So, I suppose part of my M.O. since I moved out here has been posting only when big things go down. This is not one of those times. I figured there are a few nitty gritty things that have been going on that I just wanna throw out there.
I ran 5K in 25:00 yesterday. My training has been happening by accident. It's actually freakin' weird. Now, the girlfriend has been pushing me, both intentionally and otherwise, and I have to admit I've never looked or felt any better. Granted, since becoming a personal trainer, I've more of an idea of how to do it than I would have in the past, but I also have cause to push it. We are running the FlatOut 5k at FlatIron Crossing when we're in Colorado for Wicked in May. I will out run her.
So, I called Southwest Rapid Rewards yesterday. I figured I had enough points to at least get a decent price on a ticket. Frankly, I didn't want to drive for just a weekend. I wanted to fly. It's usually cheaper/as cheap to fly, but with two people, that would clearly not be the case. Here's where the fun begins. It turns out that I had a free round trip issued in 2010 that I had let expire... cause I didn't know about it! For $50 bucks, reactivated! I also had more than enough points for another free ticket! So for $50 (plus airport fees) Markeya and I are flying back for the weekend in Denver. Thank goodness! We get in on Thursday night and leave on Monday morning. Oh, I supposed I should tell you that our tickets are for May 12. You all do the math!
I will ALSO be in Colorado around the 10th of June. I am driving a car in circles at Pikes Peak on that Sunday morning courtesy of my incredible friends! I'm excited to do it!! Additionally, I'll be in Colorado for sure the 9th - 12th of July for a volleyball camp at Regis U. And then again around August 4th for Alex Sanders's wedding. I don't know how much time I'll spend around those dates at home, but I intend to spend some time there.
The weather here has continued to be gorgeous. Winter skipped us. It sucked, but I'm definitely ready for summer right now. It's weird... This is going to be a wicked mean tease though, as the bugs are not a part of the equation yet. It has been BEAUTIFUL here, riding the bike to school the last two days. It's awesome!
Okay, I suppose I should tell you about the girlfriend (granted, many of you already know). We've been dating since October and she is AMAZING! For starters, she is the most motivated, driven person I've ever known. Did I mention that she's incredible. She is freakin' brilliant and, like I said, the catalyst for me changing my work out habits. Of course she is beautiful. Oh, I should tell you we met coaching at the UNK volleyball camps (yeah, I was dating someone else). I love this woman a LOT. She will be back in Colorado for Wicked with me as well as at the Regis camps. Wow, that sentence is awkward, but I want to leave it there. I hope you all had to read it twice to make sense of it... or just because I talked about how awkward it is. ANYWAYS, just wanted to throw that little bit out there.
Okay, I think that's it. I did get to see some of the amazing migrations that take place in Central Nebraska with waterfowl and the cranes. It was something remarkable to see.
Also, volleyball has somewhat taken over my life like I didn't intend it to. I blame Keya (baha!) because i have this weird thing where I want to spend time with her, and she coaches a 16s team. Oh, and I was in Colorado a couple of weeks ago for Colorado Crossroads volleyball tournament.
Okay, nothing else, I don't have an "Only in Nebraska" today. I'll catch you all laters.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
A day (month) late and a dollar (or a few) short...
... So nothing's changed.
I have to rant for a hot second. I sorta did it on fb the other day, and I know it's late, but I have to monologue about the Whitney Houston stuff. I know it's late, but I also haven't really had time to get on my computron of late... at least not long enough to blog. Here's my problem. Whitney was treated by millions of Americans (and many parts of the media) as nearly infallible. She made the choices that led, ultimately, to her early passing. Now, don't get me wrong, I think it's terribly tragic, especially seeing as she has a daughter emerging into adulthood, needing a role model. And truly, it's tragic any time that a life is cut short, but Whitney made choices to use illicit drugs (which ones are up for debate) and whether or not any are found in her system upon her passing, that habit most likely was part of the cause. I'll be shocked if she was clean. As Americans, we love to forget the terrible things that a person did, or the fact that they just weren't good people (Al Davis) all because they died. We raise them to the level of hero.
I want to tell you about some of my heroes. Mikeal Hocevar chooses to protect the people of Shafter, CA as a police officer. My dad, Gene Peteranetz, made the same choice as a reserve sheriff's officer for years in Boulder County. Daniel Hunter and his dad, John, served as volunteer firefighters in Lafayette, CO. So did John Happs. Matthew Sanderson served in our military protecting us overseas and now serves as a sheriff's deputy in Boulder County. Jessica Freeman is still serving in Korea. Dave Shafer protected us by serving in the armed forces. The Giggey boys have been in the military and/or police officers. Ben Rouley is in the Air Force. These people are heroes. I am so grateful that I can count them as friends, and even more grateful for the choices that they've made to selflessly serve the rest of us, often thanklessly. Thank you, all of you. I know I may not have that information 100% correct, and if you are reading this and have served in the military or as a cop, firefighter or rescue personnel, please let me know, and I will rectify whatever mistakes or omissions I've made in this blog.
Okay. Most of you know this, but as this blog has been my official/unofficial sounding board for announcing big changes, I'll put it on my blog that I GOT A REAL BOY TEACHING JOB! I am teaching 2nd grade at Neihardt Elementary here in O-town. The job is (wait... was... I took it. It's not available any more) available because the teacher who was in that position went on maternity leave and then decided not to come back. The long term sub couldn't stay in the position for whatever reason. I have it now! I started a friggen month ago, and now I am blogging about it. OOPS! It's been phenomenal, and yet another reason that I continue to feel so blessed about my move to Omaha, and am 100% positive that this was the right move for me.
Okay (new goal, start the rest of the paragraphs in this blog with "Okay". Goal accomplished if this is the last one...). I have to ask... WHERE IS WINTER?! It's nearly spring already, and it's as though winter just left Omaha off its winter itinerary. WTF?! As a lover of winter, I feel like a jilted... well... lover. Welp, that sentence didn't go like I'd hoped. Oh well. Anyway. I WANT WINTER! I rode the motorcycle last month, and in December. That's not entirely true. We've had a couple of solid snow storms, but many nights, the overnight low hasn't even made it below freezing. Now, certain people who are in the room with me RIGHT NOW will tell me that it's fine. She'll tell me that we could go without winter any way, but she's WRONG! And pretty. She's wrong, but pretty. Holy side track Batman.
Okay. I was hoping to close this out being funnier, but I got nothing funny right now. OH! My new favorite thing is my 4" memory foam mattress topper. Epic win. My bed FTW now. It's SOO comfy. And also a little warmer than I usually like. It's okay though. I approve.
(Okay) Thanks again for reading this. Hope this blog finds you all well. I'll be in Colorado next weekend recruiting at the Colorado Crossroads volleyball tournament. I might well have time to hang with a few of you, so lemme know. LATE!
I have to rant for a hot second. I sorta did it on fb the other day, and I know it's late, but I have to monologue about the Whitney Houston stuff. I know it's late, but I also haven't really had time to get on my computron of late... at least not long enough to blog. Here's my problem. Whitney was treated by millions of Americans (and many parts of the media) as nearly infallible. She made the choices that led, ultimately, to her early passing. Now, don't get me wrong, I think it's terribly tragic, especially seeing as she has a daughter emerging into adulthood, needing a role model. And truly, it's tragic any time that a life is cut short, but Whitney made choices to use illicit drugs (which ones are up for debate) and whether or not any are found in her system upon her passing, that habit most likely was part of the cause. I'll be shocked if she was clean. As Americans, we love to forget the terrible things that a person did, or the fact that they just weren't good people (Al Davis) all because they died. We raise them to the level of hero.
I want to tell you about some of my heroes. Mikeal Hocevar chooses to protect the people of Shafter, CA as a police officer. My dad, Gene Peteranetz, made the same choice as a reserve sheriff's officer for years in Boulder County. Daniel Hunter and his dad, John, served as volunteer firefighters in Lafayette, CO. So did John Happs. Matthew Sanderson served in our military protecting us overseas and now serves as a sheriff's deputy in Boulder County. Jessica Freeman is still serving in Korea. Dave Shafer protected us by serving in the armed forces. The Giggey boys have been in the military and/or police officers. Ben Rouley is in the Air Force. These people are heroes. I am so grateful that I can count them as friends, and even more grateful for the choices that they've made to selflessly serve the rest of us, often thanklessly. Thank you, all of you. I know I may not have that information 100% correct, and if you are reading this and have served in the military or as a cop, firefighter or rescue personnel, please let me know, and I will rectify whatever mistakes or omissions I've made in this blog.
Okay. Most of you know this, but as this blog has been my official/unofficial sounding board for announcing big changes, I'll put it on my blog that I GOT A REAL BOY TEACHING JOB! I am teaching 2nd grade at Neihardt Elementary here in O-town. The job is (wait... was... I took it. It's not available any more) available because the teacher who was in that position went on maternity leave and then decided not to come back. The long term sub couldn't stay in the position for whatever reason. I have it now! I started a friggen month ago, and now I am blogging about it. OOPS! It's been phenomenal, and yet another reason that I continue to feel so blessed about my move to Omaha, and am 100% positive that this was the right move for me.
Okay (new goal, start the rest of the paragraphs in this blog with "Okay". Goal accomplished if this is the last one...). I have to ask... WHERE IS WINTER?! It's nearly spring already, and it's as though winter just left Omaha off its winter itinerary. WTF?! As a lover of winter, I feel like a jilted... well... lover. Welp, that sentence didn't go like I'd hoped. Oh well. Anyway. I WANT WINTER! I rode the motorcycle last month, and in December. That's not entirely true. We've had a couple of solid snow storms, but many nights, the overnight low hasn't even made it below freezing. Now, certain people who are in the room with me RIGHT NOW will tell me that it's fine. She'll tell me that we could go without winter any way, but she's WRONG! And pretty. She's wrong, but pretty. Holy side track Batman.
Okay. I was hoping to close this out being funnier, but I got nothing funny right now. OH! My new favorite thing is my 4" memory foam mattress topper. Epic win. My bed FTW now. It's SOO comfy. And also a little warmer than I usually like. It's okay though. I approve.
(Okay) Thanks again for reading this. Hope this blog finds you all well. I'll be in Colorado next weekend recruiting at the Colorado Crossroads volleyball tournament. I might well have time to hang with a few of you, so lemme know. LATE!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Random and Coherent ramblings
Some of you saw this earlier, some of you did not. I promised a new blog this morning on my Facebook status update. If you didn't see this earlier, then... SURPRISE!
Last week, I was confirmed into the Episcopal church. For some people, you'll be all like, "What the hell? Really?" To you I'd answer, "Yes." This move to Omaha has been marked by a few fairly remarkable changes, shifts and personal learnings on my part. In this case, I felt drawn back to the church and found this phenomenal, friendly and welcoming community here in West O/Elkhorn. The bishop was coming through town, and based on the fact that I was raised Episcopalian, Fr. Mark thought it'd be okay for me to be confirmed without all of the formal classes. My mom and dad surprised me by driving out for the weekend, and attending the service with my aunt and uncle. It was a great service (Fr. Mark's opening line- "This week the congregation is in for a real treat- a good sermon.") and I am very confident and comfortable in this decision. Now, before some of you get to freaking out, wondering if I've somehow change and will be prostheletyzing (sp?) all over the place, don't friggen worry about it. I've changed in a lot of great ways, but rest assured The Ty is still here.
I've mentioned previously how much I really like Omaha. I think I need to reiterate that I still have every intent of moving back to Denver some day, don't you worry. Things have just been going so well here that I really need to give O-town a go.
I've posted this once, and I'm even more excited about this now, but Markeya and I are going to be at Wicked in Denver on May 12 at 2:00 pm. Mom, Dad, she and I are sitting on the Mezzanine level, but I definitely want to extend the invite to anyone who's reading this. Please come. If you've seen it, you know you want to see it again. If you haven't seen it, you know you want to. I'm sure we'll go to lunch beforehand (or we won't, let me narrow the possibilities). Almost immediately after the show, the four of us will go up to Grand Lake, which I obviously cannot invite everyone and their mom to, this is more informative so that e'eryone knows that we won't be going out in Denver on Saturday night (Friday, though maybe?...). Ummm... I will be in Denver, most likely, for a week the end of Feb - early March.
Other things. I am asking for good juju sent my way. I have an interview on Monday for a full time teaching job that will take me through the end of the school year. I am working on getting my big boy Nebraska teaching license, and if that happens in time, I'll be paid as a full time teacher with full benefits. If not and I get the job, it'll be as a long term sub job. I am super excited to maybe be a real teacher again. It'd be second grade, which would be super awesome. I had a meeting with the HR recruiter for Millard PS on Wednesday, and I'm feeling fairly confident in my chances to get a teaching job in the fall. I have really liked every school I've been in in Millard, and feel very comfortable there. As I've said, I desperately miss teaching. OH, and my Hodgkins people, I love the Broncos pic Gould sent me yesterday! AWESOME! I am teaching Kindergarten all week next week. I'm super excited and nervous.
Only in Nebraska!!
Only in Nebraska do they put signs along a US highway stating that you cannot shoot waterfowl from your car....
PEACE KIDS!
Last week, I was confirmed into the Episcopal church. For some people, you'll be all like, "What the hell? Really?" To you I'd answer, "Yes." This move to Omaha has been marked by a few fairly remarkable changes, shifts and personal learnings on my part. In this case, I felt drawn back to the church and found this phenomenal, friendly and welcoming community here in West O/Elkhorn. The bishop was coming through town, and based on the fact that I was raised Episcopalian, Fr. Mark thought it'd be okay for me to be confirmed without all of the formal classes. My mom and dad surprised me by driving out for the weekend, and attending the service with my aunt and uncle. It was a great service (Fr. Mark's opening line- "This week the congregation is in for a real treat- a good sermon.") and I am very confident and comfortable in this decision. Now, before some of you get to freaking out, wondering if I've somehow change and will be prostheletyzing (sp?) all over the place, don't friggen worry about it. I've changed in a lot of great ways, but rest assured The Ty is still here.
I've mentioned previously how much I really like Omaha. I think I need to reiterate that I still have every intent of moving back to Denver some day, don't you worry. Things have just been going so well here that I really need to give O-town a go.
I've posted this once, and I'm even more excited about this now, but Markeya and I are going to be at Wicked in Denver on May 12 at 2:00 pm. Mom, Dad, she and I are sitting on the Mezzanine level, but I definitely want to extend the invite to anyone who's reading this. Please come. If you've seen it, you know you want to see it again. If you haven't seen it, you know you want to. I'm sure we'll go to lunch beforehand (or we won't, let me narrow the possibilities). Almost immediately after the show, the four of us will go up to Grand Lake, which I obviously cannot invite everyone and their mom to, this is more informative so that e'eryone knows that we won't be going out in Denver on Saturday night (Friday, though maybe?...). Ummm... I will be in Denver, most likely, for a week the end of Feb - early March.
Other things. I am asking for good juju sent my way. I have an interview on Monday for a full time teaching job that will take me through the end of the school year. I am working on getting my big boy Nebraska teaching license, and if that happens in time, I'll be paid as a full time teacher with full benefits. If not and I get the job, it'll be as a long term sub job. I am super excited to maybe be a real teacher again. It'd be second grade, which would be super awesome. I had a meeting with the HR recruiter for Millard PS on Wednesday, and I'm feeling fairly confident in my chances to get a teaching job in the fall. I have really liked every school I've been in in Millard, and feel very comfortable there. As I've said, I desperately miss teaching. OH, and my Hodgkins people, I love the Broncos pic Gould sent me yesterday! AWESOME! I am teaching Kindergarten all week next week. I'm super excited and nervous.
Only in Nebraska!!
Only in Nebraska do they put signs along a US highway stating that you cannot shoot waterfowl from your car....
PEACE KIDS!
Friday, December 23, 2011
It's only been two weeks this time!
I'm doing better! Okay, in real life, not a whole hell of a lot has happened, but I'm watching the Avs-Lightning game (I LOVE that I can get Altitude on DirecTV!) and am apparently in a typing mood.
So, if you don't know... Actually, I don't want to start there. We'll come back to this later.
So, I have started as a personal trainer. I don't like it. Before I gripe about it, however, let me own some of the blame. I clearly didn't ask the right questions when going through the interview and hiring process, so I didn't have all of the information necessary to appropriately set my expectations. I thought I'd have a more consistent schedule. I thought I'd have more to do when I'm there. I didn't realise that there would be days when I'd have two clients.... four hours apart. I go to work for an hour and a half, leave for three, go back for another hour and a half. I learned that I am to clock off between clients when my manager adjusted my time card to clock me off for time that I had been clocked in for, and been doing busy work in the club. I am looking at this written down and wish I'd asked more questions. In addition, the job itself is not nearly as... stimulating? Exciting? Rewarding?... as I'd thought it would be. I find my eyes wandering about the club when I'm with a client. Looking at the way people are lifting, the cars passing outside, the clock, the TVs. I already hate this post because it sounds like griping, and I don't mean for it to come off that way, but really, my current hope is that I will make back the money that the training cost me, then get back into the classroom.
I suppose I should address that (yes, I realise that I started a topic at the beginning and promised to return to it. I still promise that). I did get to spend four weeks in a sixth grade Lang Arts classroom. It was incredible. Goodness I miss teaching. I want to get back to it. I have a meeting next month with the HR Recruiter for one of the local school districts. Evidently my name is attached to really positive reviews throughout that district at this point, so I'm anxious to find out what my next steps should be (I know I have to take the PRAXIS and take a Human Relations Training class to get my full NE license). I have really enjoyed my time in the classrooms in this district, and I hope that by next fall, I can be teaching full time. We shall see, however.
Okay, so sadly I will not be in CO for Christmas. As a matter of fact, I probably won't be in Denver (aside from passing through) until the end of February. I did, however, hold out so that I'd at least be in Grand Lake from my birthday through New Year's. That means that I'll be in Denver long enough to be on I-76 and I-70. I will also fly into Denver in early February for Boy's Weekend with Dad and Jay.
Okay, so awhile back, I said I was gonna add "Only in Nebraskas" to the end of my blog posts. I managed to do that once, I think. I am regularly reminded of this one however...
Many stoplights in and near the west side of Omaha have "Be Prepared to Stop" signs that are a couple hundred yards ahead of the stoplights. I don't get it. It's not like they're hidden stoplights. In fact, the lights on the signs (yeap) start flashing just before the light turns to yellow. I CAN SEE THE DAMN STOPLIGHT! I'm sorry, I can't buy into this doing anything besides wasting resources.
That's all. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas (of Hanukkah) and New Year's with your family and friends. I'll talk to you all soon after the break!
So, if you don't know... Actually, I don't want to start there. We'll come back to this later.
So, I have started as a personal trainer. I don't like it. Before I gripe about it, however, let me own some of the blame. I clearly didn't ask the right questions when going through the interview and hiring process, so I didn't have all of the information necessary to appropriately set my expectations. I thought I'd have a more consistent schedule. I thought I'd have more to do when I'm there. I didn't realise that there would be days when I'd have two clients.... four hours apart. I go to work for an hour and a half, leave for three, go back for another hour and a half. I learned that I am to clock off between clients when my manager adjusted my time card to clock me off for time that I had been clocked in for, and been doing busy work in the club. I am looking at this written down and wish I'd asked more questions. In addition, the job itself is not nearly as... stimulating? Exciting? Rewarding?... as I'd thought it would be. I find my eyes wandering about the club when I'm with a client. Looking at the way people are lifting, the cars passing outside, the clock, the TVs. I already hate this post because it sounds like griping, and I don't mean for it to come off that way, but really, my current hope is that I will make back the money that the training cost me, then get back into the classroom.
I suppose I should address that (yes, I realise that I started a topic at the beginning and promised to return to it. I still promise that). I did get to spend four weeks in a sixth grade Lang Arts classroom. It was incredible. Goodness I miss teaching. I want to get back to it. I have a meeting next month with the HR Recruiter for one of the local school districts. Evidently my name is attached to really positive reviews throughout that district at this point, so I'm anxious to find out what my next steps should be (I know I have to take the PRAXIS and take a Human Relations Training class to get my full NE license). I have really enjoyed my time in the classrooms in this district, and I hope that by next fall, I can be teaching full time. We shall see, however.
Okay, so sadly I will not be in CO for Christmas. As a matter of fact, I probably won't be in Denver (aside from passing through) until the end of February. I did, however, hold out so that I'd at least be in Grand Lake from my birthday through New Year's. That means that I'll be in Denver long enough to be on I-76 and I-70. I will also fly into Denver in early February for Boy's Weekend with Dad and Jay.
Okay, so awhile back, I said I was gonna add "Only in Nebraskas" to the end of my blog posts. I managed to do that once, I think. I am regularly reminded of this one however...
Many stoplights in and near the west side of Omaha have "Be Prepared to Stop" signs that are a couple hundred yards ahead of the stoplights. I don't get it. It's not like they're hidden stoplights. In fact, the lights on the signs (yeap) start flashing just before the light turns to yellow. I CAN SEE THE DAMN STOPLIGHT! I'm sorry, I can't buy into this doing anything besides wasting resources.
That's all. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas (of Hanukkah) and New Year's with your family and friends. I'll talk to you all soon after the break!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Update
HI!
Okay, now that we're over that, I figured I'd update from a couple of posts. Many of you know this, but now everyone can know. As of one of my most recent posts, I was slated to start as a Personal Trainer for one of the 24 Hour Fitness locations here in O-town. The day I was supposed to start, I actually started a long term sub position. In a middle school. Yeah. So, prior to this job, I thought middle school kids were the devil and I had no interest in teaching at that level. After nearly a month (four incomplete weeks) at Millard North Middle School teaching sixth grade Language Arts... I would have no problem teaching at the middle school level. Wow. I... I'm in shock at that last statement by me. My former co-workers (both volleyball and teaching) have to realise what I'm saying here. I was so anti-middle school, but I will be applying at MNMS in the event that I decide to apply for a full time teaching gig in the fall. I suppose that is sort of a big announcement.... that I like Omaha enough that I want to be here. Great town.
Okay, other news. I posted specifically tonight because I've been feeling a bit of melancholy tonight. Tis the season, and as my social life has been... slow to develop here... I have to admit to feeling a bit lonely. While cocktail parties and holiday parties are hosted by my dear friends in Denver, I will be missing them. I love O-town, don't get me wrong, but I dearly miss all of you right now. I have no plans for the Christmas/Birthday/New Year's timeframe, but I'll do everything I can to come home come hell or high water.
Not a lot of great interest to add since the last post. FINALLY had a measurable snow here. Lots of stories, but thank goodness Markeya made it safely here... with some help! It's interesting because I am baffled by Omahans' inability to drive in the snow. Does it not snow often enough here? Are cause/effect relationships hard to handle? I don't get it. Anywa, I played in, and won, a co-ed volleyball tournament on Sunday. It was rad! Went to one volleyball practice and landed two recruits. Epic win.
I hope you are all enjoying this holiday season with family and friends. I mostly posted to tell you all how much you mean to me, and how dearly I miss all of you in Colorado, or California, or any place else. All of you who are taking the time to read this, I am so grateful for your continuing friendship and support. I'd love to hear from you via text or email. THANK YOU!!!!!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Thoughts and Gratitude
I put a lot of thought into this... all year honestly. I just decided to do this after reading Lotus' gratitude list yesterday. There will be a gratitude list on the end of this.
It's always interested to reflect on the last 365. A year ago, I knew I was doing this, but I had a romantic ideal of how smoothly this would go. Clearly this was not to be the case! It's been a little over a year since I was offered, and accepted, the position as the assistant volleyball coach at College of St. Mary here in O-town. I knew I wanted to find a job here that would allow me to make volleyball my priority. Did you know that if you don't have a job, it's very easy to work your schedule around coaching? It is!
Oh, fun fact, I'm nearly through the year I get to be called 30. I'm almost 31 years old. It's interesting to be nearly 31 and not feel (at least in my head) any different than I did five, six, eight years ago. I guess it's probably not best, but I really don't know what the hell 30 is supposed to feel like. I've joked people about my thinking that I am suddenly going to wake up and feel like a grown-up, but evidently, that's not about to happen. It's okay, I don't think I need to feel grown-up so long as I act like a grown-up from time to time.
So, the question that's kinda in my head right now is this: "Does personal training truly combine my teaching experience and training with my recent turn toward health and fitness?" I feel like it does, but maybe that's just a way for me to justify it... That being said, I'm still super excited about starting this new chapter.
I didn't imagine when I lost my job at Fireside that I'd end up here. Honestly, aside from David Day Harbaugh the Eye Vee, who among my CO people was less likely to move away from Colorado than I? The funny thing is, I don't find myself home sick (though we'll see as we go through snowmobile seaso- I mean winter). I do miss my people desperately though. The best part is that the people I've met and known here have been amazing in helping make the transition easy. Sadly, few of them are on here as fb friends, oddly. And that sentence has too many adverbs, but I'm leaving it. It's fine.
I am super happy I've done this. While the volleyball season didn't go as I'd hoped that it would, I am gaining valuable experience and I hope that the career path I'm envisioning can work out. Even if it doesn't, I finally did it. I followed the dream. While my dream of coaching college ball didn't involve a gym like CSM's, or being the bus driver (yeah, I have my commercial driver's license), there are so many aspects of it that blew away what I would have expected. Getting to travel to a couple of places I'd never been, coaching at UNK (Even if we got MURDERED), and the whole recruiting process. So amazing. In addition to all of that, I really have enjoyed the state of Nebraska. The people here are amazing. I have to admit I haven't made a whole ton of friends, but I am finally starting work, and I am dating a pretty amazing girl.
Actually, as I'm reflecting on all of this, I'm realising that I am feeling somewhat grown-up. Weird.
On to my Liist O'Gratitude:
I have to start by being grateful to everyone who helped make this move possible. First and foremost, Jake Nelson who gave up the first week of his summer to come to Colorado to help me pack up and move. This is even more remarkable when you consider that he was 16 at the time. He also spent the entire LAST WEEK of school at Hodgkins with me, working as a classroom volunteer. He was incredible, and I just want him to know how much that meant. Jake, you were amazing, and I am grateful for not only that, but the time we've gotten to hang here in O-town. Oh, and I'm grateful for you BACKING INTO MY CAR!!!! Wait, I mean washing my car that time.
Jeffro and Allie. When you guys came over to help me pack up, it's clear that I wasn't even close to being ready. The two of you were unspeakably helpful. Your ongoing friendship means the world, even if I can't remember the joke, Jeff.
Mike Fisher, my NASCAR and snowmobiling friend. My move would have been nearly impossible if you hadn't not only loaned me your trailer, but then DROVE TO O-TOWN WITH ME! You being here, playing golf, and drinking Coronas on my first night helped immensely and I am so grateful for your kindness.
Dave and Linda Felber. I am so deeply indebted to you I cannot ever, EVER repay you. While I know it wasn't the situation any of us had hoped for, the two of you were WONDERFUL! I fancy myself a wordsmith, but in reality, I can never put into words what your generosity has meant to me during this transition. I am sorry that I haven't been great about staying in touch since I moved out. I'll be better.
Jenny, Scott, Alex and Reid Nelson. Thank you for being my second homeless home! I know it can be a bit of an inconvenience when I take up your basement, but I always felt welcome and at home. I still do, and you've been super helpful in helping me settle in.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention to Dave, Linda and Jenny how grateful I am for the help moving and setting up the new place. Dave's muscle was indispensible, and Jenny and Linda's eyes helped this place feel like a real grown-up lives here.
Sam Hammond, thank you again for this opportunity. While I know we weren't as successful as we wanted to be, it'll get better and we've got a great core of girls to build from.
Amber Lotus Levene, thank you for posting gratitude lists, they inspired me to do the same. Thank you for your long time friendship and ongoing friendship. I'm sorry we missed each other when I was home last, but I'll see you whenever I make it back to Denver.
RJ and Carrie De'Anor thank you SO much for swinging by O-town. I had SO MUCH fun that night. It's wonderful to have family swing by and lift ya up at just the right time. Until that evening I had no idea how much I was missing you and I'm so glad that I was able to swing by when I was home for Mary and Brian's wedding.
Speaking of that wedding:
Alana, thank you for your patience that night. I know I was a bit of a handful, both at the beginning and end of the night, but there are few who I trust more than my sister to keep an eye on me. I am so grateful that you have been a close friend for so many years, ans so glad that you humored me in my implusivity at the beginning of the evening.
Mary and Brian, I'm just so grateful to have you as friends, and to be a part of your lives before and since you got together. It was a wonderful, beautiful celebration, and I look forward to more great times with you both.
Todd and Allyson, every time I am with you, and am struck by your kindness and positivity. I am so grateful to be a part of your lives.
Doug Haley, thanks for giving me a place to watch fireworks on the Fourth, and being a gracious host for Jamogars! I am so glad to have you as a friend, even after everything went down at Fireside. I hope you can find the time to come out at some point next summer so we can play golf and do the Jamogar thing.
Navarrette, Redeker, Gregg, Marisa, and Courtney, it was wonderful to see you all at school, and going and grabbing a beer (even though I didn't have time...) was exactly what I needed after the way THAT day shaped up. We had quite a hill to climb as colleagues together, and I am so glad that we have a lasting friendship to show for it, not to mention improving CSAP scores! I am in awe of what you all do every day, and so grateful to have been a part of that, if only for a single school year.
Fingers, it was really great to see you when I was at Hodgkins that day. Thank you for everything you did for me that year there.
Gould... I can't put into words what it means to me that you took a chance... in spite of what my former boss said about me. The community at Hodgkins felt SO good to be a part of. I am proud as hell of what we accomplished at Hodgkins, and so grateful for the year that you helped me to have, along with the guidance and wisdom you gave me.
BLATTER! What else can I say to you? Thank you for all the help you gave me, along with the friendship and sympathetic and supportive ear you always lent.
Heather and Brian- You two are amazing. I miss you two so much, and I am grateful for your friendship and love. I miss you two and I hope that you will make the trip out here soon!
Alex Sanders your friendship has meant so much to me through the years. (Okay, I know we're not really friends, but let's keep the charade up! ;-) ). I am sorry that your trip out here didn't work out, but I look forward to you coming out and seeing the place. I am SO grateful that I mean enough to you that you want me to be a part of your marriage to Chris. I've never seen you as content, happy, and completely yourself as you have been since the two of you started dating. I am so happy for you, and grateful for your friendship!
Jay and Whit. Like so many on this list, the reasons I have to be grateful to/for you are innumerable and I just want you to know how much I love you both, and how grateful I am for your love and support. We don't talk as often as we should, but every picture message I get with a picture of you or the girls brings a smile to my face, and makes me miss you again.
Mom and Dad. Mom and Dad... I will never be able to tell you how much I love you and how much your love and support through the years has meant to me. All the help and faith you have given me through the years has made me the man I am... even if it's not perfect!
If I forgot to mention someone, I'm so sorry. I know how long this note has gotten, and I know that many won't read the whole thing. If I left you out, I'm sorry!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Finally!
I'm not sure about this post, as I had a brilliant idea for how to write this, last night, while laying in bed... We're still gonna try this.
It's funny cause I've kinda hit the big ol' button to reset things in O-town. I am eligible to substitute teach in Millard Public Schools as of Monday, and will be rarin' to go by then. There's also the possibility of me getting a long-term sub job after the first of the year, but I don't want to talk too much about that, as I've not even talked to the teacher and the principal about that, and have quite a bit I would need to do to make it happen.
In addition to the teaching bit, I have started toward my personal trainer certification. I have an official start date for that. It'll be an interesting new stage in my life, but I'm actually super excited. I have tried in the last couple of years (courtesy of Elaine Rosquist) to keep myself in better shape than I've been in previously, and it's working, so I want to help others toward their goals. In addition to that, it'll give me a schedule that's flexible to work with volleyball. It's super rad...
This all allows me to get my place. Yeap... my own place. It's a funny story (kinda) because after all the time floating around town, trying to find a place, I'm ending up in the same complex that I originally wanted to move into. It's a one bedroom/studio apartment. They call it a studio, but it's really a one-bed with no door on the bedroom, and open tops on the bedroom walls.
Okay, that's it for today. Just wanted to update you.
Only in Nebraska do the parking garages have a sign that says "park between the lines" with a car parked immediately in front of the sign... that parked OVER the lines. I love my new state!
It's funny cause I've kinda hit the big ol' button to reset things in O-town. I am eligible to substitute teach in Millard Public Schools as of Monday, and will be rarin' to go by then. There's also the possibility of me getting a long-term sub job after the first of the year, but I don't want to talk too much about that, as I've not even talked to the teacher and the principal about that, and have quite a bit I would need to do to make it happen.
In addition to the teaching bit, I have started toward my personal trainer certification. I have an official start date for that. It'll be an interesting new stage in my life, but I'm actually super excited. I have tried in the last couple of years (courtesy of Elaine Rosquist) to keep myself in better shape than I've been in previously, and it's working, so I want to help others toward their goals. In addition to that, it'll give me a schedule that's flexible to work with volleyball. It's super rad...
This all allows me to get my place. Yeap... my own place. It's a funny story (kinda) because after all the time floating around town, trying to find a place, I'm ending up in the same complex that I originally wanted to move into. It's a one bedroom/studio apartment. They call it a studio, but it's really a one-bed with no door on the bedroom, and open tops on the bedroom walls.
Okay, that's it for today. Just wanted to update you.
Only in Nebraska do the parking garages have a sign that says "park between the lines" with a car parked immediately in front of the sign... that parked OVER the lines. I love my new state!
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