dearest readers

The time just flies by as usual. Last week was mostly recovery from MTNA and preparation for NATS this weekend. This was no ordinary NATS though. This was a Central Region NATS competition. Every six or so years, the competition spreads from just a state-wide competition to include Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois. We ventured Thursday evening to the SteepleGate Inn Best Western in Davenport, IA where the competition was being held at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL.

Lynell and I made it there first of all the Drake people, so we checked in and went to ye 'ol Cracker Barrel for dinner. It was the first time I had set foot in there for, UM, probably YEARS. But it was ever-so delicious. Then we went back and hungout with the rest of the Drake-crew that had got there. We had to head in early though because most of had to sing in the morning.

At the a$$-crack of dawn, like 6:45am, Chelsea's alarm went off and we were all up to get ready for the big prelims. Of course, Tony and I got lost, it was practically clandestine. We made it there eventually and I did my stuff. And then the lot of us went to TGI Fridays for lunch. Then back to get results and watch everyone else. That night, we went to Olive Garden for dinner which was AMAZING. After an exhausting day of performing and being around so many egos, franchise-Italian never tasted so amazing. Though I was rather surprised that when we rolled up at 9PM, the place was still rockin' full-throttle. I guess people in Davenport don't eat until late. YEESH!

I made it to Semi-finals and was assigned to perform at 9:56am. Not my finest hour. So the next day we were all just as early or earlier, so the alarm went off at 5:30. I felt like I had a ton of bricks weighing me down. It was disgusting. I can't remember the last time I was up so early. But again, Tony and I were off to Augustana across the river. Semi-finals were not SO spectacular as my first performance, but I was satisfied. Granted I didn't make Finals, but I wasn't really expecting to. Not only is the competition stiff (down from 18 to 8 for semi-finals, and down to 3 for Finals), but I knew what the judges were looking for, and I sang much more healthily than that. (BOO YA GRANDMA!) HA! Yea, I said it.

So lunch was pretty much amazing. Phil and I went to Happy Joe's for amazing pizza and maybe a delicious Goose Island 312. We did make it back in time to watch Finals, which was Aria Battle 2007. But it always is. Many wanted to stay to get ice cream on the way back, but K. Longenecker and I were on a mission back to Des Moines. We had to switch stuff around so her and I could leave immediately I believe one of her quotes was, "Eric, will all of their stuff fit in Lynell's car?" "Don't question. Get in the car." HA! I was really tired and wanted to lounge sleepily in my own bed. After a Starbucks and a 2.5 hour car ride, K. Longenecker and I ended up having margaritas and appetizer sampler at El Rodeo. That put us both over the edge though. I fell straight asleep when I got home. Never have I slept over 12 hours in one sitting, but I managed 13.5 hours.

Phew. Tough weekend. Next weekend: Formal. Forecast for this week: Slacking and trying to not have homework this weekend.

Place of the Post: Cracker Barrel. If there were a franchise-substitute for my godmother's genuine Southern cooking, this would be it. Suggested dish: Chicken 'n Dumplings. Yum.