Sean's 40th Birthday Party Pictures

Here are a few pictures from Sean's 40th Birthday Party...

First up, Sean and Caroline...Sean had a new hairstyle

I'm Jeff and this is Sean...and we're funky

Kate, Caroline and Age

Kate and I...I was really excited to go to Fox & Hound (they have a jukebox)

Sean and I again...

Chad and Age

Chad just told me a joke, probably had something to do with Tom being short

Good times!

Heroes Convention

This Weekend, Kate and I made our second trip to the Heroes Convention. It was a good time and as Kate put it, "I've never felt so hot before," yeah, there are some dorks that go/obsess each year. Here are a few pictures.

Kate and Iron Man

My hero, Batman

Our Stuff...Kate bought her first comic, well graphic novel (X-Men)

Looking forward to next years convention!

White America: The Story Behind the Name

So, a lot of people don't understand or know why Kate and I are referred to as Kate & Jeff White America or the White Americas. Well, sit back and I'll tell you...

Back in 2002, Eminem released an album entitled, "The Eminem Show." This album was on constant rotation in mine and Elliott's vehicle. Here is a description of the song from a critic. "Good song to start the album up with, lots of energy and emotion. Em raps about how he owes most of his fame to the fact that he is white. A racially charged track about the impact of his whiteness in hip hop and America, great song with excellent lyrics and views." But, it really doesn't have anything to do with how it became our nickname (just wanted to have a critics view in our blog, ha).

Anyways, Jonathan Cancino aka Bahama, moved to Charlotte shortly after graduating from Elon. Him and I used to sit around listening to a lot of music (instead of him working). One day he called me and said, "Jeff White America," lets play golf. From that point on, he would occasionally put the song on or sing the chorus, thus Jeff White America became my nickname.

The name stuck and even at our wedding we were referred to as the White Americas.

The 2007/2008 NBA Champions!

Go Celtics!!!!!!!!!!!

"Top of the World"

After hearing Kevin Garnett scream "Top of the World" it inspired me to write a quick blog about the teams I follow. Quick note, Hank, he is hood and I like it too. Anyways, its been a long time since one of my teams actually won a championship...here is a quick rundown with the last year they won in parentheses.

The Clemson Tigers (1981 NCAA Football Champions)...For the past 8 or so years I've heard how we the Tigers are going to be in the running for a national championship, only to blow it down the stretch by losing 3-4 games. Thankfully they always play South Carolina the last game of the year and that's an almost guaranteed victory.

The Chicago Bears (1986)...so close yet so far away in the 2007 Super Bowl. They've been competitive and usually make the playoffs but it seems we are about to embark on a rebuilding phase...we need a lot of help and possibly an owner that will spend money.

The Atlanta Braves (1995)...they won plenty of division and league championships but couldn't get past that team in pinstripes from NYC in the World Series. Again, it seems this team is rebuilding.

The New Jersey Devils (1995, 2000, 2003)...ok, I've gotten lucky but its hockey and its not as cool as it was when I was in high school...back then I had Petrick to make fun of for being a Rangers fan (and vice versa).

The Boston Celtics (1986)...Well, thanks to the absolute domination of the Lakers, I finally have a championship! I was worried going into the series with the Lakers but after seeing them dominate the first two games I knew we'd take home the championship (17th overall!!).

A few things about the game last night (June 17th)

1. I told Kate prior to the game, "I want a blowout so I can relax and enjoy the game." Got it!

2. I asked numerous people to say a prayer for them (Thanks!). I asked Chad to have his Father say a prayer last week...he asked me how much money I planned to place in the offering at his Father's church...I have 7 dollars in my pocket and it's all yours.

3. While thinking about the game I decided if the Celtics went up 5 the game was over. With about 6 minutes left in the 2nd quarter they did just that. My relaxation began!

4. The end was bittersweet, I was happy to see them win a championship but also a little sad that the games were over. I'd spent every game I could watching until the very end, including all of the miserable road games they lost.

5. I asked Kate if I would get a ring...Most Valuable Fan...I didn't go crazy, I didn't pop the bottle of champagne I had, I just sat back and enjoyed the moment. I was happy I woke Kate up to watch it as well, I think she enjoyed seeing me so happy.

6. One other thing...The crowd was so loud it was hilarious...the chants (some probably not appropriate) and KG singing along with them to Bon Jovi's "Livin on a prayer" was awesome!

Here are a few things I won't miss about the NBA Playoffs

1. The officials...by far the worst of the 4 major professional sports. All of you need to go through extensive training by November 2008.

2. The commercials....especially these two...The two basketball superstars talking about how important it is to win the championship, split in two, forming two faces...It's Creepy!

The Cadillac commercial...the one where the parking attendant talks to the unseen person in the truck...Kate guessed that we'll see one more commercial and the player in the truck will be the MVP of the Finals...That would be Paul Pierce!

3. The so called superstars of the NBA who cannot shoot but are referred to as the Best on the Planet...for example, Kobe Bryant, 7-22 last night...horrible, you are not Michael Jordan (right Kenty).

4. Pre Game Introductions...just come out on the court when your name is announced and start playing.

5. The announcers...Van Gundy, Jackson and that white guy...Chad and I both wanted to rip our ears off at numerous times. I actually turned the volume off and listened to the radio because they were so bad.

6. Close games...way to many to handle, I don't like feeling like my heart is going to burst out of my chest, especially when i need to be going to bed!

So that's it, thanks to the Big 3 for bringing home a championship! I'm sure most of you are tired of it but oh well, GO CELTICS!

I'm Your Photographer

I'm in no ways a professional but I do love taking pictures....so if anyone needs pictures taken (ie. babies, engagement, wedding) let me know!

Took a few of our friends Tony/Alyssa for their engagement and I have to say they came out pretty well! Here is one of my favorites!

Also, here is one of Julie and her Dad dancing at her wedding!

I'd slowly building the portfolio and any help/suggestions/references are welcome!

Calender of Events

6/21 Comic Fest- Yes, I still enjoy reading comics and the event is actually pretty amusing. We went last year, saw some costumes and even walked past Rosario Dawson (I told Kate, "She smells hot").

6/25 Ohio- Heading to beautiful Medina for yet another wedding, Kate's good friend Darla from High School.

While in Ohio we hope to take in an Indians game (Against the Giants so Kate can see Omar Vizquel). We also hope to visit with my good friend Will, his wife Valerie and his brand new little boy (William McFarland Waddell III, I believe).

7/4 Columbia, SC- Going to visit Chad and Age....watch as they get excited (like 7 year olds) shooting off fireworks.

7/11 Tom Petty Concert- We still haven't bought tickets, I'm hoping they don't sell out. I'll be pretty freakin excited if he plays "Into the Great Wide Open," I'll be even more excited if Johnny Depp lip sync's the song (like the in the video!!).

7/26 The Avett Brothers Concert- These guys rock, hoping to stay with Jeremy/Cassie, if they decide to call me back.

8/2 Fan Fest for the Carolina Panthers- The team lets you watch a practice session and we all sit in the stands sweating and cursing the 100 degree weather in North Carolina. I make comments about how bad the Panthers will be but they will still end up with a better record than the Bears!

8/9 Coheed & Cambria Concert- Best Rock Band Ever, yeah, I said it. Heading down to Myrtle Beach to see them at the House of Blues. Should be a great show...plus, we'll be the oldest people there and you know what the means???? No lines for beer!

Ok, that is all for now....we have a beach trip planned for September, we actually need to talk with Kent/Kirsten this weekend to figure out the dates/place. Hopefully it'll be as exciting as our last trip...for instance, look at this photo of me and Kirsten in Mexico

More Painting

We are painting my "Guys" room this weekend, probably won't put up any pictures unless a can of paint is dumped on someone or a cat.

Home Improvement Volume 2 (Painting Guest Room)

Next on Home Improvement (Tim the Tool Man Taylor Rules!), Kate and I painted the back bedroom so our guests didn't have to stare at white walls...We received a lot of help from the cats and made 4 trips to Home Depot (remember to write down the type of paint and color and how much you need).

Kate and I only use BEHR products because the Chicago Bears Rule

Remember to tape around the edges!!

Kate knocks out the trim (she had a few glasses of wine for concentration)

Using an edger works well!

Here I am (notice my pale skin) and Jim McMahon style headband (Go Bears)

Another action shot (I have great form)

Jack and Stormie decide to help...Actually Jack jumps into the paint and runs around the house, we chase him around for 20 minutes...I find out later Stormie has paint on her tail...

This is the final product!