While the rest of the country suffers from debilitating heat and humidity, Seattle has granted us only 1 hour and 18 minutes of temperatures above 80 degrees. I have yet to complain about this, but I can't say the same for my friends and long-time local residents. I will always argue that I'd rather be on the cooler side than the hotter. The sun has been gracing us in the afternoons and the weather prognosticators are calling for a mild fall, which bodes well for the upcoming high school and college football seasons.
The Pacific Northwest Football Officials Association off-season meetings have begun and we're going over rules and mechanics reminders on a weekly basis. It's always a slow re-introduction to the rules and and mindset that go along with officiating, but we're getting there. This past off-season I was promoted to the level of V3 (which represents Varsity 3). This means that I can work all varsity level high school games without reservation from the assignor. I am not yet eligible for playoff games, but hopefully in due time. Game start the first weekend in September, shortly after I arrive back in Seattle from celebrating my mother's 60th birthday in Pennsylvania.
Speaking of my trip back east, I am only 2 short weeks away from arriving in Baltimore and driving to Gettysburg to reunite with my mother, sister, brother-in-law, nephew, and niece. Shortly after my arrival we will celebrate my mother's 60th year on Earth with a large party at her house. The invites have been received and it looks as if no less than 30 people will be swimming, eating, and enjoying the festivities. I'm really excited to visit with friends and family!
This fall I have volunteered to be the Pac-12 official's liaison for all Univ. of Washington home football games. My duties will include setting up the official's locker room, getting them food/drink, delivering rosters, and escorting them to and from their security detail. I'm looking forward to shaking hands with the people currently holding the job I desire.
I have recently been hired by two blog sites dedicated to college sports and the National Football League. I have already done several articles for www.collegesportsmadness.com and am currently finishing one for www.thepenaltyflagblog.com. I am the covering writer for the San Francisco 49ers (I know, I know, I missed out on the Raiders, but I like the variety). The Penalty Flag Blog has had many of their articles picked up by CBS Sports, Fox Sports, and other big sports news sites. If I write well, and the articles are interesting, I could be featured on these sites. If you'd like to see some samples of my articles, I will link them on this blog.
My current apartment complex is pushing our rent up by 25%, so we have decided to move to a new place across town. The location seems fantastic and the space is cozy and welcoming. We will be closer to friends, and the hippest parts of Seattle (Ballard and Fremont). The one-bedroom apartment overlooks the ship canal leading from the Puget Sound to Lake Union and Lake Washington. There is also a marine fire fighter training facility that will give us the occasional fireworks show, as they put out flames on fake boats and helicopters. As soon as we move in (first days of September), I will take pictures and add them to an email, facebook, or this blog.
Maryland Preview
TCU Preview
Arizona State Preview
Texas Tech Supplemental
San Diego State Supplemental
Kaepernick/Smith article
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