Noli's Maryland Terrapins Blog: January 2007

I had ACL reconstructive surgery and some meniscus repair done to my right knee on January 10. I completely tore my ACL in August of 2005 and finally went under the knife last week. I removed my knee brace two days after surgery and have not worn it since. For the most part, the pain has been minimal with the first night after the surgery being the worst - so it looks like I was in pretty good hands at Shady Grove Orthopedics.

Here are some pictures that my sister's kindergarten class drew for me. Before I was wheeled into surgery, I was able to check them out and get a good laugh!

Here I am outside on a sunny day wearing a baseball cap - with Jackie and Testudo. Jackie is giving me flowers but I'm not quite sure what those brown things are flying in the air. Thank you Isabella!!!

In this rendering, Nathanial has me hanging out outside with Jackie and Testudo on another sunny day. Please note my bloody knee and bald head. Thanks Nathanial!!!

Here I am with my bloody knee and a Maryland shirt - once again on a beautiful day with Jackie and Testudo. Thanks Victoria!!!

In this picture, Kelly captures a beautiful scene. Jackie and I are expressing our love for one another - hence the hearts above our heads - on a partly cloudy day. We also see Testudo, an oak tree, and a sunflower. Thanks Kelly!!!

Click here for more... 2006 Champs Sports Bowl Pics

The Maryland Terrapins football team played the Purdue Boilermakers in the Champs Sports Bowl on Dec 29, 2006. Our beloved Terps came away with a very impressive 24-7 victory over the squad from the Big 10.

December 28, 2006
Carlos, Jackie, and I arrived at BWI Airport about 2 hours prior to our flight. I had a flask of Glenlivet ready for our pre-flight festivities. Unfortunately, the rest of the group had already arrived and were starting Happy Hour on the other side of security. Needless to say, I had to “drink up” - thanks to the damn terrorists. When I reached security, one of the workers forced us to sing the entire Maryland Victory Song prior to passing through the metal detector. For those who do not know me very well, I’m not very shy when it comes to public singing. At the airport bar, we met up with Richard, Deb, Paul, Doug, Mike (little did he know…), Ernie, and a few other Terp fans. At the gate, we met up with even more Terp fans – including the Gaither family. The flight was smooth and we when we landed in Orlando – many of us yelled, “TOUCHDOWN” and then started singing the Maryland Victory Song (again).

After checking in at the team hotel (Orlando World Center), we made our way to the hotel's sports bar for a night of drinking (imagine that) and mingling with other fans wearing red. Unfortunately, Jackie wasn't feeling too hot once we hit the bar and had to retire to the room a little early. We found out later that she wasn't the only Terp fan who got sick that evening. After tucking Jackie into bed, I went back down to the bar to find one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen in my life – a beer tower on our table! The rest of the evening was spent either in the bar or inside the men’s bathroom - thanks to an amazing photo op.

Paul giving the thumbs up after hanging the MD state flag from our hotel balcony

Our hotel room's closet was looking good

Paul hugging his new love - the beer tower

This is what happens when you get food poisoning at The Champs Sports Bowl (zoom in at your own risk)

December 29, 2006
It’s game day and Jackie is feeling much better. We wake up to a beautiful blue sky outside of our hotel room. After showering, we go downstairs for a little breakfast with Rich. Stonewall later joins us for a cup of coffee and some good pre-game football talk.

Around 1:00, we all set sail for Parking Lot B for some tailgating – with Jimmy and Boozie bumming a ride in our sweet rental. Pictures speak louder than words…