I did it!

[Phonetek]

This could be a novel but since many of you aren't exactly appreciative of my attention to detail I'll do my best to spare them. WAY less exciting but I'll keep it bland. My dream actually came true, actually multiple dreams. I went do to TN Thursday to nail down that job I was talking about. As it turned out the guy was an asshat and the story completely changed when I got there. It was an epic fail. Short version is after that since I was already down there I hit two other bowling centers taking a chance to see what would happen. What did I have to lose?

The end of the story is I did get my job and it was actually BETTER than I could have imagined. I interviewed with a PBA Pro who I remember from when I was a kid. The pay is sick and I'm blown away. I NEVER expected an offer like this. He's the GM and I'm the manager. He said, when I start... the bowling center is mine to run, what I say goes! I really don't know how this happened and why but it happened. Yesterday was the happiest day of my life. Dream job, in a dream place and for the first time in a long time my family is proud of me. I'm also proud of myself which I don't think ever happened. Giving my 2 weeks notice Monday and get to start my new life right after. So there it is, bland and short. I'll let you guys ask the questions if you have any.

[classygranny]

Is this with one of the centers you visited on your prior visit...or totally new center? How many lanes? Bar? Arcade?

Congrats on the exciting change in your life, wish you the best and may it be everything you want it to be!

[Phonetek]

Is this with one of the centers you visited on your prior visit...or totally new center? How many lanes? Bar? Arcade?

Congrats on the exciting change in your life, wish you the best and may it be everything you want it to be!

No, this was just a cold walk in to a place I've never been in my life. It's 52 lanes, they have a bar but it's only beer no booze. There isn't an arcade game, cosmic light and certainly no laser tag or go karts in sight. They do serve food and good food at that. This is a bowling center and that's that! It's open 24/7 and always packed. Even at 2am they have a waiting list for a lane! THIS is a place BOWLERS go, not date night. Serious stuff happens here!

Thank you Granny, I really don't even know how to act right now. Things like this don't happen to me! I could tell you so much more

[Phonetek]

Okay wait a minute.....I just HAVE to tell this part, I don't care who don't want details. If you don't want to read it then don't, but your loss. LOL That Pro I spoke of? I bowled against him and whomped him 2 out of 3! The game he did win was by one pin. First game 205 to 206 (he won), 2nd game 279 to 249 and last game 267 to 248! That was not nearly my best series of my life but it was the most intense and best bowling I EVER did. I'm usually a down and in 7 board player, always have been. I tried that and the ball just launched past the headpin at the last minute. I ended up playing deep. I was lining up where I normally line up for the 10 pin cross lane on whatever board it is with my left foot on the last dot, throwing it on the 18 and my ball swung out to the 4 board and just took a left turn. I NEVER....EVER play a line anything close to that. I have no idea where that came from, why it worked and if I could even repeat that again? I was never that guy!

My ball was just exploding and pins were flying everywhere. My ball grew eyes and I couldn't miss after that first game. This was the coolest thing ever. After we were done, I asked him "You were sandbagging letting me win weren't you? Be honest man" He said, "Who the hell could I sandbag with you shooting a 279? Do you think I can just pull 300's out of my ***?" LOL He said, "Every part of that was legit, you won fair and square and you're one heck of a bowler" then he shook my hand. He said "I was hitting the pocket and left a 4-6 split, that isn't sandbagging that's just ridiculously bad luck" I didn't know what to say. I wish I took video of that or pictures or something but I was in pure mission mode bowling my heart out, I wasn't thinking about such things. I only wish my family was there to see that.

I can't even type this without tearing up, not ashamed to admit it. That was just the most epic high point of my life. It's amazing how life can take a complete 180 in one day! I told my son what I did and he said "I've never been more proud of you being my dad and that you taught me how to bowl. I'm going to tell EVERYONE my Dad beat a pro!!" It was a very emotional night last night after I pulled in the driveway from my trip. All I can say it was much better than having the floor mopped with me by AJ Johnson last year. This is a much better story to be able to tell. Aside from this story there is still a lot more to tell that's almost as cool.

[J Daisy]

Okay wait a minute.....I just HAVE to tell this part, I don't care who don't want details. If you don't want to read it then don't, but your loss. LOL That Pro I spoke of? I bowled against him and whomped him 2 out of 3! The game he did win was by one pin. First game 205 to 206 (he won), 2nd game 279 to 249 and last game 267 to 248! That was not nearly my best series of my life but it was the most intense and best bowling I EVER did. I'm usually a down and in 7 board player, always have been. I tried that and the ball just launched past the headpin at the last minute. I ended up playing deep. I was lining up where I normally line up for the 10 pin cross lane on whatever board it is with my left foot on the last dot, throwing it on the 18 and my ball swung out to the 4 board and just took a left turn. I NEVER....EVER play a line anything close to that. I have no idea where that came from, why it worked and if I could even repeat that again? I was never that guy!

My ball was just exploding and pins were flying everywhere. My ball grew eyes and I couldn't miss after that first game. This was the coolest thing ever. After we were done, I asked him "You were sandbagging letting me win weren't you? Be honest man" He said, "Who the hell could I sandbag with you shooting a 279? Do you think I can just pull 300's out of my ***?" LOL He said, "Every part of that was legit, you won fair and square and you're one heck of a bowler" then he shook my hand. He said "I was hitting the pocket and left a 4-6 split, that isn't sandbagging that's just ridiculously bad luck" I didn't know what to say. I wish I took video of that or pictures or something but I was in pure mission mode bowling my heart out, I wasn't thinking about such things. I only wish my family was there to see that.

I can't even type this without tearing up, not ashamed to admit it. That was just the most epic high point of my life. It's amazing how life can take a complete 180 in one day! I told my son what I did and he said "I've never been more proud of you being my dad and that you taught me how to bowl. I'm going to tell EVERYONE my Dad beat a pro!!" It was a very emotional night last night after I pulled in the driveway from my trip. All I can say it was much better than having the floor mopped with me by AJ Johnson last year. This is a much better story to be able to tell. Aside from this story there is still a lot more to tell that's almost as cool.

Your whole story is so amazing. You NEED to start that memoir, dude. I'm not joking around (for once). You must be walking on air now. I'm happy for you!

[boatman37]

Dude, tell your stories. If they don't like them then they know where they can go...lol. But seriously, that is awesome! Remember what I told you last year in an IM? Something about things working out in the end? Well here ya go!

[Phonetek]

Yes most definitely walking on air. Now just getting through the next 2 weeks of anticipation. The hardest part is my GM don't come in until Monday so I can't give my notice until then. In the meantime, I have to keep this quiet? How on Earth am I supposed to do that working tonight and tomorrow? I can't even bring up the bowling match because they have no idea I was down in TN. Grrr! As Tom Petty says "The waiting is the hardest part."

[Phonetek]

Dude, tell your stories. If they don't like them then they know where they can go...lol. But seriously, that is awesome! Remember what I told you last year in an IM? Something about things working out in the end? Well here ya go!

Thanks bud, I appreciate it. I guess I was too skeptical last year to listen. Given how things USUALLY go for me it was hard not to be. I'm happy to have proven you right. I can't tell more of the story right now, I gotta go to my regular job right now until close. I'll do more after work depending or at the latest tomorrow morning. Thanks again =)

[boatman37]

Now if those things would start going right for me...lol. My whole year has been tough. Nothing serious, just stupid things. Hope my luck turns soon...lol.

[mc_runner]

Great stories : ) And happy to hear things are working out for you!

Edit: I'm curious who the pro is, haha

[J Daisy]

Yes most definitely walking on air. Now just getting through the next 2 weeks of anticipation. The hardest part is my GM don't come in until Monday so I can't give my notice until then. In the meantime, I have to keep this quiet? How on Earth am I supposed to do that working tonight and tomorrow? I can't even bring up the bowling match because they have no idea I was down in TN. Grrr! As Tom Petty says "The waiting is the hardest part."

Haha, it's a conundrum, but what a beautiful conundrum to have! XD

[J Daisy]

Now if those things would start going right for me...lol. My whole year has been tough. Nothing serious, just stupid things. Hope my luck turns soon...lol.

I'm sorry to hear that. I'll pray that things start going better for you. For everything there is a season, but the next season always comes around. :)

[Phonetek]

Great stories : ) And happy to hear things are working out for you!

Edit: I'm curious who the pro is, haha

Yeah about that....I was going to post it initially but now that I think about it...maybe not a good idea to do so? Using tact would probably be in my better interest. Besides, you never know who's out there and he may not appreciate it coming up in a google search. LOL If it was purely a bowling match and I wasn't working for him then you bet I'd be like "I WHOOPED PDW!" and NO it wasn't Pete, that was an example! All I'll say is he has been on TV back in the day but he never won on TV. I can PM you the name if you really wanna know though. =)

[Phonetek]

Haha, it's a conundrum, but what a beautiful conundrum to have! XD

I came into work and I was way too happy walking around. My co-workers kept asking me "What's going on with you, you're acting strange?" Answering back "I'm always happy" just wasn't cutting it for a reply, they knew something wasn't right. Customers were even coming up to the bar asking me "What's on special?" I said "EVERYTHING is special, if I'm pouring it for you, IT'S SPECIAL" LOL Nobody in that place was from not getting some sort of joke coming out of my mouth last night. I had one group that stayed for like almost 6 hours last night because I was so whacky, they had never been there before and said "This place is awesome, is the atmosphere always like this?" I was like "Yeah sure, every day" LOL In my head I was thinking "Yeah, for the next two weeks anyway" Heehee.

So as it turned out my boss (not the GM) had to come back later last night and he even noticed I was acting different. What gave it away to him when I was running around loudly belting out "Play that funky music white boy" and bouncing around the place. He's like "Are you drunk or something?" LOL I said, "Nope but I think we need to go to the office and talk" He just said "Uh oh, something's coming" I said "Yep, you bet you're ___ it is" So we sat down and talked and I told him the whole story. He wasn't at all upset and he said "Man, just go after your dream don't even look back at this place. You're gonna do great there and I'm really happy for you"

He also said that he didn't realize things were going so bad for me before with my family having me go to such extremes. He admires the fact that I did what I did and how I did it. He didn't think I had quite that much drive in me as I do. He realizes now that they took me for granted and see how valuable member of the team I really am. I said "That sounds like a counter-offer to keep me." He laughed and said "If I had anything to do with that then yeah it would be but the higher up's here are too cheap and would never consider it". Again he said just go for it and never look back. I got a heck of a chance to have a lot of great things happen and see things I'd never see here.

Now that the cat was out of the bag I told the rest of my co-workers the story and even one of my favorite regulars Joe who as always been like a dad to me. He was in tears when I told him because he's sad to see me go. He's very happy for me though and said I deserve it. It's bitter sweet, I'm going to miss a lot of people here. I didn't realize the friendships I have made and that there were people who came in looking forward to seeing me. I guess I made more of an impact than I really knew. The next two weeks are going to be fun but emotional, especially that last day. They are already planning on taking me out one night before I leave for one last hoorah with them where I don't have to pour the drinks but consume them. LOL

I didn't get home until 2 am last night because everyone wanted to know. When I got home wifey just shook her head and said "Obviously you told or you'd have been home an hour and a half ago" I said "You know me well".

Oh one thing I forgot. When I was talking with Joe, I was sitting next to him at the bar. My boss was still there and the other employees were asking him questions about stuff, making him do things. Meanwhile I'm at the bar chatting. He says "Man, I ain't even on the clock....what am I doing this for? Oh because my manager is over there chatting and not working!" while giving me this look. I looked and him and said with this huge smile on my face "What are you gonna do....fire me?" I gave him a thumbs up and said "Good job boss, keep up the good work" He busted up and said "Very nice! I'd have said the same thing and now I know you aren't doing a damn thing except talking the rest of the night. No, good job to you!"

[vdubtx]

Congrats Phonetek :cool:

[chrono00]

I wanna hear about asshat and what happened there lol

[Phonetek]

Congrats Phonetek :cool:

Thanks bud, I appreciate it. =)



I wanna hear about asshat and what happened there lol

Man...(expletive) that dude! He's not worth my time talking about but I will indulge you. Bold face liar and the only way to help him make money on that center is for me to hand him a gallon of gas and a match. Provided anyone would provide insurance on a center that belongs on the show Hoarders. Just walking from Lane #1 to the bathroom you walk through 4 decades of decor and never make it past the 1990's. I've seen video's of kids breaking into abandoned bowling alleys on YouTube that were a vast improvement over that place. No WAY that place is staying around for long. If it did catch fire it would smolder for 6 months with the amount of junk he has in there.

He's got parts for every type of pinsetter that he doesn't own and tools to work on them from Dollar General. No wonder he's the one that fixes them or rather rigs them. There isn't any self respecting mechanic that would take on working on those machines. Besides, he'd probably only offer them minimum wage. I seen one with a notch cut out of the center of a sweep cut with a sawzall and asked him what the notch was for? He said that the sweep kept hitting the headpin knocking it out of the fingers so he cut the notch so it wouldn't do that. I said, "Did you set the timing on the cams, it sounds like it out of sync?" and he said "How do you do that?" Seriously? That's level 1 mechanic stuff probably taught on day one of school.

It took everything I had to bite my tongue and keep things professional. I really shouldn't have because he really needs a wake up call. I didn't go down there to do that though, I'm not the Chef Ramsay of bowling centers. Back by the machines, everything was just creaky and squeaky with nothing but crud and bits of metal, screws, washers and other parts that have broken off surrounding them on the floor. It was disgusting. Mike Rowe would have balked about doing a show there.

Not only did he go back on our agreement that he made with me on the phone. He says because he just found out his wife wants a divorce. "Gee...what a shock" He was still trying to get my ideas that I had on how to bring in business. He only said he could bring me in part time and at less than I make now. He said he'd bring me in if I had another part time job set up. LMAO Yeah sure, I'd bring my family down to make less money, work and work two jobs and offer up my ideas for him to make money. I don't think a fresh smiling face and drink specials are going to help. The only event I'd be able to plan to get the town interested in that place would be to charge people to gather around watching the place get imploded.

I was soooo pissed when I left that place. Not only because of his bait and switch tactic on me. I was mad I took the time off work and lost money to come down, I spent money I didn't have to do it and it was all for nothing at that point. I called my wife and said "What am I supposed to do now since this was an epic fail?" She had no suggestion. I got something to eat, feeling very ashamed, low and on the verge of giving up. I said to myself...."There are two more centers down here I haven't dealt with yet, I have to suck this up and move forward!" It was 7pm now which was a bad time to do this but I had nothing to lose from trying.

The first center was over an hour away on the other side from Spring Hill. I pulled up at 8:30pm thinking "Man this is such a long shot, no way anyone with any juice is there to talk to" Nonetheless, I decided to go in anyway. Ended up talking to the GM's son. Nice people, nice place but another "Fun Center". The son says I'd have to talk to his dad but he knows they need a bar tender and it pays really well, he'd be in tomorrow. Staying over night wasn't in my plans time wise nor financially. I figured, "Well...it's better than nothing so I guess I'm sleeping in the car tonight.

The next center was up the road 20 minutes away. Again I said "This is going to be like shooting a bullet, at another bullet, blindfolded whilst riding a horse but I gotta try!" I walk in at 9:45 pm. I ask the girl at the counter "What time do you close?" She says "Thanksgiving" I said "Huh? No, I meant what are your business hours tonight and when do close?" Again she said "Thanksgiving" Ah....."24 hour establishment, got it" I told her my reason for being there and she called the GM on the phone. He said to come back at 10am. She said "If you like drama then this is the place to work". She wasn't very friendly or personable and given what she said I wasn't at all confident that this was the place to go and probably wasn't coming back. I was going to blow off the appointment.

Next morning after waking up in the car at the truck stop I figured I'd go back to the second place first since I had a set time. I don't like blowing people off, I'm too ethical to go back on what I say. Luckily I did because that brings us full circle to the OP and you know the rest.

As far as the asshat, as it turned out it was my saving grace. Had I ended up there, none of what is happening now would be. I wouldn't have found it within myself and dig deep to keep pressing on and keep moving forward despite my failures. I was too determined to not come back to Chicago with my head hanging in shame. Still that asshat.... I wish him the worst of luck and none of his dreams come true. Hopefully karma puts him in his place. When he's out of business which can't be far in his future, I pray he needs two part time jobs to survive as he smugly suggested for me. I wouldn't send my worst enemy to bowl at his establishment.

[mc_runner]

Yeah about that....I was going to post it initially but now that I think about it...maybe not a good idea to do so? Using tact would probably be in my better interest. Besides, you never know who's out there and he may not appreciate it coming up in a google search. LOL If it was purely a bowling match and I wasn't working for him then you bet I'd be like "I WHOOPED PDW!" and NO it wasn't Pete, that was an example! All I'll say is he has been on TV back in the day but he never won on TV. I can PM you the name if you really wanna know though. =)

LOL, no, totally understand your reasons (and agree).

[djp1080]

Congratulations Phoney!!!

[Phonetek]

Congratulations Phoney!!!

Thanks Djp, You know...you never made it to my center since I've worked there. I really wish I had the chance to meet you in person before I left, especially since you are the one who's geographically the closest on here. =( Now I have to find people on here who are in TN who won't come see me ;)

[MajorPhoenix]

I'm genuinely curious about which center in TN is the bad one. I've found quite a few in TN that are god awful, and some that are amazing.



Thanks bud, I appreciate it. =)




Man...(expletive) that dude! He's not worth my time talking about but I will indulge you. Bold face liar and the only way to help him make money on that center is for me to hand him a gallon of gas and a match. Provided anyone would provide insurance on a center that belongs on the show Hoarders. Just walking from Lane #1 to the bathroom you walk through 4 decades of decor and never make it past the 1990's. I've seen video's of kids breaking into abandoned bowling alleys on YouTube that were a vast improvement over that place. No WAY that place is staying around for long. If it did catch fire it would smolder for 6 months with the amount of junk he has in there.

He's got parts for every type of pinsetter that he doesn't own and tools to work on them from Dollar General. No wonder he's the one that fixes them or rather rigs them. There isn't any self respecting mechanic that would take on working on those machines. Besides, he'd probably only offer them minimum wage. I seen one with a notch cut out of the center of a sweep cut with a sawzall and asked him what the notch was for? He said that the sweep kept hitting the headpin knocking it out of the fingers so he cut the notch so it wouldn't do that. I said, "Did you set the timing on the cams, it sounds like it out of sync?" and he said "How do you do that?" Seriously? That's level 1 mechanic stuff probably taught on day one of school.

It took everything I had to bite my tongue and keep things professional. I really shouldn't have because he really needs a wake up call. I didn't go down there to do that though, I'm not the Chef Ramsay of bowling centers. Back by the machines, everything was just creaky and squeaky with nothing but crud and bits of metal, screws, washers and other parts that have broken off surrounding them on the floor. It was disgusting. Mike Rowe would have balked about doing a show there.

Not only did he go back on our agreement that he made with me on the phone. He says because he just found out his wife wants a divorce. "Gee...what a shock" He was still trying to get my ideas that I had on how to bring in business. He only said he could bring me in part time and at less than I make now. He said he'd bring me in if I had another part time job set up. LMAO Yeah sure, I'd bring my family down to make less money, work and work two jobs and offer up my ideas for him to make money. I don't think a fresh smiling face and drink specials are going to help. The only event I'd be able to plan to get the town interested in that place would be to charge people to gather around watching the place get imploded.

I was soooo pissed when I left that place. Not only because of his bait and switch tactic on me. I was mad I took the time off work and lost money to come down, I spent money I didn't have to do it and it was all for nothing at that point. I called my wife and said "What am I supposed to do now since this was an epic fail?" She had no suggestion. I got something to eat, feeling very ashamed, low and on the verge of giving up. I said to myself...."There are two more centers down here I haven't dealt with yet, I have to suck this up and move forward!" It was 7pm now which was a bad time to do this but I had nothing to lose from trying.

The first center was over an hour away on the other side from Spring Hill. I pulled up at 8:30pm thinking "Man this is such a long shot, no way anyone with any juice is there to talk to" Nonetheless, I decided to go in anyway. Ended up talking to the GM's son. Nice people, nice place but another "Fun Center". The son says I'd have to talk to his dad but he knows they need a bar tender and it pays really well, he'd be in tomorrow. Staying over night wasn't in my plans time wise nor financially. I figured, "Well...it's better than nothing so I guess I'm sleeping in the car tonight.

The next center was up the road 20 minutes away. Again I said "This is going to be like shooting a bullet, at another bullet, blindfolded whilst riding a horse but I gotta try!" I walk in at 9:45 pm. I ask the girl at the counter "What time do you close?" She says "Thanksgiving" I said "Huh? No, I meant what are your business hours tonight and when do close?" Again she said "Thanksgiving" Ah....."24 hour establishment, got it" I told her my reason for being there and she called the GM on the phone. He said to come back at 10am. She said "If you like drama then this is the place to work". She wasn't very friendly or personable and given what she said I wasn't at all confident that this was the place to go and probably wasn't coming back. I was going to blow off the appointment.

Next morning after waking up in the car at the truck stop I figured I'd go back to the second place first since I had a set time. I don't like blowing people off, I'm too ethical to go back on what I say. Luckily I did because that brings us full circle to the OP and you know the rest.

As far as the asshat, as it turned out it was my saving grace. Had I ended up there, none of what is happening now would be. I wouldn't have found it within myself and dig deep to keep pressing on and keep moving forward despite my failures. I was too determined to not come back to Chicago with my head hanging in shame. Still that asshat.... I wish him the worst of luck and none of his dreams come true. Hopefully karma puts him in his place. When he's out of business which can't be far in his future, I pray he needs two part time jobs to survive as he smugly suggested for me. I wouldn't send my worst enemy to bowl at his establishment.

[chrono00]

Well hey, if asshat needs a part time job maybe he will apply at your new place and you can get his hopes up then pass for a more qualified applicant lol

[Phonetek]

I'm genuinely curious about which center in TN is the bad one. I've found quite a few in TN that are god awful, and some that are amazing.

Nah, I'm not going to call out with specific names. That's not my style. I found one of the amazing ones which is where I'm going. Out of the ones I seen so far I've the majority have been extremely nice with definite standouts. A couple were rather mediocre and that place was just a hell hole.



Well hey, if asshat needs a part time job maybe he will apply at your new place and you can get his hopes up then pass for a more qualified applicant lol

I firmly believe he will get what's coming to him. Anyone that unprofessional will never get anywhere. I don't need to be a part of it but I wouldn't mind seeing a YouTube of it someday.

[djp1080]

Yes, I understand. I apologize for not getting out that way to see specifically you!
There are probably a higher percentage of really nice people in TN than those who wouldn't come see you in IL.
I'd like to have tried the lanes out there. There are wooden lanes in Aurora, but the Wheaton Bowl closed who had wood and synthetic mixed and they're closed down now.
I just had a bicycle mishap and fell on my knee pretty hard. I've not gotten to the doctor yet to see what's happening. Not much swelling, but it might just be bruised underneath.
May have to see a specialist and get an MRI or something. I'll give it another few days.
Not driving much. Can't get around and not going to bowl for a while. Sad time.
I'd drive out to see you this week as you're leaving soon quickly, but I can't do that very well now. Sorry!
Best of luck though man. Sounds like you've hit it off with the Pro down there and that's really good. I'll join your family in being right there to see you're doin' great. See you on the boards. You'll do great things...

[Phonetek]

Yes, I understand. I apologize for not getting out that way to see specifically you!
There are probably a higher percentage of really nice people in TN than those who wouldn't come see you in IL.
I'd like to have tried the lanes out there. There are wooden lanes in Aurora, but the Wheaton Bowl closed who had wood and synthetic mixed and they're closed down now.
I just had a bicycle mishap and fell on my knee pretty hard. I've not gotten to the doctor yet to see what's happening. Not much swelling, but it might just be bruised underneath.
May have to see a specialist and get an MRI or something. I'll give it another few days.
Not driving much. Can't get around and not going to bowl for a while. Sad time.
I'd drive out to see you this week as you're leaving soon quickly, but I can't do that very well now. Sorry!
Best of luck though man. Sounds like you've hit it off with the Pro down there and that's really good. I'll join your family in being right there to see you're doin' great. See you on the boards. You'll do great things...

It's all good man. I'd rather you be healthy. I've always enjoyed the convo with you on here and I'll continue to do so. It's hard to meet IRL on these things given how scattered we all are. There's only a small group of us regulars too which the numbers alone make it that much more unlikely. If there were hundreds of us then chances would definitely be greater. I've met quite of few people I've met on the internet over the years. I even dated a few before I got married which since I didn't marry them you can imagine how well that worked out. LOL At least you'll always be out here in cyberbowlingspace and I'm more okay with that, than not at all. Get well soon =)

[J Daisy]

This whole story, and the way everything worked out so well for you despite the first appearance, reminds me so much of the words to a poem/song. I hope that it is okay to share it here.

God Moves in a Mysterious Way

by William Cowper

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.

You fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

[got_a_300]

Hey Phonetek I'm located in TN. maybe you'll be close enough when you
get moved down here and setup in your new job that we could get together
and roll a few games. It just depends on how far away you'll be from where
I live on how often and if that could happen but I'd really like to meet you
if possible.

[Phonetek]

You gotta deal. I'll PM you where I'll be. However, if it is of any distance I would hope you have another reason to come besides just meeting me. The center I work at has some good tourneys from what I'm told with some great payouts. I don't know the details just yet, I'll find out more next week when I get there. There are also a few pros that are local. Monacelli, Bob Learn Jr. and Keith Nichols. Those are the ones I know about so far. Don't just make a trip to meet some obnoxious blabbermouth from the internet. LMAO