Football Opinion

I finally crawled out of my hole. The one I filled with tears due to the Florida loss to Alabama. It really didn’t take long to be honest. The next day I proudly touted my Orange & Blue garb and again (though different clothes) the following day to work.

At first I was pretty sad about the loss, you know, after a whole year of justifying poor offensive performance, among much else. Actually, to be honest in the weeks after the loss, I came to a couple realizations that make me feel much better.

1. How many people hate the success Florida has had in the 00’s.
Two national titles in Football and a total of five (5) BCS bowl games (record of 3-1 with the Cincinnati result still to come), two national titles in basketball and three final fours, and one college World Series appearance.

2. Way too many people on the bandwagon.
Since the loss, the load on the shoulders of true Gators is significantly lighter. I can’t even describe how much less Orange and Blue I see everyday here in Atlanta. There is still some, but I feel ultimately that those still wearing their garb are the true fans.

My favorite question to ask any Georgia fan that criticizes any other team is "What year did you graduate from Georgia?" Not surprisingly, many responses are: "Well, I graduated from (Insert Not UGA College Name)". That always makes me feel better.

3. It is nice not having to justify the poor offensive numbers.
It is so refreshing not having people ask why our output isn’t as stellar as last year, and how we will function without Tebow next year, and how many losses I think we will have. If I have to give an honest opinion the future of Florida football is bright. Brantley is a solid quarterback and the likes of Debose specifically leaves me very excited about the future (especially one with little expectations).

The dynasty isn’t going anywhere.

So, now we watch Florida play a leaderless Cincinnati in the Sugar bowl. And wait to play Alabama twice next year.

Financial Aid Experience

I have been trying to get everything in line with work for the start of the new semester for school. I thought I would supply a little background on the financial aid side of the equation. I filled out the FAFSA form as required. Talk about feeling a smidge nostalgic, reminded me of the undergraduate experience.

A huge worry of mine was being able to afford school at this point in my life. Lucky A) I am a Georgia resident. B) I have so many other bills to pay.

If you would have asked me five years ago if I thought I would ever be a Georgia resident I would most likely laughed at you. Not exactly where I thought my life would be. But I am damn happy to be here now.

Georgia Tech is a lender school like the University of Florida. So, the process of receiving financial assistance is very similar to my previous experience. I got the “award letter” from the institute and it will cover my costs plus buying that computer I alluded to before.

So, I definitely have at least one worry off my back.

As the date of the orientation, Jan 6, approaches, I grow more and more excited about the choice to attend Georgia Tech for my MBA.

Trip to Columbia

This past weekend I went to Columbia, SC for the Gator Gamecocks game. Lindsay and I stayed with her brother and his four roommates. They life in a giant old mill turned to contemporary lofts. When I say giant, I mean huge four people in enough space for five people to live comfortably and probably never even see each other. Plus a view of Williams-Bryce Stadium.

We were able to sneak into the student section to sit with her brother. I stood out like a sore thumb in my orange corduroy pants and Gator polo. We were about 15 rows up form the field in the end zone. It was my first game of the year in person, and was as nail biting as every other game this year has been. Otherwise, a very good time Wednesday has come and I am still recovering.

Over that ten-day span from the previous Friday when Lindsay’s friends, Donna and Brandon came to town, I have been up to at least four AM four times. I am just saying that over this time frame I have been up until four more than I have the previous two years combined. So, my body pretty much hates me.

But you have to know when these choices are worth it; for friends and family it definitely is.

No News Yet

Got an email from the admissions department today letting me know they are excited I will be joining the program. I have followed the link for new students that was attached to the first email from the department. The links for November aren’t available yet. So, temporarily the new information train has stalled.

Project 1: Paint Wood Furniture

1970's Era Wooden Bar on Wheels

I have this nice little 1970’s era rolling dry bar I bought at Goodwill in Saint Augustine, Florida while I was visiting my mother. I was instantly drawn to it as it was very detailed and an original piece. It had many flaws, as all real wood furniture does. But, in it I saw promise. Two years after I purchased the bar, It remained in exactly the same state it was in when I bought it. I was ready to toss the old bar and take my losses. LM wouldn’t let me toss it, because she liked it. I thought I would use my manly magic to “fix” the bar.

Let me tell you, I think I am really handy. I also believe I can do every project myself. Occasionally, I try something and destroy it in the process, case in point the pool stick fiasco of 2007. My roommate in college, JW, and I were playing bumper pool on my table (also purchased at Goodwill) while watching his Chicago Bears play on Monday night football. Opposing team returned a Sexy Rexy Grossman pass for a pick six. In a blind rage John slammed the pool stick against the couch, and crack… Now I have two much smaller pool sticks.

I know he felt badly, so I just “fixed” it with super blue and moved on. It was never anywhere close to the same again. So… thankfully, I have the option of using the Internet. I don’t know what we would do without the Internet anymore really. In my searches I found this blog. She was my motivation, and my teacher for this project.

I sanded the original wood Primed the wood for paint. Now, I knew I wanted this bar to be a dark, antique-y red. I went to the depot to choose my paint. The paint sales lady really had me second guessing myself, telling me that it would look pink and not red, unless I put on thick layers of paint. Thick layers would remove my desired effect of the wood grain slightly showing through. My girlfriend encouraged me to stick by my original idea. Boy am I glad I did. And applied five very light coats of red paint for the final step: I am really happy with the way it turned out. While I was driving around town, I found this little number on the side of the road. Considering it is a desk, and I don’t currently have one, it must really be a sign about my impending return to education.

Finally Finished

Camouflage Jersey's for USCe on Nov 14

(AP PHOTO)

I am proud that South Carolina will support the Wounded Warrior Project by wearing these black and camouflage jerseys above on November 14 when the Gamecocks play the Florida Gators on CBS at 3:30. Players names will be dropped in favor of motivational words.

Two teams, Carolina and Maryland, will wear the jerseys on this day.

Murphy's in the Virginia Highlands Review

Last night for Lindsay’s birthday we went to Murphy’s in the Virginia Highlands. We have been there a couple times. No better time than now to review one of our favorite restaurants.

Lindsay and I went there for the first time prior to a show at the Fabulous Fox, Cinderella (Ballet). I had the "Georgia White Shrimp and Grips" (a personal favorite). It was so tasty I ordered it every time after. We have never had a bad experience.

Yesterday we went with her parents and are happy to report the experience as wonderful as before. They had the "Guiness Braised Beef Brisket" and the special "Surf and Turf", she had a "Grilled Chicken Paillard" and I enjoyed (a twist) the "Baby Back Ribs". The brisket was flavorful and tender. The steak was well seasoned and cooked to perfection. The chicken was the best dish on the menu, I think. And the ribs were tender and the "honey chipotle glaze" great.

I am all about supporting local growers. At Murphy's all fruit and vegetables on the menu are locally grown and organic, a trend I am pleased to report.

The service is always spot on, everyone has an expansive wine knowledge. Every time someone asks for a recommendation for a nice dinner that doesn’t break the bank, I always recommend Murphy’s. Chances are you may run into us there.