ETA Debut

For a long while now me and some of my friends have had this ongoing dialogue about starting a band. This was before most of us even owned a guitar, drums, etc. So towards the end of last summer I started taking guitar lessons, Jason had an acoustic and bought a new electric guitar and Kirn bought a set of electric drums. So every once in a while we would all get together and it never failed that we would talk about music and what each of us are doing individually with our guitars or drums. Well finally at our couples' baby shower for Baby Wilson we discussed it and agreed that we should try to play at least one song at KirnFest on September 8th. So the shower at that point took a turn towards how can we be ready and if we are going to play a song we need a band name. Throughout our discussions we came to an agreement that we would attempt to play The Black Keys' song "Your Touch." The band name discussion was a whole different one, as in the past we also joked around and said we would be "Cheap Sunglasses" or "Cat's Pajamas." So we started to discuss how most band names are just two random things put together, e.g. Vampire Weekend. Kirn had one he had thought of one time and once he said it I think we were sold, End Table Artwork. Once we could cut it down to ETA for short it made it even better.

So we now had a gig date and needed to practice, so we decided to meet at Kirn's house that week. I sent a text over to Patrick, brother-in-law, to see if he was interested in coming over too as he has played guitar for a while. I won't get into all the boring details of each rehearsal, but it took one session to realize that with all four of us we had a band (Kirn, Jason, Patrick and me).

Leading up to KirnFest we decided we should add a second song and not tell many people so it would be somewhat of a surprise. So we talked about a handful of songs and finally agreed to attempt Tommy Tutone's Jenny (867-5309). It was fun to add this type song and knew that everyone would sing-a-long as well. We probably had a total of 6 practices and did not even have a mic or PA until the practice the day of the show, so we were all a little nervous heading into that night.

Well once the time came for us to do our thing we set our stands, plugged in amps and met in the back for what we hope to become a pre-show ritual. We gave each other some encouragement and passed a small bottle of Jaegermeister around. I think I can speak for the group we had a blast and cannot wait to keep playing. So that is the story which led us up to this........enjoy!! (Follow us @eta4L)

So...........

It has been a long time since my last post, so.....I hope to make up for some lost time here in the next few weeks. Time to get back to it.

I would like to welcome myself back by saying that Stacy (my wife) and I are expecting our first child in the near future. The due date is October 4th, but due to her being put on bedrest this week I have a feeling in the next 7-10 days it will be go time. I cannot be more excited and I am ready to be a Dad and cannot imagine having anyone other than Stacy in my life. We have just about everything and then some that this kid will ever need. We have a good family and friend support system and as usual they were too generous as the due date nears. The big surprise for us is we did not find out the sex of the baby, Stacy thinks its a boy, so of course I think its a girl.

Here is a link to Stacy's blog for updates related to Baby Wilson making its long awaited arrival.

http://honeysucklerenovation.blogspot.com/

More blogs to come in the next few days, including ETA's debut performance, thoughts on Braves, Georgia and whatever else is in my head for the day.

Have We Made Progress.....

It has been a while since I have posted, so I would like to knock out a few things.

First, hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year.
Second, congrats to Brian and Karen, expecting their first child.

So after agonizing through another Georgia bowl game there were some consistent issues that showed up again. Georgia came out in the first half and the dominated this game, leading 16-0 at halftime. Michigan State could not do anything against the Georgia defense and Georgia's offense had speed that the Spartans could not compete with. As usual Georgia came out flat in the second half and by the end of the 3rd quarter Michigan State was right back in the game.

So the first problem is that Georgia does not have momentum or keep a swagger after halftime, part of this seems to be they do not make adjustments to counter what the other team might do. The last two games are perfect examples of this, Michigan State nor LSU could move the ball on the defense and the offense did not take advantage of opportunities to put the games out of reach.

The main issue that again showed itself during the Outback Bowl was Richt coaching so conservatively that it costs you the game. Not only in the 4th quarter, but again in OT. Late in the 4th after getting one first down Bobo went with three straight up the middle running plays, which were not there all day, and had to punt the ball with plenty of time left. I realize the defense bailed you out all day, but at some point you set them up to fail. In OT, after the defense intercepted Cousins, Georgia ran two plays and decided to attempt a FG on 3rd down. I am a Walsh believer and realize he had a rough season too, but don't put it all on him. Be aggressive and win the freaking game, don't gain one yard and try a long FG.

I have always been on the Richt bandwagon and realize that he brings in top talent, but is the ceiling going to SEC championships and New Year's bowls. There is no reason Georgia should not be able to compete for National Championships. After the bowl game my first thought was, "was this Richt's last game?" I do not believe McGarity will keep this type of coaching around. I would be shocked if any changes were made, but it was clear that the defense was incredible this year and the offense had talent, but never used it to its full capacity. Bobo might need to go now as well to take Georgia to the next level. It might come down to either Richt makes that change or he is gone. We shall see, but the overall game plan late in games must be looked at in depth. With the schedule next year Georgia has a chance to have a special season with all that talent coming back to Athens!!