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1 Week Away

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:29:35 GMT

One Week to Go...check my other blog for details!!!

Updates from the Winterland Known as Chicago

Fri, 02 May 2008 15:36:41 GMT

Winter

Winter in Chicago was brutal. Over 70 inches of snow in Lake County (the county north of Cook County, Chicago). They are saying it was the 2nd worse winter in Chicago history. Didn't we pick a great time to move to Chicago!?

Baseball

Baseball is in full-swing and I've already been to several Indians games. Dad, Ben, Uncle Joe, and I went to the Indians Opening Day vs the White Sox. It was a lot of fun. The Indians scored 11 runs and handed it to the south-siders. Since opening Day, the Indians have only scored 2 runs.

Cycling

There have been a few nice days in Chicago and that's allowed me to get out on the bike. I got 75 in 2 weeks ago and 65 miles in last week. This week has been bad (30's on Monday-Tuesday), but I hope to get a few long rides in on Saturday and Sunday. I love being on the bike and riding out in the country.

RAGBRAI is the end of July. At this point, it looks like it will be my aunt, a former pastor from Ohio, Teressa's cousin Matthew, and me. They now have the route posted. Check it out! The first day is only 60 miles, but we start in a valley...which means you can only go one direction...UP! Should be fun!

Grad School

Teressa hopes to start her MA in Communication and Culture this fall. She's in the process filling out her application. She is really looking forward to getting back to school. I am in the application process for a PhD in higher education administration from the University of Nebraska. Don't worry...we're not moving again. It's a distance-education route that UNL offers. I would be out there for two weeks each summer, but the rest could be done online. I wouldn't start until Fall 2009.

Tomorrow

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 02:41:46 GMT

Tomorrow is February 14.

For most, this brings Valentines Day to mind.

For me...

This year...

It means I get to say four of the greatest words ever.....

The words that tell you winter is in it's final few days...

The words that usher in Spring...

Yes, tomorrow...

"PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT!"

Cheaters Never Prosper?

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 23:39:30 GMT

They cheated from the beginning...

Ragbrai Announced!

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 17:20:55 GMT

Ragbrai Announced!!

Looks like the route starts just 40 miles north of my inlaws house in Omaha, NE...

Should be a good 6-7 days!

2008 Report

Sat, 05 Jan 2008 15:19:09 GMT

Travel

I am in Green Bay, WI this weekend. I think "Green Bay" is French for "REALLY COLD." I've never been in Green Bay before. I have some downtime this afternoon so I convinced some of the other college fair representatives to go with me to historic Lambeau Field and take a tour. Should be exciting. I'll tell Brett Favre you said "hello."

Next week I head down to Jacksonville, FL which is French for "70 and Sunny in January." The CCCU puts on a "Critical Concerns Conference" every year in January for Vice President's and Directors. Talk about great marketing. Offer a conference in Florida in January. My flight leaves on Wednesday morning and I will return on Saturday.

The House

We still own our vacation home in Ohio. The turn of the new year though has given us more optimism as people will start to look as it gets warmer. We are maintaining an optimistic spirit and hope to rid ourselves of our extra abode as soon as possible. I can't wait to see how God glorifies himself in this situation!

Christmas Vacation

My immediate family spent 5 days down in Cumberland, KY at a cabin (ie...brand new home). It was great to hang out. It was 55 on Christmas day. I got 1-2 days of riding in until my crankset got stripped making it impossible to ride. I was disappointed, but it looks like BikesDirect.com (where I purchased my bike) is going to send me a drive-side crank for free. I'm excited I don't have to drop $200 for one!

We got back to Chicago on 12/27 and Teressa's family came in for the weekend. We celebrated Christmas on New Year's Eve. We had a great time visiting with them.

RAGBRAI

As many of you know, I am attempting RAGBRAI this year. RAGBRAI stands for "Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa." It is 490 miles in 7 days so it will be a test of endurance. My aunt Karol and I are gearing up for it. Teressa got me an indoor trainer for Christmas so I am planning on keeping up my training routine in the winter. It's the last week in July so I have some time to prepare.

Look What I have....

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 18:16:52 GMT

I'm looking outside at a beautiful snowy landscape...

It reminds me of one thing....

Opening Day!!!

This year, the Indian's Home Opener will be the earliest home opener in club history...March 31st! And look what I have....

Only 121 days until Opening Day!!

Spare the Rod?

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:28:19 GMT

I don't remember my first or last paddling...I had quite a few growing up. I do remember one time I padded myself up with about one-half dozen pairs of underwear to soften the blow. It worked well until my parents found what I did. I got another spanking.

This article is quite disturbing.

Do we really want the government to tell us how to raise our kids? If spanking is indeed "outlawed" as the article suggests it may be, will we be called to disobey the government to obey what we believe the Bible teaches? Interesting things to consider.

Thankful

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:52:01 GMT

Tis the season to be thankful...

I'm thankful for my wife. What a great lady...has put up with me for over 3 years now. Love you Teressa!

I'm thankful for my family...many of them have put up with me for LONGER than 3 years...

I'm thankful for our vacation home in Fairborn, OH...

I'm thankful for Jim Tressel....6-1 now against that state up north...

I'm thankful for God's provision over the last year...in the move from Ohio to Chicago and the provision of jobs for both Teressa and me...

There truly is so much to thank the Lord for. As I was reminded yesterday in church, our contentment should always and ultimately be based in Him. He is our treasure. He is our reward.

Update: Blog Style

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 02:33:34 GMT

The House:

Still ours. One of the neat things was our houe was featured in the Dayton Daily News a couple of weeks ago. It was on the inside cover of the Real Estate section. This is something you can't purchase. It's a lottery system. It was neat to see the Lord provide that for us. While it hasn't lead to a sale yet, every bit of advertisment helps in a difficult market. We had three showings last week. Same story. A lot of people trying to unload their house befor they buy. Another family was tied up in a lease until February. Still, I sense the end is near...just a feelign.

Work:

Wow, it's been a busy few weeks at work. It's amazing how fast the days have gone by lately. That is fun though because it means things are busy. There are a lot of exciting things happening at Trinity and it's fun to be a part of it. Tomorrow, our office is hosting an open house to introduce new staff and show off our new digs. Should be a great time to meet others on campus.

Thanksgiving:

Teressa and I head up to Minnesota next week for Thanksgiving with her family and extended family. It's only a six hour drive. When we were down in Ohio, I dreaded that 13 hour beast of a drive. I'm sure Minnesota will be cold, but it will be great to see everyone.

Christmas

For Christmas we are heading down to Kentucky to be with my parents. We are staying in a cabin for 5 days! It will be great to see everyone and hang out. Kelsey at that time will be "great with Child" so hopefully we can hit the jackpot with a great Christmas gift again. For those of you who have seen the footage, you know exactly what I mean.