Personal Update Thread

[KB 34]

4 years ago I started this thread at the previous version of the boards to announce where I was going to college. 4 years later I've decided to attend UNC-Chapel Hill for grad school this fall. I've decided it's time to move to a warmer climate where there's a strong technology base and great education opportunities. For my specialty UNC is rated #1 in the country which will hopefully lead to opportunities I can't imagine now.

[Chris_Moderato]

4 years ago I started this thread at the previous version of the boards to announce where I was going to college. 4 years later I've decided to attend UNC-Chapel Hill for grad school this fall. I've decided it's time to move to a warmer climate where there's a strong technology base and great education opportunities. For my specialty UNC is rated #1 in the country which will hopefully lead to opportunities I can't imagine now.

Plus, you've spent some time down in Alabama too, right KB? So you won't be so shocked by the unbelievably oppressive humidity here in the southern coastal region.

What will you be working on at UNC? You're a chemistry guy, right?

[Middle Man]

Congrats, KB! You'd better polish up on your NASCAR lingo.

Hey Chris, you gonna stay in Norfolk or what?

[Chris_Moderato]

Congrats, KB! You'd better polish up on your NASCAR lingo.

Hey Chris, you gonna stay in Norfolk or what?

Yeah, decided that now isn't the right time for us to relocate. For the time being, we'll be remaining in this area. Might move back over to Newport News, though.

[KB 34]

Plus, you've spent some time down in Alabama too, right KB? So you won't be so shocked by the unbelievably oppressive humidity here in the southern coastal region.

What will you be working on at UNC? You're a chemistry guy, right?
I spent 2 summers in Alabama so I know what humidity feels like. I didn't mind the heat that much which is good. It beats the cold. I don't know what my research will be on yet. I select a group to join during the fall semester and go from there. Starting out I'll be taking classes and teaching labs.

[luvdembravos]

That's a great area KB. You should like it. Go Duke!

[JanShan12]

My partner and I are buying a house!

I've lived in nothing buy college dorms and apartments since I left my parent's house 11 years ago, so this is a huge step in owning our first home. I'm so excited! We close on the 30th... less than 2 weeks. Lots of packing and things to buy, but we're up for it!

[FrankEC]

My partner and I are buying a house!

I've lived in nothing buy college dorms and apartments since I left my parent's house 11 years ago, so this is a huge step in owning our first home. I'm so excited! We close on the 30th... less than 2 weeks. Lots of packing and things to buy, but we're up for it!

Congrats Jan! Owning a home can be a pain the rear sometimes, like when the air conditioner goes out or the stove dies, but it is all totally worth it. Here's to the two of you sharing a long happy life in your new place. :cheers:

[Hobbes]

Congrats Jan! Owning a home can be a pain the rear sometimes, like when the air conditioner goes out or the stove dies, but it is all totally worth it. Here's to the two of you sharing a long happy life in your new place. :cheers:
I'll echo the congrats Jan. It's really a nice feeling to own your own home.

I'll also echo that it can be a pain sometimes, and certainly comes to hog a lot of your free time on weekends. I literally just finished installing a new water heater about 15 minutes ago. Combine maintenance, lawn care and various home improvements and you can find yourself totally consumed by your house.

But I also agree that it is worth it.

[JanShan12]

Thanks, Frank and Hobbes! We are finding that we have a lot of things to buy, like a lawnmower and a washing machine, before we move in, but the house is coming with all knew appliances in the kitchen so we can't complain too much. :) I have so many plans in my head of how I want to landscape the backyard and start a small garden, but I'm trying not to get a head of myself.

[jlcct]

Again, congratulations Jan! So tell us about the house.

[Lauren T.]

Everyone has great news! Congrats KB and Jan. :)

[FrankEC]

I guess I can add to the good news category. My wife was due to have our 4th child on May 19th, but jumped the gun a little bit. Her water actually broke on March 13th, 10 weeks early. They were able to get her steroid shots and hold off labor for 2 weeks and our new daughter Josslyn Grace Caldwell was born at 5lbs even on March 27th. She is still in the NICU which is why I have been hesitant to post anything, but at this point, we're pretty much out of the woods and just waiting on her to start eating entirely on her own from a bottle instead of a feeding tube. We're really hopeful she'll get to come later this week.

[Hobbes]

Glad to hear she is doing well Frank, and I hope everything goes smoothly from here out.

Congrats!

[The Rap]

Congratulations Frank! Hope everything will be ok. Have you given up on sleep yet? :>)

[Wahoo]

That's a great area KB. You should like it. Go Duke!

LMAO.

[Wahoo]

Congrats on the new home purchase, Jan. My wife and I took the leap ourselves, and are just now settling in. Broke as hell, but at least I'm not throwing massive amounts of money way every month. And, Hobbes, so true on the time consumption. Between cutting the grass, and all the other regular chores involved, the weekends have been flying by.

Glad to hear Chris is staying in the Commonwealth. One of these days we VA folk need to organize a get together.

[Lauren T.]

I've been dying to spill this, but wouldn't dare publicly talk until it actually happened. I was interviewed by a local NPR reporter today. I told almost no one about it because I wasn't sure how, when, where, or IF it was actually going to happen. Basically, Atlanta's NPR station is doing a piece on the Braves Organist, and the piece might go national. Apparently Matthew (Organist) suggested the NPR guy (Phil) talk to me for a fan's perspective, even though we'd never met. So all that conspired about a week ago... I met Matthew on Friday, we talked over the weekend some more, and the interview was set for today. The Braves PR Manager jumped in and helped coordinate everything and gave me a couple of tickets for tonight. The interview was postponed, then I showed up to the game anyway and Phil called after seeing my tweet from BP, and we spent half an hour with a boom mic in my face talking about everything from the Braves to the blog to music to the hospice out back to our respective parts of town. It was all pretty cool. I'll let you know when the piece makes it to air!

[Andy G.]

That is TOO cool Lauren. I'm really happy for you.

[Hobbes]

Cool deal Lauren. You're gettin' famous.

[Middle Man]

... You're gettin' famous.

And she's doing it without having to humiliate herself on a reality TV show. Way to go Lauren! :D

[Dreamscape]

The most important question...did you plug chopnation?

[Chris_Moderato]

The most important question...did you plug chopnation?

That's a little personal, don't you think?

Hey-ohhh!

THIS WAS A JOKE.

[Wahoo]

That's a little personal, don't you think?

Hey-ohhh!

THIS WAS A JOKE.


You are one funny sum b, Moderato.

[Wahoo]

And she's doing it without having to humiliate herself on a reality TV show. Way to go Lauren! :D

Ah, yes. The high road. Glad to see someone taking it to the top.

[Lauren T.]

Thanks, guys. I am not interested in fame, but making connections never hurts. :)

[Devil Wears Prado]

I've unofficially committed to Quinnipiac. I'm going for nursing but will probably not stop there... maybe I'll transfer to their physical therapy program after my freshman year, maybe I'll become a physician assistant (PA) or a assistant physician registered nurse (APRN). QU wasn't on top of my list of schools that I wanted to go to, but they're offering me the most money and no one even comes close. The one thing that I don't like about it is that my sister goes there, and for the same thing (nursing), and she's one year ahead of me. The school isn't exactly city-sized, so I'm sure we'll run into each other often. She doesn't want me going there, but we both understand that it's really what our parents can afford and unless I want to go to a community college, the school is good bang for the buck. Good school to go to if you want to go into health sciences.

I don't know if I'll keep my job at the gas station that I work at in the summer. Do you guys think I should? I've been working there since late June, and I have hated it because my boss is almost bipolar. But she's been really nice to me ever since our exchange of words where I basically told her that school will always come first no matter what. Since then, she has really been understanding and my hours have been much higher (about 20 per week), and I also got a $.16 raise from the minimum and I was also promised a (forgot the term for it - it's what you get paid if you were due for an increase a couple months ago and the money you would have been paid will go into your next paycheck I guess?) I saved up enough money for my own laptop in college so I don't have to ask my mom to pay for it, but I was thinking of working just a little bit more to have some pocket money in summer and maybe get myself a new phone or something for college.

There... that's good enough for a personal update. I've also gained quite a few pounds of muscle, but I didn't want to go in depth in that because I don't think many of you guys here would want to get jealous (kidding). :P

[JanShan12]

Congrats, Frank! You must be so excited! Hope everything continues to go well. Keep us posted...

Very cool, Lauren! Let us know when we can see it.

We close on the house in less than a week. It's 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and has a finished basement in a perfect area only 5 miles from my work. The best part is one of the extra bedrooms will be painted red and navy blue for my Braves and a place where I can keep all of my Braves memorabilia, which has increased greatly over the past couple of years.

I'm going to all 4 games this week of the Braves/Cardinals series here in St. Louis, so will hopefully come back with more autographs. Tomorrow (Monday), we're sitting right by the Braves dugout near the on-deck circle, so keep your eyes open. I've made a sign for Bobby Cox and can't decide what to write on the opposite side...

[IkeWagner]

I'm going to start graduate school in the fall at the University of Missouri, for philosophy. I mentioned this briefly in the braves forum but I'll elaborate a bit here. Missouri's program, though not elite (unlike UNC's analytical chemistry program - nice job KB!), has some excellent people with interests that line up nicely with mine; one is a leading philosopher of mind (my main area of interest) whom I cannot wait to work with (in preparation I'm attempting to master his book:)). It was clear from my campus visit that the graduate students are very bright and the atmosphere of the department congenial, and Columbia looks to be a nice place to live. St. Louis is only a couple of hours away if I wanted to catch a Cardinals game. I'm absolutely giddy to quit my deadend job of 4 years and start doing what I love to do.

[Hobbes]

Congrats Ike. You'll need to catch up with Jan sometime for a Braves-Cards game.

[bravos4evr]

Not really a personal update but I figured it fits here.

As many of you know that oil rig screwup out in the Gulf is pumping 5000 barrels a day into the water... The biggest problem is that a major storm front is going to roll through this weekend and may push the slick right into the Mississippi and eastern La, shorelines....... crap.... and I'd just taken up fishing again.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

I wonder if you can find full-time work helping them round/clean up the oil?

[bravos4evr]

Heck I'm a crew leader for the Census right now and it looks good until the end of July. Making bank so I will worry bout finding a new job come mid june.

[Hillbilly]

Not really a personal update but I figured it fits here.

As many of you know that oil rig screwup out in the Gulf is pumping 5000 barrels a day into the water... The biggest problem is that a major storm front is going to roll through this weekend and may push the slick right into the Mississippi and eastern La, shorelines....... crap.... and I'd just taken up fishing again.


I've already paid a deposit on a condo for a week in July at Gulf Shores. Wonder how that's going to turn out? :banghead: I'm pretty sure the deposit is non-refundable, so I hate to just eat it. On the other hand, it's going to be hard to justify a trip down there without any beach-time. The wife and kids aren't going to buy into that crap.

[Lauren T.]

I have a new job!!

I've been working for a big 4 accounting firm for 3 years, and if you're not a super-driven, borderline masochistic, team-oriented individual, it's not the place for you. I was a lower-level staffer, and was constantly being mistaken for an admin...and it didn't help that our admin is so picky about her job responsibilities. It was just easier to help the staff out than to argue with her over who should make the copies or order dinner when the team was staying late.

Anyway, there was nowhere for me to move up within the team -- I'd have to transition to a different job within the firm -- so I'd been looking internally and externally for jobs for over a year. This one is back into HR, where I've been trying to find a job again for years. YAY!

PS -- Just because someone works in the accounting industry doesn't mean they work in tax, or that their busy season or busy time of year is April 15. Our busy time was about 7 months a year, and up to 70 hours a week in Jan/Feb. ...Not kidding.

[Hobbes]

Congrats Lauren! My wife is an HR director, so I'm quite familiar with the field. Good luck with the new job.

[bravos4evr]

I have a new job!!

I've been working for a big 4 accounting firm for 3 years, and if you're not a super-driven, borderline masochistic, team-oriented individual, it's not the place for you. I was a lower-level staffer, and was constantly being mistaken for an admin...and it didn't help that our admin is so picky about her job responsibilities. It was just easier to help the staff out than to argue with her over who should make the copies or order dinner when the team was staying late.

Anyway, there was nowhere for me to move up within the team -- I'd have to transition to a different job within the firm -- so I'd been looking internally and externally for jobs for over a year. This one is back into HR, where I've been trying to find a job again for years. YAY!

PS -- Just because someone works in the accounting industry doesn't mean they work in tax, or that their busy season or busy time of year is April 15. Our busy time was about 7 months a year, and up to 70 hours a week in Jan/Feb. ...Not kidding.

And now you can tell that a-hole where to stick their crappy review!!! lmao!:D

[Lauren T.]

Exactly, barvos. :D And thanks, Hobbes!

[sdp]

Congrats, Lauren!

[CanadaBravesFan]

Outstanding news Lauren!!! I always knew that you were destined for big things!

[jlcct]

UPDATE: I'm awesome.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

Headed to Panama City Beach for the annual R&R. Leave tomorrow morning as soon as I can get myself up and going. If it's like usual, I'll be without much Barves coverage so I'll try and look in here for game news. I finally broke down and bought a laptop to play with so at least I'll have this as an option. I'm almost used to watching them on ESPN's game cast simulation since I can do that at work sometimes!

[sdp]

Anyone here familiar with Boston/Cape Cod? I'm going for five days in July. Any tips, can't miss restaurants, etc.?

[Hobbes]

Anyone here familiar with Boston/Cape Cod? I'm going for five days in July. Any tips, can't miss restaurants, etc.?
I went to both areas and enjoyed them. But it was many years ago and I can't recall any specifics to recommend.

Boston is a nice city and much smaller than I had envisioned. It was a good walking town. I did get to take in a game at Fenway, which I heartily recommend if you can swing it.

At least they've finished the Big Dig and you won't have to deal with that mess like I did.

[Lauren T.]

sdp, it's been 10 years since I was in Boston, but I remember really loving Legal Sea Foods (http://www.legalseafoods.com/index.cfm). :) I don't remember which location I went to, though. Our hotel overlooked Fenway, if that helps?

[sdp]

As opposed to what? Illegal Seafood? :p Google Reviews has tons of raves for it, so I think I'll check that out.

Unfortunately, the Red Sox are out of town when I go, so I'll have to settle for just a tour of Fenway.

[jlcct]

If your into comedy the Improv Asylum is awesome. It's obviously improvisational and it's also sketch comedy. They involve the audience for half the show and it's so much fun. I think they have like twenty comedians on their staff and they rotate nights just like a restaurant. It's very fun and comfortable unless they decide they want to pick on you. Sometimes that makes it even more fun. It's my favorite thing to do in Boston.

[Hobbes]

You may also want to PM absintheofmalaise. He's a Red Sox fan, although I don't know if he actually resides in the Boston area.

[JanShan12]

I know I'm a little late, but congrats on the new job, Lauren.

[Wahoo]

Congrats, Lauren.

Side note: I finally got my pics up from the Braves Gnats game up on facebook. I am going to try to post someone here tomorrow.

[Lauren T.]

Told the boss & HR today, last day here is June 24. HOORAY!!! :D

[Hobbes]

Told the boss & HR today, last day here is June 24. HOORAY!!! :D
Did you tell him that he smelled, he dressed poorly, and that his comb-over wasn't fooling anybody?

[ScooterBrave]

Great way to quit your job:

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/680814/the_best_way_to_quit_your_job_ever/

[bravos4evr]

Played my first solo show tonite.... it was uber stressfull, but my songs seemed to go over pretty well(granted I was playing country at a beer bar full of middle age or older folks...) But hell, I'm buzzing off of the energy of the whole dang thang still!!!

[bravos4evr]

Off to Disneyworld tomorrow morning! The best thing? My trip is gonna only cost the gas and anything I happen to buy there! Why? My ex Gf (we stayed friends) works for Disney!! Free admittance babay!!!!!

[ScooterBrave]

Off to Disneyworld tomorrow morning! The best thing? My trip is gonna only cost the gas and anything I happen to buy there! Why? My ex Gf (we stayed friends) works for Disney!! Free admittance babay!!!!!

Welcome to the oven! We are hitting high 90's with heat index over 100.

[KB 34]

I've been a zero year grad student for a week and a half now. Living in North Carolina is pretty nice. A college town minus undergrads is the place to be I guess.

[Devil Wears Prado]

Going to college soon. Time to start buying random stuff! Laptop, clothes, perhaps new iPhone, etc.

Thinking of purchasing the 13' Macbook Pro.

[Lauren T.]

I've been dying to spill this, but wouldn't dare publicly talk until it actually happened. I was interviewed by a local NPR reporter today. I told almost no one about it because I wasn't sure how, when, where, or IF it was actually going to happen. Basically, Atlanta's NPR station is doing a piece on the Braves Organist, and the piece might go national. Apparently Matthew (Organist) suggested the NPR guy (Phil) talk to me for a fan's perspective, even though we'd never met. So all that conspired about a week ago... I met Matthew on Friday, we talked over the weekend some more, and the interview was set for today. The Braves PR Manager jumped in and helped coordinate everything and gave me a couple of tickets for tonight. The interview was postponed, then I showed up to the game anyway and Phil called after seeing my tweet from BP, and we spent half an hour with a boom mic in my face talking about everything from the Braves to the blog to music to the hospice out back to our respective parts of town. It was all pretty cool. I'll let you know when the piece makes it to air!
I received word last night that the piece is scheduled to air next week. :) YAY, and finally.

[sdp]

Awesome!!

[bravos4evr]

Welcome to the oven! We are hitting high 90's with heat index over 100.

I'm from south mississippi man, I can handle it, in fact at hollywood studios today and it was 95 and damp, not too bad tho!:-)

[Hobbes]

I'm currently in New Orleans on a business trip, and the heat and humidity is killing me.

[jlcct]

I'm in CT and it's been really comfortable for weeks. It has rained now and again but all in all it's been almost perfect.

[sdp]

My shirt was stuck to me because of the humidity Tuesday night at Turner Field. Unfortunately, it took a two-hour rain delay to make things more comfortable. Heat is one thing--humidity takes it to another level.

[Devil Wears Prado]

I'm in CT and it's been really comfortable for weeks. It has rained now and again but all in all it's been almost perfect.

If you don't mind me asking, where from CT are you from? I am also from there and I had no clue there was anyone else on this board from CT. But yeah, the weather has been nice recently... a few rain clouds here and there but other than that, this week has been fabulous. I swear I need to start waking up earlier to see the sun rise though... whenever I wake up, it's already the middle of the day.

[jlcct]

lol yeah we've had it pretty good recently. I hope this doesn't come across wrong to anyone here but... as I've mentioned before I traveled the country for work for a few years and I don't think you can beat New England weather for three seasons out of the year. We've got rolling hills and windy roads that look like tunnels from all the trees surrounding 'em with beams of sun light streaking through onto the pavement. Crisp clean air. Not to much humidity and not to dry. I like it here. Maybe I'm a little biased I dunno. I would love to have a winter home in California though.
I thought I was the only CT person too. I'm in Manchester right now. I'll be officially moved to Bolton tomorrow though. What part are you from? I don't think I've met one Atlanta fan in CT ever. I've asked a couple people because of their apparel but it's always just a style. Or even a statement for certain folks. So now I just assume they don't even know what the A stands for. I can't tell you how many people asked me how I became an Athletics fan.

[Devil Wears Prado]

lol yeah we've had it pretty good recently. I hope this doesn't come across wrong to anyone here but... as I've mentioned before I traveled the country for work for a few years and I don't think you can beat New England weather for three seasons out of the year. We've got rolling hills and windy roads that look like tunnels from all the trees surrounding 'em with beams of sun light streaking through onto the pavement. Crisp clean air. Not to much humidity and not to dry. I like it here. Maybe I'm a little biased I dunno. I would love to have a winter home in California though.
I thought I was the only CT person too. I'm in Manchester right now. I'll be officially moved to Bolton tomorrow though. What part are you from? I don't think I've met one Atlanta fan in CT ever. I've asked a couple people because of their apparel but it's always just a style. Or even a statement for certain folks. So now I just assume they don't even know what the A stands for. I can't tell you how many people asked me how I became an Athletics fan.

I live in Oakville, but I used to live in Waterbury. This Fall I'll be dorming up at Quinnipiac University studying nursing. Connecticut is indeed a beautiful state to live in. You get to enjoy all of the seasons and like you said, there are plenty of pleasant sceneries over here. But I grew up in the Bronx and I seem to be more attracted to a city's life and 'weather'. But I can appreciate the good from both worlds. And also agree with you on the limited amount of Braves fans over here. If I run into any of them, they most likely are 'inherited' fans. Fans in which their parents or grandparents were Braves fans and they just happened to like them growing up. I've yet to purchase my own 'official' colored Braves hat though. I have a black and white fitted, but it's not red and blue. I should probably get one of those before I head off to college...

[Hobbes]

I lived in CT for a few years (work relocation). I lived in Guilford (a bit east of New Haven on the coast). I agree with the assessment of the beauty of New England. I loved the scenery and weather of the area. Of course, Fall in New England just can't be beat.

You trade off some convenience for that though, with shopping and dining options being fewer and farther between.

Weekend traffic also sucked in the warmer months, as NYC folks clogged the major highways with their weekend travel.

[Lauren T.]

If you're in the Atlanta area, you may want to listen to this (http://twitter.com/bravesorganist/status/16777331408) tomorrow if you want to hear my voice too. :)

[Agent-X-]

If you're in the Atlanta area, you may want to listen to this (http://twitter.com/bravesorganist/status/16777331408) tomorrow if you want to hear my voice too. :)

Wow. Where do we join RainIsBeautiful fan club??

I've already heard your voice. It is quite the pleasant voice. Melodic and sublime. :thumbsup:

[Lauren T.]

Wow. Where do we join RainIsBeautiful fan club??
Well, you can officially "like" my blog here (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Braves-Love/337833732055), or follow me on Twitter (http://twitter.com/BravesLove) if you want. Or, keep putting up with my occasional off-topic cooing at the boys here. I'm not going anywhere yet. :)

I've already heard your voice. It is quite the pleasant voice. Melodic and sublime. :thumbsup:
Aww, thanks. :rolleyes:

[Lauren T.]

I sounded nervous, you guys! And somehow, there was more of me talking than of the organist talking. Eeek! If you want to listen, here's a link (http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wabe/news.newsmain/article/0/1/1666137/Atlanta/Twittering.a.New.Baseball.Tradition). :)

[-Dr. Brave-]

Any chance we can download your voice as a ringtone?

[Lauren T.]

Ha, that would be awesome. I should sell them for $1.99 or something.

[Middle Man]

Congrats, Lauren T.!

Have all you facebookers seen this page?

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Braves-Love/337833732055#!/pages/The-corny-jokes-John-Smoltz-tells-during-Braves-games/123719647656820?ref=search

[Lauren T.]

The NPR piece went national this morning. Sorry I couldn't alert you guys ahead of time so you could gather around your radios like in the olden days ;) but I just found out yesterday evening and I went to Nashville today -- it's been a crazy day! Here's the permalink (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128368810); it was on Weekend Edition at around 9:30 this morning. :) /selfpimp

[bravos4evr]

delete

[luvdembravos]

I work in an office next to a couple of women that have these positive affirmations plastered all over their office wall...you know the kind, "Dance like no else is watching" and "Nobody really cares if you're miserable, so you might as well be happy."

These are two of the most miserable b!tches I've ever been around in my life.


LOL. I can relate to that, Slayer. The majority of folks I've encountered who plaster motivational leadership posters ("Soar like an Eagle" etc.) in their office are the type no one wants to follow.

[KB 34]

My office: 2 Dilbert cartoons (Wally's explanation of stress to Asok and Asok wearing a bear costume to increse morale), Calvin and Hobbes (Calvin's theory about literature greatness), and a space cartoon created by a friend (a rocket engineer holding a "will math for food" sign)

I guess I'm more cynical than the leadership poster types but I probably enjoy looking at my wall more than most.

[Chris_Moderato]

My office: 2 Dilbert cartoons (Wally's explanation of stress to Asok and Asok wearing a bear costume to increse morale), Calvin and Hobbes (Calvin's theory about literature greatness), and a space cartoon created by a friend (a rocket engineer holding a "will math for food" sign)

I guess I'm more cynical than the leadership poster types but I probably enjoy looking at my wall more than most.

Can't go wrong with Calvin and Hobbes.

[bravos4evr]

If I could get laid half my problems would be gone mang!!!

[I Come in Peace]

Life has been a little rough but I'm probably moving to San Diego soon. By far the best city in the US. Might be going back to school since the job market is just awful.

[KB 34]

The left coast? Well, I advocate going places and having new experiences so best of luck to you there and I hope you enjoy it.

[I Come in Peace]

The left coast? Well, I advocate going places and having new experiences so best of luck to you there and I hope you enjoy it.

well it isn't sure thing yet that I am going there. Saving up some cash first.

How is UNC and the Chapel Hill area for you? I live in Raleigh.

[KB 34]

UNC has incredible research facilities and opportunities and Chapel Hill has been a good city so far. I really like the dynamic Franklin Street brings to the area. I've been over to Raleigh a few times this summer for various reasons. North Hills is nice and furniture shopping is pretty easy on HWY 70. The downtown museums are good for free museums. I was surprised to see how spead out Raleigh is. I was expecting a larger downtown than there is.

[jlcct]

If I could get laid half my problems would be gone mang!!!
You mentioned in another thread that you don't have a dog. That might help with the ladies and when they aren't around at least you won't get bored and think yourself to death. I bring mine with me almost everywhere and he brings a ton of attention. He's a great ice breaker. It's almost unfair. He's my homie. I don't know what I would do without him. Probably think myself to death lol.

[I Come in Peace]

UNC has incredible research facilities and opportunities and Chapel Hill has been a good city so far. I really like the dynamic Franklin Street brings to the area. I've been over to Raleigh a few times this summer for various reasons. North Hills is nice and furniture shopping is pretty easy on HWY 70. The downtown museums are good for free museums. I was surprised to see how spead out Raleigh is. I was expecting a larger downtown than there is.

you should have seen the downtown a few years ago, they just made it better and bigger. the raleigh downtown is a disappointment.

i didn't know they allowed your kind in Chapel hill.

[alaskabravesfan]

If I could get laid half my problems would be gone mang!!!

IMHO, a relationship (whether it's 30 mins long or a lifetime) won't solve problems that come from within. Getting to a place where you are at peace with yourself and your life can be a complicated, time-consuming effort, but in the end, you'll be better equipped to be a partner to others. (In a one night stand or in a marriage.)

I'm guessing you made that comment tongue in cheek. So please don't feel like I'm preaching. More just observing...

Your Chopnation Friend,
-alaskabravesfan

[Chris_Moderato]

IMHO, a relationship (whether it's 30 mins long or a lifetime) won't solve problems that come from within. Getting to a place where you are at peace with yourself and your life can be a complicated, time-consuming effort, but in the end, you'll be better equipped to be a partner to others. (In a one night stand or in a marriage.)

I'm guessing you made that comment tongue in cheek. So please don't feel like I'm preaching. More just observing...

Your Chopnation Friend,
-alaskabravesfan

Yeah, but what would you rather do, put a gun in your mouth or a ****** in your mouth after *****ing the **** on her ***** with your ***** upside-down and ****ing *****ed before turning around and ****ing the ***** like a broken umbrella with **** and **** all over your shoes, after which you might ***** and ***** your key-ring, but not before ****** her **** inside and on the back porch...if you get my meaning. After all, ****ing and ********ing is a lot better when she ***** your ******* like a doorknob- one of those German ones with the hook on it, not the stubby American kind, because German ******* shines in the dark and **** is a ***** when your ****** *****s backward. I mean, ouch, right?! Ha ha ha....who's with me?

[luvdembravos]

Yeah, but what would you rather do, put a gun in your mouth or a ****** in your mouth after *****ing the **** on her ***** with your ***** upside-down and ****ing *****ed before turning around and ****ing the ***** like a broken umbrella with **** and **** all over your shoes, after which you might ***** and ***** your key-ring, but not before ****** her **** inside and on the back porch...if you get my meaning. After all, ****ing and ********ing is a lot better when she ***** your ******* like a doorknob- one of those German ones with the hook on it, not the stubby American kind, because German ******* shines in the dark and **** is a ***** when your ****** *****s backward. I mean, ouch, right?! Ha ha ha....who's with me?

But exactly how much are all those *****'s going to cost him?

[Chris_Moderato]

But exactly how much are all those *****'s going to cost him?

I guess that depends on the quality of ******* he wants and who ******s the *****.

Eight Euros?

[IkeWagner]

My move to Columbia MO is complete, and I will soon begin my graduate career at "Mizzou". I'm not really looking forward to the teaching part of it, but I can't wait to experience the intensity of studying at the graduate level, where most people eat and breathe the stuff; I think it will be a blast. Nice location as well: Columbia is a bonafide college town with a lively (to me, at least) and welcoming feel.

Good luck with your studies, KB. May the God of Academia be with us.

[luvdembravos]

Good luck, sounds like it will be a great experience for you. What type of graduate degree are you pursuing?

[IkeWagner]

Good luck, sounds like it will be a great experience for you. What type of graduate degree are you pursuing?

Thanks. I'll going for philosophy.

[Hobbes]

Thanks. I'll going for philosophy.
I figured as much.

Good luck to you Ike.

[Wahoo]

My move to Columbia MO is complete, and I will soon begin my graduate career at "Mizzou". I'm not really looking forward to the teaching part of it, but I can't wait to experience the intensity of studying at the graduate level, where most people eat and breathe the stuff; I think it will be a blast. Nice location as well: Columbia is a bonafide college town with a lively (to me, at least) and welcoming feel.

Good luck with your studies, KB. May the God of Academia be with us.


There are many times when I wish I had done what you are doing. Good luck to you bro.

[IkeWagner]

Thanks guys.

[007]

My move to Columbia MO is complete, and I will soon begin my graduate career at "Mizzou". I'm not really looking forward to the teaching part of it, but I can't wait to experience the intensity of studying at the graduate level, where most people eat and breathe the stuff; I think it will be a blast. Nice location as well: Columbia is a bonafide college town with a lively (to me, at least) and welcoming feel.

Good luck with your studies, KB. May the God of Academia be with us.


Good luck. Make sure you check the bands out at The Blue Note... I saw the Red Hot Chili Peppers there in 1989.... Didn't know who they were before that night. They were unforgettable.

[KB 34]

I have an idea Ike, you take my really time consuming and difficult classes and I'll take care of the teaching. The classes I'm taking sound interesting, but I hear the coming semester will be the toughest I've experienced or will experience in grad school. I am glad I spend the summer getting to know the college, surrounding area, and doing some research in a group I'm seriously considering joining.

Best of luck to you as well and I'll be interested to hear how things go.

[007]

Nice day here in Central Illinois sun is shining and it's getting hot. Braves with a good victory over the Giants.

Time to head out to the garage. Crank up the Zach Brown Band and get some yardwork done. Later Braves fans.

[sdp]

I'm starting my last year as an undergrad on Wednesday! Looking forward to getting the degree and having some earning power and the qualifications for a real job.

[wordslayer©]

I'm starting my last year as an undergrad on Wednesday! Looking forward to getting the degree and having some earning power and the qualifications for a real job.

chemistry major, SDP? I was thinking both you and KB were. If so, you should walk right into a job.

[IkeWagner]

The classes I'm taking sound interesting, but I hear the coming semester will be the toughest I've experienced or will experience in grad school.

I think the fall semester will be a rough for me too, as I'm taking 3 seminars (one more than many first-years take); that on top of having to learn how to balance study and research time with teaching and grading time, which, I'm told, can be a difficult process, and one which I think will be especially difficult for me, for various reasons.

Anyway, let's keep each other updated on how things are going.

[KB 34]

chemistry major, SDP? I was thinking both you and KB were. If so, you should walk right into a job.
I believe SDP changed majors. I also believe it was on account of people around here not enjoying chemistry humor.

[wordslayer©]

I believe SDP changed majors. I also believe it was on account of people around here not enjoying chemistry humor.

the hell you say! If I am being completely honest, and I never am, I am forced to admit that the chemistry jokes are some of the most memorable things on this site.

[sdp]

I'm a mathematics major! I did change from chemistry. I scored in the 95th percentile on the ACS Organic Chemistry exam as a biology major, so that pushed me towards chemistry. However, the decision was kind of hasty. I'm an all-or-nothing kind of guy, and I just wasn't able to really plug myself fully into the chemistry curriculum so I switched out. I had difficulties and struggles in the laboratory work which aided in my succumbing the forces that be.

Math is still very difficult at times.

[KB 34]

Well there's your problem; organic chemistry is a dang nightmare where nothing works and you must spend endless hours (usually between 9 PM and 9 AM) hoping something worked for once. I just took the ACS organic exam last week and walked out of the room fuming at how stupid it was. Apparently I did pretty well which was interesting considering I wasn't too worried about scoring wonderfully toward the end of the test.

Alright slayer, I'm posting my favorite chemistry cartoon specifically for you. In return you agree to save me from the mad mob.
http://alchemy.chem.uwm.edu/amalgamator/cartoons/eNtrOPeE/Pipets-Pizza2.jpg


What the heck? Might as well get my money worth on this one.
http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/25/251450.jpg

[bravos4evr]

Oh dear god make it stop...............

[Chris_Moderato]

I do appreciate the Dan Kolb photo.

[KB 34]

Slayer's so overjoyed he hasn't posted yet. I feel accomplished:laugh:

[wordslayer©]

As usual KB, your chemistry joke left us all begging for more. I haven't seen chemistry this good since the braves removed Escobar from their clubhouse.

[KB 34]

Well slayer, I went with a large group of chemistry friends to trivia night at an Irish Pub tonight. When they announced chemistry was a category we pretty much cheared as loudly and as obnoxiously as we could. The question was what the symbol for tungsten was. We pretty much all started laughing and watched as other groups struggled to remember their elements from general science. It was a morale uplifting moment after a pretty hard day of orientation.

[bravos4evr]

My team won trivia tonite too! we are undefeated at this establishment (tho tonite we wonly won by one point!) another one on wenesday we are also undefeated! I pretty much subsidize my booze with these trivia nites!

[luvdembravos]

Well slayer, I went with a large group of chemistry friends to trivia night at an Irish Pub tonight. When they announced chemistry was a category we pretty much cheared as loudly and as obnoxiously as we could. The question was what the symbol for tungsten was. We pretty much all started laughing and watched as other groups struggled to remember their elements from general science. It was a morale uplifting moment after a pretty hard day of orientation.


Hilarious. :confused:

For those who've watched The Big Bang Theory, it sounds like a night out with Sheldon, Leonard, Howard and Rajesh.

[Hobbes]

Hilarious. :confused:

For those who've watched The Big Bang Theory, it sounds like a night out with Sheldon, Leonard, Howard and Rajesh.
That's exactly what it sounds like.

[Wahoo]

That's exactly what it sounds like.

Bazinga.

[Lauren T.]

I lost my new job today. I left 3 years in a really stable position for a smaller company with growth potential, and after 10 weeks the company decided, oops, we actually don't need this position we created and filled with you. My old position has already been filled. Awesome. :(

[sdp]

I lost my new job today. I left 3 years in a really stable position for a smaller company with growth potential, and after 10 weeks the company decided, oops, we actually don't need this position we created and filled with you. My old position has already been filled. Awesome. :(
Sorry to hear it, Lauren.
:(

[Chris_Moderato]

I lost my new job today. I left 3 years in a really stable position for a smaller company with growth potential, and after 10 weeks the company decided, oops, we actually don't need this position we created and filled with you. My old position has already been filled. Awesome. :(

I did the exact same thing in June 2008. My new position lasted six months before the company finally more or less folded. Home renovation. Got crushed by the bursting bubble.

Sorry to hear about that Lauren. It sucks.

[Hobbes]

Sorry about that Lauren.

[luvdembravos]

I'm really sorry to hear that and hope you land another job real soon. This economy really sucks.

My son-in-law just left a big company for a mom & pop outfit in SF and it scares us half to death that the same thing will happen to him ... and he has 5 other mouths to feed. But he was miserable in his old job so we wish him the best (and are keeping our fingers crossed).

[JanShan12]

Ugh! Sorry to hear that, Lauren. Hope you find something soon.

[alaskabravesfan]

I'm sorry to hear that, Lauren. Best wishes from up north for a speedy economic recovery!

[Lauren T.]

Thanks, y'all. :)

[KB 34]

Good luck finding a new job Lauren.

[bmitm76]

I know most folks who post here are from the south, but for anyone who is looking for a job, I just want to let people know that Milwaukee was recently rated the 3rd best market to find work in in the country. I recently moved here with my wife to take a job working at a church and needed something else part time as well and was stunned at how many oppurtunities there are up here.

[KB 34]

I know most folks who post here are from the south, but for anyone who is looking for a job, I just want to let people know that Milwaukee was recently rated the 3rd best market to find work in in the country. I recently moved here with my wife to take a job working at a church and needed something else part time as well and was stunned at how many oppurtunities there are up here.
So are you a Kopps or Leon's Custard fan? I've been a firm Kopps fan for a long time but Leon's is fun in the winter when you get to stand in line outside with a -10 wind chill to get your cone.

I really like Brookfield, which is a suburb of Milwaukee, as well as the downtown area. The southern suburbs such as Oak Creek are pretty nice especially close to the lake. Of course from November-March happiness is directly proportional to how much time you spend in a well-heated building. Other than that problem the west coast of Lake Michigan is nice.

[Dreamscape]

Elsewhere...

I'm having a baby.

Or I helped get to the point where a baby is had.

But yeah, there is a baby to be had and I'm involved.

[bmitm76]

So are you a Kopps or Leon's Custard fan? I've been a firm Kopps fan for a long time but Leon's is fun in the winter when you get to stand in line outside with a -10 wind chill to get your cone.

I really like Brookfield, which is a suburb of Milwaukee, as well as the downtown area. The southern suburbs such as Oak Creek are pretty nice especially close to the lake. Of course from November-March happiness is directly proportional to how much time you spend in a well-heated building. Other than that problem the west coast of Lake Michigan is nice.


Kopps all the way. I love Kopps. I stop by there about once a week. I hear Leon's is good, but the general consensus in my circle has been Kopps. I hear Leon's is better bang for your buck though.

I worked a few days out in Brookfield seems like a nice area. I am doing inner city ministry however, and live in a Duplex on 45th st over on the North side of town. It makes for some interesting days.

[Chris_Moderato]

Elsewhere...

I'm having a baby.

Or I helped get to the point where a baby is had.

But yeah, there is a baby to be had and I'm involved.

Uh...Congratulations?

[bmitm76]

Elsewhere...

I'm having a baby.

Or I helped get to the point where a baby is had.

But yeah, there is a baby to be had and I'm involved.

:thumbsdown: or :thumbsup: or:banghead: or :) im just kinda :headscratch: with that post.

[bravos4evr]

Elsewhere...

I'm having a baby.

Or I helped get to the point where a baby is had.

But yeah, there is a baby to be had and I'm involved.



Now thats what i call a ringing endorsement! :D

[luvdembravos]

:thumbsdown: or :thumbsup: or:banghead: or :) im just kinda :headscratch: with that post.

Now thats what i call a ringing endorsement! :D


:eek: or :thumbsup:

[Hobbes]

Elsewhere...

I'm having a baby.

Or I helped get to the point where a baby is had.

But yeah, there is a baby to be had and I'm involved.
Condolations!

[KB 34]

Kopps all the way. I love Kopps. I stop by there about once a week. I hear Leon's is good, but the general consensus in my circle has been Kopps. I hear Leon's is better bang for your buck though.

I worked a few days out in Brookfield seems like a nice area. I am doing inner city ministry however, and live in a Duplex on 45th st over on the North side of town. It makes for some interesting days.
I'm sure there's some excitement in that part of Milwaukee. I do think there's a real case for being safe by saying indoors between midnight and 4 AM. I admire your willingness to take on such a challenge. Milwaukee has some really nice aspects but some of the inner-city problems are unbelievable and until you interact with the people it's impossible to understand the way of life in such areas.

Are we talking about the Kopps near Bayshore? I went there last spring for a burger and I was disappointed. Their custard is good but the burgers at the Brookfield and Greenfield locations are way better. Good to see you're adjusting to the local foods. You'll want to refine your Wisconsin accent and cheese curd differentiation skills because if they don't squeak they're unacceptable. Other places you have to check out eventually: Mykonos Cafe, Oakland Gyros, Zaynas Pizza, Melrose, and Milwaukee Public Market. A great bookstore is Half Price Books. I miss having great gyros and custard everywhere.


EDIT: I should also add the way to know if people really live/lived in Wisconsin or know someone from Wisconsin is if they know what a FIB is or not.

[bravos4evr]

I got laid off again.... 3rd time this year..... It's not looking good for me or my wellbeing

[Dreamscape]

I got laid off again.... 3rd time this year..... It's not looking good for me or my wellbeing
That sucks...but stay positive. Somebody out there has to be looking for help, even if it's temporary to keep you working. Stores and such will begin to look for seasonal help in November so that's also something to keep in mind.

[ScooterBrave]

Elsewhere...

I'm having a baby.

Or I helped get to the point where a baby is had.

But yeah, there is a baby to be had and I'm involved.

Congratulations! I am sure you were a good sport! :)

[Hobbes]

I'm on vacation in Italy right now, so I won't be checking in too much for the next two weeks. Hopefully I'll return to find the Barves playing in the NLDS.

Go Barves!

[luvdembravos]

I'm on vacation in Italy right now, so I won't be checking in too much for the next two weeks. Hopefully I'll return to find the Barves playing in the NLDS.

Go Barves!

Looks like Braves players will be able to join you a week from now.

Italy is great ... by far my favorite place to visit in Europe.

[Lauren T.]

Have a wonderful trip! :)

[JanShan12]

Have a great time, Hobbes! Let us know how it was when you get back.

[jlcct]

Looks like your return to the states will be a happy return. It's never a great feeling when a vacation comes to an end but with the Barves in the playoffs it has to help a little. Hope you had a wonderful trip.

[Hobbes]

Just got back - had a wonderful time. Italy is fantastic, and the weather was nearly perfect for the entire time.

Good to see the Barves squeaked into the playoffs, although losing the first game wasn't nice.

[ScooterBrave]

Well, I was notified on Thursday of last week that due to "affordability challenges" (the new buzzword) my position is not being funded in FY2011. All is not lost; my skill center will try to re-assign me and I can apply for other jobs within the company, so we will see.

BTW, Lauren, I was up in your area last week. I was presenting at a conference in Marietta. Got to eat at Williamson Brothers BBQ. Good stuff!

[Lauren T.]

I've never eaten in there, but they used to drive down catering to my office. GOOD STUFF. I've actually held on to their catering info for my eventual wedding reception. I hope whoever I marry is cool with BBQ, because mmmmmm... :D

[alaskabravesfan]

Well, I was notified on Thursday of last week that due to "affordability challenges"...

That sucks. My wife is facing some "affordability challenges" at her work, too. There have already been lay-offs. So far, she's managed to avoid the chop... It's pretty bleak out there, economically speaking.

Good luck, man! We're sending happy thoughts from up north down to Sunny Florida!

[-Dr. Brave-]

I've never eaten in there, but they used to drive down catering to my office. GOOD STUFF. I've actually held on to their catering info for my eventual wedding reception. I hope whoever I marry is cool with BBQ, because mmmmmm... :D

A friend of mine had barbecue venison at their reception. :thumbsup:

[Hillbilly]

Well, I was sitting in my deer stand 25 feet up in a pine tree Friday morning, and my phone vibrated in my pocket. The words "Call me immediately" can make your heart sink like a rock, but it turned out to be good news this time. It seems there will be a new little Hillbilly in the river bottoms of South Arkansas next summer. :D

[luvdembravos]

Well, I was sitting in my deer stand 25 feet up in a pine tree Friday morning, and my phone vibrated in my pocket. The words "Call me immediately" can make your heart sink like a rock, but it turned out to be good news this time. It seems there will be a new little Hillbilly in the river bottoms of South Arkansas next summer. :D

Congratulations!

[Hobbes]

It seems there will be a new little Hillbilly in the river bottoms of South Arkansas next summer. :D
Congrats!

[bravos4evr]

Apparently I have something called Aspergers Syndrome..... I don't really know what it is yet.... but it's made me even more self conscious than I already am..... damn shrinks and their book learnin...

[Chris_Moderato]

Apparently I have something called Aspergers Syndrome..... I don't really know what it is yet.... but it's made me even more self conscious than I already am..... damn shrinks and their book learnin...

Isn't that similar to autism?

[Lauren T.]

Yeah, it's like a milder form of autism. Don't feel self-conscious -- now that you know what's going on you can educate yourself and learn how to deal with life a little better. :)

[bravos4evr]

Yeah .... I guess I'm not crazy after all.... it does explain a lot the more I read about it tho.....

[ScooterBrave]

Yeah .... I guess I'm not crazy after all.... it does explain a lot the more I read about it tho.....

doesn't mean you're not crazy.......:D

[Chris_Moderato]

I had an emergency appendectomy about a week and a half ago!

[bravos4evr]

I had an emergency appendectomy about a week and a half ago!

does anyone ever have a routine appendectomy? lol, jus jokin boo!!!! Man, I hope errythang is kickin okay in moderatoville!

[Hobbes]

I had an emergency appendectomy about a week and a half ago!

Hope you are doing well. I've heard that is some serious pain.

[Middle Man]

I had an emergency appendectomy about a week and a half ago!

Yikes. Glad you made it through. Try not to lose any of your non-redundant organs.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

....OR vital organs!!!

[KB 34]

I've been getting my butt completely kicked by grad school. This semester laundary and running errands has become pretty fun. Fortunately things get a lot better in a month. I just found out today that I get to teach honors students next semester, which should be a great opportunity to see if I want to teach down the road. For those who say teaching is difficult, I say take a semester of chem grad school classes and labs meant to come close to destroying every bit of your pride and life and then get back to me.:eek:

[bravos4evr]

I hear ya KB.... the one thing I don't miss by being a degenerate musician is dadburn deadlines and academic stress.

[bravos4evr]

Hey, just a tip to everyone, When yer shrink asks you " well if you think this is worthless, why do you keep coming?" don't say "because yer hot!" she didn't like that nearly as much as I reckoned she would !!! :-)

[luvdembravos]

Hey, just a tip to everyone, When yer shrink asks you " well if you think this is worthless, why do you keep coming?" don't say "because yer hot!" she didn't like that nearly as much as I reckoned she would !!! :-)

Good one:thumbsup:

If the hottie doesn't work out for you, I suggest you start seeing this guy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhlWddAXSRA

[bravos4evr]

and that's why yellow makes me sad I think......

[ScooterBrave]

Well, I now enter my last two days of employment at a major military contractor/aeronautics company. As much as they (and I) tried to find another position within the company, it just didn't work out.

Now I begin another chapter as I have elected to go into business for myself instead of working for anyone else. Pay is better and less chance of layoff. If I am out of work, it's my own fault. We'll see how this goes.

[jlcct]

Good luck buddy!

[Hobbes]

Best of luck Scooter!

[Freddy_Ballgame]

Best of luck, Scooter. Running your own business insures that you will outwork anyone else, if you want to make it work! Having been down that route you'll learn your own business never closes. The office might, but the old brain doesn't. That said, when you succeed, it will be all the more meaningful!

[ScooterBrave]

Thanks for the advice, Freddy. I actually had my own business once before many years ago, but think I am better prepared to handle it now.

Everyone feel free to check out my web site at http://www.ahhamomentslearning.com

[Freddy_Ballgame]

Had a quick look at your site and it's way over my head! Maybe I'll get some training...best of luck! I'll "friend" you on FB!

[-Dr. Brave-]

Thanks for the advice, Freddy. I actually had my own business once before many years ago, but think I am better prepared to handle it now.

Everyone feel free to check out my web site at http://www.ahhamomentslearning.com

I always thought it was spelled "aha". ;)

But there's definitely a market for computer learning. I'd like to know how many CDs the Video Professor sent out.

[ScooterBrave]

Don't get me started on the Video Professor.....

[alaskabravesfan]

I checked out your website, ScooterBrave. :thumbsup:

[JanShan12]

Hi everyone! It's been too long! Unfortunately, I haven't logged in since the end of last season. I've just been busy with work and training to run a half-marathon in a month and a half. No real excuse. :)

Anyway, I'm looking forward to this season and miss talking to a lot of you. Hope everyone is doing well. GO BRAVES!!!

[Hobbes]

Hi Jan! Welcome back.

[bravos4evr]

So i reckon in 3 months you will be ready for a full marathon eh? :-) good to see ya back kiddo

[JanShan12]

So i reckon in 3 months you will be ready for a full marathon eh? :-) good to see ya back kiddo

If all goes well with my half marathon, I plan on running in the Rock 'n Roll Marathon in St. Louis in October!

[alaskabravesfan]

I've just been busy with work and training to run a half-marathon in a month and a half.

Good for you Jan! Let us know how it goes...

[Chris_Moderato]

New little Braves fan due to arrive in our home in late September, just in time for a playoff push.

[Hobbes]

Congrats Chris!

[bravos4evr]

New little Braves fan due to arrive in our home in late September, just in time for a playoff push.

If there was a like button I would push it! :-)

[-Dr. Brave-]

New little Braves fan due to arrive in our home in late September, just in time for a playoff push.

Now we know the real reason why you've been scarce recently. :thumbsup:

[bravos4evr]

Wait.... just did some maths.... is this a valentines day baby you big cornball?

[Chris_Moderato]

Check your math. It's a New Year's baby.

And thanks all, for the kind words. Waited long enough to make sure this time.

[Middle Man]

Wait.... just did some maths.... is this a valentines day baby you big cornball?

Not unless he's a baboon or a Himalayan sheep or something. ;)

Congratulations Chris!

[Middle Man]

Check your math. It's a New Year's baby.

And thanks all, for the kind words. Waited long enough to make sure this time.

Ha, you posted while I was trying to figure out how to spell Himalayan. Best wishes to all the Moderatos!

[alaskabravesfan]

Congratulations on your new tax write-off! :thumbsup:

[luvdembravos]

Congratulations Chris, that's great news! 2011 is going to be known as the year of the ChopNation Baby Boom ...at least for Virginia-based members.

Who's next? Middle Man? ;)

[Middle Man]

...

Who's next? Middle Man? ;)

Ha! We've already done our part to populate with world with little middle men and middle women. I think we're responsible for the overcrowding within our school district. Now we're just trying to figure out how to get them all through college.

[Lauren T.]

Congrats, Chris!! So exciting. I hope it's a girl so I can teach her all the important parts of Braves baseball. :D

[Dreamscape]

Congrats on the new arrival, Chris. Our girl is due April 28th, though it seems like she will be hitting our lives much sooner.

Thinking of ordering this so she has something to wear this summer when she sees her first ballgame as the Luis Salazar-led Hillcats take the field.

http://mlb.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pMLB2-7123259dt.jpg

[FrankEC]

Congrats Chris!

[Middle Man]

Congrats on the new arrival, Chris. Our girl is due April 28th, ...

And congratulations to you too, Dream, if I neglected to do that previously. I recommend a birthday of 4/25 - important people were born that day.

And don't spend too much on the Braves gear because 1) they outgrow it in about 10 minutes at that age, and 2) she'll never stop asking for new Braves stuff as she gets older. My college-age daughter is currently pestering me for a Jason Heyward t-shirt that she can wear on opening day.

[Dreamscape]

And congratulations to you too, Dream, if I neglected to do that previously. I recommend a birthday of 4/25 - important people were born that day.

And don't spend too much on the Braves gear because 1) they outgrow it in about 10 minutes at that age, and 2) she'll never stop asking for new Braves stuff as she gets older. My college-age daughter is currently pestering me for a Jason Heyward t-shirt that she can wear on opening day.
I added it to my facebook...maybe someone will get it for us. Always better.

[Lauren T.]

Tommy, if I was employed full-time right now, that would be your baby gift. It's very important that she have as much Braves gear as possible. My first Braves apparel memory is a Dale Murphy jersey when I was 3. He was my favorite, he was #3 and I was three! I had a #3 on my back! And we were both Mormon! (haha)

Anyway, I seriously thought that was the best shirt in the history of shirts and would have worn it every day if my mother had let me. Gotta start the Braves love young! ;)

[Andy G.]

Congrats to both you guys. I hope everything goes well with your new arrivals.

[Hobbes]

Our girl is due April 28th
Congrats to you too Dream. That makes you, Wahoo, Chris and Hillbilly who have kids on the way. It's a ChopNation baby boom.

[Dreamscape]

Congrats to you too Dream. That makes you, Wahoo, Chris and Hillbilly who have kids on the way. It's a ChopNation baby boom.
And, when you joining the movement?

[Hobbes]

And, when you joining the movement?
Nope. Childfree by choice here. I'll leave the raising of future generations to you guys.

[ScooterBrave]

Congrats to both Chris and Dream! Ahhh, I remember the days of onesies!

[Dreamscape]

We went to the hospital on Sunday...they said false labor.

Went to the hospital on Wednesday after a short trip to the hospital...said blood pressure was okay after keeping us almost all day. Induce Friday.

Went to the hospital at 7 AM on Friday...inducing starts at 9 AM...

Abigail Aurora born at 12:38 PM...Saturday via c-section. But everything is good and jeez, we have one big baby. 9 lbs, 8 ounces, 22 inches long. But so far, so good. Just some tired parents after so much time with so little sleep.

[Chris_Moderato]

We went to the hospital on Sunday...they said false labor.

Went to the hospital on Wednesday after a short trip to the hospital...said blood pressure was okay after keeping us almost all day. Induce Friday.

Went to the hospital at 7 AM on Friday...inducing starts at 9 AM...

Abigail Aurora born at 12:38 PM...Saturday via c-section. But everything is good and jeez, we have one big baby. 9 lbs, 8 ounces, 22 inches long. But so far, so good. Just some tired parents after so much time with so little sleep.

Big time congratulations to you both, Tommy!

[Andy G.]

We went to the hospital on Sunday...they said false labor.

Went to the hospital on Wednesday after a short trip to the hospital...said blood pressure was okay after keeping us almost all day. Induce Friday.

Went to the hospital at 7 AM on Friday...inducing starts at 9 AM...

Abigail Aurora born at 12:38 PM...Saturday via c-section. But everything is good and jeez, we have one big baby. 9 lbs, 8 ounces, 22 inches long. But so far, so good. Just some tired parents after so much time with so little sleep.
Congrats Dream! I love that name. Very nice.

[Hobbes]

Congrats Dream on the birth of little Abbyscape!

[luvdembravos]

We went to the hospital on Sunday...they said false labor.

Went to the hospital on Wednesday after a short trip to the hospital...said blood pressure was okay after keeping us almost all day. Induce Friday.

Went to the hospital at 7 AM on Friday...inducing starts at 9 AM...

Abigail Aurora born at 12:38 PM...Saturday via c-section. But everything is good and jeez, we have one big baby. 9 lbs, 8 ounces, 22 inches long. But so far, so good. Just some tired parents after so much time with so little sleep.

Congratulations to both of you! That's fantastic!

[Lauren T.]

Congratulations, Tommy!! :)

[FrankEC]

We went to the hospital on Sunday...they said false labor.

Went to the hospital on Wednesday after a short trip to the hospital...said blood pressure was okay after keeping us almost all day. Induce Friday.

Went to the hospital at 7 AM on Friday...inducing starts at 9 AM...

Abigail Aurora born at 12:38 PM...Saturday via c-section. But everything is good and jeez, we have one big baby. 9 lbs, 8 ounces, 22 inches long. But so far, so good. Just some tired parents after so much time with so little sleep.

Welcome to the world Abigail! Congrats to both of you Dream. And by the way, get used that "so little sleep" thing for a couple of months at least :) .

[Wahoo]

In case you didn't see it on Facebook, definitely much congrats my man. Glad we have another Braves fan in the fold. Love the name by the way!

[alaskabravesfan]

Abigail Aurora born at 12:38 PM

Congratulations!. The best moment of your life will be the first time she says, "I love you, Daddy." :)

[bravos4evr]

Congratulations!. The best moment of your life will be the first time she says, "I love you, Daddy." :)

Awwww! That's like the sweetest thing I've ever seen on here.... It melted my cranky ole heart!

[Wahoo]

Well add another Braves fan to the list. Harrison William arrived 8 weeks early on May 18. He is still under constant care but all initial signs look good. Rumor has it that the neonatal doctor he peed on in the OR was a Yankee fan.

[Hobbes]

Congrats Wahoo! Glad to hear that little premature Harry Hoo is doing well.

[Middle Man]

Congrats Wahoo and best wishes to Harrison and his parents! He won't be the only Braves fan with a 5/18 birthday - my son turned 14 yesterday. :D

[luvdembravos]

Congratulations Wahoo...hope he continues to do well. Please let us know. BTW, 5/18 is my mother-in-law's birthday...she's cool but has no idea how awesome the Braves are.

[Dreamscape]

Congrats on the new arrival, Wahoo.

Say...we have the power to arrange a marriage now! w00t!

[Hobbes]

Say...we have the power to arrange a marriage now! w00t!
Nah, Harrison doesn't want an older woman. :p

[Wahoo]

Nah, Harrison doesn't want an older woman. :p

Lol. His Dad did. Could be a genetic thing.

P.S. Thanks for all the well wishes. We are Henrico Doctors who has the best neonatal care in the region that he is in good hands. Held him for the first time today and it was surreal.

[alaskabravesfan]

Held him for the first time today and it was surreal.

I adopted my daughters, so I didn't get to hold them when they were babies. I'll bet that's a cool feeling. :)

[Chris_Moderato]

Congratulations and good luck to you Wahoo.

[Lauren T.]

Congrats, Wahoo! Love the story about him peeing on the Yankees fan doctor. What a good boy you have there. :D

[bravos4evr]

Yeah... I came back here. Everywhere else I went to talk about the Braves was so nasty and negative that it made the sourpuss attitude that sometimes occurs in here look like disneyworld! My bad.........

[Garydee]

Yeah... I came back here. Everywhere else I went to talk about the Braves was so nasty and negative that it made the sourpuss attitude that sometimes occurs in here look like disneyworld! My bad.........

Yeah, that and the complete idiocy that you find on the other sites. I like it here because it's nice to find Braves fans that actually understand the game and best of all there is rarely a flame war here.:)

[The Rap]

I think easily the worst has to be Yahoo's Braves message board. Seems like it is loaded with idiots who know nothing and are acting like they know it all.

Congrats to all the new dads here because nothing comes close as far as good news goes. But sadly I have to share some horrible news to close this out. It looks like I am getting evicted at the end of the month with no place to go. I am confused as to how that can be allowed since I am totally disabled. But the only thing that crosses my mind as an option is the thing you don't ever want to think about.

[bravos4evr]

One of the most negative and ridiculous places is the comments section on Dave O'Brien's blog for the AJC. There are people on there who think we should send Heyward back to AAA or trade him to the Royals for Frenchy.... Yeah, really!

[jlcct]

Well Rap, it sounds like life is going to put your determination and experience to the test. You have a lot of said experience under your belt and you are persistent so with some relentless planning I think you'll get through it. Think of this as life testing your resolve and show the world that you are a fighter. I wish you the best buddy.

[Chris_Moderato]

I think easily the worst has to be Yahoo's Braves message board. Seems like it is loaded with idiots who know nothing and are acting like they know it all.

Congrats to all the new dads here because nothing comes close as far as good news goes. But sadly I have to share some horrible news to close this out. It looks like I am getting evicted at the end of the month with no place to go. I am confused as to how that can be allowed since I am totally disabled. But the only thing that crosses my mind as an option is the thing you don't ever want to think about.

Don't you have a daughter you could move in with, should the situation become so dire, that could forestall thoughts of "an option...you don't ever want to think about,"?

[luvdembravos]

Bad news: Something hot came up at work this Wednesday and now I can't go to the Braves-Nats matinee.

Good news: Friend of mine has tickets for tonight's game and I'm going.

Bad news: Derek Lowe is pitching. Lately, it seems I always draw Lowe when I watch a Braves game in person.

Good news: Friend's ticket is free and comes with complimentary food and drink.

Overall: Great news! Free baseball and alcohol ... outcome of the game really doesn't matter. :thumbsup:

[Wahoo]

Drink plenty of beer. We are facing Lannen, which is a guaranteed L.

[Middle Man]

Bad news: Something hot came up at work this Wednesday and now I can't go to the Braves-Nats matinee.

Good news: Friend of mine has tickets for tonight's game and I'm going.

Bad news: Derek Lowe is pitching. Lately, it seems I always draw Lowe when I watch a Braves game in person.

Good news: Friend's ticket is free and comes with complimentary food and drink.

Overall: Great news! Free baseball and alcohol ... outcome of the game really doesn't matter. :thumbsup:

I'm still planning on Wednesday's game - Beachy pitching. Wouldn't be my first choice, but I'd rather see him than Lowe, to be honest.

I haven't gotten my tickets yet but have finally gotten a headcount so I'll order this afternoon. Unfortunately, they're calling for rain tomorrow. It looks like I can get infield club level seats on Stubhub for less than half face value - maybe not a bad idea under the circumstances - apparently there's access to a large indoor area from the infield club seats, a good place to hang out if there are storms. This is my first trip to Nationals Park, and the Nats website is pretty unhelpful, so I'm guessing that these are pretty decent seats for the money.

[Lauren T.]

Have fun tonight!! Wish I was there. I'm having withdrawals. I counted and have been to 30 games so far this year. That's excessive!!

[Wahoo]

Bad news: Something hot came up at work this Wednesday and now I can't go to the Braves-Nats matinee.

Good news: Friend of mine has tickets for tonight's game and I'm going.

Bad news: Derek Lowe is pitching. Lately, it seems I always draw Lowe when I watch a Braves game in person.

Good news: Friend's ticket is free and comes with complimentary food and drink.

Overall: Great news! Free baseball and alcohol ... outcome of the game really doesn't matter. :thumbsup:
Worse news: Braves got their asses kicked.

[luvdembravos]

Worse news: Braves got their asses kicked.

They sure did. I was sitting just behind home plate towards the Braves' dugout and had a brids eye view of Ross not tagging HP on the force play followed by Ankiel's grand slam.

Luckily, free beer eased my misery.

[Wahoo]

They sure did. I was sitting just behind home plate towards the Braves' dugout and had a brids eye view of Ross not tagging HP on the force play followed by Ankiel's grand slam.

Luckily, free beer eased my misery.

I was hoping that was the case.

[KB 34]

I'm becoming a big fan of AAA baseball. Last week I paid $6, $7, and $7.50 for tickets to 3 games. Parking was $12 total. That's $32.50 for 3 games. In comparison I'm pretty sure the last time I went to a major league game it was $20+parking for a seat in the nosebleeds surrounded by a bunch of idiots who seemed to think getting into a fight in front of police is a good idea. My opinion will probably change when I'm no longer a poor grad student, but for now I like my minor league sports. At the same time one of my friends talked about a day trip to Atlanta and a Braves game in the future so I might have to fork out some money for that.

[Lauren T.]

When you come to Atlanta, KB, you can park on Ami Street (to the right on this map (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=phoenix+II+park&hl=en&ll=33.735886,-84.386426&spn=0.005112,0.009645&fb=1&gl=us&view=map&cid=17306062961003984242&t=h&z=17) of the park) for free. It's a hike to the Ted from there, but ...it's free. Then at the box office if you show a military ID, student ID, or AAA card, upper box tickets are always buy one get one free. You can usually find great deals on Stubhub too.

As for food and non-alcoholic drinks, you can bring in pretty much anything you want. Beverages have to be in plastic containers and if they're not sealed security will smell them to make sure there's no alcohol in it. People bring in all sorts of food, from fast food to sandwiches from home to family-sized bags of Doritos for their party. Whatever. As long as it's not in a hard container and it fits under your seat, you can bring it in. I always bring in snacks and my own drinks. :)

[Wahoo]

God, I want to move to Atlanta. Harrison and I would be going to games all the time!

[alaskabravesfan]

I suggested to my wife and daughters that we move to Atlanta. I advised that we could live in a 1 bedroom apartment and use all the savings to get 4 season tickets in the Suntrust Club Seats.

By a vote of 3 to 1 the motion was denied...

[Wahoo]

I suggested to my wife and daughters that we move to Atlanta. I advised that we could live in a 1 bedroom apartment and use all the savings to get 4 season tickets in the Suntrust Club Seats.

By a vote of 3 to 1 the motion was denied...

Tough luck, bro.

[Lauren T.]

Oh, it's too hot that close on the field. :) Try the terrace level. Or! A friend has a half-season plan in the Golden Moon Casino level. It is always covered from the elements, includes $10 of food & beverage credits per ticket every game, and if there's a rain delay, you have the air conditioned club level with leather chairs to sit in and TVs to watch. Oh, and 755 Club access (which is "for people who don't like baseball," a guy told me once. I tend to agree, but it does have a premium bar if you're into that). :D

It's not really possible - or probable - to make it to every game anyway. She has every Friday and Saturday home game and one mid-week game a week, and she's already missed games. She's started giving tix away and banking the games for a possible postseason berth.

[Wahoo]

This sounds awesome.

[The Rap]

Well I was evicted from my apartment yesterday and it was the most bitter experience ever. When there is a knock on the door and a guy there when you open it and all he says "You have five minutes to get out." Just imagine how that feels. For the life of me I don't understand how a person who is disabled can be thrown out. So it goes.....

[Chris_Moderato]

Why were you evicted?

[The Rap]

Well the landlord is a Hasidic Jew. For those who don't know what that is it is the ones with the black coats, side curls and beards. Similar to the Amish in looks with their own hangups. I am the heir and descendant of of a long line of the most revered rabbis of all those sects but I never took to it. I was driven crazy since a kid as they tried so hard to force it down my throat. I thought it was finished when I was in my twenties but it looks like they have decided to exact revenge when I am 63. What also gets me is that I stood in front of a judge and asked a simple question; How can a disabled person be thrown out unto the street when he has no place to go? The judge just shrugged at me and continued on her way. Another reason why I love my country so much.

[luvdembravos]

I imagine you must be living somewhere now because you're
posting on-line.

[The Rap]

Nah, I am staying in a hotel which isn't exactly cheap and have spent the last 6 days without access to a phone or the internet.Right now I am in Kinkos paying for this privilege

[alaskabravesfan]

Rap, I hope things get turned around for you soon. Hang in there!

[bravos4evr]

You have no lease? Man eff up north. That would never happen down here.... maybe in Atlanta somewhere, but nobody would kick a disabled person out down here in the summer.... They'd get you in some sort of rent assistance charity program.

[Lauren T.]

Here, there are plenty of affordable places for disabled people to stay. They're not ideal, but I have no idea how you're affording a NYC hotel at a daily rate.