Back from Lake Erie: A new outlook and altered approach

This past weekend in Put-In-Bay put a lot of things into perspective for me. There are so many important aspects in my life, and so many not-so-important things. For the past two years I really haven't attempted to distinguish between the two, or separate them for a more prioritized approach to my life.

Certain situations lead to certain reactions, and more often than not the reactions over the last 24 months haven't really been that of who I believe myself to be. I look to moving to the city, living conditions, and alcohol as the "fools" behind how I've handled things.


A city where I've made so many friends, walked so many friendly paths, and have grown as a person, but have become rather cold as a person from so many negative experiences with people that I don't even know. Living conditions that have seen great, life-long friendships go stale and dormant. Crazy amounts of time and money spent on beverages that ultimately do nothing for me but further fuel the side of me that's being outed in this post. I have identified these as pivotal factors but there are more, no doubt.


Years ago, when learning who I was, I was on a ride of oceanfront dreams laced with steel drum music, Marley and Buffett songs, and plans to move to coastal state (literally and figuratively). During that age, this path was etched in my mind as the most important thing in life with the destination being a promise land of sorts. I would be in class during the day and work my nights away at Arby's while always believing that I was progressing towards the beach. Progressing towards a dream. Now I sit here thinking is this really where I was headed all along? Or was it all just a blurred vision that was never going to become a reality? Because on that subject, reality, I am actually currently right where I expected to be.

Finish college.. check. Move to Columbus.. check. Score a management position with a well-respected hotel brand and management company.. check. Next on my list? Use my experience from Columbus and move to the coast of South Carolina. I'm supposedly right on track.

Life changes. I have been in Columbus for over two years now, and am caught up in what my next step should be. Where as before, I was on a smooth ride in the direction of South or North Carolina. Now it seems that I-270 serves as a turn table for the vinyl record that is my life, and the vinyl keeps repeating the same week over and over again. Work, drink, Crew -- work, drink, Crew -- work, drink, Crew. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong at all with this routine but I feel that over the past two years that the determination and drive to reach the beach has all but deteriorated to nothing because of this cycle.

Life is flying by and I feel like I'm not even holding the wheel. That I'm letting all of these things that I've found so much joy in to just take over and tell me what to do. Life is too short to let your record skip for a couple of years. It might be time to pick mine up, blow off the dust, get a good wipe down and see if the music starts playing again. But am I ready to listen? I love the music that has been my life and there's still a lot of music to play. A lot of albums to spin.


Now, where's that needle.

Last day

Well, tomorrow is my last day in my beloved Worthington Ridge apartment. I really do love it here.

It's a shame I didn't do more research before moving in here, if you know what I mean. I should have listened to people but hey, you live and learn.

I've scheduled to pick the U-Haul up at 11am on Saturday, but still have not heard from them and the pictures of this gas station look a little shady. I'll have to look this up tomorrow after work.

Approximately, I'd say, 70% of my belongings are packed. All that remains are the items stored under my bed, my clothes, and liquor. Of course the bigger things as well: couch, dining table/stools, floor lamps, dresser, tv, and bed. I am thinking two U-Haul trips tops, maybe three.

No internet right away once I've moved into the new place, so it could be awhile before my next post. So keep cool and hit me up on twitter- @xthetracks

I'm alive, somehow

That last few months have been pretty eventful.

The MLS season is back in full-swing. And #Crew96 has once again taken over my life. Wild and crazy nights,  watching friends race trash carts, watching friends "parkour" off of the plaza stairs, watching friends play with dump trucks, and all the fun and debauchery that Ruby Tuesday can provide on a Saturday afternoon and evening.

I've been writing for Pitch Fest, the blog for the Hudson Street Hooligans, so I encourage you to check out the good reads going on over there.

Two weeks ago, my car was slammed in a hit and run while down on campus. My new car. That is currently a lease. About $5,300 worth of damage that Krieger Ford is supposed to have repaired by Friday. I don't want to talk about it.

This weekend I will move into my new apartment. A one bedroom just south of Sharon Woods Metro Park. Not looking forward to the whole moving thing or spending a few more $ for living alone, but looking forward to a little more piece of mind.

Is a new job on the horizon? I am hopeful and confident, despite having no voice and being half sick when HR last contacted me. This would definitely help ease things on me a little while relatively keeping the same hours. I would more than likely have to work a weekend day, or maybe both weekend days.. but I'll make it work.

So much going on right now. So little sleep being obtained.

I'm going to go work on that. Night.

LED boards coming to Crew Stadium? I hope so

Unfortunately some in attendance get a little bored over 90 minutes and need something cool and flashy to look at. Problem solved. The on-field product can be top-of-the-table amazing, but to capture those fans that only make one or two matches a year because of a lazy match-day experience, this is a game (match) changer.

A local business site today published an article claiming that the Crew is in the process of installing LED signage and possibly a video board/marquee make over or relocation. Who is this ownership group and front office and what did they do with the Hunts and the FO from '09? This is amazing news. Amazing news that will no doubt help us as we continue to attract corporate accounts and sponsorships. A huge improvement for the game day experience for everyone, especially the families.

When a child asks to go to a game and the parents think about Crew Stadium with out-dated, faded, rotating ad signs, poor PA system, poor video boards, bad parking, and a strange non-game atmosphere musical selection that plays on the poor PA, the answer more often that not is no. Although most in attendance probably never even process that. It's certainly in the subconscious.

Now if the kid asks the question and the parents see a different Crew Stadium, the odds are exponentially better. The parents briefly visualize that last visit to Crew Stadium. Cool, flashy video boards around the pitch, the paved lots, an announcer you can actually hear being accompanied by entertaining music that gets you jacked up, and a screen that you can actually see from the opposite end (one that continuously shows stats, player photos on goals, updates on other league matches, etc.), then I believe the answer will often be yes. There's no way around it: we have an outdated stadium. However, there is so much potential.

I may be overly excited about this, but if we do make the upgrade to LED boards and secure a jersey sponsor this year, I will be a very happy camper. Great off-season acquisitions, season ticket numbers are up, corporate accounts are improving, articles published on the Crew's economic impact in the city and state, and now some news on stadium upgrades. In soccer, you're taught at a young age to always win the 50/50 balls. I can't say in the past few years that the Crew have been adequately attempting to run them down. Now? It looks like we might be going studs up on them from behind.

We should all be excited.

House Arrest: Day 11- Drug tests and family

Gayle came over on Friday (Day 9) and brought some movies. We ordered a pizza and watched The Ides of March and Apollo 18. I really enjoyed the former. The latter was interesting too though, and lead to visiting some strange conspiracy theory sites once the movie had ended. It was really awesome to have visit.

Saturday I did the Arby's thing, came home and relaxed all night.

Sunday, my mom and grandma visited and made a great dinner. Steaks, potatoes, corn, biscuits, and more. I really appreciate everything that everyone has tried to do for me during this time. I still cannot believe this all is happening and that it seems to be getting worse when I should be exhaling as I near the half-way point.

Now they want me to submit to two drug tests. How am I supposed to pay for all of this? It's simply ridiculous. I honesty do not believe that they can care this much at all. Can they not make exceptions in this extreme of a case? I live four states away. It is unreal. Can they not worry about the thugs and convicts running their own streets? I am so upset over all of this. I cannot see how this could possibly be over in 19 days.

I will never trust the court system ever again as long as I live.

House Arrest: Day Six

Today felt like a rather accomplished day at work. I returned to the apartment to have a small dinner, and then take care of some bills and do some facebooking.

I currently have the State of the Union on. The President has not walked out yet, but Gabrielle Giffords has just entered, followed by the Supreme Court Justices. I really want to see this as a legit "state" of the country, and not packed with campaign propaganda. We'll see.

Here comes President Obama. Time to listen up.

Afterwards, I'll most likely finish up some things online, facebook a little more, and finish the night with some reading.

It's strange, not being able to go anywhere. I'm free to do all the things I normally do when I'm at home, so it doesn't really feel like I'm under house arrest until I hit my ankle bracelet on something. Otherwise, I hardly notice it. I'm sure I'll feel the consequences a little more once I start paying off the fine.

House Arrest: Day Four

Sundays will be the day that I am to be confined to by apartment for all twenty-four hours. Today wasn't so bad. Rachael was here to keep things fun, and over the weekend we watched Crazy Stupid Love and Friends with Benefits. I thought both of them were good movies, but the latter was definitely my favorite of the two.

This afternoon we watched the last ten minutes of the replay of the Arsenal v. Man United match from Saturday, watched the movie, then ordered a pizza as Baltimore and New England began the AFC Championship game. Rachael then had to leave, leaving me to an empty apartment that I have long wanted to give a cleaning overhaul. So as I watch San Francisco and New York in the NFC title game, I have been going through the rounds: vacuuming, picking-up by hand what the vacuum missed, zip-tying loose cables and cords, dusting, moping the kitchen, trying to fix the dish-washer door, and wiping down/organizing all surfaces. All in all, it's been a very full-day.

Earlier today, I discovered Joe Paterno had passed away. Such a tragic way to pass on. The media, head-hunters, quick judger's, and over-sensitive Americans who love to open their mouth to speak out on behalf of their beliefs in an extreme fashion without having anything invested in the Penn State scandal, should feel ashamed of themselves. You stole the man's heart. He had dedicated his entire life to disciplining young people and teaching them the right path. It hurt him so much to see the hurt and pain of these victims, it hurt him personally that it had transpired right under his nose, and you all just had to have somebody in authority to point your finger at. If you we're one of those individuals, you disgust me. Those of you that are quick to judge are no better than the very same people that you protest. Practice what you preach.

This 49er's/Giants game is actually rather entertaining.

Yesterday, Ms. Vaughn from the Action office in KC contacted me at 10:30 at night to inform me that she could not locate me on her system. She accused me of never plugging in the equipment, yet I was sitting on the couch looking at it while I spoke with her. I told her that it had been plugged-in from the very moment I got home early Thursday morning. She again told me that I had not plugged it in and that I needed to do so immediately. Okay lady. Again, I tell her that I am staring at it and it has the "phone, check-mark, and three bars" illuminated on the display. She asks me if it is near a "computer" or near the kitchen. A computer? That is a little vague for this day and age, dontcha think? She had told me in her office that laptops would not affect it, and she did not mention gaming systems, wireless routers, cable boxes, etc. So I set the transmitter up in the corner of the living room on one of my stools, just three or four feet away from Mike's Xbox and router. I ask her if this is okay and Ms. Vaughn replies, "It can't be near no computer." Hmmm. Now it's getting clearer. She means it can't be near any modern technology. Ohhh, why didn't you say so Ms. Vaughn. So I move it to the hallway, and she tells me she will call me in the morning (today). I never received a call or voicemail. No news is good news, right? I hope.

14-10 right now, Niner's with the lead. However the NYG are knocking on the door after that turnover on the punt. This might come down to the wire, and now deserves my undivided attention. Hope you are enjoying life, wherever you are.

House Arrest: Day One

The start of my 30 day house arrest has gotten off to a glorious start.

A night of nothing but watching tv and laundry. Consisting of Two and a Half Men, Big Bang Theory, the Office, and the color green. Oh, and hanging out with my two newest friends:

Ahh. 29 more days, 29 more days, 29 more days. I'm seriously bummed I have to miss four soccer games with the new team. Visit from Rachael this weekend? I hope so. It would be great if this snow would stop falling.

30 days house arrest for... *not* causing any harm to an officer

That's right, word from good old Officer Hatfield is that there was never any harm or injury inflicted on him. All I can take from this is that I must have really, really hurt his feelings.

The prosecutor would not let up, and apparently was not happy that I had an option other than jail time. She cut-off and spoke over my attorney numerous times in an, regardless of place or reason, unprofessional manner that I would never expect from someone in such a position (could there be a little romance going on here? Hmm...). You're lucky I'm not pursuing anything related to police brutality. Not to mention she looked as if she had just rolled out of bed five minutes prior to entering the court room. Her hair appeared as if she had not showered in days. Baggy white/gray sweater that had stains and discoloring on it.

Is this a court room or a homeless shelter? Hard to tell in Kansas City, KS.

Anyway, back to business. The trespassing charge was dropped altogether and a fine of $500 issued along with 30 days of house arrest to be served and monitored by an ankle bracelet. The monitor itself is $12/day after a $100 fee. That somehow ended up totaling $486. But I've had enough of these thoughts and worries. It's time for some sleep.

Thursday, 1/19 = Day one.

We meet again

Here in the hotel room of the Hilton Garden Inn in a western part of downtown Kansas City. Currently getting ready to get cleaned and suit up. I was told to be at the court by 8am, but who knows when we will get in.

All I know is that this is whole thing is close to being somewhat over. I'm ready to get there and discover the outcome, but at the same this is something I've been mentally avoiding for four months now and it's right in my face this morning. Feel rather sick to my stomach, but here goes nothing.

Updates to follow.

Big plans for summer !

With the kayak purchase just around the corner, I've been busy stocking up on camping supplies and making arrangements to get some new gear. A new six or eight-person tent will be a part of these plans. Of course there is a long list of items that I have always desired but never owned. I'm hoping to make a lot of these purchases before the spring to help make the travel costs more doable for summer.

Two destinations I would really love to tackle this year:

• Port Austin, Michigan
• Linville Gorge, North Carolina

Hopefully Kansas City goes easy on me, it'd be a shame to give up my entire year before it really gets started.