Just Some Random Thoughts :)

I'm not even sure where to begin!  :)

First of all, I have no clue when I'm going to graduate.  I feel really... overwhelmed right now.  I kind of feel like I'm going nowhere fast on this whole thesis thing.  My proposal is still only marginally approved, and as I type this I continue to sit and stare at a blank screen.  So what do I do?  I'm turning to creative writing this morning to unblock this writer's block. 

Secondly, I have so much awesome coming up in the next few weeks.  I'll be glad to have some busy weekends actually.  The best Valentine's weekend ever will be coming up February 10th and February 12th.  February 10th, I get to see Jeff Mangum in concert.  I'm sure this doesn't mean a whole lot to many of you, but Neutral Milk Hotel was one of those bands.  When I heard In the Aeroplane Over The Sea for the first time, it was like someone opened my eyes.  I remember when Stacey told me they were playing at the Blue Angel wayyyy back in 1996 when I was working at the record store.  I was so excited!  Little did we know that would be the only opportunity we would ever get to see NMH, because not long after Jeff Mangum dropped off the face of the earth, basically.  That is still one of the greatest shows I have ever seen.  The Gerbils, Elf Power, and Neutral Milk Hotel....  They had sound problems at the Blue Angel and I remember one of the songs was sang without any sound equipment at all.  It was nearly a religious experience in that moment.

One of my favorite songs from them:

Then on February 12th, I get to see yet ANOTHER band that has helped make and mold me!  They Might Be Giants!!!!!!  I still cannot believe I have never seen them live!  Yesterday was their 30th Anniversary of being a band! So excited!!!

Anyway.. exciting times ahead!  :)  And now.. more reading for me and then some photography fun this afternoon. I think I'm going to head down to Coolidge Park!

Chase Log for January 22, 2012

When we woke up yesterday morning, it became very obvious that the storms would not initiate in Arkansas, Mississippi or W. Tennessee until after dark.  After a lot of back and forth trying to figure out whether we should take a chance or not, Wes and I decided to make a play on the warm front that was hanging out in South Alabama.

We ended up socked in fog pretty much all day.  So it was a big ole bustaroo!! We made it as far south as Tuscaloosa before we turned around and came back. 

Unfortunately, overnight that area we were in near Birmingham got slammed by a powerful tornado.  I managed to get a radar capture of one of the tornadic supercells that passed just south of the city.

 Another sad severe weather event.  2 people were killed and hundreds were injured.  Personally, I think it's remarkable that only two people were killed considering this tornado rolled through in the middle of the night.  My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected.

Miles traveled: 300
What did I see:  Some sad tornado damage from April 27th, tons of fog

CHASE ON!

So tomorrow will be the first official chase of 2012!!

As you can see from the Day 2 outlook below, there is quite a bit of ground covered in the SLIGHT risk issued by the SPC.

In my opinion, the best spot for isolated supercells is going to be North AL/MS. From what I'm seeing, initiation could start really early, like noon or so.  So we'll have to head out pretty early in the morning to get there!  I'm game!!!

Dewpoints will be in the 60's tomorrow.. IN JANUARY!  This is just insane. 

With all my talk about tomorrow's chase, I almost forgot to mention there is a decent line of storms heading my way right now.  A tornado watch was just issued for our area until 1pm.

Here's a look at what's coming for me!  Not too much excitement at the moment, but I could definitely get some good wind and hail out of this!!

First Chase of 2012??

Okay.. so it wasn't REALLY a chase, per se.  It was more of a giant pile of pooish storms came heading my way.  Regardless.. I had an amazing time!

I started hearing that the severe weather was entering the Nashville metro area about 2:30pm EST.  I started trying to figure out if it was going to make it this far south, but sure enough..The storms were looking healthy, but not severe when I left.  I hung out a few minutes in the weather before deciding to make my trek home.

I TOTALLY forgot I had PYKL3 radar on my phone and suddenly realized I just left a severe warned cell.  But I left the store and saw that the line was heading my way.  I just needed to go a hair north and wait for the show!  Sure enough, I drove north.. pulled into a gas station and saw an amazing wall of black headed my way.  Then it was incredibly rainy and windy.. and my face... looked.. like this.  :D

Anyway.. it was enough to get the blood flowing!!  I love this stuff!!