Graduates

Saturday, May 21st, was a rather big celebratory day for the deClouets as my sister and I both graduated from our respected institutions...her from Lafayette Hight School and me from McNeese State University with a Master's in Science in Nursing. We celebrated the way deClouets always do...with a large dinner (100 pounds of crawfish) and lots of friends.

What's next for us both? My sister starts college in Lafayette at the Unversity of Louisiana. She's a little unsure about her major (currently focused on moving out of the house), but that's hardly a reason to worry. She's going to do great at whatever she puts her mind to...that's just the kind of person she is.

As for myself. I have certification exams to take in about six weeks before I'm given a license to diagnose and treat. In the meantime it'll be more studying and applying for jobs in Arizona. The outlook is promising, and Karen and I are excited about the big move coming up at the end of July. However, we are planning on enjoying our last full summer in south Louisiana for a while, and are open to as many dinner invites as can be dished out ;)

Heading home for the summer!

In a Better World

Karen and I decided to have back-to-back movie nights earlier in the week. I guess we're trying to make up for all of the dates we've lost over the past year. We hit up a regular movie theatre first to catch Limitless. While it was somewhat entertaining, I would have to say "no" to the recommendation. Karen disagrees.

However, we both agree on the following night's flick. We caught In a Better World at The Loft...probably Tucson's best kept secret. They feature independent films throughout the week with the occasional classic. The beer selection is remarkable. Fat Tire was on draft, and when I entered an nearly empty theatre I was in heaven. Absolutely no interruptions throughout the movie.

Anyway, In a Better World is one of the better films I've seen in a while. Kind of wore me out with the emotional tug. It won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film this past year. Definitely worth checking out if you can access to it.

New Place in Tucson

Karen an I are signing a lease on a new place here in Tucson later on today. Living in a one-room studio the past week has been a challenge, making the house hunting all-the-more essential. We're just around the corner from Tucson's best kept secret (Himmel Park), making an escape from the desert blues a little easier. A couple of pics below of our new home come August. Relief!

Bon Iver - Calgary

Completely blown away by this tune. I might have listened to it four times this morning. It's by Bon Iver, and the new album comes out in about a month. Their tour this summer is largely east coast, but I believe I could be convinced to hit up Atlanta at the end of July...just prior to our big move.

The Journey

I can remember a tournament meeting I was at in Baton Rouge about six years ago. I was just a grade seven referee, but was invited to participate in an amateur regional tournament since I was an eager local youth referee who could run. This tournament was a major step to doing higher level games in the past, and is still a highly effective tool of the federation for sorting out up-and-comers from the pack. Jozsef was running the things, but his couterpart, a very effective Dr. Wilbur, was leading this session. "What are your referee goals? Where do you want to be in the next couple of years? Why are you here?" These were the self-reflecting questions that were asked of the largely national referee contingent, but it caught my attention as each person let their goals be known. MOst of the answers involved officiating in the A-League or MLS within the next couple of years, and the conversation shifted to how this tournament can assist in that capacity. "Do well and your name moves up the list. Perform poorly...and there's always next year." I was completely enamored with the session, and my quest to become a national referee had unofficially started.

Fast forward to last weekend. Had the 4th position on the Houston v Colorado game...my first at the MLS level. Being apart of this crew, this game, has been specifically what I've been striving for for the past two years. Walking the field prior to the game, being a part of the game plan, entering the field with the teams, being involved in the action, having my ear chewed off by both coaches...it was all such and experience, and words cannot do it justice.

For the moment, games are going well for me. Goals have shifted somewhat, but I'll keep those to myself for now. Off to Salt Lake City this weekend for a 4th on Saturday night, and a middle for the reserves immediately following. Slowly climbing the ladder. What a journey it's been so far!

Florence and the Machine

Florence and the Machine are keeping me entertained this morning as I trek across the country from Tampa to Tucson. The video below is from the 2010 Glastonbury Festival. The song is titled Dog Days are Over. An incredible performance in every way that has them on my list of bands to see. Truly inspirational...

I'm off to Houston