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!

Easter
Had a great relaxing weekend at home. Friday got to Saginaw and Heather and I just hung out with my parents for a little while. Talked about jobs, their house for sale, and just caught up on life. Saturday morning Raquel came over and brought Valerie, her friend Dennis and her friend Lacy brought her two kids and a niece. So needless to say we have kids running all over the house. My mom planned a nice brunch and then an Easter egg hunt for the kids. They all had a good time. Sunday we went to church and Miguel and I got to hear my mom's church band and that was great.

Valerie liked tucking in the little baby.

The kids ran all over looking for the Easter Eggs

Valerie kept showing off all her eggs.

They got their Easter basket and right away started eating candy.

She had a ton of fun, and we had fun watching her.

At church my parents bought Lily's in memory of our abuelito.

It was a fun weekend. Bad news... Novali's fish, who she named Nemo has passed. He didn't even make it a week, so next time I am out there I need to get her a new one. Good News... Miguel got a job offer and will be accepting a faculty position at Dickinson College in PA.

It was a nice relaxing weekend. The semester is winding down and life is going to settle into my nice slow summer pace. I am still trying to see if I can fit a trip to Bolivia into my schedule and into my budget... But for now I am just enjoying the increasing nice Michigan weather and enjoying not being pulled in ten different directions.