On the Road

Over the past six months I've traveled to several different states to promote Going Google.  So far, I've presented in Idaho, Missouri, Tennessee, and now you can add Wyoming to the list.   I know it isn't that far from SLC to Rock Springs, but it was fun to present to a new group of teachers.  Even better this trip was part of my duties on the UCET board.   Robert, Kelly, and I packed up the van and headed east for a fun filled night in good ol' Wyo.

I am impressed with the talent they assembled for this two day conference.  They had several big name speakers (ok, so they're only big names in the ed tech world) including David Warlick, Kevin Honeycutt, and Alan November.  I've heard all three speak at different venues from around the country and it was kinda fun being on the same docket they were.

The conference was quick, just two days and then we were heading back to Utah.  I'm not sure if much will come of my presentations, but I'm glad I got to spend some time with good teachers and good friends at Wytecc 13'.

Soccer Boys

Each season we ask our kids what sport they would like to play.  So far we've done a little of everything with some tee ball, soccer, tumbling, basketball.  The sport that Alex seemed to like best has always been tee ball, since he is a really good hitter.  This year he and I even started to play catch out in the backyard.  So, when we asked him what he wanted to play he quickly replied:

Soccer.

What?!  Soccer isn't really somthing Tara and I have ever played.  Still, if Alex wants to play soccer that's ok with us.

He's starting to get it.  No longer content to run along side the action, Alex is actually starting to mix it up and kick the ball this year.  His confidence is definitely growing and he's having a total ball out there.

Dylan also decided to jump into soccer this year.  We figured he would have no problem getting into the scrum and playing with the other kids.  With older siblings and a headstrong attitude Dylan was sure to flourish in sports.

Nope.

Dylan justs runs around on the field and acts surprised when the ball comes near him.  He's kicked the ball a few times, but he's generally just happy to be out there.

Who would have guessed the difference between our two soccer boys.

Tuff Shed or Man Cave?

For years I've wanted to own a Tuff Shed.

We have some storage inside our carport shed, but it always overflowing with the kids stuff.  Whether it is bikes, scooters, or other assorted kids' equipment there wasn't ever any room in the shed for my stuff. There certainly wasn't enough room to work on outdoor projects in or near the shed.

So, I've looked at the different sheds at Home Depot for the past couple of years.  Tara and I have discussed the idea of buying one, but it never seemed to fit into the budget.  Either there was a major home repair or an everyday emergency that required any extra money I was saving for the shed.

Finally the time was right.  Our tax return was available and there wasn't anything that "came up" at the last minute.  We bought a demo model from the Depot and, at long last, I had my shed.

Once the shed was installed I quickly started putting it together.  First came the mower, then the ladder, and finally all the garden tools.  After a a few days we finished the wiring and installed some outlets and a couple of lights.  Everything was starting to come together.

The final step was reworking the rock path in front of the new shed.  We've had a flagstone path on that side of the house for a few years, but it needed a major makeover.  We dug out all the rocks, worked the dirt, and added some gravel to fill out our path.  It turned out great.

Now that everything is done I've spent quite a bit of time outside.  So, I guess my real question is:  Did I finally get  a shed or have I created an outdoor man cave?

Easter 2013: The Weekend in Photos

Easter came a little bit early this year, but that didn't slow us down from having a great weekend.  The kids decorated eggs with cousins, found easter baskets and eggs at home, and participated in some mammoth egg battles.  We had a lot of fun and lots of great pics.  Enjoy!

Diary of a Red Sox Fan

2012 was one of my worst seasons as a Red Sox fan.

The team was full of players I didn't really like or want to watch.

The manager seemed to dominate the headlines, rather than the play.

The Red Sox sucked.  With a final record of 69-93 it just wasn't fun to watch bad baseball.

But I believe the old adage in baseball - Spring brings eternal hope.  I have been waiting for weeks for the 2013 baseball season to begin.  The Red Sox have a revamped team, having cut loose several players, the manager, and, hopefully, the loser mentality.

Today I was able to watch a little bit of opening day.  Of course the Sox had to start the season in NY to play the yankees.  I was just praying the script would be a little different today than it's been the past couple of seasons.  Well guess what..

The Red Sox won!

They played great with clutch hitting, good pitching, and a solid bullpen.

It was actually fun to watch them play again.

I don't think this means I need to book my World Series reservations just yet, but I have a good feeling about the 2013 Red Sox.  I know I'll be watching...