The 2nd Uber Posting

So we have recognized that we need some work in updating the blog --- and a wise cartoon once said "knowing is half the battle". We'll include it in our list of resolutions for 2007.

Not making it's own update but worth mentioning was a concert that Matt Lewis and I attended: Everclear. Which had been on our list since college --- so what if it was 10 years late. Better late than never right? The band wasn't quite the same, but the lead singer, Art Alexakis, is till there. The show was great --- a small sketchy venue outside Chapel Hill (The Cat's Cradle --- http://www.catscradle.com/). Very much a college show. Afterwards we had a few beers at the Top of the Hill in Chapel Hill (http://www.topofthehillrestaurant.com/) . A favorite place to visit. All in all --- not your typical Tuesday.

Again, we'll attempt to do a little better maintenance. Till next time...

Charlotte Christmas #1

Our first Christmas season in Charlotte --- might take a while to get used to the 70+ degree days in December, but we can always travel for fun in the snow. We decided this year to part from tradition. In the past we've always visited both sets of parents, however we seemed to spread ourselves a little thin and never get quite enough time in either location. So with T-Giving in PA, it's Xmas in VA this year. However before we jumped in the truck, we celebrated at our home in Charlotte. Not much pomp and circumstance, but that means getting right to the gifts (giving of course is the best part). We made out like bandits and enjoyed starting some of our own traditions.

"Smokin' Joe" --- Megan's nickname for our Frasier Fir. A gorgeous tree, just a little bare as you can see. Never did find our box of ornaments prior to departing for Lynchburg.

"What? I can't hear you. It must be these great earrings Nate bought me."

Chillin' with Akula in my new shades

From our home to yours: We wish everyone the best over the holiday season. Have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Thanksgiving in PA

This year we enjoyed a terrific T-Giving at home in Butler. We enjoyed some great weather and a scenic drive (up 77 and over the New River Gorge in WV). As usual we failed to bring out the camera around the parents, realizing too late. However merriment was had as we bs'ed, drank some wine and caught up.

Megan with the bridge in the background from the observation deck in the Nat'l Park.

A view into the gorge. When I did the Military Wilderness Challenge in 2004, the race culminated in a 14mi run/hike through the area --- across the bridge in the pic and up to Class VI River Runners (http://www.class-vi.com/) just past the bridge off 19). It's a great area if you can find the time to visit.

While at home, we enjoyed the usual outstanding Thanksgiving meal with Frank, Carole, Melissa and Jason and watched ND go down in flames to SC. Megan and I also took advantage of the weather and made it into the city and to the zoo. We read an article that the Pittsburgh Zoo was opening a new polar bear exhibit over the holiday weekend --- apparently a few others read the article too. Despite the crowds, it was well worth the journey. We even ran into my bud Andy Balint and his wife Holly (and her fam) immediately after walking through the gates --- a nice surprise. We miss seeing those guys since we left DC. It was great to catch up.

Megan at the new polar bear exhibit and some of our closest animal friends.

The tree and ice rink at PPG Place downtown.

Us.

The Carolina Panthers (our NFC Team)

Since the Panther's stadium is "Bank of America Stadium", as associates we had a chance to buy some single game tix prior to the public offering. So back in July we purchased 2 for the Panthers / Rams game on November 19th. Despite a relatively disappointing season for the home team, they put on quite a show this weekend with a 15 - 0 victory. The stadium itself is fantastic, but a little too much teal for our liking. Don't get me wrong, the Steelers are still the only team --- however it won't hurt to follow our new home team.

A shot of the Charlotte skyline --- the tallest building is the Bank of America Tower and the right-most bldg is Wachovia's HQs (aka the Jukebox).

See what I mean about the teal?

<-- Not a happy cat.

Lookout Meg! -->

Christmas update: Thanks to Liss and Jay I can now fit in with the locals --- thank you guys. Here's to Steve Smith staying in Charlotte.

Checkin' out Lebron (& our Bobcats)

It's well known that Megan and I are not big NBA fans, however when we had the chance to get discounted tix through the Bank we said why not. Besides we had wanted to check out the new Bobcats Arena --- it is after all only a block from work. We saw that the Cavs were visiting, so an argument could be made that we went to see Lebron James and not the Bobcats --- and you would be right.

<--- The man himself!




Adam Morrison at the line -->
(Our #1 pick last yr from
Gonzaga)

Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman enjoying the game --- Megan helped me out with the guy's name, but I recognized Liv. In town for filming of "The Strangers".

Some good seats, celebrity appeal and a surprising victory made for quite a night. Lebron turned in a lame duck, with only 8 pts until inside a minute to go --- too little too late. We consider ourselves lucky as it will be one of the few home wins of the year for our 'cats. But we'll probably make it back in '07 for another try.

ND Fall Sporting Events

Dateline October 28th. Thanks to Sean and Cindy Gallagher, we were looking fwd to visiting DC/Baltimore to attend the ND/Navy game at Ravens Stadium since the summer. Sean coordinated tix in mass #s through his ND Alum Club. Plans originally were for the entire immediate King fam and most of the Schmitts to meet up and enjoy the game (and some tailgating). Well, a plan is a basis for change --- Megan and I were the lone King represenation and Margaret and Kevin represented the Schmitts. Lots came up for all involved, but those that were there enjoyed a nice a win (38 to 14) and some relatively lucky weather. It was great to see Sean, his Mom and Cindy --- it had been far too long.

That's a good lookin' hat!

Megan and and her brother, Kevin.

Ravens Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland.

______________________________________________________

We also had the chance to catch the NCAA Women's Soccer Championships in Cary, NC (about 2.5hrs from Charlotte) on December 3rd. #1 ND vs. #2 UNC (about 30 minutes outside of Chapel Hill --- homefield advantage!?!) I doubt it would have mattered anyway as North Carolina dominated the game until the last nine minutes, when we made a charge and kept it exciting. At one point UNC had 9 freshman on the field --- does not bode well for teams playing them next yr and the yr after and... We finally turned it on late in the game scoring once and failing to convert on several excellent opportunities as time expired. The girls fought hard and represented ND well despite the defeat (3 to 2). It was unique event and well worth the trip!

Sedona & The Canyon

So Megan and I decided to take a little r&r after Brian and Tara's wedding and Arizona gave us plenty of opportunities. We definitely winged it, not making plans till the day after the wedding --- but sometimes those trips turn out to be the best ones. We had discussed a golf school, but definitely planned on hitting the canyon. After talking with Chris and Shanon Greisen at Sunday brunch for some advice, we decided to head North to Sedona. What an unreal place. We had heard of the "red rocks", but until you experience it words cannot truly describe it. Sedona is well reknowned not only for the scenery, but it's also a mecca for new age holistic approaches to health, and home of 5 meditational vortexes (http://www.visitsedona.com/index.php?action=article&id=95) --> We tried not to drink too much of the water. We spent 2 nights in total in town: we stayed at the Sedona Rouge (http://www.sedonarouge.com/ (which we highly recommend) and the Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa (which we recommend you avoid). It was too bad we did not have a few more days to take everything in.

A rock formation close to sunset.


Enjoying some tasty water at sunrise in Sedona.

After Sedona, we made the 2.5hr drive north to the Canyon for a day of exploration and hiking. It was the first trip to the Grand Canyon for either of us and a worthy one. The weather was perfect --- 60s, sunshine and a few high clouds. After walking along the rim we caught a bus to the South Kaibob Trailhead and started our day hike. Not many people, comfortable temps and views like below comprised the day. We learned that you could hike to the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch, which would have been ideal, but given our limited time not an option. Perhaps next time.

Mule trains are a regular occurrence providing supplies to the guests at the ranch (http://www.kaibab.org/tr972/gx972501.htm) and Bright Angel Campground.

One more pic to remember the trip!

Hardy's Wedding

Another one down. Megan and I had the pleasure of sharing in the festivities that were Brian and Tara's terrific wedding in Scottsdale, AZ the week of October 21. The last wedding of the season for us and truly a great party. It's always great to see the crew and when you add-in Arizona, you've got a crowd pleaser. Seemed like only yesterday when Megan and I (newly dating) crashed on Brian's floor at UVA when he was in med school in 2000 (who was dating Tara). Who would have known we'd be lucky enough to settle down with them. Here's to good friends and hospitality!

Megan ready for the safari at the rehearsal dinner!

Nate & Colleen looking all smiley --- they're next (Tampa in May)!

Yes that IS a man dressed as a Blues Brother riding a stick pony --- the entertainment was very enjoyable.

Megan, Shane, Kim, Mark, Jen and Dana (& the twins) after the wedding at the beautiful Westin Kierland Resort & Spa.

Mr. and Mrs. Hardy

Only a few left...Bra, Scott, Carver. Who's next?

Bank of America 500

The Bank of America 500 took place October 14--> the only night race of the Chase.

As part of the Bank's Sponsorship Marketing Team, I had the pleasure (I mean it) of working the race - it started Thursday- we had a Fam walk where we checked out all of the ins and outs of Lowe's Motor Speedway- and then- the best part- got to watch qualifying for The Nextel Race. Riggs won the pole- the #10 car- woohoo #10 (great number, too bad it is not either of our cars!)

Saturday was a full, but fun, day! The gates opened around 2- and the fans who had been camped out for days started streaming in- I worked the Bank of America Turn 4 Club- very cool suite like atmosphere for those in regular seats in our section. As people came in we also checked out our Champions Club- which sits in the infield- amazing seats!!





<--This is Champions Club

This is the Turn 4 Club -->

A view from one of our suites /

This is me on the infield- before the race started

I will add some some pictures from the race- but for now- it was great, a bit chilly once the sun went down and the wind picked up- but it was great, what a great inaugural Title Race for the Bnak!! 500 miles later- Kasey Khane won!