Life of Mark

First Aid Kit

2012-02-03T23:08:00.004-06:00

Karen introduced me to this band this evening. I wasn't much in the mood for new music at the time, but now find myself mapping out a way for us to check 'em out at Coachella. The sister duo is from Sweden. Their voices could not be more pitch-perfect, and the song Emmylou has me in some sort of crazed trance. Makes me think of how lucky I am to be on this journey with Karen. Just can't seem to get enough of it.
The desert scene in the video is not so bad either. Think you guys may enjoy it. Have a great weekend.

The Spray

2012-01-29T20:56:00.006-06:00

Cano and Ginger have been getting along pretty well, however the time for behavior classes is rapidly approaching. The couch that's in the picture is their favorite place to lounge, but they're only allowed to do so in the evening, when the dog-blankets are out.

On any given day, they'll whine and snuggle against the leg of anyone seated there, hoping for an invite. If one doesn't come they invite themselves (taking after their owner). We've been racking our brains for a couple of months trying to figure out a way to keep them off during the day. Common sense says don't let them on at all, but they an be so persuasive.

Introduce the spray-bottle...a dog's worst fear, and coincidentally our answer. Works brilliantly!

Yes...I'm alive and well

2012-01-25T21:29:00.003-06:00

One would assume (judging from my last post) that my brief stint at bachelorhood may have gotten the best of me. A lot has happened between then and now. For one, I managed to survive a two week stint without my betrothed...while she was partying in Jamaica. I'm officially on the roster to officiate in the MLS for 2012 after a successful weekend (fitness test passed...and to those who are curious, it was never in doubt) in Ft Lauderdale. My brother's days as a "real" bachelor were celebrated in Vegas (four nights is way too long), and to top things off Karen and I visited our good friends Will and Carlee in Phoenix. The USMNT game was not that bad either.

Now I know this seems like a lot of down time, but keep in mind that I worked from August to mid-December, managing to only take off a couple of days. While this may seem like a typical work schedule for you all...remember that I'm somewhat new to this work thing, and plan on milking all of the R&R I can. Happy new years, and thanks for sticking with LOM. I plan on being a little more fruitful than I've been.

Please forgive me if the wording of this post seems somewhat choppy. I'm still shaking off the rust;)

Bachelor for a while

2011-12-15T20:14:00.004-06:00

Well, it's just me and the dogs for the next month. Karen is living the high life in Jamaica, and then making Lafayette home for the majority of her winter break. I'm home here in Tucson with the dogs on night one of my new bachelorhood. Jamming out to some Drive-By-Truckers (below) while BBQ'ing a filet and sipping on a new hook.

Righteous Path - The words to this tune are great. I regret missing them while in the N.O. not too long ago, despite being ill. It would've been worth the aches and pains...dammit!

Mt Lemmon...Our First Taste of the Tucsonian Outdoors

2011-12-09T07:00:00.001-06:00

Mount Lemmon is the highest point in Arizona, tipping off at just over 9,000 feet at the center of the Coronado National Forest. It lies in the center of what's known as the Sky Islands, a group of 40 scattered mountain peaks that lie between the Rocky Mountains to the north and the Sierra Madre Occidental to the south. It's a "bio-geographical phenomena" of various climate zones, foliage and wildlife. One mountain range contains half of the birds found in the entire United States! Various species of plant and wildlife are trapped on these ranges because they cannot exist in other climates...thus they are called Sky Islands. On our way up Mount Lemmon I believe we passed through four climate zones. We started out with nothing but saguaro cacti surrounding the roads, and ended up with ponderosa pine that reminded me of north Louisiana...minus the nasty clay smell. The base of the mountain is a short 20 minute drive from our home, and one can drive from the base to the top in just over 10 miles.

Rose Canyon Lake is a man-made lake that can be found around 7500 feet up Mt Lemmon, and it was my first glimpse of a body of water since August. Kind of a surreal moment for me. The wildlife serive stocks it once a year with fish, making it a popular trip for many Tucsonians...especially those who feel secluded by desert.

Views like this made Karen leery of driving. I believe her quote was "I feel like I just took a midol and chased it down with a bottle of wine."The road up the side of the mountain is pretty steep. Lose control of your car, and it's over. Also a pretty big cyclist haven, but yo9u won't find me climbing these 35 and 40 degree inclines. Ridiculous!

More pictures worth checking out here

From FSC to Obscurity

2011-12-07T19:39:00.005-06:00

...well, that's not exactly how it went, but if one is unfamiliar with my transition into the Tucson soccer scene then it could be seen as such. I just returned from a week-long soccer extravaganza which started out with my first game on national tv. Last Wednesday I was the official for a match between the USMNT's U17 team as they took on the French counterpart in Sarasota, FL. Pretty cool experience that almost had me forgetting the ball on the podium prior to the introductions. These teams met about three weeks prior (France 3 USA 0), making the match just a bit more challenging than it would normally be.

All-in-all the game went pretty well from an entertainment standpoint, or so I've been told. I think that's one of the largest complements that an official can receive...the game being entertaining. After all, that's what the job is all about...keeping the game free of infringements that hamper talent while encouraging hard play to flow. When this is allowed to occur some pretty amazing soccer can be played, especially at this level. The treat is being in the middle of it all, and that can be pretty awe-inspiring.
The talent level that these kids possessed coupled with a some sick genes is truly amazing. A US equalizing-goal in the last minute of stoppage made for some great theater. Check out the highlights.

From there I headed to Memphis to take part in mentoring some up-and-coming officials at the Germantown Invitational Tournament while blowing my whistle in a couple of matches. I've attended this tournament ever since 2004, and have had some truly great memories. The weather always leaves me wondering why I continue to return, but the post-game meals coupled with some great company is a quick reminder why it's a can't miss event.

Fast forward to last night when I officiated my first high school game in Tucson. Running a line for local veteran quickly placed my pride in check. Two suspect penalties within the first 12 minutes followed by my flag being waved down on an offside decision is just the reality check I needed.

It's good to be posting again. Thanks for checking back

Half-Way There

2011-10-30T10:18:00.012-05:00

I don't talk much about my wife's work on this site. This is not by choice. If it were my way her entire journey would be recorded for everyone to enjoy. Maybe this is a subtle beginning. Anyway, this past Friday marked her mid-way point through grad school as she participated in her MFA Candidacy review. It was an hour-long presentation of her work over the past three semesters, how she got here and in what direction is she going. This presentation was for the entire 2D faculty, and the outcome was either pass/no pass. The deClouet house never had a doubt what would come from this meeting, and now we have an MFA-Candidate in the house. Her work is pretty amazing. Please excuse the shoddy photography.

Her work is pretty abstract, and an explanation from this author would not do it justice. Karen's a pretty private person, and my strives to coax her to share her thoughts behind it causes some strife. Permission to show this work took some begging. Maybe a little more prodding will give you guys some answers...then again, maybe not. Still pretty amazing. More pics can be found here.

Memorable Night in KC

2011-10-20T08:33:00.004-05:00

My inaugural season in the MLS appears to have come to an end, and it was an experience that will not soon be forgotten. There were several highlights that immediately come to mind from my first preseason game in Houston, to my first MLS game, to the home game in Seattle...the list could go on and on. However, the moment that took the cake was Kansas City's home opener in Livestrong Park. Never had I experienced so much emotion prior to a game. The place was electric. It was the way soccer should be experienced.

A buddy of mine sent me this press clipping yesterday from a paper in KC a couple of weeks after the game. Good article, memorable game and great picture! I can remember my exact feelings at that moment, when the cannons and flares went off..."what the hell was that...oh s***, this is for real!"

Ben Howard - Old Pine

2011-10-17T23:04:00.003-05:00

Karen introduced me to Ben Howard this evening. The song and video inspires a road trip out west..just a great feel-good tune. I bought his album (Every Kingdom) ten minutes later, and have listened to it in its' entirety while enjoying a nice pilsner this evening. There's definitely a lot of potential in this 23-year old. I think he may may be up there with Ritter and Pug. We'll see.

Ref Week

2011-10-14T19:38:00.005-05:00

So as a soccer referee, I can say, first hand, that the amount of abuse officials receive during any game is over and beyond what anyone should have to endure. A couple of years ago the FA started a campaign entitled RESPECT to create a fair, enjoyable and safe atmosphere for the gamer to be played in. A major focus of that campaign was referee recruitment and retention. It received some pretty big notoriety, and is still a focus at the beginning of every season in the FA.

Here in the US, Major League Soccer has recently put together their program of promoting the abused with Ref Week. This past week saw some clever videos being released on the MLS site with the goal of helping fans relate with guy in the middle (I know it'll take more than a couple of videos, but it's a start, right?). They've also outlined US Soccer and MLS' strategy of bringing newer officials into the league (part 1 and part 2), in order to keep the momentum going and continue to develop the their product. Pretty cool stuff, and many thanks to subscriber pele for the threads.

Life as a ref pt 1:

Life as a ref pt 2:

Q'ing it up in AZ

2011-09-23T08:54:00.004-05:00

Hey guys, Karen and I are still kicking out west despite my lack of involvement with the blog. The working life has been keeping me busy, but that's a good thing. The practice is developing well, and I don't believe I could have found a better place to work. God is good.

Anyway, I was able to find some time the other day to purchase the cheapest BBQ pit I could find, and grill some filets that we bought straight from the farm...no middle man at the grocery store. 1.25 inch filet mignons that ranked up there with the most tender pieces of beef I've had the pleasure of enjoying (that probably doesn't read to well). Fall seems to be settling in over here. Yesterday brought temperatures that hit in the 50s, and it's pretty chill this morning.

Hope all's well back home. I fly out to Chicago this evening for a physical fitness test, then back to Tucson in the evening. Hopefully this will get this site running again.

Professionals in the floor

2011-09-10T09:58:00.003-05:00

Karen and I spent our first Friday night together in a month (seriously...travel or work has taken up every weekend since moving here) getting back to our roots. We introduced a friend of ours to some good ol' Cajun music as the Savoy Family Band (from Eunice) was in town. If you're from south Louisiana, and you haven't heard these guys play, you're missing something special. Marc and Anne Savoy grew up playing with the likes of DL Menard and Michael Doucet, and their sons Joel and Wilson are equally as talented.

A small crowd of about 60 or so was squeezed into a modern dance hall with a dance floor who's size rivaled the one at the Blue Moon Saloon. One would think that natives here would be shy to two-step or waltz, but the floor was not short of participants who were eager to cut their own path. I think their was even a red-rover-type dance style that three participants decided to invent. Creativity was needed avoid...difficult, to say the least.

With that being said, Karen and I may have been the professionals on the floor last night. I don't know if I'm speaking highly of our skills or the competition was just that sparse. Nevertheless the music was great, and those who showed up embraced it well. Hearing that sweet Cajun accent was just what was needed to fill the south Louisiana void that was felt over the last five weeks.

Getting friendly

2011-09-01T11:47:00.006-05:00

So when we decided to adopt two dogs instead of one, many thought (including myself) that we were setting ourselves up for failure. Karen starting her second year at the UofA, me starting my new job and a house whose organization ranks up there with ...where were we going to find enough time to train some dogs!?!

Well, aside from the rambunctious play that goes on at 5:00 in the morning (yes, I'm awake at that time thanks to the pups) and in the afternoon, the house is somewhat quiet throughout the day. Ginger and Cano are getting along well, and tomorrow will be the day Cano is introduced to the 15 or so dogs that hang out in the park every morning. It's quite an interesting display. A bunch of dog owners taking their companions out to the park at 6:00am, so they can conquer the park without reservation. Should be interesting as Cano barely knows his own name.

Turning 30

2011-08-28T21:34:00.006-05:00

Well, I have hit the big THREE ZERO, and life hasn't changed much in the 24 hours since...go figure. Kind of like awaiting the apocalypse at the change of the millennium with nothing short of a hangover happening the following day.

Regardless, it was a non-stop, brief weekend that had me back in Lafayette for a couple of fantasy football drafts. Despite drafting a couple of championship caliber teams, the real treat was hanging out with my family (especially my father). A few bittersweet memories that I'm sure Karen can relate to. It kind of makes me wonder whether or not we're doing the right thing by planting these seeds out west. These are mixed emotions that I find myself fighting with occasionally, but at the end of the day, being with Karen and the new family is all I need. As my plane flew over the Rincon Mountains this evening, and Tucson came into view, a sense of reassurance hit me. As I write this I can say that it's good to be home.

Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path...and leave a trail.
-RWE

See you guys when we see you.

New Family in Tucson

2011-08-16T10:33:00.005-05:00

Cano

The over-under on some new companions for Karen and I was three months. Yesterday's visit to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona won money for those betting the under as we adopted not one, but two dogs (scary, I know). Cano and Ginger both have a bit of Pit in them, Ginger more than Cano, and both are as loving and friendly as Maggie is back home. They were kennel-mates during our visit, making the decision to bring them both home a little easier.

Ginger (the female) shares Maggie's qualities in that she probably suffers from generalized anxiety disorder, but she's just as lovable. Cano (male), who somewhat resembles our good friend Jozee, is quite the opposite. We might have bitten off more than we can chew in our new house, but the first night went by seamlessly.

Ginger

In the moment

2011-08-12T13:00:00.003-05:00

I woke up in a pretty good mood today, and for all the right reasons. After sitting through a three-and-a-half hour exam yesterday, I officially became a certified psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner (try saying that three times fast). All of the studying, cramming and the like is over, and I can start seeing patients in a couple of weeks. A big relief on my part, and I owe my wife a big "thank you" for putting up with me over the past week. I know it wasn't easy to do.

On top of that I came across a song (courtesy of zefrank) that reminded me of my childhood. My Uncle Pat, a massive Beatles, fan introduced to Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da to me when I was in my early teens, and hearing it covered brought back some great memories. Just kind of made me smile in the moment. Have a great weekend everybody. I'm off to DC.

My First Trip to LA

2011-08-10T00:17:00.008-05:00

I've been a little quiet on the blog lately regarding officiating. For the most part I've enjoyed a successful season. My participation in the NASL hit a small snag a couple of weeks ago in MN in what could have been a big moment for me. It was a tremendous lesson to learn, and you don't learn these things by succeeding all the time...at least that's what I told myself. Watch the tape, discover the breakdowns, and move on. Getting stuck in a rut will stall progression more than anything will.

Anyway, since then I've participated in a small handful of games due to the move. Last weekend in LA was a nice wlcome back to the league. I was the fourth official in the LA vs FC Dallas game at the Home Dept Center, which is truly an amazing facility. 21,000+ in attendance for a rematch of last years semi-final and arguably the top two teams in the league right now. The referee was Michael Kennedy, someone who I've had the pleasure of working often with this year and have the utmost respect for as an official. Playoff-type intensity provided for one of the most competitive games I've seen all year. Very difficult game to officiate, but that's what you want to be a part of...the difficult ones. All-in-all a success, and Beckham was as good as the hype.

Our house...just picture with furniture

2011-08-08T21:41:00.004-05:00

Due to the excessive amount of requests I've been getting regarding our new house I've decided to put together a short video tour. My video skills are lacking somewhat, but be patient...I hope to make video a more consistent part of the blog in the future.

A couple of quick disclaimers: the house is a mess, no furniture is not as depressing as it looks and I believe I use the phrase "all-right" approximately ten times. If you can withstand these, then feel free to give it a look. Karen tells me that it's definitely an upgrade from her one bedroom domicile from last year.

Dogsick

2011-08-08T00:03:00.003-05:00

Karen and I have been getting somewhat lonely without Jack and Maggie in the mix. We often find ourselves either stopping the car or delaying a run just to get a look at dogs that we happen to pass along our route, and when they resemble Maggie the pause becomes slightly extended. I know, I know...kind of weird (especially to you who don't own a pet), but I have a sneaky feeling that some new housemates may be a realization sooner than we think. In the meantime our friendly encounters in the park will have to do.

On a related note, our friend Claire introduced us to a video that had Karen and I laughing hysterically from beginning to end. Any dog owner will find this amusing, and if you don't there must be something wrong with you...

It begins...

2011-08-04T10:58:00.004-05:00

Well, we arrived in Tucson six days ago, hardly cognisent of our surroundings after a 14 hour drive from Austin. Little-by-little the house started coming together coupled with a sense of normalcy. Despite leaving just about everything that I know and love back in Lafayette, these past six days have made me feel more complete than I knew was possible. As I tried to understand the source of these feelings I came to a sudden conclusion that I'm finally living alone with my wife for the first time in three-or-so years.

Small activities like riding bikes to the store together, afternoon jogs and arguing during the move have made me realize that we've made it through the difficult part, and that this journey will truly be amazing.

The picture above is from this morning. My facial expressions imply that I have zero concept of this strange thing called ironing, and the outcome may confirm that concept. I meet my boss and peers later this morning as a new chapter in this journey begins.

First Dinner

2011-08-02T11:34:00.000-05:00

The ever-changing Swiss Chard Enchiladas were on the menu last night as we had company for out first dinner at the new pad. Seating comes at a premium for the moment as there are priorities taking precedent over new furniture. Nevertheless, the move is coming about as good as can be expected. Will post more pics shortly...the Cox guy is knocking!

Chasing the sun

2011-07-29T20:02:00.000-05:00

Karen and I are at the tail-end of a rather exhausting day. Austin to Tucson is one he'll of a drive, and it looks as though we'll have completed it in one day, provided this last 250 mile leg is uncomplicated.
When it's all said and done we'll have completed 892 miles in approximately 14 hours. As Karen so eloquently said, "just keep chasing the sun."

Desert Sky Wind Farm

2011-07-29T15:07:00.000-05:00

It's about 3:00 Friday afternoon, and we're driving by the 105 windmills of the Desert Sky Wind Farm. They're massive structures produced by GE, and provide power for a company that supports San Antonio...over 200 miles away!
Four hours until El Paso. If you've never experienced a drive across West Texas, this isn't enough of an attraction to make it considerable...just a tid-bit for the day.

Luggage

2011-07-27T15:06:00.000-05:00

Some old-school Ted Gard luggage coming in handy today. We found these two pieces while cleaning out the storage locker. Our moving boxes were donated to us by family, saving us a bundle in the process; but their size leaves a little to be desired. The circa 1970 style luggage were large enough to house our computer and monitor. #whateverworks

...and we still have more stuff

2011-07-27T12:01:00.001-05:00

Packing the "chariot" started bright and early this morning. Half-way through the day the cargo hold is 2/3 of the way full, and we still have more stuff!

A Great Goodbye

2011-07-26T18:00:00.004-05:00

I couldn't think of a better way to say goodbye to Lafayette than what my mom and sister had planned for Karen and I this passed Sunday night. Crawfish-etouffee, jambalaya, family, friends and some great live Cajun music courtesy of Les Freres Michot. It was truly a remarkable occassion...one that I'll think back to often over the next couple of years. I want to thank everyone who took the time to attend. It meant a great deal to us, and we'll keep in touch.

for more pics feel free to check out my mother's gallery here.

Winehouse...a damn shame

2011-07-25T17:20:00.004-05:00

Despite the inevitability of her demise, Amy Winehouse's death came as a bit of a shock to me. I was hanging out in DFW, awaiting a flight in a bar, when my twitter feed updated me. I wasn't an avid follower from the beginning. It was only last year that I came to realize her her talent, after a friend loaned me her album, promising that I wouldn't regret giving her an hour of my time. It took hearing just "Me and Mr. Jones" and "Back to Black" (see below) to realize the validity of his words...simply amazing. It would have been nice to see her perform in a small venue, or rather any venue.

Russel Brand's column in the Guardian was eloquent enough to make you realize (if you haven't already) that this is the passing of a true talent. I'm definitely looking forward to the Economist's obit on her...sure to be inspiring.

"The awe that envelops when witnessing a genius. From her oddly dainty presence that voice, a voice that seemed not to come from her but from somewhere beyond even Billie and Ella, from the font of all greatness. A voice that was filled with such power and pain that it was at once entirely human yet laced with the divine. My ears, my mouth, my heart and mind all instantly opened. Winehouse. Winehouse? Winehouse! That twerp, all eyeliner and lager dithering up Chalk Farm Road under a back-combed barnet, the lips that I'd only seen clenching a fishwife fag and dribbling curses now a portal for this holy sound.
So now I knew. She wasn't just some hapless wannabe, yet another pissed-up nit who was never gonna make it, nor was she even a ten-a-penny-chanteuse enjoying her fifteen minutes. She was a fucking genius."

The Malaise is Intense

2011-07-16T18:01:00.000-05:00

We can peacefully coexist

2011-07-15T12:28:00.000-05:00

Footwear for white-water rafting

2011-07-08T11:24:00.004-05:00

I'm heading to Colorado this afternoon for a busy weekend of soccer that'll be capped off with some company from my youngest brother who calls Denver home. An amateur tourney at Dick's Sporting Goods Park will have my attention tonight and tomorrow morning as some of the MLS crew and I will be mentoring referees coming up the pipeline. This is quickly becoming a favorite past-time of mine, and can be surmised as the reason one of the reasons that I started refereeing. Hanging out with other officials, sharing experiences, while all attempting to keep the game honest.

The game on the docket tomorrow night is Vancouver at Colorado in one of the MLS' best looking stadiums, Dick's Sporting Good Park. Televised on the MLS network, so no major TV time for me this go-around.

Now to the point of this post. Sunday morning has my brother and I hitting some major rapids for a couple of hours. This is my first experience doing this kind of water activity, and I'm pretty stoked about the adventure. My only problem is footwear. I bought these shoes a couple of years ago because they looked cool and were very comfortable...boy was I wrong on the first qualifier. I've probably worn them twice for yardwork as I've never encountered the water activities to use them properly. Should I use them with the possibility of loosing them, or stick with some old running shoes?

Serious Face Time

2011-07-06T22:47:00.000-05:00

Hangin' out with the Gard sisters at Old Tyme

2011-07-05T13:52:00.000-05:00

The Stage

2011-06-27T10:56:00.002-05:00

A pic from Thursday night's game in Seattle where 46,000+ were in attendance. Another little tidbit was that the crew working the game may have had the most experience of any crew in MLS history (49 years)...this is including my one year dragging the number down.

From Seattle to Miami...

2011-06-25T14:48:00.006-05:00

This past weekend was one for the record books, in terms of distance traveled and emotional highs. US Soccer had me on the Thursday night game in Seattle between The Sounders and Red Bulls. For those who aren't up to date on the US soccer landscape, Seattle is currently the mecca for rabid fans of the sport. Qwest Field (now CenturyLink Stadium) averages approximately 34,000 fans per game, and the noise never stops. It's 90 minutes of non-stop choreographed chants that wares-out the hair on your neck. Thursday night was no different when 46,000+ showed up for the second most attended game in MLS history, and it was a high-scoring affair that saw the home team squeeze out a victory. Still awaiting my time to break into the middle, but happily enjoying being a part of the action as the fourth.

Great crew to work with

Friday morning had me up bright and early (4:00am) to catch a cross-country flight to Miami where I was set to officiate an NASL game between Fort Lauderdale and Puerto Rico. A most enjoyable game that taught me a few things. I was also able to catch up with some great friends in the meantime.

Now it's back to the books until Friday, when the traveling starts again. Definitely living the dream!

even Bon Iver can be pretentious...

2011-06-21T17:33:00.004-05:00

Colbert had Bon Iver last night as his first musical act of StePhest Cochella '011. They blessed us with Calgary and Skinny Love, and in classic Colbert form he introduced Bon Iver this way:

"People call you Bon Iver sometimes, but your given name is Justin DeYarmond Edison Vernon. You're the only person I know whose stage name is less pretentious than their real name"...only Colbert can do that...

Calgary

The Colbert Report
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Skinny Love

The Colbert Report
Tags: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

Cypress Bayou at Sunrise

2011-06-17T10:09:00.005-05:00

Mom and I went out on Cypress Bayou this morning...at 5:00 to meet a friend for a morning paddle. The thought of getting up at 4:15 was unappealing, but according to the veteran of the group, "It's the only way to do it right". I don't think the experience could have gone any better.

Serenity is the only word that comes to mind when I try to describe the experience. A cup of coffee and silence for an hour. I'm planning on starting two mornings a week this way if anyone wants to join. More pics can be found here. Let me know if you want to tag along.

Redefining the Banjo

2011-06-15T16:20:00.001-05:00

Found Danny Barnes on eTown yesterday, and man can this guy string a banjo. Hyped by major musicians around the globe (Bela Fleck, Robert Earl Keen and Dave Matthews to name a few) as one of the few who are cutting new paths. I figured I would give his new album (Pizza Box) a listen. Definitely worth the expense, and his interview on eTown is 15 minutes well spent. He carries an audio production degree from UT, so the majority of what's was discussed may be a little over your head...at least it was over mine.

Great tunes and lyrics...Pizza Box

Givers on Fallon

2011-06-14T08:47:00.004-05:00

In case you guys missed it last night, Givers played late night on Jimmy Fallon's show, and they stayed true to form, jamming throughout the five minute performance. They're a young pop band from Lafayette that has completely rocked out the local and regional scene the past couple of years. It appears they're finally getting some well-deserved notoriety with the release of their first album In Light.

Not a bad tune to wake up to. Happy Tuesday everybody...

First goal at SKS...

2011-06-13T12:26:00.000-05:00

Earlier I discussed my experiences with opening Livestrong Park, but I forgot to describe the first goal recorded in the stadium...by a mad cow...

If you're looking for a shot of me during this episode I can be found in the 25th and 40th second shots, across the field in a bright yellow shirt. We can discuss this in greater detail over a beer;)

Opening Livestrong Park

2011-06-13T10:48:00.004-05:00

As a rookie in the league I don't expect many big assignments in volatile places, but the games that I've been involved with thus far have been nothing less of extraordinary with respects to competition and challenges in various capacities. As an added bonus they've all been highly attended games, making the atmosphere all the more surreal...and it appears that the emotional high for the season may have already come and gone.

Last Thursday I was part of the officiating crew that opened the new Livestrong Stadium, home of MLS' Sporting Kansas City. Approximately 19,000 packed the stadium for the event, and let's just say that emotions were high. Sporting KC hadn't played a home game all season, and their record displayed how disadvantaged one is to the rest of the field when support is at a minimum. All-in-all pretty dreamlike experience that I wouldn't have thought possible a year ago. Awaiting an opportunity with a whistle in the next couple of years, but the experience of holding the sub-board coupled with working alongside quality officials is resulting in personal growth by leaps and bounds. It was all captured on ESPN2. Thanks Andy for the "game face" screenshot.

The SKC Opening night timelapse

2011-06-09T13:17:00.001-05:00

Why I must see this band...

2011-06-08T20:00:00.000-05:00

Karen saw The National in Tucson...without me, and this was the encore...

...incredible!

Livestrong Stadium

2011-06-08T10:34:00.004-05:00

Heading to Kanss City this evening to take part in the opening of their new MLS stadium on Thursday night (ESPN2 @ 9:00 CST). Livestrong Park (a $200 million facility) is boasting seating for approximately 18,000 (11,000 sold out season tickets) coupled with technology that is supposed to allow the fan experience to be the best around. WiFi is available throughout the facility and over 300 HDTVs allow for viewing the best angles from any seat (bathroom included). The TVs are supposed top be synced with the action on the pitch, allowing the viewer to catch the entire game...even when nature calls. If one gets lost in the new facility Twitter is there for the rescue. Send your query to @Asklivestrong and the answer will be sent to you immediately from inside of the stadium.

The place should be rocking as KC ends a dreadfully long away schedule as they play their first home game of the season against Chicago in what is being promoted as a new MLS rivalry.

Ben Palosaari has a pretty good write-up on Rob Heinmann (CEO of SKC), SKC and Livestrong Stadium this morning. Get it a quick read prior to tuning in. I would say that the organization is pretty impressive. Should be a great experience. See you guys tomorrow night.

Graduates

2011-05-21T16:36:00.005-05:00

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!

2011-05-18T16:48:00.000-05:00

In a Better World

2011-05-18T11:30:00.003-05:00

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

2011-05-17T12:44:00.003-05:00

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

2011-05-17T11:05:00.002-05:00

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

2011-05-11T08:43:00.008-05:00

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

2011-05-08T07:34:00.004-05:00

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

2011-05-04T07:13:00.001-05:00

9 More Days

2011-04-29T09:15:00.004-05:00

Been listening to a lot of Conner Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band lately, especially his latest creation Bright Eyes. The song below is titled "First Day of My Life." Pretty cool video...9 more days babe...

Jubilee

2011-04-27T15:15:00.007-05:00

This past Sunday was probably the greatest day of my life...all right...it was one of the greatest days of my life. Not only did I submit the final coursework required for my graduate degree, but I also took down the most sacred of events in the deClouet family...the 30th Annual Easter Egg Pacquet Championship.

A member of Mark Sr.'s family hasn't been in the spotlight since 2003 when mom took down six eggs. An even longer spell was upon us prior to 2003 when Mark Sr. won it in 1990. I had a feeling that this year would be special, so I recorded my battle through five rounds to capture the plaque. Total domination on this day of Jubilee

Had to destroy one of my favorite deClouets in round one, and gave a post-match message to the newborn that I'm not one to be taken lightly. For the record I apologized afterward.

Total domination

Little 'sis had to go down on her 18th birthday. Believe me, no love was lost here.

Reality check for another sister. The semis is only for the big boys.

I'll go ahead and admit it here. I was slightly nervous playing the defending champ with her egg from last year...in the finals no-less. Shaking...completely missed on my first strike...probably stuttered at some point, but it's just a testament to how seriously I take this event. I recovered quickly, and two quick strikes and that was all she wrote. 2011 Champ, saving the egg for 2012. JUBILEE

Opening Day Whistle

2011-04-13T08:44:00.003-05:00

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers are a storied football club in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area whose roots are embedded in the early years of the North American Soccer League with a large following in the South Florida area. They've been involved in three such American soccer leagues, and had a large following up until their MLS side (Miami Fusion) dissolved in 2002. Since then the Miami FC has struggled to recapture some of the magic that was evident in the 70s and 80s.

In an attempt to recapture some of that magic, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers have returned to the NASL, and their opening day game against FC Edmonton took place last Saturday and I was charged with supervision, so to say.

I hadn't been part of an opening-day festivity until then, but let me just say the excitement was palpable. 6,400 people packed in the stadium, the noise and energy was electric, and the play was fast and hard. Looking back on the game, I can honestly say that that is why I referee soccer, for moments like that, when the hair on the back of your neck rises with the sound of the opening whistle. Great official start to the season.

Check it out while you can. The picture above is on the FC Edmonton home page.

Getting 'em started early

2011-04-12T08:07:00.002-05:00

Went for a short two-mile run today with my baby sister in tow. She, surprisingly, ran the entire way (cell phone in hand), and may have caught a little of the envie that I've come to appreciate. Was as enjoyable of a run as I've experienced in a while...

Hey guys...

2011-04-08T11:03:00.005-05:00

...it's been a while since we've last talked. School has been taking its' toll in a way that I couldn't have imagined, but the end is in sight. The bulk of the work comes to a head at the end of next week, and then it should be smooth sailing until we move to Tucson in August.

Anyway, the last couple of weeks have been grand. A conference in Tucson gave me a chance to hang with my wife for a bit, which was pretty nice...not to mention the conference was worth its' weight in gold. From there I flew to Memphis where I participated in my first trail half-marathon. The mysterious DLI is all its cracked up to be, and my award is something I'll always treasure. Running 13.1 in a group's pace that would allow T-Wan to keep up might be the toughest thing I've ever done.

On another note, I have a new look. Decided that a little less on the top would a couple of seconds off of my splits, so I took a number 6 to the head. Optajoe says I'll find more of my headers hitting frame as well, though I'm just hoping to get my head on the ball when the opportunity presents itself...baby steps.

Off to Miami for the weekend. Have a NASL game. See you guys on Monday.

Making Music

2011-03-25T06:24:00.003-05:00

The last couple of weeks have been somewhat testy. Back-to-back weekends of soccer (playing and officiating) couple with a relentless school/clinic schedule had just about reached the boiling-over point when last night granted reprieve. LG and I headed over to the Heymann Center for what was touted as PASA's most anticipated show to date, and the masses were there to witness the greats making music.

Bela Fleck, Zakir Hussain and Edgar Meyer are each considered the masters of their respected instruments (banjo, tabla and bass fiddle), and the show was nothing short of remarkable. The song below (Bubbles) opened the show, and the performance only got better. As Karen would put it, "This kind of music makes you want to put out great work."

"The Green Tunnel"

2011-03-11T12:14:00.003-06:00

Kevin Gallagher created this video montage of his six-month hike through the Appalachian Trail. The slide-show is comprised of a series of shots taken every 24 hours on his trek. My only thought takes me back to the the title of my last post...serenity.

Green Tunnel from Kevin Gallagher on Vimeo.

Now, if I can only convince someone to take a two-week trek with me...Alexandre?

Serene

2011-03-10T07:55:00.004-06:00

There's a nice stretch of rode heading east on E. Butcher Switch, right before you get to Pont Des Mouton, where the downhill slope takes your bike, and you just glide without having to do any work. That was the best moment of my 30 mile ride yesterday, as a 15-20 mph wind seemed to be in my face every other moment. Still, it was nice to get out. Definitely feeling a little beat-up this morning, but I'm going to try to get out a couple of times a week. Maybe we can find a little motivation, and build up to one of those sprint tri's this summer...but that's a big maybe.

J. Stewart and the unions

2011-03-04T10:28:00.003-06:00

I've practically been under a rock for the past couple of weeks here in Tucson. It's no secret that Karen lives on a lean budget over here, and as a result I've missed out on the majority of the goings-on in the world...with the exception of Charlie Sheen's twitter feed.

Anyway, was going through a small blog-roll this morning when I came across John Stewart's analysis of the Wisconsin debacle over teacher's pay and benefits...

The Daily Show
Tags: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

Trashing the Bar

2011-03-03T15:48:00.002-06:00

This is a re-blogging from a site my wife frequents. It's a creation of Swedish director Johannes Nyholm about a middle-aged woman...on vaction...trashing a bar. Freaking priceless. I believe a handful of deClouets can relate.

Are we born to run - Chris McDougall

2011-03-03T09:31:00.003-06:00

Watched this TED Talk the other evening with my wife. She's been trying to change the way she runs for the past year or so (less reliance on heel support and more on the soles), and seems to have it down pretty well. She recently bought me some new running shoes (Vibrams) that actually have me running on the soles of my feet. Very difficult to get used to, so I've been alternating between the Pearl's and the Vibrams. Lots of stretching after the run and just about every morning, but I've found myself a little less inclined to injury. In fact, I don't think I've rolled an ankle since I started running in them.

That's the point of Chris McDougall's lecture on running barefoot. They allow for less injuries. Very interesting program, and I bet you'll at least think twice about it the next time you run.

Soccer Heaven in Louisiana

2011-02-28T19:04:00.009-06:00

There are not many moments that are encountered in soccer that can exceed the experience I had this past Saturday night. The Lafayette Referee Association had the distinct honor of officiating the Division I boys soccer final, and I was chosen to have the whistle. Not a bad way to momentarily end my LA high school career. As far as interest is concerned, this is the King of the Mountain in Louisiana soccer. Premiere, college, professional or international exhibitions do not even come close...and this one had an unbeaten-94 game win streak on the line that was covered by ESPN.

When compared to other big games I had officiated within Louisiana, this might have been my proudest moment. The pressure of being in front of that many people (peers included) coupled with the championship title being on the line made the moment all-the-more special. Other than a few hiccups that I would take a do-over on, I believe we did a great job of keeping the game in check and letting the players decide the outcome. St Paul's dramatic comeback over the defending champions (Jesuit) was a thing of beauty, and anyone who witnessed the game can appreciate it for what it was...great theatre. After all, this is what High School soccer is all about, and it was great.

More pictures can be found here

Fleet Foxes

2011-02-24T12:03:00.003-06:00

Going to see Fleet Foxes sometime in April. It was a late V-day present from my wife. Based on our last couple of concerts it looks as though we're leaning slightly towards the granola music (never thought I would say that), but it's just so uplifting.

Anyway, this is Ragged Wood live at Glastonbury

Looking to catch Arcade Fire shortly as well...

Game #2 with the big boys

2011-02-23T08:18:00.003-06:00

I make a couple of brief cameos in the LA / Vancouver preseason game recap, courtesy on the Whitecaps. Largely a reserve side for both teams as the starters played yesterday. Yeah, I got the shaft in that regard, but definitely a very exciting experience.

Didn't know my Fox-40 sounded that good. I guess it's time to retire the Balilla.

Les Arbitres

2011-02-19T07:52:00.003-06:00

A closer look at the lives of a couple of Euro 2008 referees. Waiting for this to be released with English subtitles...

Can you see why this is enjoyable?

"It defies description"

2011-02-13T10:21:00.001-06:00

I don't even think Harkes could mess up this call...

Peace

2011-02-10T16:05:00.003-06:00

It's amazing at how quickly all my worries were cast aside the moment I stepped out of the airport...

An Act of Class

2011-02-09T10:20:00.007-06:00

Rarely do I get out to attend a soccer match with the sole purpose of being entertained as a spectator. The roles that are usually filled are those of player and official. Last Saturday I attended Lafayette High's first round playoff game against Pineville with a couple of friends of mine. Definitely not the match of the year, and we decided to hit the road after the 7th goal by the Lions. A regretful decision by us as we missed a moment that reportedly had every mother in the stands in tears. Fortunately it was caught on video...

Ross is a graduating senior at Pineville High, and anyone from Central Louisiana will tell you that he's the heart and soul of the team. Ross has Down Syndrome. The goal above was his first high school goal of his career (occurring in the last game of his career), courtesy of a Lafayette High soccer teams that showed some serious heart and class.

VW

2011-02-07T07:32:00.003-06:00

In a year when the Super Bowl ads seemed a little watered down, Volkswagen took the prize of best ad...at least for me they did...

Ghost Towns

2011-02-04T09:03:00.009-06:00

In case you were wondering what Karen's been doing, here's a couple of pics of her visiting some of the ghost towns outside Tucson. This semester has her entering into the world of teaching as the University has given her the reigns of an undergraduate figure drawing class, and I believe she's thoroughly enjoying that despite the added clutter of an already tight schedule. Despite the temporary separation, it's truly a blessing to have her hit her stride after the 2+ years of preparation. She's currently trying to figure out how to survive in 30 degree weather despite living in Tucson. Hopefully all of that nonsense clears up by next Thursday...

Zack Wahls

2011-02-03T22:43:00.004-06:00

Gay marriage is a hot-button topic no matter what side of the fence you're on. The Iowa state legislature just recently passed legislation to approved a resolution that proposes a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in the state. During the debate a 19 year-old engineering student from the University of Iowa gave a hair-raising, three minute account of his experience being raised by two women. Impressive...

Potential

2011-02-02T08:06:00.001-06:00

Maybe kind of corny, especially since it's created by a large corporation, but...

One week...

2011-02-01T07:13:00.003-06:00

Never been a follower...

2011-01-23T23:02:00.005-06:00

... of American Idol, but a local 15 year old was able to wow the judges this past week. I caught a couple of people posting the performance on facebook, but it was a Huffington Post blog that made me think this kid may have a chance. Jacee Badeaux hails from my alma mater, and is representing the Lafayette community in a big way. His covering of Otis Redding's (Sittin' on) the dock of the bay is pretty remarkable. I can see a scenario in which I'll be tuning in to this program over the next couple of weeks...

...and Steven Tyler looks a little creepy.

Cajun Hospitality in High School Soccer

2011-01-23T16:45:00.005-06:00

I've been told that the most contentious rivalry in HS soccer in Louisiana is held in New Orleans at Pan American stadium twice a year. Here you can find Jesuit and Brother Martin fighting for bragging rights amongst a throng of students in an extremely intimate environment. I was fortunate to be able to preside over the game last week as Jesuit continued their dominate streak over their rivals to the tune of 3-0. Definitely the favorite going into the state tournament.

While the soccer was fast and the competition fierce, New Orleans' support of their organizations is no where near that of the Lafayette area (at least as far as hospitality goes). I was quickly reminded of that Friday night as Beau Chene High School had gumbo, jambalaya, and hot chocolate for those loyal enough to support their team in the freezing weather during senior night. This is commonplace in Cajun country, and I can personally attest to its absence anywhere else in the state. To top it off, a local tire company donated a set of tires to be raffled off in support of the district champs. Unfortunately my flood of tickets didn't offset the competition in my favor...

Swiss chard Enchiladas

2011-01-19T14:30:00.001-06:00

I decided to dive into the world of cooking the other day as I used one of Karen's Christmas gifts without her being present. Diana Kennedy's The Tortilla Book is a staple of Mexican cuisine. A couple of friends of ours have prepared many of her dishes for us, and they are ,without a doubt, second to none...so I decided to give the Swiss chard enchiladas a go. With my sous-chefs nearby we slaved over the dish in the kitchen for the better part of two hours. The result was pure bliss, although the copious use of sour cream told me the peppers were a little overkill.

A late Merry Christmas

2011-01-19T09:31:00.003-06:00

Found this while sorting through the holiday pics this morning, and couldn't help but post since Alexandre spends most of his time up north. This is Christmas morning, after Bub had a little too much fun celebrating the birth of Christ on Christmas Eve...

adiPURE II

2011-01-15T12:14:00.004-06:00

Lafayette High and Acadiana High continued their rivalry last night, and I had the pleasure of keeping things civil...not the easiest of tasks, but the boys came to play. Very enjoyable game with a fair share of ups and downs by both teams. The highlight of the match though (for me) was this exchange between myself and one of the players as I bent down to lace up my boots:

Player: Nice cleats...I like you're style ref (in a very cool tone)

Self: (after noticing we have similar tastes) Yeah, they're pretty comfortable, and they won my team a championship not too long ago.

Player: Where was that?

Self: It doesn't matter...

Professional

2011-01-15T08:52:00.011-06:00

I can say without a doubt that 2010 was my most successful season as a referee. Many milestones were reached that culminated with an invite to be one of Major League Soccer's 40 referees for the upcoming season. I'm still somewhat unsure what roles I'll be filling this year, but I'm convinced, after returning from the Preseason Seminar, that it'll be an exciting year. Below is a small picture time-line of the 2010...mostly for my own reflection.

Was invited to participate in the Dallas Cup Academy in April after having a successful weekend in Disney in front of the US Soccer staff. My experience in Dallas was a fulfilling one as I was awarded a D2 game a month later.

Hair change was an unsuccessful experiment that lasted for about a month during big games. This is a picture of me with the El Paso group during for a pregame picture. It was suggested that a televised game would portray the "floppy" look as one that was out of control. The one televised game I did I had forgotten the product, and thus the experiment ended. Now I just keep it short.

Amateur Regionals in Tuscaloosa. Was fortunate to get an invite to the national tournament after having to lead midway through for a federation assigned game in TN. Lesson learned here is you can't have it best in both worlds. This is the crew for the Open Cup Final.

The most exciting game of 2010 was in front of 6000+ in Chattanooga, TN for an exhibition between the hometown team and a U-20 team from Atlas (the Mexican professional team). Very exciting game...definitely a pleasure to be a part of.

6000+

The Amateur National group in Philadelphia for a MLS game. Was awarded the O-30 final, was assessed by the now-head of US Soccer, and knocked it out the park. I believe my entire body of work for the year led to the MLS invite, but this game held some serious weight.

Last D2 game of the year (#3) in Gary, NC between the eventual semi-final teams of the tournament televised in Canada. A lot of bad-blood between these two during the year, making it an extremely trying game, but one I succeeded in on many levels. Lesson learned is remain focus until you make it to the locker room.

The LA group at Disney this December. Was privileged enough to be able to do the Chelsea/Baltimore game, and be assessed by Brian and Herb. Great game that resulted in the invite to MLS preseason. Lesson learned was to take care of the small ****...

Finishing the fitness test in Ft. Lauderdale...it's going to be a great season.

Excuse our progress...

2011-01-13T09:35:00.003-06:00

...as I tinker with a new layout for the blog. Any thoughts on the current (temporary) display are welcome.

Call to Unity

2011-01-13T08:26:00.005-06:00

I've spent a good amount of time the past couple of days staying in tune to what's happening out in Tucson since Karen is attending school there, and we'll both be calling it home come this August. While the events are definitely tragic in nature I can't help but watch in awe at the sense of community that has embodied the city. Aurelie Sheehan, a professor at U of A, wrote a great Op-Ed piece for the NY Times Monday regarding her observations of the community response.

Karen informs me that people are genuinely moved around campus, especially with the Presidents eulogy-type speech last night. As I sat watching him speak I couldn't help but allow myself to get caught up in the moment. The character descriptions of the victims continuously had me reflecting on my own family, and how precious they are all to me. The message of civility was contagious, but I can't help but be discouraged when I dwell on this "call of unity" getting lost up during the next news cycle.

Finally

2011-01-12T09:41:00.003-06:00

Let me start by saying that I've been a loyal Cingular/AT&T customer ever since I've owned a cell phone. That would be about 10 years. When the iPhone was released back in 2007 I was trying to convince myself to switch to a different carrier for obvious reasons, but the thought of not having this technology was too much to bare...and so I've suffered through the dropped calls ever since until now. Thanks Verizon for coming to my rescue. I may have to wait out my contract, but John Stewart tells us all why its worth the hassle...

Disney Showcase

2011-01-03T07:00:00.001-06:00

The Louisiana Crew minus a couple

Just returned from what may be considered the last eval as a national referee prior to becoming a professional. The test was a Chelsea (England) vs Baltimore Bays U17s (2010 National Champs) game, and it may have been the fastest youth game I've ever been involved with. The talent in the field was beyond belief as a Notre Dame and Duke scout informed me that three of these players will undoubtedly be professional in the next couple of years (see below). At the end of the day the team from this side of the pond was victorious, and an invitation was extended to me to attend the MLS Preseason Training Seminar next week in Miami. Only 41 referees and 40 assistant referees are invited to participate, making this a new milestone in my officiating career. Fingers crossed that I successfully complete the fitness testing, and can claim grade 3 status for 2011.

ESPN does an incredible job creating a pro-type environment for the kids during this weekend. The game below was streamed on ESPN3, and was the opening bracket game for the Chelsea team from England. A lot of hype surrounded this field throughout the four-day tournament. Truly a memorable event that I look forward to every year. A handful of the game highlights can be seen on ESPN's Youtube page.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T10:20:00.009-06:00

Reading the obituary in the Economist is my favorite weekly read. The subjects range anywhere from dictators to scientists to movie stars, and their stories inspire one to pursue their interest...at least that's the case with me. The year ended with the obituary of an African explorer named Hendrik Coetzee, known for exploring some uncharted territories along the Nile and Great Lakes through the use of his kayak. His untimely death came while pursuing his passion, and it's story is somewhat remarkably summed up in a blog he kept entitled The Great White Explorer. His last post was titled Feelings, do they make you soft, and it made me ponder if what I'm doing is what truly makes me happy.

I can say without a shadow of a doubt that if we would have relied on our feelings in 2010 Karen and I would be less happy than we are today. Difficult decisions that were made last year have brought about a metamorphosis in both if us, and I can only hope that 2011 will continue to bring about such changes.

Thanks for checking in during 2010

Happy New Year Everybody!

Colorado Revisited

2010-12-31T07:00:00.000-06:00

Was sorting through my pics today, and I came across some from my trip to last month to Colorado. It was my first time in ay kind of serious snow, and I was quickly reminded how incredible nature can be...left untouched.

Medicine Show 14

2010-12-19T10:58:00.004-06:00

Karen and I had a great time last night attending the 14th annual Medicine Show. It was our second year attending. Heard some great Cajun music while trying to cut-it-up with the best of 'em at the all-new Acadiana Center for the Arts theatre (a must see for the art lover in Lafayette). While my Cajun-dancing prowess isn't quite at starter level, I can say that I would make an effective sub 60 minutes in. All I need is a couple of lessons.

Grammy-nominated Feufollet definitely stole the show for me as they brought a very youthful beat to the show that had the dance floor rocking. Beausolieul avec Michael Doucet accompanied by ULL's wind ensemble wasn't far behind. Definitely a tradition worth continuing.

A little BeauSolieul avec Michael Doucet

Feufollet

Keep Walking

2010-12-14T08:58:00.004-06:00

Been listening to a lot of Horace Trahan ever since Karen and I caught him playing and the Blue Moon during Thanksgiving weekend. If you're not familiar with his work, he cut the catchy Mardi Gras tune Butt Thing. His new album Keep Walking is worth a listen if you're in the mood for some zydeco. The title cutoff from the CD strays a bit from traditional zydeco, but the beat's catchy and upbeat. Hope you enjoy.

Champions after a long day

2010-12-13T09:54:00.004-06:00

Woke up at 3:30 to catch a 5:30 flight from Denver to Lafayette through Houston and drove from Lafayette to Baton Rouge and back to get my cleats...all to arrive at Clark Stadium 30 minutes prior to LYSA's Coed Championship Game Fortunately we reclaimed what was rightfully ours thanks to my brother-in-law deciding to finally tally a few goals capping off a tumultuous season that had us seeded fourth in the tourny. GO AFC!

Hittin' the slopes

2010-12-09T21:44:00.003-06:00

Alexandre took me snowboarding for the first time today. Great experience, and all I can say is I'm a natural. If I kept up the training Shaun White would have no chance.

Despite the flawless routines...

... I may have injured myself in the process. Self-diagnosis is hairline-fracture in right elbow area (continued ridding the rest of the day), but should be ok for coed championships. Haven't decided if I'm taking the rest of the trip off as Alexandre yells "no way!" in the background.

Good Morning From God's Country

2010-12-09T08:30:00.000-06:00

This is what I awoke to this morning...

A little vacation

2010-12-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

The fall semester is over, leaving only one more left until a new certification is obtained! In the meantime I'm taking a little hiatus from South Louisiana for some cooler weather. Rendezvous'ing (not a word) with some great pals in Germantown, a little fly-fishing in Arkansas (I've seen A River Run's Through It twice in the past week), and finally checking out Alexandre's pad in Colorodo while enjoying some slopes (for the first time ever).

Have a great 10 days Louisiana, and kick some ___ AFC!

A little Ben

2010-12-02T06:09:00.000-06:00

Had this tune in my head all day yesterday. Enjoy some Ben Folds this Thursday

La Danser

2010-11-30T21:28:00.004-06:00

The Thanksgiving weekend bliss has come and gone as Karen is now back in Tucson. T minus 14 days until her return, and they can't go by fast enough...

Kind of an interesting picture of Karen and I dancing at the Blue Moon to some Horace Trahan . Karen says it looks like I'm about to attack her, but I think otherwise. Probably the most enjoyable evening from our five day rendezvous.

I'm feeling...

2010-11-25T07:57:00.003-06:00

... a little more thankful this morning. Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

New Paul Simon

2010-11-17T10:02:00.005-06:00

I know it's a little early for Christmas...the music and decorations at CCs is already up, and driving me crazy in a daily basis. Anyway, Paul Simon has a new album coming out next Spring, but has released a track in preparation for the holidays. Not your traditional Christmas tune....very classic Paul Simon.

Check it out, and hope everyone's having a great week. Karen's in town in exactly one week, so get ready to celebrate...

Busy but Successful Weekend

2010-11-15T06:42:00.004-06:00

Ran the Cajun Cup with a trio of deClouets this past Saturday, and was the first time that I didn't take off at the start with the elite. Was able to pace myself at a 7:00/mile pace the entire trek, and finished 54th at 44:03. Feel pretty good about my time...probably could have run it a little faster, but an alternative goal was in mind...one that will be revealed at a later date.

Transitioned from the track to the soccer fields where the U8 through U12 Pepsi Cup was being held. I don't think I've been verbally challenged more by a group of coaches (while their kids are giving me high fives)...definitely a site to see. Was able to run into another Cajun Cup participant while officiating. Conrad is 11 years old, and finished the 10K in 45:39 I believe. Definitely have to start training harder:)

My protege, Conrad

He's Back

2010-11-09T08:48:00.005-06:00

Conan returned to the tube last night in what was for me a long awaited night of comedy, and he didn't disappoint. His into and monologue were great, but the performance with Jack White stole the show. Unbelievable performance that you should definitely check out...

More pics of Karen in Tucson...

2010-11-05T16:04:00.002-05:00

...can be found at our good friend Will's blog. The post is appropriately titled Life Imitating Art. Worth checking out to see what Karen's been doing over there...

Karen welcomes Louisianians to Tucson

2010-11-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

Our friends Will and Carlee paid Karen a visit this past weekend while visiting family in AZ. Karen informs me is was a welcomed treat. It's truly a blessing to have such good friends.

Karen in here studio...not her favorite place as she's strategically positioned by the entrance, allowing everyone who enters the ability to peer in on what's going on. No changes to location until next fall, so she learning to get used to it.

Karen and Carlee in the kichen