Monday Monday 10.16.2007

Hey Everyone,

I hope everyone had a great couple of weeks as it has been a couple since you've received a Monday Monday email from yours truly. I actually got to stay home in Charlotte last week because I booked a training class on the Fundamentals of Project Management. The class was in North Charlotte, so our drive (I took the class with Gerard Miller) took about 45 minutes to an hour each way depending on how we timed it. I think the material was fairly easy to grasp as I did get all of the 25 multiple choice questions on the exam correct (I can't remember the last time I did that well on a multiple choice exam - maybe somewhere around first semester Freshmen year of college).

Being home in Charlotte, I was able to spend a little time at home in the evenings. Don't be fooled as this extra free time was no vacation. I had to clean my house in preparation for the arrival of my parents, brother, and Scott Ellsworth who were all coming into town for the NASCAR Race this past weekend. On that subject, the race provided a good amount of people watching as NASCAR fans tend to fall into at least one of the following categories:
So Drunk they can't speak straight, talk straight, function properly, or put together a coherent thought
So knowledgeable about their sport that they can spot a driver from 300 yards away and begin yelling their name (rather funny during driver introductions - as the gentleman behind us provided the commentary. He fell into both bullets so far)
Stuck in the '80s. Mullets, fanny packs, and other various items.
Proudly supporting a company that they have absolutely no tie to whatsoever. Honestly, the sponsors for these drivers. . .What is more funny than some middle age man running around with Viagra Jacket on? I'd also question how many people are brand loyal to Texaco, Valvoline, DuPont, or Goodwrench.
The race did provide a good 12 hours of entertainment split between traffic, vendor shopping, tailgate party, the race itself, and more traffic. . .


My parents and I went bowling with Scotty on Thursday night. Some of the people on this list may have also gone bowling with Scotty in the past, so I just want to remind you of his "form" when approaching the lane. He grabs his ball, takes his position, approaches the lane, HOPS, and then tosses his ball down the lane knocking down some obscene amount of pins. Please note emphasis on the word "HOPS" as that is the funny part for those who remember.

My parents, Maggie, and I went to the movies on Friday night to see "We own the night." I've seen better movies, but again it provided a little entertainment!

Maggie and I also took my parents and brother out to dinner at the Outback Steakhouse where we indulged in steaks, blooming onions, and their awesome bread!

I better finish this email off before I keep rambling on for another several pages. Hope all is well out there in the world.

Enjoy,

Ryan

PS - I know its tough but keep booing the Red Sox!