The madness is maddening!

This is far and away my favorite season in sports that the year has to offer. These are the lovely moments in time that are affectionately referred to as March Madness. 64 teams are participating in the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Not only is this super event going on, but with the promise of spring comes baseball's spring training.
However, this March is much different for me. My team, Washington State, is actually participating in the tournament for the first time in 13 years. This is the same team that I worked with for two years as a student there. I poured so many hours in to that program, and they were so bad...now they are awesome! The down side of it all (which is also a big upside) I have a job. I missed our first round game which we won, but I am also working today during the entirety of the second round game, its maddening! This tournament is never a guarantee, so I don't know how many more opportunities I'm going to have to see them participate. I am so torn! Oh well, I needed the job and the Lord provided. Maybe I'm getting sick...cough, cough. Go Cougs!

I'm back.

I don't know if i was just recovering from the previous post, or if it was something else, but I acknowledge the fact that I have not posted in a while. Needless to say (because I already said it) I'm back. Tori and I were down in California since Thursday and we got back yesterday afternoon. We split time between Calvin Crest, Sacramento and Ripon. We enjoyed our time taking our engagement pictures up at camp. We actually had to snowshoe down to Sherwood because the snow was still so deep on the trails that have been covered by shade. The picture experience should be a post in and of itself. We also had some time in Sacto with Toris family, which was nice, and drum roll please...we spent time in beautiful Ripon, CA with our friends the Pinas (I don't know how to put a tilde over the n.) The whole trip happened so fast, but we both had an awesome time. For now, its back to the Ramada Inn.

Bubba vs. the deer

Today I witnessed one of the most amazing things my eyes have ever seen. Four youngish deer were in the Crotty's back yard. I was watching them watch the creek and watch me as they walked on their way. And then Bob (Mr. Crotty) got the idea that we should let Bubba have a go at them. I thought that was an ok idea knowing there was zero chance for Bubba to do anything remotly close to what he wanted to do to them. For some back story, the Crotty's dog Bubba, a 13 or so (nobody really knows how old he is, they got him as a stray) year old dog is a huskyish, wolfish, muttish type dog, and he is obviously getting up in years. But upon seeing the deer he took off after them, as he has done many times before. And of course...they ran off. End of story right? Wrong.
I watched Bubba as he continued to follow close behind (as close as the deer would let him.) And then he took off again. Three of the deer evaded him, but one freaked out and ran in to a fence, giving Bubba just enough time to hurl his mass at it; and he knocked the deer off its pins! (This is the point in the story where the squeamish should no longer continue their reading, but I must continue) Bubba proceeded to gnaw on the deers back leg. The deer got up, and Bubba knocked it over again The deer got a up a second time and Bubba knocked it over again and continued to gnaw. This was obviously causing a lot of ruckus so the neighbors were out trying to see what was going on, and what was letting out that God awful cry. Finally the deer got up a third time, and was able to zig zag the grasp of the leaping K-9. As Bubba chased after the deer(barking an insane bark that I had never heard uttered from his jowls previously) I was left to ponder what had just happened.
I'm pretty sure the deer made it away, and I was able to call Bubba off and grab him by the collar. But as he was running circles around me he had a crazed look in his eye, not to mention a mouth full of deer hair. I was in a state of shock. I will never look at the dog the same as we go on future walks together. I have a new found respect for said dog, and who knows if he wont be sizing me up next time. For know that's a risk I am willing to take in adventures with Bubba the deer slayer. Deep breath...wow.

guess who got a job?

Me! Praise Jesus. The search is over, I am in. I will now be your very own Front Desk Agent at the Ramada Inn in Spokane, by the Airport. I love the fact that I am an agent, I feel so Jack Bauer about the whole thing. I am going in today to fill out paper work and get the grad tour, and from there we will see where it goes. Thanks so much for all of the prayers, and now; its time to go to work!

Bathroomology

Last night Tori and I went out to dinner with Bob and Nancy Crotty at the Old Spaghetti Factory. The night was great, the conversation was great, and...come on...the Old Spaghetti Factory was pretty darn good too. But toward the end of our meal I made my way over to the bano (sorry about the lack of a tilde, I don't know how to do it) and upon arrival and stay, I noticed that the cleanliness of the room of rest, was very nice. When my business there was finished, I took the time to check out some of my favorite "hot spots" (for those of you who don't know what hot spots are, they are those places that are commonly missed when cleaning a bathroom appropriately, as well as places where hands often go) and to my delight, they were taken care of. The person(s) in charge of accommodations at the OSF are on top of their game. At least they were that night. As you all know (or at least know by now) I have mad appreciation for a clean b-room. Props to the Old Spaghetti Factory for their diligence in camode cleansing. Any other restaurants/places that any of you have noticed have a respect for the same fine art? Let me tell you, its a true pleasure.

an update

Still no job. Although over the weekend I didn't really look because of the holiday and the fact that Jeff and Krista Crotty were in town. It was fun seeing them and hanging out with them and their family. Many good stories, and many good times. The dogs have officially been watched, and I am not too much worse for the ware (I cant really speak for the dogs though.) And so I am off, back out to job search and see what happens. There you go.

crab apple tree pruning and dog watching

It is almost as if I am a part of the Crotty family. In this time of transition (and what feels like utter chaos) I am just living. I help out the Crotty's by doing projects that they would like to have done, if they had the time. In a small way, it is my way of saying thank you to them for allowing Tori and I to live so close, and they aren't even charging me; so generous. And this weekend I am going to be watching Matt and Laura Crotty's dogs and cats as they leave town to go skiing with Laura's sister (some much needed time away.) I help out where I can for now while I am officially looking for any job that will pay me actual money. I am putting production on the back burner for now (as North by Northwest has obviously backburnered me.) Oh well, life goes on. So if any of you out there know of anyone looking to hire in the Spokane area, I am interested...

will they come, or wont they come?

That is the question. As Tori and I are (trying) to finalize our guest list we are ever asking ourselves, will they be able to come or not? As we labor over these names that we love, it is SO hard to draw a definitive line. We were given a number of 175 that can attend and recept after the wedding. We feel like we could do that with just our friends (especially Calvin Crest folk.) But as the drive to 175 continues, we realize that all of our family and us are included in that number which makes it tough to whittle that number down. This is hard. But, I am ever impressed with the grace and tact that Tori is displaying throughout this whole process, she is carrying the load and doing an amazing job of it. It is a pleasure to see her in action, and even though stress comes and stress goes, it is a privilege to see how generally happy she is about all of the goings on. I am proud of her. She's a champ. Me on the other hand I just follow along, encourage, and try not to get too in the way, while helping sift out the details and offer my opinion. I guess you can never know just how stressful wedding planning/engagement is, until you yourself are in the middle of it. That's all for now.

Im frustrated

The job search here in Spokane is not going as well as planned. That is just the problem, I was made to believe that there was not going to be an actual search and that I was shoe in for the very job that I wanted (full time, benefits, everything) and now I am contacting these people every so often and they just take their time and throw me a bone here and there, but I am getting tired of it. I don't know exactly what I am going to do if this doesn't work out. Plus I am getting married in 5 months. I am happy about that. But, that means I am not just looking out for myself any more. I am going to have a wife. I am going to have to look out for the both of us, and this situation isn't working out. Needless to say I am a touch stressed. Other things are going well, but this one glaring issue is on the forefront of my mind. I would appreciate your thoughts and your prayers.
On a different and brighter note, I had an awesome dinner with Tony Biasell the other night. It was grand.

She's Back!

Last night at 5:25, yes, in the middle of the Super Bowl (I could have cared less) Tori arrived in Spokane. It has been nice, catching up on life. She shared stories of Spain with me and would I share stories of life here in Spokane, while she was gone. We had dinner, we went and sipped on coffee, I really just wanted to look at her for a while but we had to go our separate ways. Soon enough, even that will change. Today has been a day of getting things back in order again, and her final semester begins tomorrow. The fridge is stocked clothes are washed, and now its time to to try and fight off the jet lag, a process that no doubt will take a while. But, shes back...and that's just fine with me.

I have a dream...

There will be more to come on this later I have discussed this briefly with Ben Fife and at length last night with Shalene (come on we all only know one Shalene.) I cannot wait for Tori to get home!

the secret's in the sauce...I think?

Last night I was over at the neighbors house watching 24 and the Gonzaga basketball game. As the night was wearing on (pleasant of course) I began to notice a very pungent aroma. Understand that this neighbor (who will remain nameless) has two very old dogs, so naturally I became very suspicious. Every ten minutes or so that same smell would come wafting up my way and I couldn't figure it out, being that the dogs had been moving around. And that's when it hit me...Could it be me? No. It cant be. Or could it. I did have some pretty killer chili earlier that day, and well...we've all been there. So now I am paying really close attention to see who or what this odor was emanating from and as I am continuing to watch the game I couldn't help but chuckle to myself about my thoughts and this tricky situation.
The episode of 24 was great and the Bulldogs wound up winning, and in the end I was able to pin the malfeasance on to one of the dogs and my mind was laid to rest...at least I think it was that dog.

Under a week...

...until Tori comes home from Spain. Continued prayers for safe travel would be great. She is set to arrive the night of the 4th.

Schrute-Space

for the record, Dwight's blog is hilarious. As my second point, Pam and Jim had another long, semi awkward conversation over the phone tonight; when are they going to wake up!? http://blog.nbc.com/DwightsBlog/

Biggest transition so far...

...going to bed earlier and waking up earlier. I guess this is how the real world works. Seems simple enough, but it is messing with me a little bit. I will keep you all updated with the riveting musings of the life that is Geoff White. I'm sure you are all spellbound ;-)

Back in Pullman

so...I came back to Pullman today for the Washington State vs. University of Washington Basketball game. This is for state bragging rights, an let me say it was an absolute pleasure. The game wasn't that good, because we beat them so badly. The final score was 75-47. It is strange being back as an alumnus, especially now that the Basketball team is so good. That is a group of guys that I was so close with for two years, as a manager. So many thoughts so little time. In the end, I enjoyed myself very much.

just livin' the dream

40 paper plates at the Dollar Tree: $2.17
Lunch for 24 at Subway: $84.68
Two days traveling around Spokane running other peoples errands and getting some exposure to a real film shoot: Priceless

and so it begins...

will lead to more work and a part I am done with my first taste of professional PA (Production Assistant) work. The past two days were jam packed with stories, errand, burned out bulbs, snow flurries and action cues. I tried my darnedest to not get in the way. O was always there to help and a big part of what I wanted to gain, was to see how all of the people and job titles fit together to make the greater thing work. I feel that I accomplished that. I am currently waiting for a phone call from the producer that I worked for, to get reimbursed for gas and a couple of extra purchases and hopefully this experience will lead to more work. Which in turn (someday) will lead to full time Producer work. It is very exciting.

first gig!

Tomorrow morning at 9:00 I am meeting up with one of the commercial

production teams to go out and shoot a local spot on the South Hill of
Spokane. This is essentially my proving ground. If I preform well
(whatever that means) I will be brought back again. If I continue to
show that I am serious about this (and an asset, instead of a
liability) I will be brought on in part time manor; and will then be
trained to take over as a full time producer! This is my first
professional "foot in the door" moment. I am pretty excited, nervous,
happy, scared, etc.. we will see where this goes exactly, because
nothing at the moment is guaranteed. I will keep you posted.Prayers would be very much appreciated.

its been far too long

This post could also have been titled, adventures in dial up land. I am officially living with Bob and Nancy Crotty here in beautiful Spokane Washington. The snow is falling outside right now, Bob and Nancy are away for the weekend and I am sick. Other than the sickness, life here is good. I have an interview for a job that I want a lot on Monday. I don't know how that is going to go, because they have already filled one of the positions that I really wanted. For those of you who don't already know I am apllying work at a local film production company called North by Northwest Productions, you should check them out on line. The transitioning from college life continues and I am not quite sure what to do with myself. I find myself doing odd jobs around the house and going on jogs and other such things. I feel like I am getting a peak in to retirement. I like what I see, but I would like to see what real work is like first.
Tori is in Spain for jan term and she is bicycling across the Camino de Satiago, which is pretty exciting. I miss her though. I think the transition to Spokane would be a bit easier if she was here, but it is what it is. And she will be home soon enough. I feel like I could go on forever, but I am glad to be back blogging again. Happy new year to you all!