Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Elect Me Pope
The pope resigned. Vote me in.
1. There has never been a pope named Joseph. What are you thinking, Catholics? It's the Holy Father, yes? Jesus' father was Joseph, yes? Let's end the embarrassment.
2. I grew up on Cardinal Drive. My wife is a Cardinals fan. So... pretty sure I understand the needs of the Cardinals, more than enough to lead them.
3. What? Yeah, I'm married. So I understand the sacrament, and highly qualified to administer it.
4. I am tough on scandals.
5. I've learned my lesson: Don't change for change's sake. Like changing Mass phrases such as "one in being with the Father" to "consubstantial with the Father." If my spell check doesn't recognize it, it's not churchy enough.
6. No ego here. I'll step gracefully aside when I'm 60. Don't want the church to get old and crusty.
7. I don't speak Italian. So local criticism would just roll off my back. What pressure?
1. There has never been a pope named Joseph. What are you thinking, Catholics? It's the Holy Father, yes? Jesus' father was Joseph, yes? Let's end the embarrassment.
2. I grew up on Cardinal Drive. My wife is a Cardinals fan. So... pretty sure I understand the needs of the Cardinals, more than enough to lead them.
3. What? Yeah, I'm married. So I understand the sacrament, and highly qualified to administer it.
4. I am tough on scandals.
5. I've learned my lesson: Don't change for change's sake. Like changing Mass phrases such as "one in being with the Father" to "consubstantial with the Father." If my spell check doesn't recognize it, it's not churchy enough.
6. No ego here. I'll step gracefully aside when I'm 60. Don't want the church to get old and crusty.
7. I don't speak Italian. So local criticism would just roll off my back. What pressure?
Seasons Change: The Week In Thanks
The other day Dena was out at Miller Park for the Polar Plunge charity event (working it, not soaking in it). The Pavilion is the place where we held our wedding reception nearly 15 years ago, and she commented that the weather outside reminded her of our wedding day. And as we escape February and leap into March, there are more just like it - with gray skies replaced by bright blue, fewer days worthy of gloves and caps, and more fogless breaths.
We tightened down several more details of our three vacations. Rental cars are secured. Flights booked. And with shelter already secured, soon there will be nothing left to do but buy sunscreen and pack towels.
The end of the four-month long sophomore basketball season is always an exciting one too, even in years when we don't win the season-ending tournament against the top-ranked opponent to close out a 23-3 year. This was a historic team, not only in talent but in heart and togetherness. Ryan's fantastic coaching was a huge reason that the team won more games than any other of his 14-year career. What a great ride! But I'm only an average coach so far. The new season makes full use of my strengths, like...
Tutoring. Mid-semester is harvest time. I've got outstanding requests from four students who'd like to meet once a week, one who'd like to meet twice, and one thrice. And another will be contacting me about ACT prep. Getting up to ten hours a week would be perfectly in line with my goals.
Theater. Auditions for the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee are March 17-19. I'm singing songs everywhere I go (in my head, during meetings), reciting lines. The days are merrier with adventure on the horizon, tunes coursing through my head, and the prospect of being on stage awaiting.
Fantasy Baseball. Back in the saddle for three leagues with my neighbor, brother, and random strangers. Coming off what's looking to be another win in fantasy basketball.
Next week my work team gains another member. Lately we've been ahead of schedule on our projects. I can't ask for more than that.
On this snowy morning, I'm glad for the means to have new tires on my car. And that my car keeps humming along north of 100,000 miles. For a warm place to work, and warm people to be around. And of course, for increasingly warmer skies.
We tightened down several more details of our three vacations. Rental cars are secured. Flights booked. And with shelter already secured, soon there will be nothing left to do but buy sunscreen and pack towels.
The end of the four-month long sophomore basketball season is always an exciting one too, even in years when we don't win the season-ending tournament against the top-ranked opponent to close out a 23-3 year. This was a historic team, not only in talent but in heart and togetherness. Ryan's fantastic coaching was a huge reason that the team won more games than any other of his 14-year career. What a great ride! But I'm only an average coach so far. The new season makes full use of my strengths, like...
Tutoring. Mid-semester is harvest time. I've got outstanding requests from four students who'd like to meet once a week, one who'd like to meet twice, and one thrice. And another will be contacting me about ACT prep. Getting up to ten hours a week would be perfectly in line with my goals.
Theater. Auditions for the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee are March 17-19. I'm singing songs everywhere I go (in my head, during meetings), reciting lines. The days are merrier with adventure on the horizon, tunes coursing through my head, and the prospect of being on stage awaiting.
Fantasy Baseball. Back in the saddle for three leagues with my neighbor, brother, and random strangers. Coming off what's looking to be another win in fantasy basketball.
Next week my work team gains another member. Lately we've been ahead of schedule on our projects. I can't ask for more than that.
On this snowy morning, I'm glad for the means to have new tires on my car. And that my car keeps humming along north of 100,000 miles. For a warm place to work, and warm people to be around. And of course, for increasingly warmer skies.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Normal Community High School Sophomore Boys Basketball Champions
Front row: iPad Master Jaquarius Short, Nate Komnick, David Boyd, Connor Cagley, Malik Woods, Duane Farrington, Brevin Harden
Back row: Assistant Coach Jason Harden, Connor Oltman, Brian Pauken, Brady Carstens, Connor Dibble, Josh Millmore, Mason Maier, Assistant Coach Joe McDonald, Head Coach Ryan Short
23 Wins, 3 Losses. Bloomington High School Tournament Champions. Rockton Hononegah High School Tournament Champions. Unit 5 Tournament Champions.
Defeated every opponent at least once. 38 PPG defensive average.
One of a kind!
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Champs!
Final score 46-42 in overtime over #1 ranked and previously unbeaten Champaign Centennial! Sophomores win for the second consecutive year. Congratulations!
Sophomore Tournament Saturday - Pre-Game Thoughts
We have games today at 11:00 and either 2:00 (for the consolation championship) or 3:30 (for the championship).
I'm not a praying sort, the type of person who asks God for such small and selfish things as basketball wins. I'm the grateful sort, marveling at the opportunity to help a bunch of families to experience a great effort by their sons. Thankful for the health and means to spend my day around exciting games and terrific people.
We'll give it our best. We will win or lose. Then we'll come home to a wonderful life. And that's what's on my mind when I think of God's role in today.
I'm not a praying sort, the type of person who asks God for such small and selfish things as basketball wins. I'm the grateful sort, marveling at the opportunity to help a bunch of families to experience a great effort by their sons. Thankful for the health and means to spend my day around exciting games and terrific people.
We'll give it our best. We will win or lose. Then we'll come home to a wonderful life. And that's what's on my mind when I think of God's role in today.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Cliff Paul Lookalike Day
Who are these people?
From left: Betty Connour, Elaine Hill, Tim Johnson, Debbie "Mo" Drennen, Lynn Battice, Emily Ehrstein, Hannah Esker, Kelsey Monroe, Barb Friese, Andrew Norris, Jason Elleman, Ryan Root, Jeff Mueller
Additional faces from left: Nicole Houser, Emily Madsen, Yufeng Guo, Tanya Bennett, Stephanie Snodgrass, Barb Baxter, Joe McDonald, Randy Petersen, Gloria Johnson, Tina Bell, Lori Morgan
From left: Betty Connour, Elaine Hill, Tim Johnson, Debbie "Mo" Drennen, Lynn Battice, Emily Ehrstein, Hannah Esker, Kelsey Monroe, Barb Friese, Andrew Norris, Jason Elleman, Ryan Root, Jeff Mueller
Additional faces from left: Nicole Houser, Emily Madsen, Yufeng Guo, Tanya Bennett, Stephanie Snodgrass, Barb Baxter, Joe McDonald, Randy Petersen, Gloria Johnson, Tina Bell, Lori Morgan
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