartment. Either the level has risen on the quality of apartments, or i just never looked at the right ones. But this pad will provide a nice home for erin. The cruiser, once again, carried a large amount of stuff. Somehow, we got all of erin's Christmas stuff in the cruiser...and then some. I'm gonna be a little sad to see the cruiser go...
We also did some painting. I do much better painting on canvas than on walls. Sorry for the mess, erin.

After the move, i came home and mowed the backyard. I had hoped to get that done and still make a trip over to Ellington field to welcome home the Expedition 14 crew. They have spent the last 3 weeks rehabilitating and debriefing in Star City, Russia. Well, by the time i got done with the yard, i checked the flight information, and, well, the plane had landed 20 minutes earlier. Must be nice to fly on the NASA gulf stream?

There was supposed to be Finding Reason practice this weekend too. I packed up my gear and headed over to Ben's house. Well, when i got there, no one was there...did i miss something? One of the members of LTS got married and the reception went long...i know that now...didn't know it then. Oh well, so, i returned to the house and unpacked my gear. No practice this night.

So, now what...I was able to meet up with erin and ann (co-worker) and we headed downtown to meet up with Ann's husband, Jesse, and Ann's brother, David. We spent the evening at the Flying Saucer. It was a good time.

So, that summed up my saturday. Today there is still some moving to be done...erin's furniture. I also need to do some laundry and other household chores. I have a rather awkward work schedule this week, pulling 3 graveyard shifts...so somewhere in the next day or so i need to start sleep shifting--basically, i need to stay up as long as i can monday night.

Driver side or passenger side...and 5000

Do you know which side of the vehicle your gas filler is on? If not, stop reading and go to the garage or to the driveway and find out. Go ahead...I'll wait for you.

Ok, good, you knew.

Well, this morning on my way to work i decided to stop for gas. And even though i knew the gas station would be crowded, i was in no hurry. I'll get in line and just wait my turn. Well, with the morons out there on the road, i should've known better. So, as i was pulling in, i see a guy pulling away from the pump. So, i pull in behind him thinking i got lucky. He stops...gets out and says, "i need to turn around, i'm on the wrong side." Moron...

So, i back up and to move to another line. Nearly every pump had someone waiting in line and i nearly drove off when i saw someone backing up to move on. Now, i assumed this guy was tired of waiting and left. So, i pulled in to where he was previously waiting. I assumed wrong. Two minutes later, i see this guy waving at me. I paid no attention to him, for i didn't think he was really waving at me. A few seconds later the guy walks over to me and says that he was there first. I told him i watched him leave...i could only assume that he was leaving. He said he was on the wrong side of the pump. Moron!! He did step out of line. There are no cutsies at the gas station, dammit. Oh well, because i'm a patient man, and wasn't up for a confrontation on a monday morning, i decided to hop one pump over and wait my turn.

So, don't be a moron. Make sure you know what side your gas filler is on before you pull up to the pump. That'll just save us all a little time...and a lot of frustration.
Here's an automotive tip: Because car manufacturers know that morons buy their vehicles, they have tried to help the morons out by putting an indicator on or near the fuel gauge that tells you which side the gas filler is on. So, look for that arrow or indicator! This free tip brought to you by the letter 'F' and the numbers, 87, 91, and 93.

Ok, i feel better now. On to a brighter note. HorelicaNet has exceed 5000 visitors. The winning visitor was someone in the Sugar Land area and the time of the visit was 2:09pm. So, if that was you, drop me a line and be acknowledged. Ok, you can remain annonymous...but it'd be nice to know who you are.
So, we couldn't have reached 5000 without your support. Thanks to each and every one of my readers. I hope that you get some entertainment out of my posts...and sometimes i hope you learn something. I know there are some readers out there that i haven't met. Hopefully one day we'll meet? But until then, keep reading...and i'll keep writing.
thanks again...

Relaxing

Good morning. I'm just now wrapping up a fairly relaxing evening. After doing a little vacuuming, i decided that it was time to wash the cruiser and get it prepped for sale. The cruiser probably hasn't been washed in at least a year...well, at least to the detail that i'm known for. If i'm gonna sell/trade in the cruise, she's got to look her best. So, i spent a few hours cleaning her up. I didn't do my best job...there was just too much dirt and grime. I still need to put a coat of wax on her and polish up the chromies again. I did get a little sun today too (yes, mom, i used sunscreen). But man, the sun can drain you of energy. Perhaps that's why i'm so relaxed right now...well part of it anyway.

After getting all cleaned up from my time spent outside, i was just about to sit in front of the TV, when i got an invite to see some live Jazz (Thanks Erin). That was an easy choice for multiple reasons. Andrew, Erin, Tarik, and I enjoyed some pretty good jazz at Cezanne's off of Montrose. When we got there, it was standing room only and pretty packed at that. In between sets we headed downstairs to the Black Labrador and had a drink. Sitting and listening to jazz reminded me of my days in California when we'd spend friday nights at the hotel bar listening to Bob's collection of jazz and blues material. To relive those days, i ordered a long island iced tea...which came short on the "tea" part. Here is another source of relaxation. We finished the night by listening to the last set of Kristine Mills. She's a friend of Tarik's. It was a good night.

Well, i'm going to take advantage of my relaxed state and get some sleep.
G'night or G'morning...