One Week and Counting

It's been a little over a week since I last saw Karen. For those of you out-of-the-know, she's in Tucson, AZ pursuing her Master's degree in Fine Art at the University of Arizona, something she's been working toward for the past couple of years. As for me, don't worry yourselves...I'm doing fine. Jack and Maggie are keeping me busy, LG is seeing that I have enough food, and the OMH rounds start today. My friends are keeping me company with constant dinner invites (always appreciated) and fantasy football drafts took up my birthday weekend.

With all that being said, we (Maggie, Jack and I) still miss her, and I'm counting down the days until next Wednesday when we'll be in Chicago for a good five days, cheering on the Irish to go 2-0 over Michigan.

An update is necessary here. Karen's doing great. She was awarded a graduate assistantship during our stay, so she now has a part-time job with the university with, virtually, paid tuition. Her main vehicle of transportation is a 40 pound bicycle that she commutes with to class (0.5 miles away from home), and she's quickly realizing that sweating (glistening) cannot be avoided.

A couple of late pics from my trip to Tucson two weeks ago.

Different vegitation that takes some getting used to, but is simply gorgeous.

Probably the neatest building on campus. It was built in an effort to save on energy as Tucson is a blistering 106 degrees during the summer months. The building is actually under the mall of the campus. This is a ground level shot. Drainage systems placed in the grass (on the roof) collect and save rainwater that is utilized to keep the building cooled with the AC system. Pretty freaking neat.

A shot of sunset from the mall of campus. I cannot overemphasize how open the sky is over there. There is a major observatory in the area that astronomers flock to year around, and in an effort to provide optimal visualization, the city puts a cap on the number of street light in a given area, so if you get last at night you're SOL.

My favorite picture of the trip.

Last Day

To say this week has zipped by is an understatement, but in the short stay I've come to realize that Tucson is truly a unique place. When we left here in early July we had just missed the beginning of monsoon season (which coincides with hurricane season), and were told that everything starts blooming at that time, coupled with cooler temps (not quite) and picturesque sunsets...and they were pretty much spot-on. Karen's going to have a great experience here. It's unfortunate that I have to wait roughly ten months before permanently joining her, but it's a wait worth having.

Was able to take some great pics the past couple of days, but left my uploader at home, so the iphone ones will have to do for now:


Karen after a busy day at orientation. This picture is taken at Wilko, one of our favorite places to eat around campus. Very hip music with the nicest staff, and a wine list that can rival most in Lafayette...with the avg price of an entree being $12 and soccer on the majority of the time. I would be here every night if enrolled in the U of A.

When these things come around, the people rejoice. When they miss the majority of the city, it makes front page news. At least it brought cooler temps in the mid-70s for the next couple of days, which made dinners at various patio restaurants great. The topography of Tucson has us sitting in a valley of sorts between four mountain ranges, at an altitude of approximately 2400 ft. The result is tremendous views of the ranges contrasting with a wide open sky...amazing, especially at sunset...and its every sunset.

So the city is probably the most bike/pedestrian friendly city I've been in. Cars literally stop on a dime for those on two wheels or feet. Karen lives less than a mile from campus, making biking the optimal route (vehicle of choice for majority of students), so we invested in this beast (dated to mid-70s) and it weighs a ton. It was pretty cool riding it back to the house (and through campus).

Anyway, more pics to come soon. I fly back to Lafayette tomorrow morning (5:15 flight), and should be landing with just enough time to make my tee time at the GGCC. Get ready guys...I'm coming.

A Laid Back Sunday Morning with Dave

Not the best picture, but the Epic Cafe is on the corner. This is the corner of 4th street and University, home to a handful of really good restaurants and shops right near the university. The food here is incredible, and the general vibe of the city is a laid back one. I'm continually getting a better feeling of the place the more I'm here.

Changing topics here...thought this interview with Dave Matthews on NPR was worth sharing. Really got to know his music during my first couple of years in college as Karen and I have probably seen him half-a-dozen times or so at the Woodlands. The interview has Dave speaking into the theme of their latest album (Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King) as well as talking about the difficult transition the band has gone through since the death of one of their founding members, Leroy Moore, a couple of years ago.

Anyway, enjoyed listening to both today while Karen and I had coffee and breakfast this morning at a local cafe, the Epic Cafe. As stated earlier, I can see the Epic slowly becoming a common hangout while I spend time visiting here...Karen says it'll be her new CCs.

A little DMB to finish out your Sunday with...

Karen's Big Goodbye

There's nothing like passing a good time with friends and family to make a major transition seem like its just a thing. My sister threw a great party Friday night for my wife Karen, who'll be leaving this Friday for Tucson, Arizona in what'll surly be the start of an exciting new chapter in our lives. More on that in a later post.

The evening was low-key and enjoyable as Michael grilled burgers and Janenne snapped a couple of pics. Karen and I had a great time catching up with everyone (especially Lacy:), and thanks to James for making me believe in a top-25 finish for the Irish in 2010. Below are a couple of pics from the event...courtesy of Janenne (thanks mom). The rest can be found here.

Karen and Nicholas

Some interesting body language...

The Labar's and Karen

Trying to tell an interesting story with a new, interesting haircut

Welcome to the big leagues

Was in Gary, North Carolina for the weekend participating in a highly competitive match between Carolina and Montreal, both of US Soccer's D2 league. Let me say that Wakemed Park is one of the nicest facilities that I've had the pleasure of officiating in. It was constructed in 2002 for the Carolina Courage, of the now defunct WUSA league, and has hosted a number of USMNT games as well as some notable college championships...as well it should. The playing surface was impeccable.

A little surprise upon arriving was the site of a number of television crews with multiple cameras in tow. I was soon informed that the game was going to be televised in Canada...and airport security had just confiscated my gel a couple of hours earlier. So much for the dapper look...sorry Brian.

The game was as exciting as the billing with Carolina squeaking out a 2-0 win. The Indy Week in NC has a pretty interesting write-up of the game. What was even more amazing was the taping that I was given (all referees get a copy of the game) was similar to that on FSC, with instant, quality replays and some commentary that might give John Harkes a run for his money. All-in-all a great experience.

USASA National Cup

Returned home from Philadelphia at 2:45 in the morning today in what was one of the worst travel decisions I've made to date, but don't worry...I won't bore you with the details.

National Cup was a great experience. It was good seeing some old friends while making some new ones. Was fortunate enough to do the Over-30 Final Sunday morning in what was truly challenging game, and all went well. The event was held at the United German Hungarian Center in Bensalem, PA. The center has been the central part of this community for the better part of the last 100 years. It provided for a great stadium-like environment for what was some quality soccer. Nothing like a bunch of 70+ year old Germans drinking beer and watching soccer...all day.

The crew for the O-30 Final was stellar. Fantastic support all the way around made for an extremely competitive atmosphere and great soccer to boot.

Went to catch the Philadelphia Union on our down day. Pretty amazing stadium as they played New England to a 1-1 draw.

Like I said, a great experience in every capacity. Glad to be back home, but rest is for the weary. Karen and I are taking off to visit some friends for a couple of days in TN, and a D2 game follows in N.C. next weekend.