Exercise/Stretch 5+ Days a Week, Body Fat 14%
I finally gave in for the moment and changed this goal to match what the fat-o-meter is saying. I have to wonder if it's right, and ought to find a way to get this done more scientifically to get a true baseline. So changing 12% to 14% sets things in motion. Technically I had progress in the stretching goal, since I did it twice during the month. My weight is holding steady and I got all my exercise in, including several runs once the weather got nice.
Healthy Elbow, Eyes, Teeth
Elbow: My posture's gotten better especially at the tutoring table where I'm probably sitting upright 75% of the time now. I've been using the workstation often an rarely on the couch where I'd slouch. I have been texting a lot which is still taxing it. I have been re-thinking my teeth and whether or not to explore a root canal there while I still have dental insurance, so that I can chew on that right side without pain.
Tutor 300 Hours
I'm surprised to still be at 25 students for the semester rather than the 30 I'd predicted, but due to turnover my student list is more responsible with fewer cancellations so I am on target for my first ever 30+ hour week due to upcoming final exams resulting in multi-hour appointments. I am at 260+ hours for the semester with several weeks yet to go.
Blog Thanks Weekly
I did three this month, better than last month. Three out of four ain't bad, but four's better.
Make 10 New Acquaintances
The tutoring boom and applying for substitute teaching has kept the acquaintance-building mum. I'll keep my eyes open.
Clean House
Our light fixtures are all working, which wasn't officially on my list but still feels good, even though Dena did it. I need to keep the basement wall project moving. I can also reach out on the condo projects.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Monday, April 28, 2014
Letter Of Recommendation From My Brother
YOU HIRE MY BROTHER.
Oh, what,
that wasn't polite enough for you? Fine. Dear human being, Joe
McDonald is either going to be your next employee, or the last person
you ever reject, your choice. He taught me to read when I was a kid,
and look what it's led to! Lucky you.
Sure, he's got some problems, but who doesn't? Times are tough, and so is he. And so am I. And you probably aren't, since
your whole job is to judge people you barely even know. You're no different than a playground bully, really.
In fact, call me up, I need to get some information on you.
Nothing major, like your home address or your kids' schools (I can get
that off the Internet), just little things, like What Mistakes Have You
Made?, and When Do You Feel Regret? We need to understand each other,
chum.
You're probably like, "ohhhhh, this
is just a substitute teaching position, what's the big deal?" I hope
so, because that's right on the money. I barely remember my actual
teachers, but I remember the substitutes, and what we'd do to them. It
gave me the experience I'll need to...address things if you don't hire
my brother. Sure, this is a job a Sasquatch could do, but it
means a lot to him, so it means a lot to me.
I feel regret when I think about a basketball game from 1989. Quid pro quo.
I'm watching you.
Jack McDonald
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Jews, Trailer Parks, And Other Things I'm Thankful For This Week
It's my first thankfulness post submitted from my newly-arranged office chair. The latest tool in my crusade for better posture and joints, this desk sits next to a breezy springtime window that reminds me with each deep breath that good times are ahead.
I realized this week that I have two Jewish neighbors, two Jewish students and a Jewish classmate. I've never been so close to the community, and even though there's no religious context in any of these relationships (except the fact that they were available to be tutored on Easter), I'm a fan of religious diversity and pleased to know these people.
Cupcake's first half-birthday is around the corner, and she continues to impress me with her politeness and affection. We trust her to sleep in bed with us, and she never wakes us up in the middle of the night, though she does give me a good-morning poke around 7 a.m. often once Dena's moving about. We've also gotten her a leash and taken her outside, where many types of reactions are possible such as wandering over to the units where dogs live. But nope, she's perfectly content strolling near our front stoop doing some light claw-based landscaping, or sitting quietly on a stoop. In short, she's a good kitty and we are lucky owners.
Our band was missing a drummer and guitarist today, and it reminded me how blessed we are to have the talent we do, how each plays a key role, and how versatile we are to cover for things (like Mike stepping in to play today). It was a Mass filled with other distractions - song sheets missing, delayed arrival times, morning sickness, babies needing to be carried back to their grandparents - and we still put out an uplifting sound. Age teaches me when to recognize when we've got it good, and we've got it good. The band is devoted not only to the musical mission, but also to reaching out to guests around us who may be attending for the first time.
The Blackhawks and Bulls are both rallying in their playoff series. On behalf of my fantasy baseball teams I am really enjoying the sizzling starts of White Sox Alexei Ramirez and Jose Abreu.
I've rediscovered Sudoku puzzles and Facebook Wordscraper games, fun ways to keep my mind sharp when I'm not tutoring actuarial mathematics.
It was another 25-hour tutoring week, putting me on a pace to sail past my 2014 goal of 300 hours by the end of the first semester! I also received several random affirmations from Heartland students and staff about the quality of my work. "You're the man" when it comes to statistics and such is part of God's way of validating the path I'm on. I will potentially be averaging 6 hours a week in the month of June as well, pure gravy on top of anything I reasonably could have expected.
Meanwhile, I submitted my application to become a substitute math teacher at Normal Community High School. So far, so smooth, and as long as I pass a few checkpoints I should be able to stay involved with NCHS even if I'm no longer coaching.
We finally have fully operational light fixtures throughout the house. Hard to believe it's been like 7 years sine we could say that, but Dena got the job done.
We've also been digging the trailer-park-set "My Name Is Earl" as our newest Netflix comedy staple, having finished "How I Met Your Mother."
Finally, you know my favorite season is getting closer when I start wearing T-shirts to work, and starting the day with a morning run around the neighborhood. At this point my life feels completely pointed in the right direction, and not only that, but completely fulfilling today. A year ago I couldn't say that.
May the rains be gentle wherever they fall, and remind you of the green grass that's here and to follow!
I realized this week that I have two Jewish neighbors, two Jewish students and a Jewish classmate. I've never been so close to the community, and even though there's no religious context in any of these relationships (except the fact that they were available to be tutored on Easter), I'm a fan of religious diversity and pleased to know these people.
Cupcake's first half-birthday is around the corner, and she continues to impress me with her politeness and affection. We trust her to sleep in bed with us, and she never wakes us up in the middle of the night, though she does give me a good-morning poke around 7 a.m. often once Dena's moving about. We've also gotten her a leash and taken her outside, where many types of reactions are possible such as wandering over to the units where dogs live. But nope, she's perfectly content strolling near our front stoop doing some light claw-based landscaping, or sitting quietly on a stoop. In short, she's a good kitty and we are lucky owners.
Our band was missing a drummer and guitarist today, and it reminded me how blessed we are to have the talent we do, how each plays a key role, and how versatile we are to cover for things (like Mike stepping in to play today). It was a Mass filled with other distractions - song sheets missing, delayed arrival times, morning sickness, babies needing to be carried back to their grandparents - and we still put out an uplifting sound. Age teaches me when to recognize when we've got it good, and we've got it good. The band is devoted not only to the musical mission, but also to reaching out to guests around us who may be attending for the first time.
The Blackhawks and Bulls are both rallying in their playoff series. On behalf of my fantasy baseball teams I am really enjoying the sizzling starts of White Sox Alexei Ramirez and Jose Abreu.
I've rediscovered Sudoku puzzles and Facebook Wordscraper games, fun ways to keep my mind sharp when I'm not tutoring actuarial mathematics.
It was another 25-hour tutoring week, putting me on a pace to sail past my 2014 goal of 300 hours by the end of the first semester! I also received several random affirmations from Heartland students and staff about the quality of my work. "You're the man" when it comes to statistics and such is part of God's way of validating the path I'm on. I will potentially be averaging 6 hours a week in the month of June as well, pure gravy on top of anything I reasonably could have expected.
Meanwhile, I submitted my application to become a substitute math teacher at Normal Community High School. So far, so smooth, and as long as I pass a few checkpoints I should be able to stay involved with NCHS even if I'm no longer coaching.
We finally have fully operational light fixtures throughout the house. Hard to believe it's been like 7 years sine we could say that, but Dena got the job done.
We've also been digging the trailer-park-set "My Name Is Earl" as our newest Netflix comedy staple, having finished "How I Met Your Mother."
Finally, you know my favorite season is getting closer when I start wearing T-shirts to work, and starting the day with a morning run around the neighborhood. At this point my life feels completely pointed in the right direction, and not only that, but completely fulfilling today. A year ago I couldn't say that.
May the rains be gentle wherever they fall, and remind you of the green grass that's here and to follow!
Movie Review: Draft Day
We went with a friend to see Kevin Costner's latest sports-themed movie "Draft Day," which as you might expect is about a running countdown to one of the biggest events in sports, the NFL college player draft.
Costner is the conflicted general manager for a once-proud Cleveland Browns organization on hard times. Armed with the 7th pick in the draft after a season dashed by an injury to the star quarterback, he proceeds to make a series of distressing football and personal decisions fueled no doubt by the recent death of his father who had been a beloved Browns coach, and by the accidental pregnancy of his much-younger executive (Jennifer Garner) before making a desperate move toward redemption at the end.
Along the way there's the comically awkward office intern, an owner obsessed with making a "splash," a #1 quarterback with no flaws (or are there?), a #7 pick prospect with flaws (or are there?), a widowed mother applying pressure, a mother-to-be urging him to do the right thing, and a passionate quarterback determined to redeem his lost season.
I was a little distracted by gimmicks, like a broad smattering of cameos by the NFL commissioner and ex-players, the re-telling of some moments already well-known to NFL fans as if for the first time (like the Montana-Bengals Super Bowl), and heavy reliance on sliding-split-screen camerawork to put window dressing on the action. However, Dena liked the camerawork and it does a decent job of appealing jointly to the casual NFL fan and the die-hard.
On the whole I thought the plot was original enough to be worth a watch, even for a date night as long as your date's not completely sports-averse. There's something here for the fan who enjoys the drama of draft day as well as the fan with a heart for relationship and family struggles. You don't have to see it in the theater but it is worthy of the Costner shelf of memorable films.
Costner is the conflicted general manager for a once-proud Cleveland Browns organization on hard times. Armed with the 7th pick in the draft after a season dashed by an injury to the star quarterback, he proceeds to make a series of distressing football and personal decisions fueled no doubt by the recent death of his father who had been a beloved Browns coach, and by the accidental pregnancy of his much-younger executive (Jennifer Garner) before making a desperate move toward redemption at the end.
Along the way there's the comically awkward office intern, an owner obsessed with making a "splash," a #1 quarterback with no flaws (or are there?), a #7 pick prospect with flaws (or are there?), a widowed mother applying pressure, a mother-to-be urging him to do the right thing, and a passionate quarterback determined to redeem his lost season.
I was a little distracted by gimmicks, like a broad smattering of cameos by the NFL commissioner and ex-players, the re-telling of some moments already well-known to NFL fans as if for the first time (like the Montana-Bengals Super Bowl), and heavy reliance on sliding-split-screen camerawork to put window dressing on the action. However, Dena liked the camerawork and it does a decent job of appealing jointly to the casual NFL fan and the die-hard.
On the whole I thought the plot was original enough to be worth a watch, even for a date night as long as your date's not completely sports-averse. There's something here for the fan who enjoys the drama of draft day as well as the fan with a heart for relationship and family struggles. You don't have to see it in the theater but it is worthy of the Costner shelf of memorable films.
Spa Review: Massage Envy
A generic mailing arrived in my box for a spa called "Massage Envy" offering an introductory massage for $40. Since massages around here usually run $60 I figured it was worth a try. Especially since its normal price was stated as $80, so I knew that the odds of my experiencing it were otherwise slim, even though it was attractively advertised within ten blocks of my house next to Gordman's at the College Hills Shoppes.
I called to schedule something for Tuesday morning, and received a couple of firsts for me as a massage client:
- A voice recording about the possibility of recording the conversation for quality control purposes. So that's what some of the extra price was paying for.
- A request to reserve my appointment with a credit card number. Naturally since I'd never heard of Massage Envy, was encouraged to call, and then asked for financial information I was inclined to decline. I told them I'd just drop in to finish the confirmation.
The woman who'd answered was polite and asked several wellness-oriented questions about my target spots after clarifying that my massage motivation was more for health than relaxation. Since I've had several massages trying to work out my ongoing tennis elbow, I found the questions encouraging.
Another first when I got there: Advertisement that walk-ins were welcome. So I scrapped the Tuesday plan and enjoyed the convenience of a wait as short as a haircut.
During the 15 minutes until my appointment I filled out two pages worth of detailed paperwork asking several questions about customizing my massage. Two questions I found interesting were whether I was comfortable being massaged on my chest and abdomen (neither ended up being part of the full-body massage), and whether I was enrolled in a tax-sheltered savings plan (I liked that question because I am, and have been thinking about taking a tax credit for this therapeutic work).
The front entrance was hopping, with four people up front trying to handle the crush of interested clients during their opening week. I thought they did an admirable job of not leaving me standing around; they offered me water and eventually refills (not bottled by the way, in case you thought some of the price was going to that). Their tranquility (spa-speak for waiting) room is just a few paces to the right of the entrance so on this day was not-so-tranquil; my guess is that it's usually more restful but with location so close to the foot traffic coming in it's something to consider.
The high-touch, wellness-oriented theme continued. A separate, friendly employee returned with my paperwork to ask me more specific questions about my massage needs. I could tell that she then went and conferred with the therapist, because she chatted me up about it as we walked past the dozen (!) massage rooms to the back. I could see why they could handle walk-ins with all of those rooms. Four of the rooms are multi-purpose, doubling for facials as needed. They do skin in this way, but not hair or nails like other spa/salons in town.
The massage itself was average at best. I tend to be a massage-talker and she was friendly conversational. Considering all of the wellness-packed gathering of information, including my indication for deep pressure around the tennis elbow, what I received felt like medium pressure with few knots actually released in my back (it's usually a gold mine of trigger points).
What else I learned:
- As a national chain (another first - a Bloomington-Normal spa with national affiliation), if I got a membership it would be good across the country.
- Therapists are paid partly on commission. I was upsold an extra service, and at the end, was given a diagnostic evaluation by her recommending a 90-minute massage within the next couple of weeks. To her credit, despite my mentioning that I was in the market for an exfoliant, she did not jump at the chance to sell me product.
- The room was cold for me. Some of that was definitely my doing, as I hadn't eaten anything all day by this afternoon appointment. However vents were blowing in the room which couldn't be turned off, thicker blankets were not an option. Fortunately the table warmer eventually did the job.
I have a feeling that this place will succeed at least for a while even though the price point is out of line with the market, due to the energy and professionalism of the staff, the stately appearance, walk-in convenience, high-touch involvement of extra staff members, wellness focus and the allure of national membership benefits. Take advantage of the introductory below-market rate offer and see for yourself.
I called to schedule something for Tuesday morning, and received a couple of firsts for me as a massage client:
- A voice recording about the possibility of recording the conversation for quality control purposes. So that's what some of the extra price was paying for.
- A request to reserve my appointment with a credit card number. Naturally since I'd never heard of Massage Envy, was encouraged to call, and then asked for financial information I was inclined to decline. I told them I'd just drop in to finish the confirmation.
The woman who'd answered was polite and asked several wellness-oriented questions about my target spots after clarifying that my massage motivation was more for health than relaxation. Since I've had several massages trying to work out my ongoing tennis elbow, I found the questions encouraging.
Another first when I got there: Advertisement that walk-ins were welcome. So I scrapped the Tuesday plan and enjoyed the convenience of a wait as short as a haircut.
During the 15 minutes until my appointment I filled out two pages worth of detailed paperwork asking several questions about customizing my massage. Two questions I found interesting were whether I was comfortable being massaged on my chest and abdomen (neither ended up being part of the full-body massage), and whether I was enrolled in a tax-sheltered savings plan (I liked that question because I am, and have been thinking about taking a tax credit for this therapeutic work).
The front entrance was hopping, with four people up front trying to handle the crush of interested clients during their opening week. I thought they did an admirable job of not leaving me standing around; they offered me water and eventually refills (not bottled by the way, in case you thought some of the price was going to that). Their tranquility (spa-speak for waiting) room is just a few paces to the right of the entrance so on this day was not-so-tranquil; my guess is that it's usually more restful but with location so close to the foot traffic coming in it's something to consider.
The high-touch, wellness-oriented theme continued. A separate, friendly employee returned with my paperwork to ask me more specific questions about my massage needs. I could tell that she then went and conferred with the therapist, because she chatted me up about it as we walked past the dozen (!) massage rooms to the back. I could see why they could handle walk-ins with all of those rooms. Four of the rooms are multi-purpose, doubling for facials as needed. They do skin in this way, but not hair or nails like other spa/salons in town.
The massage itself was average at best. I tend to be a massage-talker and she was friendly conversational. Considering all of the wellness-packed gathering of information, including my indication for deep pressure around the tennis elbow, what I received felt like medium pressure with few knots actually released in my back (it's usually a gold mine of trigger points).
What else I learned:
- As a national chain (another first - a Bloomington-Normal spa with national affiliation), if I got a membership it would be good across the country.
- Therapists are paid partly on commission. I was upsold an extra service, and at the end, was given a diagnostic evaluation by her recommending a 90-minute massage within the next couple of weeks. To her credit, despite my mentioning that I was in the market for an exfoliant, she did not jump at the chance to sell me product.
- The room was cold for me. Some of that was definitely my doing, as I hadn't eaten anything all day by this afternoon appointment. However vents were blowing in the room which couldn't be turned off, thicker blankets were not an option. Fortunately the table warmer eventually did the job.
I have a feeling that this place will succeed at least for a while even though the price point is out of line with the market, due to the energy and professionalism of the staff, the stately appearance, walk-in convenience, high-touch involvement of extra staff members, wellness focus and the allure of national membership benefits. Take advantage of the introductory below-market rate offer and see for yourself.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Putnam County One Year Later
A year ago a collection of adult-sized children, a couple comical administrators, and a paroled convict were ready to launch a Spelling-Bee sized can of daffiness onto the Community Players Theatre crowd. Still listening to the YouTube playlist and occasionally using the word "kinnikinnick" in a sentence. Fond memories of Brett and all the gang!
Diary Of The Year's First 3-Mile Run
0:00 - Not enough time to make the gym today, so we'll just go for a run instead. I've been stationary biking all winter so I should transition easily enough.
3:00 - The first uphill leg of my 3-mile route seems to have gotten steeper over the winter. Darn erosion.
6:00 - Nice, long, even stretch of sidewalk past the school. My legs are finally loosening up.
9:00 - Downhill time! It's like having super speed. Just have to avoid the garbage in front of the student apartments.
12:00 - Who knew how much of an energy drain super speed could be? One last uphill grade to the halfway point.
15:00 - Ohhhhhkay. Time for a walking break. Not quite a gasping break. Maybe just a panting break. Of course I keep my head high as traffic passes by. Pulse rate is 150 beats per minute. If life only has so many heartbeats, I've got about ten more minutes to live.
18:00 - Gentle downward slope. The break helped. Legs still loose.
21:00 - Whoa, where did all this wind come from? I just turned the corner and am facing a mountain. Mountains don't have tornadoes, do they?
24:00 - Unngh. One foot in front of the other. Biking is not running. Biking is not running. Biking is not running. No wait, positive thoughts. I'm positive this wind is a world record. Is it possible for the heart to explode through the rib cage? Nuts.
27:00 - Another walking break once I topped Mount Vernon Avenue. Whew. Back near the school where children are playing. Pace yourself kids, don't run your way into a coronary!
30:00 - The final downhill to the finish line. I either have runner's high, or the oxygen has drained from my brain. I have lost all fine motor skills including the ability to stop my momentum or change direction. If a car eases up to one of the cross street intersections, I will end up in his back seat. It's just that simple.
33:00 - Home! Mental note: Allow more time to get to the gym tomorrow.
3:00 - The first uphill leg of my 3-mile route seems to have gotten steeper over the winter. Darn erosion.
6:00 - Nice, long, even stretch of sidewalk past the school. My legs are finally loosening up.
9:00 - Downhill time! It's like having super speed. Just have to avoid the garbage in front of the student apartments.
12:00 - Who knew how much of an energy drain super speed could be? One last uphill grade to the halfway point.
15:00 - Ohhhhhkay. Time for a walking break. Not quite a gasping break. Maybe just a panting break. Of course I keep my head high as traffic passes by. Pulse rate is 150 beats per minute. If life only has so many heartbeats, I've got about ten more minutes to live.
18:00 - Gentle downward slope. The break helped. Legs still loose.
21:00 - Whoa, where did all this wind come from? I just turned the corner and am facing a mountain. Mountains don't have tornadoes, do they?
24:00 - Unngh. One foot in front of the other. Biking is not running. Biking is not running. Biking is not running. No wait, positive thoughts. I'm positive this wind is a world record. Is it possible for the heart to explode through the rib cage? Nuts.
27:00 - Another walking break once I topped Mount Vernon Avenue. Whew. Back near the school where children are playing. Pace yourself kids, don't run your way into a coronary!
30:00 - The final downhill to the finish line. I either have runner's high, or the oxygen has drained from my brain. I have lost all fine motor skills including the ability to stop my momentum or change direction. If a car eases up to one of the cross street intersections, I will end up in his back seat. It's just that simple.
33:00 - Home! Mental note: Allow more time to get to the gym tomorrow.
Tutoring Letter Of Recommendation
I am applying for a substitute teaching position and as part of that, received some very kind words of recommendation from a student:
"I met Joe back in 2012 through my sister who was, at the
time, being tutored by him in math. I had made the decision to change majors
towards one more math related and as such was beginning to take calculus two
over the summer. The condensed course was going too fast for me to keep up with
so I decided on getting a tutor. Joe and I contacted each other and set up a
schedule for meeting once a week to go over class material. Immediately, I
began to see results in both my speed at accomplishing homework, and my
abilities to answer in class questions effectively. Joe explained every piece
of math in a fast and easily understandable way and I can honestly say I
learned more with him in one hour a week than I did in class for eight. Working
with him that summer I went from being afraid of having to retake the class to
nearly getting an A by the end of it.
Since
my summer class with Joe I have seen him for help in nearly every type of math
possible. In total I have taken calculus three, linear algebra, financial
mathematics, probability, and an actuarial modeling course. He has been able to
help me with every class I have some type of problem in without any difficulty
on his part. Joe explains his methodology for solving a problem from the
beginning to the end and if he ever notices that I start to get lost he comes
up with another way to explain what is happening. He never gets frustrated or
loses his temper and I have yet to see a problem he could not solve. Overall
Joe is just an excellent teacher who truly cares about making his students
succeed and has the skill set to make that happen."
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
The Goat Judge With The Carpeted Barn
The eighth-grader and I both have a silly sense of humor. I click fantastically with these types.
The word problem showed a diagram of the floor plan of a house, divided into several rooms with specified length x width dimensions. Some of the floor would be carpeted. How much was needed?
Right off the bat she pointed out how crazy the name of the family was. The "Besos." What kind of a name is Besos? No one has a name like that. This isn't a very realistic problem.
Yeah, I said. Maybe they're not from around here. Maybe they're goats.
(Squeals of laughter that cause library patrons to whip their heads about)
Goats living in a barn, she asked? Trying to carpet their barn? Maybe the goat dad has a rich job like a judge or something so that he can afford the carpet?
Not a very smart judge, I pointed out, if he's spending money to carpet a barn full of goats.
(Squeals)
Not to mention that his floor plan doesn't seem to have a bathroom. Those floors are going to get a little messy.
(Squeals)
I guess there are two unnamed rooms. But one's off the guest bedroom. Not a very polite place to have your guests' noses trying to get some sleep.
We got some math done, too. I like to think that the humor keeps the mind loose for learning.
The word problem showed a diagram of the floor plan of a house, divided into several rooms with specified length x width dimensions. Some of the floor would be carpeted. How much was needed?
Right off the bat she pointed out how crazy the name of the family was. The "Besos." What kind of a name is Besos? No one has a name like that. This isn't a very realistic problem.
Yeah, I said. Maybe they're not from around here. Maybe they're goats.
(Squeals of laughter that cause library patrons to whip their heads about)
Goats living in a barn, she asked? Trying to carpet their barn? Maybe the goat dad has a rich job like a judge or something so that he can afford the carpet?
Not a very smart judge, I pointed out, if he's spending money to carpet a barn full of goats.
(Squeals)
Not to mention that his floor plan doesn't seem to have a bathroom. Those floors are going to get a little messy.
(Squeals)
I guess there are two unnamed rooms. But one's off the guest bedroom. Not a very polite place to have your guests' noses trying to get some sleep.
We got some math done, too. I like to think that the humor keeps the mind loose for learning.
Persistence Wins
"It is the dogged pertinacity of Grant that wins." - Lincoln
We may not face an army of Confederate soldiers firing down at us from a fortress on high ground, but we are assailed by fears and opponents - sometimes ourselves - as we chase our desires. At the end, to be left standing, requires a regular accounting of what it is that matters most to us, and to spring forward again with new energy around, over, or through the difficulty.
We may not face an army of Confederate soldiers firing down at us from a fortress on high ground, but we are assailed by fears and opponents - sometimes ourselves - as we chase our desires. At the end, to be left standing, requires a regular accounting of what it is that matters most to us, and to spring forward again with new energy around, over, or through the difficulty.
Life's One Guiding Principle
"I'm always guided by one principle, which I was taught by my mentor: 'Buddy, remember this: You do what's in the best long-term interest of the sport.' It transcends everything else. All commissioners have to make decisions, and you can't worry if they're popular decisions or not. If you're worried about that, then you shouldn't be a commissioner." - Bud Selig, Major League Baseball commissioner
Can life be made so simple? What principle, if we had to choose one, would we select to guide us?
"Treat others as you'd like to be treated"?
"Love others more than yourself"?
"Find a need and fill it"?
"Follow your dreams"?
"Eat toast with every meal"?
Can life be made so simple? What principle, if we had to choose one, would we select to guide us?
"Treat others as you'd like to be treated"?
"Love others more than yourself"?
"Find a need and fill it"?
"Follow your dreams"?
"Eat toast with every meal"?
Lost And Frowned
I got home from the library today and realized that I'd misplaced two of the top three possessions in my life: my day planner and my phone. It turns out that I'd left them somewhere randomly in the building, and fortunately some good citizen turned them in (not that they'd have gotten much further ahead in life by analyzing my tutoring schedule or calling random high school students). In the meantime, it was amazing how something as small as a couple lost items can fog one's mind from concentrating on much else. Cupcake must have thought I'd lost half my mind as I lurched to and from the car and the house, peering under things, twisting acrobatically to peek around car seats. If she had started speaking English I probably wouldn't have noticed with much more than a "Hi to you too, Cuppie, uh, you haven't seen my phone around here have you?"
The upside of these minor dramas is how uplifting it feels to resolve it. A burst of good feeling enough to rip off a few blog posts!
The upside of these minor dramas is how uplifting it feels to resolve it. A burst of good feeling enough to rip off a few blog posts!
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Easter Sunday: The Week In Thanks
Easter brings families together, and in this case, we gathered in Goodfield with Dena's side of the family. It's been nearly a year since the last of the 7 kids was hitched, and by all accounts every one of the marriages is going strong. Nieces and nephews are college athletes, building cars, going to proms. The mood around the table is light-hearted. People pour outside for an evening walk, or just to sit and laugh on the patio while the kids play a game of football.
The Easter Mass was pretty packed, and we hit a stirring rendition of "Glorious Day" for the congregation with little practice.
Mom is plugging along, Dena's dad's mom is doing well. Jack and Kate successfully moved to their new apartment with their classically cute puppy. Meanwhile Cupcake is feasting on her first exposure to spring weather, and we can't help but smile when she starts mewing out the screen door when we pull into the driveway.
I enjoyed a personal-best 27.5 hours of private tutoring, with a couple new students added to the mix as one rolled off.
When we got into our car to come home at 8pm, there was still some orange in the sky.
We're planning another Los Angeles - San Diego vacation in June, our first trip like that since our honeymoon.
A few things went wrong, sure. My calendar/notebook that's the brain trust of my working life took a header into the bathtub and is going to need some therapy to recover. My camera stopped working. We have a handful of lights that aren't working around the house, and an electrician that's been slow to respond. If these are the biggest problems we're facing, we are definitely living the high life.
The days outside are getting brighter, we'll top 75 degrees tomorrow and tonight's low will be above 50 for the first time this year. It will be like sleeping under the stars, with breezes ushering in another fantastic spring week.
The Easter Mass was pretty packed, and we hit a stirring rendition of "Glorious Day" for the congregation with little practice.
Mom is plugging along, Dena's dad's mom is doing well. Jack and Kate successfully moved to their new apartment with their classically cute puppy. Meanwhile Cupcake is feasting on her first exposure to spring weather, and we can't help but smile when she starts mewing out the screen door when we pull into the driveway.
I enjoyed a personal-best 27.5 hours of private tutoring, with a couple new students added to the mix as one rolled off.
When we got into our car to come home at 8pm, there was still some orange in the sky.
We're planning another Los Angeles - San Diego vacation in June, our first trip like that since our honeymoon.
A few things went wrong, sure. My calendar/notebook that's the brain trust of my working life took a header into the bathtub and is going to need some therapy to recover. My camera stopped working. We have a handful of lights that aren't working around the house, and an electrician that's been slow to respond. If these are the biggest problems we're facing, we are definitely living the high life.
The days outside are getting brighter, we'll top 75 degrees tomorrow and tonight's low will be above 50 for the first time this year. It will be like sleeping under the stars, with breezes ushering in another fantastic spring week.
A Word On Wisdom
"And wisdom is precisely this: it is the grace of being able to see everything with the eyes of God. It is simply this: it is to see the world, to see situations, circumstances, problems, everything through God's eyes. This is wisdom." - Pope Francis
Put another way, a problem is not really a problem when seen through the eyes of God. What to fear?
Put another way, a problem is not really a problem when seen through the eyes of God. What to fear?
"Pay It Backward" Movement Fails To Gain Traction
After hearing about the recent swell of community pride that had resulted from the "pay it forward" movement - strangers paying for the groceries, meals, etc. of the person behind them in line, I was inspired to launch a "pay it backward" movement. After eleven declines from people behind me to pay for my goods, and one minor success involving an 8-year old that might have been more intimidation-based than kind-hearted, I decided that the idea was ahead of its time.
Mock Thanks, Part 3
This woman had worked for non-profit agencies and was hoping to find a job in business. She had a zeal-for-learning way about her and I think she could be one of those work ethic role models every floor should have.
Mock Thanks, Part 2
This note came from a woman who had worked several jobs, including some leadership positions, over a 20+ year career. She was hoping to get an administrative assistant position. She was charming and easy to talk to. Someone ought to give her a chance.
Mock Thanks, Part 1
I had the opportunity to conduct mock interviews for a class of students trying to change jobs. This gentleman was very well-dressed, had worked construction for more than 30 years and had the seasoned confidence that comes from raising a family while working full-time and taking classes.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Friday, April 18, 2014
Betty Connour's Retirement
Very happy for Betty's successful retirement and the happiness it will bring!
It was back on October 21, 1974 that Betty Connour started her State Farm career and after almost 40 years, she will be ending that career with her retirement on June 1, 2014.
Betty started out her career as a secretary in the Life Actuarial department, and shortly after, moved into an analyst role in the valuation area of Actuarial. She spent the majority of her career working in valuation before moving over to the policy servicing team, also within Actuarial. She has been a dedicated, dependable worker who has become the trusted expert on a wide range of life and annuity topics for both actuarial and the operation centers.
Throughout the years, Betty has shown her dedication to development by attaining the FLMI, CLU, CHFC, ACS, AAPA, and FFSI designations.
When asked what will stick with her the most about her career at State Farm; Betty says that she will treasure the relationships that she has developed over the years, both within corporate and the operation centers.
In retirement, Betty is first looking forward to a family trip to Australia in July. After that, she plans to spend more time with her kids (Son- Scott and his wife Jessica, daughter- Sarah and her husband Brandon) and grandkids Tyler, Travis, and Ryan. She’ll also enjoy tending to her 3 horses and be out and about volunteering in the community.
There will be a retirement reception on her last day in the office, May 30, from 9:00 – 11:00 in SA3-C at Corporate.
I’m sure many would feel the same, but I feel fortunate to have been able to work with Betty and learn from all her experience. More importantly, I value her friendship. And although I’ll miss working with her, please join me in thanking her for all that she has done for State Farm and in wishing her much happiness in a well-deserved retirement!
Thursday, April 17, 2014
How To Teach A Crowd?
Another question from the school employment application:
How would you address a wide range of skills and abilities in your classroom?
As a substitute teacher, depending on the lesson available from the usual teacher, I would plan to allow time for a certain amount of questions from the class while still getting through the material. In the interest of time, if some questions seemed more advanced or basic than a good pace would allow, those might have to be set aside either to address at the end of class or outside of class on an individual basis. I would encourage questions to gauge understanding.
How would you address a wide range of skills and abilities in your classroom?
As a substitute teacher, depending on the lesson available from the usual teacher, I would plan to allow time for a certain amount of questions from the class while still getting through the material. In the interest of time, if some questions seemed more advanced or basic than a good pace would allow, those might have to be set aside either to address at the end of class or outside of class on an individual basis. I would encourage questions to gauge understanding.
What Makes A Teacher Outstanding?
As part of life well-roundedness I am exploring substitute teaching, which requires that I apply for employment with the school unit. One question:
"Describe the skills or attributes you believe are necessary to be an outstanding teacher."
Communication - presenting information in a way that is understandable and interesting.
Selflessness - motivated by improving the lives of others more than oneself, in a compassionate way.
Patience - including the poise and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Organization - in presenting information, and oneself, to build confidence and trust.
Humility - encouraging others, and respecting their opinions, values, and circumstances.
Enthusiasm - bringing optimistic energy and creativity.
"Describe the skills or attributes you believe are necessary to be an outstanding teacher."
Communication - presenting information in a way that is understandable and interesting.
Selflessness - motivated by improving the lives of others more than oneself, in a compassionate way.
Patience - including the poise and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Organization - in presenting information, and oneself, to build confidence and trust.
Humility - encouraging others, and respecting their opinions, values, and circumstances.
Enthusiasm - bringing optimistic energy and creativity.
The Fight Must Go On
After his disappointing defeat for the Senate won by his arch rival Stephen Douglas in 1858, Lincoln wrote: "The fight must go on. The cause of civil liberty must not be surrendered at the end of one or even one hundred defeats."
What cause is that great for us, to withstand the effects of one hundred losses? What is our "civil liberties" or slavery? Which is the journey greater than the destination?
What cause is that great for us, to withstand the effects of one hundred losses? What is our "civil liberties" or slavery? Which is the journey greater than the destination?
Empowering Your Generals
"Many, many thanks for your Christmas gift - the capture of Savannah. When you were about leaving Atlanta for the Atlantic Coast, I was anxious, if not fearful... Now, the undertaking being a success, the honor is all yours; for I believe none of us went farther than to acquiesce... But what next? I suppose it will be safer if I leave General Grant and yourself to decide." - Lincoln
We can't do it all; frankly no one of us is talented enough even if we were 100 people. When we find someone who can get the job done better than us, we're well advised to let them do it. Better yet, to encourage them to do it.
We can't do it all; frankly no one of us is talented enough even if we were 100 people. When we find someone who can get the job done better than us, we're well advised to let them do it. Better yet, to encourage them to do it.
Going All-Out
"Life isn't about existing. It's about engaging." - Bill Phillips
As another 24 hours tick off of our life clock, how will we use them? How many hours will we enjoy, rather than simply survive or tolerate? What can we do for our family, friends and neighbors today?
I've got a to-do list (including blogging!) and intend to make a difference today.
As another 24 hours tick off of our life clock, how will we use them? How many hours will we enjoy, rather than simply survive or tolerate? What can we do for our family, friends and neighbors today?
I've got a to-do list (including blogging!) and intend to make a difference today.
You Were Right, I Was Wrong
"I do not remember that you and I ever met personally. I write this now as a grateful acknowledgment for the almost inestimable service you have done for the country. I wish to say a word further. When you first reached the vicinity of Vicksburg... I never had any faith, except a general hope that you knew better than I that the expedition could succeed... I feared it was a mistake. I now wish to make the personal acknowledgment that you were right, and I was wrong." - Lincoln
He went out of his way to humble himself before General Grant after his pivotal Civil War victory. That last sentence is simple yet powerful, one worth rehearsing as a skill.
He went out of his way to humble himself before General Grant after his pivotal Civil War victory. That last sentence is simple yet powerful, one worth rehearsing as a skill.
Outsmarting Anxiety
Pumping yourself up, rather than keeping yourself calm, may be the best way to combat performance anxiety, according to new Harvard research. Instead of stressing about a big date, think positively and embrace it as "energy."
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Conflict Avoidance
"Let minor differences, and personal preferences, if there be such; go to the winds." - Lincoln
Why squabble or look back when there are almost always greater gains to be had by moving forward?
Why squabble or look back when there are almost always greater gains to be had by moving forward?
Politician Without Policy
"My policy is to have no policy. I shall not surrender this game leaving any available card unplayed." - Lincoln
He seems to distinguish between mission - the core unshakable values - and policy or the way to get things done. There are many ways; none is always best; to say otherwise is to alienate a person or even a generation. Open-mindedness rules!
He seems to distinguish between mission - the core unshakable values - and policy or the way to get things done. There are many ways; none is always best; to say otherwise is to alienate a person or even a generation. Open-mindedness rules!
Just Cause
"I have reached this city of Washington... for the purpose of taking an official position amongst the people, almost all of whom were opposed to me, and are yet opposed to me, as I suppose." - Lincoln
It's why deep belief in the mission is key to any worthwhile activity, because it's going to rain, and sometimes, rain fire. Standing in the right place, as you define it, is a safe haven. Whether your cause is slavery, abortion, gay rights, the afterlife, or less controversial topics.
It's why deep belief in the mission is key to any worthwhile activity, because it's going to rain, and sometimes, rain fire. Standing in the right place, as you define it, is a safe haven. Whether your cause is slavery, abortion, gay rights, the afterlife, or less controversial topics.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
25 Years Later: The "In Your Eyes" Boombox Scene
By Bryan Enk of Yahoo Movies:
For pretty much everyone, this is the defining moment of the film, a proud and unapologetic symbol of young love and old-school movie romance.
It was a scene John Cusack originally didn't want to do. And even when he did, it wasn't Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" that was booming from that box (but more on that later).
"[The boombox scene] was the last thing shot on the last day with the last moment of sunlight," recalled director Cameron Crowe in an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2002 (back when the film was barely 13 years old). "John felt that Lloyd was kowtowing too much by holding up the boombox, and that it was too subservient a move. He didn't love the scene, he didn't quite understand it yet — he certainly does now — and he wanted to be more laid-back."
Crowe found the right direction that made the scene work for his star — and put the now-classic look of silent dignity on Cusack's face.
"My whole argument was, 'Be defiant with the holding of the boombox,'" said Crowe. "The last take — it was a place across the street from a 7-Eleven on Lankershim in the Valley — he held up the boombox, and on his face is the whole story of the character — the love of the girl, and, I think, John's feeling that it was a little too subservient but he was going to do it anyway."
"I wanted to just have the boombox be on top of the car and him sitting on the roof," added Cusack.
"So I finally did it, but I did it without a look of longing and adoration and love. It was a different kind of feel than either one of us had originally planned."
As for the song itself, if you've never heard this fun bit of trivia, your mind is about to be blown:
"John Cusack is playing Fishbone's 'Bonin' in the Boneyard' in the actual scene, but when we put the movie together, it didn't work at all," Crowe told Moviefone in 2011. "He seemed like a crazed Fishbone fan who just happened to be outside her window." Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" was added to the scene in post-production, once they were able to get permission from the musician and his label.
Years later, Cusack still seems to be a little iffy on the scene and its formidable legacy. In keeping with Crowe's direction to "be defiant," Cusack was a bit taken aback during a 2009 interview with MTV Movies when interviewer Josh Horowitz presented him with a cardboard cutout version of the boombox.
Three years later, Cusack still wouldn't strike the Lloyd Dobler pose — even in the presence of the man who sang the song coming out of the boombox. Cusack attended Peter Gabriel's 2012 concert at the Hollywood Bowl commemorating the 25th anniversary of his landmark album "So," but as the first few measures of "In Your Eyes" started to play, Cusack entered the stage and simply handed a boombox to Gabriel, who ended up imitating the iconic image himself.
Whether Cusack himself likes the scene or not, pretty much everyone else does, as it's been the subject of seemingly countless discussions and references across all sorts of pop culture platforms over the years — even on a deserted (-ish) island.
"And why would you hold a static-generating radio over your head?" asks Sayid Jarrah (Naveen Andrews) on an episode of the hit TV series "Lost," which prompts Hurley (Jorge Garcia) to ask "They didn't have 'Say Anything...' in Baghdad?" before trying to explain the significance of the scene.
In a bit of a meta flourish, the scene is a staple in its own cinematic genre, too. "What happened to chivalry? Does it only exist in '80s movies?" asks Olive (Emma Stone) in the romantic dramedy "Easy A" (2010). "I want John Cusack holding a boombox outside my window!"
And there have been plenty of parodies of the scene as well. Jimmy Kimmel jokingly recreated the moment as a way to convince Oprah Winfrey to appear on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," as did Stan on a Season 7 episode of "South Park" as a way to show his love for Wendy.
"If you really want a shot at getting her back, stand outside her window, hold a boombox over your head and play Peter Gabriel," advises Bebe when Stan asks "What's the most romantic thing I can think of?"
The scene was even parodied in a "My Little Pony" comic book (titled "Neigh Anything...," natch), in "The Simpsons" episode "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Marge" (2000, guest-starring Parker Posey as Otto's girlfriend Becky), has its own Lego version, and is the subject of more than one meme.
Oh, and if Joseph Gordon-Levitt ever tried to get all Lloyd Dobler in real life, it would totally work.
John Cusack in 'Say Anything' (Everett Collection)
"Say Anything...," Cameron
Crowe's pitch-perfect post-high school love story, was released in
theaters 25 years ago today. Over the past quarter-century, it's become
one of the most cherished cinematic romances of all time... yet, its
most iconic image almost never happened.
The default publicity still for
"Say Anything..." isn't one of noble, self-styled kickboxer Lloyd Dobler
(John Cusack) and good-girl valedictorian Diane Court (Ione Skye)
entwined in a lovers' embrace but Lloyd all by himself, standing outside
the home of his ladylove, proclaiming his devotion via a certain Peter Gabriel song ("In Your Eyes," but you knew that already) coming from the boombox he's holding high above his head.
For pretty much everyone, this is the defining moment of the film, a proud and unapologetic symbol of young love and old-school movie romance.
It was a scene John Cusack originally didn't want to do. And even when he did, it wasn't Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" that was booming from that box (but more on that later).
"[The boombox scene] was the last thing shot on the last day with the last moment of sunlight," recalled director Cameron Crowe in an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2002 (back when the film was barely 13 years old). "John felt that Lloyd was kowtowing too much by holding up the boombox, and that it was too subservient a move. He didn't love the scene, he didn't quite understand it yet — he certainly does now — and he wanted to be more laid-back."
Crowe found the right direction that made the scene work for his star — and put the now-classic look of silent dignity on Cusack's face.
"My whole argument was, 'Be defiant with the holding of the boombox,'" said Crowe. "The last take — it was a place across the street from a 7-Eleven on Lankershim in the Valley — he held up the boombox, and on his face is the whole story of the character — the love of the girl, and, I think, John's feeling that it was a little too subservient but he was going to do it anyway."
"I wanted to just have the boombox be on top of the car and him sitting on the roof," added Cusack.
"So I finally did it, but I did it without a look of longing and adoration and love. It was a different kind of feel than either one of us had originally planned."
As for the song itself, if you've never heard this fun bit of trivia, your mind is about to be blown:
"John Cusack is playing Fishbone's 'Bonin' in the Boneyard' in the actual scene, but when we put the movie together, it didn't work at all," Crowe told Moviefone in 2011. "He seemed like a crazed Fishbone fan who just happened to be outside her window." Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" was added to the scene in post-production, once they were able to get permission from the musician and his label.
Years later, Cusack still seems to be a little iffy on the scene and its formidable legacy. In keeping with Crowe's direction to "be defiant," Cusack was a bit taken aback during a 2009 interview with MTV Movies when interviewer Josh Horowitz presented him with a cardboard cutout version of the boombox.
"No, no, no, no, no, no, no,"
protested the suddenly very uncomfortable Cusack. "As long as ... I
don't have to do anything with this, right?"
Cusack seemed almost physically
repulsed by the prop, which Horowitz called a "visceral reaction."
Cusack's "2012" co-star, Amanda Peet, tried to break the tension by
offering to imitate the Lloyd Dobler stance herself, though the
interview had already "reached the completely surreal."
Three years later, Cusack still wouldn't strike the Lloyd Dobler pose — even in the presence of the man who sang the song coming out of the boombox. Cusack attended Peter Gabriel's 2012 concert at the Hollywood Bowl commemorating the 25th anniversary of his landmark album "So," but as the first few measures of "In Your Eyes" started to play, Cusack entered the stage and simply handed a boombox to Gabriel, who ended up imitating the iconic image himself.
Whether Cusack himself likes the scene or not, pretty much everyone else does, as it's been the subject of seemingly countless discussions and references across all sorts of pop culture platforms over the years — even on a deserted (-ish) island.
"And why would you hold a static-generating radio over your head?" asks Sayid Jarrah (Naveen Andrews) on an episode of the hit TV series "Lost," which prompts Hurley (Jorge Garcia) to ask "They didn't have 'Say Anything...' in Baghdad?" before trying to explain the significance of the scene.
In a bit of a meta flourish, the scene is a staple in its own cinematic genre, too. "What happened to chivalry? Does it only exist in '80s movies?" asks Olive (Emma Stone) in the romantic dramedy "Easy A" (2010). "I want John Cusack holding a boombox outside my window!"
And there have been plenty of parodies of the scene as well. Jimmy Kimmel jokingly recreated the moment as a way to convince Oprah Winfrey to appear on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," as did Stan on a Season 7 episode of "South Park" as a way to show his love for Wendy.
"If you really want a shot at getting her back, stand outside her window, hold a boombox over your head and play Peter Gabriel," advises Bebe when Stan asks "What's the most romantic thing I can think of?"
The scene was even parodied in a "My Little Pony" comic book (titled "Neigh Anything...," natch), in "The Simpsons" episode "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Marge" (2000, guest-starring Parker Posey as Otto's girlfriend Becky), has its own Lego version, and is the subject of more than one meme.
Oh, and if Joseph Gordon-Levitt ever tried to get all Lloyd Dobler in real life, it would totally work.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
It's Finally Getting Warm: The Week In Thanks
The needle's going to hit 70 degrees today with sunshine and daylight easily past 7:00. I need to come up with a term that describes a day like this. Someone once wrote that there are 17 good weather days a year in our town, and this is shaping up to qualify.
It was energizing to be among a talented group of leaders like Beth Kimmerling and the Leadership McLean County graduating class of 2014 at last night's ceremony. On the off chance that I'd won the Alumni of the Year Award I'd have made a couple of points:
1. Find what you love to do, and commit to doing it as much as possible.
2. Choose friends wisely.
The relationships I've gained through LMC are valuable resources and good friends.
Naturally I comment on the terrific weather by looking out the window of the Normal Public Library, my home away from home. I now have the privilege of serving 26 students. Several of them are reporting back A's on quizzes and tests, one is feeling good about the ACT, more than a few are closing in on their goal to graduate. The library itself is a gift to me, one that is well-staffed by kind people, progressive enough to offer computer stations like this one, and convenient in expanding the seating areas for adult guests like me. My business would be much different without this place. Dozens of students are benefiting from it.
Today is the 1st birthday party of Jackson Stevens, pride and joy of our band leaders Sean and Jennifer, and unofficial mascot of the LifeTeen ministry. We are blessed to have leaders so committed to the cause, playing at retreats, concerts and weddings even while nursing and raising a family. The family feel spreads through the whole group.
My fantasy basketball team is cruising toward a strong 2nd place finish, while my fantasy baseball team enjoys a 2nd place standing of its own. With LMC behind me and a school-free summer in front of me, I aim to be as competitive as ever here.
Dena came out to support me at LMC graduation. She also contracted a construction deal with an engineer, negotiated prices for our condominium waste disposal, provided excellent minutes as secretary, and met with an electrician to spruce up some areas of our house. All the while she's done commendable work at First Farmers State Bank, met with private clients, and continued to help raise a cute kitten. Like I said, choose friends wisely... they don't get any better than Dena!
Taxes are behind us, Jack's birthday has come and gone, and the week ahead is free and clear for grass to start greening and close-toed shoes to start being packed away. It's finally getting warm. Off we go!
It was energizing to be among a talented group of leaders like Beth Kimmerling and the Leadership McLean County graduating class of 2014 at last night's ceremony. On the off chance that I'd won the Alumni of the Year Award I'd have made a couple of points:
1. Find what you love to do, and commit to doing it as much as possible.
2. Choose friends wisely.
The relationships I've gained through LMC are valuable resources and good friends.
Naturally I comment on the terrific weather by looking out the window of the Normal Public Library, my home away from home. I now have the privilege of serving 26 students. Several of them are reporting back A's on quizzes and tests, one is feeling good about the ACT, more than a few are closing in on their goal to graduate. The library itself is a gift to me, one that is well-staffed by kind people, progressive enough to offer computer stations like this one, and convenient in expanding the seating areas for adult guests like me. My business would be much different without this place. Dozens of students are benefiting from it.
Today is the 1st birthday party of Jackson Stevens, pride and joy of our band leaders Sean and Jennifer, and unofficial mascot of the LifeTeen ministry. We are blessed to have leaders so committed to the cause, playing at retreats, concerts and weddings even while nursing and raising a family. The family feel spreads through the whole group.
My fantasy basketball team is cruising toward a strong 2nd place finish, while my fantasy baseball team enjoys a 2nd place standing of its own. With LMC behind me and a school-free summer in front of me, I aim to be as competitive as ever here.
Dena came out to support me at LMC graduation. She also contracted a construction deal with an engineer, negotiated prices for our condominium waste disposal, provided excellent minutes as secretary, and met with an electrician to spruce up some areas of our house. All the while she's done commendable work at First Farmers State Bank, met with private clients, and continued to help raise a cute kitten. Like I said, choose friends wisely... they don't get any better than Dena!
Taxes are behind us, Jack's birthday has come and gone, and the week ahead is free and clear for grass to start greening and close-toed shoes to start being packed away. It's finally getting warm. Off we go!
Leadership McLean County 2014 Wrap-Up
Yesterday I watched five presentations put on by the Leadership McLean County class of 2014. The "community need" - a generic challenge placed upon them to fill a void in the community - inspired them to reach out to the weakest in society. Children were served by the "Box Tops for Education" group, the "Project HOPE" group, and the group that helped renovate the local Boys and Girls Club. Elderly and others were gifted with the home repair resource brochure. Home Sweet Home Ministries was graced by a drive to collect empty computer-paper boxes used in meal delivery. The creativity and thoughtfulness put into the presentations, and the dedication to the work made it easy to see that this was a truly worthy graduation class.
At graduation, Gina Mandros led a grateful invocation, Jeff Mavros was his usual charming self as class speaker, and Beth Kimmerling graced us with a memorable leadership speech.
Thirty graduates (thirty-three if you count the pregnancies) go forth to unite with fellow alumni to make McLean County a better place to live.
At graduation, Gina Mandros led a grateful invocation, Jeff Mavros was his usual charming self as class speaker, and Beth Kimmerling graced us with a memorable leadership speech.
Thirty graduates (thirty-three if you count the pregnancies) go forth to unite with fellow alumni to make McLean County a better place to live.
Friday, April 11, 2014
My Family Stopped Eating Sugar For A Year, And Here's What Happened
By Eve Schaub of Yahoo! Shine:
Once upon a time, I was healthy - at least I thought I was.
Sure, I lacked enough energy to get me through the day, but with all the commercials on TV touting energy drinks for America's tired masses, I always assumed I wasn't the only one suffering. And sure, everyone in my family dreaded the coming cold and flu season, but again, I thought come January everyone develops some degree of germophobia.
At least, that's what I thought until I heard some disturbing new information about the effects of sugar. According to several experts, sugar is the thing that is making so many Americans fat and sick. The more I thought about it the more this made sense to me - a lot of sense. One in seven Americans has metabolic syndrome. One in three Americans is obese. The rate of diabetes is skyrocketing and cardiovascular disease is America's number one killer.
According to this theory, all of these maladies and more can be traced back to one large toxic presence in our diet… sugar.
A Bright Idea
I took all of this newfound knowledge and formulated an idea. I wanted to see how hard it would be to have our family - me, my husband, and our two children (ages 6 and 11) - spend an entire year eating foods that contained no added sugar. We'd cut out anything with an added sweetener, be it table sugar, honey, molasses, maple syrup, agave or fruit juice. We also excluded anything made with fake sugar or sugar alcohols. Unless the sweetness was attached to its original source (e.g., a piece of fruit), we didn't eat it.
Once we started looking we found sugar in the most amazing places: tortillas, sausages, chicken broth, salad dressing, cold cuts, crackers, mayonnaise, bacon, bread, and even baby food. Why add all of this sugar? To make these items more palatable, add shelf life, and make packaged food production ever cheaper.
Call me crazy, but avoiding added sugar for a year struck me as a grand adventure. I was curious as to what would happen. I wanted to know how hard it would be, what interesting things could happen, how my cooking and shopping would change. After continuing my research, I was convinced removing sugar would make us all healthier. What I didn't expect was how not eating sugar would make me feel better in a very real and tangible way.
A Sugar-Free Year Later
It was subtle, but noticeable: the longer I went on eating without added sugar, the better and more energetic I felt. If I doubted the connection, something happened next which would prove it to me: my husband's birthday.
During our year of no sugar, one of the rules was that, as a family, we could have one actual sugar-containing dessert per month. If it was your birthday, you got to choose the dessert. By the time September rolled around we noticed our palates starting to change, and slowly, we began enjoying our monthly "treat" less and less.
But when we ate the decadent multi-layered banana cream pie my husband had requested for his birthday celebration, I knew something new was happening. Not only did I not enjoy my slice of pie, I couldn't even finish it. It tasted sickly sweet to my now sensitive palate. It actually made my teeth hurt. My head began to pound and my heart began to race. I felt awful.
It took a good hour lying on the couch holding my head before I began to recover. "Geez," I thought, "has sugar always made me feel bad, but because it was everywhere, I just never noticed it before?" After our year of no sugar ended, I went back and counted the absences my kids had in school and compared them to those of previous years. The difference was dramatic. My older daughter, Greta, went from missing 15 days the year before to missing only two.
Now that our year of no sugar is over, we'll occasionally indulge, but the way we eat it is very different. We appreciate sugar in drastically smaller amounts, avoid it in everyday foods (that it shouldn't be in in the first place), and save dessert for truly special occasions. My body seems to be thanking me for it. I don't worry about running out of energy. And when flu season comes around I somehow no longer feel the urge to go and hide with my children under the bed. But if we do come down with something, our bodies are better equipped to fight it. We get sick less and get well faster. Much to my surprise, after our no-sugar life, we all feel healthier and stronger. And that is nothing to sneeze at.
Once upon a time, I was healthy - at least I thought I was.
Sure, I lacked enough energy to get me through the day, but with all the commercials on TV touting energy drinks for America's tired masses, I always assumed I wasn't the only one suffering. And sure, everyone in my family dreaded the coming cold and flu season, but again, I thought come January everyone develops some degree of germophobia.
At least, that's what I thought until I heard some disturbing new information about the effects of sugar. According to several experts, sugar is the thing that is making so many Americans fat and sick. The more I thought about it the more this made sense to me - a lot of sense. One in seven Americans has metabolic syndrome. One in three Americans is obese. The rate of diabetes is skyrocketing and cardiovascular disease is America's number one killer.
According to this theory, all of these maladies and more can be traced back to one large toxic presence in our diet… sugar.
A Bright Idea
I took all of this newfound knowledge and formulated an idea. I wanted to see how hard it would be to have our family - me, my husband, and our two children (ages 6 and 11) - spend an entire year eating foods that contained no added sugar. We'd cut out anything with an added sweetener, be it table sugar, honey, molasses, maple syrup, agave or fruit juice. We also excluded anything made with fake sugar or sugar alcohols. Unless the sweetness was attached to its original source (e.g., a piece of fruit), we didn't eat it.
Once we started looking we found sugar in the most amazing places: tortillas, sausages, chicken broth, salad dressing, cold cuts, crackers, mayonnaise, bacon, bread, and even baby food. Why add all of this sugar? To make these items more palatable, add shelf life, and make packaged food production ever cheaper.
Call me crazy, but avoiding added sugar for a year struck me as a grand adventure. I was curious as to what would happen. I wanted to know how hard it would be, what interesting things could happen, how my cooking and shopping would change. After continuing my research, I was convinced removing sugar would make us all healthier. What I didn't expect was how not eating sugar would make me feel better in a very real and tangible way.
A Sugar-Free Year Later
It was subtle, but noticeable: the longer I went on eating without added sugar, the better and more energetic I felt. If I doubted the connection, something happened next which would prove it to me: my husband's birthday.
During our year of no sugar, one of the rules was that, as a family, we could have one actual sugar-containing dessert per month. If it was your birthday, you got to choose the dessert. By the time September rolled around we noticed our palates starting to change, and slowly, we began enjoying our monthly "treat" less and less.
But when we ate the decadent multi-layered banana cream pie my husband had requested for his birthday celebration, I knew something new was happening. Not only did I not enjoy my slice of pie, I couldn't even finish it. It tasted sickly sweet to my now sensitive palate. It actually made my teeth hurt. My head began to pound and my heart began to race. I felt awful.
It took a good hour lying on the couch holding my head before I began to recover. "Geez," I thought, "has sugar always made me feel bad, but because it was everywhere, I just never noticed it before?" After our year of no sugar ended, I went back and counted the absences my kids had in school and compared them to those of previous years. The difference was dramatic. My older daughter, Greta, went from missing 15 days the year before to missing only two.
Now that our year of no sugar is over, we'll occasionally indulge, but the way we eat it is very different. We appreciate sugar in drastically smaller amounts, avoid it in everyday foods (that it shouldn't be in in the first place), and save dessert for truly special occasions. My body seems to be thanking me for it. I don't worry about running out of energy. And when flu season comes around I somehow no longer feel the urge to go and hide with my children under the bed. But if we do come down with something, our bodies are better equipped to fight it. We get sick less and get well faster. Much to my surprise, after our no-sugar life, we all feel healthier and stronger. And that is nothing to sneeze at.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Stronger Than Slander
"Neither let us be slandered from our duty by false accusations against us, nor frightened from it by menaces of destruction to the government, nor of dungeons to ourselves. Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith let us to the end dare to do our duty as we understand it." - Lincoln
The other day a student visited the math tutoring lab. She was generally a frustrated student with impatience to read her text book and a strong expectation that I would tell her the answers to her quiz. My encouragement for her to discover the answers on her own was met with disgruntled mumbling to another student and sarcastic laughter as I walked away. No one likes to be mocked. But to yield to her pressure would set a bad example for students, and hurt them in the long run due to the lack of independence. In this case right made might, as I sloughed off the potential frustration with the knowledge that good work was being done that would make any mockery harmless.
The other day a student visited the math tutoring lab. She was generally a frustrated student with impatience to read her text book and a strong expectation that I would tell her the answers to her quiz. My encouragement for her to discover the answers on her own was met with disgruntled mumbling to another student and sarcastic laughter as I walked away. No one likes to be mocked. But to yield to her pressure would set a bad example for students, and hurt them in the long run due to the lack of independence. In this case right made might, as I sloughed off the potential frustration with the knowledge that good work was being done that would make any mockery harmless.
Grace Under Fire
"While we must, by all available means, prevent the overthrow of the government, we should avoid planting and cultivating too many thorns in the bosom of society." - Lincoln
Bloodthirsty cries were all around Lincoln as the South sank toward defeat and the North grieved over the loss of its many citizens. He had the power and argument to whip the Southern states with restrictive penalties. Yet still he was gracious in his philosophy. Mistakes were made on the gravest scale to reach this point. He chose to help wounds heal rather than to open more.
Bloodthirsty cries were all around Lincoln as the South sank toward defeat and the North grieved over the loss of its many citizens. He had the power and argument to whip the Southern states with restrictive penalties. Yet still he was gracious in his philosophy. Mistakes were made on the gravest scale to reach this point. He chose to help wounds heal rather than to open more.
Forgiveness
"If Almighty God gives a man a cowardly pair of legs, how can he help their running away with him?" - Lincoln
No president gave more pardons, including for military deserters, than Abraham Lincoln. He was also a famously lenient parent, maybe to the point of distraction for others. In the end, though, grace begets grace, and forgiveness to the greatest extent possible leads to a warm community feeling, especially when modeled by the leader.
No president gave more pardons, including for military deserters, than Abraham Lincoln. He was also a famously lenient parent, maybe to the point of distraction for others. In the end, though, grace begets grace, and forgiveness to the greatest extent possible leads to a warm community feeling, especially when modeled by the leader.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
"Major League" Turns 25: 15 Things You Didn't Know
It may not seem like it, but
it’s been 25 years since we first met Jake Taylor, Willie Mays Hayes and
Pedro Cerrano. Twenty-five years since Rick Vaughn turned “Wild Thing” into a baseball anthem. Twenty-five years since Harry Doyle gave us “Juuuuuuust a bit outside.” Twenty-five years since Jobu.
“Major League,” which starred Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Corbin Bernsen and Wesley Snipes,
among others, debuted in theaters 25 years ago Monday — April 7, 1989.
It became a No. 1 hit at the box office and one of the most beloved
baseball films of all time.
Writer/director David S. Ward, whose other credits include “The Sting” and “Sleepless in Seattle,” wanted to make a baseball movie involving the Cleveland Indians. He was a long-suffering Indians fan who grew up in South Euclid, Ohio.
“I started to feel like the only
way I would see the Indians win anything is if I made a movie where
they did,” Ward says today. “I realized, it would have to be a comedy,
because nobody would take this seriously.”
Sure, we laughed, but we also
fell in love with the team and its quirky roster that included a
junkball pitcher, a walk-on leadoff man, a slugger trying to use voodoo
to conquer curveballs and a washed-up catcher who just wants to win one
more time.
“It’s a great feeling to know that it still has fans,” Ward says. “The fact that it’s still playing and people are still responding to it 25 years later, that’s gratifying for any filmmaker.”
Bernsen played Dorn, the team’s
third baseman in the movie. He’s had a long and successful career as an
actor, but making “Major League” was unlike any other gig. The actors
took batting practice and infield everyday, dressing up in baseball
uniforms and playing long toss.
“It felt like your moment in the
majors. The thing you’d always dreamed of,” he says. “It blows you away
that it was that long ago. It’s one of those movies that you can sit
through right to the end. It still feels fresh. It’s always felt fresh.”
Dennis Haysbert played Cerrano, the Cuban import who worshipped Jobu and used golf club headcovers to keep his bats warm.
“What I remember most is the
camaraderie that I had with the guys,” says Haysbert, who you might know
better as President David Palmer from “24” or as the Allstate insurance
spokesman. “It really felt like a baseball team.”
In honor of “Major League’s”
25th anniversary, Big League Stew talked to Ward, Bernsen and Haysbert
to collect not only their reflections on the movie all these years
later, but also 15 facts you probably didn’t know about “Major League.”
You’re probably going to want to pop in the DVD by the time you’re done
reading this.
* * *
(Morgan Creek Productions)
Charlie Sheen didn’t have the Hollywood bad-boy rep back in 1989 that he does now, but he was still very much Charlie Sheen back then. Back in 2011, Sheen confessed to Sports Illustrated that he took steroids for six to eight weeks to prepare for his role as Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn.
Ward says today that he doesn’t know whether that’s true, but Sheen was throwing in the mid-80s while filming the movie.
“I have no freaking idea,” Ward says. “I didn’t even know what steroids were. You have to remember this was 1989. Even if he told me he was doing steroids, I would’ve said, ‘What’s that?’ He was pretty ripped at the time, but I figured he was a young man working out.”
* * *
(Morgan Creek Productions)
As Cerrano, the Cuban import who hit balls “very much,” Haysbert had the honor of being the film’s power hitter. Truth was, it wasn’t totally fiction. Haysbert was the only member of the fictitious Indians who could actually clear the yard.
“Every time I was supposed to hit a home run in the movie, I did,” Haysbert says.
It’s a fact that Ward backs up. “He was so jacked by that,” Ward says. “He said, ‘I don’t think I’ll ever do anything more exciting as an actor.’ ”
Haysbert didn’t play baseball past Little League, instead playing football, basketball and running track in high school. His 6-foot-4 frame, though, gave him plenty of baseball power. Haysbert had so much fun shooting “Major League,” after the film wrapped, he says he joined an adult men’s hardball league.
* * *
(Morgan Creek Productions)
Astute baseball fans know this. They recognize that the home stadium of Jake Taylor’s Cleveland Indians was actually Milwaukee County Stadium, where the Brewers played at the time. The opening scene of “Major League,” which shows Cleveland landmarks, was one of the few parts shot in Cleveland. Milwaukee citizens had no problem cheering for the Indians, though. For the film’s final game, more than 27,000 fans showed up to be in the crowd. Ward said they were hoping for half that. “We were all stunned that many people came out,” he says. Because the movie was filmed during baseball season, they used the stadium when the Brewers were on the road.
* * *
(Morgan Creek Productions)
There’s an alternate ending to “Major League” that was actually the film’s original ending, but it tested so poorly, Ward re-wrote it. In the original ending, cheapskate owner Rachel Phelps reveals that she never wanted to move the team to Miami. She actually believed in the team and was playing the villain role to help them rally together. After spending the whole movie hating her, viewers weren’t ready for that swerve. This ending was included in a 2007 DVD re-release of the film, so some people may know the story.
But how about this detail? Margaret Whitton, the actress who played Phelps, was starring in a play in England by the time Ward needed to rework the ending. To re-shoot her final scene, they had to go to England and reconstruct a “Major League” set for her.
* * *
(Morgan Creek Productions)
The reason? Snipes can’t throw very well. He had never played baseball before filming the movie. He was athletic, so he could do most of the things needed to be Willie Mays Hayes.
“The hardest thing to do if you’ve never played baseball is throw a baseball convincingly,” Ward says.
The catch in the final game, where he reaches over the wall to swipe a home run? Snipes made that. “He was freakishly talented,” Ward says. Except the throwing thing.
* * *
(Morgan Creek Productions)
Pete Vuckovich, who had an 11-year MLB career as a pitcher with the Brewers, White Sox, Cardinals and Blue Jays, plays slugger Clu Haywood in “Major League,” a Triple Crown winner who has the number of Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn until the final game.
One of Vuckovich’s great lines comes when he’s approaching the plate and says to catcher Jake Taylor: “How’s your wife and my kids?” That wasn’t in the script. Rather, Ward told Vuckovich to say something that MLB ballplayers would say in that situation. That’s what he came up with.
* * *
7. BOB UECKER WAS CALLING BREWERS GAMES WHEN HE WASN’T SHOOTING THE MOVIEBob Uecker as snarky play-by-play man Harry Doyle is one of “Major League’s” great characters. As most people know, Uecker is an actual baseball announcer. He’s been calling Brewers games on the radio since 1971 (without the Harry Doyle humor, mind you). Uecker’s shoots for “Major League” were different than most because he’d have to work around his Brewers broadcast schedule, so he’d end up showing up for a day or two and shooting many scenes back-to-back.
* * *
(Morgan Creek Productions)
James Gammon played Lou Brown, the ornery but lovable manager of the Indians. He died in 2010, and a Cleveland Indians jersey with “Brown” across the back was displayed at his funeral.
“I wrote that part for James,” Ward says.
* * *
9. CORBIN BERNSEN WAS ACTUALLY A PRETTY GOOD BASEBALL PLAYERAs Dorn, Bernsen’s most enduring trait in “Major League” is not wanting to get in front of ground balls. Even though Dorn had a big hit in the final game and made a diving defensive play, most remember him as a pretty boy who didn’t want to get hurt.
So after “Major League” people just assumed Bernsen wasn’t a good ballplayer. Truth was, he played in high school and thought about playing college ball. So he could field a grounder, regardless of what the early scenes in the movie portrayed.
“That was always a bit annoying,” Bernsen says, laughing. “I was supposed to miss those balls. There were times where it was hard to miss the ball.”
In the scenes where Dorn had to take grounders off his chest to toughen up, Bernsen was hit with rubberized baseballs, but the bruises he showed off later in the film were real. As proof that Bernsen took the baseball in “Major League” seriously, he’s still critical of himself 25 years later.
When asked about his character making a diving stop, rolling to his feet and throwing to first base — a moment of redemption for Dorn — Bernsen responds: “My throw looks weak.”
* * *
Steve Yeager today as a Dodgers coach. (USA TODAY Sports)
Steve Yeager, who played 15 seasons in the big leagues, was the film’s technical adviser and, many times, it’s him behind the catcher’s mask as Taylor and not Berenger.
The rifle throw down to first base near the end of the film? Totally Yeager, now a coach with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“I love Tom Berenger,” says Corbin Bernsen. “He’s a good guy. But he can’t throw.”
* * *
11. CHARLIE SHEEN WOULD THROW 100+ PITCHES A DAYSheen was the biggest baseball fan of all the actors on “Major League,” and as we mentioned above, he was really into his role as Wild Thing. He did the work to prove it. Sheen said in his 2011 Sports Illustrated interview that he understands why baseball teams have five-man rotations, because some days he’d throw 150 pitches and have to pitch again the next day.
The movie didn’t have any digital effects, Ward says, so they’d have to play baseball until they got the outcome they wanted. Ward recalls one time Sheen having to throw 100 pitches just to get one shot correct because the actor playing the batter (unbeknownst to Ward at the time) didn’t wear his contacts and was having trouble hitting.
“His arm was sore for 10 days,” Ward says.
* * *
(Morgan Creek Productions)
“They didn’t get the timing right,” Ward says, “and he actually hit Charlie. We had to turn Charlie around after that, because we didn’t want people to see a red bump on his face. We couldn’t shoot it another day.”
Says Bernsen: “If I did it, it was probably well deserved. I don’t deny it.”
* * *
13. WESLEY SNIPES WAS PRETTY BEAT UP BY THE END OF THE MOVIEBy the time they were filming the final baseball scene, where Hayes scores from second base on a bunt, Snipes’ legs were so beat up from having to slide over and over that they had to bring in softer dirt and pad up his legs.
“He had huge raspberries just from the sliding,” Ward says. “He wasn’t used to sliding that much.”
* * *
14. THE FAMOUS AMERICAN EXPRESS COMMERCIAL ALMOST DIDN’T HAPPENThe scene was written to be an American Express commercial because Ward loved the “Don’t Steal Home Without It” spin on AmEx’s “Don’t Leave Home Without It” slogan. Problem was, American Express was slow at agreeing to a part of the movie.
It wasn’t until the second-to-last day of shooting, Ward says, that American Express finally agreed to be a part of “Major League.”
* * *
(Morgan Creek Productions)
There is only one Jobu, the voodoo doll that Cerrano called upon to help him hit curveballs. Where is Jobu now? He lives at the home of Morgan Creek Productions’ managing director Brian Robinson, sitting atop a piano with his bottle of rum and cigar.
Robinson lucked into getting
Jobu, and has turned down an offer to sell him for $35,000. We dig
deeper into the life and times of Jobu in the next post in our series.
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