A Step In The Right Direction

It snowed last night. It actually snowed. This is the first measurable amount of snow we've gotten this winter, and I was very happy this morning to see my porch and steps covered in about an inch of the white stuff. It's not enough to cross-country ski on (at least not without scratching up the bottoms of your skis), but it's a good start. Patience, Skis, patience. But, I'm all about forgiving and getting on with things, so, Mother Nature, I'm willing to put aside the lackluster winter you've delivered so far, as long as you're willing to make up for it in the remaining time we have left this winter. So, to get back into my good graces, M.N., I ask the following things:

1) Snow. I don't need a blizzard (although I wouldn't say no to that), but a good couple of inches. As powdery as possible, too.

2) Cold. Snow's only good if the cold comes along with it. If we get 6" of snow, but then the temperature goes up to 45 degrees, that snow isn't very good to ski in. So, M.N., if you go through all the trouble of giving us some good snow, please include the cold weather with it so we can actually go out and enjoy it.

3) Repeat points 1) and 2) a couple of times. Getting one good usable snowfall a year isn't enough. We're going to need at least three this year in order to move this winter out of the "Worst Winter Ever" category. I don't mean to put any undo pressure on you, M.N., but I think it's important to have a clear picture of where you stand. Oh, and if possible, it'd be great to have the snow on the weekends, but that's not required. My schedule is totally flexible to accommodate yours. See, I'm willing to work with you on this.

So, M.N., you're off to a good start. And if you can help us out a little more this winter, I'll be happy to wipe the slate clean. The (snow)ball's in your court.

Here's a picture of my backyard after walking to my car this morning. Yes, I'm that sad that I'm taking pictures of my yard in the snow as I walk to my car. M.N., have you seen what you've reduced me to?





Here's a shot from my office window. Things look nice and pretty, although this photo was taken this morning and now there's a lot more green showing. M.N., I'm looking in your direction *hint* *hint*.

Game 2: Nomads - Mongrels

Just a quick post to keep things up to date...the Nomads played game 2 last night against our old rivals, the Mongrels. It was a very spirited game as the Mongrels and the Nomads seemed evenly matched for most of the game, with the Nomads barely keeping a one-goal lead. Fortunately, the Nomads would keep in good form for the duration and ultimately the Mogrels would fall behind the Nomads. At the final whistle, the Nomads walked away with an 8-5 victory.

Nomads are in second place now, only because the first place team has a larger goal differential...yeah, there's a joke in there, I just thought that that'd be too easy. Next week, the Nomads will face off against first place, and newcomer D's in a Box...seriously, that's their name. And the winner of that game will obviously move into first place.

Lastly, even though there aren't any pictures from the game to include with this post, I won't leave you hanging. There you go, something to ponder...or not.

Snow far, snow bad...

*sigh*...This has been a very sad winter as far as snow has been concerned. I took this photo this morning to capture the extent of the snowfall we've had this year. My poor cross-country skis are just sitting quietly in the corner, waiting to be used. I feel sorry for them. I almost feel like I'm keeping some animal in a foreign environment, one that they're not accustomed to. Maybe I should release my skis into the wild where they can travel north to where there is snow and they can run free with their wild brothers...

...or Mother Nature could do us all a favor and give us a couple weeks of continuous snow...

New Season Off To A Good Start

In the spirit of glasnost (yeah, that didn't make any sense to me, either, but it still sounded cool), I'm trying to make sure I post something about each weekly game, especially now that we're starting a new season. And to make it even more worth your while, if my sister-in-law, Sunhi, takes some photos during the games, I'll be sure to include some with each posting. How do you like them apples?

This week's game was the first game of the new season, and the Nomads have returned as defending champions...was that as weird for you to read as it was for me to type? I'd love to have the opportunity to take that for granted. So, Game 1 was a spirited game as the Nomads took on the Old Dogs. For the first half of the game, the Old Dogs were able to keep the Nomads to a one-point lead. But by the second half, the Nomads offense solidified their passing and then quickly pulled away. The final score was 8-4, an encouraging beginning for the Nomads to begin their season. Now, let's check out the highlight photos:

Sean has some fancy footwork.
Oh, and he's good at soccer, too.

Here, Paul displays the effects of the genetic disorder, of which I have a more severe case: goalus-chokus-from-pointus-blankus-rangus. People who suffer from this disorder can still go on to lead fruitful lives, and Paul shows that you can even looks good while you do!

Chuck is the father of 5 kids. You think he's about to take any guff from this guy? Witness Chuck showing off some of his parenting skills.

Watching the World Cup this summer has apparently inspired Ed. Here Ed emulates England forward, Wayne Rooney. Fortunately for this Old Dogs player, Ed opted not to stomp on anyone's nuts.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Starting his second season with the Nomads, international talent, Otto, shows why the Nomads paid top dollar to sign him. What's that? We didn't pay anything and he's even paying his own fees? Just leave us alone with our dreams.

If there was an Man of the Match and Photo of the Match, this would be it. Living up to the myth about red-heads (whatever that means), Ryan dishes out some mean soccer and would eventually score the sweetest goal of the night, from outside the two-point line, only to have the ref count it as one. We all know that the ref was just jealous. Of the goal or the hair? The world may never know.

.

.

.

.

.

.

If this was basketball, then Rob would be taking it to the hole. Then we would all giggle like school girls because I said, "Taking it to the hole."

.

.

.

.

.

Matt

Sean

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Joe

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Matt

Catching Up...

Ok, so I've been really far behind on posting to this blog. I know, you've probably been sitting on the edge of your seat for the past month, wondering how the Nomads finished their season. I've inadvertantly kept you in prolonged suspense and for that I apologize. But to make it up to you (all two of you), I've gotten a little creative (ie: I didn't feel like doing the work I was supposed to do) and I've made a video montage highlighting the whole season, including the last few games I didn't report on. So, instead of reading through paragraphs of witless banter, you can WATCH the magic that is Nomads soccer. Enjoy!