STORM2K

For those of you who have missed me for the past 8 days (and for those of you who haven't... shame on you! ) I just wanted to let you know that I have returned from speech/debate nationals in Philly and our sidetrip to New York. I am extremely tired tonight since I am running on 3 hours of sleep so I will have to give you the rundown tomorrow when I am more "with it".

It is great to be back home though and back online.

--Garrett

Can't wait to hear the details!

WELCOME BACK HOME, GARRETT, BOTH TO MO AND S2K!!

Eric

Welcome back Garrett!

Didja win? Didja win? Huh? Huh?

Welcome home!!

Welcome Home Garret!

Welcome back Garrett! I hope to see you around here more and maybe play some Weather Jeopardy.

I know your experience was an excellent one...that you learned more than you lost, and that everyone came home feeling "accomplished."

Nice to have you back!

Steve

Welcome back Garrett.

Welcome back Garrett!

Mary

Welcome back, Garrett!!

Welcome back. As David asked, "Didja win??" Didja, Didja???

Great to see you again, Garrett!!

Welcome back Garrett! Of course we missed you around here!

Glad to be back again. Here is the rundown:

As far as the competition goes, we did fairly well. We had two girls advance although neither made it to the finals. All four girls are juniors (will be seniors this fall) so they have another shot at it. The odds of breaking are very low though so they were happy just to get that far. Our district is one of the most competitive in the country.

Philadelphia is about average in terms of my favorite cities ever visited. It was not the cleanest community but had very friendly people and quite a bit of historical stuff to do.

Well... people in Philly are obsessed with cheese whiz. What an odd thing to be obsessed with I think. lol The Reading Terminal Market is a must see if you ever go. And if you ever plan to see the Liberty Bell be ready for the tightest security ever.

The sidetrip to New York City was awesome. If you have EVER doubted going there because you are afraid... don't be. If a small town guy like myself can do it -- so can you! It was soooooo much fun and I never once felt unsafe, which is saying a lot. We rode the Statten Island Ferry, saw Ground Zero (how emotional), saw the Empire State Building, visited Times Square, the Good Morning America studios, and MTV. We also got to see the hottest show on Broadway right now, Wicked. It is the most incredible show I have ever seen... and this comes from someone who loves Phantom of the Opera with all my heart and soul. This blew it right out of the water!!!

I don't know how I was able to score tickets to the show that is sold out from now through November already, but I did and we had the best time. Good thing I have connections!

But now I am back home and trying to get caught up on my sleep. There were several nights I only got 2 or 3 hours of rest so I am trying to get it back. It isn't easy, but I wouldn't have changed it for the world.

Glad to hear your trip was good...that everyone learned some things...including Cheez Whiz stories!!!

Nothing like something unique to remember a trip for!!

Am anxious to hear your more serious evaluation of Wicked. It is coming to Phoenix in 2006. Tell me why we should buy some tickets!

Great to have you back.

I am proud of you all...WE are proud of you all.

Put some Cheez Whiz in the time capsule for this year....it may still be good in 50 years when you open it back up!!

Thanks so much. Hey Steve! I will pm you in a few days when I get some time and we can discuss Wicked in further detail. It was just simply amazing!

Yummy, Philly cheese steak. Did you have one of those?? That Cheese Whiz just drips all over the place.

What a great trip!!! Glad you're back.

Karan... I did have one, but I got Provolone on it instead of Cheese Whiz. I just don't care for the processed cheese. The cheese steak was awesome though. We got it at Rick's.

Stop it Garrett. You're making me hungry. Grrrrrrrrrrr Did you hear that??? That was my stomach!!!!!