The 2014 season marked the third season that my fantasy football team, Big Mike Boyz, participated in the Damn D Fest's league, started by Matt D. in 2008. In late July, the annual draft lottery was held at David B's in Barberton to determine the draft order of the 12 participants, which is done in a snake format (draft order reverses from round to round). I was not able to attend, so Matt sent me a text informing me of my position. On August 24, the draft was held online for the first time in league history. A life draft was held the first six seasons, but it was becoming too difficult to get everyone together. Before the season started, everyone had to pay their $100 entry fee. There were two new owners in the league this season, Dave and Matt J. (Matt's BHS friends).
The championship was held in Week 16 since many NFL teams would be resting their starters in Week 17. The championship ended in a 77-77 tie with Lee, the league's 2013 champion. Lee won the tiebreaker based on having the best regular season record. Matt J. was the biggest overachiever of the season, winning his division with a 9-4 record despite a questionable draft. My drafting skills definitely approved this season, leading me to the biggest turnaround from 2013. I finished 3rd place with a 9-4 record after finishing 12th place (last) with a 2-11 record in 2013. Big Mike's Boyz overcame a low draft grade in 2012 to make the postseason, but that would not be the case in 2013.
This is a recap of my roster:
QB: I drafted Lions' Matthew Stafford in the 5th round to be my starter and he had a solid season. However, I drafted Seahawks' Russell Wilson in the 9th round and he ended up having a better season and was my starter for the 2nd half of the season.
RB: I drafted Bears' Matt Forte in the 1st round and he gave me the strong season I expected. I drafted Zac Stacy in the 3rd round to be my 2nd RB, but he was in a slump midseason and I traded for Saints' Mark Ingram, who had a strong finish after fighting injuries to begin the season.
WR: I drafted Packers' Jordy Nelson in the 2nd round to be my top WR, but I was forced to trade him at midseason due to my RB struggles. I drafted Texans' Andre Johnson in the 4th round, Saints' Marques Colston in the 6th round, and Colts' Reggie Wayne (WR-TE flex) in the 8th round to be my other starters. These three finished the season as my starters, in addition to 49ers' Anquan Boldin, who I picked up on the waiver wire. I received Vikings' Greg Jennings in the Nelson trade and he filled in at times when one of my starters had a bye week.
TE: I couldn't draft Tony Gonzalaz for the 3rd straight season since he retired before the season started, so I drafted Bears' Greg Olsen in the 7th round, who gave me a strong season. I picked up Titans' Delanie Walker off the waiver wire early in the season and he filled in at both the TE and WR-TE flex position early when I had players on byes.
K: I drafted Broncos' Matt Prater in the 11th round, but he was suspended for PED use the day after the draft. I replaced him with Prater's replacement Brandon McManus, but he struggled and I replaced him with Packers' Mason Crosby. After I cut McManus, the Broncos went on to do the same.
D: I drafted the Rams' defense, but they struggled and I replaced them with the Bills during the season.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Monday, July 7, 2014
Memories of Grandma Mary and Grandpa John Maybin
Mary and John Maybin were the grandparents of Cousins Krissy and Nikki. They shared their two granddaughters with Grandma Muffet (Grandpa died right after Krissy was born) and I was her only other grandchild. Due to this and not having a grandson, Grandma and Grandpa Maybin took me on as their own grandchild. She also considered my parents to be her family. Grandma Maybin would host Thanksgiving at her home for Grandpa Maybin, their children and grandchildren. Since hosting them would have left Grandma Muffet, Mom, Dad, and I without anyone to celebrate Thanksgiving with, she would invite the four of us over for lunch.
When I was little, Grandpa Maybin would invite the family with him to the Barberton VFW and that meant inviting my parents and I. The children would get gifts and he would say he had three grandchildren, so I would get a gift too. Grandpa Maybin died in 1992, at the age of 70, when I was eight years old. I went to the calling hours and it was the first time I saw a person in a casket. In 1995, Grandma Maybin and Susie moved and we continued to celebrate Thanksgiving in their new home. In 2004, due to scheduling conflicts with Krissy and Nikki's in-laws, the family's Thanksgiving celebration was moved from Thursday to Friday. During the last 15 years, Grandma Maybin gradually turned over the responsibilities of making the meal to Susie. In 2012, they hosted Thanksgiving for the final time before turning it over to Aunt Kathy in 2013.
In addition to Thanksgiving, we all got together every Christmas and exchanged gifts. There were also some Easters when we got together too. Any other time there was something going on with Aunt Kathy, Uncle Tom, Krissy or Nikki, we all got together. Since Uncle Tom's family were like family to us, I invited Grandma Maybin and Susie to my BHS graduation party in 2003 and my University of Akron graduation lunch in 2008.
During a family get-together in January, Grandma Maybin wasn't able to join us since she was in the hospital. It was an unusual feeling not having her there, but she was back again when Nikki and Andrew hosted Easter at their house for the first time. It ended up being the last time I saw or talk to Grandma Maybin before she died on July 3, 2014 at the age of 92.
When I was little, Grandpa Maybin would invite the family with him to the Barberton VFW and that meant inviting my parents and I. The children would get gifts and he would say he had three grandchildren, so I would get a gift too. Grandpa Maybin died in 1992, at the age of 70, when I was eight years old. I went to the calling hours and it was the first time I saw a person in a casket. In 1995, Grandma Maybin and Susie moved and we continued to celebrate Thanksgiving in their new home. In 2004, due to scheduling conflicts with Krissy and Nikki's in-laws, the family's Thanksgiving celebration was moved from Thursday to Friday. During the last 15 years, Grandma Maybin gradually turned over the responsibilities of making the meal to Susie. In 2012, they hosted Thanksgiving for the final time before turning it over to Aunt Kathy in 2013.
In addition to Thanksgiving, we all got together every Christmas and exchanged gifts. There were also some Easters when we got together too. Any other time there was something going on with Aunt Kathy, Uncle Tom, Krissy or Nikki, we all got together. Since Uncle Tom's family were like family to us, I invited Grandma Maybin and Susie to my BHS graduation party in 2003 and my University of Akron graduation lunch in 2008.
During a family get-together in January, Grandma Maybin wasn't able to join us since she was in the hospital. It was an unusual feeling not having her there, but she was back again when Nikki and Andrew hosted Easter at their house for the first time. It ended up being the last time I saw or talk to Grandma Maybin before she died on July 3, 2014 at the age of 92.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Memories of Grandma Willa Mae and Grandpa Tom Webster
I have a lot of wonderful memories of my
paternal grandma and step-grandpa, Willa Mae and Tom Webster. I always looked forward to Grandma’s phone
calls every weekend and the birthday cards I got every year. Most of the time I spent with them growing up
was when they came to visit at Rolling Acres Mall. We would usually eat pizza for lunch in the
food court and walk around the mall.
Dad, Grandpa, and I would usually stop in Kaybee’s toy store to look at
the toy cars while Grandma would look at the women’s clothes.
The weekend before Christmas, Dad and I
usually went to Marion to visit the family for the holidays. Grandma always made a lot of good food and
gave a lot of good gifts too. The ’57
Model Chevy she bought me in 1998 was my all-time favorite. A mini-license plate with the words “Keystone
State” and the name “Mike,” reminded me of Grandpa. I also saved a “tooth fairy” pillow Grandma
made for me and a car sweater that I got for Christmas when I was five. The times that Dad and I came to visit Marion
in the summer were also great and I always enjoyed getting lunch at Bob Evans
or Ryan’s. Grandma’s family and car
photos albums were also near to look at and really helped in constructing the Cox
family tree.
My most fond times with them was when I
graduated from Barberton High School in 2003.
They came to my graduation on May 31 at E.J. Thomas Hall and to my
graduation party at Barberton’s St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on June 21. I called Grandma the week of my graduation
party to ask her to make potato candy since I figured it would make a good
treat. It turned out to be a big hit and
it was all gone by the end of the party.
Grandma died on June 7, 2005, at the age of
81. She had been battling an eight month
illness dating back to a heart-attack she suffered in October 2004. I only saw Grandpa five times after Grandma
died, but I would call him several times a year during his years as a widower. I called him for the last time on May 29 and we had a nice talk. Grandpa turned 90 years old on June 11, went to the hospital the next day, and
died on June 17, 2014.
Thanks
for the memories and I will never forget you two, as you get to celebrate again
together in Heaven.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
March 30, 1984
Some interesting things about the world, near and far, that was going on about the time I was born 30 years ago.
Celebrity birthdays include singer Celine Dion (1968), rapper M. C. Hammer (1962), actor Paul Reiser (1957), and singer Eric Clapton (1945).
News and Politics
US President: Ronald Reagan
Ohio Governor: Richard Celeste
Barberton Mayor: William Judge
Geraldine Ferraro (who passed away on March 26) became the 1st female to run for US Vice-President, as Walter Mondale's running-mate. Mondale got crushed by the popular Reagan in the November election.
The Soviet Union and the communist bloc of Eastern Europe was still at it during the 1980s. Germany was spilt into capatalist West Germany and communist East Germany.
The first Apple computer was introduced to the marketplace two months before my birth.
Local Happenings (Barberton and vacinity)
Highland and U.L. Light schools were in their final year as junior highs, as they would become middle schools in the fall.
Rolling Acres, which was right outside of Barberton, was the place to hang out. It was anchored by Sears, JC Penney, O'Neil's, and Montgomery Ward. O'Neil's flagship store operated out of downtown Akron.
Longtime downtown stores, F.W. Albrecht Grocery's Acme 9 and Marshall's Department Stores were concluding their finals years, as they were losing interest among modern consumers. McDonalds was on Wooster Rd., next to the BHS parking lot on Hopocan Ave. Old, but vacant, downtown building stood at the site of the current restaurant, as they were facing condemnation and razing.
Kroger supermarket, Zayre discount department store, and Revco pharmacy were tenants of the Austin Plaza. Kroger would sell out all its NE Ohio stores that summer.
Click 54 (now Acme 14) faced Manchester Rd. at the time and were surrounded by outdoor Summit Theather and Coventry Drive-In.
Ohio Brass closed its doors after several decades in Barberton. It now operates out of Atlanta, GA.
Sports
The Baltimore Colts packed up their equipment into a big Mayflower truck and moved out to Indianapolis early morning on March 29. While there were rumors of the team's move, the way it was done, without any announcment, pissed off a lot of loyal fans. The didn't get NFL football back until they got Art Modell to move the old Browns there as the Ravens in 1996. Unlike Cleveland, they didn't get to keep their team's name, records, and heritage.
The 1984 baseball season started on April 7. Detroit Tigers ace Jack Morris threw a no-hitter on opening day and the eventual World Series champs got off to a MLB all-time best 35-5 start. Cincinnati Reds star Pete Rose got his 4000th career hit, becoming only the second player to do so (Ty Cobb, who's record would be broken in 1985 was the other). The baseball world was introduced to Boston Red Sox "Rocket" Roger Clemens and "Dr. K" Dwight Gooden, a 19 year old sensation from FL, who debuted with the N.Y. Mets.
The Cleveland Browns released longtime QB Brian Sipe in February, who then signed with the New Jersey Generals of the USFL. The United States Football League operated for three seasons in the spring, competing with the NFL for talent.
The L.A. Raiders would win Super Bowl XVII in January, becoming the last AFC team to win the game until the Denver Broncos would do so 14 years later.
Miami Dolphins second year QB Dan Marino would break all the NFL single season passing records in 1984.
BYU, behind QB Steve Young, wins the college football national championship. They remain the only school from a non-power conference to win a championship at the D-IA level.
Patrick Ewing's Georgetown defeats Hakeem "The Dream" Olajawan's Houston to win the 1984 March Madness. "The Dream" would be drafted 1st overall with the Houston Rockets, with UNC Michael Jordan drafted 3rd by the Chicago Bulls. David Stern would become NBA commissioner that year.
Arts and Entertainment
Singer Marvin Gay was shot to death after an drug induced arguement with his father on April 1.
Happy Days and Three's Company would air for the final time on ABC after decling ratings. The Cosby Show, Who's the Boss, Mr. Belvedere, Murder She Wrote, and Miami Vice debuted.
Since 80's rock is my favorite music genere, it's no surprise there were a lot of good songs out around the time of my birth. Karma Chameleon by Culture Club was Billboard Music Top 100 song from February 4 to 24 and Jump by Van Halen from February 25 to March 30. Footloose by Kenny Loggins took over from March 31 to April 20, followed by Against All Odds by Phil Collins (April 21 to May 11), Hello by Lionel Ritchie (May 12 to 25), Let's Hear it for the Boy by Deniece Williams (May 26 to June 8), Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper (June 9 to 22), The Reflex by Duran Duran (June 23 to July 6). Other good number ones that came out before the end of 1984 was Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr., What's Love Got To Do With It by Tina Turner, Let's Go Crazy by Prince and the Revolution, I Just Called to Say I Love You by Stevie Wonder, Caribbean Queen by Billy Ocean, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by Wham!, Out of Touch by Hall and Oates, and Like A Virgin by Madonna. I can't forget to mention that Michael Jackson was the King of Pop at the time.
Top movies were Beverly Hills Cop, Ghostbusters, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Gremlins, the Karate Kid, Police Academy, Footloose, Romancing the Stone, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, and Splash.
Celebrity birthdays include singer Celine Dion (1968), rapper M. C. Hammer (1962), actor Paul Reiser (1957), and singer Eric Clapton (1945).
News and Politics
US President: Ronald Reagan
Ohio Governor: Richard Celeste
Barberton Mayor: William Judge
Geraldine Ferraro (who passed away on March 26) became the 1st female to run for US Vice-President, as Walter Mondale's running-mate. Mondale got crushed by the popular Reagan in the November election.
The Soviet Union and the communist bloc of Eastern Europe was still at it during the 1980s. Germany was spilt into capatalist West Germany and communist East Germany.
The first Apple computer was introduced to the marketplace two months before my birth.
Local Happenings (Barberton and vacinity)
Highland and U.L. Light schools were in their final year as junior highs, as they would become middle schools in the fall.
Rolling Acres, which was right outside of Barberton, was the place to hang out. It was anchored by Sears, JC Penney, O'Neil's, and Montgomery Ward. O'Neil's flagship store operated out of downtown Akron.
Longtime downtown stores, F.W. Albrecht Grocery's Acme 9 and Marshall's Department Stores were concluding their finals years, as they were losing interest among modern consumers. McDonalds was on Wooster Rd., next to the BHS parking lot on Hopocan Ave. Old, but vacant, downtown building stood at the site of the current restaurant, as they were facing condemnation and razing.
Kroger supermarket, Zayre discount department store, and Revco pharmacy were tenants of the Austin Plaza. Kroger would sell out all its NE Ohio stores that summer.
Click 54 (now Acme 14) faced Manchester Rd. at the time and were surrounded by outdoor Summit Theather and Coventry Drive-In.
Ohio Brass closed its doors after several decades in Barberton. It now operates out of Atlanta, GA.
Sports
The Baltimore Colts packed up their equipment into a big Mayflower truck and moved out to Indianapolis early morning on March 29. While there were rumors of the team's move, the way it was done, without any announcment, pissed off a lot of loyal fans. The didn't get NFL football back until they got Art Modell to move the old Browns there as the Ravens in 1996. Unlike Cleveland, they didn't get to keep their team's name, records, and heritage.
The 1984 baseball season started on April 7. Detroit Tigers ace Jack Morris threw a no-hitter on opening day and the eventual World Series champs got off to a MLB all-time best 35-5 start. Cincinnati Reds star Pete Rose got his 4000th career hit, becoming only the second player to do so (Ty Cobb, who's record would be broken in 1985 was the other). The baseball world was introduced to Boston Red Sox "Rocket" Roger Clemens and "Dr. K" Dwight Gooden, a 19 year old sensation from FL, who debuted with the N.Y. Mets.
The Cleveland Browns released longtime QB Brian Sipe in February, who then signed with the New Jersey Generals of the USFL. The United States Football League operated for three seasons in the spring, competing with the NFL for talent.
The L.A. Raiders would win Super Bowl XVII in January, becoming the last AFC team to win the game until the Denver Broncos would do so 14 years later.
Miami Dolphins second year QB Dan Marino would break all the NFL single season passing records in 1984.
BYU, behind QB Steve Young, wins the college football national championship. They remain the only school from a non-power conference to win a championship at the D-IA level.
Patrick Ewing's Georgetown defeats Hakeem "The Dream" Olajawan's Houston to win the 1984 March Madness. "The Dream" would be drafted 1st overall with the Houston Rockets, with UNC Michael Jordan drafted 3rd by the Chicago Bulls. David Stern would become NBA commissioner that year.
Arts and Entertainment
Singer Marvin Gay was shot to death after an drug induced arguement with his father on April 1.
Happy Days and Three's Company would air for the final time on ABC after decling ratings. The Cosby Show, Who's the Boss, Mr. Belvedere, Murder She Wrote, and Miami Vice debuted.
Since 80's rock is my favorite music genere, it's no surprise there were a lot of good songs out around the time of my birth. Karma Chameleon by Culture Club was Billboard Music Top 100 song from February 4 to 24 and Jump by Van Halen from February 25 to March 30. Footloose by Kenny Loggins took over from March 31 to April 20, followed by Against All Odds by Phil Collins (April 21 to May 11), Hello by Lionel Ritchie (May 12 to 25), Let's Hear it for the Boy by Deniece Williams (May 26 to June 8), Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper (June 9 to 22), The Reflex by Duran Duran (June 23 to July 6). Other good number ones that came out before the end of 1984 was Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr., What's Love Got To Do With It by Tina Turner, Let's Go Crazy by Prince and the Revolution, I Just Called to Say I Love You by Stevie Wonder, Caribbean Queen by Billy Ocean, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by Wham!, Out of Touch by Hall and Oates, and Like A Virgin by Madonna. I can't forget to mention that Michael Jackson was the King of Pop at the time.
Top movies were Beverly Hills Cop, Ghostbusters, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Gremlins, the Karate Kid, Police Academy, Footloose, Romancing the Stone, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, and Splash.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Favorite TV Sitcoms
This is a blog that I saved from MySpace that I decided to update and repost:
Two and a Half Men, CBS Monday and Thursday, 2003-
Boy Meets World, ABC Friday, 1993-2000
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, NBC Monday, 1991-96
Becker, CBS Monday, 1998-2004
Cosby Show, NBC Thursday, 1984-92
Perfect Strangers, ABC Friday and Tuesday, 1986-93
Full House, ABC Friday and Tuesday, 1987-95
Modern Family, ABC Wednesday, 2009-
Step-by-Step, ABC Friday, 1991-97
Family Matters, ABC Friday, 1989-97
Everybody Loves Raymond, CBS Monday, 1996-2005
King ofQueens , CBS Monday,
1998-2007
According to Jim, ABC Tuesday, 2001-
Home Improvement, ABC Tuesday, 1991-98
Blossom, NBC Monday, 1990-95
George Lopez, ABC Tuesday, 2002-07
Mom and I were talking about our favorite TV sitcoms. These
were among my favorites, beginning with shows that went off the air no earlier
than 1990. Many of the shows were in blocs that aired on ABC Friday
(TGIF), NBC Thursday, and CBS Monday. I'm sure of the nights and
most of the dates, but some of the dates are approximate. Most would
probably consider these nights to be the best on TV over the last 20
years. If anyone has any feedback, let me know.
Top 10 (Not in any particular order)
Married with Children, FOX Sunday, 1987-97
3rd Rock from the Sun, NBC, 1995-2001Two and a Half Men, CBS Monday and Thursday, 2003-
Boy Meets World, ABC Friday, 1993-2000
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, NBC Monday, 1991-96
Becker, CBS Monday, 1998-2004
Cosby Show, NBC Thursday, 1984-92
Perfect Strangers, ABC Friday and Tuesday, 1986-93
Full House, ABC Friday and Tuesday, 1987-95
Modern Family, ABC Wednesday, 2009-
Next 10 Best (Not in any particular order)
Seinfeld, NBC Thursday, 1991-98
Cheers, NBC Thursday, 1982-93Step-by-Step, ABC Friday, 1991-97
Family Matters, ABC Friday, 1989-97
Everybody Loves Raymond, CBS Monday, 1996-2005
King of
According to Jim, ABC Tuesday, 2001-
Home Improvement, ABC Tuesday, 1991-98
Blossom, NBC Monday, 1990-95
George Lopez, ABC Tuesday, 2002-07
Animated Sitcoms
The Simpsons, FOX Sunday, 1989-
King of the Hill, FOX Sunday, 1997-2010Tuesday, December 31, 2013
2013 Year-in-Review
Cousin Nikki and Andrew, who were living in Maryland, moved back to Ohio in March, buying a home near the Portage Lakes. Soon afterwards, Nikki announced she was expecting her first child. I went to see her house a few times, once in May and once in August.
On March 15, Deacon Michael Petrochuk was ordained as a Minister of the Episcopal Church and a Friday evening service was held in his honor, with a reception afterwards.
In May, Aunt Kathy asked me if I wanted to re-stain the deck at her home, which I decided to pursue. I had to fight a rainy two months in June and July before the weather dried out around the beginning of August. It paid a lot better than what I make at work, plus she saved a lot by not having to hire a professional.
Dad took time off of his job at Maaco in late June to due chest and leg pains. He ended up getting two stints put in at the Cleveland Clinic on July 26 and decided to retire following that. This led him to sell his toolbox, some tools, and car (Mom and Dad will share a car from now on). I will post a separate post regarding the sell of his car.
August was the best month of the year by far. I worked three eight hour shift to start the month, which was also the first three days of Acme's meat sale. After that, I was on vacation from August 4 to 10. I finished working on the deck on Monday and got my final check for it, which was great since I was getting ready to leave on vacation with Scott. Scott picked me up at my house on Tuesday morning as we headed off to New York state. We stopped for lunch at Bob Evans in Jamestown before getting to Oneneta to check into the Clarion Hotel around 5:30 p.m. We got dinner at Subway before relaxing at the hotel the rest of the evening. On Wednesday, we drove to Norwalk to see the Northeast Classic Car Museum before heading to Cooperstown. We got lunch at a small restaurant in town before heading to the National Baseball Hall-of-Fame and Museum around 1pm. Scott brought his nice camera with him and we got over 200 great pictures. The entire experience was awesome, so I couldn't say that I had a favorite part. After leaving the HOF-Museum around 5pm, we stopped at some sporting goods shops in the downtown before driving back to Oneneta. After getting back, we had dinner at a local Italian restaurant and returned to the hotel for the evening. We drove back on Thursday, stopping for lunch at Panera along the way.
I returned to work on Sunday, but I still had the BHS 10-Year Class Reunion to look forward to on Saturday, August 17. It was held at Loyal Oak Park from 3 to 8pm. It cost $15, which included pizza, pasta, salad, chicken, and jo jos from Fat Boy's, which tasted pretty good. Many class reunions cost up to $60, but by eliminating the fancy meal, pre-paid alcohol, paper invitations, and postage, we saved at lot of money. Most of the reunion was planned on Facebook, but Stephanie (class president) placed two ads in the Barberton Herald shortly before the reunion to make sure people who weren't on Facebook were aware of the reunion. Stephanie was also smart by having a long one day event, instead of two evening events. After leaving the park, we spent the evening at David B's. I had two beers and left around 1am. About 50 graduates and 10 guests attended, most to both events.
I had a short night because the next morning at 10am, St. Andrew's had their annual church service and picnic at Columbia Woods Park. It was a nice time as usual.
I started the Spring 2013 semester with two classes, Visual Design Literacy and Political Methods, both three hours classes. PM was on Monday and Wednesday and VDL was on Tuesday and Thursday, so I had to drive to Kent four days a week for only two classes. The first class was smooth sailing to earning an A, but I never completed the second class due to technical difficulities and conflicts with my work schedule. I ended up dropping the class in March and decided to change my major from Broadcast Journalism (School of Journalism) to Applied Communication (School of Commuication) because it was more commuter friendly. I considered returning to the University of Akron, but they started to require a 14 hour foreign language requirement for communication majors starting the Fall 2011 semester.
I signed up for a summer school course, Criticism of Public Discourse, but it was canceled due to low enrollment. I then signed up for Visual Design Media, but it was also canceled due to low enrollment, so I decided to take it online. After hassling with tech issues for three days, I canceled the online cours and decided to take the summer off.
I started the Fall 2013 semester with four classes, each three credit hours, since I fell behind during the past calendar year. The courses are Foundations of Communication, Into to Technical Writing, and Communication Theory. All classes were held Tuesday and Thursday, but I had a 3.5 hour gap between the first two. There is also an online class, Information Fluency in the Workplace and Beyond. I finished the semester with As in Technical Writing and Communication Theory, a B+ in Foundations of Communications, and a C- in Info Fluency.
In January, I found out I had to get hernia surgery, which had to be performed laproscopically above the right groin area. I scheduled the surgery on March 27, since I was on Spring Break from Kent State. It was also good timing so I would be home for my birthday, Easter, the end of March Madness, and the beginning of baseball season. I was off of work for three weeks as I recovered. I was eligible for sick pay from the UFCW, plus I took a week of paid vacation from Acme. I returned to work on April 16 and was back lifting as usual in early May. I was looking forward to going swimming again this summer with co-workers at Dogwood, but due to Matt working another job, we never got anything together.
Acme offered a buyout to full-time employees in February, which cashier Beth took, in addition to three deli associates. The deli also transfered three associated out, with another leaving a few months later. Long-time assistant manager, Tony, was transfered to Norton Acme 6 at the end of March. The manager, Bernie, retired on Sept. 6 as well as packer Newman. Grocery stock man, Jim, retired from Acme the following day. Other long time associates left this year, including Sherise, Dianna, and Una. Several new associates were hired in May and a bunch more in October and November.
In May, Aunt Kathy asked me if I wanted to re-stain the deck at her home, which I decided to pursue. I had to fight a rainy two months in June and July before the weather dried out around the beginning of August. It paid a lot better than what I make at work, plus she saved a lot by not having to hire a professional.
Dad took time off of his job at Maaco in late June to due chest and leg pains. He ended up getting two stints put in at the Cleveland Clinic on July 26 and decided to retire following that. This led him to sell his toolbox, some tools, and car (Mom and Dad will share a car from now on). I will post a separate post regarding the sell of his car.
August was the best month of the year by far. I worked three eight hour shift to start the month, which was also the first three days of Acme's meat sale. After that, I was on vacation from August 4 to 10. I finished working on the deck on Monday and got my final check for it, which was great since I was getting ready to leave on vacation with Scott. Scott picked me up at my house on Tuesday morning as we headed off to New York state. We stopped for lunch at Bob Evans in Jamestown before getting to Oneneta to check into the Clarion Hotel around 5:30 p.m. We got dinner at Subway before relaxing at the hotel the rest of the evening. On Wednesday, we drove to Norwalk to see the Northeast Classic Car Museum before heading to Cooperstown. We got lunch at a small restaurant in town before heading to the National Baseball Hall-of-Fame and Museum around 1pm. Scott brought his nice camera with him and we got over 200 great pictures. The entire experience was awesome, so I couldn't say that I had a favorite part. After leaving the HOF-Museum around 5pm, we stopped at some sporting goods shops in the downtown before driving back to Oneneta. After getting back, we had dinner at a local Italian restaurant and returned to the hotel for the evening. We drove back on Thursday, stopping for lunch at Panera along the way.
I returned to work on Sunday, but I still had the BHS 10-Year Class Reunion to look forward to on Saturday, August 17. It was held at Loyal Oak Park from 3 to 8pm. It cost $15, which included pizza, pasta, salad, chicken, and jo jos from Fat Boy's, which tasted pretty good. Many class reunions cost up to $60, but by eliminating the fancy meal, pre-paid alcohol, paper invitations, and postage, we saved at lot of money. Most of the reunion was planned on Facebook, but Stephanie (class president) placed two ads in the Barberton Herald shortly before the reunion to make sure people who weren't on Facebook were aware of the reunion. Stephanie was also smart by having a long one day event, instead of two evening events. After leaving the park, we spent the evening at David B's. I had two beers and left around 1am. About 50 graduates and 10 guests attended, most to both events.
I had a short night because the next morning at 10am, St. Andrew's had their annual church service and picnic at Columbia Woods Park. It was a nice time as usual.
I started the Spring 2013 semester with two classes, Visual Design Literacy and Political Methods, both three hours classes. PM was on Monday and Wednesday and VDL was on Tuesday and Thursday, so I had to drive to Kent four days a week for only two classes. The first class was smooth sailing to earning an A, but I never completed the second class due to technical difficulities and conflicts with my work schedule. I ended up dropping the class in March and decided to change my major from Broadcast Journalism (School of Journalism) to Applied Communication (School of Commuication) because it was more commuter friendly. I considered returning to the University of Akron, but they started to require a 14 hour foreign language requirement for communication majors starting the Fall 2011 semester.
I signed up for a summer school course, Criticism of Public Discourse, but it was canceled due to low enrollment. I then signed up for Visual Design Media, but it was also canceled due to low enrollment, so I decided to take it online. After hassling with tech issues for three days, I canceled the online cours and decided to take the summer off.
I started the Fall 2013 semester with four classes, each three credit hours, since I fell behind during the past calendar year. The courses are Foundations of Communication, Into to Technical Writing, and Communication Theory. All classes were held Tuesday and Thursday, but I had a 3.5 hour gap between the first two. There is also an online class, Information Fluency in the Workplace and Beyond. I finished the semester with As in Technical Writing and Communication Theory, a B+ in Foundations of Communications, and a C- in Info Fluency.
In January, I found out I had to get hernia surgery, which had to be performed laproscopically above the right groin area. I scheduled the surgery on March 27, since I was on Spring Break from Kent State. It was also good timing so I would be home for my birthday, Easter, the end of March Madness, and the beginning of baseball season. I was off of work for three weeks as I recovered. I was eligible for sick pay from the UFCW, plus I took a week of paid vacation from Acme. I returned to work on April 16 and was back lifting as usual in early May. I was looking forward to going swimming again this summer with co-workers at Dogwood, but due to Matt working another job, we never got anything together.
Acme offered a buyout to full-time employees in February, which cashier Beth took, in addition to three deli associates. The deli also transfered three associated out, with another leaving a few months later. Long-time assistant manager, Tony, was transfered to Norton Acme 6 at the end of March. The manager, Bernie, retired on Sept. 6 as well as packer Newman. Grocery stock man, Jim, retired from Acme the following day. Other long time associates left this year, including Sherise, Dianna, and Una. Several new associates were hired in May and a bunch more in October and November.
The holiday season was slightly different this year than in past years. Instead of going to Grandma Maybin and Susie's house on Black Friday, we met at Aunt Kathy's house. Also, cousin Krissy decided not to make the trip to Barberton for Thanksgiving and Christmas, instead opting to wait until Nikki's baby arrived. I didn't get to see Dad's family this year, only getting to talk to them on the phone or on Facebook on some occasions.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
2013 Fantasy Football Review
The 2013 season marked the second season that my fantasy football team, Big Mike Boyz, participated in the Damn D Fest's league, started by Matt D. in 2008. In late July, the annual draft lottery was held at David B's in Barberton to determine the draft order of the 12 participants, which is done in a snake format (draft order reverses from round to round). A month later, the draft was held at Greg and Mario's house, where we paid our $100 entry fee, up from $80 last season. The extra money was used to compensate both the team with the best regular season record and the post-season champion. There were two new owners in the league this season, Tyler (Acme co-worker) and Kyle (Matt's BHS friend).
The championship, won by Lee, was held in Week 16 since many NFL teams would be resting their starters in Week 17. Lee had a big turn-around this season, after finishing tied for last place during the 2012 season. Nick missed the postseason and had a losing season for the first time in the league's six season history. Big Mike's Boyz overcame a low draft grade in 2012 to make the postseason, but that would not be the case in 2013. Big Mike Boyz finished last place (12th) with a 2-11 record, only beating Kyle and Corey's teams, who finished in 10th and 11th place respectively, with 4-9 and 3-10 records. My biggest undoing was drafting four players from the Atlanta Falcons, who went from being a potential Super Bowl pick in the preseason, to finishing 2013 with a 4-12 record.
This is a recap of my roster:
QB: I drafted the Falcons' Matt Ryan, who had a solid season. My backup, Giants' QB Eli Manning, had a disappointing season, but I only started him during Ryan's bye week.
RB: I drafted Ravens' Ray Rice in the first round and he had a down year due to injuries. Bills' Fred Jackson turned out to be my top RB for the season, with waiver wire pickup, Lions' Joique Bell, giving me a fill-in during bye-weeks. Rams' RB Zac Stacy gave me a good stats once he got healthy, which happened to be around the time I acquired him.
WR: I drafted Falcons' Julio Jones in the second round, who ended up on the IR with an ACL tear during mid-season. This led me to trade Rice and Rams' WR Austin Pettis to King Blake in exchange for WR Demaryius Thomas and RB Zac Stacy. I definitely made out on the better end of this trade, although it was too little, too late for my team. Vikings' Greg Jennings and Bucs' Mike Williams were both major disappointments, with Williams ending the season on the IR due to an hamstring injury that required surgery. I picked up Chargers' Eddie Royal off the waiver wire and he was probably one of the most inconsistent fantasy players in the NFL this season. Titans' Kendall Wright gave me decent stats for several weeks out of the season as a flex WR-TE.
TE: I drafted 37 year-old Tony Gonzalaz, who turned in a solid season in his 16th and last NFL season.
K: I drafted Falcons' Matt Bryant, who gave me a decent season.
D: I drafted the Broncos defense, which was expected to be one of the NFL's best this season. Unfortunately for me, it turned out to be very average.
The championship, won by Lee, was held in Week 16 since many NFL teams would be resting their starters in Week 17. Lee had a big turn-around this season, after finishing tied for last place during the 2012 season. Nick missed the postseason and had a losing season for the first time in the league's six season history. Big Mike's Boyz overcame a low draft grade in 2012 to make the postseason, but that would not be the case in 2013. Big Mike Boyz finished last place (12th) with a 2-11 record, only beating Kyle and Corey's teams, who finished in 10th and 11th place respectively, with 4-9 and 3-10 records. My biggest undoing was drafting four players from the Atlanta Falcons, who went from being a potential Super Bowl pick in the preseason, to finishing 2013 with a 4-12 record.
This is a recap of my roster:
QB: I drafted the Falcons' Matt Ryan, who had a solid season. My backup, Giants' QB Eli Manning, had a disappointing season, but I only started him during Ryan's bye week.
RB: I drafted Ravens' Ray Rice in the first round and he had a down year due to injuries. Bills' Fred Jackson turned out to be my top RB for the season, with waiver wire pickup, Lions' Joique Bell, giving me a fill-in during bye-weeks. Rams' RB Zac Stacy gave me a good stats once he got healthy, which happened to be around the time I acquired him.
WR: I drafted Falcons' Julio Jones in the second round, who ended up on the IR with an ACL tear during mid-season. This led me to trade Rice and Rams' WR Austin Pettis to King Blake in exchange for WR Demaryius Thomas and RB Zac Stacy. I definitely made out on the better end of this trade, although it was too little, too late for my team. Vikings' Greg Jennings and Bucs' Mike Williams were both major disappointments, with Williams ending the season on the IR due to an hamstring injury that required surgery. I picked up Chargers' Eddie Royal off the waiver wire and he was probably one of the most inconsistent fantasy players in the NFL this season. Titans' Kendall Wright gave me decent stats for several weeks out of the season as a flex WR-TE.
TE: I drafted 37 year-old Tony Gonzalaz, who turned in a solid season in his 16th and last NFL season.
K: I drafted Falcons' Matt Bryant, who gave me a decent season.
D: I drafted the Broncos defense, which was expected to be one of the NFL's best this season. Unfortunately for me, it turned out to be very average.
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