Life according to Ariff

Dispatches revisited

2012-01-26T23:08:00.000-05:00

About seven years ago I picked a copy of Michael Herr's Dispatches, which he wrote about his experiences as a journalist covering the Vietnam War.

Fast forward into the future, and I decided to revisit Michael Herr. Mainly because I've been watching a lot of Apocalypse Now Redux, in which he co-wrote the script and did voice-overs for it.

The reason I brought up Michael Herr was because I received a suggestion or two about writing about my experience with Mason Football. Re-reading and revisiting Dispatches makes for a good starting point; it's just a matter of getting my story straight and choosing pictures to go along with the book. And determining how to break up the chapters. As it is I have plenty of ideas and some stuff to write about.

Anywho... and so it goes, folks.

Lessons Learned

2012-01-08T01:05:00.000-05:00

One week into the new year and I finally make my first post. Well, not quite, because the impetus of this post came as a result of my own observations from being team photographer for George Mason University's club football team.

I happened to have some free time to literally pen down some thoughts. A few thoughts. Make that a little more than thirty. Thirty. Yes.

And for your reading pleasure, here are something to think about:

1. George Mason University has had a club team since 1993. Current memberships include the Seaboard Conference and the National Club Football Association – Mid-Atlantic Conference

2. I totally feel like a relic referring to the last Mason Football team that won a championship. 2005 to be exact. The

3. Never lose sight of the action, especially if it is epic. Just do not be the action. That is epic.

4. Quick shutter speed becomes secondary to quick reflects when you are in the process of being the action

5. If your professor happens to be cute/hot/good looking/other positive description, keep it to yourself. Such information can lead to prying mouths and inquisitive smartphones. Unless your camera is held for ransom.

6. When asking for ice to cool wrist, request it discretely from the athletic training staff. Procuring such item in front of team will lead to numerous masturbation jokes.

7. Remember: you hold the camera in this relationship

8. Lack of Financial compensation may not be a bad thing if locker-room access is granted.

9. With that in mind, NUDITY. It happens.

10. Sitting with the players at the back of the bus and not in front with the coaching staff makes quite a difference; Partake in whatever shenanigans.

11. No body seems to know who Kay Wallace was. I don’t.

12. Bananas

13. Some people are real characters. I thought I was until meeting Geovany Costa from Angola.

14. For people on the outside, pictures serve as a window to the team. And so the cliché is it tells a thousand words. But for those on the inside, those very pictures are an inside joke. Some unfortunately are too bad to tell

15. Visual Sarcasm can be a funny thing. Thank You Facebook!

16. Bus trips are fun

17. Unfortunately the head coach doesn’t just tell what plays to run, but what movies are okay to watch on the bus (his own stock)

18. Photographer does not count off.

19. Like music, some pictures will be proudly exhibited. Some will get cut for future use if that time ever comes. But some will never surface due to rather weird nature of the set (zany, bizarre, and absurd. Only for the thick skinned)

20. A club team means there folks who I will only meet once. That is, if they have time to play a game, let alone come to practice.

21. Mason Football. A large band of brothers. With the coaching staff as dads and a token female success coach to serve as a surrogate mommy.

22. Speaking of Family, dealing with them is another matter. Thankfully it means having them thank me for my time.

23. Never knew beer could be blinding.

24. I know I’m semi-famous when

· Getting to know the team via Facebook before actually meeting the person in real life.That is, if such meeting ever happens.

· Random friend of football player(s) want to be your Facebook friend

25. “We are Mason, and they shouldn’t play football --- GARBAGE DAY!!!”

26. Chris Pontius, the DC United player. (Although nothing to do with Mason Football, he is the source of an inside joke due to me almost making him fall off a golf cart. Would have sucked if he did due to some game-day volunteer named Ariff)

27. Being team photographer also means being the Public Relations handler. And that means selling the football team as a brand, even to those to went to Mason as some point and never knew such team existed.

28. Towel whipping is fun when you're not the one getting whipped

29. Shinguards for the random moment some linebacker rolls over and comes close to taking you out.

30. No excuses for missing the bus for an away game. (Thankfully this never happened to me)That means some guy would make Alcohol Induced-Pussy Galore references.

31. Rick Astley will never give you up, let you down, run around, and desert you. Or say good bye, tell a lie, and hurt you.

32. Dedication is a good thing.

...and so it goes, folks.

Military Bowl, 2011

2011-12-28T23:50:00.001-05:00

I never mentioned much of the Military Bowl this year due to rather uncertain nature leading up to it, with regards to what assignments I was suppose to get.

As it turned out, the Military Bowl only had three days opened for volunteering opportunities, and volunteers from last year got 'dibs' to opportunities. And I only worked one day --- Game Day.

This year's bowl match-up featured Air Force Academy and Toledo, after both the ACC and Navy could not commit (Navy had a losing record while the ACC could not feature a team worthy for contest).

Working in the press box meant I essentially shuttled stats to reporters once the quarter was over. For the most part, though, I sat thru and enjoyed the game.

The game itself was interesting, with both teams trading touchdowns all throughout the game. But the final outcome came within the final one minute, when Air Force scored a touchdown and had a chance to tie the game and push it into overtime. However, they decided to go for two, and the play was botched. Final result: Toledo 42-41 Air Force Academy.

...and so it goes, folks.

Lens, basketball, and other stuff

2011-12-21T00:22:00.000-05:00

With life mostly focused on getting my final presentations done, there hasn't been much going with me that does not involve school. Sad, huh?

The good thing was I finally took delivery of my new 70-300mm lens last Thursday, which would be great for my sports related photography last Thursday, plus Adobe Lightroom, which is good for me to catalog, copyright, and make edits to my pictures (not to mention shoot in RAW, then convert them to JPEGs).

Both came to use the following day --- Friday night, actually --- as I went to catch an NVCC women's basketball game as they hosted CCBC-Dundalk.

Now, it has been forever since I last went to a sporting event that did not involve football. And that happens to be Mason Soccer back in September.

But the NoVa women's game was an excuse to a)actually go out and do my own thing, and b) tryout my new lens. Unfortunately, the light to purchase such a lens came a tad too late for me to be used for my Mason Football project.

...and for the first few minutes of the game it was a low scoring affair. CCBC-Dundalk mostly controlled the game in the first 5 minutes of the match, but would be all NoVa until halftime. 29-16 was the halftime score.

The second half however was predominantly owned by NoVa, up until the last minute of the game where Dundalk managed to pull within one point. However, a couple of foul shots plus a breakaway dunk extended the NoVa lead and sealed the win. Final score: NoVa 56:52 CCBC Dundalk.

...and so it goes, folks.

Radford to MAC

2011-12-09T23:50:00.000-05:00

There's an old saying the went 'Curiosity killed the cat'.

Somehow I felt the person who said a)hated cats, or b)probably think that it was possible that a cat to learn something to make it wiser. Never hurts to be curious if it is for a good cause.

But it seems that I am digressing from the point I want to make.

Nosey-ing (well, it's what happens when you mash moseying and nosy together) Radford University's club football team's website, some indication suggested that Radford ditched the Southern Collegiate Club Football Association to join the National Club Football Association's Mid-Atlantic Association for next season. Other members include Longwood, Virginia Commonwealth University, Coppin State, and in state rival George Mason. Apparently, besides being a member of the SCCFA, Radford is/was a member of the NCFA's South Atlantic Conference along side some of its so-to-be former SCCFA foes (more of this later in the posting).

To give Radford some context, the club team played its first season in 2008, being a member of the Seaboard Conference. Interestingly enough, Radford was conference-mates with George Mason University, plus Valley Forge Military Academy & College, Williamson Free School of Trade, and Thaddeus College of Technology, going winless.

Mason, however, has had a football team since 1993 and has been a member of the Seaboard Conference since +/-1998.

The following season ---2009, Radford bolted for the SCCFA, which include the club squads of University of North Carolina, U. of South Carolina, and Clemson (the conference's website include Duke's club team that is no longer operation, as well as a prep program of dubious nature).

2010 made things even more interesting, as Radford, along with its SCCFA foes had concurrent membership in the fledgling National Club Football Association, which tries to unite club football programs. Not all club programs are members of this association.

And while maintaining its membership in the SCCFA, the same members were also made up 4/5 of the South Atlantic Conference. The fifth member being Orangeburg-Calhoun Tech.

...Which kind of shines a light on Mason Football.

As mentioned earlier, Mason has for the longest time been a member of the Seaboard Conference. Over the years numerous institutions had come and gone, but Mason along with junior colleges Valley Forge Military Academy and College, Williamson Tech, and Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology have been constant members.

Only this year Mason joined the NCFA, being placed in the Mid-Atlantic Conference along with freshman club programs Longwood, VCU, and Coppin State. A three-way tie ended up pitting VCU and Mason for the conference title game, with Mason keeping the title. At the same time Mason is still maintaining membership in the Seaboard Conference. Let it be understood that the SC is operates independent of the NCFA.

With Radford probably defecting to the MAC, it will add more to the Mason-Radford rivalry. Mason is currently 3-1 overall, not including the spring game in 2008. Mason is 1-0 when both teams were in the same conference.

At the same time, it will also create and foster other intra-state rivalries, especially with VCU and Longwood being the new guys on the block plus a possible regional rivalry with Coppin State.

With the potential conference affiliation shift, I personally feel the Mason-Radford rivalry will further intensify in years to come...

...and so it goes, folks.

more from saturday!

2011-12-07T00:11:00.000-05:00

More pictures from the Mid-Atlantic Conference Title game this past Saturday...

Title!

2011-12-04T21:46:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was by far the biggest day for George Mason University's Club Football squad! After waiting six years since their last title (Seaboard Conference, 2005), Mason defeated VCU in a rematch for the National Club Football Association's Mid-Atlantic Conference title. VCU was soundly defeated 31-0.

Coach Matt Dyson given the trophy

Despite being warned that the VCU team Mason played against back in October was slightly weaker than the team that played yesterday, Mason came out and played as a cohesive unit. A rather slow start was turned around when Mason got the ball, scored, and never looked back.

Mike McNiff celebrates after first points of game

Derek Stein tackled on a hook and ladder play


VCU offense prepare for attack

Final Practice

2011-12-02T22:52:00.001-05:00

The last couple months or so have been a rather interesting affair since I took up duties taking pictures for Mason Football, in addition using some of the images for one of my classes to more or less tell a story of this season.

Try diluting almost 17, 000 images into 10 cohesive and coherent pictures to tell something.

Games are one thing. Practice is a totally different league all together. I do not take as many pictures due to it being more of a social call rather than a photo shoot. However pictures do turn up now and again. The brevity of what is taken, in all due honesty, is one that can never be fully explained in words. In short, enjoy!

Oh

2011-11-30T22:34:00.000-05:00

Sitting at the usual Palace of Golden Arches I go to, a thought occurred to me as the 2011-12 Mason Football season is about to come to a close this coming Saturday against Virginia Commonwealth University.

What did I get myself into?

Seriously.

Okay. I have to admit that taking up the responsibility of being team photographer is by far the best thing to ever happen to me, what more being a Photography Major. Yes, the opportunity to do what is fulfilling and pleasantly enjoying is definitely evident, even though it feels more like an internship (although volunteer/voluntary sounds more descriptive of the situation).

Lest not forget that the impetus of being the team photographer was born out of the thesis of having a photo project revolving around Mason Football as an organization.

As the weeks progressed, the realization that it was something beyond pictures finally occurred to me. That besides taking pictures for a class project, I basically bore the responsibility of promoting the team in a positive light. Or at least objectively try to, although bus rides with the team did not always seem to reflect such ideals.

But the heart of the matter that I wanted to say was based on my experience being thrown into the pool, there was room for a learning curve and figuring things out.

Once the dust has settled and there is no need to look (or gloss) over pictures, I will get back to bust my noggins and write about my own personal relationship and experience with the team. It is one of those moments where it is hard to tell the story of Mason football without telling my own story. Trying to be objective is somewhat blurred by personal sentiments.

So that's how it goes.

...and so it goes, folks.

Mason Football

2011-11-29T01:38:00.000-05:00

An extension of my previous post, this is probably the first time in a while that a set of pictures go with a post. Again, it must be understood that most of time spent was towards compiling and post production that actually writing about some kind of back story did not become a priority. But I digress on such matters.

Starting off the infamous snow game between Mason and Southern Virginia University, the only varsity squad on the schedule (October 28, 2011).
Pretty rarely does it snow before Halloween, and of all things it had to snow on game day. But it goes to show that despite the frigid weather, a very tough opponent, and in my case, frozen hands, Mason football still managed to put on a show. Mason lost 46-26. Despite the loss and the obviously cold weather, some 100 or so people showed up, although some left during half time...

Moving along, this season was also a first for both myself and the team. Mason hosted Virginia Commonwealth University's club team (its inaugural season). Despite defeating VCU soundly 41-12, the two teams will be meeting again in the National Club Football Association's Mid-Atlantic Conference title game in what would be an intense rivalry between the two club programs.

As for myself, being team photographer allowed me to actually travel with the team. Although I missed the season opener at Coppin State University, redemption was made by going to Media, Pennsylvania as Mason took on Seaboard Conference foe Williamson Free School of Trade. Now, it was pretty fun at best traveling with the team --- that meant having to sign a waiver first before boarding the bus. Then it was having to travel up the same day of the trip. And eating breakfast along the way, which was an odyssey in itself.

Plus it was a good way to see the dynamics of the team along the way (and on the trip back). I must admit that it took a bit of getting used to since I sincerely felt out of place, but considering that a) the team picked me up as its photographer and b) I needed material for my photography project, the best way to go is suck it up and go with the flow.

And that means learning the personality of the players that other wise I never had to deal with in years past taking pictures of the football team (then again, I never had an intimate relationship such as this).

But anywho....

....and so it goes, folks...

Clear Extension of Thought

2011-11-29T00:56:00.000-05:00

With the amount of class work I have to do as of late, I came to the harsh realization that I never got around to putting enough time to writing --- to actually minding the gap. It's not like the six months or so spent in Malaysia between November 2009 to May 2010 in which there was plenty of time to observe, do, and seriously have a clear extension of thought.

But ever since going back to college, especially as of the last few months, being able to sit down and convey such extension has been pretty slow. Partly because plenty of time is spent on taking pictures and thinking of how to execute photo projects and not actually sitting around writing about it.

'The acceleration is pretty grim...'

Probably not.

But what I really want to say has a lot to do with my current project revolving Mason Football. All withstanding missing the first couple of games before being picked up to do the rest of the season, it was by far the best thing to actually happen to me. And the adventure isn't over yet....

... Mason football joined the National Club Football Association back in August, placed in the Mid-Atlantic Conference alongside Longwood University, Coppin State, and Virginia Commonwealth (all first year club programs). A three-way tie occurred with CSU, VCU, and Mason going 2-1 in conference play (Longwood lost all games).

To cut things short, in order to determine conference champion as a result of some rather weird scoring methods, Mason ended up booking the title game against VCU, much to Coppin State's chagrin. CSU was the only team with a winning season (7-3 overall, 2-1 conference play) while Mason went 4-6 overall and VCU went 2-4. It took Mason having held Longwood to less than 7 points to hold the title game at home...

Which leads to this Saturday's inaugural championship game between Mason and VCU, which is a repeat of the match up last month. Mason won the first meeting 41-12.

With that in mind, extending the thought of how the team finished out this season, the amount of wins matched that of the 2006 team that went 4-6 overall. That was before we joined the NCFA.

(Of note, Mason still holds concurrent membership in the Seaboard Conference, going 1-2 in Conference play)

The amount of pictures taken so far make for an interesting presentation. Slowly some pictures should make its way here for most of the world to see.

But anyways, the night is late and there are plenty of other things to think about...

...and so it goes, folks....

Life happens rule

2011-11-21T00:03:00.000-05:00

Life happens and it definitely has gotten the best of me. I think to the extreme max.

Somehow life just got to busy for me.

But anyways, besides going to school and having it keeping me busy, Mason Football just wrapped up its season yesterday, beating first year club program Longwood University 48-0. As a result, we will play in National Club Football Association's Mid-Atlantic Conference title because of a three tie. We will play Virginia Commonwealth university's club team (again) at home on December 3.

As with DC United, they had three games in the last week (October 15-22). Going 0-1-2, we had the chance to make the playoffs but got kicked out the second to last game.

Whew. As for other things in life, I just couldn't remember much since so much happened over the course of the last month or so.

...and so it goes, folks...

Mason wins...

2011-10-09T23:58:00.003-04:00

The first road trip I ever made with Mason Football turned out to be quite an interesting one.

First of all, getting up early in the morning for the 6 am departure time was one thing. Then the breakfast. and the adventure of how the team interacts along the way.

But getting to Williamson Tech, however, just got interesting. Mainly because the field was just in such poor condition. Since it was grass and marked for both soccer and football, bald spots were evident in most places. Thankfully it wasn't muddy. Otherwise it would have sucked for everybody. The good thing was it was warm.

...so Mason won the game 27-10 against Williamson Tech, putting Mason at 2-2 overall and 1-1 in Seaboard Conference play (with a chance of winning the conference if they beat Stevens State Tech on Saturday). But the game wasn't like that from the get go.

Williamson dominated from the get go, causing a fumble on the first play of the game on the kick-off return. A few plays later and they were in the endzone. WT 7-0 GMU.

Some plays later Mason managed to find their way into the end zone (after a penalty called back an initial td). But unfortunately the point after touchdown failed. WT 7-6 GMU.

Second quarter, Williamson Tech extended the lead on a field goal but the gap was later when Mason scored on a safety. WT 10-8 GMU.

Essentially Williamson Tech owned the first half, and Mason's offense lacked the energy to take charge.

Along the way while taking pictures, standing between two groups of players on either side, I almost single-handed caught an errant Jack Langley pass while looking at it via my camera's viewfinder. Somehow i just palmed away and it traveled about 10 yards in the opposite direction. It drew a few laughs here and there.

The second half, however, Mason came alive --- dominating and scoring the remaining 19 points and making plays when it mattered. And the second of two 'photographer becomes part of the action' moments happened. Standing about 5 yards away from the sidelines with my camera on my mono-pod, i clicked away. But as it happens i failed to realize the mass of bodies coming in my direction and a leg managed to kick at my shin and actually caused a dent in the lower half of my mono-pod. I didn't realize a cut ( i was wearing slacks) until after the game ended. Of course I asked for a bandage while waiting for the team to come out.

But I enjoyed the trip overall. After the game it was time for dinner and a long trip home after a very long day. It was exciting. and tiring...

...and so it goes, folks....

Road trip

2011-10-07T01:01:00.000-04:00

I am seriously looking forward to the road trip to Media, Pennsylvania, as I make my first travel with the George Mason University's club team as they take on Seaboard Conference foe Williamson Tech. It will be awesome...

...and so it goes, folks...

Legit!

2011-09-30T21:20:00.000-04:00

What I have been doing the last three years with regards to taking pictures of George Mason University's club football team took went to a whole new elevated level.

Official Team Photographer.

And the news came on such a wonderful day: my birthday!

The story was I should up to practice Wednesday and Coach Dyson asked to speak to me the minute I showed up. He just cut to the chase and asked me if I want to fill the role since they don't have anyone to do it. Mind you, we're two games in and are 0-2 overall, and 0-1 in Seaboard conference play.

But whatever it is, I get to make three road trips with the team and shoot them at every home game. I am super excited with this!

...and so it goes, folks...

United Upset

2011-09-26T18:18:00.000-04:00

So I have to say I had such a wonderful time working the DC United-Real Salt Lake match Saturday night.

First of all, with playoff contention on the line United really pulled their acts together for an upset win over RSL, winning 4-1, behind goals from Andy Najar (1) and Dwayne DeRosario (3). A real kicker was DeRo's hatrick --- done all within twenty minutes. By far it was the fastest hat trick in MLS history.

But going to what I did for the night was just an upgrade all-together. Volunteer Check-in was just the usual. Since I came in a lot earlier than expected I got additional briefing from Bryan about what to do with Tam Truong, the academy intern I was suppose to mentor for the night (I sort of trained her Wednesday night, but I didn't get to teach her in detail of what her job would entail in). Since I also had Ball Kids for the night, that meant having Tam tag along to see what it was all about.

Such as procure a box to carry the box lunch for the kids, which she did while I was still on my check-in assignment. And going along to pick up the food.

To a certain extent, when the ball kids came along I got Tam to watch me hand out the foods, lead them to where they were suppose to eat, and essentially left her to babysit the kids until they were to be brought down to the dugouts while I attended to other administrative affairs. (apparently while I was away she had to clean up after the kids as a joke; I essentially told her it wasn't her job to do that).

Getting down to the field, however, was another thing. That was helping out another co-volunteer with team tunnel. Essentially wrangling the kids as they welcome the teams on the pitch.

Heading back to the dugout I had another thing on my mind and that was to mentor the new guy, Musa, on the nuances of Goal Explosion. Essentially he had a lot on his shoulder's for a straight forward assignment because I have a legacy with such assignment.

And from the get go Musa had quite a night, running 3/4 goals with me running the last goal. It was funny to note that a few people in the stands found it a bit hard to accept someone else was getting it on and not me. It was even funnier that Tam to see me motivate Musa. I also got on him to be less stiff and try to involve the audience for future references (i essentially gave him additional info at the Vienna Metro station about what to do and he was really appreciative about it).

As for Tam, I made sure she hung out with me as the ball kids got autographs and essentially stayed until the boys were ready to leave.

And I forgot to mention that while watching the game, an injured Chris Pontius hung out in the dugouts towards the last 20 minutes and I got chat with him. Besides that, I met Brandon Barklege, the guy I met last Friday in addition to congratulating DeRo on his hat trick.

Three more home games.

...and so it goes, folks.

NJCAA bound

2011-09-24T13:03:00.000-04:00

Something I failed to mention from the first week of classes was regarding the state of Northern Virginia Community College's athletic program.

NoVa is now a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association, and the Men's & Women's Basketball team, Men's Soccer, Men's Lacrosse, and Women's Volleyball club teams have upgraded to varsity status, effective immediately. An additional women's sport will be added in the future.

The co-ed ice hockey team remains a club squad.

I never thought I'd ever see the day that a)NoVa will field any sort of athletic program at the club level, and b)seeing it transition to varsity level.

On that note, I would like to return to an earlier thought I had made about this dream I had of seeing that NoVa gets a football team, either as a club or varsity squad.

First of all, I noticed via Google map that it seems the field at the Annandale Campus is about 10 yards short of being official size. Plus, it does not have lighting fixtures, benches, or even a scoreboard...

Which means that --- if a team should exist --- it would have to play off-campus. And in turn, the field at NoVa-Annandale could only be used for practice. Probably the only descent choice for an off-campus location would be Lake Braddock Secondary School (there is another location nearby, at the Audrey Moore ReCenter. The only problem is there is no scoreboard and seating is a bit limited).

Scheduling is another thing. If NoVa does field a club team, there are plenty of area collegiate club teams they can play: George Mason, Radford, Virginia Commonwealth, Longwood University, Coppin State, Virginia University-Lynchburg. At least six games. Who knows?

...and so it goes, folks.

United!

2011-09-23T21:29:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I last posted something. Life has been quite busy the last 2 1/2 weeks, plus, I haven't been up to much other that photo assignments here and there.

Anyways, to kind of bring you, the reader, up to speed, here are some things worth mentioning.

For the first time I actually went to my first pro football game this past Sunday between the Washington Redskins and the Arizona Cardinals. and a slim win it was for the 'Skins, who went on to win 22-21 in the last 3 minutes of the game. I got to go courtesy of my fellow volunteer, Mike, who got the tix because his brother-in-law couldn't go, so I went along.

Besides that I'm more or less in between two DC United home games... Wednesday night they took on Chivas USA, playing to a 2-2 tie. Besides running the flag, I got ball kids --- interestingly enough I even got the Academy intern to help me out (I won't run Saturday night, but got the intern again).

That, and having to coach the new guy running the flag and volunteer check-in duties along the way.

This Saturday DC United takes on the visiting Real Salt Lake and again I get to hang out with my extended Dugout family....

...and so it goes, folks...

Whew

2011-09-06T23:26:00.001-04:00

With me being back in college, much of my social life came to a grinding halt, considering that it is college life is picking up and i might just get a lot more busy as the semester progresses...

But I digress...

So Labor Day weekend was quite busy for me --- socially and photographically.

Saturday began with hanging out with a former classmate ---Kelley--- who would later be the subject of a query when i went to my second event of the day. Nothing much just coffee, chatter, and people watching for a good part of the morning.

Despite being a secondary thing, meeting up with Kelley sparked some interest with a couple of folks who I would meet not long after. So I moseyed over to George Mason University for Mason Football's family and friends open practice/lunch. It was fun to see some familiar faces, meet new people, take plenty of pictures (John Moorhead was there) and grab a bite.

A quick trip home before making a turnaround to Herndon for social gathering with other Malaysians.

Sunday, Sis and I made our way to NAS Patuxent river to catch this air show, featuring the Blue Angels. Again, more photo shoots! Since it was a smaller air show the crowd wasn't as crazy. That means being happy taking pictures...

...and so it goes, folks...

Irene

2011-08-28T01:56:00.000-04:00

What a way to spend the weekend.... for a hurricane!

Yes, as I'm writing this Hurricane Irene is rumbling along northwards, pouring rain all over the places, and in some places, causing floods and the usual damages.

And for some modern stonehenge blues, I've been down with the cold. While the rain poured like nobody's business today, I basically slept in. I bet I'll be doing a lot of that later on while I recuperate and prepare for the second week of classes....

Along with the hurricane came not having to work yesterday. Yes, I was suppose to mosey over to RFK Stadium for work. Initially the game got adjusted to 2pm from its original start time of 7:30. Then a notice was sent out saying the game was postponed to a yet to be determined date. It's a good deal. Even without Irene, I don't think I was able to go anyway since i'm feeling a little down but not quite just out. Oh well, I guess things were meant to be.

...and so it goes, folks...

Earthquake Weather

2011-08-23T23:58:00.001-04:00

Something rather odd happened today while I was in class...

A 5.8 richter earthquake rumbled thru while we were discussing administrative stuff for the rest of the semester.

Initially the class felt a swaying and just thought it was weird. But when it started swaying even more, everybody just made a bee line to the main exit... and standing around until the all-clear sign came along. By this time the class meeting was almost over and it was time to call it a day....

and so it goes, folks...

Tryin' to keep up

2011-08-23T02:10:00.000-04:00

I just haven't been up to par with writing as much as I would. Or at least high-light the important ones.

First up --- going back to a little over a week ago (8/13). I broke a record for amount of runs made in a DC United match --- 4 --- compared to the previous week of 3. DC shut out Vancouver Whitecaps FC 4-0.

Fast forward to today, I began the Fall semester, after a two week break. So far, things are going okay. Lets see how the semester plays out.

...and so it goes, folks

An earful....

2011-08-07T23:53:00.002-04:00

Yesterday's match against Toronto FC was just beyond what I was used to.

First of all was taking on three tasks --- the third one being an on the spot decision of dealing with the Ball kids (the other two being accreditation and goal explosion).

Second of all, it's the first time since I started doing Goal Explosion that United scored 3 goals --- most of the time they scored only two. By the time I got to the last one, I was basically trotting away because I was just tired.

(it was raining a little before the game started)

Lastly, I got an earful from Ben Olsen after he got ejected because he was upset with a goal... as he was being escorted out, he had to get past me, who happened to be in the dugouts. Of course, he didn't like the fact that I was looking at him, and as a result, he yelled at me... followed by a long list of profanities on the way out.

...and so it goes, folks...

What a weekend...

2011-08-02T21:13:00.000-04:00

I think this past weekend was far the most interesting I've had this entire summer. Not just that --- it was just packed and condensed as well...

First of all, for the first time in almost 21 years, I finally made my way with mumsie and sis to the Baltimore & ohio railroad museum in Baltimore... all thanks to not having to volunteer for the Manchester United- Barcelona match. An added bonus, after we were done there, was a random continuation up to Newark, Delaware, for dinner, as well as to go around the place for old time's sake.

Sunday, We actually went to this soul food restaurant ---Oooohsss and Aaaaahhhhss --- in DC, that was featured on this tv show 'Diners, Dives, and Drive-ins'. And it was pretty good stuff. That was followed by the last free concert we'll get to see at Fort Hunt.... because...

as i wrote this, it's already two days into Ramadhan. I'm still holding up....

and so it goes, folks....

No Barca-Man U. But...

2011-07-27T14:01:00.000-04:00

With much regret I was informed yesterday that volunteers are needed for this Saturday's Manchester United-Barcelona friendly match at Fedex Field.

But as a replacement (which is a good thing), there will be a need for help for a international friendly between Venezuela and El Salvador on August 7. This would be the second of two days I'll be there since United will be playing at home the day before against Toronto FC.

So far I have worked 12 matches, and my August projections will give me an additional 3-4 matches.

and so it goes, folks...

DC United notes again

2011-07-25T22:52:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday was the second of two DC United games I worked --- it was United against Everton in an exhibition. Earlier, on Wednesday night, it was a match against the New England Revolution. And the sad part was United dropped both matches (3-1 and 1-0, respectively).

At least with the Everton match, my mom and sister were able to actually see me work my award-winning magic. For the most part I just sat in the dugout being goofy. Earlier in the day, it was accreditation duties.

The Revolution game was just another story, because it was a working day and it was just hot. As for me, I was reassigned to the N-Tier-Active tent for the VIPs and I'm pretty I got overly tanned by the end of the day. The good thing was being able to watch the game from the endzones, which also meant having to dodge the occasional kicks that go wide.

...and so it goes...

DC United notes...

2011-07-14T18:28:00.000-04:00

So I was reading an email my volunteer supervisor sent out to all the volunteers, making a head count of who's gonna be working the next couple of games (next Wednesday against New England and next Saturday, an exhibition match against Everton).

What really struck me was the addendum to the bottom of the email.... a note stating the possible need for volunteers to work the Manchester United-Barcelona match on July 30. I wouldn't say I jumped on it whole-heartedly since information are still sketchy as I write this. But if there is a really need, I would commit to the game.

On a somewhat related matter, my supervision also sent out a mass email to the other volunteers about me and Mike Lopez being the co-volunteer of the month (plus other related administrative matters that comes along with such honor). Now, with that mentioned, what I want to know is: who will get it for July? (on a side note, however, i'm interested to know is if we set the standards high enough for others to follow along for the rest of the season)

...and so it goes, folks....

Back in the day

2011-07-07T21:55:00.000-04:00

I had this 'Back in the Day' thought for some time now but just never got around to it. Listening to a song, aptly titled Back In The Day swayed me to right something.

But what really lead me to wanting to write this was this reminiscent feeling of doing things the old fashioned way

What I had in mind was the how times have changed with regards to traveling. Who has not used a GPS or mapquest (or even any other navigational tool) to get from point A to Point B? I remember back when I was living in Florida, whenever we had a family trip to visit whoever it was (oh the memories of going to Athens, Georgia), or going to Orlando, it involved having to actually use a map. Yes. A map. And honestly, looking back, I'm really surprised we actually got to places using a map.

Especially if involved getting to someone's house.

This is where it gets very interesting. Especially if you're not well verse in a particular city, or if the person whom you are visiting forgot to mention, and you happen to end up on the wrong side of town. Or worse yet, on the bad side of town.

And this leads to another thing which we lacked back in the day because it wasn't all too accessible then.

The mobile phone.

Back then it was big and expensive. But I won't go into much detail about that since that was not what I was aiming for in the transition.

You see, there was a time when pay phones (and land-lines) were the rage. First of all finding one that worked was one thing. Having enough change to make the call is another. Plus, you always have to remember where you're at (especially if you're in some rather questionable neighborhood).

Sometimes, making a trip to unfamiliar places can never be a straight-up case.

To make matters more interesting are the use of certain landmarks to get to the final destination. If getting lost wasn't bad enough, having to find a telephone booth is another. Not to mention having to look out for certain features to get to the end of the line. (night time can even be more interesting, especially when you don't what you're looking at)

Looking back, however, the ordeal of having to figure a complicated matter out was a real bonding experience. Everybody had to keep an eye out and pay attention. If I had the chance to go back and do that again I would definitely do it because you would never know what to expect.

... and so it goes, folks.

Volunteer of the month

2011-07-03T23:20:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was what I felt as the pinnacle of my volunteer career.

Along with my fellow DC United co-volunteer (and friend) Mike Lopez, we were both announced as volunteers of the month (June). And the announcement came as we were both coming in (happens so that we came in together and were asked to wait for Bryan to show up to tell us the good news).

It didn't end there for me, at least.

Later, as a couple of my fellow volunteers were informed that I was the co-volunteer of the month and had signed autographs in a past game, I gave them my autographs (one of them, Mike Anders would be with me in the dugouts and was his last game working as he had to quit the program).

As it turned out it wasn't the only two I would give out.

At the end of the game I gave some kids my autograph... which started out while i was chatting up with some college kids who were cheering me on. Initially, it started with about five or so kids getting lucky. One of them actually got luckier because she got to go home with my sunglasses. After that, it an additional five-seven kids. That was not the end of it.

I was making my way out and another three more kids wanted more. This would cap the end of my informal autograph sessions.

...and so it goes, folks...

Ariff-isms: Part 2

2011-07-02T01:47:00.000-04:00

An elaboration on this post I wrote not too long back, I think I have something that can be marked as the first of probably many Ariff-isms to come. Probably glorified one-liners sound just like it.

Drink this and you'll hear the cockroach moan.

Or a variation of something I heard during a DC United match I heard ("This water is phenomenal"). How about "Drink this and you will be phenomenal".

It'll be funny if I make this a habit.

...and so it goes, folks...

4-5-6

2011-06-26T23:42:00.000-04:00

A rather sequential set of numbers.

But really.

It is more than that. It is because that is the current record of DC United after yesterday's match against the visiting Houston Dynamo, a game the ended in a 2-2 tie.

So what did I do? Oh the usual. Began with accreditation since that was my original assignment for the day, until much later where I went to my reassignment --- and personal favorite: Goal Explosion! All because the guy who was supposed to do it had to cancel, thus blazing the way for me to do what I've been doing.... naturally to a certain extent.

Nothing quite out of the ordinary other than in between goals, that meant standing around and waiting anxiously for something to happen --- eventually. And drink a lot of water to make myself at ease (which was not the best thing to do especially when Metro has single tracking in-effect and trains don't come as often... plus very few, if any restroom facilities along the way).

But other than that nothing out of the ordinary happened. The good thing, however, is that I can now ask for my two free tickets to a future United match since I've worked nine matches so far.

...and so it goes, folks...

Overheard

2011-06-19T01:00:00.000-04:00

The impetus of tonight's posting was a result of something I overheard last Saturday while working the DC United - San Jose match. A rather funny line said by an unnamed United staffer drinking water out of this cooler.

"This water is phenomenal..."

In a humorous way I thought was. Then again it was slightly humid that night, so I guess it was phenomenal after all.

Delicious.

Considering that I had to run twice that night, the water wasn't just phenomenal; it was also fantastic and nutritious.

Hmm... where am I going with this post anyway other than proclaiming some water I drink was 'phenomenal'?

Which led me to something else I heard a few weeks ago during one of my art classes. But I don't think it qualifies as something overheard since it was spoken to myself and my fellow classmates...

... The world is a glorious mess....

Now, in the context of art, it is a glorious mess. Especially when you are pre-occupied with trying to 'convert' something in 3-D to 2-D and making it look 3-D. For some wonderful folks, it is not just a pre-occupation. It's an obsession.

With that in mind...

...and so it goes, folks...

Ariff-isms

2011-06-17T19:19:00.000-04:00

The actor Gary Busey is know for his philosophical (yet mind-binding) thoughts, general referred to Busey-isms. Such as 'Circles Never Die'...

I wish I had something like it. Something, when said, is just so profound, yet once you think of it, is just totally mind-boggling.

Something like 'If life gives you lemons, ask what the return policy is...' Perhaps another variation to that is 'If life gives you lemons, check the expiration date'

Probably it's in me and chances are my might have said some kind of Ariff-ism without really giving much thought to it. But I guess the more I think and use something, the list would just keep on growing.

...and so it goes, folks...

Minding the gap

2011-06-14T23:59:00.000-04:00

As the name of my blog implies, minding the gap of life is something I try to do. Or in theory, at least.

But what I wanted to write about, as to not really forget what had transpired, was a little adventure in volunteering on Saturday.

So I had a bit of an ad-hoc decision to help out with a Military Bowl related event in the Deanwood area of DC --- on the other side of the Anacostia River. It was a youth football coaching clinic and I thought it was a rather interesting experience. The heat and sudden rain made for a sudden change in how things were conducted

In the projects, in case you didn't know. But despite the rather shady area, I felt the recreation center was money well spent (as Erik Moses of the Washington Sports and Convention Authority described the place)...

But that aside, for the most part I just moved stuff around and made sure parents didn't raid the Powerade meant for the kids. My buddy Mike helped out with some aspect of the coaching.

With a few hours between this event and our volunteer shift at RFK stadium later that afternoon, we decided to go out for lunch. But that meant getting out of the projects.

I have to say --- if it wasn't for this I would have no reason what so ever to go to the projects. And after this past experience, I think I don't want to go back there again. The good thing is the Metro Station was across the street from the ReCenter... anyway, Mike and I sort of got lost along the way. It didn't help that I was telling anecdotal jibberish about past volunteer experiences and life stories that was just off-tangent.

All I can say is that the two of us made it out in one piece. But what we saw along the way was just something that we would laugh about.

Lunch was when we 'parted' ways because he met his wife at the Postal Museum and I decided to run to Union Station for food. And a random trip to the Postal Museum because I didn't know what else to do until I had to get back to RFK for the evening.

That's where the story of life got interesting.

As i sat down to write this piece I realized that the longer I do stuff for DC United, there's always something that is funny that has to happen.

This time I think my responsibility as a volunteer got elevated to a whole new level, and it wasn't because of the Andy Najar bobblehead I snucked out (only to realize that I was suppose to take one anyways).

Another day in the dugouts --- I ran twice since DC scored two goals against San Jose. While I was at it I noticed a few kids wanting to high-5 me, but somehow never materialized until halftime, when things took a rather unusual turn for the better. One kid took out his soccer ball and asked me for me to sign it. His buddies then asked to sign their shirts. So I obliged, and they were all happy campers.

That was just epic. Who actually asks a volunteer for autographs, anyway?

...and so it goes, folks...

Oh well...

2011-06-09T23:00:00.000-04:00

Around this time last year I was just writing away, spending endless amounts of time (well, maybe not that endless. But a considerable amount of time though) sitting around and blogging away. Cut to a year later... or so the last few months, the stories just aren't coming.

With college life taking a priority amongst other things, sitting around and writing basically lost its appeal.

***Sigh***

That just leaves me with two more weeks of classes in the first six weeks, followed by the second six weeks.

And Saturday I would be working a couple of unrelated volunteer events --- one is a Military Bowl event and the other is of course all things DC United.

...and so it goes, folks.

2011-05-31T01:04:00.000-04:00

Being able to find time to write has been quite a chore for me as of late. And it doesn't help much that I am going to school full time over the summer (14 credits, 4 classes. Two in the first six weeks and two in the second six weeks).

The only thing is, I'm not taking photo classes. I am basically taking drawing and Art Appreciation & History classes to fulfill my art requirement.

Three weeks in. Nine more total weeks to go.

But to cover a little of what's happened to me over the course of the last few weeks, here's a rundown of it...

So, I had a couple of dates working DC United matches... which includes an international exhibition match last Sunday (5/22) against Ajax Amsterdam, which ended in a loss (2-1). It was not a bad deal since I got assign to work the n-Tieractive Tent for the VIP's, located at the South Goal. Being in the sun, though, made me darker than I already was...

Which led to the previous day, spent with my sister at Andrews AFB for the annual Joint Armed forces air show. Now, that made me dark (which led to my previous statement about getting darker at RFK the following day).

The previous weekend was spent, besides working the United-Colorado match on 5/14, was spent viewing this Amtrak 40th anniversary train at Lorton station. It was a good deal and I got see a bunch of interesting stuff.

But anywho, it's getting late and I have to get ready for class tomorrow.

...and so it goes, folks.

Minding the gap

2011-05-09T22:25:00.000-04:00

Now that I'm on a transitional period between Spring semester and Summer session (I'm taking 14 credits. All arts classes), I think it allows me to more or less catch up with posting blogs a little more regularly. For this week, at least.

But for most of last week, and to safely say most of last month, I've just been way to caught up with my photography work. Now that I have a week off to myself I'm just gonna take it easy until summer session starts next week.

On the upbeat however were these two DC United matches that I had worked: last Wednesday against Seattle Sounders and this past Saturday against FC Dallas (W2-1 and Tie 0-0). For the Seattle match I got Goal explosion: essentially run this heavy United banner every time the home team scores a goal.

So when the first goal was scored I took off and did my thing --- only to realize how winded I got after making the run. But the second goal was just epic. Just as I was getting ready to make my run I see Talon (the team's mascot) motion for the banner and I just gave it to him. Talon did his thing before giving the flag back to me for safekeeping. That lead to me being the inside joke amongst the Operations staff and interns who just couldn't believe what had happened. (even my co-volunteer Mike couldn't believe it)

Flash forward to Saturday. This photo presentation I had in the morning led to the game at night and I started off with the initial assignment I got --- encouraging people to sign up for the designated driver program. And since the volunteer staff was a little short handed I willingly got reassigned to Goal Explosion again.

Turned out it would be a rather quit night as no scores were tallied. For the most part I think I was just standing around in the dugout. Halftime I basically amused the ball girls who happened to be relaxing there temporarily. (at the end of the game i was asked if was okay for them to get autographs and where to stand. I managed to get the girls to get Andy Najar to sign some shirts).

I can only imagine what I will be doing this saturday and how it will turn out.

...and so it goes, folks.

Gone

2011-04-30T00:28:00.000-04:00

I have been on quite a slow order with regards to writing consistently over the course of the last few weeks. My photography work basically has taken over most of my free time and I guess I have failed to take notice of anything else. Wait. I have. It's just that the monotony of taking pictures has basically taken me from actually writing stuff.

Compare the amount of stuff I've written up to this point around this time last year.

Only two additional volunteer duties with DC United has broken the rhythm of all things picture related. DC played host to LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls. Along the way I got to meet Charlie Davies while wrangling kids as part of my volunteer duty. And now that I have three games under my belt, the next game I work I will get my official picture ID as well as my polo for working three games. Plus I will also get a poncho too. That will make me legit (as if working for DC United isn't enough to be considered legitimate).

But anyways I have to go and sleep for tomorrow I have to wake early for a photo class/field trip.

...and so it goes, folks.

Getting up early

2011-03-30T22:56:00.000-04:00

Time and time again I have been alluding to going out and taking pictures. And getting sick along the way (yes, I was sick for the last couple of weeks from the weird weather we've been having as of late).

Today was one of those sucky days.

But I digress.

Looking ahead to this Saturday I am happy to say that I will have such a jolly time. And it involves having to get up super early in the morning on a Saturday to take pictures of the cherry blossoms. In a good way I get to beat the crowds before they start getting in the way.

On a related side note, it would allow me to shoot the TMax 3200 film for this week's photo assignment in addition to digital pictures for this Landscape photography.

And so it goes, folks...

RFK!

2011-03-22T00:55:00.000-04:00

No. I'm not going to write about the Kennedys despite the blog's title.

And this post is severely overdue, partly from motivational issues and unavoidable technical matters that needed some attention.

But getting to the heart of the matter is that of my first day working with DC United. The best part, on top of being sick during the game, was that I got two different posts as a result of someone having to drop out --- something I will elaborate on.

Initial I was just tasked with volunteer and guest check-in (and that includes giving credenials and proper t-shirts). And the credential I got (White-stadium access) had to be exchanged for the second job I got, which was way cool.

Checking in was easy. And my second position was by far interesting because I got to watch half the game from behind the South endzone, courtesy of somebody having to drop out.

So, what was it that I did? I was tasked to checking accreditation at this VIP tent (N-tieractive). That also meant dodging free kicks during warm-ups before the game started and the occasional attacks on goal during the first half (there's a reason for everybody signing a waiver for things like that). It was great because whenever no body was coming along I got to watch the players warm up and occasional throw the ball back in. That, and dodging the ball.

The good thing was, when it got a little windy, I get to run into the tent and kind of watch the game from there.

Final Score? DC 3-1 Columbus. Next game I'm working is in a little over two weeks as the United take on Landon Donovan, David Beckham and the visiting LA Galaxy. Looking forward to that!

...and so it goes, folks.

Soccer and such..

2011-03-18T15:04:00.000-04:00

It has been quite a bit since I last wrote and I have to say that there hasn't been much going on.

Other than being sick.

On a lighter note i will be starting a new class for the next eight weeks --- it starts tomorrow morning. Plus, I would work my first DC United game tomorrow night against Columbus. I am definitely very excited about this.

...and so it goes, folks.

Inherent wisdom

2011-03-04T01:01:00.000-05:00

... or a lack of it.

I just haven't been all that interested in writing as of late, instead, trading my writings for taking black and white pictures.

But anywho, I have to admit that the last week or so I have a bit of an obsession with using 'Inherent Wisdom' in a sentence. Or at least try to in a rather coherent manner.

Like --- I do not see any sort of inherent wisdom for which the media has to overemphasize Charlie Sheen's personal problems. Face it, he is just a washed up nut case. Same goes with Ghadafi or a variation of whatever it is....

...and so it goes, folks.

Another triple digit game.

2011-02-19T23:48:00.000-05:00

A couple days ago I went to watch NoVa Basketball put up a triple point game against Germanna Community college. And it was the second match I've been to where a team scores more than a 100 points in a game.

Make that three now.

So part of the double header, the women's team played first, losing to the visiting Tidewater Community College. The men's team, however, was a different story altogether.

So Jab and I went to catch the game and by half time it didn't seem that NoVa was going to even break the century mark. The score was only 46-29. But that was about to change come into the second half as NoVa exploded to score 60 points and never looked back.

Final score: NoVa 106:57 Tidewater. That puts Nova at 21-5 overall and 8-0 in the VCCS conference.

...and so it goes, folks..

113-68

2011-02-17T23:36:00.000-05:00

It's been while since I last went to a college basketball game where a team scores in the triple digits. The first time was a couple years ago between Mason and conference foe North Carolina-Wilimington.

Tonight, however, was the second time I went to one where a team scored in the triple digits.

This time, it was Northern Virginia Community College's turn, and they went on a rampage against conference foe Germanna Community College, winning 113-68.

It was bound to be interesting from the start. Germanna started out quick, taking a 4-0 lead. NoVa then roared back to take the lead and just never looked back. At half time the score was 57-24.

The second half turned out to be more exciting than the first as Germanna turned up the heat and fought back. At least to reduce the deficit. Still, it was not enough to overcome the overpowering NoVa offense that stiffled the visitors.

With that said, I'm looking forward to going to this Saturday's matchup against Tidewater Community College in a double header (both the men and women's team are playing).

...and so it goes, folks.

Knock Beevil Hawk

2011-02-17T00:17:00.000-05:00

Ever since I started taking this Intro to Photography class, I must say it has been fun as it is a lot of work. The good thing is that for the last couple of shoots, I can say that I get to run to the woods. (And you might wonder what's so great about running to the woods? At least I don't have to worry about poison ivy for the time being)

So one of the unusual things I decided to use for this week's assignment is this football kicking tool I got as a gift from John Moorhead some time back. I kind of have an idea for this depth of field project, or at least take two-three pictures to finish the roll of film before going to have it developed in the morning. That in itself will be fun project.

...and so it goes, folks.

Rails

2011-02-10T23:51:00.000-05:00

I don't normally write about books I bought or read.

But a trip to Manassas last Saturday turned up a very interesting find.

So I walked into this used book store I've always looked in but never went in because I always go there after the shop closes for the day.

Normally when I go there (with mom and sis, of course), it's for touristy reasons. But I just needed to get out and *try* to take pictures there. To a certain extent I did. But it was the book store that drew me there, and I have to say that my curiosity was well compensated with a book by Don Ball, Jr. (I have one book by him prior to buying this one book). Titled Rails, I certainly felt it was the most interesting purchase I ever made since it kind of goes along with my foray into photography.

It's a table coffee book of railroad photography that I just fell in love with on first sight. And almost one week into owning the book I still feel that way about it. Flipping through the book, it just gave me a new way of taking railroad pictures. Of course, from a safe distance, that is. Super Excited!

And speaking of taking pictures I'll get to spend most of Monday afternoon developing what I took this week. Two rolls of film. I hope the pictures turned out well (the assignment is moving objects. I'm not sure if it turned out alright).

Anywho....

... and so it goes, folks.

Where has it gone

2011-02-09T00:15:00.000-05:00

Another week in the darkroom learning stuff and another night digging up some random junk here and there took a rather random turn.

And that is why I haven't been writing that much as of late.

Honestly the desire to write hasn't really matched that of actually taking pictures and processing it before seeing the outcome. Not to mention enlarging and coming to the conclusion that something needs to be redone. That also means finding places to go for a photo shoot, even if it is a usual spot. But with the weather just bitter as it is, such endeavors can be a challenge. More of a mind over matter deal.

But I guess I must be digressing from the very reason I decided to write this post. So i find a little note I wrote during my flight from Malaysia to DC. Something about Turbulated Coffee. It goes: Brewed coffee by act of turbulence. Something Starbucks would not do. ... Can also refer to tea as well.

... and so it goes, folks.

Huh?

2011-02-04T22:56:00.000-05:00

Ever since I've started classes almost a month ago I just hadn't had much to write about. And as of late I've just been busy with my Black & white photography class, which consumes most of my free time (thankfully my history of Photography has another 5 weeks to go) at least. It's just been keeping me busy.

So I also got some more good news. I got my circular regarding the policies of being a DC United volunteer. I have to attend the Orientation on March 5th and can start as early as March 19th against the Columbus Crew.

...and so it goes, folks.

Slow

2011-01-29T23:40:00.000-05:00

It's not something of me to not quite write as much. But it must be said that there isn't much to write about overall as life has just been --- slow.

School is pretty much getting along quite well, though the material is getting intense, especially with Photography 101. Last week was my first week developing a roll of film and I am supposed to do it on my own for this week. So far I have to say that I'm enjoying the experiance of having to work with film and actually getting my hands dirty. And not really know how the picture turned out after taking it.

Over all though, I'm already able to go right into the major since I was able to recycle 21 credits from back in the day. That leaves me at having another 44 credits to go before getting an AAS in Photography. So that leaves me looking at being able to graduate by next fall, provded that I get good grades an all. Plus I'm already thinking about what I want to do in the Fall semester regarding projects and what not (Kick Sqad, perhaps).

... and so it goes, folks.

NoVa hockey

2011-01-23T01:44:00.001-05:00

When it comes to hockey, it's one of those things I just don't quite do.

Think about it, the last time I have ever been to a hockey game was back in 2006 --- a Capitols game.

Cut to about five years later, I would go to my next hockey match, but at a much lower level.

Welcome to Northern Virginia Community College Club hockey. Tonight my sister and I made our way to Reston to catch an exhibition match between NOVA and some team (according to the schedule it as supposedly Virginia Military Institute --- but really?).

This was after an aborted attempt on Friday night to go see NoVa take on George Mason University's Club team.

But cutting to tonight's game led me to appreciate my experiences with Mason's Club football, that is being the only legitimate student-supporter. That was because in a crowd of about 30 or so folks, my sister and I were probably the only student supporters to show up.

All to see NoVa lose 10-8. Despite the rather close score, the game didn't seem like that for two of the three periods, with VMI being up 10-3 at that point. Essentially VMI owned period 1 and 2.

But for some dubious reason NoVa started to play with some sense of urgency going into the the final period, scoring the last five goals. But it was a little too late to come out with at least a tie.

Oh well, at least for sure I had a wonderful time watching them folks play. And so did my sister. Come next week that's something I'm gonna do again as NoVa hosts the College of William & Mary. I'm already super excited at the thought...

...and so it goes, folks.

How will this work?

2011-01-15T23:02:00.000-05:00

Not too long ago, about two-three weeks back, I read an article about things kids born in 2011 would likely grow up not knowing, if not be a vague foreign concept.

Among them: CD's, Blockbuster, travel agents, magazines, film cameras, etc.

Which led me think --- what am I gonna tell my children if they come across something referencing one of the listed items above?

Honestly, it would be one of those answers that will begin with "Back in the day..." before getting into tall tales of living with such item.

More or less how I felt looking at my dad's vinyl records. Which in itself goes how this story more or less comes around full circle and points out what I've been saying.

And I think my kids, when that time comes, would look at my cd collection and wonder what was it like 'back in the day', consuming music via cassettes and cds...

...and so it goes, folks.

35mm

2011-01-13T21:55:00.000-05:00

I have to admit that January hasn't been the month of writing. Ideas just hasn't been flowing much as of late.

But anywho, first week of classes was by far interesting. Especially PHT 101- 35mm Black and white photography. Later in the semester, besides taking pictures and seeing things in Black and White, is that I would be working in the darkroom with the chemicals and develop what I took. Therefore, it would give me a different set of satisfaction, something totally different from what I would get by taking digital pictures.

I'm very excited to see how things turn out by the end of the semester.

... and so it goes, folks...

What else is new?

2011-01-09T20:58:00.000-05:00

9 days into the new year and I am finally writing again.

Token writing.

Not that there has be a whole lot going on in the past nine days.

Tomorrow I start back at NoVa in the photography program. Already, I got my new 35mm SLR for one of the two classes I'm taking this semester, plus some black and white film.

Hopefully all goes well. Plus i think I will have such a blast taking a step back to learn how to use a 35mm SLR.

Anywho, I have to have an early night.

And so it goes, folks.

Full Moon Rising and Game Day

2010-12-30T19:19:00.000-05:00

I've been busy this week with a couple of Military Bowl related events, plus the game itself (which was a real blast and treat).

To kick off the week was East Carolina's tour of the Capitol. But before that I went to pick my game tickets --- which on of all days was just plain windy and blistering cold. So cold that as soon as I got my tickets I just ran to the Metro station not realizing what seats I got until I got to the Mayflower hotel. Little did I know that I got endzone seats. Pretty close to the endzone.

But going back to the Capitol trip, pretty much it felt as if I myself was going on tour because it didn't have that feel to it --- as in I (along with my co-volunteer) had much to do other than socialize with the team.

The highlight of the trip was the sight of some Asian lady whose pants and underwear were well below her butt. Not just that, she was making a half-ass attempt to at least cover it up with her sweatshirt. What's funny the entire team saw the whole deal and no body told her anything about it. Except for cameras. That, by far, made my bowl experience legendary because nothing made me prepared for such a bizarre sight.

Later that evening I headed out for what was suppose to be the Battle of the Bands between the participating teams. Turns out that only Maryland was performing because East Carolina's band got stuck in North Carolina due to snow. What a bummer.

A light dessert party ensued and I made a bee line for coffee before making my way home for the night.

Working the tailgate party yesterday was by far the most tiring event. The good part was all volunteers got credentials to the event. And I got a couple of free Maryland Beanies and an exclusive Military Bowl beanie along the way.

But it what made things tiring was trying to avoid the long lines for food and beer. Plus getting hamburgers and cheeseburgers packed before the show started. That was just one crazy experience.

And there was the cleaning up. That was by far the most tiring part, having to pick up garbage after all said and done. Plus I was one of four volunteers who stayed behind to do this (when every else just split). Plus I was the last to actually leave, so that's how I got the Military Bowl beanie).

While getting some of the pre-tailgate preparation done I managed to walk parts of the field.

As for the game I walked in midway through the second quarter with Maryland up 9-0. The game turned out to be such a wonderful affair, with Maryland winning 51-20. It was a great way to actually send soon-to-be-former coach Ralph Friedgen off.

Sad, sad, sad.

...and so it goes.

ECU!

2010-12-25T22:18:00.001-05:00

Unlike the Maryland's welcome reception on Wednesday, the ECU welcoming yesterday seemed rather Ritzy and Glitzy.

First of all, the Mayflower Hotel is a tad higher up than the Renaissance Hotel even though they are owned by the Marriott. The second part was the food --- I can say for sure that I was pretty well fed at the Mayflower than I was at the Renaissance.

But overall I basically did the same thing here as I did at the other hotel, and that was setting up the balloons in an arch and welcome the team --- and give them candy canes. Only thing was there were no camera crews to document the whole affair.

The best part, however, were the ECU fans that actually came along to welcome the team to the hotel in addition to the coach actually taking the trouble to shake hands and talk to people. Even I took the trouble to welcome him.

The fun didn't just end there. At least.

Two courtesy cars provided by Hyundai (five in total, actually) were needed to be driven to the hotel, with the volunteer driver driving one and me driving the other one (so I drove a Sonata from RFK back to the hotel via H Street --- which was the bumpiest street I've ever driven on)

Anywho, I can't even wait for Monday because I got a call from my coordinator on Thursday if I can come in on Monday and join the team on a trip to the Capitol because somebody dropped out, to which I said yes. Now I hope it doesn't snow as bad tomorrow and don't get too cold on Monday.

...and so it goes, folks.

The Fridge

2010-12-22T22:19:00.000-05:00

Who'd knew?

Day one of three days that I am volunteering as part of the Military Bowl was by far one of the greatest experience I've ever had. And the good thing is that it is a warm up for Friday's event when I do the East Carolina welcoming event.

Anywho, along with 19 other folks, I put my hand to work --- filling these Christmas ornaments with sand to serve as anchors for ballons to be placed at various locations within the ballroom as well as the walkway leading up to it. Plus it also led to some running around (climbing and going down three floors was such a work out), essentially to help place the balloons at certain locations and galvanize some other volunteers to rock out with pom-poms to welcome the team --- the latter being something I didn't partake in.

...Because I was down at the ball room getting ready to guide the players down to where they have to drop off their personal belongings before heading to the adjacent room for food and opening statements from members of the bowl committee.

While doing this I remembered to hand out the candy canes to the players. While all this was happening I didn't realize that a video cameraman represent one of the local media outlets started rolling tape. Something I only noticed a little after the fact when i turned around and saw the guy was taping the players and, according to my sister to saw the report on tv, saw my beautiful face on tv. Who'd knew?

That wasn't the end of it. As the Bowl committee was addressing the team after they had their food, the rest of volunteers (and me) went in for whatever food was left. I just had a cornbread and fruit smoothies. Not to mention to listening to the speeches regarding the Bowl game... which led another interesting point, and that was striking up a short chat this sport reporter with FOX5, Lindsey Murphy, who I've seen on a number of occasions. What I felt was funny in regards to Lindsey was after getting off from my job, I see her about to start recording outside of the hotel. Now, I had my iPod on and was skipping away to The Clash's Sandinista! Album. And as i was doing this, I just waved away at Lindsey, and I think it almost made her laugh, if not amused with the thought of having met a volunteer who is a bit whacko.

Hmm, reminds me about the candy cane --- some of my fellow volunteers were making fun of me and called me the candy cane peddler.

After that was just spent taking down some of the stuff and just making some administrive decisions with some folks regarding what is going to the ECU welcoming and what is staying at the Renassaisance Hotel.

Anyways, I can't wait for Friday to come.

...and so it goes.

Let it snow!

2010-12-16T21:27:00.000-05:00

This winter's first set of snow fell quite early this morning. And I have to say that I'm not wasn't all that thrilled because I had to be on the road when the snow started falling. Actually, it started falling while I was walking around at NoVa Alexandria. Driving was just slow.

Urgh. Why am I even writing about this, anyway?

Anywho, most of this morning was spent sealing the deal with regards to going back to being a NoVa Student. The only last hurdle was filing the proper documentation for in-state tuition. That is by far a positive note in addition to getting my college identification.

So officially I'm enrolled. But it means I would be majoring in a program that I feel would be something I would enjoy --- an AAS in Photography. The thought of it is something that really excites me as I get to learn more about something I love in addition to bring what ever I have practiced to the classes I will be taking.

...and so it goes folks.

I get my posting

2010-12-13T23:19:00.000-05:00

It is official.

I got my volunteer posting for the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman. Exciting. So I have three dates set --- December 22, 24, and Game Day (29. I'll get into the game a little late since I finish my shift at 2:30 as the game kicks off then). Respective, I also get to work the University of Maryland's welcome reception as well for East Carolina.

Who knows, I might just run into Ralph Friedgen...

And so it goes, folks.

Back to NoVa

2010-12-11T00:54:00.001-05:00

In a nutshell, this whole week had been spent dealing with Northern Virginia Community College.

Yes, seems like I'm more than likely to go back to NoVa, this time to get another Associate's degree (an Associates of Applied Arts to be more exact) in Photography. It was something I had thought of doing a little before I left for Malaysia last year but the thought just died until recently, when I had gone back to re-apply to the college and have my records re-activated.

In fact it seems that I might be enrolled as early as this coming Spring semester.

The good thing is, with my records re-activated, that also means that I would be carry less credits since I have taken some of the classes back in the day, such as College Composition 1 and Student Development.

That leaves me with having to just take the necessary Photography classes that will eventually lead up to me getting my second Associate's degree in a field that I truly believe embodies what I really and truly love the most.

... and so it goes, folks.

Nova Win

2010-12-08T23:29:00.001-05:00

It seems that for this year's basketball season, I have been to the most amount of Northern Virginia Community College basketball game --- at least the Men's team, that is. Tonight, they hosted another NJCAA sanctioned --- the Cardinals of CCBC-Catonsville.

That is, to 1 1/2. Yes, 1/2!

Well, that is because I got to tonight's game a little late, but fortunately it was half time when I got into the Ernst Gym. But from there I was thrilled by watching a game that was full of people falling down, passes intercepted (which looked more like a football game instead of a basketball match), needless turnovers, and attempts to slam dunk the ball but ended up hitting the rim.

But despite the miscues, the Raiders of NoVa were never behind and were triumph over Catonsville, 68-53, putting NoVa at 6-5 overall this season.

Maryland-East Carolina

2010-12-06T22:56:00.000-05:00

It has been confirmed, amidst some rumors and speculation, that Maryland will be playing against East Carolina in the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman.

With Maryland in, it seems rather convenient for them since it looks more like a home game than a Bowl game.

For me, I hope to at least be able to meet Coach Ralph Fridgen if the opportunity presents itself. Plus, I should be able to know what I am doing sometime this week in addition to attending the volunteer orientation on a couple of weeks.

... And so it goes, folks.

One George to another

2010-12-01T23:58:00.003-05:00

I did something which I think will be the only time I will ever do it, and that is go to a George Mason University Men's Basketball game.

Part of the reason I am not too inclined to go is that now I have to pay. And it isn't cheap either since it is now a whopping $16 to get in. That, and there was a change in the ticketing system for students --- instead of flashing a valid Mason ID and getting a paper ticket, they actually swipe the ID itself.

But anywho.... I just went anyway tonight for the opponent --- George Washington University. And it wasn't a disappoint either because of the win for Mason, 60-46. Apparently, based on the new report I saw after the game, it was the only second win against GW since 1987.

And the best part of all was only paying $10 to get in, all because of some guy ahead of me who had a bunch of tickets he didn't want and had to unload, so I took one. It wasn't a bad deal, actually, considering I wasn't really up to actually paying that much for a basketball game (think about it, add an additional $9 and you would get yourself a Military Bowl ticket -- the cheapest one, not including the convinience fee).

Oh well. And so it goes, folks.

East Carolina to play in Military Bowl

2010-11-30T15:38:00.000-05:00

With the college football regular season about to come to a close and the Military Bowl is happening in another 29 more days, one team has already confirmed their spot in the Bowl game.

East Carolina University. They will represent Conference USA, finishing the season with a 6-6 overall record.

The Atlantic Coast Conference will officially announce a representing team this coming Sunday.

The downside of indoor football leagues.

2010-11-27T23:33:00.000-05:00

I am a self-proclaimed indoor football geek, and since Thanksgiving Day was a couple days ago, that is one thing I am always thankful for --- because of the fast paced action the game provides. And I am thankful for the Arena Football League for kicking things off for a lot of of other indoor leagues that came along afterwards.

The Arena Football League has been the premier indoor football league, having been in business for for a little over twenty years --- save for one season that was cancelled due to financial reasons.

But it is the offshoot leagues that mushroomed as a result of the AFL's success that really got my attention. Not to mention my involvement with an indoor football team for one season.

There has been quite a number of indoor football leagues in operations; The AFL, Southern Indoor Football League, American Indoor Football Association West (I will elaborate on this league later), Intense Football League, and the up-and-coming Ultimate Indoor Football League.

As I said earlier, indoor football can, and is, a fun league. Especially with regards to putting points on the board. But as much as it can be fun, exciting and the like, the biggest pitfall is the turnover rate for which a team can be quite high. For some teams, being able to last until the end of the season is not much of an option, thus leading to cancellation of a season. Or in the case of the National Indoor Football League, the league collapse after the league's ownership ran afoul with member teams. Or with the Eastern Indoor Football League, it just dissolved after two games into the season.

For some teams, however, being around means being operational for a season or so, going on hiatus, then coming back after resolving whatever issues that might have led to going off-line temporarily.

However, that cannot be the case of some teams that only exist for one season and not coming back at all. A prime example is the DC Armor, the indoor team I volunteered my time with. It was a fun experience and I believe is one of the major reason I intend on major in sports management at the graduate level.

One of the predominant reason for the Armor's desmise was attendance. After going a little over 2000 fans in the first game, attendance just slid after that. Plus, I believe the team was not really promoted in addition to having to compete with other already established sports teams. (lack of media attention is another reason for blame)

All is not lost, however. Arena Football League is back, and the Intense Football League seems to have a grasp of things and should be around for some time. As with the AIFA, they were previously divided into two divisions - East and West - with both divisions playing independently of each other (a league within a league). Recently the East division merged with the Southern Indoor Football League to form a rather super league (minus former AIFA champion Baltimore).

And so it goes, Folks.

GRE

2010-11-23T22:19:00.000-05:00

If there is one thing I never quite mentioned as of late was that I had to take the GRE exam today.

And it was by far the toughest three hours I had to go through in quite a while. So tough, that I didn't realize the first thing I needed to do after I was done was to go to the bathroom to relieve myself.

At least that is a done deal for me.

... and so it goes, folks.

United

2010-11-20T23:07:00.000-05:00

What I failed to mention earlier this week was an email I received regarding a volunteer application I sent in to the folks at the DC United, Washington's pro soccer team.

The application I filled out --- done online --- was submitted about a couple months back when the United had a couple more home games left in the season. With no word from the folks regarding any opportunities, I totally forgot to follow up with them. And since the season was already over, I honestly didn't see a need to follow up again until probably next season when I try again.

As it turns out the volunteer coordinator contacted me via email, apologizing about not getting back to me sooner and wanted to know if I was still interested in helping out in the upcoming season, starting in March 2011.

With such prospect I just instinctively said yes since I knew it would probably look good on my resume when I apply to grad school, especially considering that I'm looking into doing sports management.

Oh well.

...and so it goes, folks.

NoVa ball

2010-11-19T23:19:00.001-05:00

I have only made allusions to Northern Virgina Community College's club basketball (men's) team a couple of times or so and this would be the third. The women's basketball team, men's soccer, women's volleyball, men's lacrosse and ice hockey team will only get partial mention because I have yet to make my way to one of their games.

Mumsie, my older sister and I packed up and made our way there, since Sis and I NoVa Alums. After all, the game was free (though parking wasn't).

However, going to the heart of me writing tonight is about Nova's home opener for the men's team, taking on NJCAA Division 1 ASA Institute from New York City (I'm not too sure what ASA really stands for other than the fact that they are a varsity team).

NoVa started out quite strong, scoring the first three points of the game, but gave the lead up quickly. For most of the first half they were playing catch up with ASA.

However, NoVa seemed quite determine to take the lead and probably win the game going into the second half. In fact, they managed to claw their way to tie the game and take a very slim lead over the visitors. But sloppy passing and too much foul trouble costed NoVa the narrow lead and eventually the game as well.

Final score: NoVa 64-71 ASA. The loss is NoVa's third consecative loss this season, putting the team at 2-3 overall.

... and so it goes, folks.

Semi pro state of mind

2010-11-16T23:58:00.001-05:00

Based on my experience volunteering with a now-defunct semi-pro indoor football team (DC Armor), I have to say that I enjoyed the time spent helping them out, not to mention interacting with various coaches, players and people associated with the team.

Part of that semi-pro love can be attributed to:

Having heard of indoor football and wanting so much to want to be involved in it, though the opportunity hadn't presented itself prior to the Armor's one and only season.
Having seen a couple of outdoor semi-pro football games involving the former Virginia Kings, which would later become the Virginia Spartans. ( I will get into more on this in a bit).

I definitely have a reason to why I enjoy following football at the semi-pro level.

Honesty.

I'm not saying there isn't honest people playing in the NFL. But what I am trying to say is that you would not hear much, if any, of players with diva-ish tendencies demanding attention all the time for whatever the reason. Such as wanting more money in their contracts.

I think that pretty much sums up what I feel about Semi-pro football, at least.

Which leads me to what I had mention earlier about the Virginia Spartans.

By far they are the only outdoor football that I've attended almost all of the home games (the exception being the regular season finale). What really struck me were the amount of points they piled on in the games that I attended --- at least 40 points per game. And the good part was some of my pictures ended up on the Spartans' website.

Gratification.

...and so it goes, folks.

Take a right at the light

2010-11-14T17:58:00.000-05:00

An attempt to get into graduate school means bulking up on some volunteer opportunities here and there, where ever possible.

This morning was no exception to such quest.

Two weeks after getting up super early for the Marine Corps Marathon, today it was for a less intense run --- a 5km (3.1 mile) run that went around George Mason University. It was the first ever VolRunteer 5k race.

Fortunately it wasn't all that cold when my shift began, although I really had to scrape off some ice that formed on the car over night. Today, I was a Race Marshal.

Race Marshal.

Honestly, I never expected to actually stand around and tell people to make a left turn on Patriot Circle to briefly join George Mason Blvd. before getting back onto Patriot Circle. I was basically on the job for about an hour after standing around about 30 minutes or so.

Oh all is well and it was a good deal. One event in the books, with the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman to go in December, which I will know what I will be doing in a couple weeks time.

Speaking of sports related stuff, I am looking forward to going to Northern Virginia Community College's Men's Basketball home opener on Friday at 2. That means, going to Solat Jumaat a little earlier to get to NOVA. I have to admit that based on the two times I've seen them play that I enjoy it more than I do at Mason, especially with putting points on the board. We'll just how it goes as they take on ASA Institute from New York City.

Anywho, and so it goes, folks.

This is the end

2010-11-10T01:27:00.000-05:00

Who would have known the George Mason University club football season would have ended on such an abrupt note?

As it turned out that was the case. At least that is what I heard on Facebook after a couple of friends on the football team made such allusions to the cancellation of Mason's final home game this coming Saturday. The supposed opponent was Southern Tech Academy, some post-high secondary graduate program.

The cancellation is the second of the season; the other one was also supposed to be a home game against Globe Institute of Technology, a two-year college in New York City.

I was really expecting to go to this weekend's game, part of it being able to work the sidelines to take pictures. The other one being Senior Day to commemorate the seniors on that day. Seems that it will never see the light of day.

On a side note, Walter Reed is no longer a part of the Seaboard Conference, therefore Mason is winless in conference play. Officially, Mason is 2-5 overall after the win over Radford this past weekend.

Hopefully next season Mason fares better.

... And so it goes, Folks.

24-19

2010-11-06T23:46:00.003-04:00

Mason wins second game of the season, drops Radford 24-19.

And it seems that the 2010-2011 football season isn't as bad as one would expect --- heck, there are doing better than I thought they would be doing.

The close win was something of a morale booster for the Mason Men. For me, being able to take pictures from the sidelines during the second half of the game was by far the most exciting thing to ever happen to me since I began taking pictures of the team. I will be doing that again in the season closer next Saturday against Southern Tech Academy.

Mason scored the first 3 points of the game, but Radford took the lead later in the first quarter (but missed the extra point) to be up 6-3.

The score see-sawed from there, with Mason scoring to take a 10-6 lead going into half time.

Radford scored another touchdown to take their second and last lead of the night, failing on the two-point conversion and held on to a narrow 12-10 lead.

The Patriots scored two more touchdowns, going up 24-12, before Radford scored their last touchdown of the night to cut the lead to just five points.

With that win, the Patriots hold a 2-1 lead in the rivalry with the Highlanders, with the home team being the victor.

On an interesting note, however, is that I might be making my first ever income on pictures. A Radford player's parent happen to see me take pictures and asked if I could send prints over. The financiall details will be worked out pending choice(s) of pictures.

And before I forget, the win pushed Mason up to 2-5 over all with one more game in the season.

...And so it goes, folks.

Pictures from the game

2010-11-03T19:42:00.000-04:00

Here's something I haven't quite done as of late, and that is actually putting pictures up for you the readers to see.

To our right is Cory Hancock, seen here taking a picture of John Moorhead (seated). Apparently he was given the camera by one of the coaches to take pictures but did a bad job at it so he was 'benched'.

And so it goes, folks.

End of the month

2010-10-31T23:01:00.001-04:00

As October is about to come to a close and transition into November, I think it is worth to go over what happened today.

For the seventh year in a row I volunteered for the Marine Corps Marathon, but this time doing something a little different. Instead of giving people their bags back, this time it was receiving such items. But it was an adventure for a two shift which meant having (for the first time) to get up very early in the morning. This time I had to get up at around 4:30 in the morning to make my way to the Metro with my sis who ran the 10 km race.

But getting up early in the morning was a real challange because of trying to actually sleep early yesterday as a result of the excitement caused by Mason Football. But that's another story altogether.

Goodness it was cold. And the place I had to be was some parking lot at the Pentagon, which required me to walk about half a mile from the Metro station. Plus, I had to walk with all the participants who were on their to drop off their bags and actually run.

So there was me, who didn't run, but was just to facilitate with the passage of the runners.

But for the two hours I was there nothing much to say other than watch people come and go. Since it was Halloween, there were those who came 'dressed' for the occasion and it was just plain funny to watch. My personal favorite --- Chewbaca. (i guess the latter is self explanatory)

After Sis finished her race, Mumsie, Sis and I took pictures before I had to go and actually play the final game of my softball season --- which happens to be the make up game.

As the day went the sun came out and it was pretty nice. But as I was playing - at least in the first inning - was how windy it was. I'm not sure how much the other team score (40 ?), we scored only 4, with me scoring the last score, with two at bats (first at bat was a single, second at bat led to me scoring).

Overall the game was just lackluster from the beginning because only 11 people were able to make it to the game. For reasons Omar pointed out (and I concur with) was the attitude brought by some of the fellow Nudists whom I felt didn't give enough effort to the game to actually try to win a game.

Despite going 0-8 overall was the fact that I had fun along the way. I have to admit that my confidence really has gone up in regards to hitting the ball. Just that catching the ball has become a little something to be desired of.

But anyways, I think I'm feeling a little more than exhausted for the day and in dire need of sleep. Come November.

... And so it goes, folks.

35-14

2010-10-30T23:03:00.001-04:00

George Mason University's club football wins first game, downs under-manned Walter Reed Medical College.

In its second home game of the season and last conference game of the year, Mason Football downed Walter Reed Medical Facility's club football team 35-14. Walter Reed's team were mostly reduced to playing two-way football with some reserve players --- much smaller than the team they fielded against Mason last season.

The win pushes Mason to 1-5 for the season, 1-3 in Seaboard Conference play, with two games to play (home games against Radford University's club team and Southern Tech Prep).

Despite the score, the game didn't seem like it did going midway through the second quarter. After score the initial touchdown on a Kevin Kem run to lead 7-0, Walter Reed scored on an errant Jack Langley interception. The ensuing two-point conversion gave Walter Reed a slim 8-7 lead.

As the second quarter was about to come to a close Jack Langley redeem himself and threw a Hail Mary pass that was brought down by Sean Carmichael. The point after touchdown gave Mason the lead for good.

Mason scored 21 more points in the second half while Walter Reed added a lone touchdown, failing to convert on a two-point conversion.

With that momentum, Mason looks to win at home against Radford. The series is currently tied at 1-1, with Mason winning the first meeting at home while Radford won last year at home.

... And so it goes, folks.

Life happens

2010-10-27T23:16:00.000-04:00

Sometimes life do not always happen the way you wanted it to.

That reminded me of a phrase that I heard from a communication class I heard some time back called the Life Happens rule. Honestly I do not remember the specifics to it (it goes to show how on the first day of class I wasn't really been paying attention).

Putting it into today's perspective, at least towards the latter half the day goes to show that sometimes, life just can take a turn. And in this case, it took a turn for the better.

My softball game got cancelled as a result of excessive rain (though by 3pm it was already stopped, though it was the field that was just too wet to be playable). But it wasn't all that bad of a deal for me since it gave me a chance to go one of the last few George Mason University Men's soccer match, hosting Hofstra for a conference match.

It was a tough over time loss for Mason in what was a well played game overall. Both sides actually had chances to actually finish the game off in regulation but squandered the opportunites to do so. Hofstra got the better part of overtime.

As for my softball game, it has been rescheduled to Sunday afternoon. There fore I will have a busy Sunday, with volunteering in the morning and having to get home and prepare for the season finale against Sons of Pitches. I seriously hope to win that game.

...And so it goes, folks.

Run to the hills and all things considered

2010-10-26T16:49:00.000-04:00

As October is about to come to a close, I took a moment to think things through, and realized how busy it has and would be.

It has been mentioned that most of this past Friday and Saturday was booked with volunteering with the EagleBank Bowl, mostly to promote the game at the Army Ten-Miler expo.

I failed to mention that I had a quick outing with mumsie to Skyline Drive on Sunday, taking advantage of unusually warm weather to see the fall foliage that was suppose to be great. It varied, depending on which part of the ridge you were at, but I must say it got impressive the further south we got.

And with the last few days I never expected to have a such a schedule of events happening. Of course with the GRE class and accounting, which I can't really avoid. Then I have my final softball game tomorrow night, which I seriously hope that once in for all that we actually get the token and elusive win that we have been searching for.

Then the weekend comes. I must say that would be the highlight, sort of. First up is this Stephen Colbert/John Stewart event at the National Mall --- Rally to Restore Sanity--- whch is suppose to parody some Tea Party rally not too long ago. I might just go for that depending on how things go...

... Because, I have a Mason Football game to go to later in the afternoon. It'll be the first of a three week home-stand. This Saturday Mason will host Walter Reed and I am certain Mason will actually win. There is no excuse to why they can't win against them.

On a final note is Sunday will be the seventh year I am volunteering for the Marine Corps Marathon. And for this year I have to get up super early because my shift starts at 6 am. The good thing, however, is that I am done at 830. Then it's time to watch big sis run the 10K race.

Oh what a week this will be, actually, and I am really want to get through with it.

... And so it goes, folks.

Goodness, that was tiring.

2010-10-23T23:36:00.000-04:00

I don't think I have ever put that much hours in a volunteer-related job than I have today and yesterday. Part of it had to do with some confusion with who was suppose to come along and relieve me after I initially finished my shift today.

So it was a couple of dates I did for the EagleBank Bowl since they had a both at the Army 10-Miler Expo (and packet pickup for runners --- five hours yesterday from 2-7 and today from 9-7.

Good thing we were provided a Wii game system since there were some slow moments 'waiting' for people to visit the EagleBank booth and enquire about what is going on. Plus, my Friday shift and this morning's 9-2 shift was great considering that I had someone to work with.

But the afternoon shift was left wide open and I had felt bad leaving the stuff behind unattended, which included a couple of autograph memorabilia and other little stuff that were on display. A lull in activity allowed me to actually go bowling and occasionally walk around and see what other people were doing.

Plus, I had a 'Exhibitor' tag which made me look official. Not to mention being handy since I had to come in and set things up (the expo started at 10, but I had to come at nine basically to get the Wii set up).

So yesterday it was fun because in addition to taking home a EagleBank Bowl laptop bag, I essentially swapped EagleBank Bowl Stuff with a couple of other venders and in return got a couple of bags and some little knick-knacks.

Today I took home a hat and a handful of pins that I want to give to people, plus some pens too. Despite the confusion, I essentially had plenty of fun talking to people and telling them to enter the raffle to win two free tickets to this year's game.

...And so it goes, folks.

When will this streak end?

2010-10-20T23:46:00.002-04:00

When will this streak end?

It is a legitimate question to ask considering how the softball team I am playing on just can't find that touch to actually win a game.

Which begs to ask another question. Is it that hard to find the first win of the season? I don't know for sure, but I am pretty much sure that in the Nova Never Nudes' case, getting that win is a statistical impossibility at this point in time.

Of course, there is one more game left in the season, and there is no reason for the team to just drop everything and just 'quit' and not give our very best to at least win the last game.

Tonight's game was just --- horrible. Overall we just weren't hitting the ball well enough to get anyone on base that literally was essential to getting the runs needed to stay in the game against Strike Force Delta. I scored one run for the team. The other team, I think, got about 12 runs. (The official scores will roll out tomorrow)

I had two at bats and made to base on both occasions. But it was the second one that in some ways just plain comedic.

So I manage to hit what would almost have been a ground out to first, but I narrowly got there in the nick of time. The first basement didn't make a clean catch so I kept going to second. Getting there, I almost got tagged out because I sort of over-ran the base with the ball not too far away. All I remember was taking a dive and was holding the base and dirt in my mouth, not to mention laughter coming from my team's bench. Another base hit sent me to third, and getting the 'signal', I thought I could run home. But running half way, I saw I couldn't make it home, so I turned around and took another dive. Of course, another base hit brought me home.

With all that said, somehow I'm really looking forward to finishing out the season next week regardless of whether we win or not. I think I had fun this season and I really want to do this again next season.

...And so it goes, folks.

EagleBank Bowl

2010-10-20T00:53:00.000-04:00

Something I neglected to write on Sunday night was what I could say is my first official volunteering affair related to the EagleBank Bowl in December.

Although I signed up for Bowl Week (12/24-29), I am also on the email list for whatever voluntary opportunities related to the bowl game that will come up leading up to that event. This event I helped out with was part of the Foggy Bottom Block Party (sponsored primarily by George Washington University), which interestingly enough gave me a chance to see DC's Mayor-Elect Vincent Gray show up to the party.

Later this week (Friday and Saturday, to be exact) I will be helping out again since the EBB folks will have something up as part of the Army 10 Miler foot race, which is on Sunday. Both days would even out to 10 hours of addressing to the people what the EagleBank Bowl is all about.

And I must say that this month would be quite a busy one since besides doing stuff for the Eaglebank Bowl, there's the Marine Corps Marathon. Wow, thinking about it, I can't believe it would be my seventh year doing this. I don't mind doing it since it is not that I have been doing the same thing each and every time.

Anywho, I think that is all for this time around.

... And so it goes, folks.

$120 isn't too shabby

2010-10-15T22:15:00.002-04:00

I wanted to write this yesterday but after being out on the job for most of the day, I was just too tired to actually write anything after getting home.

The good thing, however, despite the heavy rain and cold weather that took up most of the day, was the fact that I got $120. Plus I worked a lot longer than I actually anticipated (10 hours, instead of 5). I must admit it was a bit back break since some of the stuff (touch boards, score board and the like) were a bit heavy and needed two people to carry it. But it was mostly small stuff that needed to be lugged onto the truck and to the community pool. Plus we had to take inventory plus make a second trip back up to the place.

Being around my buddy Jake gave me some idea of the equipments used in addition to other little tid-bits of information here and there about his line of work. I am actually looking forward to helping him out the next time around, in about 2 1/2 weeks.

... And so it goes, folks.

0-6 and making money

2010-10-13T22:35:00.002-04:00

Seems like the Nova Never Nudes failed to capitalize on another chance to actually pull a win tonight. And yes, I am disappointed. So were my team-mates.

The final score was 15-9, though I have to double check that once the official scores on the Fairfax Athletics website comes along tomorrow.

We didn't play with that many players --- just enough players with one reserve to kind of take note of the score when the Nudes took the field on defense (10+1). What really jilted the team was that we essentially had the lead going into the third inning. But as the game got into the 5th and 6th and final inning, the game just essentially got out of hand. We even allowed a home run in the process.

With two more games on the schedule, a win has to come at some point. Honestly, I hate to finish the season winless, even though it is suppose to be a fun social league.

On a side note I have the possiblity of actually making some money tomorrow helping a friend --- Jake --- with some swimming related stuff. I'm probably gonna make $12 bucks and hour for about 4-5 hours or so. Hey, after all I could use the money and I am willing to work for it. So the job will actually take me to Laurel, Maryland and I'm looking forward to it.

...and so it goes, folks.

Again?

2010-10-11T23:57:00.001-04:00

Seems like deja vu again in regards to the NOVA Never Nudes --- the softball team I'm playing on this season. Another loss in the books for us.

Tonight's match actually was a make up game that was suppose to happen on September 29th but was postponed due to heavy rain. So this week we have two games - the regularly scheduled game on Wednesday and tonight's game.

The game was also special since Mak and Kak Lani came along to watch me play, plus Omar brought Freshta along to watch.

Honestly I'm not too sure what the score was but definitely I think my confidence is rising, which adds to the fun tonight. I actually hit the ball on my two at bats and made it to first base (though on both occasions I never got any further than that).

But what really was funny --- since it had to happen to me --- was after making a hit (which was later ruled a foul ball) I was making my run to first base. Now the ball was making its way in that direction as well before making a turn to the right. Trying to avoid getting out I ran full speed to first, failing to realize the pitcher (who happens to be a woman as well) was trying to make a play. As a result we had a collision, and I knocked her down on my way to first. All this happened in front of my team's bench, and they broke out in laughter because no one thought that would happen at all. But it was all good though.

Since it was a foul ball I got called back and snapped at the following pitch and just whacked it to shallow left field.

Hopefully come Wednesday the Nudes and actually tally a win for once. I certain don't want to finish the season with no wins at all.

And so it goes, folks.

41-35

2010-10-10T01:41:00.000-04:00

After last week's game got cancelled, I finally made my way to this week's match up between Mason and conference foe Williamson Tech. However, despite a strong showing on Mason's part, they still dropped it against Tech, 41-35.

Funtamentals!

2010-10-06T22:41:00.002-04:00

First of all the reason I spelled it Funtamentals and not Fundamentals because it's an interpretation of how I hear Omar pronounces it.

So I will say it again.

Funtamentals.

But to the core of it all though, The Nova Never-Nudes dropped another match tonight to Crush in such unlikely manner, which I think could be blamed on sheer over-confidence going into the final inning. The final score was 19-16.

What really sucked was going into the game, the rain started falling (a tad above drizzling at best, I suppose). Plus it was unusually cold too, which led many to bundle up to keep warm --- but not dry. I wore my University of Oregon long sleeve shirt under my jersey and for the second time I rocked out my University of Oregon ear warmer.

From the get go we were pretty impressive and kept the pressure on Crush. However towards to the last two innings the Never-Nudes got sloppy defensively and let the lead and potential win just slip away, just like that. We played well and as the captain said --- incremental improvements. But how long can such improvements last, really, since we only have four more games to go. And by far we are the only winless team in our division. Hopefully in the coming games, a win won't be far fetch, let alone elusive.

Also, this is the first game that I actually scored. I had three at bats --- the first one I swing, made contact but got someone out because it was the third out. The second at bat led to a strike out. The third one, I got on base on a walk.

On a side note, last week's game will be made up on Monday night. Plus, the team has the regularly scheduled game on Wednesday night.

I also managed to get an old friend to come along (who also happens to be a common friend of Omar). Jake McGrail, a classmate from NOVa, came along for the game after I mentioned to him about it earlier during lunch (and a first meeting in almost five years, if not slightly more). In some ways it was such a sweet reunion for the three of us.

And so it goes, folks.

Sidenotes

2010-10-03T23:50:00.000-04:00

Trying to keep busy is something I hope to elevate now that I'm in the waning months of the year 2010. Phew, time did flew so fast!!!

(Who'd knew that at this point in time last year I would be spending my last month stateside before abruptly leaving for Malaysia?)

So far over the last three-plus weeks or so Accounting, GRE test prepping and softball has been keeping me busy with something. And so is the trip to the gym to a)battle the bulge and b)Softball.

Soccer hasn't been so much of big deal as of late though, although I could and should get out more and just kick around (for as long as it doesn't get cold just yet).

But besides that, there is the Marine Corps Marathon at the end of the month --- wow it's been six years since I have been volunteering and this year would be my seventh. This time however I have to get up super early in the morning since my shift starts at six am (though I'll be working for a couple of hours though).

Besides that I also have this other running event over at George Mason University (wow --- now that I think of it I never really have left the place even though I've graduated from there. Hopefully I get into Virginia State University next year) that is slated to happen on November 14, with the possiblity of helping out the day before to give the runners their necessary packets. And of course, the EagleBank Bowl which I am looking foward to...

And so it goes, folks.

1-3 and EagleBank Bowl

2010-10-02T23:35:00.001-04:00

It is possible for a team to win a game without playing a single down in what should be a scheduled match.

That is what you call a forfeit.

And today was one of those days.

What was suppose to be George Mason's football club home opener against Globe Institute of Technology couldn't happen and GIT had to forfeit, thus giving Mason a 1-0 win. Apparently some transportation issue arose and Globe couldn't make the trip down.

Plus I was really hoping the game would happen since it would have been the first home game of the season. But now I have to wait until next Saturday against Williamson Tech to let the pictures roll.

That is, if the team can hold up till then.

On a different note, however, I'm looking forward to actually volunteering for the EagleBank Bowl this year at RFK Stadium --- just a stone's throw from my last football volunteering gig with the DC Armor (fun times!!!).

The actual game will happen on December 29 between a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference and Conference USA, but events leading up to the game will start on the 24th. It seems that the only day I could actually come in to work is on the 27th. I'm excited though!!!

And so it goes, folks.

Rain out

2010-09-29T19:30:00.000-04:00

My team got rained out tonight, unfortunately. And it seems that it is the second time a game that I was due to play in got cancelled due to foul weather (the other time was the final IM soccer game for my team in 2008 which resulted in a tie by default). The game will be made up and we are still looking for our first win of the season.

And yesterday was my birthday.

I didn't do anything.

End of story.

0-3

2010-09-22T22:21:00.001-04:00

It seems that despite cohesive improvements, the NOVA Never-Nudes dropped another game tonight to Sons of Pitches, 12-6. However i did make a couple of at bat appearances and walked on both occasions. So far, from 4 at bats, I managed to get on base on three appearances, and all from balls. So it makes me the only person on the team to get on base purely on walks...

Hopefully next week brings in a win.

A Saturday of my discontent

2010-09-18T23:03:00.002-04:00

I never realized how surreal today kind of turned out going on my first and probably last away football game involving George Mason. And that involved not going to two open houses (but I guess Mason football was a legitimate reason).

To be honest I got a little lost along the way after getting off at the the New York Ave/Florida Ave/Gallaudet University station. Not entirely, just that I took a wrong turn and instead went on New York Avenue instead of Florida Avenue. Of course that almost gave me the chills because

I've never been to that part of the District
I don't want to be robbed along the way
Coughing out my lungs wasn't the greatest thing to be on my mind with the latter two points that I am pre-occupied with.

But eventually I got there without incident.

It was a little getting used to not hearing any sort of chatter amongst the student population. And even more awkward was being the only ex-student who came along, amongst parents who came to watch their kids play amidst a shroud of possiblity that the Mason football program might get shut down. Soon.

65-13.

That was the final score to such a horrible game that should probably be forgotten. The score should have been higher had it not been for the number of missed point after touchdown conversions. But with the team being undermanned as it is, should it really be their fault for losing by such large margin? And being under duress of the possiblity of not actually finishing the season, the Mason Men showed heart and dedication on the field that should be commanded.

As for me, the loss and the size of the team gave me a renewed interest in being angry with Mason as a whole for not wanting to get behind the football team and support it for what it is worth. Plus it gave me some thing additional to think about --- whether I want to keep up with the team after this season.

Just a thought.

Now it's a matter of wait and see.

Being sick is never a good thing

2010-09-17T22:08:00.000-04:00

If there is one thing I really don't like, it is being sick in a midst of good things happening. Or getting ready for something that requires a certain kind of positive energy.

With me being sick like I am now I don't know how I would be able to cope with the Gallaudet-Mason Football game I'm thinking of going tomorrow at the invitation of KICK SQAD, an invite which I really intend on fulfilling. And I am pretty sure the epic pictures will flow regardless of how the game goes.

It should be one fun adventure though. since it would be my first away game.

Another week, another loss...

2010-09-15T23:47:00.000-04:00

First of all I have to make a minor correction to the final score from my team's loss last week. It was 33-5.

Tonight's game against Strike Force Delta led to another loss. But there is some stark improvements though. 12-4 was the final score. At the end of the night it gave the team some glimmer of hope for the next game we have next week.

The loss puts the Nova Never-Nudes at 0-2 overall with another 6 more games to go...

Selamat Hari Raya

2010-09-11T23:57:00.000-04:00

Yesterday marked the beginning of the month of Shawal, while previous night was the end of Ramadhan.

And that means it's the season of open houses. That also means plenty of food.

But in reality I'm just not really into doing the whole go-to-someone's-house and eat and not really socialize. Seriously.

Why am I writing about this anyway? At least I got this coming Monday night, Tuesday night and next Saturday packed with something....

Tough dysfunctional loss

2010-09-08T23:56:00.000-04:00

Tonight was a first for me as it was the first time I played softball, albeit minor rules changes here and there to make the game faster.

It was kind of embarrassing for me since I felt a little out of place with white cleats when just about everybody else showed up wearing black cleats, though our jersies pretty much offset the embarrassment (not to mention the team's overall performance, which I will discuss a little later).

So I started the game playing left field which I felt was rather challanging since I was somewhat blinded by resciding sunlight. A sheer result of it was a blown chance to make a descent catch that would have prevented the first earned run for the 'visiting' team. From there things got a little out of hand as we went into the second inning down 3-0.

The score went out of hand in the second, and unlike the previous outing, this time the ball flew over my head, and out of reach. More earned runs for the opposing team.

Now, it must be stated that the team I am on is primarily made of free agents with various playing skills, ranging from beginner like myself, to those who've played varsity softball or baseball elsewhere. The latter serves as upside to somewhat anchor the team to make up for goofballs like me.

However, the problem --- an inherent one that seems to have persisted on just about every free agent team I have been on --- is this prevalent dysfunctional element that seems to exist. And tonight's loss, 27-3, is a living testament on such dysfunction. Maybe it seems to be a little harsh considering that it is our first game and that lack of practice had some kind of impact of the team's overall performance. Not to mention the building of intuitive dynamics amongst players, myself included.

0-1 overall with another 7 more weeks to go. Hopefully things do not get any more embarrasing next week.

Is it that time of year already?

2010-09-08T02:27:00.000-04:00

A pause in my Taraweh prayers earlier tonight, which coincided with the Khatam of the Al-Quran, led me to this post tonight for some thing that has been lacking for almost an entire month of Ramadhan.

Incentive per diem was something that kept recurring, though it really isn't the point I want to make. Then again, maybe it is a minor point in a religious sense since, after all, with Ramadhan being considered the most blessed month within the Islamic calender.

(I am pretty sure that whatever religious incentive I collect per diem, or per day [or by the act] throughout this month serves a future benefit either in this life or in the hereafter, Insha-Allah)

What I neglected to mention at the beginning of this blessed and holy month is the very fact that it was --- Ramadhan. In it self I feel it was a real blessing to be able to live another year and be granted the oppurtunity to see such a wonderful and such hononrable month. Insha-Allah I would be granted a chance to see it again next year.

With that said, the heart of the matter that I want to point out is that the month of Ramadhan is almost over. Probably in a day or two depending on who sees the moon. And because of that I am seriously feeling rather sad and upset that it is almost over. Where did that time go? Wait --- I never realized that time went by so fast!!!

Which leads to --- did I really capture the essence of what it is to really go through such a blessed month? Or as I said earlier, collect the incentive per diem? I don't really know. I really do not if all acts of righteous done throughout this month was worth the sincerest effort or just wasted energy. In this case I put my trust in Allah the almighty to accept my prayers and the like, for He knows what's sincere and what's not.

In retrospects, something that occcured to me on the way home from Dulles Expo Center after performing the Solat Taraweh with over 4000 other Muslims (a figure I would never reach in Malaysia), was the signifacence of this month. Probably 10, perhaps 15 years ago I would have not have thought much of this other than the 1st of Syawal, free food, and free money. But as I grew older and have more appreciation of Ramadhan in its entirety, I feel that the free food and money that comes at the end of month (or in the month of Syawal to be more precise) is a little overhyped.

Maybe I'm missing the point on the latter.

But anyways, looking ahead I hope to have been able to collect more incentive per diem in the month of Ramadhan this year than I did the previous year and Insha-Allah to be able to attain something more next year.

Bush league

2010-09-06T01:55:00.000-04:00

The kittens seem to be enjoying themselves as they chase each other in the living room and play-fighting as I'm thinking of where to begin tonight's blog posting. I'm trying to remember what was I trying to write yesterday besides the arrival of the kittens.

Hmmm....

Softball.

The league has already released the season schedule for the participating teams and my team is playing eight games, splited into 4 "home" and 4 "away" games without having to travel to various venues. And best of all is the field my team will be using is not too far away from where I live, which makes travelling a covenience.

And on the topic of softball related matters I managed to get out and make my way to the batting cages with Omar earlier today. It's a first actually --- the first time I actually make my way to a batting cage here Stateside. There are a couple other firsts along with it too --- first time I actually bothered to practice on slow-pitch mode, and the first time in almost four months that I have been to a cage.

But anywho, i can't wait for Wednesday night to roll through and I hope to get a base hit while I'm at it...

The kittens are here!!!

2010-09-05T00:46:00.000-04:00

It is official --- the two cute little kitties are in the house!!!

And honestly it was worth actually walking up early on a Saturday, traveling almost a couple of hours to our neighbors' parents home near Fredericksburg, choosing a second cat and enjoying the trip back home with the kitties.

Of course there is the orange-colored male cat that I named Bewsee, after initially thinking of naming Busey and Gary Busey (after that very actor).

The female cat is a fluffy coated black fured one with 'snow' shoes. The name chosen for it is Chessie, after the cat made famous by the Chesapeake and Ohio (and successor railroad Chessie System) Railroad.

As I'm writing this, Bewsee is just sitting and relaxing while Chessie is out and about sniffling the living room (and probably hiding under the sofa).

Kittens are the way to go

2010-09-03T23:52:00.000-04:00

There is a little something that I neglected to mention in the past week that is now worth mentioning now such matter seem relevent enough to be brought forward.

The soon to be arrival of two kitties; a male and female.

Happens so one of the neighbors had some kittens (from one of her relatives' cats) and it looks like we are getting a couple of them. Defintely I want to make the male kitten mine.

And I have already thought of a name for the male cat.

Busey.

Initially I wanted it to name it Gary Busey after that very actor, but mom thought it was a little too long to name a cat. So it went back to just being Busey. The cat.

Oh I can't wait for tomorrow to come. Just that it will involve a day trip to get the pair of cats...

'I take batting practice'

2010-09-02T01:02:00.000-04:00

Not too long ago I took one step closer to actually realizing my softball dreams, even though I still need to work on catching the ball if I want to play in the outfield. It's one of thing that really require a good sense of coordination, and as Omar put it, getting the radar on. Definitely. Because I had issues trying to make a catch, which included running into the fence trying to catch a ball, and then dropping it.

Trying my hand at being a baseman (in this case a third basemen) wasn't as bad as I thought it would be though. Maybe I should just switch over to that.

Unlike most, or at least some of the folks on the team like Omar, I really never played organized baseball or softball until now. And although I had a blast back in the day at the batting cage, what I really took for granted (or perhaps regretted for a much better choice of words) was not choosing to hit on slow pitch mode.

Which kind of messed me up while trying to hit some of the pitches that I took.

Maybe I should take up Omar's offer and make a trip down to the batting cage and take a few practice swings and get back into the grand scheme of things called 'Actually Hitting the Ball' (it somehow sounds like a comical-ish book title)

Oh well... lets see how things turn out during the season opener...

NOVA Never-Nudes

2010-09-01T02:47:00.000-04:00

In a week's time I will actually play in my first ever softball game. Deep inside I just couldn't contain the excitement inside of me for this very fact.

Got my mit, my new softball bat and soon to be received jersey, which I requested #17 for sentimental reasons from back in the day.

But it is the name of the team that kinda made me cringe a bit. And you wouldn't believe how Omar sounded when I mentioned to him what the team name would be (as a result of suggestions and the democratic process of voting).

NOVA Never-Nudes.

To be honest, I'm not too sure who the genius is behind this name and I'm not all too crazy about it either. But democracy has spoken and I guess I have to go with it.

In all things related to the above subject, I will go for my first team-related meeting/practice later today, although for a short time. It should be fun...

Train Set

2010-08-28T23:56:00.001-04:00

After 9 years something happened today --- I finally got a train set (a very simple starter set but should serve a long way in my rather stunted imagination).

Part of had to do with going to this train show --- the Greenberg Train Show, something I've heard of but never got to going in past years for some rather dubious and unknown reasons --- in search of affordable railroad supplies. A train set was on my mind in regards to the latter and finally I got one. It is a two day event with today being the first of two days.

Not just a train set.

An SD45 locomotive painted in MPI colors. Now, I have to say it was one of those random finds because I never expected to find something lettered for a leasing company. Definitely it was a rather pleasent surprise.

With that considered a done deal I can at least start planning for my own model railroad and be able to run whatever equipment I had previously collected in the past nine years and have fun. And hope the locomotives I have actually work after all these years of none use.