So i went to Dublin, GA for SkillsUSA Georgia State championships. We were at The Heart of Georgia Technical College (HGTC), they were the hosts this year. It was simple, you picked an event and then you competed for it. Now, I am going to state this part very clearly, because a rant is coming up, but this was supposed to be professional, Like when your going to a business to apply for a job.

so, we went with 6 people. i will list who they are, what event they did, and what place they made.

• Darrell - Extemporaneous Speaking - 2nd place
• Darrell - also ran for state officer - won a spot. all state officers can run for national officer also
• Jason - Residential Wiring - 3rd place
• George - Electronics Applications - 1st place
• Shala - Job Skills A - 1st place
• David - Cosmetology - did not place
• me - Related Technical Math (RTM) - a bag full of nothing

I am sure David doesn't care that he lost. The judge didn't tell him the rules, so he went by the picture they gave him. But David is pretty well known, so he should be just fine. I think he even did Katie Couric, or one of those new anchors. I dunno, I don’t care for the news anyway.

It was funny when Darrell ran for officer, because we had nothing to start with. We went by a nearby, and the town’s only Wal-Mart (it is very small), and got about $15 worth of stuff: candy, science fair poster board, thick paper, and markers. We came back and set up. And Darrell talked a lot and got himself known by people. When it came time for people to make a short speech, Darrell had the most people clapping for him. The people voted and he won a spot. So now I joke around and say, “The path to state officer is worth 15 bucks at Wal-Mart.”

I am mad that people didn’t vote for this one guy, Chris. He had leadership qualities, but he had a speech impediment. And I am pretty sure that people didn’t vote for him because of this, which pissed me off because I think he would have done a good job. People are cruel like that. BUT he got gold in plumbing, so it was like an F U back. I wished him the best of luck at nationals.

Now me, I didn’t place because I just didn’t do a good job. It’s that simple. Here was how it went. I arrived at 8:30 for my math test. Two other guys were there. The test was supposed to run from 8:30 to 10:30, 2 hours. BUT, two people were running late and they held back the start of the testing! And then they still didn’t show up! So they started the test for us, by this time I was very sleepy. The two… stragglers, arrived appox. 15 minutes into the test! And they were able to take it! I mean, what kind of excuse justified comping to a test 45 minutes late! they clothes weren't singed, so their hotel wasn't on fire. there is no excuse short of this. This just defied their rules, and that severely pissed me off.

Now, I’m not ranting because I wanted a guaranteed medal place (I know someone is gonna say it), but I earlier stated that this event was supposed to be professional like a real job application. But I never heard of a job that gave a half hour grace period AND still took in late as h3ll people! I never have heard of this, and I just thought this was complete bullsh1t. And I knew I wasn't gonna get 1st place anyway, I know I didn't do well enough. I just wanted 3rd.

In the end, I think I won out. A girl, Lucille, apparently was very… smitten by me. This surprised even me, because throughout the whole event I was in my own little world. I just kept to myself. And here is a lady who apparently likes me..... a h3ll of a lot. And she is running for state officer, which she also got a place. She does live in Atlanta, Atlanta Tech College, but I haven’t seen the last of her since we are both SkillsUSA members. And I did get her number and email (still surprises me because I have a bad reputation with people) at the urging of nearly everyone else. I am still surprised by it all.

And my friend Darrell and Deon, he was our advisor on the trip, are gonna keep track on me, like a progress report. And Darrell is gonna tell the class tomorrow about her and Deon already told our real SkillsUSA advisor about her (he was out on illness). I know I will catch hell for this.



And thus, another day in the LNT world. When Deon and Shala get their pictures developed, I will post them.