The Iowa Caucus has come to an end. I have to say, it was a pretty cool experience. There were 4 Democratic precincts so my experience was with the second precinct. We had 200 people show up and they were broken up into groups. You had to have 15% of the total number of people in the room stand for a candidate to make it "viable". Biden only had eight people so they were out early. Those people could join another group or just stay with Biden and not really count for anything.
In the end Edwards had 57 people, Hillary had 56 people, my man Obama had 54 people and Richardson had 30 people. We had 5 delegates so Edwards received 2, and Clinton, Obama and Richardson all recieved 1. In the end Obama won Iowa so I was happy.
The experience was a good one. I really thought the caucuses were a bad way of doing it but after going through it, I kind of enjoyed it. People were not mean or confrontational, they just talked and everyone was pleasant and it gave you a sense of community. Everyone clapped for every other group and it was nice. We were all Democrats after all. I knew almost everyone in the room and it was interesting to see where people stood. It took about an hour and a half but I will participate again. Who knew!
Yesterday was a bit hectic at work but it was expected. I think everything is back under control for today so I am anticipating a quiet Friday. Time will tell.
Drew has a game tonight and so does Jess. The weekend will be busy and I don't get to sleep in even one day. Tomorrow I have to be in Ankeny for my orientation at 8. Sunday we leave at 5:30 for the volleyball tournament. I have a feeling this weekend will fly by.
I plan on taking some pictures and video this weekend but I am promising nothing. I have too often said I would post pictures and failed to follow through. My intent is to do it but you all know how I am.
Hey Mom - Your birthday is just around the corner. Don't think I have forgotten.
Have a great weekend!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Time to elect a presidential candidate - Caucus 2008
Here we go....School is back in session today.
I am expecting a few little problems today. We did a bunch of reconfiguring this break and I would be very suprised if we come out of it clean. There will be some kind of issue today. Kids not able to access the web, phones in some classroom not working, etc.
Over the years I have learned that no matter how hard you try to prepare, there are always a few glitches coming out of a big project. This should be no different.
It is also Iowa Caucus day. I plan on doing my part and attending the caucus to cast my vote. It will be a first for me and it is easy to go because it is at the high school. There is a JV girls basketball game at the high school tonight so I will probably go over and watch that for a bit before I head to the caucus down the hall.
Drew has practice this morning. I think it will be good for him to get back into the swing of things. He has a game tomorrow in Winterset. I don't think I will go, it is about an hour away and they start at 4. I would have to leave work by 3 and it is just hard to get away that early.
Jess has a game Friday as well. She plays in Saydel. I am not sure if I am going to go to that game or not. I am temped because it is a Friday and I don't have any other plans.
Saturday I have orientation for DMACC instructors. It is an all day deal but gets over by 3. Jess has a game here in Perry at 4 so I should be back in time for that.
Sunday we have the first volleyball tournament of the year. She plays at nine so we will leave around 5:30. It is a little over 2 hours drive so I want to have plenty of time to get there and find the gym. The tournament is at the University of Northern Iowa.
It is good that it is Thursday. I would have to be looking at a full week of staff right after break. It is best to kind of ease into this sort of thing.
Friday is just a day away.
I am expecting a few little problems today. We did a bunch of reconfiguring this break and I would be very suprised if we come out of it clean. There will be some kind of issue today. Kids not able to access the web, phones in some classroom not working, etc.
Over the years I have learned that no matter how hard you try to prepare, there are always a few glitches coming out of a big project. This should be no different.
It is also Iowa Caucus day. I plan on doing my part and attending the caucus to cast my vote. It will be a first for me and it is easy to go because it is at the high school. There is a JV girls basketball game at the high school tonight so I will probably go over and watch that for a bit before I head to the caucus down the hall.
Drew has practice this morning. I think it will be good for him to get back into the swing of things. He has a game tomorrow in Winterset. I don't think I will go, it is about an hour away and they start at 4. I would have to leave work by 3 and it is just hard to get away that early.
Jess has a game Friday as well. She plays in Saydel. I am not sure if I am going to go to that game or not. I am temped because it is a Friday and I don't have any other plans.
Saturday I have orientation for DMACC instructors. It is an all day deal but gets over by 3. Jess has a game here in Perry at 4 so I should be back in time for that.
Sunday we have the first volleyball tournament of the year. She plays at nine so we will leave around 5:30. It is a little over 2 hours drive so I want to have plenty of time to get there and find the gym. The tournament is at the University of Northern Iowa.
It is good that it is Thursday. I would have to be looking at a full week of staff right after break. It is best to kind of ease into this sort of thing.
Friday is just a day away.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
The year in review and remembering my friend Shelby.
As I rush through my days I find myself getting caught up in the little things and don't often or at least often enough, take the time to reflect. Each year time passes by and we don't always realize all of the events that occured. Today I will reflect on the events, as I can remember them, from last year.
As I remember, the Winter months last year were cold and snowy. I know we had quite a few snow days and the track season got off to a slow start becuase of the weather. The first couple weeks of practice were indoors.
Jess had a stellar year in track. She broke two school records and made it to State in two events. The open 400 and the Sprint Medley Relay which she anchored with a 400.
Shelby passed away right before the state track meet. I took her in to get spade and she died during surgery. It was one of he hardest days of my life. She was part of our family and was my friend. I still think of her and miss her. She will never be forgotten.
The summer was hot and humid. Drew had a solid baseball season and decided to not play all-stars. The coach said he would have been on the team but Drew wanted to have some free time to play with his friends in the nieghborhood.
Jess had her first start on the Varsity in softball. The season was a bit of a dissapointment but she played well. The coach was a mess and resigned at the end of the season. The highlight of the season was when Jess hit the game winning run in a tournament against Urbandale.
We had new neighbors. The Carmicheals. Drew spent the whole year playing with the girls, Courtney and Beth. The family moved out right before Christmas. This new year will bring new neighbors so I hope they have nice kids.
We got a new puppy. Molly. She was a handful at first and very naughty. She has since turned out to be a great dog. She has been a nice addition to my daily routine.
Football season went well. Drew played tight end and defensive end. The team did well but lost a few games. He loves football and was sad when the season was over.
Jess played Varsity volleyball. She played the center position and played front row. She broke a couple school records and was selected second team all conference. Not bad from a team that went 16-15 and finished second to last in the conference.
Basketball has been rough. The girls haven't won a game and Drew's team is about 500. Jess starts Varisty and does a nice job.
Jess tried out for a club volleyball team and was selected. She starts her tournament season this weekend.
In a nutshell that has been the year. I am sure I have forgotten things but there should be a record of it all in my blog postings.
As for today. It is the last day of break and I plan on cleaning things up in the office and taking it easy the rest of the day. Nancy and I deserve a break and today we are going to take it.
Jess had practice yesterday for volleyball and she learned to jump serve. She is excited about the tournament this weekend. The coaches are great with the kids. She blocked on the coaches during the scrimmage yesterday and from across the building another coach, who was coaching his team, yelled "Nichols - YOU ARE A STUD!!!". Jess said her face turned red and she was sooo embarassed.
Drew had his New Years Eve birthday party and the boys had a good time. He slept most of the day yesterday.
The new year is just winding up and I can feel the pressure of the pace starting to quicken. This month is going to be a whirlwind and I hope the weather holds up.
As I remember, the Winter months last year were cold and snowy. I know we had quite a few snow days and the track season got off to a slow start becuase of the weather. The first couple weeks of practice were indoors.
Jess had a stellar year in track. She broke two school records and made it to State in two events. The open 400 and the Sprint Medley Relay which she anchored with a 400.
Shelby passed away right before the state track meet. I took her in to get spade and she died during surgery. It was one of he hardest days of my life. She was part of our family and was my friend. I still think of her and miss her. She will never be forgotten.
The summer was hot and humid. Drew had a solid baseball season and decided to not play all-stars. The coach said he would have been on the team but Drew wanted to have some free time to play with his friends in the nieghborhood.
Jess had her first start on the Varsity in softball. The season was a bit of a dissapointment but she played well. The coach was a mess and resigned at the end of the season. The highlight of the season was when Jess hit the game winning run in a tournament against Urbandale.
We had new neighbors. The Carmicheals. Drew spent the whole year playing with the girls, Courtney and Beth. The family moved out right before Christmas. This new year will bring new neighbors so I hope they have nice kids.
We got a new puppy. Molly. She was a handful at first and very naughty. She has since turned out to be a great dog. She has been a nice addition to my daily routine.
Football season went well. Drew played tight end and defensive end. The team did well but lost a few games. He loves football and was sad when the season was over.
Jess played Varsity volleyball. She played the center position and played front row. She broke a couple school records and was selected second team all conference. Not bad from a team that went 16-15 and finished second to last in the conference.
Basketball has been rough. The girls haven't won a game and Drew's team is about 500. Jess starts Varisty and does a nice job.
Jess tried out for a club volleyball team and was selected. She starts her tournament season this weekend.
In a nutshell that has been the year. I am sure I have forgotten things but there should be a record of it all in my blog postings.
As for today. It is the last day of break and I plan on cleaning things up in the office and taking it easy the rest of the day. Nancy and I deserve a break and today we are going to take it.
Jess had practice yesterday for volleyball and she learned to jump serve. She is excited about the tournament this weekend. The coaches are great with the kids. She blocked on the coaches during the scrimmage yesterday and from across the building another coach, who was coaching his team, yelled "Nichols - YOU ARE A STUD!!!". Jess said her face turned red and she was sooo embarassed.
Drew had his New Years Eve birthday party and the boys had a good time. He slept most of the day yesterday.
The new year is just winding up and I can feel the pressure of the pace starting to quicken. This month is going to be a whirlwind and I hope the weather holds up.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Is this a new year or did somebody re-gift last year?
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
The evening ended up being a bit uneventful. Drew had his birthday party and as I type this, I can hear them playing downstairs. I am sure there was very little, if any, sleep done by those boys last night. They will eventually crash and sleep through the day. My guess is that Drew will spend the first day of 2008 sleeping.
Jess had changes in plans last night. Two of the three parties she was planning on attending were cancelled. The third one she didn't really want to go to so she ended up just staying home last night. Personally, I was kind of glad becuase she has been fighting a cold or the flu or something but she has not had much energy and really stuggled to keep up in the scrimmage yesterday. I think the rest did her good. She has two practices today. Basketball at 9 and volleyball at 2.
I am heading to work today. I have a few things that I really want to get done and tomorrow is the last day of break and I need to use these next two days to get ready for the hords to return.
The weather is terrible today, kind of a snow/sleet. The high today is going to be 12 with a bad wind. Not fit for man or beast outside.....I would love to put some names to the beast comment but will refrain because of the public forum in which I post.
I have been working on my Intro to Computers class. I start my official teaching career Monday night. I really want the first night to go smooth. I imagine I will spend a bit of time on Sunday working on things. The orientation is Saturday and I really want to wait until I get the instructors books before I start putting together the instructional presentations. I don't want to recreate the wheel so to speak. I find myself thinking of things I never thought about from a students perspective. Here are a few of those thoughts:
- For me to be able to teach and in turn, make money, I need students to enroll in class. I want to make the class worth while but if I make it too much work or too hard, I think students will not be interested in taking it. If numbers are small or zero, I lose my job.
- The students have a fundamental knowledge of what I am going to teach, so how do I cover the material without it becoming a snoozefest?
- I really want to do a good job but as with my day job, I can put everything I have into this and nobody will really notice or care. There really is no evaluation process. Just a student feedback/evaluation form collected twice a semester. What the students think is important to my future.
Oh well. Things will just work out as they normally do. Somehow things just seem to work out for the most part in life. We have our small victories and setback but life just keeps pushing forward.
Off to start my day.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Last post of 07 - How the time flies
So Molly has decided that she likes sleeping with me at night. Here's the rub: SHE IS A BED HOG!!!!!
The weekend seemed to go by relatively slowly. I really didn't do anything that is worth talking about but I will review anyway.
Jess and I took down the Christmas stuff and cleaned the house. I did the dishes three times yesterday. I also made Drew's birthday dinner last night. The menu was shrimp alfredo with salad and garlic bread (Which I kind of burned). We also had an alfredo dipping sauce for the bread. It turned out pretty good. I am toying with the idea of making homeade noodles sometime to see how they turn out. If that happens, I will let you know.
It is New Years Eve today and Drew is having his birthday party. I think there are 7 kids coming over tonight. They were supposed to go to Dawn's parents house but for some reason they are all coming here instead. I am not thrilled about it but I told Drew to make sure it doesn't get too crazy loud. At least they can just play in the basement. I told Dawn to pick up about 5 Papa John's pizzas for tonight. I haven't tried that kind of pizza before and I hear it is really good. They make it and you bring it home and bake it. It is less expensive than Pizza Hut or Breadeaux and about the same price as Casey's.
Jess is going to three New Years Eve parties tonight. She has a friend Cole Brant that is having a get together so her and Katlyn are starting there. After that one they are headed to the FCA party and then to another party. The last one is an all girls party and the basketball team will all be there so that is where they are really spending NYE. They are just making appearances at the other two. Oh, the busy life of a high school student.
The sports activities pick up pretty rapidly this week. Jess has a scrimage here in Perry this morning. Both kids have games Friday night and both are away. I am not sure if I am going to Drew's game becuase it starts so early and I will wait to see about Jess's game. Saturday Jess has a game here in Perry and Sunday she plays in her first volleyball tournament.
I have an orientation for DMACC instructors on Saturday from 8-3 but should be back in time for the game. The volleyball tournament is a couple of hours away so we are driving up Sunday morning. They play at 9 so it shouldn't be a problem.
The break is winding down and school will be back in session before you know it. I am going to enjoy today and not think about that until Wednesday.
I hope you all have a good and SAFE new year.
More next year.
The weekend seemed to go by relatively slowly. I really didn't do anything that is worth talking about but I will review anyway.
Jess and I took down the Christmas stuff and cleaned the house. I did the dishes three times yesterday. I also made Drew's birthday dinner last night. The menu was shrimp alfredo with salad and garlic bread (Which I kind of burned). We also had an alfredo dipping sauce for the bread. It turned out pretty good. I am toying with the idea of making homeade noodles sometime to see how they turn out. If that happens, I will let you know.
It is New Years Eve today and Drew is having his birthday party. I think there are 7 kids coming over tonight. They were supposed to go to Dawn's parents house but for some reason they are all coming here instead. I am not thrilled about it but I told Drew to make sure it doesn't get too crazy loud. At least they can just play in the basement. I told Dawn to pick up about 5 Papa John's pizzas for tonight. I haven't tried that kind of pizza before and I hear it is really good. They make it and you bring it home and bake it. It is less expensive than Pizza Hut or Breadeaux and about the same price as Casey's.
Jess is going to three New Years Eve parties tonight. She has a friend Cole Brant that is having a get together so her and Katlyn are starting there. After that one they are headed to the FCA party and then to another party. The last one is an all girls party and the basketball team will all be there so that is where they are really spending NYE. They are just making appearances at the other two. Oh, the busy life of a high school student.
The sports activities pick up pretty rapidly this week. Jess has a scrimage here in Perry this morning. Both kids have games Friday night and both are away. I am not sure if I am going to Drew's game becuase it starts so early and I will wait to see about Jess's game. Saturday Jess has a game here in Perry and Sunday she plays in her first volleyball tournament.
I have an orientation for DMACC instructors on Saturday from 8-3 but should be back in time for the game. The volleyball tournament is a couple of hours away so we are driving up Sunday morning. They play at 9 so it shouldn't be a problem.
The break is winding down and school will be back in session before you know it. I am going to enjoy today and not think about that until Wednesday.
I hope you all have a good and SAFE new year.
More next year.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Foot wine makes me want to gag! I assume every wine I drink was crushed by a machine.
As each day passes I seem to be feeling a little better. Last night I ate dinner for the first time in three days and I didn't even crap in my pants afterwards, which is a dramatic and welcome improvement. I know, too much information but I had to put it in there because it made me laugh to read it.
Whatever I had, seems to have moved to my chest and lungs. I have a tightness and an ache when I breath. I cough and I feel it in my lungs.
Enough of the poor me stuff for now. I do however, reserve the right to wine in future postings. Like I said, I ate dinner last night. I made grilled chicken breasts for the kids and I had a steak. It was the first time I have tried one of the Flat Iron steaks mom gave me and I can honestly say that may have been the best steak I have ever eaten. I am not kidding either. We also have buttery rice and green beans.
Jess had her three hour practice yesterday and they practiced hard the whole time. She was completely wiped out yesterday. After practice she came home, took a bath, ate lunch and laid in bed the rest of the day. When I got home at 5 she we sleeping. She woke up to eat dinner and then laid on the couch the rest of the night. She was tired! They have a scrimmage this morning at Ft. Dodge and need to be at the school by 8.
Drew has practice today at 1. He got a call from the coach last night with the good news. I think he is happy to have practice. Sitting at home is ok but I think they get tired of it quickly when they can't play outside much. Drew's friends that he played with everyday, moved last week so he doesn't have anyone to hang out with in the neighborhood anymore. The main person he played with was a girl and he won't admit it but they were kind of boy friend-girl friend. As soon as he would get home from practice, she would be at the door wanting him to come out and hang out. Drew could have been in a dead sleep and if she came to the door, he would be outside in a minute to hang out with her.
It is Friday but I don't have the same enthusiasm I normally do for the end of the week. Break is great and the end of the week is almost a reminder that we are getting close to the end. School doesn't start back up again until Thursday but I can see the darkness of the tunnel approaching.
I need to note that something has happened to my brain over the last few days. With feeling terrible it seems that I have also gotten dumber. My brain isn't functioning correctly. Whatever wit, humor, and modest intuitive grasp of concepts I previously had has now seem to evaported. I was trying to do some simple calculations in my head yesterday and had to break out the calculator. I was working with vendors yesterday and they would ask as question that I normally would just snap off an answer and I had to think and then I am not even sure I gave them the right answer or even really an answer at all. I hope I snap out of this soon. If not, I will have someone take a picture of my stupid ass, eyes wide and a clueless expression on my face; maybe even my finger in my nose. I do take some solice in that fact that I notice this is happening.
I am not sure what the plans are for the weekend. I really need to get to the grocery store and I probably need to find a way to get the ice off of my driveway. It is really slick!
Off to start my day and weekend. More Monday!
Whatever I had, seems to have moved to my chest and lungs. I have a tightness and an ache when I breath. I cough and I feel it in my lungs.
Enough of the poor me stuff for now. I do however, reserve the right to wine in future postings. Like I said, I ate dinner last night. I made grilled chicken breasts for the kids and I had a steak. It was the first time I have tried one of the Flat Iron steaks mom gave me and I can honestly say that may have been the best steak I have ever eaten. I am not kidding either. We also have buttery rice and green beans.
Jess had her three hour practice yesterday and they practiced hard the whole time. She was completely wiped out yesterday. After practice she came home, took a bath, ate lunch and laid in bed the rest of the day. When I got home at 5 she we sleeping. She woke up to eat dinner and then laid on the couch the rest of the night. She was tired! They have a scrimmage this morning at Ft. Dodge and need to be at the school by 8.
Drew has practice today at 1. He got a call from the coach last night with the good news. I think he is happy to have practice. Sitting at home is ok but I think they get tired of it quickly when they can't play outside much. Drew's friends that he played with everyday, moved last week so he doesn't have anyone to hang out with in the neighborhood anymore. The main person he played with was a girl and he won't admit it but they were kind of boy friend-girl friend. As soon as he would get home from practice, she would be at the door wanting him to come out and hang out. Drew could have been in a dead sleep and if she came to the door, he would be outside in a minute to hang out with her.
It is Friday but I don't have the same enthusiasm I normally do for the end of the week. Break is great and the end of the week is almost a reminder that we are getting close to the end. School doesn't start back up again until Thursday but I can see the darkness of the tunnel approaching.
I need to note that something has happened to my brain over the last few days. With feeling terrible it seems that I have also gotten dumber. My brain isn't functioning correctly. Whatever wit, humor, and modest intuitive grasp of concepts I previously had has now seem to evaported. I was trying to do some simple calculations in my head yesterday and had to break out the calculator. I was working with vendors yesterday and they would ask as question that I normally would just snap off an answer and I had to think and then I am not even sure I gave them the right answer or even really an answer at all. I hope I snap out of this soon. If not, I will have someone take a picture of my stupid ass, eyes wide and a clueless expression on my face; maybe even my finger in my nose. I do take some solice in that fact that I notice this is happening.
I am not sure what the plans are for the weekend. I really need to get to the grocery store and I probably need to find a way to get the ice off of my driveway. It is really slick!
Off to start my day and weekend. More Monday!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
It just doesn't seem right that the lue has seen more content than my stomach!!!
I am feeling a little better today. I have a touch of a sore throat and spent too much time in the bathroom, it you know what I mean, and my stomach is still a bit upset but I seem to have a touch more energy this morning. Don't get me wrong, I am not up for a marathon or even a long walk to the fridge but it is better than yesterday.
Jess has practice today. The coach told them they will be practicing for three hours this morning. 8-11. Practice for two hours and shooting for the last hour. Jess is thrilled..lol
Work went pretty well yesterday. Progress on all the projects is going well and I hope to have a majority of everything done by the end of the day today. Life just doesn't stand still does it.
I haven't eaten much over the last couple of days but suprisingly, I am not hungry. I guess if there is a positive spin to feeling like hell, it is a great way to lose a little weight.
It is Thursday but is seems more like Tuesday because of Christmas. It is not so exciting to see the weekend around the corner while we are on break. I like having the building kind of quiet and not having to worry about people bothering me. Before I know it, the break will be over and the long part of winter will be upon us.
I hope I get my appetite back. I kind of miss eating and the joy of eating.
More tomorrow.
Jess has practice today. The coach told them they will be practicing for three hours this morning. 8-11. Practice for two hours and shooting for the last hour. Jess is thrilled..lol
Work went pretty well yesterday. Progress on all the projects is going well and I hope to have a majority of everything done by the end of the day today. Life just doesn't stand still does it.
I haven't eaten much over the last couple of days but suprisingly, I am not hungry. I guess if there is a positive spin to feeling like hell, it is a great way to lose a little weight.
It is Thursday but is seems more like Tuesday because of Christmas. It is not so exciting to see the weekend around the corner while we are on break. I like having the building kind of quiet and not having to worry about people bothering me. Before I know it, the break will be over and the long part of winter will be upon us.
I hope I get my appetite back. I kind of miss eating and the joy of eating.
More tomorrow.
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