Where's Nic?

Sunday, September 4, 2011

September 1st-4th

Kent State vs Alabama

Thursday – Travel Day

Got to the hotel in the late afternoon - Was greeted by Lance and John who were sitting at the pool, which was by the front door, handing out beers as our crew arrived. They had gotten in early, bought a cooler, ice and lots of beer - God I love this crew!

Quickly got settled in my room and headed out to the pool to join the others who had since gotten in for poolside drinks.

Eventually we walked across the street to Ruby Tuesdays for dinner. Afterwards, we sat poolside again for awhile enjoying a few night caps.

Friday – Set Day

As most first weeks go, the day was a blur. New graphics disk, a Viz tech onsite, new sponsors, etc. There were of course issues that made for a very long day. Thomas and I missed out on dinner with the rest of the crew but had fun making idiots of ourselves in the Wendy’s drive thru on the way back to the hotel.

Saturday – Game Day

Steve, our producer

After the game and once back at the hotel, most of us had dinner again at Ruby Tuesdays.

I am so happy the season has finally started and I am back with my boys… but I have already started the countdown of how many weeks we have left. If only college football lasted for more than 14 weeks!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Hoover, AL

August 25-28

It’s back! Football season! I have been waiting almost 9 months for this weekend!

I am back on the same college football crew – SEC Syndication. Life can’t get any better!

We always start a week early to help kick off the High School Football weekend for the network. There are like 25 games in 3 days or something crazy like that.

This year we are doing a double header in Hoover, AL.

I also am working with a new AP – Thomas. He has been with the company for several years and is a rock star at football. I am so eager to start working with him.

It was great seeing everyone on the set day, well most of our crew was there at least. Nothing like being back with family (the kind you choose). There was some sadness because my good friend Josh is no longer on the crew. He moved on to another show.

It was interesting to be back at Hoover – I had been here years ago when the network first started covering High School Football. It was back when Tim Tebow was still in high school – his team played Hoover in the game I did. Also at that time, MTV was here filming their show – “Two-A-Days”.

Back then, this high school and sports facility was amazing! But now coming back all these years later, I realized it’s not a nice as many of the schools in Texas; such as Cy Fair. Wow! Don’t get me wrong, Hoover has a huge campus and is much nicer than 98% of the schools in the country, there are just newer and nicer facilities out there now.

All went well on the set day and game day. I think Thomas and I are going to have a good season together.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

August 18-20

Junior League World Series

Made my annual trip to Taylor, Michigan for the Junior League World Series Championship Game. Junior League is basically big kid Little League – ages 13-15

For years now on this event, I get a newbie AP out of Bristol. Usually they do studio shows and have only been on remote a few times, if at all. Many years I have had to teach them how baseball works. And if you know me at all, you know that I don't know much about it. But I amaze myself with the knowledge I throw out to these kids.

However, this year, I was spoiled and got one of the best APs in the country. Not only does he work on tons of sports he also does the College World Series, Little League World Series and MLB. So I was on easy street this year!

Our set day went well and our game went even better.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Columbus Vacation Day

Uncle Hugh and Aunt Mary stopped in Columbus for a couple days. We visited some of the sites in town and checked out several restaurants.

Breakfast at the German Village Coffee Shop – a must do!

http://gvcoffeeshop.com/

It’s a dive and very small – but it’s so good and cheap!

We went for a walk around Schiller Park and German Village.

Checked out the Book Loft.

http://www.bookloft.com/

Spent HOURS in there….it is one of the largest independent book stores in the country. 32 rooms of books!

Then we had lunch at Dirty Franks.

Photo op in front of the State House

Next stop was the North Market. Which is a farmers market that is open year round. In the warmer months, there is an outdoor market on Saturday mornings with tons of yummy local produce.

And of course a few scoops of Jeni’s ice cream were in order!

http://www.jenis.com/

If you ever see it, you MUST try it. The flavors are funky, but they are delish! It’s worth the price – the cream all comes from Snowville Creamery in Central Ohio. She only makes as much ice cream as they can produce for her.

Afternoon naps followed by a cookout.

A fabulous couple of days, exploring all the things I never do in my own town!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Dallas

August 5^th-6th

Friday & Saturday

On Friday afternoon I headed to Dallas for a soccer match on Saturday. It’s part of the World Football Challenge.

Been to Dallas many times, but the exciting part about this trip is that the match is being played at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium – a place I have never been and am eager to check out.

To say it is impressive is an understatement, mainly the video board inside.

The field level luxury boxes… wow!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

San Francisco Mini Vaca

August 1^st-2nd

Monday & Tuesday

Got up very early on Monday morning and headed into San Francisco – I wanted to beat the traffic.

I am visiting my friends John & Jeanne; whom I have visited out her before. I met John many years ago when I work at a station down in Ft Myers and then we worked together again in Columbus, That’s when Jeanne and I became friends.

Jeanne and I spent some time shopping. I missed the flagship Williams-Sonoma last time I was here, so I had to hit it this time.

We spent a couple of hours there. It was so awesome! And I found myself telling Jeanne "Oh, yah, I have that." By the end of our visit, I realized I may have an addiction to kitchen gadgets.

Always get a kick out of ALL the random warning signs in California.

What is a trip to Cali without a meal at In-N-Out?

Had a wonderful couple of days with my dear old friends… lots of catching up, fabulous dining and shopping. Already looking forward to doing it again!