December 2002

Happy Holidays, welcome to the December 2002 hibbets.net Newsletter. Sorry this edition is a little late, but just when things started to slow down we got busy again. The holidays just added to the craziness. Being unemployed has made me start thinking about my own Web Design business. More about that in next month's newsletter. For now, enjoy our holiday fiasco and check out a new feature this month, newsletter recipes.

Web Updates (updated links):

  • Another web site to add to my portfolio: http://sherriedillard.com/
  • No updates from hibbets.net, I am teaching myself PHP and MYSQL so that I can crank out a picture database for a ton of pics that I have.
  • Red Waves Red Waves Web Design - coming soon!

Headlines
Wednesday, December 4, 2002 - Ice Storm The weather began to take hold of the Triangle area today. Shortly after lunch time, snow flurries began to fall. Later that evening, ice began to cover the area, putting a freezing blanket over the Raleigh area. I was able to work from home today. However, when my shift ended at 12:00 AM the power went out. What a bummer! Candlelight, 2 layers of clothes, and no heat. Little did we know the shock we where in for as we put extra blankets on the bed for the night.
Ice Age 1 Our back yard. Ice Age 2 Colleen and Chuck's pine tree's.
Thursday, December 5, 2002 - Ice Wonderland Still no power, but that's OK. MB and I fired up the grill and warmed up water for hot cocoa while we cooked some chicken and broccoli for a late brunch. We got Dot in her doggie sweater and went for a stroll around the neighborhood to access the damage. Power lines were down and tree limbs that were once proud to stem from their motherly tree, lay broken on the ground or suspended in a blanket of ice. The sights, marvelous - the damage, horrific. We were both in awe as we saw some of the most amazing sights provided by nature, but saddened by the damage it caused. The phones were still working and we called my sister who was on the NC State campus, they still had power. We packed up some food, carefully drove to campus, and prepared warm meals and took hot showers. On our return, we saw that most of the area had power restored, but our home was still dark, cold, and dismal. We brightened our home with candlelight and took shelter in our bonus room located above the garage. Surprisingly, the warmest of all the rooms. Merri Beth worked on Christmas cards while I occupied myself with a Resume Excellence guide. The night was cold and temperatures outside were below freezing and the temperatures inside where not much warmer without the heat on. We created a make shift bed and tried to fight the elements as best we could.
Friday, December 6, 2002 - The Electric Beast A new day, the sun was out and the ice was starting to melt. Still no power and no heat, we were just about to give up hope. I broke out the camping stove and was heating up some old pancakes when the slight hum of power filled the room. Amazing, our power was back on and we lasted over 36 hours without the electrical beast. We heated up our breakfast and noticed that the thermostat indicated 45 degrees - in the house, ca-burr! Back to normal life. So what better way to forget about our powerless woes from the last two days? We went shopping at Crossroads in Cary. The damage clean-up would begin tomorrow.
Ice Age 3 The pine tree on Sheryl's house. Ice Age 4 Iced branches.
Saturday, December 7, 2002 - Dueling Chainsaws We had one Chainsaw in our possession, but that wasn't enough. We took the quick road to Laurinburg and borrowed a Chainsaw from the farm. We headed back to Raleigh with the intention to make some noise. Luckily, was had no major damage to our home or property. For the most part, we had a few fallen limbs here and there. Unfortunately, our neighbors didn't fair to well. Colleen and Chuck lost 3 pine trees, 1 snapped in half and landed on the property line. A few more degrees in our direction and the deck would have been smashed! Sheryl across the street had a pine tree lying on her roof. MB and I fueled up the chainsaws and started trimming away. We spent the rest of the day helping our neighbors clean up the storm damage.
Sunday, December 8, 2002 - Roof Walker I overcome on of my worst fears today. Not many people are happy to say this, but I can with an open mind - I am sacred shitless about being on a roof. I have a small fear of heights. We borrowed an extension ladder from one of the neighbors and tried to help Sheryl get the pine tree off her roof. The task seemed too much for MB and me. If you can picture a pine tree, snapped in half, resting on the roof, and 2 people trying to take it off, then you can realize the task at hand. I was up on ice filled shingles taking branches off at a time. Nature prevailed and I decided that the operation was more dangerous that it appeared. We relieved some of the weight that the tree was putting on the house, but we couldn't take the whole thing down. At least I was able to face my fear and become a roof walker for one day of my life.

Later that day, when the sun set on the cold evening, MB and I ventured to North Raleigh. Steve and Nancy were having a pizza party and we were down with the party scene. Our neighbors from around the corner, Erik and Amy, where in attendance. James showed up and another couple that I didn't know to well where there too. We hooked up some Dominoes and watched the NC State Men's Basketball game on the tube. Compliments to the hosts on a very nice, informal way to have some fun!
Tuesday, December 10, 2002 - Guy's Night Out Jesse and I had to work tonight, but that wasn't hindering us. Craig Pelletier called us up and wanted to go out. We decided on Playmaker's, a sports bar across from Meredith College on Hillsborough Street. I played the Trivia game that they have in the bars and I was doing great. Towards last call, the game was down to me (screen name Zorro) and another guy at the bar, screen name Tbear. Tbear happened to have a mullet and wasn't too happy that I was beating him in trivia. I mean, he couldn't stand the fact that I was winning and during the last 5 questions, he would get up and walk around the bar to see who was playing. Cunningly, I had the hand held device hidden under the table on my lap. The game was on the line and Tbear was only down by 300 points or so. The last question was coming up and I had to get it right in order to beat the Mullet Man. Score, Craig and Jesse helped me out and Tbear went down. He was furious and I thought that he was going to fight! He was asking the bar tender who else was playing and she wasn't sure either. I sneakily logged off and placed the game piece on the table behind us where a large group had just gotten up. Craig, Jesse, and I snuck out in the nick of time and laughed at Tbear, the Mullet Man, the rest of the night.
Saturday, December 14, 2002 - Wedding Bells for Nick & Lisa All dressed up. I never dress up! MB and I were dressed to kill and for a good reason too. My good friend Nick Brown, who I met in college my freshman year was getting married today. We are so proud of the happy couple. They were joined together at the Moravian Church on Ridge Road in Raleigh. The ceremony was very nice and had a touch of everything. The reception was at the Raleigh Country Club located off of Newbern Avenue. We were amazed at the wonderful dinner and dancing for the entire evening. Nick and Lisa looked so happy and we had a wonderful time. We even got up with some old college buddies that we don't get to see to often. Chad Helms was in town from Charlotte and my former freshman and sophomore roommate, Jeremy Howell, was in town from Asheville. He was the Best Man in the wedding. His best friend Ben Hart, who lives in Cary, was on the scene as well. After the reception, we gathered at Ben's place for a little extra party favors. By the time I got there, Jeremy was passed out in the bathroom with his tuxedo pants around his ankles. What a lesson learned, never, I mean never, pass out at Ben's place. They put shaving cream on Jeremy, broke out the magic marker, and the best part, got it all on film. Maybe we can get some of those blackmail type pictures for you in the next edition? Ben, send those pictures my way!
Monday, December 16, 2002 - 200, Gulp, Gulp, Gulp Tonight was my night. The crew gathered at the local watering hole. The Saucer was the scene and getting my 200th beer was the occasion. Shortly after 8:30 P.M. my 200th beer was complete and immortality at the Saucer was achieved. Then after 9:00 P.M. the real fun began. I had a pitcher of Miller Lite to take down, and I almost did it in one gulp. When all was said and down, I had about one pint left to go when my body was saturated with beer. 200 plus! I would like to thank Merri Beth, Margie, Amy, Courtney, Adrian & Joanna, Ben, Adam, and Jesse for all coming out to support me. Also, special shout out's go to the Saucer girls, especially Holly and Annie for providing excellent service and awesome eye candy!
Saucer 1 Number 200! Saucer 2 Joanna, Amy, Courtney, Ben, MB, Jason, Adrian
Friday, December 20, 2002 - How Old You Be MB? Happy Birthday Merri Beth! She took the day off from work and was excited that it was her birthday. My mom and sister where in town and wanted to get some last minute Christmas shopping done. Today was my last day of work at Alcatel. I went in to finish up some paperwork and was on call for the remainder on the evening. We took MB out to dinner at Bahama Breeze on Wake Forest Road. We had an excellent time and the food was great. We recommend the "tour" at Bahama Breeze to anyone. After that, I took the girls to the movie theater so they could view Maid in Manhattan starring J-Lo. I declined the movie, thank-God. I picked them up later and we went back to the house. MB and I then went to Sammy's where Ben, Rob, Ann, Adrian, and Joanna were already enjoying the evening. Adrian brought a few other friends along for MB to meet, Goldslogger and the Three Wise Men (Jose, Jack & Jim). My stomach turns at the thought, but MB said hi and bye to those fellows in the blink of an eye and the slam of a shot glass. That's my girl!
Saturday, December 21, 2002 - OBX Christmas Fiesta My mom and Katie headed out a little before us in route to the Outer Banks. MB and I followed shortly after loading up the Red Sleigh (A.K.A. the Jeep) with presents and gifts from Santa. We have started taking the NC-64 the entire way now, ever since the new bridge from the mainland to Manteo has been open. We have consistently made it in under 3 and a half hours now.

After resting for a little while from helping mom do some work around the house, MB and I got up with Margie and Stacy to go to Brandy and Phil's Holiday Party. We went over to the outskirts of a town called Wanchese. Wanchese is located on Roanoke Island (where Manteo, the Lost Colony, Ft. Raleigh, and the Elizabethan gardens are located) and is a small fishing community. Brandy and Phil don't technically live in Wanchese, but they have a beautiful English-Tudor style home. As you pull up, you see the candlelit windows and the other lights from the house reflect in the large pond in the front, next to the long driveway. The main room was stunning, stairs to the right, a doorway leading to the kitchen, a fireplace that was crackling, and 2 huge iron cast chandeliers with candle's illuminating the room. This is just a taste of what the rest of the house looked like as we took the tour later in the evening. I got to see some old friends that I haven't seen in a while, Elizabeth Winstead , now Elizabeth DeHart and her husband Brian. John White was there and so was Allison Davenport (now married too). MB and I had a great time and we would like to thank them for inviting us to their party.
Sunday, December 22, 2002 - Mako Mike's Today, we did some more work with my mom around the house. Then, Katie, MB, and I went to dinner with my Dad at Mako Mike's. We had a great meal and exchanged Christmas gifts afterwards. We left Mako Mike's and went to wish Tony and Melissa (Roxy, Nalu, & Max too) a Merry Christmas. Then we went back to the house and exchanged gifts between my Mom, Katie, MB, and myself. I was stoked to get a Play Station 2 from my sister. I also got Kelly Slater Pro Surfer and NCAA 2K3 for P/S 2 from my mom and MB, respectively. MB scored with earrings, a bracelet, cake carrier, Yankee Candle lotion, socks, and some other presents. Thanks for the great gifts!
Monday, December 23, 2002 - The 23rd Party We loaded up the Red Sleigh again and set the coarse navigation to Laurinburg, NC. We made the trip in about 5 hours, battling a little bit of holiday travel on I-95. We scooted into the LBG, unpacked the Jeep, and headed out to Rolan's cabin for the 23rd party. Jim and Jenni were already there. MB and I missed the oyster's by about 10 minutes. We got to see Katie Hammond and her boyfriend Chris. Also crashing the party, Andy Butler was in the house. He currently lives in Kentucky but was in town for the holidays. MB and I enjoyed seeing everyone at the annual 23rd party.
Wednesday, December 25, 2002 - Christmas Day Jenni woke us up, it was Christmas day and time to open up some presents. We wearily rubbed our eyes and stumbled downstairs to see what Santa brought. Everyone got some great gifts! I scored the home deli/meat slicer that I wanted. I also got a Polar Fleece, a Scooby-Doo Chia Pet, long sleeve & short sleeve T-shirts, a red "power" tie for my interviews, a black leather belt, and a wave shaped cookie jar that plays Beach Boys tunes when you open it. Very cool stuff. I got MB tickets to see The Phantom of the Opera, which is coming to Raleigh in April 2003. She was very excited. MB Also got a pair of diamond earrings from her parents, fancy, fancy -or- nowadays, MB be bling blingin' yo. We had some breakfast and then tooled around until it was time to head over to Grandma & Grandpa's. We made the one hour drive to Clarkton, NC and enjoyed a wonderful dinner. Grandma got MB a garden Buddha, which she absolutely loves! We headed back to Rocking B Farm and enjoyed all the holiday lights that where strung up on all the single-wides. There was some serious Grizwold competition going on in Scotland County.
Thursday, December 26, 2002 - Back to Raleigh The day started with a little walk to the SC border and back. Rocking B Farm is about a mile from the NC-SC border. When we got back, I installed the CD-burner that MB and I got for the Blackwell family. Then Jamie (MB's brother) and his wife Robbin came over for a Blackwell family lunch. We enjoyed tender grilled BBQ chicken with a variety of side dishes. After being stuffed, we exchanged gifts with Jamie and Robbin. Then, MB and I loaded up with Red Sleigh with all the gifts we had received and headed back home. We had a lot of unpacking to do and it took up the majority of our night. I can't tell you how relieved we were to be back home and sleep in our own bed. What a difference a sleep number makes. Happy Holidays to everyone.
Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - The Acorn Drops in Raleigh This "ain't New York City" but it's the south. The Raleigh tradition is to watch the Acorn drop at the Fayetteville Street Mall area. Pass. MB and I went over to Adrian and Joanna's house where Rob, Ann, Ben, Courtney, and another couple rang in the New Year. We watched a little Robin William's stand-up comedy and then switched over to watch the Acorn drop downtown and the Ball drop at Time Square, simultaneously. We toasted, some people got toasted, and enjoyed ringing in the 2003 with our friends. Happy New Year!

Wolfpack Football

December Wolfpack Football
Date ESPN/USA AP Poll Opponent Home/Away W/L Score
12.31.02 17 17 Regular Season Complete
Standings as of 12.31.02: 10-3, ACC: 5-3 Ranked: ESPN/USA: #17 / AP Poll: #17
NC State plays Notre Dame in the Toyota Gator Bowl, Jan 1, 2003 in Jacksonville Fl.

Coming Up...

In next month's newsletter, get amped up about NC State's bowl game on January 1, 2003. Find out what went down at our Bowl Party and follow along with Jason's job search. Don't forget Hawaii!!!!! Here are some special dates that we are looking forward to:

  • NC State vs. Notre Dame (Gator Bowl) - January 1, 2003
  • Jones & Frank Interview - January 3, 2003
  • Giants vs. San Francisco (NFC Wild Card) - January 5, 2003
  • CAMPO Interview (City of Raleigh) - January 6, 2003
  • Kauai, Hawaii - The Garden Island - January 9-16, 2003
  • San Diego, California - January 17-19, 2003
  • Happy Birthday Ryan Heaton - January 17, 2003
  • Super Bowl Sunday - January 26, 2003

Newsletter Recipe's

Neiman Marcus Cookies
  • (Recipe may be halved)
  • 2 cups butter
  • 24 oz. chocolate chips
  • 4 cups flour
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 tsp. Soda
  • 1 tsp. Salt
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 8 oz. Hershey Bar (grated)
  • 5 cups blended oatmeal
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 2 tsp. Vanilla
  • 3 cups chopped nuts
Measure oatmeal, and blend in a blender to a fine powder. Cream the butter and both Sugars. Add eggs and vanilla, mix together with flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder, and soda. Add chocolate chips, Hershey Bar, and nuts.

Roll into balls, and place two inches apart on a cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees. Makes 112 cookies.
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