Riko Fest 2006!

Riko Fest 2006 has come and gone! Let me tell you, it was a great time. So great that we are probably going to have a Riko Fest every year. We could even reuse the banner and just put a new number over the year. I am already having Riko Fest withdrawals. Riko Fest 2006 took place at Scott's new house. We had a fire, horseshoes, food and of course, beer! It was great to get away from Huntington one night even though it was just Charleston. It was also nice to drink some beer outside and not be at a bar. Anyway, I have included a few pictures from the evening. Below is a picture of the sign Jocelyn made for Erik. Thanks again, Jocelyn!



Erik had to pack all of his stuff up the day of Riko Fest. I guess everything went good except he left his keys at home. He called from the storage building so I went after them. When I pulled up, Erik, Aaron and Steve had a "living room" set up outside of the storage building. They thought they were the funniest people in the world. Part of me thinks that they may have planned leaving the keys so they could see everyone's reaction to the "living room."


Mom, Dad and Grandma also came to Riko Fest 2006. This is just a family pic that Mitch somehow made his way into. By the way, that dog was awesome!

Grandma even helped us put a dent in the keg! She started off with one beer. Every time I went to fill it up she would say, "OK, but just a half." Sure enough I would go two steps and she would say, "Oh, go ahead and fill it up!" Gotta love drunk grandma!

The fire behind Erik almost cost Scott his life as well as a few of his closest friends. And by closest, I mean the ones brave enough to stand near the fire when Scott's in control. They had a little bit of a challenge getting it started so Scott, as extreme as he is, started pouring gas on it. After that didn't work he got the brilliant idea to throw firecrackers on the fire. Apparently he didn't think it would do what it did and we all just sat there and watched. I have never seen a fire blow up that crazy.

This is just a picture of Erik and Amy, his sister. No story to go with this one.

This was my attempt to get all the guys in a good picture, but only about half of them were paying attention.

Just Steve, Amy and Aaron. Oh, I do have a story about Steve (the one in the green). As usual, he passed out early in his truck. He came to later on and wanted to take a shower. While he was doing that, Scott thought it would be funny to hide his truck in the barn. The next day Steve was outside for about an hour. To make a long story short, he came in the house and he didn't have a clue where his truck was. I thought it would be funny if we let him sweat a little bit, but Scott had to tell him.

Freddie was the life of the party! (Not really!) He is the one in between Chad and Adam. He was in that position for a really long time. At one point, he woke up, moved to another chair, made a comment and then passed out again. I can't say much because I was feeling his pain too!

I also have a story about Chad. He was playing horseshoes and he was pretty close to my mom. My mom started cracking up at him. Apparently, every time he threw horseshoes, the other person standing there knocked over his pitcher of beer. So when Chad picked it up he would say, "I'm drinking like a chief." I guess he kept doing it over and over again. My mom almost died laughing at him.

OK, that's a wrap on Riko Fest 2006! Thanks to everyone who helped put it together. I especially want to thank Scott for having this at your house. You are a lot braver than I am! Anyway, I had a great time and I can't wait until Riko Fest 2007.

The rest of my weekend was spent trying to recover from Riko Fest at my parent's house. I finally left on Monday afternoon, but I still felt a little rough. I probably wouldn't have left, but I went to my third cookout of the weekend. It was at Kelly and Damon's. Man, the food was good! We had steak, baked potatoes and salad. I also got to meet Reagan, their 4 year old daughter and Drew, their 11 year old son. I also had a great time there. Thanks a lot for having me over.

Overall, this was a great weekend! I apologize for the delayed update, but I am a busy person. That's all I have for now. Cara and I joined the gym today so I am going to work out. Alright, everyone have a good week!

Good Luck, Daddy Riko!

Well, this is a double feature. Erik's birthday is tomorrow and he is moving this weekend. All I have to say about the move is, "Good Luck!" You are going to need it with Terra. I have been there and done that. It's can get very ugly at times. Dad said that you were going to need a preist to go with you!
For those of you who don't know, Erik is my sister's boyfriend. They have been dating for decades now and it's about time they get married (hint, hint...) Anyway, I just wanted to post a few pictures of him to say goodbye and Happy Birthday. I realized that the hardest task in the world is to find a picture of Erik without a goofy face. He is always doing something funny in pictures. As much as I hate to admit it, I will miss him and all of his smartass comments.
Erik, I was going to buy you something, but then I decided that my car was enough of a present! OK I lied, I do have one more surprise for you. Hmmm...what will it be? Will it be a smoked meaty knuckle? A rubber arm? A picture of my grandmother in a thong? A picture of you and an old girlfriend? Some dinosaurs? Oh my, this is going to be fun!!! Prepare yourself. I am going to pay you back for all of the years of torture!
OK, enough with that before I give myself away. Just keep in mind that you will love what I have in store for you.

Happy Birthday and Goodbye, Daddy Riko! I'll see you on Saturday!

Woo Hoo!

Woo hoo, I passed! I went through one of the most horrible interview/tests I have ever had in my life. Basically it was eight hours, eight departments, ass ripping, much anticipation and a whole lot of pressure. I did it and I have received another promotion. I am well on my way to being rich, which is my ultimate goal in life anyway. OK, so I still have a long way to go, but I'm going. Tonight I am going to recuperate from the week filled with stress and shot nerves. This almost caused me to develop a heart condition!

This is my "Woo hoo, I passed!" picture

Needless to say, I went out last night immediately after I got back in town. Anyway, I am going to relax tonight and thank God that I am through with this. From here on, it's interviews only for promotions. No tests, no set format, all I have to do is be me. Well, maybe that isn't the best idea!

Hey Cara, I am watching American Idol! Oh yeah, here's your "Woo hoo, I'm not supposed to be out" picture! You almost look as scary as that child! Just kidding.

Happy Birthday, Terra!

Today is my sister's 26th birthday. I just wanted to post a few pictures of her to say Happy Birthday, I miss you and I love you! I can't wait to see you this weekend. I hope you have a great birthday. In honor of your birthday, I had a few drinks for you last night. Anyway, here are the pictures. Have a great day, Terra!

The Truth Is Within The Tree

OK, so I should be studying right now, but I have some other meaningless way to waste my time and avoid the thing I hate to do the most. I may not do so well with my interview, but ask me about a tree and I will ace that shit! I decided to share an e-mail that Rea sent me today. I am a Rowan Tree. That's an actual Rowan Tree picture. If you read it and you know me, you know that's very true! This is really fun. It only takes a few seconds to find and read about your tree. It would be cool if everyone would leave me a comment and let me know what kind of "tree" you are. Enjoy! Oh yeah, I do know that I am a dork : )







What are you?
Find your birthday and then find your tree. This is really cool and somewhat accurate. Then send it to all your friends, including the one who sent it to you, so they can find out what tree they fell from, but don't forget to change the subject line to your tree...
Dec 23 to Jan 01 Apple Tree
Jan 01 to Jan 11 Fir Tree
Jan 12 to Jan 24 Elm Tree
Jan 25 to Feb 03 Cypress Tree
Feb 04 to Feb 08 Poplar Tree
Feb 09 to Feb 18 Cedar Tree
Feb 19 to Feb 28 Pine Tree
Mar 01 to Mar 10 Weeping Willow Tree
Mar 11 to Mar 20 Lime Tree
Mar 21 (only) Oak Tree
Mar 22 to Mar 31 Hazelnut Tree
Apr 01 to Apr 10 Rowan Tree
Apr 11 to Apr 20 Maple Tree
Apr 21 to Apr 30 Walnut Tree
May 01 to May 14 Poplar Tree
May 15 to May 24 Chestnut Tree
May 25 to Jun 03 Ash Tree
Jun 04 to Jun 13 Hornbeam Tree
Jun 14 to Jun 23 Fig Tree
Jun 24 (only) Birch Tree
Jun 25 to Jul 04 Apple Tree
Jul 05 to Jul 14 Fir Tree
Jul 15 to Jul 25 Elm Tree
Jul 26 to Aug 04 Cypress Tree
Aug 05 to Aug 13 Poplar Tree
Aug 14 to Aug 23 Cedar Tree
Aug 24 to Sep 02 Pine Tree
Sep 03 to Sep 12 Weeping Willow Tree
Sep 13 to Sep 22 Lime Tree
Sep 23 (only) Olive Tree
Sep 24 to Oct 03 Hazelnut Tree
Oct 04 to Oct 13 Rowan Tree
Oct 14 to Oct 23 Maple Tree
Oct 24 to Nov 11 Walnut Tree
Nov 12 to Nov 21 Chestnut Tree
Nov 22 to Dec 01 Ash Tree
Dec 02 to Dec 11 Hornbeam Tree
Dec 12 to Dec 21 Fig Tree
Dec 22 (only) Beech Tree
YOUR TREE (in alphabetical order)
Apple Tree (the Love) -- quiet and shy at times, lots of charm, appeal,and attraction, pleasant attitude, flirtatious smile, adventurous,sensitive, loyal in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, many talents, loves children, needs affectionate partner.
Ash Tree (the Ambition) -- extremely attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be very egotistic, reliable, restless lover, sometimes money rules over the heart, demands attention, needs love and much emotional support.
Beech Tree (the Creative) -- has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.).
Birch Tree (the inspiration) -- vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere. Cedar Tree (the Confidence) -- of rare strength, knows how to adapt, likes unexpected presents, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, a great speaker, determined, often impatient, likes to impress others, has many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waits for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.
Chestnut Tree (the Honesty) -- of unusual stature, impressive, well-developed sense of justice, fun to be around, a planner, born diplomat, can be irritated easily, sensitive of others feelings, hardworker, sometimes acts superior, feels not understood at times, fiercely family oriented, very loyal in love, physically fit.
Cypress Tree (the Faithfulness) -- strong, muscular, adaptable, takes what life has to give but doesn't necessarily like it , strives to be content, optimistic, wants to be financially independent, wants love and affection, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered at times, can be unruly and careless, loves to gain knowledge, needs to be needed.
Elm Tree (the Noble-mindedness) -- pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.
Fig Tree (the Sensibility) -- very strong minded, a bit self-willed, honest, loyal, independent, hates contradiction or arguments, hard worker when wants to be, loves life and friends, enjoys children and animals, few sexual relationships, great sense of humor, has artistic talent and great intelligence.
Fir Tree (the Mysterious) -- extraordinary taste, handles stress well, loves anything beautiful, stubborn, tends to care for those close to them, hard to trust others, yet a social butterfly, likes idleness and laziness after long demanding hours at work, rather modest, talented, unselfish, many friends, very reliable.
Hazelnut Tree (the Extraordinary) -- charming, sense of humor, very demanding but can also be very understanding, knows how to make a lasting impression, active fighter for social causes and politics, popular, quite moody, sexually oriented, honest, a perfectionist, has a precise sense of judgment and expects complete fairness.
Hornbeam Tree (the Good Taste) -- of cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and acknowledgment in an emotional partner, dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with its feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, very conscientious.
Lime Tree (the Doubt) - intelligent, hard working, accepts what life dishes out, but not before trying to change bad circumstances into good ones, hates fighting and stress, enjoys getaway vacations, may appear tough, but is actually soft and relenting, always willing to make sacrifices for family and friends, has many talents but not always enough time to use them, can become a complainer, great leadership qualities, is jealous at times but extremely loyal.
Maple Tree (Independence of Mind) -- no ordinary person full of imagination and originality shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress
Oak Tree (the Brave) -- robust nature, courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.
Olive Tree (the Wisdom) -- loves sun, warmth and kind feelings, reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.
Pine Tree (the Peacemaker) -- loves agreeable company, craves peace and harmony, loves to help others, active imagination, likes to write poetry, not fashion conscious, great compassion, friendly to all, falls strongly in love but will leave if betrayed or lied to, emotionally soft, low self esteem, needs affection and reassurance.
Poplar Tree (the Uncertainty) -- looks very decorative, talented, not very self-confident, extremely courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, great artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership Seriously.
Rowan Tree (the Sensitivity) -- full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.
Walnut Tree (the Passion) -- unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromise.
Weeping Willow (the Melancholy) - likes to be stress free, loves family life, full of hopes and dreams, attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful, musically inclined, loves to travel to exotic places, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with when pressured, sometimes demanding, good intuition, suffers in love until they find that one loyal, steadfast partner; loves to make others laugh.

Congratulations, Ben and Sabrina!

They tied the knot! Ben and Sabrina got married last Saturday, May 13th. It was a very nice ceremony and reception. Sabrina looked beautiful! The wedding took place at a church in Sissonville. After the reception, we all went to a bar in Charleston. Everyone had a great time and I am so happy for Ben and Sabrina. I met Ben almost four years ago when I started working at Applebee's. Sabrina didn't come along until later, but I sure am glad that she did! These two are such a great couple. Congratulations!

Ben and Sabrina

Ben and Sabrina, again!

Jess and Justin

We all got hotel rooms in Charleston that night. It was nice to get away for the evening even though we were only in Charleston. Before we went out, we played some Catch Phrase, which is one of my favorite past times especially with my Applebuddies. We went to The Sound Factory in Charleston. I hadn't been there before, but I really have a great time. After we closed down the bar, we headed back to the hotel. From what I remember, some of us stayed up for a little bit and some passed out. I do remember a security guard coming to the door, but I don't think we were being that loud. I think it was the girls next door that had a bachelorette party. Oh yeah, one of them looked in our room and asked, "Is this prom?" I'm not sure whether we should have taken that as a compliment or an insult. Oh well, we had fun!

Me with the bride and groom

Big Gay Bill also made an appearance

Katie, Rea, Jess and Me

My sister's boyfriend, Erik, even showed up

This weekend was also spent with a few friends from out of town. Of course, Jess and Hunter came in town from NC for Ben and Sabrina's wedding. Katie and Billy also came in from Columbus for Ben and Sabrina. Ashley came in from Pittsburgh for her friend, Amy's wedding. Kat also came in town from Maine for Amy's wedding. The weekend flew by, but it was good to see everyone. It was like a miniature Apple Reunion. Ashley, Kat, Rea, Jamey, Socks and I went to lunch Saturday afternoon. I think we were all a little drunk from the night before so we all decided a bloody mary would be the best cure. I could have easily stayed at the bar all day, but we had to go get ready for the weddings. I really miss everyone and I wish that they could all move back! I just got some good news, but I am not allowed to tell anyone! Maybe the secret will be revealed in an upcoming blog entry...

Me, Ashley and Kat

That's the weekend summary. I had more pictures than words for once. I have to go study for my grill next week. The grill is an all day interview I have to pass to become Management Assistant. I'm not really that nervous, but I haven't studied yet so that will probably change soon. Wish me luck!

Star Studded Weekend

This weekend was filled with stars in Huntington, WV! The best part was that I got to hang out with all of them. Well, all two of them. "Earl" from my name is Earl was at Hank's Saturday night. OK, it really wasn't him, but this guy looks just like him!

Rick Huckaby was the real star that I got to hang out with. He performed on Friday night at Saddleridge. I didn't make it there on time because Sarah, Coop and I had a couple of drinks at Tascali's after work. We thought we would celebrate Cinco de Mayo at an Italian restaurant! By the time I made it downtown they were all at Holderby's Landing. Rea and Krissy had been drinking since 5:00 so they should not have been in public by the time I met them! When Rea said that they were hanging out with Rick Huckaby I thought she only meant he was in the same bar. It turns out that my friend, Scott knows him so we were his "groupies" for the evening. We weren't at Holderby's very long before Scottie wanted to go to The Lounge. I had never been to The Lounge before, but I really liked it. It was almost like a bigger Hank's, which is a dream come true. Anyway, all of our drinks were paid for the entire evening because we were with Rick. He is a very cool, laid back guy. I'm really upset that I didn't make it to see him perform. Oh well, maybe next time. I had a dream the night before that he had a contest and the winner got to be his manager. Of course the winner was...ME! I told him about that dream, but he didn't seem as amused as I was with it. It's very odd that I had that dream because I wasn't even sure what he looked like until I saw him on Friday night. For some reason I was thinking about someone completely different.

Me and Huck

Me, Krissy and Scottie

Huck, Me and Krissy

Krissy, Me and Rea

Apparently I didn't want anyone else to be in this picture. If you see everyone else's face, it's very understandable. This may be one of the funniest pictures I have ever seen! That's Rick's brother, Andy, in the back. We played darts together and kicked ass! Hey Lexington buddies, I spy my little eye on a UK hat.

Chris and his friends decided that they were going to grow mustaches just for Conco de Mayo. They called it Cinco de Mustche. Thank goodness that's over, they all looked pretty ridiculous!

Ferg decided to return from the dead this week.

It's a good thing that I had a good weekend because it was long week at work. My boss, along with every manager in the United States, went to Florida for a "conference." Basically it's 4,000 Enterprise idiots all together in one location, drunk! I can't wait to be a manager! My assistant manager, who I frequently butted heads with, quit on Saturday. He sure did have good timing on that one. Another guy was on vacation. This left Sarah and I all alone in the office with me in charge. At first I was a little worried, but it ended up being the best week ever. We were very busy, but the stress level was minimal. It sucked because I didn't get to leave for lunch at all, but the days actually went by a lot faster than I had imagined. Overall, it was a good, but busy week. I am glad that it is over and hopefully things will get back to "normal" this week, whatever that may be.


I have almost completely recovered form my surgery except for the cut in the front of my mouth. It feels ok today, but it has been a bitch all week. I am very excited because Desperate Housewives comes on tonight. I haven't accomplished anything today and I don't plan on it. It's cold and rainy outside so I don't feel guilty about being a bum today. OK, Kelly there's your update, now it's your turn. Oh yeah, I am glad to see that you finally included your son in an entry. I thought maybe you left him somewhere and forgot that you had a son. Just kidding! Hey, can we combine entries and have him wearing Cara's old dance costume? I think that would be interesting.

Home Sweet Home

Hooray, I'm alive!

Well, I made it through surgery and I made it home around 4:00 today. The drive here was horrible! I quit taking pain pills last night, but I am still very drowsy. It was the longest hour I've ever been in a car (except for the time I puked on myself)! Anyway, the surgery went very well. I am actually surprised how well it went. Of course I was very nervous beforehand, but I have been doing great. I haven't had much pain, but I am taking my pills faithfully every four hours (except for today). The bleeding was minimal, which is always a plus. I didn't have much swelling and absolutely no bruises. As soon as I came out of surgery they called my mom back to the recovery room where she found me crying. Apparently I was balling, but I don't remember that. It also caused my mom to cry too. She asked me if I was in pain and I said no. She asked if I was scared and I said no. She asked if I knew why I was crying and I said no. I guess that anethesia does that to some people and I am one of them. After a few minutes, I sat up and wanted to go home. My mouth felt like it was the size of a football and I couldn't feel shit, but I thought I was ready to leave. The nurses came in and told me that I had to wait at least thirty minutes. At the time I thought that meant eternity, but I was on my way very soon. I thought I would spend the rest of my day sleeping, but I was wrong. I took one nap as soon as I got home and it only lasted about twenty minutes. Besides that, I was up the entire day. If I was at my own apartment I would have slept all day, but there was too much going on for me to sleep. My mom has taken over my bedroom so all I have left is a bed surrounded by all of her craft shit. My grandma came in town so she got the priveledge of that room. I was fine on the couch, but I didn't want to sleep there with the blinds open. I have a little bit of a nervous condition and my family thinks it's funny. I asked them to close the blinds in the living room if they were going to leave me on the couch all night. They closed them, but I didn't realize that someone could easily see in the front door. So I woke up in the middle of the night I freaked out because they put my dog in her cage and left me with the disabled dogs to protect me. I was fine by the next day, but I wasn't happy when I woke up to that.
Most of my weekend was devoted to watching Desperate Housewives. I've never watched that show before so Sarah let me borrow her copy of Season One. Me and my grandma were glued to the TV for 23 whole episodes! It took us two days or I should say we wasted two whole days on that, it was well worth every minute. My dad was not too happy with it because he never gives his TV up in the living room. He knew he wouldn't win the battle with me so he quietly slipped into his bedroom to watch whatever it is that he watches. Everyone was amazed because that is something that my dad does not do! That was the most exciting part of the past four days. I have to go back to work tomorrow, but I really don't want to.