The Blueprint 2

The New Year is here and what better way to start off 2014 than with the much anticipated sequel to The Blueprint. Although The Blueprint was written in a much more favorable time of the football season (a time when the tide was high), I brought the flutes this time. Thus, in the spirit of the New Year, it seems appropriate to look at the year ahead, recount some highlights from the previous year, and throw in a ranking of the Furman elite pets.

2014 is shaping up to be a great year for Furman Elite. With a fall full of base and strength training, the upcoming indoor racing season looks promising. As the group now shifts its focus to more specific track work, fast times are just around the corner. The group is finally back in Greenville and very excited about its newest member, Rob Finnerty (more to come on Rob, he’s been here 3 days). I hope everyone ate their black-eyed peas on the 1^st because I am expecting good things in 2014.

2013, however, had some great memories. Craig touched on a few in his most recent post but I thought I would add a couple to the list.

1. People watching in the Furman dining hall (been at it for years but more fun with Craig, Michael, and Lee)

2. Looking for “hots” at the pool (and now spring is right around the corner).

3. Experiencing the incredible Ohio State marching band with Cory.

4. Eating at Roost for every downtown meal.

5  Getting the full buzz city (Charlotte) experience and seeing Lebron James in person with James and Cory

6. And lastly, learning about tennis (or something) at a New Year’s party.

2013 was a good year.

Alright enough New Year's stuff, lets talk about the Furman Elite pets. Going under the radar until now, Brail (Michael’s dog), Nermi (Nicole’s cat), Trent (Jeff and Heidi’s cat) and Samson (also Jeff and Heidi’s cat) are all an integral part of Furman elite that is often forgotten. In order to best describe the animals, I will rank them based purely on my observations and experiences with the pets. Admittedly, I have not spent much time with them so my personality descriptions may not be entirely accurate. However, first impressions are important. The rankings also have no connection to their owners whatsoever. Here’s the list:

1. Brail: Brail wins by default because he is not a cat. Brail is a black lab (labs are my favorite dog) and will never turn down an opportunity to play. Always there to greet you with a big jump (actually a lot more than one), Brail is pretty well behaved, especially for his young age.

2. Trent: Trent is an adventurous cat, which I can respect. Never satisfied just sitting around, Trent will do anything to stay busy (including hiding in the fridge).

3. Nermi: Nermi is a fat cat. With an indifferent to the world attitude, Nermi does have some redeeming traits but looking good is not one.

4. Samson: Samson finishes last really because he has two major strikes against him that can’t be overcome. First, he looks like a living Swiffer. Secondly, he is scared of everything. With big eyes and timid movements, Samson (whose name implies strength) is a real pussycat.

Now that you know the entire Furman Elite squad, we can really start the New Year!

What more can I say?

Wilkerson