Thursday, March 14, 2019

Always listen to your librarian.  They know everything.

If you have a question a librarian will have the answer.  I can go to our school library and explain wh


Tuesday, March 12, 2019

I was bamboozled!

The camper I recently bought has a soft spot on the floor.  It wasn't until a couple of weeks after I got it home I discovered that the floor has rotted in that corner of the camper.  I felt ashamed of myself for not finding this problem before I bought the camper.  I did my due diligence.  I took my time to look it over and ask questions about the camper.  Everything about the camper looked fine.  No stains or strange odors.

When I bought this camper the previous owner had the two convertible sofas (sofa/beds) set up as sofas.  One of which covered the area of rotten floor.  So I never stepped on or got a good look at that part of the floor.  Which looked fine until any pressure is put on it.  Then you can see it move.  I feel like the previous owner may have hid that part of the trailer from me.

I blame myself.

The soft spot on the floor drove me crazy so I have already torn that part out of the camper.  This way is can start to dry up before moving on.  The floor itself is made from particle board, which is terrible if it's ever exposed to water or moisture.  It soaks up water like a sponge and never recovers.  The only thing you can do is cut it out and replace it.

Now to decide how to move forward.  Do I just patch the damaged area or do I cut out as much of the original flooring and replace with plywood.  If I patch, then I will finish the floor off with some peel and stick tile.  If I replace with plywood, I would want to stain the wood with a colorful stain and top it off with polyurethane for water protection.  The former gets the job done cheaper and quicker while the later is more expensive and will take more time, but should outlast the camper.


Monday, March 11, 2019

Scuba: Expectations vs. Reality

Scuba:  Expectations vs. Reality

Expectation:  There is an overwhelming amount to learn.

Reality:  There is a lot to learn, much of which can be learned easily.  Don't panic your instructor will pace everything out so you can learn at a comfortable pace.  You will practice each of the required skills and have time to master them.  Your instructor is there to help you, so let them know if your having any trouble.

Expectation:  It will be expensive.

Reality:  Unfortunately, this one is true.  Scuba certification courses are expensive, not to mention the equipment you will need to own.  Such as, a mask, snorkel, and fins.  Most dive shops will let you borrow a BCD (Buoyancy Compensator), regulator, and tank, until your ready for your final exam.  Starting scuba is expensive. Once you own your own gear the cost of scuba diving is much less. 

Expectation:  The Stamina Test with be the easiest.

Reality:  This stuff can be tough.  If your nervous, then start a daily routine of swimming.  The hardest part for some is treading water for 10 minutes.  For others, it's clearing their mask or equalizing their ears.  Relax, most dive shops can accommodate those students who may want more time in the pool to master those skill. Furthermore, scuba is supposed to be relaxing.  You should not be working hard when scuba diving.  The harder you work, the more air you use.  Which means less time scuba diving.  So remember to take it easy.

Expectation:  It will be fun

Reality:  You're making memories!  At the end of the day, no matter how tired you feel, it was fun.  You get to observe marine environments and the diversity of life.  You'll share these experiences with others that dive with you.  You'll meet amazing people and see some amazing places. 

Friday, March 8, 2019

Our Lunch Ladies are Amazing

What can you say about our dear and wonderful Lunch Ladies?  It's like have multiples of a Mary Poppins.  They're practically perfect!  They are also the people that you want to keep happy.  Our lunches are always better when our Lunch Ladies are happy. 

I've always thought that if you can get the Lunch Ladies to smile, then there could be more popcorn chicken on your tray or a bigger pile mashed potatoes.  You see, it's all in how they handle that big spoon of theirs.  It's in the wrist.  The bigger the smiles, the bigger the spoon.

Our Lunch Ladies are so fantastic.  However, I feel that sometimes their efforts go unnoticed.  It is so easy to get wrapped up in our own busy schedules and things that we have going on.  It's easy to forget that their function in ours schools is different from that of our other staff members.  However, that function is vital to the success of our students.  I don't know many people that can function on an empty stomach.  I tend to get a little cranky when I'm hungry. 

The next time you see our wonderful Lunch Ladies tell them how awesome they are and join me in giving them a "We're Not Worthy!

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Dear Henry

Dear Henry,

I am so proud of you and the man you are becoming.  Yesterday, you turned ten years old.  What impresses me most is the love you have for your family.  You're always there to lend a hand and help out.  You always make time for your younger sister.  Even if it means playing what she wants to play.

You're a great friend to those around you.  Always keeping the feelings of others in your thoughts.  Making others smile and feel their self-worth is one of you best traits.

I look at you and see your curiosity and I hope you never lose that quality.  Life is something to constantly be curious about and to motivate you to try new things.

Love,
Dad

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

A Chance Encounter

We met by chance. 

Even though they had their own army.  They were powerless against me.

I moved slowly and deliberately.

One by one they fell.

Some broken.

Some drowned.

Some twisted apart.

The battle was one-sided and short lived.

The only thing left behind were the crumbs that bound them together. 

So tell me, how do you eat Oreo cookies?

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

National Sauce Month

March is "National Sauce Month."  My favorite sauce depends on what I'm putting it on or dipping in it.  I love Hot Wings and Buffalo Wings but sometimes the heat becomes too much.  Honey BBQ sauce has been my go-to sauce for Wings for about the last year.  The sweetness and spiciness that it brings the wings taste like they were made by angels.

Honey BBQ isn't just hands down my favorite sauce.  Arby sauce is constantly fighting for the title of "Favorite Sauce".  It's perfect on roast beef.  Arby sauce has a zippy and tangy flavor that makes it fantastic for fries.  I would hate to have to choose between Honey BBQ and Arby sauce.  Go to Pinterest and find yourself a copy-cat recipe.  You won't regret it.

Is Bleu Cheese dressing a sauce?  If it is, it's a game changer.

Monday, March 4, 2019

Today, you have the power.

Today is the day you make a difference. 
You may not know it when it happens but you make a difference. 
Good or bad, you make a difference. 

You have the power to reach out to someone.
You have the power to invite someone to sit with you at lunch.
You have the power to pull in someone who's hurting.

Today is the day you make a difference
You may not know it when it happens but you make a difference.
Good or bad, you make a difference.

You have the power to smile at someone new.
You have the power to high-five someone that needs it.
You have the power to be a friend to someone who has none.

Today, you have the power.

Cherrio and Zero

Cherrio is a Beagle.  I mean that in the best possible way. 

Friday, March 1, 2019

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park was established on March 1st, 1872.  I don't know when I'll be taking my family there to camp.  I do know it's a trip I want to take my family on someday soon.  The idea of hitting the road with my family to go camping calls to me.  I want my family to experience the nature, scenery, and wildlife that Yellowstone has to offer.  Spending time together and making memories, exploring what's available around you and making due with what you have is a great way to spend a summer vacation.

Camping trips aren't easy.  They can be even more difficult when your family is involved.  Living together in close quarters is hard enough.  Brothers and sisters will get tired of each other and test each others' patients.  Tempers will flare.  There will be tears.  But the payoff is huge.  Making memories together and sharing the experiences when things go awry make it all worth it.  So don't let the trouble of camping stop you from making memories.

The rough times make for the best stories.  Having a plan is great, but when things don't go according to the plan you have opportunities to try new things.  Maybe even something you never would have thought of.  So be flexible and willing to go with the flow.  You've got each other.  What else is there?