7 weeks and counting, then what?

Only 7 weeks of school left. I'm now on cruise control. It's about over.

I can't believe I'm am about to complete my first year of teaching. Just to think where I started and where I am now. I was so scared to death about what I had to do at the beginning of the year. Now, I just consider it a challenge and embrace it. Yes, sometimes it's a struggle to keep doing basically the same thing every day, but each day brings forth new challenges. That's what keeps me going. Never will two days be exactly the same. That's how I look at it.

Basketball season went by so quickly and now I can't wait until next season starts. But I'll have a whole new set of challenges to work with. Next year, if all goes according to plan, I'll be Freshman coach and High School assistant coach, as well as being the junior high coach. I'll enjoy being the freshman coach because I had them the previous year in 8th grade. They were/are a wonderful group of young ladies and I enjoy being a part of their lives. Of course, there are always ups and downs, but I consider it a joy to be there coach.

So, here's to next year.... and hopefully I can survive what little time I have left in the school year.

Until next time, vaya con Dios.

Day 2 in pictures

Waking up...

Learning how to ski...

On the lifts...

Day 2: The Legend of the Fall

Today was the first day on the slopes. For me, it was "Learning How to Ski" day.

We woke up at 7 a.m. Which I was thrilled about, by the way. I mean, this is my mini-vacation... why am I getting up earlier than I did going to work? Anyway, the wake-up was thrilling because I didn't get much sleep last night. Not only that, my cell phone, which also serves as an alarm clock woke me up an hour ahead of time. Not cool. My cell phone automatically updates with the time... as long as it has service. I did not have service since entering the mountains. But, for some reason, the phone didn't keep accurate time... and it didn't account for the time zone change. So, instead of, say 5 p.m., it read 11 a.m. I manually configured the time, which was the same as the clock in the room that I'm staying. But my phone decided to wake me up an hour early.

The skiing was fun... as long as I was still on two legs. As soon as we got our gear rented, we head out to the slopes. This was about 9 a.m. The first thing to do was learn how to ski. So, we went to school. Our instructor was our Ski-Daddy. Let me tell you... it was a lot more difficult than it looks. And the boots you have to wear make you feel like your special when you walk on them.

So, not ten minutes in to the lesson I committed my first crash.... INTO THE INSTRUCTOR. Not a good first impression. But we took it slow and steady.

Stopping was my main concern... as it should be. But later, turning was my biggest obstacle to overcome. Every time I tried to turn, I face planted into the powder. But I got better.

I fell several times, and I only have a little cut on my finger to show for it. Oh, and I cramped up pretty bad on my left hip, which made me fall once or twice.

By the end of the skiing day, I was absolutely worn out. My feet hurt like a mother (which is not good) and I was tired. It will wear you out if you aren't in shape, like me. But I had a good time and I'm looking forward to crashing...eh... I mean skiing tomorrow.

Until next time, vaya con Dios.

Day 1: The Journey

Day 1 of the Ski Trip was filled with an early morning and crap-load of driving. So, I'll share with you a few of the pictures I captured. Enjoy...

This is the condo we are staying at... well, this one in particular isn't it, but it's just like it.

Let's just say that Purd and I had to take care of some business after eating Chinese food. I felt sorry for the Safeway food products. They never stood a chance.

We had a little detour in Kansas. There was a couple of rocks that hit the windshield that caused a crack that kept inching its way further and further towards the other end of the windshield. We tried a technique that utilizes a razor blade and cutting into the windshield. It didn't work.

More pictures coming soon.

Sin City or I know I'm not perfect

I've never understood people. They are the worst...

College, to some people, is a time for continued education. For others it is a time to meet a wide variety of new people. Some mix the two very well to make a great college experience.

Others, though, seem to think college is nothing more than an anonymous sex party with an all-you-can-drink beer buffet. What they don't know (or maybe they do) that there are consequences for our actions.

I can go 2 miles and hour over the speed limit and not get caught, sure. But that will encourage me to do it again... and again... until I get caught enough times to make me stop doing so. Do I speed? Yes. And I will pay for it. But I am working on trying to obey the laws of the land. If I make it a habit of following the rules, then my life will be a smoother ride.

But where is the excitement?

Some say being a Christian means turning away from the "fun" life. Well, they may not say it but that is what some think christianity is all about. Leading a dull life.

Where is the joy in drinking (to get drunk)? I have never understood why people engage in this type of activity. To have fun? It's fun to puke your guts out a few hours after consumption? I've never liked puking, but that's me...

Where is the joy in living in sin? How far does that get you in life? It may be fun at first, but how do you really, truly feel afterwards?

Even though I don't act it, but my life is filled with joy. I am blessed beyond anything I can ask for. I take for granted, everyday, what God has given me. It shouldn't be like that. I don't thank God near enough. I need to change that, now.

Now, am I saying that nobody should have fun? No. There are infinite ways to have fun without sin complicating things. So, why choose sin?

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13

Good Water

Here we go again.... another Saturday night.

Where some people are out with their significant other, here I am watching the Big 12 Women's Championship game. This is how I spend my weekends. At least the Oklahoma Sooners won the championship.

There's only four more school days left until Spring Break. Woohoo! Then it will be off to Colorado to go skiing. I have never been skiing before. So, this will be a whole new experience for me. I'm sure there will be bumps, bruises, and broken spirits. But I'm looking forward to it. I'm going with a group from H20 Church. H20 Church is awesome. They do things quite a bit different that a "normal" church. The message is delivered in an unusual way. For the first time ever, I am excited about going to church on Sundays and actually listening to the message. Not only the message, but the music is very contemporary. Good music, good message, good people,... good times.

Remember the show Alf? I watched the first season on DVD and it took me back... it also made me feel kinda old.

Until next time, vaya con Dios.

Your picture

It's funny how the smallest things remind you of everything.

I'm supposed to be strong, upbeat, and nonchalant. But I am a person... just like everybody else.

It's starting to take a toll. The smile is fading and cracking...

Hook and Shatter

I hear talk that they are preparing to make a movie based on the Boise State football team. As many of you know, Boise State defeated the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl in what was one of the greatest football games ever played.

If they make this movie, do you think it will sell well in Oklahoma? Although, I know a few people who associate with a few schools that will camp outside of the movie theatre the night before it releases. That's right, OSU and Texas fans, I'm talking about you.

It's a great story... sure. But what about the story of one Paul Thompson? Growing up in Texas, dreaming of being a quarterback and wanting to go to Texas. Texas didn't want him as a quarterback, but as a wide receiver. Thompson refused, his dream of being a big division 1 quarterback stuck in his mind. Here comes Oklahoma U. His dream comes true. But first he must wait his turn, following a Heisman trophy winner for a few years. Then comes his turn. A shaky start puts him on the bench in favor a highly touted freshman out of Texas. He moves to being a wide receiver. Some say he could make it to the pro's as a receiver. So he plays the year at a new position. Then a new year starts. The returning starter at quarterback gets kicked off the team a month before the first game. Everybody panic, right? Wrong. Coach goes to the only guy that can possibly save them: Paul Thompson. He's the only guy with any experience at quarterback. He accepts despite the fact that he could have made it in the pro's at a different position. The season is was filled with huge setbacks that could have ended the season. But, being the leader he is, steps up and takes control of the team and leads them into what seemed like the impossible.

Good story, right?

Is that all? No...

Jared Zabransky will be on the cover of NCAA '08 Football video game. Who, you may ask, is Jared Zabransky? He is/was the quarterback of Boise State's football team. Did they choose the Heisman trophy winner? No. Did they choose arguably one of the greatest running backs to ever play at OU? No. Did they choose anybody from the team that won the national champhionship? No.

I am a huge fan of this series of video games. How fun is it going to be for me to pick up this game and play it when it comes out?

Boise State euphoria is still in effect.

Until next time, vaya con Dios.