The Maniversary: Duck Beach 2009

(This is about the only way we let a girl get in between us)

This post is long overdue, but don't fear My Chemical Bromance is now cooking up some steamy goodness! Not that there hasn't been any content to post, in fact, just the opposite! Our HLPness just keeps growing and growing so fast it becomes so hard to keep track of it all!

Indeed, X10 and I first met as we left for the 6 hour trip to Duck beach in May of 2007. We always look forward to our Manniversary as we celebrate another year together with gifts and good times. There is beaches, babes and so many opportunities to relax and have fun. It was there that our Relationship (yes capital 'R'!) began and solidified into a rock hard foundation. Perhaps in another blog post I will relate to you the story of when in a moment of crisis, we actualized our destiny. For now, I'm excited to present to you the hot ball slapping action on the sun kissed beaches of the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Basically anytime X10 and I play sand volleyball, we domiN8. Our unparalleled athleticism, sculpted bodies and camaraderie often bring to mind the classic mantage from the Hollywood blockbuster, TOP GUN, featuring the Kenny Loggins hit 'Playing with the Boys'

In case you didn't catch the lyrics:

"I'd say it was the right time
To walk away
When dreaming takes you nowhere
It's time to play
Bodies working overtime
Your money don't matter
The clock keeps ticking
When someone's on your mind

I'm moving in slow motion
Feels so good
It's a strange anticipation
Knock, knock, knocking on wood
Bodies working overtime
Man against man
And all that ever matters
Is baby who's ahead in the game
Funny but it's always the same

Playing, playing with the boys
Playing, playing with the boys
After chasing sunsets
One of life's simple joys
Is playing with the boys

Said it was the wrong thing
For me to do
I said it's just a boys' game
Girls play too
My heart is working overtime
In this kind of game
Someone gets hurt
I'm afraid that someone is me
If you want to find me, I'll be
Playing with the boys

I don't want to be the moth around your fire
I don't want to be obsessed by your desire
I'm ready, I'm leaving
I've seen enough
I've got to go
You play too rough"

"Bodies working overtime, man against man"

Goose and Maverick are probably tied with Harry and Lloyd as our favorite HLP movie characters. I've created a poll to for you to determine who is Goose and Maverick respectively. Please vote!

So... Goose or Maverick?

"Double bogey! 6 o'clock!!"

"This is what I call a target rich environment"

"Too close for missles! I'm switching to guns"

"I'll be your wingman anytime"

Our official team name was "The Safe Setters". We chose this because of how important it is to always practice safe sets. You don't want balls to go out of bounds, or to the other team! The key to good sets is communication, practice, and having a solid connection with your partner so that you can anticipate his next move.

As you can see from the photo, X10 likes having sets hit from behind so he can really slam it!

"Gooooooooose!"

Unfortunately, X10 and I didn't practice safe sets often before Duck beach, so when it was time to perform, we tried to have as much sets between each other as possible.

Sometimes you gotta go to your knees

We advanced to the semi-finals and went hard after a lot of balls that day. In the end came up empty handed. Although disappointed, we had fun and looked good while doing it. Overall our Manniversary was excellent. Next year we will compete again, and hopefully end up on top!