Busy Busy

I have started a new morning routine so it has been a bit hard to get my blog posted. I got a new membership to a health club so I have been going every morning before work. By the time I get back it is time to get ready and head to work.

After thinking of what the solution would be, I decided to post once a week and do it on Sunday night. This way I can post more content and not have to think of things to write each day. So here we go.

Like I said, I have joined a fitness club. I workout on the treadmill in the mornings and then strech after. It has been a good thing so far so I really hope to keep with it, lose some weight and feel healthier.

Drew finished with Cross Country. He has improved greatly this year and has really thinned down. He has also smoothed out his running motiong quite a bit. His coach told him that if he stays out, he could be pretty good.

Jess has been loving life at Iowa State. She has been really working hard in track practice and has learned that practice at the college level is a lot different than that at the high school level.

She has to take an Ice Bath every day. How sucky does that sound? Anyway, she is getting used to it but says it still kind of sucks but it does help her legs and back recover.

We also learned that Exedrine Migraine is on the banned substance list so they gave her a prescription that should help her.

Dawn has been traveling to Tennessee so it has been just me and Drew in the house for a couple of weeks. Friday, I took Drew to Ames and we had dinner with Jess for my birthday. We ate at Carlos O'Kelly's and the food was really good. It was nice to have dinner with them. I need to do it more often.

Drew had his first date a few weeks ago. He took a date to the homecoming dance. Jess came back and drove them. I think he had a good time.

Jess has two track meets in Lincoln this year. Both are in February, I think they are in the Devaney Sports Complex. The first is the Feb 4th and 5th (The Husker Invite) the second is Feb 25th and 26th (Big 12 Indoor Championship).

I will see if we get free tickets.

I guess we will see what the week ahead brings.

Could I be GLAD it's Monday?

The weekend was wet and miserable. It is going to be better today so even though it is Monday, I am glad to have good weather back. Wet, rainy, cloudy weather is great for a nap but not much else.

Jess was back this weekend. She came home Friday and went back yesterday. It was good to see her.

Drew has date for Homecoming so he went to Des Moines Saturday and got dress pants and shoes. He had that stuff before but he is growing so fast, nothing fits. He wears a size 13 shoe.

I was pretty lazy this weekend. I washed my bedding and made meals and that was about it. I had a bad headache yesterday morning so I took a nap to try to get rid of it. The nap helped but the headache kind of hung around all day. It is better today. I appreciate being pain free.

I haven't checked my calender for this week so I am not sure what is ahead this week. I guess I will get ready to start.

Whew

The weather is more fall like than ever. It is breezy, cool and damp.

Class went well last night but it was a really, really long day. I am glad it is over.

Drew went on a school sponsored college visit to UNI Tuesday. He had a good time and thinks he might want to go there. We have a couple years before we have to worry about it though.

Jess has been fighting a bad cold for the last week but seems to be doing fine. She said she took her first Ice bath for track yesterday. She texted me about it so I will have to ask her how it was.

Work. Is busy as ever and I don't see it slowing down any time soon.

Off to start.

The weather in the fall may be my favorite

Weather has been good and work has been hectic.

Drew has had three cross country meets this year and has knocked two minutes off his time. Last night the meet got rained out.

Jess is enjoying college and had her first big track practice yesterday. I haven't had a chance to talk to her to see how it went. I will talk to her later today.

My classes are going well. I have two classes of ten. It is nice to have small class sizes.

Not much else really going on. It seems that I work, come home and grade papers or do more work from home the off to bed. I really enjoy the weekends now that football is in full swing.

I have been getting a taste for Scotch. I might buy my third bottle soon.

Ok..off to start.

Football season is gere

Finally Friday!

Jess attended her first ISU football game last night as a student. I texted her during the game and she said she was having a blast. It probably helped that they won. She is definitely loving college life.

I am very happy college football season is here. It is cool outside and air smells like a fall day.

Three day weekend but Nancy and I are remodeling our office on Sunday and Monday. Other than that, I really don't have any plans. Maybe I will go get my hair cut.

Ok off to start.

Over the hump

It has been rainy here lately but we didn't get a whole lot in Perry. Ames got 4 inches on Tuesday night and they were supposed to get more last night. I hope Jess remembers to keep her umbrella with her.

Class went well last night. I really think it is going to be a good group. I have one student that is really bad on the computer and I don't think he really cares so at first impression, I think he will probably drop or do poorly but we will see.

I have really made an effort to be organized this semester with my classes and so far it is paying off. If I can keep it up, this semester should be much easier for me.

Work has been hectic this week but I hope that trend ends today. Wishful thinking I am sure but I have a good feeling.

A three day weekend coming up. Jess isn't coming home. She is going to see her boyfriend. What the hell! Anyway, it will be good to have a three day weekend and a short week next week.

The big ten released the divisional split and the schedules for the next two year. It looks like Nebraska has a tough schedule as they are in the same division as Iowa, Michigan and Michigan State but still play Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconis every year as well. The final game of the season is against Iowa so I imagine that will be the big rivaly game each year.

I think there is something wrong with my car. I am not sure what but there is something. I will keep you posted.

Off to start.

Day two

My first night of class went pretty well. I had nine students show up and eight of them are girls. It is the first gender slanted class I have had so we will see how the dynamic is as we go through the term.

It has been really hot lately. Hot and humid weather sucks! I am looking forward to fall.

Iowa State has their first football game Thursday night and Jess is excited to go. She is going with a girl friend th at lives on her same floor in he dorm. I think her name is Carson.

After I got home from class last night, Drew and I watch The Real Hiusewives Of New Jersey, the reunion show. It was fun because of all the fighting. Drew could only take about twenty minutes of it and went to bed.

So, I have started drinking Scotch. So far i have tried Chevas Regal and now am drinking Jonny Walker Red. I have gotten a taste for it and have read a little about it online. The weird thing about the Jonny Walker is that it has a much much stronger taste if you add a little
Water to it. It is really mild straight but if you add a splash of water the smokey flavor really comes out.

We are supposed to get storms tonight. I hope they aren't bad.

Off to start.

I think it is time

I have had a long break since my last post. I suppose I would tell anyone that reads and has followed the blog that there are things in life that come along that make you want to keep everything to yourself and shut everyone out. I believe it happens to everyone and there comes a time that you must make the choice-- stay locked up or move forward. It is time for me to move forward.

A bit of catching up as a lot has happened in the last few months.

Jess has gone off to college. She is loving it at ISU. She has a good roomate and has found a new girl friend that she really thinks can be a lifelong friend. All summer she worked hard on her ISU track workout and has been very dilligent with her committement to get better.

Drew worked out a little this summer and has been working hard at cross country. He has put in a ton of miles and is getting to be a much smoother runner. I think cross country has been good for him.

I went to California for training this year and it was a really good trip. The training was really good. Nancy, Joyce and I went to Universal Studios and it was a blast.

The trip wasn't without its issues. I get to the airport on the way out and they tell me my drivers license was expired. Yes. It was July and my license has expired in October. They let me fly but the rental car in California was in my name and so was the insurance. Long story short, Nancy drove in LA for about 6 blocks and I made it through the whole trip without getting pulled over and arrested.

School has started and so far thing are going pretty well. We ordered over 200 laptops this summer and it was quite a project. There really is too much to tell so I think we will just move on from here.

I start teaching again for DMACC and my first class for the fall semester is tomorrow. I am kind of looking forward to it. I also teach on Wednesday nights. The classes are smaller than last semester so that is good.

The drum beat starts again.

Hot, Humid, and no AC....UGH!

Weather is hot and humid.

Drew was a bit grouchy last night. He went to the river with his friends but had to walk all the way home and it was hot in the house so he was a bit on edge. I bought Subway for dinner and that perked him up a bit.

He is looking forward to the end of the school year. It is going to be a battle with him this summer. He is going to have big plans every day and I am going to have to temper those plans from time to time so it will be a battle.

We had the track awards ceremony last night. Jess got MVP, most points scored in a season, academic all-conference awards. She also got her State medals and her State Championship plaques.

We got new carpet put in the house yesterday. It was good to have done and it looks really nice. The AC in the house is not working right. The repair guy came out yesterday and thought he fixed it but it still is hot. He will have to come back today.

Two big events left this school year. Friday we have the senior awards ceremony and Sunday is graduation and our graduation brunch.

Off to start.

3 Golds and a bronze

It was a good weekend. Jess won three gold medalsvat the state track meet. She won the 200, 400, 800. She was the first girl in state history to win all three events in the same meet. She also won third in the long jump. I think she could have won but she kept scratching.

It was great to see Angie, Jenny and their families. Jess was so excited that they were there. Everyone had a good time.

Drew spent the day yesterday, down at the river. He loves it there.

Track awards ceremony tonight. Wednesday is Jess' last day of school. Friday night is Senior awards and Sunday is graduation.

Time is moving very fast right now.

Off to start.

Gold is still wonderful even in the rain

The weather was kind of crappy yesterday but the track meet went well.

Jess won the 400 for her first gold medal of the meet. She also qualified for the finals in the 200. It was chilly, cloudy and wet but she did good.

Today she has the long jump. Jenny and Matt were there and she was thrilled to have them there.

Angie and Dale are coming today so I think we will all go out to eat after she jumps today. It is great to have everyone coming. Jess is on cloud nine.

Drew went to the meet with some friends and had a good time as well.

More tomorrow.

Yikes

It is a big day today. The 400 and 200 prelims.

The weather is going to be iffy today. Maybe some rain.

We had team unity at ourbhouse last night. We had 10 people over. It went well. I hope everyone runs well today. Jess is really excited.

I have a meeting this morning and this afternoon Nancy and I are off to the meet. Jenny will be there today and I am excited to see her.

I can already feel my nerves building up so it I'll be one of those days. Nervous anticipation.

Three days left of Jess' high school sports career.

Off to start.

Sad Ending..Looking ahead

The weather is a bit rainy right now but I think it is going to be really nice the rest of the week.

On Friday, Jess qualified for the 4 events she was expected to qualify for state in. She won all for events at districts. Long Jump, 200, 400, 800. She set facility records in the 400 and the 800 and just missed the facility record in the 200 by 3 hundredth of a second.

Saturday was a very sad but amazing day. Lance Corporal Josh Davis of Perry was killed in Afghanistan a week ago and his funeral was held in the high school gym. The Marine Corps was very impressive with the unit in full dress blues and attending to the casket.

A couple hundred freedom riders came in on motorcycles and were in attendance and to take care of any crazy demonstrators. American flags were everywhere. The service was very sad. Military services are always hard. Josh graduated early last year because he wanted to join the Marine Corps. He was killed by a sniper as his squad was searching for an IED. He has a sister in 9th grade and a brother in 11th grade. Everyone in the school knows the kids of the family so it was a difficult day.

It is also very hard for kids at school who have a family member in Iraq or Afghanistan. It really brought home the fact of the danger and risk they face. There were a lot of kids in the counselors office last week.

Jess had a track practice yesterday. She worked on long jump and went for a run. Two more hard practices for the season.

She runs the 400 final and the 200 preliminary on Thursday. She will long jump on Friday and will run the 800 final and the 200 final on Saturday. It should be an exciting week. I already feel a little nervous.

Ok, off to start.

Enough with the rain already

Monday was a very rainy and windy day. Yesterday was cloudy cold but dry. Today we are back to rain, windy and cold.

Jess was supposed to have the conference track meet on Monday but the weather was bad so they moved it to last night. She won 4 golds which gives her 16 conference gold medals for her career. She has never lost a conference event in four years.

Last night she won the long jump with a jump of 16'9. Not her best but she still won by over a foot and a half. She won the 100 meter dash with a time of 12:44. She won the 400 with a time of 57.4 and the 200 in a time of 25.89. I really think she was on pace to get a 55 in the 400 but she really tightened up the last 60 meters. I think the cold was a factor.

Drew had his last golf meet last night. He shot a 61 and was disappointed but we all have ups and downs in golf. I will golf with him this summer so he can practice.

I declined the job in Urbandale yesterday. It just wasn't a good fit and the timing it bad. I am glad that is behind me.

I meet with the teachers at the elementary today to talk about new technology purchases and next year. It should be fun.

It has been pretty busy in the office lately but that has been kind of good. Nothing too hectic but busy.

Nancy is taking Thursday and Friday off to stay home with the new grand-baby. She is way excited.

District track meet is Friday and state is next week so things are winding down. If all goes well, Jess should be going to state in 4 events.

Ok, off to start.

Rainy days and Mondays

It is going to be windy and rainy today. We are supposed to have the conference track meet today but I hope they postpone it. It would really to be out in this let alone run in it.

I have been working on the yard to get it ready for graduation. Nancy has been the foreman in the project. It looks much better but we still have a bunch of work left to do.

Saturday morning I was sitting in the living room have a little coffee and watching TV when the doorbell rings. The roofer said the shingles cam in and they wanted to do the roof. It was cool with me so they started at 8:00 am.

The pulled all the shingles off the roof, put down new paper or whatever that stuff is, and shingled the whole roof and my shed by 6 pm. I think it turned out great.

Today the guy who does the gutters is supposed to be here to replace that.

Drew has been golfing pretty well. He shot 59 in the last two meets and was the best on the Perry team. I want to go out and golf with him sometime.

I gave Jess' old car to one of my DMACC students. Her family struggles and only had one car. She always made it to class but had to wait until 10:30 for a ride home. She was going to drop out because she said the classes were hard and it was just a hassle.

I told her she could have the car if she stayed in school. She is a bright kid that has had a rough life. Her mom and her wife came up with her Saturday and picked up the car. They were very appreciative and told me they would keep her in school.

Urbandale school district would like me to come and work for them as a data manager. It really isn't a position I am interested in but the business manager their is a friend so I am going there today to talk about it.

It looks like it is going to be a cold and wet week. Ugh!

Off to start the adventure.

At least my headache went away

It was a productive weekend. The weather was good so Nancy came over and helped me clean up the yard. It was a lot of work and we still have a lot too do but we got the front yard in pretty good shape.

I wouldn't have got nearly as much done without Nancy. She slave drove me but the yard looks great. Thanks Nance.

Drew went on a little camping trip with his friends. They went to the river and camped on Saturday night. I made him text me throughout the night so I knew he was ok. He did fine. I think they had fun and most importantly, they were safe. One of his friends is an Eagle Scout so that was a bit reassuring.

Prom was Saturday. Jess and her group of friends had a great time. They looked really nice. I will get some pictures posted of the camping trip and Prom this week.

My last Monday night class tonight. It will be great to be done. I anticipate it only taking an hour or so and then I am making dinner when I get home. Jess wants Manicotti so that is the plan.

Not much on the agenda for the week. Jess has a track meet Tuesday in Nevada but that is it for the week. I think Nancy and I are going to do some more work on the yard on Wednesday. Graduation is coming up rather quickly so I need to get the yard in good shape.

It is amazing that Jess will be graduated in less than a month. I really hate to think about it but whether I want it to happen or not, time will keep marching on.

Off to start.

Spray on tans....so many questions

The weather has been pretty good this week. Sunny and at time breezy but overall pretty nice.

My last class of the semester went well Wednesday night. They took the final and I was home between 8:30 and 9:00. Monday will be the last class for the term.

Drew mowed the lawn for me Wednesday night. With track meets and teaching, it was impossible for me to get it done so he took care of it. He did a good job.

It seems like I have barely seen him this week. He doesn't go to the track meets because he has golf practice and has been in bed before I get home. Maybe I will take him out to dinner Saturday.

Saturday is Prom and Jess is pretty excited. The weather should be good so that helps.

We had a track meet last night. Jess won the long jump with a jump of 17 feet 1 inch. Her third attempt she scratched by just the tip of her shoe and the coach marked it and had them measure it. It would have been 17 feet 7 inches.

She won the 400 and set a new meet record with a time of 57.6 seconds. She won the 800 with a new school record and a new meet record with a time of 2:21. She told me after the 800 that she can run it faster.

We are supposed to have a track meet tonight at Ballard but it is supposed to rain and maybe some thunder so it is up in the air at this point.

I hope to get the yard cleaned up a bit this weekend and the weather seems to be in my favor. I guess we will see.

Ok, off to start.

OH MY!

The weather was really nice yesterday and I think it will be good again today but more wind.

It was a very good night at the track meet. Jess jumped her personal best, a new meet record and a new school record 17 feet 3 inches in the long jump. She also ran 25.8 seconds in the 200, a new meet record and 57.6 seconds in the 400 also a meet record. She also anchored the Sprint Med relay for 1st place finish and they were 1 second off the meet record. 4 golds and a very good performance.

I spend the day in meetings so it was nice to be outside last night. Today I have one meeting in the late afternoon and then I teach my last Wednesday night class. It will be an easy night, I am just giving the final. It will be a short night and it will be great do finish up the term.

It is kind of weird teaching because I really like most of the people in the classes I teach and every term it is the last time I will see them. It is just the way of it but with each class, I feel a little sadness when it is over. Each class has its own personality, dynamic and characters. They are kind of like snowflakes, where no two are the same. It is very true for classes, they are all unique in their own way.

Oh! After Jess ran the 400 last night she puked and puked and puked. It took her about 20 minutes to feel better, just in time to run the 200.

We have track meets on Thursday and Friday. My grass needs to be cut and I won't get to it until the weekend. Ugh!

Ok, off to start.

up at 3:30 am....what the heck is going on?

I think the weather is supposed to be OK but I am not sure. The last four days have been cold and rainy.

Class went well last night. The semester is winding down. I give a final on Wednesday and then the final on Monday and I am done for the term.

It is kind of weird that when I teach, I don't see the kids. I wake them up in the morning and then when I get home, Drew is in bed and Jess was out. By the time she got home, I was in bed. Just one of those things.

I got up at 3:30 this morning and was wide awake. I hate it when that happens. I have to say, the television at that time of day is a bit odd.

I have to spend most of my day in meetings today. We have money from Microsoft and the curriculum director and I are meeting with each building principal to talk about what core curriculum area to focus on. There is much more to it but I am getting bored just thinking about trying to explain it so I will just leave it at that.

Jess has a track meet in Adel tonight.

Ok, off to start.

What is this? A Sunday night post?

It was a rainy weekend but the week ahead is supposed to be better.

Jess ran at Drake on Saturday. She jumped 17 feet 2 inches in the long jump and that got her 3rd place. That is pretty good because it was all classes so only two girls in the entire state jumped longer than she did.

The weather was terrible that day. It was raining really hard an cold so for her to have that good of a jump in that weather was a good outing for her.

Dawn and her mom painted the front living room for me. I picked a darkish blue color and it looks nice painted. We are getting new carpet and putting a deck on the back. Dave and Nancy are helping with that and he sent the drawings and it looks great.

We haven't heard about the roof yet but I am hoping that can get replaced. I complain a lot about insurance but when it pays, it sure is nice.

This week will be busy. I teach Monday night. Jess has a track meet Tuesday and the Iowa State coach is coming to watch that one. I teach my last Wednesday class and then Jess has track meets Thursday and Friday. Saturday we are going to start the deck.

Drew had his first golf meet canceled because of the rain. He is getting so tall. He is noticeably taller than me now and he just keeps growing.

I am having a heck of a time finding a place that will work on his scooter. The damn thing stalls all the time and I need to get it fixed. The place I bought it at is over 30 miles away and I have no way of getting it there.

Jess is going to lifeguard this summer and I found a certification class for her to take. It isn't until June 23rd but at least she can work July and some of August. The certification is good for three years so she can work next summer as well.

It seems like there is a bunch of things to do before graduation so the weekends are going to be busy for awhile.

Off to start.

Not a big fan of the rain

Weather is terrible today and through the weekend. Rain, rain, rain....blah!!

Jess had a light night at the track meet last night. She ran two relays, the 4x800, they won. She ran a 2:17 split and looked really strong. The school record in the open 800 is 2:22 so they are going to have her run the open 800 next week so she can break that record.

She also ran the 4th leg of the 4x100. The won that as well and she had a very good split. 12:12. That is better than the school record as well so hopefully she can break that next week too. This would give her the long jump, 100, 200, 400, 800 and Sprint Medley school records.

So last night after the track meet, I called Drew to see how his day went and to let him know I was on the way home and he asked why I was calling. He seemed annoyed. I was trying to call him and chat him up and I think he was playing PlayStation and I was bothering him. He had no interest in talking on the phone....lol.

He has a golf match today but I am not sure if it will happen with the rain in the forecast.

Jess long jumps at Drake today around 9. It is supposed to rain but if it holds out, she should jump well over 17 feet.

Ok, off to start.

Not much

The weather is ok but it looks like we will have rain tonight and tomorrow.

Class went well last night. It is almost the end of the semester so that is good. Summer is almost here.

Not much going on. Jess has a track meet tonight and she long jumps at the Drake Relays tomorrow morning.

I am hoping the weather is nice on Saturday or Sunday because I have a bunch of yard work to do. I guess we will see what the weekend brings.

Off to start.

Reporting from the sideline

The weather has been awesome. I think it will continue through today and maybe through Thursday but rain is in the forecast for Friday.

Class was a bust last night. I covered PowerPoint and was going to go into Access but it wasn't installed on the computers. We were stuck so we ended early. There are only two more classes left so it looks like next week will be a long night.

Jess had a track meet last night and won the long jump with a distance of 16.7 feet. She won the 100, the 200 an the 400. The 400 time was a meet and a facility record. Which means it was the fastest time ever run on that track for a girl.

She is having trouble with her thigh. I am not sure if she strained a muscle or what but she is having a bit of pain and it is really tight and sore. It has been hurting for a little over a week and is getting a little worse. I had her ice it and she put icy hot on it when she went to bed. We need it to get better.

Drew is really liking golf. He had his first birdie the other day so that was good. As a Freshman they don't have many meets. I think 4 but he is practicing like crazy. I think that kid grows every day. He is now taller than me.

We got the information back from the insurance company on the hail damage on our cars. We are getting a little over $5,000 for all three cars. The hail totaled out two of them.

I think we are going to replace the carpet in the house. The adjuster came and looked at the roof yesterday so we should find out about that today or tomorrow.

Graduation is coming up in May and I have a bunch of work to do on the yard.

OK, off to start.

I can't think of a good title

Weather is good today.

Class went well last night. It was a very busy class and we covered a bunch of material. Only two classes left. Next week we do test prep and the following week, they take the final.

Track meet tonight. It is senior night. I hope the weather is good and we don't have wind. I think I am scheduled to be a timer.

I think the school hired a new business manager last night. I haven't heard who it was but I am sure it will be announced on the radio or I will hear it at school today. My neighbor was in the running. I am not sure how I feel about that.

I have a a meeting with a Microsoft rep and a admin team meeting today. Once those are done, my calendar is open for the rest of the week.

Trash day so the ladies will be out in their sun dresses. I wonder if they wear flip-flops or sandals.

Ok, off to start.

Just another day in the life of Rich Nichols

It is going to be rainy today but it is supposed to be done by tomorrow morning.

Drew got back from his TSA competition and he said he had a good time. One of his roomates was hyper all night so he didn't get much sleep and he was really tired last night. He had a bunch of homework to do so he took nap and got right to it.

I am proud of him for doing that. It is hard to do homework when you are dead tired but he did the right thing.

Jess came home last night in a bit of an uproar. Her practice was kind of bad and she found out that Micky can't come to the state track meet because he will have baseball practice. The coach is an ass and he can't skip.

She also had kind of a long day at school so she was at the end of her rope. We ordered pizza and talked it out and she was better.

I took the dogs for a little walk last night, ordered pizza from Caseys and watched a little tv. I had a glass of wine and then went to bed.

I did have a migraine yesterday afternoon but I came hope and took a little nap, took some meds and it got better. I hate headaches.

I teach class tonight. Only three more Wednesdays left.

It is senior night for the track team on Thursday. The last one of Jess' high school career. I don't think I will be too sad. I really don't think her being a senior and not being around has hit me. I am not sure when it will hit me but when it does.....lookout! Maybe when I drop her off at college, maybe graduation, I am not sure.

Ok off to start.

Balding but in need of a hair cut

Weather is pretty nice. Windy but ok.

Saturday we went to Cedar Rapids and watched Jess play in the IGCA All-Star Classic basketball game. They (The 3A elite team) played the 4A elite team) The score was 50-50 at half, not much defense. The 4A team ended up winning with a score of 98-96. Jess scored 4 points but really had a pretty good game.

I was just glad we came away from the weekend injury free.

Yesterday, Drew left for the TSA state competition. They will be back today around 3. He was really looking forward to going.

Jess had a track meet last night. She won 4 golds and ran well. She won the long jump, the 100, 400 and the Sprint Med.

I think she qualified for Drake in the long jump and the 100. They don't have a 200 or 400 at the Drake relays so she qualified in what she could.

Senior night is Thursday so it will be the last time Jess wears the Blue as an athelete in Perry.

Ok, off to start.

Track, Basketball, TSA....Oh My!

Weather seems to be looking up. Upper 60's today with a light breeze and 70's this weekend.

Jess has a track meet tonight and then we are headed to Cedar Rapids. She plays in an All-Star basketball game tomorrow. They will practice at 9 and then they play the 4A All-Stars at 2:30.

The track meet is at Ballard so we are just heading out after the meet to go to Cedar Rapids. I got hotel rooms for tonight.

Drew is going to stay home and hang out at Nancy's house. He goes to state TSA on Monday and is there Monday and Tuesday so it will be an overnight trip for him. He is pretty excited about it.

I have yet to pack a bag for tonight; I tend to procrastinate.

Ok, off to start.

I need to keep a change of clothes and a hard hat in my car

I think mother nature may be done throwing her tantrum and we can get back to some decent weather for awhile.

We have had an interesting last few days.

Monday night we had the big hail storm here in Perry. Tuesday Jess had a track meet at PCM. The weather was bad throughout the day and most events around that part of the state were canceled. The brainiac AD at PCM decided to have the track meet anyway.

23 teams both boys and girls which is about an hour and 20 minutes from Perry. We get there and it is pretty windy and the clouds are kind of swirling around in the sky. Some sunshine and some dark clouds.

Jess said they were in a tornado watch but the meet goes on. We start at the long jump pit and it is raining. She ends up jumping 16 feet one inch in the rain and wind which was pretty good but she only got 2 jumps in before the hail started to fall.

The hail starts coming down and the announcement over the loud speaker tells people to go to the gym. Everyone starts running as the hail gets worse and worse. By the time we get to the gym door, people are stacked and the door is clogged with people. The hail is really coming down now and it is hurting like a mother when it hits you. It was quarter sized and I had my hands over my head to protect my brain.

The hail pelted my hands and it hurt but you can't really move your hands or you risk taking one to the brain.

People are pushing ans kids are screaming as they get hit by the hail. Eventually we all get into the gym, soaking wet and a little battered.

After about 20 minutes they cancel the meet. We drive back home through the driving rain and occasional hail attacks.

The next day we found out they were in a tornado warning and had straight line winds that blew roofs off of several houses and barns. Good call PCM.

Class went well last night but we took a test and the students as a whole didn't do that well. We have some review to do next week.

Drew is enjoying golf and recovering from his injury.

Jess plays in an all-star basketball game Saturday but I will write more about that tomorrow.

Off to start.

HAIL?...Good Grief!

Weather is less than desirable. We had golf ball sized hail last night. I was sleeping and all of the sudden the hail started to fall and it was very loud. It only lasted 5 minutes or so. I am not sure if there is damage anywhere but the yard has a bunch of branches and debris laying around.

Class went well last night. I got done around nine so I was able to come home and watch the end of the basketball game between Duke and Butler. It was a good game.

Jess is supposed to have a track meet today at PCM but it will depend on the weather. I am half hoping we don't have it. This meet is very long and it is over an hour away. I think there are 32 teams and it takes forever.

Drew got hit with a golf ball yesterday on the course. He was on the last hole with his foursome and he was standing on one side of the fairway a bit ahead of two of the players. One of them hit their ball and it sliced hard and low. They yelled at him and he turned. The ball hit him in the shin. It is a big ol' knot. I guess he earned a life lesson on that one.

Work is going well.

Off to start.

Well, blow me down

It looks like we are going to get some rain today. The weather has been pretty good this week but the wind has been terrible. I guess it is typical April weather.

We had a home track meet last night. It was windy but the temp was in the low 70's so that was good. Jess jumped 16 feet 9 inches in the long jump which is a new meet record and her personal best. She ran 59.3 in the 400 which was another meet record. She had a bad start in the 200 but won anyway. She also anchored the sprint medley relay and came from behind to get the win. She was about 70 meters behind when she got the battan.

4 golds, 2 meet records and a good workout on a very windy day.

Drew is steadily improving his golf game. He shot 62 the other day and is getting a better feel of how to play. I think there are 12 freshman out and he is the third best player so that is good.

My plans for the weekend is to get all the junk that we no longer need, out of the house and into the dumpster. I also want to take all my cardboard to the recycle bin and my dead electronics to the school for pickup.

Sunday I plan on napping!

Ok, off to start.

This could have been a tweet

Weather has been good. I hope it continues.

Class went well last night. I got home about 9:45 and was in bed by 10 so that was nice.

I had a huge migraine yesterday and ended up having to go home for awhile to sleep it off. I am so glad it is gone. When I get a migraine it really knocks me down. I can't think or focus. All I do is hold my head in my hands. It sucks!

Nancy's birthday was yesterday. I was going to take her out to lunch but since I felt like crap, we will go today.

I really have nothing else today.

Off to start.

Relatively Zombie-like

School is back in session today. I really am indifferent about it.

The weekend was pretty good. I took Drew out to eat. It was nice to spend some time with him and just talk. I had a really good time.

I am not sure what the deal is but I have just been tired lately. It seems like I just can't get enough sleep. I took a nap both Saturday and Sunday and am still tired this morning. I need to snap out of it.

The dogs haven't have much of a chance to run around outside this winter so this weekend I took them over to the baseball/softball complex and let them run. It is a huge area that is fenced in. There is a driving range and a soccer field so I can take them off their leash and just let them run free.

They ran and ran. Molly ran so much that she got sore that night. She was limping around the house but was fine the next morning. She over did it.

Emma didn't need much time to recover from her surgery. She runs around like nothing happened. She was a little tired the night after but she runs around like crazy. She has a few staples in her belly and I will have to take her in next wek to get them taken out.

I teach class tonight so it is a long day ahead.

Off to start.

What would the tax be on a pack of Maui Wowi?

It is a good Thursday. The weather is going to be good and class went well last night.

I took Emma in to get spade and to get her rabies shot. The surgery went well and I can pick her up this morning. I missed that little dog last night and this morning. Molly has been looking around the house for her.

Class was good last night. It is pretty much make or break time right now. The students that have attended and worked hard are in great shape, the ones who have missed a bunch of classes are pretty much doomed.

So I watched this show called, "The world without oil". It basically showed what would happen if all the oil in the world was gone. Long story short...we would be screwed! Gasoline is the least of the worries. It was a pretty good show.

I read online last night that California is going to vote in November to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Depending on the vote, I might have to start looking for little place in the great state of California.

Not much on the agenda for today and I like it that way. I want to enjoy the next two days of spring break. It has been very quiet around the office this week.

Ok, off to start.

My cold if fading but........

More good weather today. Weather is always has an impact on ones mood so the sun is a positive thing.

Drew had his first golf practice yesterday. They went to the driving range. He learned how to properly hold the club and was able to practice a smooth swing.

Jess has a track meet today at the University of Northern Iowa. This is maybe the most interesting meet of the year because it is the only time that the top runners from all classes will run against each other. In Jess' heat of the 400 there are 4 state champions that won the 400 in their classes last year.

In the 200 there are 2 state champs, her and a girl who set the state record last year.

There are a ton of teams and the meet takes forever. It starts at 11 this morning but she doesn't run until close to 5. I am going to head out around 11:30 or 12:00. Drew and Micky are riding up with me.

Class went well last night. I had the do computer based training the whole night. I had one student work until 9:30 to get caught up.

Emma is sitting on my shoulder, growling at nothing in particular.

Ok, off to start.

I like tea but am no fan of the tea party

Weather is good right now. We had snow over the weekend and that kind of sucked but it was really nice yesterday and going to be sunny and in the 50's today.

The health care bill passed last night. The US is on the path to universal health care. It is a big step in our nation's history. Maybe not the best bill but it is the framework that will allow us to get health care to all Americans.

It is Spring break here. The kids have practices this week but it should be pretty quiet. Jess has a track meet at UNI tomorrow.

Emma goes in to get spade and get her rabies shot on Wednesday. It always make me nervous to take the dogs in after the tragedy with Shelby.

I teach tonight and Wednesday night. DMACC was on Spring break last week but this week they are back in session. Kind of puts a damper on our Spring break but not that big of a deal.

Not much else.

Off to start.

Speak Rich speak

The weather is warmer that it has been in awhile but it is cloudy and rainiy. I guess I like the warmer weather but this drizzle rain is a pain.

A friend of Jess' that graduated a few years ago was in a car accident and is in pretty bad shape. There were three in the car, one died, on is in critical condition and she is in bad condition.

This girl was on the Sprint Med relay team with Jess when they got 2nd at State and broke the school record. Her and Jess were friends. They both did the long jump and she were part of a group of girls that Jess used to hang out with. It is sad.

They were on a trip to Las Vegas and got in the accident in Nevada.

I have a terrible cold and it seems that I have lost my voice. I sit here alone with the dogs sitting around me. The cock their heads and look at me as I try to talk to get more sound than a wisper to come out. Nancy, if you are reading this, be prepared to answer all the calls today if my voice doesn't come back.

This has happened one other time and I hate it. I guess it works out because I don't teach tonight. I am not sure what I would do it I had no voice and tried to teach. Since it is St. Patrick's day, do you thing a magical green beer elixir might be a cure?

Ok, off to start this wet day.

I hate being tired

The weather is going to be in the 50's today. Nice!

I am not a big fan of the Spring ahead thing. I am very tired this morning. The coffee may be my saving grace.

There is a cold bug going around right now and I got it this weekend. Scratchy throat, stuffy nose and sinus issues. I am hoping it doesn't move down to my chest. I hate colds!!

Jess has her first track meet today. It is at ISU and it starts at 4. She long jumps so she will be the first event. I will probably leave work around 2 today because I need to so to Target to get cold and sinus medicine in Ames before the meet. I think there is some other stuff I need but it is early right now and I don't remember.

It is spring break at DMACC this week so I don't have classes to teach. That is a good thing.

Golf practice starts for Drew today. I think he is pretty excited. I will make sure there isn't any beer in my golf bag before I leave so if he needs it tonight, he won't get in trouble.

Ok, I need to get back to the coffee drinking. Spring forward is kicking my ass.

Worst Week

It has been raining all week and continues into the weekend. Clouds, fog, rain....This sucks!

With the rain, the snow is melting and there is flooding everywhere. As a matter of fact, my sum-pump has been working overtime. So much so that the pipe and the pump vibrated and moved in the hole. The float got pinned against the side of the wall and got stuck. The water rose, the pump couldn't pump and Drew's room and some of Jess' room got a bunch of water in it.

I had to move all the stuff, bed, dresser, everything out of his room to pull the water out of the carpet. I have a fan in there to help it dry. I pray we stay mold free.

Last night, the same thing happened but in reverse. The pump was stuck on, I went and checked it and the dang this was so hot I could smell it. So I hammered a hook into the wall and tied a rope around the pipe into the hook so the damn thing can't move anymore.

Jess' car wouldn't start the other day so it had to get jumped and when she brought it home she just pulled into the drive and parked it. Well it wouldn't start again, I don't think it had time to charge the battery, so I had to push it down the driveway so I could get my car close to it to jump it again...did I mention it was raining.

My tenants are back to their non-paying ways. I still haven't received rent for this month so I had to email them. They said they have been busy and "forgot" but will get it in today.

My trip to Nebraska has turned into a mess. Not sure how that happened but the way the week has gone I am beginning to think the good Lord is a little pissed at me.

And to top it all off, I have had an unshakable migraine for the last two days.

Yes, I know...Poor me. blah..blah. That being said, what I know is my fuse is about as short as it has been in awhile. I hope nobody lights a match today.

Rain is kryptonite to a balding man

Wet and rainy is the theme of the week. I have mixed emotions about it as it is melting the snow but rain still sucks.

Class went pretty well last night. I have a student that struggles a bit but she is keeping at it and will end up being fine. It just takes her a bit to get through the material.

Jess was selected to three All-State basketball teams yesterday. The coaches association, the girls athletic union and the state sports writers association. Our local paper's sports writer called Jess last night and interviewed her. He is going to have an article about her in the paper this weekend. He told her one of the coaches in our region told him that if they had Jess on their team, they would have won the state title this year.

Drew has been working on TSA stuff and seems to really enjoy it. I think golf will start for him in a couple of weeks. I am not sure how they are gong to practice with all the snow, rain and muddy conditions.

Track season is going strong. Jess has her first meet at Iowa State next Monday.

The third trimester of the year started yesterday. Jess doesn't have class first or last period. Drew is thrilled because he gets the bathroom to himself in the morning now.

Ok, off to start.

When I use tap water to brew coffee do I still get the flouride benefit?

Well, it is Friday and I am pretty happy about it. Weather is nice, in the 40's today.

Yesterday I was really tired for half of the day. I had a meeting in the morning that lasted until around 11:00 and then grabbed some lunch and came back to work. After lunch I was really, really tired. I mean so tired that I didn't even want to click the mouse of my compute to read my email.

I let that tired feeling build for awhile and then, while Nancy was working away in her office, decided to lean my head back a bit and close my eyes.....just for a few seconds.

Next thing I know, Nancy is standing in the middle of my office looking at me. I am not sure if she said something or if I just noticed the presence but my eyes flashed open. It scared the crap out of me and she said "Were you sleeping?".....ugh....We both had a pretty good laugh about that. How the hell old am I, listening to talk radio and dozing off in my chair.

So I took a little nap at work. I did feel a lot better and my energy came back. The rest of the afternoon I was fine and got my work done.

Drew had his basketball end of the year pot luck last night. He also had TSA so it was a busy night for him. Jess had her first outside practice for track.

Jess' boyfriend Micky got a full ride academic scholarship to Buena Vista University. It is over $100,000 dollars. It is a couple hours away from Iowa State so Jess had mixed emotions. He is still waiting on the scholarship information from Central College. He will probably get something similar there.

Not much on the agenda today. I forgot to call and make Emma's vet appointment yesterday so I will do that today.

Ok, off to start.

Maybe with a little more sleep I could have thought of a title

The weather is still holding up and should get into the upper 40's this weekend.

Class went well last night but I was there until 10. It was after 11 before I got to be and up again this morning at 5. UGH!

For some reason, they keep the computer labs very hot. It was 78 degrees in my lab last night and it felt very, very hot. The students were complaining and I went to the front desk but she couldn't help. Computerized....blah, blah, blah.

Jess was selected to the All Regional team for basketball. I saw it online last night. I texted her and let her know. She said Woot Woot!!

I have a meeting this morning at nine but nothing on the agenda for the rest of the day.

Nancy and I took Jess out for lunch yesterday. It was nice. She is still working as my intern but that will end of Friday. She goes to work for the guidance office next trimester.

I am going to call and make an appointment for Emma to get spade. She also needs her shots. Ever since Shelby, I get freaked out just thinking about taking her in.

Ok, off to start.

Sometimes the executioners noose is a pink sheet of paper

The weather is still good. I think the death trap in my driveway is getting better every day.

We are in a bit of a lull between sports seasons. Jess is practicing track and Drew has been going to the Rec center and working out.

Work has been a flurry of activity lately. It is back to normal. For a long time we had a really slow period and it seemed like the entire staff was just sitting. Those days are behind us and it seems like things are pretty constant now.

So I was listening to talk radio in the office yesterday and Nancy informed me that is very "old man" like to do that. I am really not sure that I agree with it. I even looked online for the demographic makeup of talk radio listeners and most are in my age group.

The pink slips went out to staff yesterday. The start of the 1.8 million dollars in cuts has begun. I think with the stress everyone has felt, it will be good to have this school year behind us. I a sure today will be a flurry of gossip and "water cooler" conversation.

Nancy and I are taking Jess out to lunch today for her birthday. We have done it every year since she was in 1st grade so this is the last year for that tradition.

Class tonight. It is innovation week at DMACC so the students have to go to some innovation sessions from 6:30 to 7:30. It will make class go quick.

Ok, off to start.

In like a Lion, out like a Lamb

The weather is getting much better. Highs are going to get to the 40's by the weekend. It is a huge improvement.

Class went well last night. One student struggled a bit but she ended up doing fine in the end. When I see people in my class struggle and keep at it, I think of the saying; "Success isn't about how many times you fail, it is about the ability to pick yourself back up and continue the fight". And on the bright side, I didn't fart!

Jess had her first track practice last night. She also had her basketball awards ceremony. She was selected unanimous first team all conference. We will find out later in the week or next week if she makes all district and all state.

Gold doesn't start for Drew for a few weeks but with the snow, I wonder how they will practice with all the snow.

Not much on the agenda for today. I have papers to grade tonight but hopefully it is a quiet day.

Eat some fiber for crying out loud!

It is cold as hell but it is supposed to get into the upper twenties by the weekend.

Class went well last night. I have one girl with a little attitude but I don't take any crap from her. It is interesting to get a group of twenty people together in that environment and the range of personalities and mannerisms could really be a case study.

Trash day so the ladies will have to wear tights under their dresses. Bundle up ladies! I hope they freeze their butts off.

So I saw on TV that a killer whale in Orlando lived up to its name. Are killer whales good eats?

If you don't know who Elizabeth Warren is, you should. She should be put in charge of something with power behind it.

There is this Comfort Suites commercial that cracks me up. It has a guy on a business trip with a little battery meter above his head and as he goes through the day, the battery gets lower and goes from green to red. I totally feel like that guy some days.

I believe I have rambled on in about 5 directions in this post. Very random thoughts and a bit strange but it kind of feels like a brain dump. I just unload stuff on my mind on this page.

Maybe my whole day will be like this. Random.

Off to see.

C'mon Canada...Step it up!

The weather is still holding. It is cold but dry.

The boys lost their game last night so the season ends for them as well. A week off and then track-golf season begins.

Class went pretty well last night. All of the students did a pretty good job and it was kind of good to have class for a change.

It is good to have Nancy back in the office. Work can finally get done!

It seems that we have a bunch of people applying for jobs in other districts. Associate principals, associate superintendent, and teachers. It is kind of like people jumping off a sinking ship.

I have been enjoying watching the Olympics but some of the events are a bit boring. I really don't like ice dancing or even couples ice skating. I am not a big fan of the luge. It seems like sledding. I am not sure what skill is really involved in that. I like curling but again, is that really a sport? In general, I like the summer Olympics better but it is good to see the Americans doing well.

I woke up a bit tired this morning and the coffee it really a blessing. Thank you Maxwell House!

Ok, off to start.

At least it isn't snowing

The basketball season came to an end on Saturday. It was a close game and we had a chance to win but just fell short. Jess scored 18 points and had one of her better games of the season.

Saturday was a day full of activities in Perry. The band olympics was going on at the high school. over 700 kids from around the state come to that event. The rec center has a youth basketball tournament with over 20 teams from around central Iowa. Jess was one of the officials and she said some of the coaches were jerks. Swearing and yelling at her and the other official. Nice was to act in front of a bunch of 3rd graders.

Drew has been spending a lot of time at the rec lately. He is wanting to run cross country this fall so he has been working out at the rec. He ran three miles on the treadmill on Saturday.

Nancy got back from Vegas yesterday. It will be good to have her back.

Not much on the agenda today.

Off to start.

Friday starts with a yawn

Friday and another day without snow. I think it might be a trend. 3 days without snow. Woo-hoo!

Jess had his last basketball game last night. They lost but they played a little better. The game was in Newton which is a little over an hour away. I got home close to 10:00 so I am a little tired this morning.

Nothing on the agenda for tonight. Tomorrow we travel to Rockwell City for Jess' second round regional basketball game. I think it is about 90 miles away so another long trip.

Nancy left for Las Vegas yesterday. They are spending a long weekend there and she texted me and said the weather is good.

I have a list of things to take care of at work today but I am hoping the phone doesn't ring much.

Drew is signed up to play golf this Spring and Track is also just around the corner. I think Drew will like golf. I am sure by the end of the high school season, he will be able to kick my butt. It will be fun to golf with him this summer.

He is going to use my clubs this year but if he enjoys it and is planning on going out again, I will get him his own clubs.

Ok, better get.

Can you get Olympic fever for the Winter games?

A little sun and no snow today! Woo-hoo.

The girls won last night so we move on to round two on Saturday. Jess had 16 points and the team played pretty well towards the end. We had a couple girls step up and make some shots when they were double and triple teaming Jess. It was a good win.

Nancy heads out to Las Vegas today. Nancy and her husband and another couple are going flying out today and spending a long weekend in the sun. It should be fun for them.

I will be holding down the fort at work but it hasn't been too hectic so it should be fine.

Drew has his last game of the season tonight. It is in Newton which is a little over an hour away so a long trip.

It is the state wrestling tournament and we had three make it to state and all three won their first matches. I think the wrestle again today, hope they do well.

Not much else going on so I better start.

Ash Wednesday..hmmm

It is still cold so nothing new. At least it isn't snowing.

We had a two hour late start yesterday. Drew's basketball tam lost last night by 30. I think he had 6 points.

Tonight Jess has her regional game. If they lose, the season is over. If they win, they play again on Saturday.

Work has been kind of slow but today I have a few things on the agenda. With all of the snow days, we have had to move the school terms back a couple weeks. Today I have to mass move all of the enrollment dates and course enrollment dates in our information system. It takes a bit of time but will be good to have done.

I am not giving anything up for Lent. I haven't gone to church in a long, long time and it seems a bit hypocritical to do the whole Lent thing when I really am inactive in a religious sense.

I do enjoy the 99 cent fillet-o-fish at McDonalds on Friday though.

So I finally go on Facebook and have been pleasantly surprised about how many people from Exeter are on. It is really nice to be able to click on them and see pictures of what is going on back home. God, I hadn't seen Gator's Pub in years. It still looks the same though.

Greg Ekeler is on and so I look at his pics. I also have some other "friends" that I really don't know who they are but they are from Exeter and friends of Jenny, or Angie or seem to know me from back in the day.

Ok, off to start.

40 in Canada, 3 here!

I really don't know anyone that is happy about the weather. It was snowy and windy again yesterday so they closed school. The roads drift shut so fast it is hard to get around.

With the school cancellation, I missed another Monday night class so we are pretty far behind now. We are really going to have to move through the material to get everything covered.

Drew was supposed to have a game but it was canceled as well. He has a game here at home tonight. We are already on a late start but we should have school.

Jess has the regional basketball game Wednesday. The next loss, the season is over.

I am not sure how the heck it can be 40 degrees in Canada and it is cold and snowy here.

Speaking of Canada, I have been watching the Olympics on and off the last couple of days. It is ok, some things are fun others are very boring.

Not much else going on. I will keep you posted on the games.

The olympics start tonight

It seems that I have made it to Friday. The weather is still bad but I have not idea what the forecast is. I have boycotted the weather. It has only been bad news and I don't need that in my life. I just decided to let is surprise me.

The basketball team lost last night. I think Jess had 18 points but I am not sure. They other team covered her up in the first half. I think she only touched the ball once in the first quarter and never got a shot off. They had a chance to win but the guards made bad decisions at the end. Of the last 9 shots, 8 of them were three pointers and we only hit one.

It was senior night last night and tonight she plays in her last regular season game. They play in Carroll tonight. Another season is winding down.

Drew hasn't had a game in awhile. His next game is Monday night.

Yesterday was trash day and I forgot to take it out. I hate it when that happens.

No plans for the weekend. It will probably snow anyway.

Off to start.

When is the next meteor shower?

Still cold and we are supposed to get another 10 inches of snow this weekend. WTF

Tuesday we had a late start and then an early release. At the same time the district has decided to add 30 minutes to every school day, starting in March, to make-up snow days.

Seems strange to me that we can add some time to the day to make-up day but constantly have late starts and early dismissals but that has no impact. I really don't care so much it is just an observation.

Class went well last night and I was even out at 9:20 so that was a good thing.

Tonight is Senior night for Jess and the basketball team. The last home game of the season so another sport is coming to an end for Jess. Each end is a little sad but time rolls on.

I am officially on Facebook. I setup an account, much to the chagrin of my kids. drew is by friend of Facebook but Jess declined. She said something about two world colliding. blah blah.

My tenants are moving out of the house. They are splitting up and going their seperate ways. They are moving out in March. Bad news for me so I need to try to find another tenant. I wich a meteor would hit that damn house.

Ok, off to start.

Lesson Learned

The weather is getting old. We went to school for about 3 hours yesterday and then they sent everyone home at 11. We are already on a late start today so we will see what happens.

I guess the wind is really causing some trouble out in the country. It is cold, wind chills -23.

So I woke up with a migraine at 3:00 am this morning. So I took sinus cold medicine and Excedrine Migraine. I think I over dose a bit because I have felt kind of light headed and feel like I could pass out with every step I take.

It is getting a little better but I think this feeling is only slightly better than the headache itself. I kind of knew that I was taking too much medicine at once but when your head hurts that bad, you would do anything to get it to stop.

Right now as I type, I feel a little light headed but it seems to be clearing up. Thank goodness.

Jess is supposed to have a game tonight here in Perry but it is going to depend on the weather and if schools are closing or not.

I have been up since 3 am and I imagine I will be tired tonight. At least I don't teach tonight. That would be bad.

OK, off to start.

Snow, Wind, Monday, Blah!

Monday and it is a repeat of so many weeks that we have had this winter. Snow yesterday, more snow today and blowing winds tomorrow. It looks like we are going to get another 5 to 7 inches of snow total with strong winds all day tomorrow.

Drew's team won on Thursday and lost on Saturday. He has been playing well. He doesn't score much but he really does a nice job on defense and makes good passes. They game was close on Saturday until he got his fourth foul. When he came out, the other team pulled ahead.

Jess' team won on Friday. She had a good game. She scored 27 points and played very well all around. She has games Tuesday, Thursday and Friday this week. Thursday is senior night. The last home game for the goose.

I teach tonight and really hope it doesn't get canceled because of weather. It is truly getting ridiculous how much school we have missed because of weather.

I really need to exercise and lose weight. I am getting sluggish and I feel tired most of the time. It has been tough with this weather and the busy schedule to get motivated to do much but I need to figure a way to get a little exercise. Ideally, it would be nice to be able to take the dogs for walks but the snow and weather have been a bit prohibitive.

Ok, I need to get moving as Monday morning, like all other mornings, waits for no one.

Off to start.

It's Official - Jess is a Cyclone!

We had the official signing ceremony yesterday and it was a pretty cool event. There were a bunch of kids that came, a bunch of teachers, coaches and some people from the community.

The AD gave a small presentation about how rare it is for a high school athlete to not only play at the division 1 level but to get a scholarship. Less than 1% of high school athletes get this opportunity.

Jess signed her scholarship paperwork and the National Letter of Intent. Everyone clapped and then she was interviewed live by the local radio and newspaper sports writers. She did a good job.

One of the nicest moments was when she was talking to the radio sportscaster and he asked her who she wanted to thank. One of the people was Drew. She thanked him for having to deal with her for the last 10 year. Going to all her events, volleyball tournaments, basketball tournaments, etc. He was in the back of the room and I think he really appreciated her doing that.

It was a good day.

I got a new cell phone for work. It is taking me a bit to get used to it but I like it.

Class went well last night. It is hard having a big class like I have because there is such a big gap in skill levels. I have some students that are right out of high school or still in high school that are good students and can zip right through the material. On the other hand I have people who have not been in school in over 20 years and do not have very good computer skills.

It is a hard balance to go slow enough for the low experienced level students without losing the more experienced ones.

Drew has a game here in Perry tonight against Adel, and Jess plays here in Perry against Adel tomorrow.

Trash day so the ladies will be out and prancing around. Bundle up biatches, its cold.

Off to start.

This weather sucks!

Class went well last night. I have 13 people now so it is the biggest class I have had here in Perry. Wednesday night has 24 so that one is really big.

Jess team lost last night and she came home very frustrated. The coach is being an ass and keeps putting her and the team down. There is one girl on the team he loves and he always says she is the only one that works hard.

Jess is just ready for the season to be over. It is kind of sad because she really has enjoyed basketball and was looking forward to the season. It is a shame it has to end this way.

When Jess scores 20 points or more, they win. When they don't get her the ball and let the coaches pet shoot all night, and Jess scores 12 or less, the lose. Not too hard to figure out how to win games. The coach need to retire.

Nothing tonight but Nancy is going to make cookies for Jess singing ceremony and Jess is going over to help.

Emma lost a tooth yesterday, it was laying on a blanket in the living room. She is chewing like crazy so she must be ready to lose more.

Ok, not much else. Off to start.

I can't wait for curling at the olymipics

Weather is going to be ok this week. In the 30's most of the week. Some chance of snow but I don't think it will amount to much.

Jess' team won on Friday night she had 23 points and they all played pretty well. We have one young player that shoots too much and can't hit the broad side of a barn and she will ultimately be the demise of the team but Jess took more shots and drove the ball for pull up jumpers so that helped.

Drew had a game Saturday and they lost by 15. He had 2 points and did a nice job getting rebounds. His foot speed is getting better but he still needs to get a little quicker.

Jess plays in Carlisle tonight. It is a make-up game and I teach so I will miss it. It should be on the radio so I am hoping to be able to listen a bit during class. I haven't figured out how to do that yet but will figure something out.

Nothing going on Tuesday night for me but there is a choir performance called Jukebox and the kids really like it so they are both going. Jess also is going to help Nancy make cookies for her signing ceremony on Wednesday.

I have been battling a sore throat this weekend. Not a bad one but just a bit sore. I think I need to gargle with Tequila tonight. I should have done that last night.

I am getting really tired of the cold. I can't wait for the weather to get better. It would be nice to take the dogs out and let them run around.

Ok, off to start.

The coffee tastes good today

The weather is better today but really cold. I don't think we have any snow in the forecast so that is good.

Class went well last night. I had all but one student show up so that was good. They took a couple pre-tests so I really didn't have to do much.

Drew has a game tonight here in Perry and Jess has a game tomorrow night here as well.

We have the plans finalized for Jess signing with ISU. The school is having a signing ceremony with a little reception after. The students and staff will be able to come to the signing in the library at 2:00 on February 3rd. Which is next Wednesday. They will have a table setup and the newspaper and local radio station will be there.

Nancy is going to make cookies for the reception and I will get drinks from the food service department. I think lemonade and maybe tea or coffee.

I have a cabinet meeting today. I think the superintendent is going to go over the budget cuts and her ideas on how to make up all the snow days we have had.

The Iowa State track coach called Jess last night and he wants her to come up to a track meet. They have one every Saturday for the next three weeks so I think she will go up one weekend. I may go up too just to check it out.

Trash day. The ladies better wear their long bloomers.

Off to start.

Like being back in Alaska

More horrible weather. We had a about 4 inches of snow and 40 mph winds. School was closed yesterday and is already a 2 hour delay today. The wind is still blowing so I would not be surprised if we are canceled again today.

We have so much snow it is really just a mess. Other than the weather we really haven't had much else going on.

Both Drew and Jess' teams lost over the weekend. Drew's game yesterday was postponed because of the school cancellation. Jess is supposed to play tonight but we will see if we have school.

More snow is in the forecast for tomorrow.

This winter sucks!

Off to start.

At least we didn't lose power

I think we are finally past the ice storm. School has been canceled the last two days and my Internet connection was down for a day as well.

We are now going to school until January 9th. The long range forecast calls for a bunch of snow in February. It has been a big mess of a Winter and we aren't even close to being done.

Jess has a game at Ballard tonight. Our chances of winning are very, very slim but hope springs eternal, right?

Not much for plans this weekend. Drew has a game Saturday and I have to go into work for a bit that morning to setup some technology for a wrestling tournament.

In retrospect, it was kind of a cool week. I didn't have to teach class at all and we have a couple days off from school.

The ice was bad so Nancy and I walked over to the school. We had to climb snow drifts that were covered with a layer of ice. I wish I had a video of us going across, it had to be hilarious to watch.

I just got the call that we have a two hour delay today so the kids get to sleep in.

Ok, off to start.

It is an icy wonderland...

The weather is a bit interesting this morning. It is kind of rain but so close to ice that when it hits the ground it becomes ice. Not hail at all, kind of rain with ice crystals in it and it just freezes the second it hits the ground. It is very, very icy out and they have canceled school for today.

I hope they cancel my DMACC classes tonight. I really don't want to have to drive on icy roads. Even if it gets warm enough to not be icy before class, I would imagine at 10:00 at night, it will get cold and freeze all of the wet on the roads. The trip back could be unpleasant.

Jess had a game last night and they lost. She scored 14 but the guards were shooting a bunch and can't hit the broad side of a barn. We will lose every game we have left if we keep trying to win by shooting outside. It is the coaches fault.

Drew was supposed to have practice this morning but he gets to sleep in because of school being canceled. I wouldn't be surprised if we have a late start tomorrow.

I had a meeting and lunch with the superintendent yesteray. I thought it would be awkward just the two of us but it turned out to be pretty good. It was a nice talk and I am glad I did it.

Not a whole lot on the agenda today. I have some office work and think I might swap out one of my desktop computers to put a Windows 7 machine in. The trick is going to be getting to work. I think it might be best to walk over. Nancy and I will have to help each other so we don't wipe out on the ice.

I heard yesterday that there is a prediction for 20 more inches of snow in February. UGH!

Ok, off to start.

Emma needs a bath

Maybe a little sunshine and in the 30's today. Not too bad.

Drew had a game last night. They lost but only by 9 points. Last time they got blown out and lost by 50 so it was a good performance by the boys. Drew scored 2 points but did a nice job getting rebounds and playing defense.

Tonight Jess has a home game against Carroll. They are ranked but we should match up ok. If we play well, I think we can win.

The UNI head track coach came to Jess' basketball game the other night. We didn't know he was there. He wrote Jess an email and said he hasn't ever written a recruit who had already made a decision but he thinks she is the "real deal" and honestly can be number 1 in the nation. He said she was an exceptional athlete and really wants to talk to her again.

She is committed to Iowa State so it is a done deal but I know this is hard on her.

Both kids and I got the H1N1 vaccination on Wednesday. Drew got the shot and Jess and I got the nasal mist. Drew has ashma so he couldn't get the mist. He really doesn't care about getting shots so it wasn't a big deal. I hope it keeps them both healthy this Spring.

Off to start.

I will earn my money this semester

Weather continues to be nice, well in the 30's but comparatively from what we have been experiencing, 30's are nice.

Class went well last night. I have 24 people in class and that is a big group. I was a bit worried when two of the students, didn't know how to press crtl-alt-del to logon. It may be a slow moving group.

Drew has a game tonight here in Perry. It is against Carroll and they beat us by 50 last time so it might be an ugly night.

Jess was selected to play in the Iowa Coaches Association, High School All-Star game for basketball. She is one of 30 players in the state selected to play. It is April 10, a Saturday, in Cedar Rapids. It should be very cool.

It is good to have classes done for the week and to be on the downhill slide for the week. Right now I don't have big plans for the weekend but Drew and I are going to go get our hair cut on Saturday.

Trash day so the ladies will be out in their sun dresses and bonnets.

Off to start.

Honestly, how many people have a screw lose?

Weather is getting better. I think it might get above 32 today.

The department of education is doing a site visit with our school this week. I was interviewed yesterday with a team of teachers. I am not a big fan of this type of thing but whatever.

Jess had a rough day yesterday. They won the basketball game but the coach yelled at the team and told them they had attitudes and he would kick people off the team, starting with the seniors if they didn't straighten up.

The guy is an ass and I think a bit unstable but whatever. There is a reason only 14 girls go out for basketball in a school with 250 girls in it. He needs to retire.

Also, we had a message on the answering machine that the dental office that Jess works for (she cleans it on Sundays) is going to have their dental assistant clean the office on Friday before she goes home. That means Jess lost her job.

Drew has had morning practices and he is getting kind of sick of getting up at 5:30 every morning. They won their first game Monday so that was good but that may be the highlight of the season.

I teach tonight and have 21 people in class. That is the largest class I have had so it should be interesting. I am thinking we will have to take more time covering material with that many people.

I have been a bit grumpy this week. Not really sure why but maybe it is just getting back into the swing of things after the break. I have a lingering feeling of discontent. I sure it will pass but I hope is passes sooner than later.

Ok, enough for now.

Off to start.

The Future of the Nichols bloodline

 

This snow blows

So we got about 4 inches of snow and it is going to get very windy today. School is cancelled for today and the road conditions are going to get ugly.

Jess has been working on scholarship applications. We will have most of her college paid for from her track scholarship but any other scholarship she can get will help with the remaining balance and provide spending money for her.

Drew had practice at 6 am yesterday and was suppose to have it at 6 am today. They cancelled school about 10 minutes before we were going to head out.

It has been a battle with my tenants but I think it is coming to an end. It will be good when I can eventually just sell that house and be done with the whole thing.

The superintendent's secretary got arrested the day before yesterday for 5th degree theft. I am pretty sure she bounced checks. They announce all arrests on the local radio station so it was on three of four times yesterday. How embarassing would that be? She had already declared bankrupcy once and apparently is back at over spending again.

I get to wear jeans today since there is no school. It should be nice and quiet at work. Woo-hoo!

Trash day today so the princesses have to pick up my garbage in crappy weather. Another reason to be pleased with the snow and wind today. Better tie your skirts down today ladies......lol

Off to start

Frozen tundra of the midwest

Cold as it can be outside. This really sucks!

Drew had a game last night and they lost...BIG 71-29. Drew had 2 points but when you lose by 50, it is tough to say anyone had a good game.

Jess plays at DCG tonight. The DCG girls team is ranked 5th in the state.

Christmas with at Jenny's was a blast. It kind of sucked to drive there and back in the same day but it was worth it. It was nice to see everyone.

I have some pictures I need to post so I hope to get those up sometime this week.

The furnace in our house on 1st street went out so we had to have it replaced....UGH! The tenants didn't have heat for a couple of days, of course on the coldest days of the year. Anyway, that was a sucky expense I really didn't want to have.

It got replaced yesterday so they are now warm.

Off to start.