Winding Down?
Well as usual my post is on the return part of a trip. Since my Miami trip I have been to Troy, MI for an event for Albion, to Chicago for three days with Novali, and then my fraternity convention in Las Vegas. Needless to say all this traveling is turning out to be more stressful then relaxing... but the next few weeks will be much more laid back... of course I am still looking at possibly trips to Toronto, Buffalo and home to wish my parents off on their move to Bolivia. However, the rest of these trips will be more relaxing and less crammed (I hope).

Well my time with Novali was great at always. We watched the movie cars.... Two Thumbs Up! We went to a BBQ, out to burbs, and then I ended the trip by taking her to summer school on Monday. She showed me her class, I met her teacher, and then hit the road to Michigan. It was a great weekend and I managed to survive the record Chicago heat without AC at Tamara's place... wow. I uploaded some new summer pics to Novi's page, check it out: Novi's Pics

Then it was off to Vegas. I have been excited for the trip for a long time. I was running for a position on my national board of directors... and one of the authors for a proposals that will revolutionize our fraternal operations if it passed... I also was excited to get to visit with Brothers I had not seen in a long time... so how did the trip go? Here's the recap.

I arrived Tuesday night, I came in with the head quarters staff. It was nice to chill with them and talk with Jim and Mary Peterson. We had a great time just relaxing at this beautiful resort, Hyatt Lake Las Vegas. Wednesday it was chill day, most of the people would be coming in that day so it was nice hanging out greeting people as they arrived. I had dinner that night with Mary and some other Brothers who work in higher education. Sigma Lambda Beta has an exciting future ahead of it... that night we wound down with some gambling and lounging around.

Thursday the work started... registration happened in the morning and we started convention. We had 8 hours of scheduled business meetings... the most important part was the elections for the new Board of Directors. So I am proud to now say that I am the new International Vice President for Program Development for Sigma Lambda Beta. It is such an honor! I am very excited. That night we celebrated and prepared for another long day of business.

Friday was the real action day. It was when we voted on important proposals. We pitched our proposal, it was me and four former board members. Before convention we heard several districts were going to be voting down and we prepared to try and sway votes. Our house of delegates had 53 eligible voting groups (my chapter was not one of them!)... we pitched and debated and did our best. Final vote count.... 52-1.... IT PASSED! SLB will never be the same, and I am proud to say I helped make that happen. Now as a board member I have to help ensure the planning success. Needless to say that Friday night... we celebrated again and this time in the pimped out Presidents suite.

Saturday was chill day. We had a quick first board meeting, an alumni senate meeting, and then chill time! I ended up out at the pool, despite that I don't usually do pools. I was in full clothing, so I sat on the side with my feet in the pool... and I shoulda known better cause sure enough I got tossed in! I did manage to get my phone out of my pocket. Late we got ready to hit the strip and a big Beta party that night... I had to iron my money to dry it cause everything got wet!

The club was great... the first perk of being a board member is everyone buys you drinks so I saved some money. Unfortunately on the flip I lost a bit on the tables... but its Vegas so whatever. Sunday slept in, chilled around the hotel and then caught a ride from some Brothers up to the airport. There is free wireless here so I am just hanging out with some other Brothers who have flights in my terminal. It is going to be a long day of travel, I will arrive in Detroit at 12am, then drive home, and then work at 8am.... AH!

All in a days work.

- edit - I forgot to mention. I was inducted into the Presidential Excellence Group. It is the second highest honor a Brother can receive. In total only 12 Brothers are in that group, so needless to say I was extremely honored. Now I get to wear a white ribbon and large medallion to offical events from now on. Cool.

First Class
For those who did not know... I just got back from Miami. Orlando, one of my fraternity Brothers, is getting married and I can not make it to the wedding so I told him I would visit. Then Rudy, another chapter Brother just moved there, so I made plans and went down there. Heather was able to get some time off as well and her sorority sister Valerie just moved there so we made it a trip.

It started on Saturday morning. We went to Detroit Metro and we were connecting through Ohare airport. At Ohare they made the announcement that the flight was over booked... we would get $400 if we went on a flight 2 hours later. Figuring the money was worth it... we signed up. A few minutes before the flight they called us up... said they did not need us to switch flights, but since we were so nice and offered the switch... they bumped us to FIRST CLASS! It was my first time in first class... PIMP... let me tell you, free wine, hot towels, and lunch on a no food flight... very cool. I was pumped!

We arrived in Miami and went to Orlando's house. We stayed there for two days. That night we went out, Orlando was at a wedding so it was Rudy, me, Heather and Valerie. We went to Mango's in South Beach. It was great, they had models dancing, dance lessons, a live band, a Tango performance, everything! We danced all night and then got some fries and cheese cake to end the night. It was awesome because Rudy has a nice little condo he is renting three blocks from the Ocean in South Beach! Way to go Bro!

Sunday Heather and I ventured around the city on our own. Rudy had to work and Orlando was not back yet from the wedding. We figured out the local metro bus and rail system. We made it to Bed Bath and Beyond to get Orlando and his fiance their wedding present. Then we found a little place to eat and watch the World Cup game... boo that France lost, and the Zidane had to go out on such a bad note (he head butted a player and was red carded). That night Orlando and Cristina took us to a cool Cuban placed called La Carreta. His mom who I love! and his Brother Chris who is also a Beta met up with us. It was great to see all of them, plus I love plantains, yucca and spanish spices on food!

Monday Orlando and Rudy of course had to work and Heather and I ventured again out on the metro. Orlando was amazed we got around so well on the metro. It was really easy, and the for the most part we found Miami folks really nice and willing to help explain to us how things worked. So for a buck fifty we road downtown and walked all over. I was amazed at how much it looked like Bolivia with the little interior malls, internet cafe's and lunch buffets. With the exception of the Starbucks on each corner it was very Latin looking. We found a Brazilian place to eat and I had some Churrasco (Brazilian BBQ) and it was awesome! After a day hanging out downtown we went and checked into our hotel. We booked a hotel room for the last night by the airport in order get a shuttle back for our flight on Tuesday.

That night we went to Coconut Grove with Orlando and Cristina. The four of us at a cool Tapas place called Tu Tu Tango. The place had artists all around painting stuff, and then lots of their stuff hung up that you could buy. It was also Martini Monday so we tried a lot of their specialty martini's out as well. I love tapas (small plates served family style) cause we all shared different items and just caught up and talked. As we were leaving Valerie finally made it... she had been lost... at that point Orlando and Cristina needed to head back.

Valerie took us back to our hotel. On the way we stopped and she drove us around Miami's campus where she just started work. Beautiful campus, not sure how students can make it to class was so many great distractions around them. At the Hilton we got some drinks and went up to our room to hangout... now let me tell you about our room. I am a Hilton VIP now they upgraded us. Our room had two floors! It had a winding staircase between the floors. One floor was a full bath, big TV couch, bar and chairs and the office area, the upstairs had the master bath and a huge bedroom and TV. the far wall was lofted and had a window that spanned both floors! Man it was awesome... we ooggled over the room a bit and chatted with Valerie.

Tuesday it was off to the famous Miami beach. You can't go four days in Miami without hitting the beach... well I could, but Heather for sure couldn't. So once again we caught the bus for $1.50 and made our way to the beach. It was nice... the heat was a bit much, but we had a little light sprinkle of rain that kept us cool and we relaxed and read some magazines. Rudy picked us up from the beach and we went for a late lunch. We ate a nice little Cuban place and I had the best pork fricase I have ever had in the states... not as good as in Bolivia, but it was good. We ate and then Rudy dropped us off at the Hilton. We caught the shuttle to airport... our time in Miami was done.

So we thought we were on our way home. Our VIP vacation flying first class and staying in a pimp hotel room... then came to a bad end. We were grounded in Miami... we sat on our delayed flight for over an hour... then they took us off the plane not sure how long the delay would be... then they boarded us again... and we sat on the plane still stopped... so we finally arrive in Ohare to find out we missed the last flight to Detroit. So guess what... we get to stay in the airport! They were not providing hotel rooms since it was weather not the airline that caused the problem, they had cots set up in a terminal for us. What? Heather and I needed some rest (I had a long day at work the next day) so we ventured over to the Hilton in the airport. We left the terminal and walked over there to find out they were sold out... as well as all the hotels in the nearby area! Oh no... well back to the cots. But then we learned that the security check points stop working! We could not get back to the terminal to even sleep on cots! So we slept on chairs in the American Airlines baggage claim area... freezing cold... wrapped in our sandy towels from Miami beach. Sad end to a great vacation...

Our luck ran out... and ran out bad! We made it back to Detroit finally at 10am on Wednesday (12 hours later then planned). It was bad for me because Wednesday night I needed to be at an event for Albion in Troy, MI. I still needed to get back to my office to print out somethings for the event... needless to say my day was rough. I drove back to Albion printed my stuff (Jen from my office helped a ton) and then repacked and hit the road to Troy. I barely made it in time to iron my clothes and head to my reception that I was in charge of and needed to speak at... all this with no sleep the night before cause of those highly uncomfortable chairs. The event thankfully went very well!

Well today I woke up not feeling well, I had my wrap up meeting with our reception site (Hilton in Troy) and came to work. Today is nearly over... meetings back to back this afternoon... the stress from yesterdays event is over... now heading home to rest and unpack from my Miami and Troy trips... and prepare for my trip to Chicago this weekend and then Vegas next week. Maybe I will get a first class ticket again... Ciao.

Driving Summer
This is the Driving Summer... each weekend another adventure on the road. This time it was a full week on the road! Last weekend (June 24th) I was in Saginaw for Miguel's engagement reception. It was a lot of fun to see family I had not seen in a long time and meeting Kate's parents. I am really excited for Miguel and Kate. Then my parents had a pool party at the house... the last one ever at the Curwood house... they sold they house and are ready to move back to Bolivia. It was nice being home, chatting with mom in the morning, watching World Cup with my dad... just relaxing in Saginaw.

Sunday I went back to Albion. I just packed and then Monday morning I drove to Indianapolis. I had a day and half long Risk Management College I was attending for my fraternity and Albion College. Of course no one enjoys risk management and fraternal law like I do... so I did enjoy it even though most people there did not. I am intrigued by the Law, maybe thats why I am really leaning towards getting my law degree... hum.

Tuesday night I drove to West Lafayette, IN to Purdue University. I was asked to be a facilitator for the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority Leadership Conference. It was a lot of work and long days, but still a lot of fun. Got to network with other professionals in Greek Life and meet and work with a lot of great students.

I got a free room upgrade at the Hyatt in Indy... wish I coulda stayed longer.

My AXiD Sorority bag... I rocked it all week!

This Sunday (July 2nd) I had a race at GVSU. So I woke up mega early and drove from Purdue to GVSU. I was majorly lacking sleep, Saturday all the facilitators at Purdue went out to celebrate so barely slept at all. It was my worst outing to date... out of 8 cars in my class I took 5th. I really struggled on the course, it really highlighted my need for a new suspension.

I could not get into a groove...

On three wheels... I need better suspension!

Monday it was back in Albion for work... big week of driving. I clocked over 1000 miles again. Wow. I was the only one at work on Monday so I got to just catch up on mail, emails and return phone calls. Then on the 4th... it was just time to relax. Heather and I went to her pool, I cooked some steaks and watched the World Cup, and then hung out around the apartment. Tomorrow it is back to work. Busy week... meeting with the Dean tomorrow, parents visiting on Thursday, and then this weekend heading to Miami! Man summer is flying by!

Fathers Day Weekend
This weekend was fathers day. I want to of course give a shot out to my dad and grandpas. I am very blessed to of had so much support, positive role models, and men in my life I could look up to and say... "I want to be just like that when I grow up." So when people tell me I am a good dad, in my opinion they are complimenting my parents and more importantly my dad.

Anyhow... I planned to be in Chicago with Novali for fathers day. It also happened to be the Puerto Rican festival so of course we had to check that out. Saturday morning we watched some World Cup action... Novali cheered for the team with the white sox and got more into the games then I thought she would. I need to start kicking the ball around with her. Once the games were over we got to ready to head to the famous Humbolt park for the festival.

She put on my flips flops and danced around.

Novi and I watching soccer.

She is learning to tie her shoes.

Got it!

We picked up her abuela and headed out for some fun. I was starved and wanted some good food, and I love Coco ice cream which you can usually only find at Latino events. I was reminded why I love being Latin. The music, the energy, the food... everyone was dancing, from 2 years old to 80. The crowd was having a good time, wether they were their for hip hop or old school salsa. All the exotic fruits, and more meat then even I can imagine... it was great! The day started a little hot... late afternoon we got a short quick shower which was followed by a cool Rainbow that Novali loved... and early evening a storm appeared to be rolling in so we rolled out.

Novi and her abuela in front of the Division Str. Flag.

The atmosphere before we got to park was great.

Never misses a chance to ride a horse.

I never miss a chance to photograph meat.

I bought a sampler platter from the Argentinean booth...yum...

Novi and I. She kept stabbing me with flag, I couldn't stop buying helado de coco (my left hand)

Novi and her abuela enjoying the music. Not much dancing from Novi this year.

People taking cover during the short rain. My pic of the rainbow did not turn out.

After the festival we stopped at Target and I got Novali some new sandals. She is starting a summer school program next week so she needed some sandals she could plan in and take on and off easily. We settled on a cute Dora pair, got some pudding and headed home. All in a days work.

Sunday was Father's Day. Tamara cooked and her dad and Brother came over. Novali wrote in a card for me and painted a coffee mug. Very cute and I love the gift. I have to find a good place to display it. She made one for my dad as well that I will give to him this weekend.

Novi and her Abuelo Angel

My Mug!

The drive home was terrible... traffic in Chicago... traffic through all the Michigan construction... I left Chicago at 6pm and got home a little after 11:15pm.... what a way to spend your Sunday night. Sometimes I wish I had kept track of all the time I spent on I-94 between Novali and I.... buts its all in a days work. When you love someone, driving and staying up just doesn't separate you.

World Cup and Racism
Today (Wednesday) I am flying to Indianapolis for a meeting. My flight was at 10:15am so I planned to get to the airport by 9am so I could watch the World Cup game. It was Spain vs. Ukraine and it was set to be a good match. I haven't been able to watch a lot of World Cup so I am glad I caught the first half of that game at least. I am writing because I wanted to note of of the great things about soccer. In the same bar was a guy from Spain, and a Mexican guy. We instantly started talking soccer. They talked about the crazy opening game Bolivia had in 1994 when our best player got a red card. We talked and taught the bar tender a little about soccer. He noted how nice everyone watching the games has been. We all stuck around as long as we could watching the game before we had to leave... Spain lead at the half 2-0.

Before the cup there was a lot of talk about racism in Germany. They often times jeer black players, doing monkey calls and even going as far as throwing bananas on the field. So prior to the cup FIFA (the international soccer authority) did a lot of work and set up a lot of security to be sure no problem occurred. There have been a few small incidents, but fortunately nothing major.

Last night I had a little run in with someone. I was at KMart, buying some stuff and at check out, the woman in front of me got all mad that the little card swipper had spanish on the screen (mind you small and at the bottom). She joked to the cashier and to me about it... saying this isn't Mexico... why is it in Spanish. I replied to her, "That is the lamest thing I heard all day." She turned and got mad... saying if you come to this country you need to speak the language... blah blah... saying once again this isn't Mexico. I kept very cool, and replied to her that at one point everyone was an immigrant to this country. She paid and left.

What is crazy is that just this past weekend my father and I watched a clip on the news about a place in Philly that put up a sign that said, "This is America, speak English". It was the famous cheese steak place and they said if you can't order in English don't eat here. WOW.

There was more I wanted to say... looking back while standing in line I remember seeing a tattoo on her husbands arm of a four leaf clover. I did not see what was written around it, but I am assuming it had something to do with being of Irish decent. Weren't the Irish discriminated upon when they came to this country? So why would you turn and do it to the next wave of immigrants? How quickly we forget.

It really hits home with me because my family immigrated here without speaking English (well except my mom). I learned and fortunately so did my Brothers because we were so young. My father learned but he struggled, learning a new language in your late 30s is hard. He knew to be successful in this country he had to learn the native tongue. He learned the language, bought a home, paid taxes, raised his kids, and now is retiring before the age of 60... he lived the American dream. Sometimes the backwardsness of the American debate on immigration and language kills me.

That night, was a very timely rerun of the episode Carlos Mencia (Mind of Mencia - Comedy Central) did on immigration. He did a skit when a Native American came out and told everyone to get out of his country or learn his language...

No one owns the earth... we are renting it from god and last time I checked he speaks just about any language out there, even pig latin. So lighten up.

Fun Weekend
As you all know by now, my life revolves around where I am driving to a certain weekend. This weekend was much the same and I drove around Michigan. Friday night I had a chill night in Albion. I changed rims on my car (for my race on Sunday), organized my tools in my new tool box, cleaned my apartment, relaxed, and kicked myself for forgetting to watch the World Cup games during the day.

Saturday I went to Detroit for a fraternity alumni meeting at Wayne State. We had a decent turn out... being it was our first meeting in over 3 years. Slowly we are getting our alumni group back on track. I am hoping to be able to turn over the chair position of the association this summer and that the group is functioning much better.

After our meeting some of us went to eat.

It was Rob's first time so they made a fool of him at Hooters.

After my meeting I drove to Saginaw. Sunday was Raquel's birthday and their happened to be a race in Midland so I thought I could wrap both events into one trip. It worked perfect. Saturday night watched some taped World Cup games with my mom and dad and washed my car. Sunday I got up early to go register for my race, it was first time racing with this region (Saginaw Valley Region SCCA). There were 12 cars in my class and some good cars and good drivers. It was a fast course which does not favor the way my car is set up. My parents, Raquel and Dennis (with Valerie), Heather and my grandparents came to watch. So I guess you can say I had a lot of fans. Because of all the people there I really did not pay much to my times, my dad road with me on two runs and then my sister on my last run. My times got consistently faster but I was sure with all the competition I was not going to place. I finished my runs and my family stuck around for the second second while I worked one of the corners (for these car clubs you race one heat, and you have to work another heat). After I was done working we were getting ready to go and I went to finally look at the posting board... I took 3rd out of 12! I am totally caught off guard... I was not even trying that hard to do well and just giving rides to everyone. So I got my second free tshirt.

In Saginaw I washed the car.

It was my second race on my new tires.

The race was at the Midland Bartstow airport.

It was hard to get close pictures.

Valerie was out making friends.

And she played in the wild flowers.

After racing we went to dinner for Raquel's birthday. It was nice to just eat and relax and catch up. I don't see my grandparents a lot lately and we were busy at the race so it was nice to just have dinner and chat. I am glad that everyone was able to see my race, especially cause somehow I did so well.

Sunday night my dad and I watched some World Cup that he taped during the day. Man the Mexico vs. Iran game was awesome! I also took some time to post some photos I have been meaning to get posted.

My Race: 06-03-2006 (last weekend)
Novali: Michigan 2006

Well now I am done watching soccer and I really should get back to Albion. Have to work tomorrow. This week I am going to Indianapolis for two days for a board of directors meeting for Gamma Sigma Alpha. Then this coming weekend I will be in Chicago for fathers day. Adios for now.

Another Million Miles
So one more summer weekend done... and one more weekend of driving all over. Friday I went to Moline, MI after work for a Test and Tune race event with my car club (Furrin Group) That night I stayed in Grand Rapids and watched the Pistons lose... no Pistons in the finals... no fun at the Phoenix watching the games... BOO.

Saturday I got up and went to my race. The race was a lot of fun, I had new tires and they helped a lot. Heather came and went for a ride around the course. One ride is all she can take. After the race I went to Benton Harbor to meet my Brothers for our little retreat. We hit the beach in St. Joseph and man that was a nice beach.

I had a lot of fun with the Betas. Somethings never change... Vic shopping for a shirt two hours before going out, no one able to decide where to go, and making fun of Ben... hanging out with them will never get old.

Sunday I drove back to Albion to swap my racing rims. I had a little dilemma removing the rims (more on this later) but was able to get my car up to Midland. I spent the night in Midland at Northwood University.

Monday I hosted a meeting at Northwood for the Michigan members of the Association of Fraternity Advisors. I was very impressed with the campus, it was beautiful! I am glad we selected that sight and I had a great time. It is a great meeting for us Greek Advisors to get together... we share some horror stories, laughs, and talk about the upcoming year. After that day-long meeting I headed to Troy.

I stayed at the Hilton in Troy where I am working on an event for the Albion College Panhellenic. The hotel was great and it gave me a chance to catch up with Megan. We went to dinner in Royal Oak and caught up on life. She told me crazy birthday party stories and I shared news on Novi, life and my work.

Tuesday morning I had a meeting with the catering manager at the Hilton. The event is really starting to shape up. I am very excited for the event, it is going to be a huge success and hopefully become an annual tradition. Well now I need to drive over to Albion... later this week I will post the pictures from the week with Novali, and my race this weekend. But for now... back to the road, and then off to work.

CIAO.

Million Miles from Sane
The past seven days I have driven all over the place. Drove to Chicago to get Novali. Drove to Saginaw to drop her off at my parents. Drove to Bishop Airport to get Andres. Drove to Saginaw again. Then ended the weekend driving to meet Tamara to return Novali. Wow... all in all I drove around 1300 for the holiday. So needless to say I need to get an oil change this week.

So how was the the last seven+ days? Amazing! Heather had to be in Chicago last Monday so we rode together and had some fun with Novali in Chicago before heading back to Michigan. Heather gave her a crash dance course and Novali loved it. We got to hangout in a swanky Marriott VIP Lounge (the benefits of my hotel point hoarding) and then got some Dunk and Donuts and went to Michigan. A short day in Albion and then I took Novi to Saginaw. My parents were taking her to a Safari in Canada on Wednesday. She called me after the safari to tell me that a Giraffe licked the car window and she got to ride an elephant.

Thursday I ended up driving to Flint to get Andres from the airport. I got pulled over in front of the airport... and the cop let me off! Good thing to cause I was nearly late to pick Andes up and I needed to get back to Albion to work a little more as well. Thursday night Miguel came over for dinner and the Centellas boys enjoyed some food at Casarellis, a walk around downtown with some gas station coffee, and ended the night with some wings and the Pistons game at the Phoenix. Andy I bet is still shocked over how small Albion really is...

Friday I worked in my office a little and then Andres, Heather and I went to Saginaw. It was a chill weekend at home. I worked on the car and finally finished my audio trunk set up. I cleaned my dads car, did some good ol' Saginaw shopping, and watched the Pistons with my dad on Saturday night. Everyone lounged around the pool and ate a lot of BBQed steaks. Novali got to plant some flowers with grandma, mow the lawn with grandpa, and play tennis with Heather in the driveway. Raquel came over and Valerie smiled and ran all over the place. Her and Novi made good play pals.

Sunday night it was a quick trip back to Albion... so that the Monday drive would not be as long. Monday we got up and hit the road. We made great time (I was surprised at the lack of holiday traffic) so we stopped in Benton Harbor and shopped at their mall... never thought I would see a mall worse then Saginaws... but man it was twice as bad!

So Novali is back in Chicago now. We had so much fun, and I am glad that my parents got to spend so much time with her. It is official, they are moving to Bolivia by August... so glad they got some time with her before they take off. More about the Centellas move later... you also can read my moms blog (Mom's Blog).

I will try to get photos posted on Novali's site from the week soon. I need to get some more pics from my dad and then I can compile a gallery. Back to work now...

Whomp There It Is!
The first Centellas to do it.... (well first in the states)

Miguel and Kate on the Knot

Of course Mom could not be more excited for making plans and doing a reception in Saginaw in June. It will all be great fun and I am super excited for Miguel's big move, the wedding, sweet job... life is good.

No Students, New CD
Well I worked all weekend... Saturday was commencement and then I closed the fraternity homes. The guys did a good job, but either way I was here until 9:30 PM on Saturday. Some sad goodbyes to some seniors, and some annoyed glances at underclassmen dragging their feet to move... but all in all it was pretty smooth. I hope the college is pleased with how things went. I spent a lot of time trying to get it all to run well and have the houses turned over in good condition. I was stressed on if it was going to go well, and I think it did! Mission accomplished. Then Sarah, Jen and I got together to celebrate the end of the year. All of Sarah's residents were gone, my men were gone, and Jen hosted us over for some Pizza Rolls and laughs. It was nice and relaxing.

On Sunday I went through my building. The Munger apartments and the Annex looked like they were in pretty good shape. To my surprise I actually found that the hall ways and laundry room of Munger were worse then the fraternities! Wow... but the rooms looked good, but I mean they were all brand new last year so they better of been in good shape.

Well to celebrate the end of the school year. I made a new CD. For those who know me I love getting new songs and making a good driving mix. So I made my Hip Hop May 06 mix. I have not gotten through all the songs yet, but maybe tonight after work I'll go for a drive and play the entire mix.

On Sunday I did remember to call my mom, and a I talked with Tamara on the phone. One of the goldfish is dead... but the other one is holding on. We will see how long this one makes it. Anyhow, Happy Mothers Day to all the moms out there. My mom loved her card, I shoulda scanned it and posted it on here... On the front was a cartoon image of a car, with the mom holding her arm in front of her son. On the inside it said, "Mom, the original safety belt." It was too funny... cause man my mom used to seriously bruise my chest throwing her arm out to "protect" me when braking. I know my siblings can back me up on that one. Happy Mothers Day!

Life at 110mph
Life has been flying by... so what I have needed was a good weekend. Friday went to a dinner function with Heather for Jackson Community College, some gambling and she won a Texas Hold Em gift box, and despite what Heather said, I got to get seconds through the buffet line. I mean come on, I know it is a formal work event, but buffets are designed for seconds!

Saturday we got up early and went to Chicago. On the agenda for the day... putting together the Armoire my parents got Novali for her birthday, getting Novi some new fish, and hanging things up in her bedroom. We had a fast drive there... thanks to a Ferrari I followed for a little while... I had to be back in Albion on Sunday, so we had to cram a lot into one day.

Upon arrival we just hung out for a little bit. Novi was eating some breakfast and watching Sponge Bob Square Pants. I noticed she had like 15 Barbies sleeping on the futon... who needs that many dolls. Then I got to work on the furniture.

All tucked in and resting on the living room futon.

She kept getting in my way and messing with me as I tried to work.

Then we took a trip to Target and PetsMart. At Target I wanted to get a few things for her room. I let her pick a few things out from the dollar bins. She came back with a bubblebee shaped fly swatter and a ring bearers pillow... so Heather and I talked her into some stickers, a butterfly clock and some other matching butterfly room accessories.

She tried on some $1 hats.

We found a pink baseball helmut, she showed us how to run the bases.

At the pet store she tried to talk to the parrot.

She loved the little gerbils.

We picked two little goldfish.

On the way home... she chatted with my parents.

We got home and had some dinner. Tamara cooked for us and we watched some TV. Then we worked on her room and hung up the things we bought. In the morning we reorganized her room to accommodate the armoire. We hung her new coat hook, a little butterfly picture and poem cross stitch she has had in her closet for a while.

Her new coat hook.

Putting things in the armoire.

Putting the new fish in the bowl.

We figured with two statistically they will last a little longer.

Well then it was time for her to get ready for bed. She took her bath, which involved more playing in the tub then actual washing... but she enjoys it and we don't have to fight to get her to take a bath. Then I read her a story and put her to bed... then the long drive home.

Sunday... students are starting to leave campus. So from now on I will be on call to help check students out. It will be a busy week, but after that we will be home free and the students will be gone. I will finally get caught up on all my paperwork and start plans for the fall.

Solo PLP
Well this weekend my car club, the Furrin Group, hosted its first AutoCross of the season. I had to be in Moline, MI at 9:30 AM so it was an early morning for me. I was excited to see how the GXE would run with the new mods and how I would run in my new class (my mods put me into a more competitive class). I went to the AutoX alone... which meant I had to prep my car all by myself and that slowed me down and limited the amount of time I was able to spend learning the corse.

Unfortunately the weather was not as nice as they predicted. It was cloudy and windy which made it not as much fun to be outside. Either way it was a great, I had a lot of fun meeting some of the new drivers and checking out the new mods on other members cars. The turnout was not great, but it meant everyone got to have six runs on the course which was good.

I did okay... In my class was 7 cars. It was the class I used to race with my NX... so compare my NX to my GXE and you can see the major differences in performance. My GXE had its work cut out for it. The first run was great, the car took off well and at the end of the run I was in 2nd out of the 7 in my class. No bad! My second run I pushed her harder and ended up hitting a cone on the second slalom. With the time penalty from the cone that run put me in 4th out of 7. Still not bad... I figured I could improve on my times and if I don't hit cones I can climb higher.

Well the 3rd and 4th runs did not net me any better times... the problem is that as I pushed her harder the suspension and tires really gave out on me... I could not hold my grip on corners cause of my all season tires and the roll from my OEM suspension really hurt. Two of the guys beating me.... drove J-Body Cavs which had $1000 Tein suspension and $600 race tires... how can I compete? On my fifth run I was determined to do well. I jumped the start gate well (throwing some blue smoke...) and killed both of the slaloms. I controlled the speed curve well, and then coming into the final turn of the course I was going a little too fast for my tires and I lost control and hit the 2nd to last cone before the end gate... NO! I had one more run and was not able to capitalize on that either... I ended 4th out of 7 in my class.

This course is a little bumpy, and the design this year was very fast with long speed sweeps.

Some great cars turned out for the event... Corvettes, Honda S2000s, and this pair of EVOs

Wide range of rides... from BMWs to GTOs.

There she goes... round the first sweep.

Coming out of the second slalom heading into the tight chicane.

Immortalized... understeering trying to avoid hitting that second to last cone on my fastest run...

Some highlights from the day... my intake and exhuast really did provide me with some needed power on the speed sections. I also did get better times then some pretty nice rides in other classes that had a lot on my little GXE... I beat a Mazda RX7, a couple VW Jettas, Subaru WRX, Triumph Spitfire, and a BMW 325i. So even though I did not place, it was a good day.

After that I went to GVSU where I was facilitating Recruitment Bootcamp. It was my first time working with that curriculum so I was excited to see how it went. We had two lead facilitators from CAMPUSPEAK and then six of us small group facilitators. It was a great bunch and Saturday after training was done we all hungout and caught up on AFA stuff and just relaxed. Sunday was a long day... the program was 13 hours long... we went from 8am to 9pm! Ouch... but it was a good day. I think the students got a lot out of it and I hope that recruitment next year for GVSU is amazing!

They learned quick simple talking points.

They worked in small groups, and then in their chapter group.

The students came up with some great ideas!

The facilitation team.

Needless to say I got home late last night, very tired... so I am dragging today from the busy weekend. I need a relaxing weekend one of these days so on Monday I can come in refreshed... maybe once the students leave.

Well that was my weekend... this week is busy here. Tonight is Order of Omega initiation, Wednesday is the Emerson Drive concert, and this weekend I am heading to Chicago. Catch me if you can...

End in Sight
Well today I spent 6 hours walking through fraternity houses with my chapter presidents and the Director of Residence Life. The end of the semester is in sight... even though the next two weeks will be extremely busy I know that soon things will be chill and I can get caught up on paperwork and the day to day work of being a Greek advisor.

Personally it has also been a stressful week. I have been working to get my car ready for the first race of the season this weekend, also this weekend I am facilitating a recruitment bootcamp program at GVSU (6 hours on Saturday, 13 hours on Sunday!), and I haven't had a real break in a long time. The stress is mounting...

The benefit of really busy times is that when you are pushed, you really learn what you are made of... I have learned somethings about myself through this rough couple weeks.

1. I think I am addicted to the Albion New China egg drop soup.
2. I really enjoy dance recitals.
3. Working on my car... even when it breaks... sooths my soul.
4. Someday I want to own a custom car shop.
5. Don't troubleshoot other peoples problems... sometimes people like their problems just the way they are and don't want you to fix em.
6. I am not as organized as I used to be in college.
7. Dusting makes me feel productive, even when I have more important things to do.
8. No matter what, I don't like talking on the phone.

I think that is it... I am off to enjoy my busy weekend. Next week will be really busy... but I hope I get a chance to post some photos. PEACE.

Spring Fever
Spring fever has hit... unfortunately this year it took until nearly May for nice enough weather to hit so that you can get out and enjoy some long needed sun. Well the sun is here, mixed with the typical spring rain and thunderstorms (my favorite) and I can finally be outside... working on the car.

Couple projects underway right now. Well as always I am fine tuning the bump in my car... I took my subs out for some trips and finally put them back in, and while I was at it upgraded a few other things. I purchased baffles and bass blockers for my interior speakers so they would sound more crisp and leave the bass production to my Polk subs. The sound is cleaner and yes... I can turn it up even more. Nothing relaxes me more then sitting with a torn apart door panel wiring some speakers.

Door spacers to fit the baffles and a small bass blocker. All custom wired.

Two Polk GNX subs give me all the bass I need... and then some.

My next project was a little more indepth. I bought a new exhaust for my car and finally got around to taking it to the shop for the custom pipes to get bent. I also was able to score a great deal on an AEM Cold Air Intake. For those who don't know what that is... it is a racing style air intake. I got it a few months ago and planned to install it myself in the spring. Also over winter I got a strut tower brace and my MAF Sensor went bad again so I needed a weekend to work on the car. I called up Hermen to see if he was free and able to come help out and he was... so Team PLP was back together. He came on Saturday morning and we got cracking. I started on Friday taking a few things apart, and once he got there the trips to Autozone and Burger King began!

I bought an OBX mv3089 Twin Tip Muffler.

My first AEM Cold Air Intake!

Before: Whimpy Muffler.

After: Dual Polished mean sounding muffler.

Before: Big Stock Restrictive Airbox.

After: Smooth Slick Polished Air Intake.

Working with Hermen was great... forgetting to get things at Autozone... drilling into hot aluminum, cutting our hands screwing into the fender, and getting dirty under the car. Just like the old days working on the NX and the Sonoma. We sat and figured out problems, came up with solutions... and worked on how to get it all working right. Good team work.

I love getting the power tools out... RRR..

The intake required us to work inside the fender well.

The upper pipe.

Lower pipe and AEM Logo.

Well after all the hard work... she turned right on. Man she sounded MEAN! You could hear the new intake sucking in air. The intake paired with the new exhaust sounded incredible. Hermen and I jumped in and backed out of my parking spot... I lined it up in the parking lot, revved the engine and listen to her scream to go... I ripped the clutch loose and my spinning tires blew out blue smoke and the sound and smell of burning rubber made my day. It was good... but then the car stalled. Oh no? I started her right back up and Hermen and I took her for a ride. She would stall after a hard acceleration to a fast stop. It was late in the day so Hermen and I figured we would problem solve it in the morning. Heather came over and we all got some dinner and went to Kzoo for a get together with my Brothers.

We had a fun time in Kzoo.... Milan had Brothers over. We missed the BBQ but made it in time for some dancing, laughing at old times, making some new times, and got to watch Brothers stroll while eating hot dogs... a Beta first in my book.

Betas came from GV, UoM and MSU to hang to out.

Some GV Gammas.

Sergio strolling with a hot dog!

Jeff (my little Brother) and I

WMU Gammas came late... but they made it.

Nothing like chillin on the couch and hanging out. Good times.

Well that was the weekend. It was nice to not have a ton to do besides sitting in my parking lot working on the car. I did get a call from Miguel my older Brother.... and he is getting married! Wow... he will be the first one. Not sure time plans yet, but I am sure details will be coming soon. Miguel never fails to plan well. So he has a new sweet job, getting married, moving... wow. Good luck!

So Sunday Hermen and I worked on the car some more... but no luck solving the stalling issue. So this morning I dropped her at the shop to see if they can help. Hopefully it is something minor so that one it doesn't cost me a lot... and secondly so I can get my baby back on the street and ready for the first race of the season... this Saturday!