Seems like a bug of one sort or another has been going around this area forever! Joelle had the flu not to long ago, I had something a while back and in fact just Friday half of Joelle's class was missing. There were only 8 students in attendance.
Anyway, Natalie woke in the middle of the night and needed something, so Doreen gave her a drink of water. Then she woke up about 45 min later complaining of a stomach ache. Thinking she might be a bit hungry, we gave her a few crackers. Then 30 minutes later she came in saying she couldn't get back to sleep. So we had her crawl into bed with us. She cuddled right up next to me and went right to sleep. (We think she was cold and I warmed her right up to a good sleeping temp.
She got up and got a shower for church, got out and started crying. Then got dressed in some warm clothes, not Sabbath clothes cuz we hadn't had breakfast yet, and was complaining about being cold. So we bundled her up and tried to get her to eat. She did - barely.
Doreen mentioned that she ought to stay at home with Natalie. After a moment, I agreed. I took Joelle and went to church. Before leaving though, I had to get these two pics. Natalie was 'so cold' she went to lay down on the heating vent. Of course Doreen took the opportunity to lay right back down too. Hummmm! Did I get the bummer end of the stick?
Nah!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
A Stroll Down Memory Lane
Today I was looking through a drawer and came across some pictures. A bunch of them from a 'few' years ago.
Well - this was one of them. Who is this 'dark-eyed' beauty? My precious wife. As I sat and looked at this photo this morning, it dawned on me. It's no wonder that I fell for here. She was, and still is, extremely beautiful! Both on the inside and outside!!!
As I was rifling through the pics, I found this one, a shot of us at our first banquet together. Good memories.
Then I found another one, this one. I believe this was taken the summer between our Freshman and Sophmore years at college. We'd gone to 6 Flags over Texas this day with her sister and a couple of friends.
Here's a funny story about this photo. We decided to have it taken, and while Doreen was in the dressing room we hear a big 'bang.' Turns out she wacked her head on something and started bleading. So Shelly got her a tissue and they got a band-aid from the photographer and go the blood flow curbed. We took the picture, and to cover the band-aid she 'flopped' her bangs down over it.
Another good memory.
You know, I have lots and LOTS of good memories with my precious, precious wife!
What an unexpected, yet fun stroll down memory lane today!!!
Well - this was one of them. Who is this 'dark-eyed' beauty? My precious wife. As I sat and looked at this photo this morning, it dawned on me. It's no wonder that I fell for here. She was, and still is, extremely beautiful! Both on the inside and outside!!!
As I was rifling through the pics, I found this one, a shot of us at our first banquet together. Good memories.
Then I found another one, this one. I believe this was taken the summer between our Freshman and Sophmore years at college. We'd gone to 6 Flags over Texas this day with her sister and a couple of friends.
Here's a funny story about this photo. We decided to have it taken, and while Doreen was in the dressing room we hear a big 'bang.' Turns out she wacked her head on something and started bleading. So Shelly got her a tissue and they got a band-aid from the photographer and go the blood flow curbed. We took the picture, and to cover the band-aid she 'flopped' her bangs down over it.
Another good memory.
You know, I have lots and LOTS of good memories with my precious, precious wife!
What an unexpected, yet fun stroll down memory lane today!!!
Racquetball Tournament - Round 1
I had my first game of the racquetball tournament. It's a double elimination tournament and for that I'm extremely glad because I got whipped!
Rodney and I played 2 weeks ago, and that was the last I've played until today. I beat him then and today, he handed me a loss quite convincingly. The match only went two games. He beat me 15-11 and 15-10. The second game I had him down 7 to 1 and couldn't capitalize.
This pretty much sums up the game. I had pinned him in the back of the court a couple of times and hit soft dribblers into the wall he couldn't get. I had another opportunity to do another one and decided to wack a hard kill shot, cuz he was sneaking up. So I nailed it and he 'flailed' his racquet, hit the ball with a perfect high lob that died in the back court that I couldn't get to. The whole game will filled with stuff like that.
Man, that was frustrating.
So, now I have one loss and cannot lose again or I'm out of the tournament. I drop to the 'losers' side of the bracket, which should make it somewhat easier - but still. I really dislike losing!
Oh well - Next Round!!!
Rodney and I played 2 weeks ago, and that was the last I've played until today. I beat him then and today, he handed me a loss quite convincingly. The match only went two games. He beat me 15-11 and 15-10. The second game I had him down 7 to 1 and couldn't capitalize.
This pretty much sums up the game. I had pinned him in the back of the court a couple of times and hit soft dribblers into the wall he couldn't get. I had another opportunity to do another one and decided to wack a hard kill shot, cuz he was sneaking up. So I nailed it and he 'flailed' his racquet, hit the ball with a perfect high lob that died in the back court that I couldn't get to. The whole game will filled with stuff like that.
Man, that was frustrating.
So, now I have one loss and cannot lose again or I'm out of the tournament. I drop to the 'losers' side of the bracket, which should make it somewhat easier - but still. I really dislike losing!
Oh well - Next Round!!!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Thoroughly Inspected
This is a two part post.
A - informative
B - requesting prayer.
So, my inlaws have a chance to retire from trucking. They had some property here in the Chattanooga area that sold, and now they are hoping to sell their truck. If that happens - they'll be pretty much set, for a while.
In the mean-time, they are taking a Home Inspection class to build a new business for themselves.
Well, they've got 7 people in the class, and they needed houses to inspect for practice and to learn. So we offered ours for the class to use.
Today was the day. 7 people, plus the teacher, walking around our house really giving it a go-over.
What I've come up with is that our house needs some serious work. Tomorrow in class they'll be going over what they saw a 'write' up a report. Can't wait to see the official results!
It was kind of fun! I even learned a lot, not that it's that suprising! :)
Prayer request, pray that things go through for Larry & Sandra to be able to permantly make the transition!
A - informative
B - requesting prayer.
So, my inlaws have a chance to retire from trucking. They had some property here in the Chattanooga area that sold, and now they are hoping to sell their truck. If that happens - they'll be pretty much set, for a while.
In the mean-time, they are taking a Home Inspection class to build a new business for themselves.
Well, they've got 7 people in the class, and they needed houses to inspect for practice and to learn. So we offered ours for the class to use.
Today was the day. 7 people, plus the teacher, walking around our house really giving it a go-over.
What I've come up with is that our house needs some serious work. Tomorrow in class they'll be going over what they saw a 'write' up a report. Can't wait to see the official results!
It was kind of fun! I even learned a lot, not that it's that suprising! :)
Prayer request, pray that things go through for Larry & Sandra to be able to permantly make the transition!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
1st for the Season
Today I mowed our lawn for the first time of this season. It's actually needed it for about a week or so, but we've been too busy to get to it.
Well - my scheduled finally lightened up a bit. I've been home more than 12 hours. So I was able to get the mowing done today. I tell ya it looks a LOT better. Especially our back yard. It was getting hairy.
The only problem with starting the mowing, we gotta keep up with it now.
The nice thing about it is, we've got a push mower, so it is good exercise. And with weed wacking, mowing and picking up sticks and Mocha's junk, I can do it in just under two hours.
Not bad!
I do love the smell of fresh cut grass though!! :)
Well - my scheduled finally lightened up a bit. I've been home more than 12 hours. So I was able to get the mowing done today. I tell ya it looks a LOT better. Especially our back yard. It was getting hairy.
The only problem with starting the mowing, we gotta keep up with it now.
The nice thing about it is, we've got a push mower, so it is good exercise. And with weed wacking, mowing and picking up sticks and Mocha's junk, I can do it in just under two hours.
Not bad!
I do love the smell of fresh cut grass though!! :)
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Mustachio
Well, I'm now back home for a few short hours, between trips #1 to OH & #2 to LA, and I wanted to blog these pics for you to enjoy!!!
Sabbath was QUITE a day for us. In fact Doreen told me on the phone, as I was laying in the bunk of a truck heading North and we were just talking about the day, that both the girls had told her Sabbath was the BESTEST day! Guess cuz we had so much going on! Let's see, Sleeping in, Sonrise Service, Lunch with Grandparents, afternoon rollerblading, evening Church social. Yeah quite full and lots of fun.
Just for a bit of a back-story, the social was a 'welcome' to our new associate pastor coming in. It was basically fingerfoods, singing and games, after sundown.
Just before game time though, a couple of ladies got up and did an improv 'skit' as Ricky & Lucille Ball of the "I Love Lucy" show for an official welcome. It was hilarious!
Well they had some 'fake' mustaches they used as a prop for the skit. Afterwards they let the kids play with the stuff...
...and my kids took full advantage of it. Joelle couldn't WAIT to try that mustache on. Once she had it on, she didn't want to take it off! :) Too funny!
Natalie wanted to get into the act too. She was impressed that the mustache matched the color of her shirt.
Then Natalie became the photographer and put the mustache on me and snapped the photo! Too precious!
This set of 'green' antenna was used in the skit and you can see how happy Natalie was to try it on!
Sabbath was QUITE a day for us. In fact Doreen told me on the phone, as I was laying in the bunk of a truck heading North and we were just talking about the day, that both the girls had told her Sabbath was the BESTEST day! Guess cuz we had so much going on! Let's see, Sleeping in, Sonrise Service, Lunch with Grandparents, afternoon rollerblading, evening Church social. Yeah quite full and lots of fun.
Just for a bit of a back-story, the social was a 'welcome' to our new associate pastor coming in. It was basically fingerfoods, singing and games, after sundown.
Just before game time though, a couple of ladies got up and did an improv 'skit' as Ricky & Lucille Ball of the "I Love Lucy" show for an official welcome. It was hilarious!
Well they had some 'fake' mustaches they used as a prop for the skit. Afterwards they let the kids play with the stuff...
...and my kids took full advantage of it. Joelle couldn't WAIT to try that mustache on. Once she had it on, she didn't want to take it off! :) Too funny!
Natalie wanted to get into the act too. She was impressed that the mustache matched the color of her shirt.
Then Natalie became the photographer and put the mustache on me and snapped the photo! Too precious!
This set of 'green' antenna was used in the skit and you can see how happy Natalie was to try it on!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Rollin' Down the Sidewalk
After taking the kids rollerskating a couple of weeks ago, some neighbor girls have in-line skates. Joelle mentioned she'd like a pair.
I'm not stingy, I don't mind spending money on stuff that will last a while. I don't, however, like buying things that they'll just grow out of in a few months.
So I went to the local 'Thrift Store' and dug through 4 bins full of helmets, racquets, balls and roller blands and found two pair. One to fit Joelle and one to fit Natalie.
Here's the kicker, I only paid $2.27 for both! Whooo hooooo!
Natalie has tried hers a bit. Not too thrilled about it though.
Joelle, though, with the neighbor girls just took off and has been rollin all over the neighborhood!
That is gonna be AWESOME for this summer!!!
I'm not stingy, I don't mind spending money on stuff that will last a while. I don't, however, like buying things that they'll just grow out of in a few months.
So I went to the local 'Thrift Store' and dug through 4 bins full of helmets, racquets, balls and roller blands and found two pair. One to fit Joelle and one to fit Natalie.
Here's the kicker, I only paid $2.27 for both! Whooo hooooo!
Natalie has tried hers a bit. Not too thrilled about it though.
Joelle, though, with the neighbor girls just took off and has been rollin all over the neighborhood!
That is gonna be AWESOME for this summer!!!
SONRise Service
Today instead of a normal church service, we went to the 13th Annual SONRise service at the Collegedale Church in association with Southern Adventist University.
They started us in the sanctuary with a 'modern' day tale, then 'time-warped' us back to Jerusalem in Bible times. We got to 'walk-thru' the city with all the shops and stuff.
The girls got a chance to pet a donkey, a baby camel, a cow, a llama and see some goats and sheep.
It was nice because we walked all over campus and got to see it's beauty. Here, Joelle and Natalie are watching 'Jesus' in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Larry, Sandra, Doreen and Natalie are sitting on the sidewalk behind the gym as we witness the scene on Golgotha.
Here is the scene of Jesus and the two thieves on the cross. Then we went into the gym for the resurrection! What a very powerful portrayal of what Christ did for us!
Very, VERY nice!!!
They started us in the sanctuary with a 'modern' day tale, then 'time-warped' us back to Jerusalem in Bible times. We got to 'walk-thru' the city with all the shops and stuff.
The girls got a chance to pet a donkey, a baby camel, a cow, a llama and see some goats and sheep.
It was nice because we walked all over campus and got to see it's beauty. Here, Joelle and Natalie are watching 'Jesus' in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Larry, Sandra, Doreen and Natalie are sitting on the sidewalk behind the gym as we witness the scene on Golgotha.
Here is the scene of Jesus and the two thieves on the cross. Then we went into the gym for the resurrection! What a very powerful portrayal of what Christ did for us!
Very, VERY nice!!!
"John" Repair #2
No, not that number two.
A couple of months ago I had to replace the 'guts' of one of our stools in the bathroom. Just wasn't working right.
Well, this week, on the day I was home 12 hours, the potty in our main bathroom, got stopped up.
I was annoyed to say the least because someone put too much paper in it. Well, I got it to flush and in doing the clean-up, found that the hose from the water-line to the tank was leaking.
A blessing in disguse? Probably!
So I shut the water line off and yesterday put a new one in - no problems now!!!
Such is the life of a home-owner! :)
A couple of months ago I had to replace the 'guts' of one of our stools in the bathroom. Just wasn't working right.
Well, this week, on the day I was home 12 hours, the potty in our main bathroom, got stopped up.
I was annoyed to say the least because someone put too much paper in it. Well, I got it to flush and in doing the clean-up, found that the hose from the water-line to the tank was leaking.
A blessing in disguse? Probably!
So I shut the water line off and yesterday put a new one in - no problems now!!!
Such is the life of a home-owner! :)
Friday, March 21, 2008
Under the Sea OR A Day Off
Today, Good Friday, the kids had no school. Thankfully I was home. (Doreen was too, but she NEEDED to get some studying done.) So Joelle, Natalie and I went to the TN Aquarium. Yes, Natalie and I had just been there on a field trip, but Joelle was wanting to go - so we did. And boy did we have a ball!
At the last section of the "Ocean Journey" building they have a huge cave system build under the HUGE sea water tank. It's awesome to go through. Well, Natalie all of a sudden got in the posing for pictures mode. So she'd pose and say "Daddy, take a picture." Well, I never pass an opportunity to take a pic of my kiddos!
One of the photos, the girls lay down on a ledge together and it was just so cute, I had to share it with you!!!
Enjoy!
At the last section of the "Ocean Journey" building they have a huge cave system build under the HUGE sea water tank. It's awesome to go through. Well, Natalie all of a sudden got in the posing for pictures mode. So she'd pose and say "Daddy, take a picture." Well, I never pass an opportunity to take a pic of my kiddos!
One of the photos, the girls lay down on a ledge together and it was just so cute, I had to share it with you!!!
Enjoy!
John 15:13,14 "Greater love...
... hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
This evening we went to a combo Communion service and Baptism for a couple of boys. It was actually a great way to begin Easter weekend.
The pastor told a story though, I'd never heard before. One that really was amazing at what this man was willing to do. Maximillian Kolbe. A Polish Priest in a German Concentration camp. Let me share it with you.
A prisoner had escaped from Auschwitz. The camp's rule was that if one prisoner escaped, ten died in his place. All day the weak and underfed men from the escaped prisoner's block were made to stand in the sun without food and water. When the man was not found, a prison guard randomly called out the names of ten men who were to die in his place.
When Sergeant Francis Gajowniczek heard his name called, he cried out, "Have mercy! I have a wife and children." But mercy was a commodity in short supply in Nazi death camps.
Into the gap stepped Maximilian Kolbe. He moved forward silently. Asked what he wanted, he replied, "I am a Catholic priest from Poland; I would like to take his place, because he has a wife and children." Hesitating a moment in face of this noble gesture, Commandant Fritsch accepted the replacement. Maximilian and nine others were sent to Building 13, to starve to death.
During those two weeks when typically men are screaming and groaning in agony, Maximilian led the victims in hymns and prayer. When he became too weak to speak aloud, he whispered his prayers. After two weeks, only four of the ten were still alive. Maximilian alone was completely conscious. The guards needed the space for more prisoners and decided to hasten the deaths with lethal doses of carbolic acid. Maximilian was last.
Wow - would I be willing to do that?
Humm - something to think about!
This evening we went to a combo Communion service and Baptism for a couple of boys. It was actually a great way to begin Easter weekend.
The pastor told a story though, I'd never heard before. One that really was amazing at what this man was willing to do. Maximillian Kolbe. A Polish Priest in a German Concentration camp. Let me share it with you.
A prisoner had escaped from Auschwitz. The camp's rule was that if one prisoner escaped, ten died in his place. All day the weak and underfed men from the escaped prisoner's block were made to stand in the sun without food and water. When the man was not found, a prison guard randomly called out the names of ten men who were to die in his place.
When Sergeant Francis Gajowniczek heard his name called, he cried out, "Have mercy! I have a wife and children." But mercy was a commodity in short supply in Nazi death camps.
Into the gap stepped Maximilian Kolbe. He moved forward silently. Asked what he wanted, he replied, "I am a Catholic priest from Poland; I would like to take his place, because he has a wife and children." Hesitating a moment in face of this noble gesture, Commandant Fritsch accepted the replacement. Maximilian and nine others were sent to Building 13, to starve to death.
During those two weeks when typically men are screaming and groaning in agony, Maximilian led the victims in hymns and prayer. When he became too weak to speak aloud, he whispered his prayers. After two weeks, only four of the ten were still alive. Maximilian alone was completely conscious. The guards needed the space for more prisoners and decided to hasten the deaths with lethal doses of carbolic acid. Maximilian was last.
Wow - would I be willing to do that?
Humm - something to think about!
Cool Formation - Just Wingin' It! :)
Just happened to come across this photo this evening of the U.S. Navy Carrier Air Wing Eight jets fly in formation from USS Theodore Roosevelt in 2003. Awesome.
Now let's see, the first 4 planes are F-14's, the 8 on the left and right are F-15's. I believe that one in the center is an F-4 and the one at the very tail is an AWACS plane, but I'm not sure what the other two in the back section are. Help?! :)
Enjoy the photo!
Now let's see, the first 4 planes are F-14's, the 8 on the left and right are F-15's. I believe that one in the center is an F-4 and the one at the very tail is an AWACS plane, but I'm not sure what the other two in the back section are. Help?! :)
Enjoy the photo!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
A Not so Close Call
Last weekend was a big dental exhibition in Atlanta, GA they have every year.
Doreen could have gone as a student, but since it wasn't required and as a Dental Hygientist, she'll probably need to go in the future - she decided to pass on this one.
Well - turns out it was a good thing.
A half a dozen of her classmates and a couple of instructors were there and we got a scary e-mail Sat afternoon.
Her collegues who'd gone down were right in the middle of the area that got hit with the tornado. They could feel the hotel swaying and shaking. Windows in the convention center were blown in. Chairs and stuff were strewn everywhere - including outside, they spent the rest of the night huddled in a stairwell.
Ooofff. That must have been an awful experience!
Sure glad Doreen passed this one up!!!
Doreen could have gone as a student, but since it wasn't required and as a Dental Hygientist, she'll probably need to go in the future - she decided to pass on this one.
Well - turns out it was a good thing.
A half a dozen of her classmates and a couple of instructors were there and we got a scary e-mail Sat afternoon.
Her collegues who'd gone down were right in the middle of the area that got hit with the tornado. They could feel the hotel swaying and shaking. Windows in the convention center were blown in. Chairs and stuff were strewn everywhere - including outside, they spent the rest of the night huddled in a stairwell.
Ooofff. That must have been an awful experience!
Sure glad Doreen passed this one up!!!
Extra Holes Filled
As you'll read in a later post, on Wed, I was home less than 12 hours.
For two of those hours, I was sitting in a dentist chair getting a couple of extra holes in my head, that weren't supposed to be there filled.
For those dental type people, it was teeth 14 & 15 that had the problems.
Then, one other thing. Years ago, I chipped my right front tooth, just on the edge.
It didn't look the best, so my dentist at the time fixed it. It didn't look much better. It was a different shade of white and was shaped funny.
Quite a while back, that addition chipped off, and being leary of another dentist screwing it up again - I just left it.
Well, Dr C looked at it a couple of weeks ago and said when we fill those cavities, I'm just gonna clean that chipped tooth up a bit.
Ok.
So he did it Wednesday and it looks awesome. In fact Doreen can't almost tell that it's there.
The shading is perfect and the shape looks completely normal!
It is so awesome. He really seemed to enjoy that part of all the work he did on me that day.
My father-in-law says that some people are 'artisians' at their profession and do an excellent job at what they do just because they want to. It is not a job for them - it's almost an artform.
Well, that is Dr C. He's an artisian!
Awesome!
For two of those hours, I was sitting in a dentist chair getting a couple of extra holes in my head, that weren't supposed to be there filled.
For those dental type people, it was teeth 14 & 15 that had the problems.
Then, one other thing. Years ago, I chipped my right front tooth, just on the edge.
It didn't look the best, so my dentist at the time fixed it. It didn't look much better. It was a different shade of white and was shaped funny.
Quite a while back, that addition chipped off, and being leary of another dentist screwing it up again - I just left it.
Well, Dr C looked at it a couple of weeks ago and said when we fill those cavities, I'm just gonna clean that chipped tooth up a bit.
Ok.
So he did it Wednesday and it looks awesome. In fact Doreen can't almost tell that it's there.
The shading is perfect and the shape looks completely normal!
It is so awesome. He really seemed to enjoy that part of all the work he did on me that day.
My father-in-law says that some people are 'artisians' at their profession and do an excellent job at what they do just because they want to. It is not a job for them - it's almost an artform.
Well, that is Dr C. He's an artisian!
Awesome!
Pride Goeth Before a Fall
Man that verse is SO very true.
Last week I was 'braggin' that my job was the most awesome and I had like 5 days off, without taking PTO.
Well - all that bragging came back to bite in the bunz - HARD!
Left Sun eveing for a run to Erie, PA then to Gentry, AR.
Turns out I didn't get home until Wednesday morning. All three nights, I had to drive anywhere from 8 to 11 hours all starting around midnight. Man, that is ROUGH! A 2,700 mile trip.
With the miles/cases unloading ratio we have, I made my week - 5 days. Well, I hadn't taken two runs - so I get assigned another 700 mile, 5 stop run to near Macon, GA that left less than 12 hours after getting back from the 1st run.
I ended up making 7 days of work this week. Oy vai! Am I bushed.
Ok - that is the last time I brag like that again!
Aarrrgghhhhhhh!
I hate Murphy's law! :)
Last week I was 'braggin' that my job was the most awesome and I had like 5 days off, without taking PTO.
Well - all that bragging came back to bite in the bunz - HARD!
Left Sun eveing for a run to Erie, PA then to Gentry, AR.
Turns out I didn't get home until Wednesday morning. All three nights, I had to drive anywhere from 8 to 11 hours all starting around midnight. Man, that is ROUGH! A 2,700 mile trip.
With the miles/cases unloading ratio we have, I made my week - 5 days. Well, I hadn't taken two runs - so I get assigned another 700 mile, 5 stop run to near Macon, GA that left less than 12 hours after getting back from the 1st run.
I ended up making 7 days of work this week. Oy vai! Am I bushed.
Ok - that is the last time I brag like that again!
Aarrrgghhhhhhh!
I hate Murphy's law! :)
High Waters
On a run this week I ended up at our plant in Gentry, AR. Getting there was the fun part.
A TON of rain had come down already and in the weather report they were expecting another 6 to 8 inches to come down - THAT DAY!
I saw houses covered, a volleyball net just about completely under water. A set of basketball hoops just barely above the water line and LOTS of streams and creeks flowing like rivers.
Roads were flowing occassionaly.
We hit one puddle that was so full of water, the spray from our tires hit another truck about 25 feet away.
Of course, fueling, swapping trailers and equipment had us soaked - literally!
Wow - what weather!!!
A TON of rain had come down already and in the weather report they were expecting another 6 to 8 inches to come down - THAT DAY!
I saw houses covered, a volleyball net just about completely under water. A set of basketball hoops just barely above the water line and LOTS of streams and creeks flowing like rivers.
Roads were flowing occassionaly.
We hit one puddle that was so full of water, the spray from our tires hit another truck about 25 feet away.
Of course, fueling, swapping trailers and equipment had us soaked - literally!
Wow - what weather!!!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Spring has Sprung OR Bloomin Trees
Eighth and Ninth Racquetball League Games, Plus One
Since I had most of the week off, I contacted the next two opponents in our racquetball league to see if we could squeeze the next two games in.
Got an e-mail back from one and she could play on Thur and didn't hear back from the second one.
So, for fun I set up a game with former elementary classmate from our days in Battle Creek Mi, Aaron B. We played Wednesday nite at 7p. It was a challenge. I won the 1st game and he the second and then I took the third. It was a lot of fun and great exercise!
Then my game against Sonya was Thursday evening at 5pm. She is ranked #2 in our league and had only lost one game. It was a hard fought game. I won the first game 15-13, she won the second 15-6 and the third 11-9. Man, I was wore out after that one.
I heard from the last guy, Thur afternoon and he wanted to play Fri. So at noon, the game was on. Doreen went with me to sit and watch and study, then we hit Subway afterwards.
For some reason, I felt like I was running in mud when I'd go after the ball. Couldn't figure it out. (Come to find out, I was sore and stiff - even though I streached properly - from the two previous games.)
I eventually ended up beating Rodney 15-11, 15-11, on both games. Wheew!
My record for the season is 6 wins and 3 losses.
Now, we just wait for everyone else to wrap up the rest of their games and then we seed the championship tourney. It's a double elimination tournament.
It looks like we'll have 13 people in our "B" league division. If it all holds true, it looks like I'll be seeded 6th.
What lots of FUN! Plus I get the added extra of good exercise!
Got an e-mail back from one and she could play on Thur and didn't hear back from the second one.
So, for fun I set up a game with former elementary classmate from our days in Battle Creek Mi, Aaron B. We played Wednesday nite at 7p. It was a challenge. I won the 1st game and he the second and then I took the third. It was a lot of fun and great exercise!
Then my game against Sonya was Thursday evening at 5pm. She is ranked #2 in our league and had only lost one game. It was a hard fought game. I won the first game 15-13, she won the second 15-6 and the third 11-9. Man, I was wore out after that one.
I heard from the last guy, Thur afternoon and he wanted to play Fri. So at noon, the game was on. Doreen went with me to sit and watch and study, then we hit Subway afterwards.
For some reason, I felt like I was running in mud when I'd go after the ball. Couldn't figure it out. (Come to find out, I was sore and stiff - even though I streached properly - from the two previous games.)
I eventually ended up beating Rodney 15-11, 15-11, on both games. Wheew!
My record for the season is 6 wins and 3 losses.
Now, we just wait for everyone else to wrap up the rest of their games and then we seed the championship tourney. It's a double elimination tournament.
It looks like we'll have 13 people in our "B" league division. If it all holds true, it looks like I'll be seeded 6th.
What lots of FUN! Plus I get the added extra of good exercise!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Field Trip # 3 - TN Aquarium
Since I still 'float' in my job, I asked the scheduler to make sure I had Thur off to be able to go on a class field trip for my youngest daughter. I LOVE going on these things with her. Well, in an earlier post, I talked about getting stuck in the snow - well - it was all worth it because I was done with my week of work by Tuesday morning at 6:30am when I got home and I've had the rest of the week at home to be home! Nice!!!
Thursday, we did the field trip thingy at the Tennessee Aquarium. Here's my precious little Natalie, on the left, with two of her very good friends, Alyssa (c) and Caroline (r).
Here Natalie and I were in the butterfly room and she was trying to get one one land on her and was feeling kind of disappointed that none were. (To those of you who know my daughter this is a HUGE change of opinion for her!) So I knelt down with her and cuddled her into a hug, and not 30 sec later this butterfly lands on her wrist. You can tell by her face how incredibly pleased she is!
I had to chuckle, because we walked into the Bayou room and I was talking with another parent, I turn around, look through the glass and see Natalie opening and closing her mouth at the baby alligator floating in the water. It was hilarious, yet extremely cute, so I snapped a quick pic!
Thursday, we did the field trip thingy at the Tennessee Aquarium. Here's my precious little Natalie, on the left, with two of her very good friends, Alyssa (c) and Caroline (r).
Here Natalie and I were in the butterfly room and she was trying to get one one land on her and was feeling kind of disappointed that none were. (To those of you who know my daughter this is a HUGE change of opinion for her!) So I knelt down with her and cuddled her into a hug, and not 30 sec later this butterfly lands on her wrist. You can tell by her face how incredibly pleased she is!
I had to chuckle, because we walked into the Bayou room and I was talking with another parent, I turn around, look through the glass and see Natalie opening and closing her mouth at the baby alligator floating in the water. It was hilarious, yet extremely cute, so I snapped a quick pic!
Mom and Dad, BSP
Mom and Dad, Before Steve Pester! :)
This pic is just over 40 years old.
I've been 'pestering' them to get me a photo of my dad in uniform, to put in a 'project' I've been wanting to finish - a display case of Dad's military stuff.
Finally put it all together except for the pic. Now that this photo has been e-mailed to me I can finish it. (Thanks Ma.)(Thanks Sis for scanning it in.)
Mom and Dad - you made me what I am today. Thanks!!!
Love y'all!
This pic is just over 40 years old.
I've been 'pestering' them to get me a photo of my dad in uniform, to put in a 'project' I've been wanting to finish - a display case of Dad's military stuff.
Finally put it all together except for the pic. Now that this photo has been e-mailed to me I can finish it. (Thanks Ma.)(Thanks Sis for scanning it in.)
Mom and Dad - you made me what I am today. Thanks!!!
Love y'all!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Stuck with No Place to Go
On my trip to OH, going to an area where they got LOTS of snow, we got stuck.
The 'Plow company' was suppose to have been there already - and by the depth of the snow you can tell they hadn't.
To make matters worse, we got a flat on one of the drive tires that just killed us. It put us 6 hours behind.
Couldn't understand why we had to sit around. After we got empty, we called in and the told the Coordinator that the trip we were scheduled on to leave at 1am would be heading out about 4 hours late.
He said, "Hey I need your help." Turns out a team headed out, one guy had an adverse reaction so some medication from the nurse and they had to go to the hospital.
So we met the guys in London, KY and swapped trailers, and crashed for a few hours, then into WV to unload. Got home this morning at 6am and now I'm done for the week.
Hum, stuck in OH and now 5 days offs. Seems like a pretty good trade off to me!!! :)
The 'Plow company' was suppose to have been there already - and by the depth of the snow you can tell they hadn't.
To make matters worse, we got a flat on one of the drive tires that just killed us. It put us 6 hours behind.
Couldn't understand why we had to sit around. After we got empty, we called in and the told the Coordinator that the trip we were scheduled on to leave at 1am would be heading out about 4 hours late.
He said, "Hey I need your help." Turns out a team headed out, one guy had an adverse reaction so some medication from the nurse and they had to go to the hospital.
So we met the guys in London, KY and swapped trailers, and crashed for a few hours, then into WV to unload. Got home this morning at 6am and now I'm done for the week.
Hum, stuck in OH and now 5 days offs. Seems like a pretty good trade off to me!!! :)
Friday, March 07, 2008
"Rollin in Eastern TN!"
This week was Spring Break for Doreen and the kids. I was basically gone from Sat Night thru Wed, with 5 hours home on Sunday evening and 8 hours on Tue. So we decided to do something fun on Thursday. We went Roller-skating.
We had a ball!
Joelle did a lot better this time by herself cuz of her playing with her Heelys. Natalie still had a bit of trouble, but by the time we left - was beginning to get her balance.
The pizza and salad afterwards was yummy as well!
Great evening!
We had a ball!
Joelle did a lot better this time by herself cuz of her playing with her Heelys. Natalie still had a bit of trouble, but by the time we left - was beginning to get her balance.
The pizza and salad afterwards was yummy as well!
Great evening!
...to Back
Ended up running a 4th trip this week.
Got back to the yard Wed evening from Mississippi and as I was heading home, a coordinator called asking me to take another run to Dalton, Ga.
Oy vai.
This is a coordinator that will bend over backwards to help out, so I helped him out and took it.
So that's 4 runs for this week. As I was driving, I started thinking about the stats.
- 9,500 Cases moved
- 140,000 lbs of product delivered - by hand
- 3,100 Miles traveled
Some good money made! :)
Still had 1 1/2 days at home. Not bad!
Got back to the yard Wed evening from Mississippi and as I was heading home, a coordinator called asking me to take another run to Dalton, Ga.
Oy vai.
This is a coordinator that will bend over backwards to help out, so I helped him out and took it.
So that's 4 runs for this week. As I was driving, I started thinking about the stats.
- 9,500 Cases moved
- 140,000 lbs of product delivered - by hand
- 3,100 Miles traveled
Some good money made! :)
Still had 1 1/2 days at home. Not bad!
Cha-Ching!
That's the sound of our money getting put back in our account. After giving Uncle Sam a free loan, he finally returned our money today in the form of a direct deposit.
Oh well, getting it back has helped a few places we needed a few extra bucks!
Nice!
Oh well, getting it back has helped a few places we needed a few extra bucks!
Nice!
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Yup - this is Politicians
Just got this forwarded to me by my by my folks.
Since this is an election year, I've heard a ton of stuff on the radio about the candidates running.
I think they are all full of bullcockie!
So enjoy this 'poke' of fun yet measure of sickening truth example of politicians!
One day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he asked about his bill and the barber replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The florist was pleased and left the shop.
When the barber goes to open his shop the next morning there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.
Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The cop is happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber goes to open up there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.
Later that day, a college professor comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The professor is very happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber opens his shop, there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen different books, such as 'How to Improve Your Business' and 'Becoming More Successful'.
Then, a Congressman comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The Congressman is very happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.
And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the members of our Congress.
Vote carefully this year
Since this is an election year, I've heard a ton of stuff on the radio about the candidates running.
I think they are all full of bullcockie!
So enjoy this 'poke' of fun yet measure of sickening truth example of politicians!
One day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he asked about his bill and the barber replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The florist was pleased and left the shop.
When the barber goes to open his shop the next morning there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.
Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The cop is happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber goes to open up there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.
Later that day, a college professor comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The professor is very happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber opens his shop, there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen different books, such as 'How to Improve Your Business' and 'Becoming More Successful'.
Then, a Congressman comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The Congressman is very happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.
And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the members of our Congress.
Vote carefully this year
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Activities of the Day
Yesterday, my wife was EXTREMELY thoughtful!
I'd gotten home from my trip 1:30ish, and lunch was sitting on the counter for me - I just had to warm a couple of things up.
You see, Natalie had a play date with one of her classmates. So Doreen and Joelle took her over to Tori's house.
Then Joelle wanted to do something. Doreen wanted to take her for a bike ride along the Greenway here in Collegedale. Well, I'd been gone, except for 5 hours since Saturday night and I just felt like staying at home.
So Doreen and Joelle went. They had a lot of fun because the last couple of days it rained here a lot. Many of the bridges and some of the sidewalk they rode on were covered. Joelle got a huge kick out of it. In fact a couple of the bridges were impassible. The rode what they could, then loaded the bikes up in the pickup and went at it from the other side.
It was SO precious how Joelle explained it all to me in detail! Very cute!
Yeah - it was a very good day!
I'd gotten home from my trip 1:30ish, and lunch was sitting on the counter for me - I just had to warm a couple of things up.
You see, Natalie had a play date with one of her classmates. So Doreen and Joelle took her over to Tori's house.
Then Joelle wanted to do something. Doreen wanted to take her for a bike ride along the Greenway here in Collegedale. Well, I'd been gone, except for 5 hours since Saturday night and I just felt like staying at home.
So Doreen and Joelle went. They had a lot of fun because the last couple of days it rained here a lot. Many of the bridges and some of the sidewalk they rode on were covered. Joelle got a huge kick out of it. In fact a couple of the bridges were impassible. The rode what they could, then loaded the bikes up in the pickup and went at it from the other side.
It was SO precious how Joelle explained it all to me in detail! Very cute!
Yeah - it was a very good day!
Racquetball Terms - Clarification
So last night when Doreen read my post about the racquetball game she asked, "What's a "passing shot?" She actually asked me if I made it up or if it's a real racquetball term.
Today I received the question from my brother-in-law.
This is from ehow.com!
(Yes it is a real term!! GRIN)
Step 1:
Attempt this shot when you're behind your opponent or when both you and your opponent are on the same side of the court.
Step 2:
Aim for a spot on the wall 3 to 5 feet above the floor. If you hit it much higher than this your opponent has a better chance of an easy return.
Step 3:
Strike the ball with the racquet face perpendicular to the floor.
Step 4:
Use enough power to get the ball past your opponent, but not so much that it bounces off the back wall after one bounce. For best results, you want the ball to bounce twice before it reaches the back wall.
Step 5:
Send the ball to the corner farthest from where your opponent is standing.
Step 6:
Choose a shot angle that makes your opponent move the most. Even if your opponent does chase down the shot, you'll be presented with many options to put your opponent away.
Today I received the question from my brother-in-law.
This is from ehow.com!
(Yes it is a real term!! GRIN)
Step 1:
Attempt this shot when you're behind your opponent or when both you and your opponent are on the same side of the court.
Step 2:
Aim for a spot on the wall 3 to 5 feet above the floor. If you hit it much higher than this your opponent has a better chance of an easy return.
Step 3:
Strike the ball with the racquet face perpendicular to the floor.
Step 4:
Use enough power to get the ball past your opponent, but not so much that it bounces off the back wall after one bounce. For best results, you want the ball to bounce twice before it reaches the back wall.
Step 5:
Send the ball to the corner farthest from where your opponent is standing.
Step 6:
Choose a shot angle that makes your opponent move the most. Even if your opponent does chase down the shot, you'll be presented with many options to put your opponent away.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Seventh Racquetball League Game
Man, this was a good game - tough, and I ended up losing.
Don was an awesome competitor! He has a great passing shot and a great serve.
So, we had to play 3 games. He won the first one 15-5, I won the second 15-13 and he won the final game 11-8.
I was really worried when that first game started and I couldn't return anything. He had me scrambling there for a while - then I got in a groove and did a bit better.
The second and third game were closely contested most of the way.
Boy was that lots of fun. The only thing that would have made it better was that I would have won! Oh well!
I'll play him in the championship - so we'll see!
P.S. Two guys were there talking when I arrived. (I've beaten both of them already.)
Anyway, they were saying that they think the championship will come down to one of four of us. Kevin, who's beat me, Don, who just beat me, Sonya - who I haven't played yet or me. Interesting.
Gotta focus on getting my shots in - hit too many lame ducks tonight! :)
Go racquetball!
Don was an awesome competitor! He has a great passing shot and a great serve.
So, we had to play 3 games. He won the first one 15-5, I won the second 15-13 and he won the final game 11-8.
I was really worried when that first game started and I couldn't return anything. He had me scrambling there for a while - then I got in a groove and did a bit better.
The second and third game were closely contested most of the way.
Boy was that lots of fun. The only thing that would have made it better was that I would have won! Oh well!
I'll play him in the championship - so we'll see!
P.S. Two guys were there talking when I arrived. (I've beaten both of them already.)
Anyway, they were saying that they think the championship will come down to one of four of us. Kevin, who's beat me, Don, who just beat me, Sonya - who I haven't played yet or me. Interesting.
Gotta focus on getting my shots in - hit too many lame ducks tonight! :)
Go racquetball!
Back to Back to Back
I'm getting close to wore out.
Had a run Sat night to Kentucky. Got back Sunday around 6. When I was turning the paperwork in, a Coordinator asked me where I was going. I said, "home. Just got back."
He asked if I wanted to go back out?
No was my first thought, then thinking about the run they scheduled for on Monday, I said, "Tell me about it."
Turns out that the team on the trip, who are related, had a family member pass, so they had other things to do.
So I accepted the run.
Left Sunday at 11p and headed to Akron, OH. Emptied out, ran to central OH picked up a backhaul, after waiting for hours for them to load it, then home.
Got home at 1p today, and as I was picking up my gear, checked my box, got a run out tonight at 8pm for Tupelo, MS and all points surrounding.
Wheeeew! Well, I did ask for an extra trip this week.
So, gonna grab a nap in a bed that doesn't move a lot! :)
When my family gets home from the stuff they're doing, hang with them, go play a racquetball leage game at 6p and then off to Mississippi!
Then I will be done! Or all done in! :)
Had a run Sat night to Kentucky. Got back Sunday around 6. When I was turning the paperwork in, a Coordinator asked me where I was going. I said, "home. Just got back."
He asked if I wanted to go back out?
No was my first thought, then thinking about the run they scheduled for on Monday, I said, "Tell me about it."
Turns out that the team on the trip, who are related, had a family member pass, so they had other things to do.
So I accepted the run.
Left Sunday at 11p and headed to Akron, OH. Emptied out, ran to central OH picked up a backhaul, after waiting for hours for them to load it, then home.
Got home at 1p today, and as I was picking up my gear, checked my box, got a run out tonight at 8pm for Tupelo, MS and all points surrounding.
Wheeeew! Well, I did ask for an extra trip this week.
So, gonna grab a nap in a bed that doesn't move a lot! :)
When my family gets home from the stuff they're doing, hang with them, go play a racquetball leage game at 6p and then off to Mississippi!
Then I will be done! Or all done in! :)
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Clean Teeth
Finally was able to get to my teeth cleaning today. I had to reschedule it once due to being gone on a trip.
Got my teeth cleaned and then the Dr. came in to check 'em out.
They found the cavity that showed up on Doreen's X-rays she took of me.
Argh! So I've got to get it filled. Now that my wife is in school for Dental Hygiene, I had to remember where the cavity was to be able to tell her!
It's on molar 15 and it's gonna need an MO. (That's on the front of the tooth between the two teeth.) He also said I might need a DO on 14. Hummmm!
Oh well!
In other news, it was raining cats & dogs here yesterday, so we watched "Bend it Like Bekham." Joelle really seemed to enjoy the movie. Natalie was 'in and out.'
Then we had supper, then went to the gym at the rec center and the four of us kicked the soccer ball around for a while. Good exercise! :)
Now, gotta go get a shower and get ready for church. Gotta be a deacon today, so we gotta get there a bit earlier than typical!
Have a great day y'all!!!!
Got my teeth cleaned and then the Dr. came in to check 'em out.
They found the cavity that showed up on Doreen's X-rays she took of me.
Argh! So I've got to get it filled. Now that my wife is in school for Dental Hygiene, I had to remember where the cavity was to be able to tell her!
It's on molar 15 and it's gonna need an MO. (That's on the front of the tooth between the two teeth.) He also said I might need a DO on 14. Hummmm!
Oh well!
In other news, it was raining cats & dogs here yesterday, so we watched "Bend it Like Bekham." Joelle really seemed to enjoy the movie. Natalie was 'in and out.'
Then we had supper, then went to the gym at the rec center and the four of us kicked the soccer ball around for a while. Good exercise! :)
Now, gotta go get a shower and get ready for church. Gotta be a deacon today, so we gotta get there a bit earlier than typical!
Have a great day y'all!!!!
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