Lawn Mower Ingenuity & Keggers

Changed the oil on a lawnmower for the first time. The instruction manual was less-than-helpful in describing how to accomplish the feat. It did give a picture of where the drain hole is located, but not what tool to use to remove the plug. It was a large square hole which was too big for any standard flat head screwdriver to span the hole. I eventually used the ratchet extender head which would have fit perfectly if it weren't for the spring-loaded ball which lock on the sockets. Never the less, it worked wonderfully.
Last night, Rich's party was indeed a kegger that reminded me of house parties from college, just with far fewer in attendance. I felt that I had nothing in common with many of the people and realized that there were a few underage drinkers there. Keeping in mind that I am going to be a teacher, I made sure that Sqeaky and I left before the city's noise ordinance went into effect. I was not going to put myself in the position for the cops to show up, issue me a contribution ticket, and cause me to be removed from the education program.

Friends Grow on You

Today I realized how close I am to my friends. We don't often talk or call each other, unless it is reference to our regular Saturday night get-together, but I am willing to do so much for them.
Rich called to say his birthday party is going to be a kegger on a Friday... not grilling at the lake on a Saturday like I originally expected. It didn't cause me to hesitate one bit even though I don't really like those types of parties. I immediately took it upon myself to call our mutual friends and inform them of the change. I want him to have a great party and did whatever I could to make it happen, even if it isn't my ideal party.
I'm really glad that work on Fridays (and Saturday afternoon) is done now so I can kick back and enjoy my time with him. I kinda like this "regular" office-hour job. It might be easy to get used to.

Favorite Podcasts

A previous post showed some of my favorite websites. Today, I'm going to list my favorite Podcasts to which I listen while working on the yard, projects, while driving, or preparing to sleep.
I just downloaded iTunes onto my laptop (now a month and a half old) for ease of downloading the associated MP3s. iTunes wreaked havoc on the PC which is why I haven't been using it before now. It really slowed everything down.
Pictured is the MP3 player that I currently use. Next to it is the cell phone that I bought; one of the first generation cell phones to include MP3 player capabilities. What you can't see is the broken-off antenna, damaged simply by carrying it in my pocket and sitting down oddly. It was just not a convenient MP3 player, hence the newer device.
The Bitterest Pill: fatherhood and rants about society
Extra Life Radio: Scott Johnson's "Geek tested, nerd approved" show. Bad movies, video games, sci-fi, humor
Infendo Radio: Scott Johnson's Nintendo fan-boy show. Got into this in anticipation to Wii release.
Jawbone Radio: Len & Nora's family and geeky passions (Len's, not Nora's)
Manic Mommies: "Doing it all and doing it well" My interest is based on gaining the female perspective on parenthood.
Nobodies: "Taking their late night garage talk to the net." My only explicit show, vulgar, but not exceedingly so.
This Week in Tech: Leo Laporte and his crew talk computers and technology. He is also associated with several other netcasts, particularly The Tech Guy which is his California radio show, ported to the net.
Lastly, shock jocks Todd n Tyler have a radio show brought to the net via MP3.

Less Student, More Teaching

The school year is really starting to get swinging. More and more I'm thinking about what I need to do to succeed this semester, planning ahead and asking lots of questions. I feel more professional than I ever have because of dress, meetings, and realization of how much I already know.
Today cirricula guides were handed out for all the appropriate classes. While I didn't receive one personally, I reviewed one and feel much better about what I will need to teach for a whole year of classes. Previously, my biggest concerns were knowing what I needed/should teach. I really like that this school district has cirricular guides. I hope whatever district I head to in the future have similar plans to help beginning teachers.
Amanda is visiting an out-of-town friend overnight, so I think I'm going to take the chance today to change the oil in the lawnmower and knock down some of the greenery.
Speaking of which, July was so dry and I chose not to water it much, so the growth was stunted for pretty much the whole month. When I finally got around to mowing it last week, I did a rush job. This week I noticed some weeds a bit more. I was surprised to find the pictured tomato plant growing out of the rocks... bearing a red fruit! The tomato isn't visible because I pulled it off yesterday and ate it right off the vine. It was tasty! Not too shabby for a weed, huh?

Student Teaching

Made a major step towards my career in the last couple days. Wednesday I attended a meeting at the high school where teachers new to the district received orientation. Though I am not a "new" teacher, just a "student" teacher, I attended so I could meet my teacher, Terry, and get a hand on the school.
Today, I attended my first required meeting. We had a free breakfast at the school and received our info packets and name tags, etc. At the meeting, I ran into a classmate from college with whom I had talked a bit with. He could be a great guy to get to know as he is near my age, married, just had a baby, and has an RN for a wife. Very similar to me (other than the baby, of course). He's a theater guy which could be a nice addition to my friends as an alternative to game-geeks. We'll see how it goes but we seemed to hit it off.
After the meeting where I got to know my classmate, we basically went to work organizing classrooms, preparing for student arrival next week (already!). I was overdressed and worked my butt off hauling boxes, cabinets, and supplies & assisting other teachers hang decor, etc. Afterwards I was exhausted... yet I still had work tonight.
I ran home, relaxed for a half hour, called my client about my arrival, and headed off to work. It's been a long day, but I feel good about everything I've done. 12 hour day... it will be very similar to my future teaching first-year, I fear.
Bed time.

Catch Up

It's been far too long since I've posted. Apparently I've learned about myself that I can do anything consistently for about 2 weeks, but then the routine gets stale or I get lazy or some combination thereof.
So much has happened. I finally contacted my supervising teacher. Great guy.
Amanda's been playing in a weeklong bridge tournament and doing well enough to earn points towards her life-mastery of the game.
Only a couple days worth of work before I move to fill-in status.
Discovered our town ordinance only allows us to have two cats, so the third which we have been fostering for the last year, will absolutely have to go soon.
Started building linen shelves in the laundry room closet. More on that later.
Finished all my summer college classes and passed molecular biology of the cell! I was a bit concerned about passing it with at least a C.
Grandparents finally got to see our home after we have lived here for a year. They were passing through town to catch a flight to a Shaklee conference. They brought their friends, the Hines, and we all went out to eat at Old Chicago. The calzones there rock. I suffered a bit because I had a garlic, onion, italian sausage 'zone, but it was so worth it.
House is a pigsty, but what's new with that? Nothing, that's the problem.
Installed that new dishwasher, it was leaking water, even when it was off. I narrowed the problem down to a bad water inlet switch. I ordered a new switch from the internet, so in the end, we got a new-used dishwasher for $50! It just took some time. My favorite client's mother offered me her chest freezer. I graciously accepted it, though I will have to take it all apart to ensure there are no cocroaches stowing away in it before I bring it in the garage.
I started a new blog but I'm going to link to it. I am willing to share things that identify me on that site. So any saavy person who sees could discover my name and location pretty easily. But that blog's a bit more fun. Lots of links and YouTube videos.
I think that's enough for now. At least I got some of this on "paper" so I don't soon forget it.

Push to the End

Summer classes are indeed winding down, which means, it's crunch time. Because of the family reunion, I am very behind on studying for a major test in 18 hours. I've studied hard and have time scheduled tomorrow to study more. I NEED to pass this test, more now than ever. It has been a long time since I was concerned that I may not pass a class.
My other class is done in 3 days and I have 2 projects to complete. Again I have planned to complete those Wednesday before work.
Okay... I'm avoiding a very important topic that I need to touch on. Amanda had a miscarriage early this morning. We had a good cry about it and considered whether we should test the chromosomes for problems. In the end we decided that it was our passionate hearts that wanted the test but our rational minds that guided us to not have it done. The information we could gain if there was a problem with the chromosomes would mean little about future pregnancies. If there was no chromosomal problems, we'd blame ourselves for doing something wrong. The fact that insurance wouldn't cover the process definitely played a part, too; even when your passionate heart wants it.
So being able to work past the emotional issues and complete my activities is a challenge, but my commitments to work and school always keep me driven to succeed. I hope we succeed with a baby soon.

Long Haul Home

Just got home from Rapid City. It was a long drive but it is nice to be home. I realize how connected I typically am to the internet on a daily basis. Even more so, I realize that even though I didn't get online for 3 solid days, I didn't really miss anything. I felt like I missed a bunch, maybe some websites updated which I will never catch up on, but does it really matter? Probably not.
Withdrawl symptoms did not occur, nor did I feel the need to log on immediately. In fact, I did some quick stuff around the house right when I got home long before I turned on the computer. I feel pretty good about that.

Fore!

Made it golfing for the third time in my life. We played at Foutain Springs in Rapid City prior to the biannual family reunion. It was a par 35, nine hole course with plenty of water hazards, but I only lost 5 balls or so (net loss, because I found a few while I was out). Dad, Wes Knebel, David Tanner, and Brian Smith (Steph's fiance) were the only ones who went but it was good time. I played like crap but I got to use my own clubs this time around. Previously, I had borrowed my dad's clubs. I picked up the clubs at an estate sale last fall.
You might also see the hat hanging from the clubs. Not only was I a fan of the show, but that is the official city of Deadwood hat. That's no television logo. I've had the hat for proably a year and a half and wear it pretty often, when I'm not wearing my Birdhouse skateboard company hat.

Steph's Bridal Shower

The women in my family were busy at work at 9:30 PM in preparation for my sister's "Goin' Camping" themed bridal shower tomorrow. My wife volunteered/demanded the right to throw the shower because it is traditionally the sisters of the bride who throw the shower. Amanda's the closest thing to a sister... other than friends. But because my sister just moved from Florida to the Black Hills, she doesn't yet have many close friends to host her shower.
I'm not sure how much the party is going to cost us but it is worth it, even if money is becoming tighter and tighter as medical appointments occur once a week right now.
Speaking of money, Amanda only has 5 night shifts left then she will be working strictly days. We estimate the loss of pay around 15% but, again, it is worth it.
Other Pictures:
Shower cake remains
Post-shower Steph with gift
Amanda recovering from shower

Packing for Two

So we've been packing for a couple hours in preparation of my family reunion. We plan on leaving tomorrow to the Black Hills of South Dakota... but only after a doctor appointment in the morning which starts less than 8 hours after this entry. So, with that said, I'm going to keep this short. I hope to have some great pictures from the trip. Earlier in my life I haven't taken many pictures, because I haven't had what I thought to be "good reason." Well now that I've commited myself to blogging, I have that good reason.
I chose to include the picture as it shows how much, or little depending on your perspective, we pack for a 4 day trip for just the two of us. Hopefully in the future, we will have at least two other people for which to pack, though childrens' items are much smaller, they need all their gadgets/toys, too. In the picture, from top left going clockwise: laptop briefcase with my summer class homework and paperwork from the agency; Amanda's purse; camera bag with video (tape) camera, digital camera, and extra batteries; suitcase with a few things laying on top which will be thrown in trunk of car; DVDs and portable player for them; in the middle is a can of spray-on sunscreen. Items not included in picture: my shaving bag, Amanda's "makeup" bag, pillows, and activity-oriented gear (this trip needs camping gear to decorate for my sister's bridal shower and my golf clubs! Third time golfing ever).

Skill Seeking

I will be a terrible teacher early in my career. I still have so much to learn before I am a good, effective teacher. I have the desire and ambition, just not the skill. This week I need to call my the teacher who will be guiding me through my student teaching experience... I've procrastinated (see earlier entry!) long enough. The teacher's name is unisex, so I'm sure I'll make a bit of a fool of myself when I ask for him/her. Must get it done!

Free Write About School Change

Premise for this entry: in-class assignment to spur discussion. This what I wrote in 10 minutes time.

I think that schools need to reform how they spend money. It is suggested by some political pundits that privatization of our schools will lead to higher standards. The government can set the standards and expect the private agencies to meet them with contracts at risk. This will create competition and lifted goals. This change is perhaps the most frightening, but I think it would work.

Further, more money needs to be spent for/by schools on public relations. PSAs and community outreach will help alienated families feel welcomed and informed. Teach families to better support their students and require higher standards.

Teachers can currently make positive changes by creating lifelong learners. Do not give assignments that encourage copying and simply looking up answers. Give opportunities for students to research topics they find of interest and hold them to very high standards. Students will strive to meet your standards.

Create a classroom environment that will make students want to participate. Find the special motivators that are unique to each student. I am motivated by feeling needed... I like it when I can help others, especially if I must be there for anything to happen. Some students are motivated by odd things like grossing other students out. Reward them by giving them an opportunity to appropriately do so.

Procrastination

WHY do I create a blog entry saying "I'll get back to it" or "updates forthcoming" when I know damn well that I procrastinate? (See "Snapshots of a Career" entry) As I type this, I'm mid-homework (several activities) which I should have done earlier so I could be sleeping right now. I put so many things off till the last minute, including departure to appointments and meetings, but I'll talk about that more later :)

Today I headed off to my sister's-in-law apartment for a homemade pizza... leaving 10 minutes late. When I finally got there, I made up 5 minutes, but then I couldn't remember which frickin' apartment was hers! I knocked on what I thought was her door to see strangers standing on the other side. The occupants didn't know who "Regina" was and worse yet, I forgot to take my cell-phone which meant I couldn't call anyone for directions. So after walking the halls and pounding on a few random doors (confusing even more strangers), I went back to the first door and asked to use their phone... I needed to go one door over. I knew my instincts were good, but my sense of direction sucks. If I hadn't procrastinated leaving the house, I would have only been 5-10 minutes late, rather than 20. I deserved the ribbing I received from the family.

Pre-Neonate Update

First "official" ultrasound today went wonderfully (the previous procedure via the emergency room was not part of the typical prenatal appointments). The betaHGc levels and size of the embryo are still not as high/large as they should be but the specialist doctor was quite optomistic. We'll see, but I'm beginning to get excited again.

Snapshots of a Career

For the last 6 years, I've worked with several adults with mental (and some with physical) disabilities. Only one whom I've worked with consisitently for my whole stint with Mosaic. I teach them life skills and personal interaction skills. Most rewarding low-pay job I've ever had.

Work is winding down. Only a month left before I begin student teaching and likely leave this current line of work forever. I thought I'd take some time and link some pictures of the places to go regularly with clients. Hopefully I've taken time over the next few days to add more photos.
Boys and Girls Club
Fort Street
Fort St with Clients

Scholarship

An education is something that is invaluable, especially now. Because of my biology background, I have the required background knowledge (and practice) to understand scientific journals relating to pregnancy. We had some quesitons about early detection of trisomy 13 and 18 (genetic abnormalities that always result in death shortly after birth). I was able to access the university's online journal catalogue and discovered that it certainly is possible to detect the abnormalities much sooner than either my wife or I thought. I saved the information so that, if need be, I can present the doctors at tomorrow's appointment with something to think about.
It is certainly impossible to create a network of people willing to get things done for you, but the information of those people has been increasingly easy to access (pre-internet). I'm going to revise a well known adage to, "It's not who you know, it's knowing how to find them." I believe that us somewhat socially inept people will be pleased with that.

Friendships in a Relationship

Today Sqeaky, whom I consider my best friend, stopped by to see Amanda. He knows the difficult issues we are facing with pregnancy and wanted to check on my wife. Amanda truly likes Sqeaky as well, but treats her relationship with him much differently than she treats her other personal friendships. If I were not in her life, yet she knew Sqeaky, she would likely be friends with him. She is reluctant to let the friendship blossom because he is so important to me. Everybody needs an outlet to vent frustrations and with whom to have secrets, according to Amanda. If he became close friends with her, I would lose that outlet to spout about her.

They say if you really love something, you should let it go. If it comes back, it was meant to be. Apparently, if you really love something, kick its friends in the balls, if they keel over, you've given them something more with which to bond. Okay, so she didn't do that, but she basically said she's going to start turning him down when he wants to visit with just her. I never thought it could help a relationship but it kinda makes sense... her insight on my needs is evident, even if I'm not aware of what I need.

Optimism/Pessimism/Realism

Many people think about events in one of three ways: in a positive light, negative light, or by simply viewing the facts without applying feelings. This morning these versions clashed as my wife and I came home from our first official prenatal appointment. We were once again faced with bad news from an expert in the field (not just an emergency room medic) who gave us a very poor prognosis for pregnancy making it to the second trimester. She based the information on two hormone measurements but called for a third to ensure the downward trend continued.

My wife was obviously crushed and reacted strongly, as you can expect. But I, with my scientific mind, which my wife demands is ever the optimist, wanted to wait for the third result. Several hours after the appointment we received the very encouraging results. My wife's emotions surged very excitedly with the odds-defying change in prognosis. Still, I remain guarded because things can still go sour.

So here I am, a man who believes he is based on rationality, but always accused of wearing rose colored glasses by nearly everyone who knows him. The best explanation is that optimism is typically welcome by people who are in despair. They need to hear that things can improve. However, I am painfully aware that people who are elated never want to hear the bad that could come. I think about the negative aspects, though. I keep aware of all possibilities, good and bad, in any situation. While spreading optimism is wonderful, pessimism should be kept to oneself. Hoping for the best while preparing for the worst is my way of coping. That's realism.

Websites

So I have a plethora of websites that I visit as they update. I have listened to many podcasts as well... but I don't have my MP3 player handy (I'm not sure where it is).

A few of my favorite websites:

Wizards of the Coast for both Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: the Gathering (even though I rarely play Magic anymore, I still love many aspects of the game and like to keep current.)

Engrish

Infendo

My Extra Life

Nexus War

Digg

Snopes

I currently keep a myYahoo account which lets me customize a page. I keep all those links on my site so I can access them from any net-connected computer.

Among my favorite web-based comics:

American Elf

Commissioned Comic

Sinfest

Dueling Analogs

Those are just a few of the quick-to-link comics which I am likely to update in the near future. I figure it'll be fun to look back at those links in the future (many of which will likely be broken) and reminisce.