Thomas Blog-erty

Well my initial thought was that it has been snowing in Bowling Green for like 5 days straight.  But that turned into some pretty in-depth sporting thoughts with that whole football game yesterday.

I started watching  22 minutes after the power outage.  Everyone kept saying that the power outage was a “momentum changer”.  I thought this was an interesting statement.  Continuing my habit over analyzing, I concluded that there are 3 things vital to staging a comeback, such as the one the 49ers put together last evening:

1. The team has to be good enough.  It’s gonna take more than just dumb luck to come back from a 3 score deficit in most leagues, but most especially the NFL…in the Super Bowl.
2. The team has to believe they can turn it around.  It may sound simple, but the attitude of the team is so important here.  The 49ers had a few spectacular comebacks in their playoff run, so I have to say they believed they could do it again.  If they are sitting there thinking, “Dang, I can’t believe we’re blowing it,” they sure won’t fix anything.
   

   Timeout Master

3.  GAME CHANGER. This is the part that is so unpredictable.  This is the lights going out in the third quarter.  A catalyst for turning things around has to happen to change the momentum.  In this case it was the lights.  Who’s to say that a big third down conversion wouldn’t have done the trick?  Who knows?  Bonus:  In hockey, fighting is often used in this regard.  Also, a strategic timeout could be used, as Peter Laviolette is known to call (See Philadelphia vs. Boston in Game 7 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs).

 My point here is while it appears the power outage may have been the Niners’ game changer, they are very capable of creating their own, especially with playmakers (Kaepernick, Gore, Davis, Crabtree, Moss?) on that team.

I didn’t get to see any post game interviews with John Harbaugh to hear his decision making process at the end of the game, but I love that the former special teams coach decided to take the safety and put the game on his special teams unit rather than give the ball to the Niners around midfield.  The right call in my mind, especially the way Sam Koch was able to drain the clock.

Good for Baltimore.  I was starting to believe the Baltimore Blast was the best team in that city (only kidding).

I spent a great week with the wonderful Jessica Davis.  She came home with me on Sunday and just left yesterday.  We visited (and she met) many friends and family.  All gave her the thumbs up of approval, or was that the thumbs up of take a hike?  Not really sure.  We had a lovely dinner with her mom and step dad and my family.  It probably should’ve been more nerve racking than it was.  It went really well, regardless.

I just have one more visit to make after Christmas and before I leave for Ohio on the 27th.  I must go up and visit Grandma Hag.  She is about an hour away.  Lots of driving for me in the next 3 days.

Yesterday, my mom and her friends filled a shoebox with money and delivered it to a stranger shopping for kids clothing in Kmart.  I got to tag along.  It was awesome.  We sang “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” and delivered the box.  Then we just turned and walked away as the woman just teared up.  It was really cool.

I wonder how long holiday kindness can last.

I’ve finally tried my hand at curling.  What a fun sport.  It can best be described as shuffleboard on ice, but it is so much more than that.  There is yelling and sweeping involved.  I am a really great sweeper.  My mom had us doing chores at a young age, so I attribute my sweeping skills to that.

The only downside to curling is that big stretch you do right before you throw a rock.  It took the integrity right out of the fabric holding my pants together.  A small hole began to form.  The hole, in the crotchal region, grew significantly larger during dodgeball later that night.  I didn’t realize how many days of the year I’ve had to wear khaki pants.  Not to mention those particular pants were about 4 or 5 years old.  Despite my skills at curling and dodgeball, I still put my pants on just like everybody else, one leg at a time.

It was a great feeling adding Ron Sutter to the pass list for the hockey game last evening.  He is the current Player Development Coach with the Calgary Flames.  His family is hockey royalty, for those who don’t know.

It was an even greater feeling talking to him for about 10 minutes during the game.  I happened to be standing at the front door when Mr. Sutter walked in, so I got to walk him to the back of the building.  It was interesting to talk to him about everything from Philadelphia to Hershey to Bowling Green.  The man played in over 1,000 NHL games, spending 9 years as a Flyer.  He was really cool and easy to talk to.

While I was most excited to talk with Ron Sutter, just about everyone else was buzzing over the presence of former Detroit Red Wing Chris Chelios.  Chelios’ son plays for Michigan State, BGSU’s opponent last evening.  The only damper of this legend-filled evening was that BGSU lost 1-6.

Big work weekend last weekend.  I worked about 27 hours Fri-Sunday with Ohio State in town for a two game series.  On Saturday night, a puck left the ice and went up in the stands behind the OSU bench. I was only a section away, so I was there to check on her safety.  Before I even got two words out, I felt a puck slam into my right shoulder/back.  I turned and saw it fly into the air and land into another patron’s lap.  I took this thing like a champ because it was comin’ HOT.  Perhaps it was my adrenaline from checking on the other lady, but I didn’t really feel anything at all from impact.  I turned to the gentleman sitting behind me and let him know that I had just saved his life (crossing “save a life” off the bucket list).  Then, I announced to the whole section to watch the game because the pucks were flying in that section.  EMS arrived quickly and handled the other woman who got hit, and as I headed back down the hallway, my adrenaline ran out.  A shooting pain ran down into my fingertips.  By the end of the night, I had a huge lump on my right shoulder blade, and my should has been bruised and stiff for weeks.  I did get some notice from the several people around the building who noted how I took that puck like a champ.  Truth is, if it was six inches higher it would have knocked me out or worse.   I’m lucky all I got was a lump and a good story.

The next story is not as good.  I went to Defiance, Ohio today to interview their athletic director for a class assignment.  On my way there, there was a large gap in the road between a bridge and where it connects to the highway.  I saw a large white object in the crack which I thought was a plastic bag, but it turned out to be a large piece of concrete that had come out of the crack.  I managed to put both my right side tires right in the crack.  I slowly applied the brakes and the lack of tire drifted me to the right.  Undriveable.  Rough.

Luckily, a couple driving by picked me up as I walked towards Defiance.  I was late to the interview, although I was able to call and let them know.  The interview went well.  I really liked Defiance College.  I’ll have to call the insurance company and see what we gotta do about this car.  The mechanic told me that I was the third person he picked up in two days from that very spot with two blown tires/wheels.  I have noted the spot and hope to contact local or state government, although I’m not sure what can be done.  I’m open to any suggestions on how to address that.

Other than that, things are just groovy.  I’m looking forward to heading to PA for Christmas, although I might stick around and work to get some extra $.  We’ll see.

The GM of the Washington Capitals, George McPhee is coming to BGSU tomorrow.  There will be a luncheon and he will be at the hockey game. The BGSU Athletics website says,

“McPhee earned All-American and All-CCHA honors as a senior, before being named the 1982 Hobey Baker Award winner, college hockey’s equivalent of the college football’s Heisman Trophy.”

Thanks for breaking it down for the athletically illiterate.

I am excited, and I hope to introduce myself.  I will have to avoid about half of the real questions I would like to ask him about the looming NHL lockout, but I will ask him some generic questions about his profession.  Who would have thought there would be so many big names gracing the halls of our old barn?

To get a look at our old barn, you can see this video by Corey Bapes, BGSU student.  Someone sent it to a co-worker of mine because they noticed it was filmed in our building.  I had no idea this even happened but I can’t watch without laughing.  I can’t say I’m a fan of the “music,” but the video quality isn’t terrible.  Enjoy, as Corey B laces up the rental skates in “Cold As Ice.”

I hope everyone had a great time at Etown’s Homecoming.  It was difficult to miss it for me, although I had a lot of fun with two birthday parties this weekend.  I made a “cauldron of chilli” that was insanely good.

It’s almost time for me to  start shopping for a job.  I’m really excited for the future.  Jobs I’m considering right meow include (in no order):

• Assistant Coach (Div III)
• Director of Operations (Div I)
• Assistant Director of Athletic Development (Div I)
• I would consider a position in Development or Admissions at a school if I thought I could then work into the Athletics Dept.
• I don’t rule out pro sport opportunities either.

While I am excited about working in sport, I realize that it will be much more important to find a great work environment.  The future is comin’ hot!

Any input/feedback/job prospects are welcomed.

I went to Cedar point last week and it was pretty awesome.  For those from PA, Cedar Point is the Ohio version of Hersheypark.  For those from Ohio, Hersheypark is a PA chocolate version of Cedar Point.

The part I most wanted to share was that America’s schools are failing kids in math.  The sign read, “3/4 hour wait from this  point.”  The 12 year old girl behind us in line was terribly upset as she declared, “3 to 4 hours!  I’m not waiting in this line!”

It was hilarious.

I have so much I could say today, but I am moving apts and really need to unpack.  Enjoy this video of my weekend:

Today, a young boy, maybe 5, approached the Pro Shop counter and asked, “Could you exchange me some money for no money?”  I was a little confused, so I asked him if he meant for me to give him money for nothing.  He indicated that was indeed what he was looking to win an iPod shuffle from our arcade games.  Kids these days.

Then the kids camp came in to ice skate.  We had 30 -40 kids out there giong nuts, and all the wanted to hear was “Sexy and I Know It.”  I’m afraid for America.

I drove the Z today all by myself.  I missed a few spots, but it passed with a B- I’d say.  Another hockey game tonight.  2 games, 2 goals thus far.  I’m currently 10th in the league in points and I’ve only played 2 games (there have been 5 or 6).

Sweet day yesterday.  I had the game tying assist and the game winning goal on a breakaway in my hockey game.  I knew I was going to go forehand-backhand-forehand moving across the goalie left to right.  I wanted it to look more like Pavel Datsyuk, but my shot was more of a change-up than a fastball.  Also, he waits and goes all the way across.  I didn’t wait long enough and shot it glove side.  Oh well, it went in.  Big thanks to Bonesy, Dangls, and Spencer “The Commish” Bechstein for helping me in this hockey adventure.

Then I showered up and went to see the  Dark Knight at midnight.  What a well crafted movie that was.  What an excellent day.  I am so thankful for such great friends and activities to occupy my time with.  You think how easily things can be taken away and you are really thankful for what you have.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-07-20/shooting-movie-theater-denver/56351098/1

Scored my first goal in the third period!

Wow, that was fun.  I scored on a 2 on 1 in the third period with a wrister blocker side as the goalie slid the other way.  The other guy did all the work, but I’ll take it.  That goal brought us closer at 2-4, but we ended up losing, 3-5.

I got my skates sharpened before the game.  That was only the second time they’ve been sharpened in their five year life span.  I’m still not quite used to it.  So. Many. Sports.

Sorry for my lack of dedication lately.  I will be better in all aspects of blogging.

FIRST OFF: Congratulations to the Great Harrisburg Sweet Adelines, World Champions of the Choir Games!

I have now, over the course of the summer, wake surfed, wake boarded, and water skied.  I must say that water skiing was my favorite, as I was most successful in my one run.  I have been blessed with such great and adventurous friends this summer, and I thank them for allowing me to expand my arsenal of SPORTS!

I have also made pizza a few times…from scratch!  It was most tasty this second time when the dough was covered with oil.  Delicioso!

Anyone wanna settle?

I have learned a new and awesome board game, called Settlers of Catan.  It reminds me of a mix between Age of Empires and Risk.  It is very fun, takes up a good deal of time, and allows for some great laughs as we all sit around a table together.

Last weekend I brought my boxing gloves into the nursing home with me on my weekend visit.  One old friend had a blast hitting my palms like she was a real boxer, in a wheelchair!  It was quite humorous for the rest of the residents.

As I write this post, I am sitting at the ice rink about to play my first ever hockey game!  Hockey has been my favorite sport to watch for quite sometime.  I wanted to play as a youngster but couldn’t give up my soccer time.  After acquiring equipment sporadically through generous strangers, caring friends, and the fortuitous lost and found, I have what I need to take the ice tonight in this Rec League.  What I lack in skill I hope to make up for in hustle.  Here goes nothing (I hope my celly is better than these fellas)!

My apologies on such a lengthy hiatus.  I could offer an excuse, but that’s all it would be, an excuse.

Since my last post, I’ve gone on several boats.  I went wakesurfing on the Auglaize River.  That was pretty sweet.  I have been playing tons of volleyball and soccer and swimming in ponds.  I went to an 80 year old’s birthday party and learned to square dance to country music played by a family band.  It’s been an interesting summer.

My friend is getting a banjo and I really want to learn an instrument to compliment his new twang.  Any suggestions?  I’ve been eyeing up the accordion, although I do not know where to get one (craigslist was no help).

This is pretty much the halfway point of my time at BGSU.  Only 10 more months to go!

Man, what a weekend.  I played volleyball, chess, and scrabble Friday after work.  I slept most of the good parts of Saturday, then played Euchre all night.  Sunday I went on a boat in the Maumee River and only got a little sunburn on my knees of all places.  We did some tubing, what a workout!  Sunday night I had my first taste of walleye at the Port Clinton Walleye Festival.  My friends and I rocked out pretty hard to a live band, The Junk.

Monday was spent playing 5 hours of volleyball and passing out.  Only downside, I left my car windows open last night and it poured this morning.  My butt is really wet right now

I have been trying to catch a squirrel for years.  I remember my friends and I fanning out on Brinser field and surrounding one.  The plan was to put it in a Pringles can and leave it outside Monica’s door (Sorry, Mon )  Our barehanded efforts were fruitless.

Today, as I walked into work, I saw my coworkers surrounding the claw machine with umbrellas and brooms, and I knew this was my moment.  At first my weapon of choice was umbrella, but I quickly could tell this squirrel meant business.  I armed myself with an empty cardboard box and joined the mob.  Six of us chased this little guy (or girl, gender equity) for about 45 minutes.  He made his way back and forth through the skate shop and under the claw machine several times.  Finally, I trapped him in my cardboard box, and we took him outside and set him free.  Craziness.

Squirrel

On Friday night, a group of about 15 of us went out for some karaoke.  It turned out that there was no karaoke, but a reggae-ton rapper instead.  It was the pre-cinco de mayo party.  Between “rappings” the music sounded like Spanish polka.  With some coaxing, I decided to ask a little old Spanish woman to dance.  BIG MISTAKE.  The first time was alright, I learned a little Spanish jig.  As she got increasingly more drunk, she continued to come back and ask me to dance.  I obliged the first few times.  The last time, I tried to stay put, and she decided to do a little booty dance on me.  Whoa, boy.  I got out of there shortly thereafter, but not without first winning a CD for being an awesome dancer from Eddie G, the Spanish rapper.

Good times in the neighborhood.

I had no idea I was doing things the wrong way.  Observe (and correct!):

SHAKE…FOLD.

Live long and prosper.

http://whatwillmatter.com/2012/04/something-to-think-about-3-leadership-on-a-bus/

^Thanks for this one, Mom.  Be a catalyst.

Great story from the ol’ Ice Rink.  An older woman was hanging around in the lobby for about 5 minutes, so I approached her and asked if she needed anything.  She told me she was just waiting for her husband.  They were meeting here and he was going to change clothes in our bathroom.  When an older man walked in, she handed him a clothing bag.  Now, I have changed in bathrooms and it is just weird and kind of gross. We had open locker rooms, so I motioned to him to follow me (he was on the phone).  After I got him settled in the locker room, I started chatting with his wife.  It turns out they are rather large donors to the college, particularly the Ice Arena.  So it was a good thing I gave this guy the hookup because he probably expected it!

After they left, I went to lock up and found he had left his shave kit and iPhone in the locker room.  It was quite an adventure, but we got him taken care of.  Good thing, too!

Well, school is winding down, but I will still be in BG most of the summer.  I asked some friends for some cool activities I might try why here for a few days during finals week.  My good buddy Mauger (Moh-zhjay) has come up with a list of 30 potential activities I could do.  What a creative guy.  I must share:

Things T-Hags Could Do in Ohio to Kill a Few Days, While Keeping in Mind his Limited Budget:

1. Take naps
2. Go visit and/or volunteer at an animal shelter
3. Volunteer at a homeless shelter, soup kitchen, something like that.
4. Find a county/state park or wildlife refuge (I google map’d the area and found a whole bunch, including Maumee State Park, Oak Openings Park, Maumee Bay State Park, Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge) and go exploring.
5. Go to a driving range
6. Go running
7. Check out the training page on toughmudder.com and do a circuit.
8. See what Toledo has to offer?
9. Download lectures in your desired discipline from iTunes U.
10. Spring cleaning in your apartment.
11. Find a professional in your desired field.  Tell him/her that you’re doing a project for a class where you have two days to learn everything you possibly can about their job & ask to shadow them.
12. Disc golf
13. Drive without a map or gps, only taking roads you don’t know to places you’ve never been, for at least an hour.
14. Check out lake Erie, or a closer body of water?
15. Search on Craigslist for random “free stuff.”  You never know what you might find.
16. Any sporting events on campus or in Toledo?
17. Cow tipping
18. Pretend you’re a reporter and interview some farmers, asking them ridiculous questions.
19. Find some wildlife & take some pictures.
20. Make a wildflower collection.
21. Study a foreign language.
22. Zen meditation.
23. Perfect an impersonation (or two).
24. Make a scrapbook of pictures/letters/quotes that have significance to you or you think are cool.  (At my apartment in Maine, I was bored and so painted a big ass wall, & covered it in quotes.
25. Pick a book from Modern Library’s 100 best novels.  Then… ya know… read it.
26. Write a letter (or letters).
27. Write inspirational/motivational quotes down on pieces of paper, and post them randomly throughout campus/town.  Or you could put them in bottles and leave them random places.
28. Try foods you haven’t tried or have previously refused to try.
29. Actually write down a bucketlist (if you haven’t already).
30. Write down an anti-bucketlist (things that, if you can go through life without experiencing them or doing them, you would consider your life a success.  For example, getting stabbed with a knife & declaring bankruptcy are the top two on mine).

Thanks a ton, Mike!  I have done a few already this semester.  I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

Even better than a silver medal in my age group…a sweet picture on the front page of the paper.

So it turns out it was only 6 free wings/week.  But it is still like a $400 value and soooo worth it.  I ate spicy mango habanero boneless wings this morning for free.  Did not get as much sleep as I would’ve liked, but I did make a whole bunch of new friends.  A group of 7 of us embarked on a quest, which only took us a few hours to complete.  Dividing beers between the group, we tried all 30 beers on tap at the B-dubbs in BG.  I didn’t carry my full weight, as I had to be at work later in the day, but I was still a part of the glory.

We hit all 30 in a few hours.

I got a bit of sunburn on Saturday, so I really need to rehydrate for the intramural soccer playoffs tonight.  I hope to catch some hockey too.  Seeing Braden Holtby in net for the Caps is such a strange and awesome sight.  I have stood next to this guy, just the same age as me.  Now he’s going toe to toe against Tim Thomas, last years Stanley Cup Playoff hoss.  Maybe I’ll even listen to John Walton on the call.

I'd love to see WSH win. That would mean they would play the Rangers instead of the Flyers.