Originally, I was planning to post a blog called "Only in Nebraska" about the things that I've seen, heard or experienced that seem unique to this state. However, between Alicia and I so far (yeah, haven't bounced this off a lot of people) the list is very short, so I'ma add one or two at the end of this blog, and probably keep it that way.
First things first, adventures at the bar. As I mentioned earlier, there are storms the likes of which I've never seen in Colorado, and the third of those that I've experienced blew through here on Saturday night last week. Now, my friend Nicole and I were planning on going to the beer garden at the Cox Classic (a Nationwide Tour golf tourney here in town). Now, because of the storm, plans were modified, postponed and ultimately changed. We ended up at a bar that shan't be named, and whilst sitting enjoying my drink, a dude and his girlfriend sat down next to me, or were sitting next to me, my situational awareness wasn't super good, and he asked, "You wanna have a threesome with me and my girl?"
Now, dear reader(s?), as this was my first time in this particular sitch, I thought it a joke, and was instantly uncomfortable and replied with a something like "No, thanks". He was not joking, nor was he done. He pushed it, I said, "I have a girlfriend, I don't think she'd be particularly happy with me." Now, I think he thought my friend Nicole was my girlfriend, and so he asked if I'd rather it be she and I and his girl. He didn't get it. He started shopping the bar for a third member for his girl and I. I... I... I finally had to look at him and go, "Look dude, my girlfriend's out of town, and I have ABSOLUTELY no interest in this." He finally backed down, and this lovely couple...okay, those two... wandered off to, I assume, look for a willing participant. It was weird. I was uncomfortable. It's hilarious in retrospect. Like, really, REALLY? The worst part is that I'm sure it worked at some point that night.
I'd say the rest of the night was uneventful, but as it was apparently "Jersey Shore" night at the bar that night, the 'roid heads were in full effect that night, and I was part of breaking up a fight, and watching a dude get tackled by the bouncers. And biceps... holy biceps Batman. It was ridiculous. I've never seen so many people artificially (hair dye, botox, steroids) enhanced in one place in my life. It was funny, but I don't really see myself swingin' back through there any time soon.
Like I mentioned, season starts today. I have the team meeting and physicals at 4:30 and six o'clock today. Tomorrow we start two-a-days that go every day but Sundays until the 23rd. I am super-excited just to get back to work. It's been a bit discouraging (still full time jobless) and I've had a LOT of days where I do next to nothing. I'm working on getting my lazy behind in shape for a 15k run in Lincoln in October. It didn't start off well, but it's getting better.
I'd like to make a recommendation to y'all which you can take, or leave, but I have started doing yoga (not the recommendation) every other day, using an app on my phone. It's called Pocket Yoga. I got it off the Amazon AppStore (if you don't have it, get it, a paid app for free every day) and it actually works great.
Okay, just so we can talk about the job search. I had a couple of things I got excited about, but then it went to hell. By went to hell, I mean the trails went totally cold. Granted, I am still waiting to get paid by UNK for the camps I worked there, so that helps. I am going to drive for most of the volleyball trips, which is $$, and I will be the shuttle driver on campus for as long as they need me. I have my paperwork in and am waiting on my substitute teaching license to come back, but it's disheartening to not even get calls for interviews from places like Starbucks and Scooters. It's weird. My aunt and uncle are phenomenal, however (have I made mention of that?) and it's a great situation for me here.
Finally, there is a bit of excitement in that Hastings College has an opening for their head coach. They former coach resigned less than two weeks ago, and I emailed the AD at the school to inquire about the job. I have connections with well-known and well-respected college coaches round this great state and the AD wrote back and invited me to apply. OBVIOUSLY, the cart is still in the shed, so I can't put it in front of the horse. I am really excited to get this season under my belt and then see if I can make something happen in Hastings.
I know a lot of my friends in the teaching profession are going back to work right now. While I have a bit of a sense of loss at not going back this year (and desperately missing many of my former colleagues), I know you're fighting the good fight, and I feel so blessed to have you all in my life. Good luck this year, and know I'm thinking of you as you meet all those shining new faces!
Last bit. Only in Nebraska are the gas stations called "Fantasy's" while the premier sex shop is called "Doctor John's".
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
So... It's Been Awhile. I'm Sorry.
Other news. It's effing hot here. It's ridiculous. Can we get some representatives in congress working on this. I went to Harry Potter 7 Pt. 2 the other night, and leaving the show at 11:00, it was 95 degrees. At 11:00 PM. Who's idea is this?! WHY IS THIS LEGAL?! Now, y'all know my aversion to humidity (and no, I don't wanna hear about how miserable the winters will be, I need to get through August, first), so this is SOMEWHAT miserable. Actually, it's just been this last week, so I'm being a bit overdramatic, but it's still awful. The nice thing is that my cousin Jenny has a good friend who has a backyard pool, so I'm now more tan than I've ever been.
Which leads me to an unrelated point, the job search is slow. This is, surely, due to the fact that I haven't been looking as hard as I should be, but we're starting the search in earnest tomorrow. Like I said before, I can certainly fall back on subbing, which I'm very happy to be doing. Coaching's going well, life's really pretty good!
This coming weekend, OKOBOJI! Been to Kearney twice for volleyball camps, been spending time in Lincoln. Life's good. I had a great time being home over the 4th of July. I'm sorry if I didn't see you when I was there. I will be back the weekend of September 30th (Brian and Mary are getting all married and junk). It will likely be a short weekend, Friday eve-Sunday, but I hope to see some of you.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Omaha Doesn't Suck at All!
First things first. If you're reading this, and you don't know, or don't realise how bad it is, the flooding here along the Missouri is ridiculous. It's straight scary. The way that I-29 is sandbagged at some points, it's literally water higher than the road. Keep those who are affected by the flooding in your thoughts and prayers. I am NOT affected by it, as we are WELL (15 miles) west of the Missouri here, and the Platte is not really a threat. Like at all.
So.. when I bought my new car, I didn't realise that I was purchasing the official car of Omaha. We all know that the Xterra is the official sport utility of Colorado, but holy hell. I see more G6s here than I saw Subarus in Boulder. And I mean ALL Subies. It's ridiculous. I swear that O-town bought 25% of G6s sold... worldwide.
Regards the job search. It's... it's a search. I have the opportunity to become an adjunct professor at CSM, but it's just one class (can't live off it) and conflicts with my volleyball schedule. It looks like I'll be substitute teaching. Life goes on.
I keep driving, walking, wandering, whatevs, around town and seeing thing I think are HILARIOUS and I want on my blog... and then I get on here and forget. Like the title says, Omaha doesn't suck at all. I am really digging this town. I know I said this last time, but I have to say it again. My aunt and uncle are ABSOLUTELY amazing. I know I'm a bit of a burden, living in their basement, but they are such wonderful, gracious hosts. Thank you Dave and Linda Felber!
I'll try to have more exciting posts. The humidity sucks, but the weather's mostly been pretty tollable. I have seen the most incredible storms that I've ever experienced. Literally had two rapture level storms on Sunday night. Been a LONG time since I was nervous during a storm like I was... twice... on Sunday night/ Monday early morning. Thanks for reading!
So.. when I bought my new car, I didn't realise that I was purchasing the official car of Omaha. We all know that the Xterra is the official sport utility of Colorado, but holy hell. I see more G6s here than I saw Subarus in Boulder. And I mean ALL Subies. It's ridiculous. I swear that O-town bought 25% of G6s sold... worldwide.
Regards the job search. It's... it's a search. I have the opportunity to become an adjunct professor at CSM, but it's just one class (can't live off it) and conflicts with my volleyball schedule. It looks like I'll be substitute teaching. Life goes on.
I keep driving, walking, wandering, whatevs, around town and seeing thing I think are HILARIOUS and I want on my blog... and then I get on here and forget. Like the title says, Omaha doesn't suck at all. I am really digging this town. I know I said this last time, but I have to say it again. My aunt and uncle are ABSOLUTELY amazing. I know I'm a bit of a burden, living in their basement, but they are such wonderful, gracious hosts. Thank you Dave and Linda Felber!
I'll try to have more exciting posts. The humidity sucks, but the weather's mostly been pretty tollable. I have seen the most incredible storms that I've ever experienced. Literally had two rapture level storms on Sunday night. Been a LONG time since I was nervous during a storm like I was... twice... on Sunday night/ Monday early morning. Thanks for reading!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Settled in...ish?!
So, I've learned three things (well, three big things) since I moved. Oh, and they're not really that big.
1) It is not supposed to be 100 here in June. It was UNGODLY hot and humid Monday and Tuesday, backed up with wind on Tuesday. Now, when it is muggy and hot, the wind only adds to the misery, it doesn't cool you off the way it does in a place like Colorado where it's not as humid. Since then, the weather's been really pleasant.
2) The Missouri is not messing around when it comes to flooding. Most of the country's been hearing about the Mississippi flooding, and I know that's bad, but parts of I-29 are now under water, and there is a serious danger of entire TOWNS underwater here in the Heartland. I know I'll get called out by some for this, but I am going to jump in with both feet and call myself an Omahan, and it's bad, especially in Council Bluffs.
3) My aunt and uncle are amazing. Now, I knew this in advance, but their hospitality and kindness has exceeded even my astronomical expectations. Dave and Linda, thank you. You have made the transition to my new life in Omaha super easy. I already feel like I'm so indebted to you that I will not be able to repay you possibly ever.
On to other things. My life thus far has been busy, but great. I went and played a round of golf on Monday with Mike Fisher and my uncle. I played, predictably, terrible. However, my last hole (a par four) was a birdie! That was very exciting, and Mike and Dave would like me to point THAT bit out, not that I played terribly. Mike left after lunch, and I'd be remiss if I didn't thank HIM for the help with the move. Allowed me to save a ridiculous amount of money by letting me use his truck and trailer. We made it successfully and safely. I also have to thank Jake Nelson, Allie Enney and Jeff Robertson for their help with packing on Saturday. If it hadn't been for you three, I'd have lost my damn mind. Your help means the world to me, as does your friendship.
The rest of the week? Volleyball. OMG, I love this job. This was SUCH a good call for me. I've been on Cloud Nine (BTW, who decided that cloud nine was the apex of clouds?!) every time I'm in the gym at CSM. I still, definitely, know that this was the right call for me. I miss everyone and everything in Colorado desperately, though I've not felt sorrow nor have I felt home sick... yet. I'll update you if I do.
I went to Wicked last night. For the third time. What a show. It was great, again. That's not really the news though. The news is that when we left, it was POURING rain. Y'all, the midwest does NOT mess around with the rain storms. In a block and a half SPRINT, I was totally soaked. Like, through my clothes. It was ridiculous, but also awesome. Love storms like that.
Dang... I was really hoping to be funnier. I guess nothing hilarious has happened. Life's good here, it really is... aside from the utter lack of sleep I'm dealing with. I'ma sleep big tonight. I will sleep my ass off, haha! I am planning on being back in Denver on July 4th weekend, prolly like the night of June 30-July 4 or 5. I will see many of you then!
1) It is not supposed to be 100 here in June. It was UNGODLY hot and humid Monday and Tuesday, backed up with wind on Tuesday. Now, when it is muggy and hot, the wind only adds to the misery, it doesn't cool you off the way it does in a place like Colorado where it's not as humid. Since then, the weather's been really pleasant.
2) The Missouri is not messing around when it comes to flooding. Most of the country's been hearing about the Mississippi flooding, and I know that's bad, but parts of I-29 are now under water, and there is a serious danger of entire TOWNS underwater here in the Heartland. I know I'll get called out by some for this, but I am going to jump in with both feet and call myself an Omahan, and it's bad, especially in Council Bluffs.
3) My aunt and uncle are amazing. Now, I knew this in advance, but their hospitality and kindness has exceeded even my astronomical expectations. Dave and Linda, thank you. You have made the transition to my new life in Omaha super easy. I already feel like I'm so indebted to you that I will not be able to repay you possibly ever.
On to other things. My life thus far has been busy, but great. I went and played a round of golf on Monday with Mike Fisher and my uncle. I played, predictably, terrible. However, my last hole (a par four) was a birdie! That was very exciting, and Mike and Dave would like me to point THAT bit out, not that I played terribly. Mike left after lunch, and I'd be remiss if I didn't thank HIM for the help with the move. Allowed me to save a ridiculous amount of money by letting me use his truck and trailer. We made it successfully and safely. I also have to thank Jake Nelson, Allie Enney and Jeff Robertson for their help with packing on Saturday. If it hadn't been for you three, I'd have lost my damn mind. Your help means the world to me, as does your friendship.
The rest of the week? Volleyball. OMG, I love this job. This was SUCH a good call for me. I've been on Cloud Nine (BTW, who decided that cloud nine was the apex of clouds?!) every time I'm in the gym at CSM. I still, definitely, know that this was the right call for me. I miss everyone and everything in Colorado desperately, though I've not felt sorrow nor have I felt home sick... yet. I'll update you if I do.
I went to Wicked last night. For the third time. What a show. It was great, again. That's not really the news though. The news is that when we left, it was POURING rain. Y'all, the midwest does NOT mess around with the rain storms. In a block and a half SPRINT, I was totally soaked. Like, through my clothes. It was ridiculous, but also awesome. Love storms like that.
Dang... I was really hoping to be funnier. I guess nothing hilarious has happened. Life's good here, it really is... aside from the utter lack of sleep I'm dealing with. I'ma sleep big tonight. I will sleep my ass off, haha! I am planning on being back in Denver on July 4th weekend, prolly like the night of June 30-July 4 or 5. I will see many of you then!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
First of the Lasts
So, the lasts have begun.
They suck.
I knew I would miss this state and the people who are so much a part of my life here. I just didn't realise how much the "lasts" would hurt. The first last was with Mom, Dad and Alana for Mom's birthday. While that was a hard last, I know I'll see them again, they're not going away. The last with Legacy Volleyball last night was hard. I may not see those girls again. Legacy was a huge part of my life.
This weekend will have one of the hardest lasts, because it's a double. I will be eating dinner at Caroline's in Grand Lake for the last time as a Colorado resident, but it's also the last time I'll be eating there, because it's changing hands. Caroline's has been part of my family's life for quite some time, but especially so since 2004 when we bought the condo. I guess it's a triple, as it'll be my last trip to Grand Lake as a Colorado resident.
More than anything, I find myself reflecting on the things I'll be leaving behind. The people, places and things that have been such a big, and amazing part of my life.
Thank you to all of you who are taking the time to read this, it means a great deal to me to have you in my life.
As an additional note, please keep the Giggey family of Ronnie, Michele and Nick in your prayers, if you're so inclined, and thoughts this weekend. Nick was seriously injured by an IED while serving our country. He was seriously injured, but is expected to recover.
They suck.
I knew I would miss this state and the people who are so much a part of my life here. I just didn't realise how much the "lasts" would hurt. The first last was with Mom, Dad and Alana for Mom's birthday. While that was a hard last, I know I'll see them again, they're not going away. The last with Legacy Volleyball last night was hard. I may not see those girls again. Legacy was a huge part of my life.
This weekend will have one of the hardest lasts, because it's a double. I will be eating dinner at Caroline's in Grand Lake for the last time as a Colorado resident, but it's also the last time I'll be eating there, because it's changing hands. Caroline's has been part of my family's life for quite some time, but especially so since 2004 when we bought the condo. I guess it's a triple, as it'll be my last trip to Grand Lake as a Colorado resident.
More than anything, I find myself reflecting on the things I'll be leaving behind. The people, places and things that have been such a big, and amazing part of my life.
Thank you to all of you who are taking the time to read this, it means a great deal to me to have you in my life.
As an additional note, please keep the Giggey family of Ronnie, Michele and Nick in your prayers, if you're so inclined, and thoughts this weekend. Nick was seriously injured by an IED while serving our country. He was seriously injured, but is expected to recover.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Greetings Y'all!
Hey! Thanks for swinging by. This is the place where I'll be keeping folks up to date with the goings on, with my life, in Omaha. Yeap, this post is short because I'm still working on getting everything here straightened out and whatnot. The move's more than a bit stressful, but life goes on! Talk to you all soon!
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