Another school year underway

We've been in school a few weeks now. I will say it was quite the start. New principal, new grading program, new curriculum, and of course new students. Now that the dust has settled I'm settling in. Earlier this week I had the Marine Recruiter come and work out with one of my classes. It was AWESOME. He did what's called the Fitness Challenge. And yes I also did it with the students. This class meets first thing in the morning, so it was a nice way to start the day

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I forgot that later that day I also had a workout with my trainer. It's been two days and I am just getting over my soreness. In two days I am doing the Warrior Dash. I looked at the course this morning. I'm pretty nervous. I know I can do all the obsticles; what I'm most worried about is getting muddy - YUCK.

A mixed bag

I wonder how many people have given up on this site? I haven't forgotten; I've just been.... (fill in with a word of your choosing). Summer is almost over and I'm sitting on the front porch reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the upcoming school year. Here's how things have changed over the last 12 months Last summer I was a middle school teacher. This year I'm a high school teacher. Last summer Matt was still living at home. Since then he has lived in Rhode island, San Diego, and now Bahrain. Last summer Nate was starting his last year at Hillsdale College. This year Nate is a punching the clock at Consumer Energy. Last summer Dan was taking care of me after my surgery. This summer Dan is trying to mend a bad back. Last summer I was lucky to walk a mile on the treadmill. This summer I am working out with a trainer - getting in the best shape of my life. In addition I: Had my 30th class reunion. Went to Toronto for our 26th wedding anniversary. Watched Nate be an all American (twice). Went to Marine Boot Camp in San Diego. So as you can see I've been busy. My hope is that now that I have an iPad I won't be so delinquent between posts. (Sorry about the loonnng paragraph. One of the downsides in using my iPad)

A little about Nate

Ok, ok - I know it's been a while since I last posted. It's been so long, in fact, Nate is developing a complex. Here's why:

In late February Nate competed nationally - in Mankato MN, in the shot put. He ended up placing 8th (out of all division II competitors) This place was good enough to earn him the title All-American. Holy cow - my son is an All America. He has been working towards this for some time now. He didn't throw as well as he would have liked, but 8th is better than 9th.

During his training he has also been (still) working at Consumer Energy. He had two interviews. I am happy to say that he has been hired!!! The job he got is the one he wanted. The downside is, this is a contract position. The upside is, this is a real job. He starts working in his new position on April 17th. They're nice enough to bring him in part time until he is done with track, then he will start full time.

(I took all the track meet pictures with my other camera. The other pic is from the Lego store; that is a wall of Lego pieces. Every color under the sun. We both wondered how you get pieces from the top row. Dan and I had some time to kill, so we walked around the Mall of America before the meet.)

All the bags are packed....

Well today was the day - the day the movers came. The car is en route to San Diego and now so are all Matt's belongings. While his stuff only took up a little bit of the basement; I know how long he's been waiting for this day. Hopefully he and his belongings will be reunited before the end of the month.


Couch
Table
Chairs
Bed
Plates
Coffee Maker
Towels
Clothes
Books
Work-out equipment
Guitars

Not very much to move - this time around.

I need to also add that the next time I move I'm hiring movers - they did a way better job that I could ever do boxing everything up.

Ensign English

What a proud weekend. The video is of Matt getting his first salute from his Drill Instructors. It is tradition that after the official ceremony the DI's salute the newly commissioned Ensigns. You can see that the DI has just the slightest bit of a smile on his face.

You may be wondering what they are doing with their other hands. Another tradition is that the new officers give a coin to the DI - the coin tells him what kind of job he did. Silver means great job - any other metal means terrible job. Matt gave silver.

Maybe it will work again

I have been looking at old blog postings, and today I came across a posting from three years ago where I was reflecting on how much I loved tulips. Miraculously a beautiful bouquet ended up on my table shortly after the posting. Maybe the flower fairy is looking out for me and within the next day or two a beautiful bouquet of flowers will appear.

It's Wabbit Season

We have been battling with a skunk for the last 6 months. You would think that with the calendar saying winter we wouldn't be bothered by the black and white beast. Well when the temperature says spring what's a furry little creature to do but stalk my dogs.


Christmas night Butch got sprayed for the 4th time this year. Dan and the neighbor are determined to catch and destroy the little varmint that is calling our high grass home. Elmer Fudd would be proud.