...for one of my students to call me back. I'm starving, tired, crampy and really just want to go home. I have to go to the grocery store because we're running out of food for lunch, but lucky for me it's venison night, which means Mitch is cooking.
Today was at least productive. I made some relatively major changes to the content on the admissions website and got intimately familiar with Photoshop again.
We're supposed to go climbing tonight, as always, but I'm not sure if my uterus is up to the challenge. It may prefer a date with the heating pad. Too much information for most of you, I'm sure.
Is it time to go home yet?
"So take this broken offering and make me whole,
Set my feet upon the road that leads me home,
let me walk as one fixed upon the goal,
even though I've got a thousand miles to go..."
Set my feet upon the road that leads me home,
let me walk as one fixed upon the goal,
even though I've got a thousand miles to go..."
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Wal-Mart stole my stars.
We've been spending the weekend at my parents' house and it's been great, as always. The sad part about coming down here is all the development in what used to be a relatively rural (read: horse capital of Michigan, not so long ago) area. Nowhere is the cost of development more apparent to me than in the fact that, on a clear night, I can no longer stargaze from my backyard. With the invasion of Wal-Mart about a mile and a half away came another car dealership, a Lowe's and a strip mall. Light pollution at its finest, my friends.
And what's with the weather? Just when I think Jack Frost is back from his many vacations, he heads back to Florida or wherever, leaving us to deal with Mother Nature's overeager desire for spring. You're ruining my winter, jerks! The edges on my skis are going to still be sharp and I'm not even going to have to wax in preparation for next winter with the amount I've gotten to ski. Geez.
And what's with the weather? Just when I think Jack Frost is back from his many vacations, he heads back to Florida or wherever, leaving us to deal with Mother Nature's overeager desire for spring. You're ruining my winter, jerks! The edges on my skis are going to still be sharp and I'm not even going to have to wax in preparation for next winter with the amount I've gotten to ski. Geez.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Tuesday Night Climbing
Every Tuesday, Mitch, Gabe and I go climbing. Last semester, it was more like we went to the wall, climbed the few routes that were decent, and sat around for half an hour before going back home. This semester, though, the young'uns received a lecture about their route-setting techniques (ie, setting big-move routes only was not cool at all) and have produced some great, more technical boulder routes. They've set some routes I can actually do, and some that I can do better than many male climbers. Hmm, maybe I have some technique after all.
Mitch and I decided to set a technical route on Monday that starts on this huge, grippy blue hold then works its way across the wall with three tiny handholds (most requiring matches) and a sloper for the finish. You get three foot chips, one of which is a green "slimer" with no edges (Tim, this is mostly for your benefit). This particular route is along the slabby part of the wall, starting near the crack and working toward the corner. We made it on Monday, but I was too beat to try it all the way through until last night - when I hit it, first try! Mitch got it, too, but we had a blast watching people fall off it all night. I'm happy we set something challenging that will help some of the new climbers develop static technique, not just dynamic strength.
Mitch and I decided to set a technical route on Monday that starts on this huge, grippy blue hold then works its way across the wall with three tiny handholds (most requiring matches) and a sloper for the finish. You get three foot chips, one of which is a green "slimer" with no edges (Tim, this is mostly for your benefit). This particular route is along the slabby part of the wall, starting near the crack and working toward the corner. We made it on Monday, but I was too beat to try it all the way through until last night - when I hit it, first try! Mitch got it, too, but we had a blast watching people fall off it all night. I'm happy we set something challenging that will help some of the new climbers develop static technique, not just dynamic strength.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
A Winter Weekend
Time to post at work is scarce nowadays, but before I even begin my day, here's a quick one. On Friday Mitch and I went skiing at Caberfae with Ray and Kristy. The snow started coming down thick about 15 minutes from the hill, and continued the entire night. The skiing was great, but the drive home was slow and hairy at times. Still, we all made it back home safely. The next day, we went winter camping with the Venture Crew we've been helping Matt lead. Let's just say I've done it now and I don't feel the desire to do it again.
Besides being cold, I definitely felt disappointed by some of the students on the trip. These young men, for the most part, have gone through Boy Scouts and many of them are Eagle Scouts. They are supposed to represent, according to the Scouts, the best leadership qualities, etc. etc. I didn't see that, though; they made little effort to assist those who had never done this type of thing before (mainly the girls on the trip) and didn't take initiative when it came to tending the fire, straightening up camp or anything else.
Besides being cold, I definitely felt disappointed by some of the students on the trip. These young men, for the most part, have gone through Boy Scouts and many of them are Eagle Scouts. They are supposed to represent, according to the Scouts, the best leadership qualities, etc. etc. I didn't see that, though; they made little effort to assist those who had never done this type of thing before (mainly the girls on the trip) and didn't take initiative when it came to tending the fire, straightening up camp or anything else.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Quick one
Work's been a bitch...think over six hours on one task where doing the same thing twice does not tield the same results...and this is with a computer program, not a person. Ugh. And there's no bread in the house, so I don't even get a real lunch today. There are, however, two boxes of food from GFS for the Venture Crew camping trip on Saturday.
I climbed last night for the first time all week. Rocked out on this new boulder route and talked to a girl whose Dad does confined space rescue. She's also into that and was showing me her rope walking and rappelling equipment. Neat, though I think I'll stick to climbing.
Time for a staff meeting. Yay.
I climbed last night for the first time all week. Rocked out on this new boulder route and talked to a girl whose Dad does confined space rescue. She's also into that and was showing me her rope walking and rappelling equipment. Neat, though I think I'll stick to climbing.
Time for a staff meeting. Yay.
Monday, January 16, 2006
My weekend was great because I...
...found some great deals at EMS with my friends. I'm sad that they are closing all the EMS stores in Michigan, but I've only ever bought a few things from them, so it's not devastating. If REI closed, that would be devastating.
...slept for 12 hours on Saturday night, two of them in front of the glorious fireplace at Jon's place in Lake City.
...actually feel like winter camping with the Venture Crew this weekend is not going to be awful. Aside from the fact that I feel this whole thing is too focused on "the Boy Scout way," I think I can enjoy teaching the girls in the group some cool outdoors stuff. (And yes, I realize this is a Scouting organization, but I'd be an idiot if I actually believe I could be warmer is a tarp and some straw - without the benefit of insulating snow - than in a well-ventilated tent. And I'm not paying $200 and taking time off work for some special training session. I'm pretty sure my leadership abilities are developed enough for this.)
And now for a random mini-rant: I have come to HATE the line, "My kid just isn't a good test-taker." I'm going out on a limb here and saying this is not an excuse for poor performance on a test. I hate standardized tests as much as the next person, but if you do crappy on a test, you have to figure out why, not just brush it off as something over which you have no control. You screw up multiple choice questions? Read more carefully. You're slow? Practice makes perfect, my friend. It's like parents expect us to take that into consideration when we admit a student, but what happens when Cunningham's first econ exam rolls around, and there are enough multiple choice questions with enough choice combinations to scare even the most proficient test-taker? I'm done.
...slept for 12 hours on Saturday night, two of them in front of the glorious fireplace at Jon's place in Lake City.
...actually feel like winter camping with the Venture Crew this weekend is not going to be awful. Aside from the fact that I feel this whole thing is too focused on "the Boy Scout way," I think I can enjoy teaching the girls in the group some cool outdoors stuff. (And yes, I realize this is a Scouting organization, but I'd be an idiot if I actually believe I could be warmer is a tarp and some straw - without the benefit of insulating snow - than in a well-ventilated tent. And I'm not paying $200 and taking time off work for some special training session. I'm pretty sure my leadership abilities are developed enough for this.)
And now for a random mini-rant: I have come to HATE the line, "My kid just isn't a good test-taker." I'm going out on a limb here and saying this is not an excuse for poor performance on a test. I hate standardized tests as much as the next person, but if you do crappy on a test, you have to figure out why, not just brush it off as something over which you have no control. You screw up multiple choice questions? Read more carefully. You're slow? Practice makes perfect, my friend. It's like parents expect us to take that into consideration when we admit a student, but what happens when Cunningham's first econ exam rolls around, and there are enough multiple choice questions with enough choice combinations to scare even the most proficient test-taker? I'm done.
Friday, January 13, 2006
He's Wonderful
Mitch treated me to a wonderful, home-cooked birthday meal yesterday...and made enough to feed a third world country! Steak, fettucine alfredo, strawberry-spinach salad, bread, and even a cake...mmm - we have a ton of leftovers, but that means I didn't have to make lunches this morning.
I'm going to be sappy here, but I seriously love him more each day.
Work is crazy, so I have to go, but thanks to everyone who called or sent me a birthday message. My friends are amazing.
I'm going to be sappy here, but I seriously love him more each day.
Work is crazy, so I have to go, but thanks to everyone who called or sent me a birthday message. My friends are amazing.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Still Got It
I went skiing with Mitch, Kristy, Ray and my parents this weekend (Kristy and Ray came to Caberfae on Friday night, then my parents took us to Crystal on Saturday) and I was pleased to find I can still smoke the slopes. It made me really want to go visit Minda and Derek and see what I've been missing in Colorado, but I know it's probably too expensive, especially if we want to go visit Tim and Anna this summer in St. Louis. Yes guys, we're thinking about it!
We hired a new gal at work and should be hiring another guy soon to replace two reps who left (or are leaving, in Deedee's case). I was discouraged throughout the interview process because each candidate we interviewed was told his/her territory would be Southeastern Michigan - the territory I want for next travel season. Thankfully, one of our interim co-directors told me today that the second person they're hiring will be told there are no guarantees as to his territory for next year. She said I shouldn't be shy about asking to switch when we get a new director, which will hopefully be soon. I'm more confident about the whole thing now.
My birthday is in two days...as my dad put it, I'll be almost a quarter of a century old. Nice. No idea what Mitch has planned, but he seems excited. Mom and Dad got me a massage with our family friend/massage therapist. Heaven!
We hired a new gal at work and should be hiring another guy soon to replace two reps who left (or are leaving, in Deedee's case). I was discouraged throughout the interview process because each candidate we interviewed was told his/her territory would be Southeastern Michigan - the territory I want for next travel season. Thankfully, one of our interim co-directors told me today that the second person they're hiring will be told there are no guarantees as to his territory for next year. She said I shouldn't be shy about asking to switch when we get a new director, which will hopefully be soon. I'm more confident about the whole thing now.
My birthday is in two days...as my dad put it, I'll be almost a quarter of a century old. Nice. No idea what Mitch has planned, but he seems excited. Mom and Dad got me a massage with our family friend/massage therapist. Heaven!
Thursday, January 05, 2006
I'm thankful for...
...things I wanted to happen that didn't happen. How many times has God kept me from making mistakes that could have wrecked something I hold dear? At least once for me, and I am completely aware of it now.
...my husband, who woke me up by snuggling me in the middle of the night and doesn't remember it this morning.
...my friends, both old, new and rediscovered. You light up my world. Take care of yourself, Bruce. You know everyone here is praying for your safe return next year.
...my husband, who woke me up by snuggling me in the middle of the night and doesn't remember it this morning.
...my friends, both old, new and rediscovered. You light up my world. Take care of yourself, Bruce. You know everyone here is praying for your safe return next year.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Clouds
I think I'm starting to understand seasonal depression a bit. Why won't the sun come out? On the bright side, though, it's supposed to snow this week. Looks like skiing on Friday won't be a total bust!
Mitch and Johnny (his cousin) fixed the car last night. It was a loose connection, caused by all the shaking Mitch's car has been doing since he improperly rotated his steel belted radial tires (thanks to incorrect directions, just to redeem him). Johnny didn't charge us anything, but he's getting a big gift card to Applebee's!
It's experimental dinner night again...this time I'm making barbecued venison in the crock pot. I followed the recipe exactly, so let's hope this stuff comes out.
Becky and I got together to work on scrapbooks Monday. (1) It was great to not be doing that all alone and (2) it was awesome to actually spend time with a female friend. I spend so much time with guys (and it's wonderful, boys) that I sometimes feel starved for female company.
Garth Brooks has been rocking my world since Mitch got the box set. I bet I've listened to it more than my hubby!
That's all from the desk of Laurie!
Mitch and Johnny (his cousin) fixed the car last night. It was a loose connection, caused by all the shaking Mitch's car has been doing since he improperly rotated his steel belted radial tires (thanks to incorrect directions, just to redeem him). Johnny didn't charge us anything, but he's getting a big gift card to Applebee's!
It's experimental dinner night again...this time I'm making barbecued venison in the crock pot. I followed the recipe exactly, so let's hope this stuff comes out.
Becky and I got together to work on scrapbooks Monday. (1) It was great to not be doing that all alone and (2) it was awesome to actually spend time with a female friend. I spend so much time with guys (and it's wonderful, boys) that I sometimes feel starved for female company.
Garth Brooks has been rocking my world since Mitch got the box set. I bet I've listened to it more than my hubby!
That's all from the desk of Laurie!
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Happy 2006!
New Year's Eve was great! Matt and Jon, thanks...Bruce, great to see you...Tim, did you get my message at Michigan midnight?
And now it's back to work. In other news, we're trying to get the electrical f*#%-up on Mitch's car fixed. It's been at his cousin's for four days now and hopefully soon he'll know what's wrong and can get it working again. After all, it's no good to be driving along at night and all of a sudden have no lights...or to finish working out only to find that the car won't start. That happened, too.
By the way, I'm not making resolutions this year. It's not because I have no motivation to change or that there is nothing I want to change; rather, it's because I've been working to change a number of things for quite awhile so nothing's really different because I have to write a 6 at the end of the year instead of a 5. So here's to resuming a regular work-out schedule and reasonably regular church attendance!
And now it's back to work. In other news, we're trying to get the electrical f*#%-up on Mitch's car fixed. It's been at his cousin's for four days now and hopefully soon he'll know what's wrong and can get it working again. After all, it's no good to be driving along at night and all of a sudden have no lights...or to finish working out only to find that the car won't start. That happened, too.
By the way, I'm not making resolutions this year. It's not because I have no motivation to change or that there is nothing I want to change; rather, it's because I've been working to change a number of things for quite awhile so nothing's really different because I have to write a 6 at the end of the year instead of a 5. So here's to resuming a regular work-out schedule and reasonably regular church attendance!
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