Well, everyone was impressed with my 'man-bag'. In fact, I had many compliments.
The second day of the conference went well. The formal banquet was tonight and went fine. I was very nervous as the MC and made several mistakes. Most I think were just because of nerves and hopefully no one cares. Now that I have done it once, I would be able to do it better next time.
The President's reception was fun and the leather furniture in the suite was comfy. Next year, I look forward to this perk.
I watched the finals of "Farmer Wants a Wife" and the girl that I picked on day one, WON! I don't think I win anything, but it was nice to pick the winner.
One of the sales reps wants to play some pool in the future, so that might be a fun event.
Everyone headed out too Karaoke tonight at the local watering hole. Since I am feeling tired and run down, I decided to stay in and go to bed early after some online poker. The responsibility of it all is nauseating.
Later
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Man Purse
The dubious honor of being the first person eliminated from the Texas Hold-em tournament. Pretty good for the future president, huh. So I earned this very nice flowerd and jeweled 'man-bag'. I think I will use it tomorrow to carry my stuff around for the conference. It seemed to make everyone's day that I took so much pride in my "Prize". Pocket 8's will get you killed everytime.
Later
Later
IAAE - Day 1
Getting ready to start the first day at our IAAE convention. As president-elect, I have plenty of duties (I think I should have read the job description before I said yes), but few responsibilities. I'm not so used to that. It feels like things are way out of my control, but I think that is the way it is supposed to feel. At any rate, it looks to be a busy day, capped off with a steak dinner in the park(YUM) and maybe some poker tonight at the 'recreation night' at the hotel.
Later
Later
Monday, June 23, 2008
Back in the saddle
Well, Region III was a great time. We finished up on Thursday and after a short five hour scoot home, I had some unscheduled time to kill before heading to the FFA Foundation meeting that evening. After the Foundation meeting, I scooted over to the Twisted Parrott for our mid-season positioning round.
Brian, Tom, and I were scheduled to play the second place team - 3's Company. It was a sad state of affairs, at least from my perspective. I went 1-8 over the course of the night. It was a shadow of what I hoped to be. Especially for a playoff night. And to be frank, 3's Company will make you pay for any misses that you make. We ended up a 3-1 rounds loser, and avoided the skunk, by the grace of a tie-breaker criteria. Brian should be credited with coming through with the clutch win to secure the tie and then subsequently tie-break. Tom also came through in the next to last game to help put us in position to make a run for the lonely win. Sheesh. No help from me, and dead weight is the nicest thing I can say about my performance.
Sunday night - I got a chance to play in the Sunday Night 9-ball tournament at Big Dog Billiards in DM. (Race to 6 on winners, 5 on losers, winner break) Usually a high calibur tournament, it usually draws the best players in DM and I am usually a two-and-through, although I have made some break through performances. Perfection is the key, as any minor imperfections (and in my game there are many) will be fatal, as these guys (and girls) take no prisoners and will make you pay with losses. And then they have the next break and usually tack on a run of two or three (or more) racks(games).
Overall, I was happy with my performance. I ended up tied for 5/6th place in a 30 person field. A couple nice wins, and a couple could-have-beens. I was particularly happy with the performance given Thursdays 1-8 game.
1st game was with Duane and after some trading of poor shots, I ended up with a 6-4 win.
This advanced me to the next round on the winners side against Jamie F., who is the best player in DM in my uncles' opinion. I tend to disagree, but he is no doubt a top quality player. I won 6-2, in no small part to several non-typical misses by Jamie and a couple of shots that I made that I usually don't. Nothing spectacular, but he made mistakes and I didn't. A good win, but nothing to get excited about, because he crushed me last time 6-0.
If I get one good win per tournament, I consider it a good showing. In this tournament, I got two, but not in a row.
Third round front side -- Mike A. -- IMO, the best player in DM. We went to 3-3 ,with some good break and runs, and I got a couple of good games in. In the 7th rack, I missed a chance at a run out and for the life of me, I can't remember what it was. And true to form, Mike got out -- broke and ran three for the win. I get the rack and 4-3, with a break and I might have had a chance at something, but it was somewhat closer than our matches have historically been. Maybe it's an indication of a small improvement.
Back side matches -- I won over Anthony after being up 4-0 in a race to 5. He came back to 4-4 after a couple nice run outs, and an early combo. In the final game, he missed the 5 or 6 and I ran the last three for the win. Into the Money -- and it had been a long time since.
Next game was the title fight for the Pride of Home Town bragging. -- Jim P., a long time pool player from the old town. I have never beaten Jim and he historically plays way better than I do (or used to). After a 5-1 win, I couldn't believe it. He missed a couple routine shots that we somewhat un-characteristic, and I played well. I will say that the work on my break is paying off as I usually made a ball or two and had position every time in that game. It is nice to have some confidance in that portion of the game, especially after some hard work.
In the last game (and I got to run, so will cut this short) I lost to Tom, who I shouldn't have. up 4-1 and ended up on the hill. he missed the seven, leaving me a short cut shot to play. After hitting the ball going to the far end of the table and back for the nine. I played for perfect shape instead of getting close, left the cue in the jaw of the pocket, leaving an thin razor cut on the nine into the opposite corner pocket. I made the shot, but typical of that shot, scratched in the opposite end of the table, opposite corner. By one ball length, any easier and I would have been good. A chance at 3rd place and locking up 4th.
Even though, a good night and a good finish.
Later
Brian, Tom, and I were scheduled to play the second place team - 3's Company. It was a sad state of affairs, at least from my perspective. I went 1-8 over the course of the night. It was a shadow of what I hoped to be. Especially for a playoff night. And to be frank, 3's Company will make you pay for any misses that you make. We ended up a 3-1 rounds loser, and avoided the skunk, by the grace of a tie-breaker criteria. Brian should be credited with coming through with the clutch win to secure the tie and then subsequently tie-break. Tom also came through in the next to last game to help put us in position to make a run for the lonely win. Sheesh. No help from me, and dead weight is the nicest thing I can say about my performance.
Sunday night - I got a chance to play in the Sunday Night 9-ball tournament at Big Dog Billiards in DM. (Race to 6 on winners, 5 on losers, winner break) Usually a high calibur tournament, it usually draws the best players in DM and I am usually a two-and-through, although I have made some break through performances. Perfection is the key, as any minor imperfections (and in my game there are many) will be fatal, as these guys (and girls) take no prisoners and will make you pay with losses. And then they have the next break and usually tack on a run of two or three (or more) racks(games).
Overall, I was happy with my performance. I ended up tied for 5/6th place in a 30 person field. A couple nice wins, and a couple could-have-beens. I was particularly happy with the performance given Thursdays 1-8 game.
1st game was with Duane and after some trading of poor shots, I ended up with a 6-4 win.
This advanced me to the next round on the winners side against Jamie F., who is the best player in DM in my uncles' opinion. I tend to disagree, but he is no doubt a top quality player. I won 6-2, in no small part to several non-typical misses by Jamie and a couple of shots that I made that I usually don't. Nothing spectacular, but he made mistakes and I didn't. A good win, but nothing to get excited about, because he crushed me last time 6-0.
If I get one good win per tournament, I consider it a good showing. In this tournament, I got two, but not in a row.
Third round front side -- Mike A. -- IMO, the best player in DM. We went to 3-3 ,with some good break and runs, and I got a couple of good games in. In the 7th rack, I missed a chance at a run out and for the life of me, I can't remember what it was. And true to form, Mike got out -- broke and ran three for the win. I get the rack and 4-3, with a break and I might have had a chance at something, but it was somewhat closer than our matches have historically been. Maybe it's an indication of a small improvement.
Back side matches -- I won over Anthony after being up 4-0 in a race to 5. He came back to 4-4 after a couple nice run outs, and an early combo. In the final game, he missed the 5 or 6 and I ran the last three for the win. Into the Money -- and it had been a long time since.
Next game was the title fight for the Pride of Home Town bragging. -- Jim P., a long time pool player from the old town. I have never beaten Jim and he historically plays way better than I do (or used to). After a 5-1 win, I couldn't believe it. He missed a couple routine shots that we somewhat un-characteristic, and I played well. I will say that the work on my break is paying off as I usually made a ball or two and had position every time in that game. It is nice to have some confidance in that portion of the game, especially after some hard work.
In the last game (and I got to run, so will cut this short) I lost to Tom, who I shouldn't have. up 4-1 and ended up on the hill. he missed the seven, leaving me a short cut shot to play. After hitting the ball going to the far end of the table and back for the nine. I played for perfect shape instead of getting close, left the cue in the jaw of the pocket, leaving an thin razor cut on the nine into the opposite corner pocket. I made the shot, but typical of that shot, scratched in the opposite end of the table, opposite corner. By one ball length, any easier and I would have been good. A chance at 3rd place and locking up 4th.
Even though, a good night and a good finish.
Later
Thursday, June 19, 2008
New Laws
I am pretty sure that Karaoke should be outlawed at conferences. After hours there was some 'singing' that surely made the dogs within hearing range cringe. With probably less pause than I will admit too in public, I joined the crowd for some rousing renditions of David Allen Coe.
We had some wonderful tours today (Wednesday) at the conference. We went to Organic Valley, an organic milk/cheese/ etc producer that had just put up a new cold storage facility that was very impressive. 11 stories high stacks running two computerized stacking cranes and a 11 bay dock for out loading.
The second was at the fish experiment station that was in Minnesota. Their fish lab was very impressive and had many varieties in studies. Lake Sturgeon was the one that I liked the best, but they had some 8 year old blue-gill that would make any pond fisherman happy.
This AM - Thursday - we have the final business meeting and my presidents report (was less then stellar) was given since Brian was unable to be here. Not exactly my favorite part of the conference, but since it was part of the position.... I really need to start reading these job descriptions before I sign on.
Heading home this afternoon and an FFA Foundation meeting this evening upon my return, before making my way to play our play-off game tonight.
Rolling stones gather no moss, I guess.
We had some wonderful tours today (Wednesday) at the conference. We went to Organic Valley, an organic milk/cheese/ etc producer that had just put up a new cold storage facility that was very impressive. 11 stories high stacks running two computerized stacking cranes and a 11 bay dock for out loading.
The second was at the fish experiment station that was in Minnesota. Their fish lab was very impressive and had many varieties in studies. Lake Sturgeon was the one that I liked the best, but they had some 8 year old blue-gill that would make any pond fisherman happy.
This AM - Thursday - we have the final business meeting and my presidents report (was less then stellar) was given since Brian was unable to be here. Not exactly my favorite part of the conference, but since it was part of the position.... I really need to start reading these job descriptions before I sign on.
Heading home this afternoon and an FFA Foundation meeting this evening upon my return, before making my way to play our play-off game tonight.
Rolling stones gather no moss, I guess.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Region III
Spent today at the Region III Ag Teachers conference in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
We enjoyed a round of golf this AM and Peiffer and Fisher were great companions on the course. I hit the ball well enough, and had several shots that would pass for good, but as the round wore on, it was apparent that I don't play enough golf to hit the ball for 18 holes. There were train tracks that bisected the course and we had several close-up looks at the freight train as it passed through.
This evening we enjoyed a ride up the Mississippi river on a river boat to the lock and dam north of LaCrosse. It was a nice trip and we all enjoyed the company and conversation with fellow Ag Educators from across the Region. (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska) (Not listed in order of importance) :0)
Just finished a social outing this evening and the 29 pepsi's that I have contributed enough caffeine to my system to stimulate an elephant. I suppose I should turn in and be able to function tomorrow as we start the meeting portions of the conference. A couple tours in the PM should be interesting and showcase some of the unique agriculture in this area.
Till then....
PS - Got to play some pool tonight at the 'Library'. I mostly played lefty to keep things sociable and actually enjoyed the time at the table more than I thought I would.
We enjoyed a round of golf this AM and Peiffer and Fisher were great companions on the course. I hit the ball well enough, and had several shots that would pass for good, but as the round wore on, it was apparent that I don't play enough golf to hit the ball for 18 holes. There were train tracks that bisected the course and we had several close-up looks at the freight train as it passed through.
This evening we enjoyed a ride up the Mississippi river on a river boat to the lock and dam north of LaCrosse. It was a nice trip and we all enjoyed the company and conversation with fellow Ag Educators from across the Region. (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska) (Not listed in order of importance) :0)
Just finished a social outing this evening and the 29 pepsi's that I have contributed enough caffeine to my system to stimulate an elephant. I suppose I should turn in and be able to function tomorrow as we start the meeting portions of the conference. A couple tours in the PM should be interesting and showcase some of the unique agriculture in this area.
Till then....
PS - Got to play some pool tonight at the 'Library'. I mostly played lefty to keep things sociable and actually enjoyed the time at the table more than I thought I would.
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