I apologize for the title of this post, but it is highly appropriate.

When I was in the Air Force, the powers that be thought it would be hilarious to stick me on an Army post for three years. That armpit of the Armed Forces was Ft. Hood, Texas, but it did leave one good memory in my head.

I got a little nostalgic tonight, as I often do. I started searching online for my old hockey team. My part-time job outside of my military service was being a post-game broadcaster for the Central Texas Stampede. I had been out of radio for a couple of years when I saw the Stampede’s web site, and they were looking for a college intern to do the job.

Needless to say, I wasn’t in college. However, I sent an e-mail to Jim Mirabello, the communications director and play-by-play guy. He called me back, and we talked for a while. I told him my background (two years of radio in high school), and he said he liked my voice. I went to the team’s Temple office, and met up with him.

Jim gave me the job, and I couldn’t have been more excited. I was scared out of my mind because I had never done anything like that, but I think I warmed up to it after a few games. I didn’t know a thing about hockey, so many thanks to Jim for also being a teacher.

This is also when I got hooked on the Detroit Red Wings. I served with Michael Potvin, and I wish I could get back in touch with him. Anyhow, he was from Michigan, and he helped me get hooked on the team and sport. The head coach of the Stampede at the time was Lee Norwood, a former Red Wings defenseman.

Jim and I became really great friends. I remember there were some circumstances about the team owners, and they shoved Jim out the door after my first season. I wasn’t happy about that at all. I started going to Jim’s church, and we’d hang out. That all ended when Jim was forced out and took a job in Louisiana.

The next guy they brought in was Wayne Amann. He was nice enough, but he wasn’t Jim. I left the broadcast booth as the playoffs approached in my second season. I wasn’t tired of the team, but I wasn’t happy with the way it was heading (the team would fold just two years later).

Jim, as far as I know, now works with the Indianapolis Ice. I last saw him a few years ago when the Ice came to Columbus for a game. Both teams are in different leagues, so I never see him now. I really need to drop him a line.

Michael, Wendy, myself and many others would get together at a bar after the games and play darts. THAT is something I really miss about the Air Force. Also, we would stream the games over the Internet, and Amy would listen to me back home in Georgia (we had just started dating).

I think I’ve been all over the place with this post, but quite a few memories came back tonight. That’s my brief history in hockey.

I finally got my lazy self to upload some of Alyssa’s first birthday party pictures! Click away!

Make sure you hold your mouse over the gold star below the pictures to bring up the navigation menu.

What would you do if you had a free night? The ladies are out of the house tonight, and I’ve been by myself since I got home from work. Some guys I know would have a steak, go grab some food with other guys and watch sports.

Normally, I would do the same. The only problem is I came in, walked Chopper around the neighborhood, got home and fell asleep on the couch. I woke up about an hour ago when Amy called to tell me goodnight.

I am a party animal.

I just found out our news director, Rick, is leaving at the end of the month for Cleveland, Ohio. Rick brought me on board almost three years ago, and I’m not happy to see him leave. He’s been nothing but good to me, and I will certainly miss him.

Best of luck to you, Boss.

I can’t get over how pretty it is outside today. We got out of church, and it was sunny and 70 degrees. Amy’s car needs to be washed, and I can’t think of a better day to do it.

I’ve got pictures from Alyssa’s birthday party to post on the main site. I’ll try to get to it soon. Call it being lazy, or otherwise preoccupied.