Well, this week brought 20-30 mph winds to our part of New Jersey. Add some 40-50 mph gusts and you have the reason I chose to drive to work on Monday and Tuesday - my reason for driving to work today is mostly my unpreparedness for the cold and some serious shoulder pain - but I digress. Needless to say I am really looking forward to biking again tomorrow - I need the positive outlook and attitude that a brisk bike ride brings to the start of my work day.
In other news...our Christmas preparations continue. We will be shipping presents back to Utah within a week - so no last-minute scramble this year - which gives them plenty of time to arrive. Our ward Christmas activity is this Saturday and our Stake Christmas music program is Sunday. My boys and I are participating in the ward event - I'm a centurion and the boys are angels - and I am singing with the stake choir on Sunday. My wife, though not formally participating in the ward event, is doing more work than any of us for it - she's making the boys' angel costumes. Of course, she's doing even more for our ward Christmas as the choir director. We have our sacrament meeting Christmas program on the 23rd and she's written an awesome program for it. Finally, we are planning to get our Christmas tree this Saturday. It will be the first time since 2002 that we have had a tree, so we are all excited.
Our search for a house had taken a huge step forward...I received approval for a mortgage. Now as soon as we find a home we like, we are in a position to actually discuss buying it and make an offer. As I told my realtor "we have a hunting license."
I've got my sights on a 3-bdr ranch in Silverton,
Brad
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Saturday, December 1, 2007
The promised post...
11/06/2007: 14.16-mile biking, 48:02, 17.7 mph
11/07/2007: 14.21-mile biking, 49:24, 17.3 mph
11/08/2007: 14.21-mile biking, 49:44, 17.1 mph
11/12/2007: 14.20-mile biking, 47:31, 17.9 mph
11/13/2007: 13.75-mile biking, 47:09, 17.5 mph
11/14/2007: 07.03-mile biking, 23:51, 17.7 mph
11/16/2007: 14.13-mile biking, 50:08, 16.9 mph
11/19/2007: 14.06-mile biking, 48:53, 17.3 mph
11/27/2007: 14.09-mile biking, 50:18, 16.8 mph
11/28/2007: 15.80-mile biking, 55:34, 17.1 mph
11/29/2007: 14.22-mile biking, 49:20, 17.3 mph
11/30/2007: 14.12-mile biking, 50:35, 16.8 mph
OK, there's all the biking info. Included in those biking times are another rear-tire blowout and the onset of very cold weather here in NJ.
Rather than trying to catch-up with news and info, I'll just start from today. I had my monthly seminary inservice meeting up at the stake center. I stayed in the area to do some shopping at Lakeshore Learning and participate in the stake choir rehearsal this afternoon (no sense going up and back twice - it's over an hour drive!) It was as though I was at work for another day. Fortunately, my boys and I got to have a "boys' night in" tonight while my wife went to her "girls' night out." We watched two movies and had a great time.
My wife and boys are mostly done with the Christmas gifts that need to me mailed - now we just need to figure out how to package them up so they'll arrive intact. In the past I have had a little time after the end of the quarter to get my gifts together. With my new job I teach through December 22nd , so I have to get going now!
Well, my wife just got back from her night out, so I'll stop for now. Hopefully I can be more regular in my blogging.
Maybe I should try doxidan,
Brad
11/07/2007: 14.21-mile biking, 49:24, 17.3 mph
11/08/2007: 14.21-mile biking, 49:44, 17.1 mph
11/12/2007: 14.20-mile biking, 47:31, 17.9 mph
11/13/2007: 13.75-mile biking, 47:09, 17.5 mph
11/14/2007: 07.03-mile biking, 23:51, 17.7 mph
11/16/2007: 14.13-mile biking, 50:08, 16.9 mph
11/19/2007: 14.06-mile biking, 48:53, 17.3 mph
11/27/2007: 14.09-mile biking, 50:18, 16.8 mph
11/28/2007: 15.80-mile biking, 55:34, 17.1 mph
11/29/2007: 14.22-mile biking, 49:20, 17.3 mph
11/30/2007: 14.12-mile biking, 50:35, 16.8 mph
OK, there's all the biking info. Included in those biking times are another rear-tire blowout and the onset of very cold weather here in NJ.
Rather than trying to catch-up with news and info, I'll just start from today. I had my monthly seminary inservice meeting up at the stake center. I stayed in the area to do some shopping at Lakeshore Learning and participate in the stake choir rehearsal this afternoon (no sense going up and back twice - it's over an hour drive!) It was as though I was at work for another day. Fortunately, my boys and I got to have a "boys' night in" tonight while my wife went to her "girls' night out." We watched two movies and had a great time.
My wife and boys are mostly done with the Christmas gifts that need to me mailed - now we just need to figure out how to package them up so they'll arrive intact. In the past I have had a little time after the end of the quarter to get my gifts together. With my new job I teach through December 22nd , so I have to get going now!
Well, my wife just got back from her night out, so I'll stop for now. Hopefully I can be more regular in my blogging.
Maybe I should try doxidan,
Brad
Saturday, November 24, 2007
It only feels right if you earn it...
In order to give proper credit to the men who are responsible for their victory over Utah, BYU should consider changing their team colors to black and white stripes with lots of yellow trim.
Not at all bitter,
Brad
p.s. Prof. Young will put a real post together soon - he promises!
Not at all bitter,
Brad
p.s. Prof. Young will put a real post together soon - he promises!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Nightrider and Jersey voting...
11/5/2007: 14.09-mile biking, 50:07, 16.9 mph
Yesterday was my first "night-time" commute home. I left work about 5:20pm and by then it was completely dark. Fortunately I had installed a headlight and taillight on Aldetha, plus I was wearing my reflective jacket, so the cars didn't run me down. My time was a little slower due to a serious stitch in my side that I just could not get rid of.
This morning I biked to work in the pouring rain - but not after I had voted! In New Jersey the entire state assembly and senate are up for grabs. I managed to vote for only one Republican (out of about 6 options.) Why? Well I actually have met and talked with the Republican I voted for and he's an OK guy - plus, the parties here in Jersey are very similar. You vote for the one out of power because whoever is in power is corrupt! I did vote for my boss, not because he's my boss and in spite of the fact that he's a Democrat. I voted because I know and like the guy - and Toms River is part of the corrupt Republican machine of Ocean County.
Maybe I'll run for public office after I'm the dean,
Brad
Yesterday was my first "night-time" commute home. I left work about 5:20pm and by then it was completely dark. Fortunately I had installed a headlight and taillight on Aldetha, plus I was wearing my reflective jacket, so the cars didn't run me down. My time was a little slower due to a serious stitch in my side that I just could not get rid of.
This morning I biked to work in the pouring rain - but not after I had voted! In New Jersey the entire state assembly and senate are up for grabs. I managed to vote for only one Republican (out of about 6 options.) Why? Well I actually have met and talked with the Republican I voted for and he's an OK guy - plus, the parties here in Jersey are very similar. You vote for the one out of power because whoever is in power is corrupt! I did vote for my boss, not because he's my boss and in spite of the fact that he's a Democrat. I voted because I know and like the guy - and Toms River is part of the corrupt Republican machine of Ocean County.
Maybe I'll run for public office after I'm the dean,
Brad
Saturday, November 3, 2007
New job & Halloween...
10/22/2007: 14.10-mile biking, 46:22, 18.2 mph
10/24/2007: 13.90-mile biking, 44:55, 18.6 mph
10/26/2007: 7.01-mile biking, 24:46, 17.0 mph
10/29/2007: 7.12-mile biking, 24:17, 17.6 mph
10/30/2007: 14.18-mile biking, 47:43, 17.8 mph
11/2/2007: 14.20-mile biking, 46:43, 18.2 mph
Well, I still haven't settled enough to blog on a regular basis. I hope to set a specific time to do so, but for now you'll have to endure the hit & miss posts.
OK, what's new? Well, I have accepted the position of Program Coordinator for my department at OCC. What does that mean? I get to help in the administrative stuff (kinda like an assistant dean.) As a part of that, I will evaluate the adjunct faculty (rather than having the dean do it all himself.) Fortunately, Dean Strada will take me through the evaluation process several times before they "count." The other parts should be easy enough - the staff is very supportive and we are all excited to be working together. I get paid for this job as if I was teaching two additional classes in each of Fall and Spring semesters and one additional in Summer. It will mean I have to be at the college from 9 to 5 Monday through Friday (with a few evening and off-site evaluations) but I'm already there for that time anyway - it's the only place I can really get work done.
For those of you who did not hear, my wife is now the Ward Choir Director. She has an awesome Christmas program written and we will begin practicing it this week (there's the downside of changing choir directors after October Conference!) I'll leave the details for her blog - if she wants a topic for her next post.
On Halloween we all went downtown Toms River to see the parade (2nd largest in the country!) It started at 7pm. We were too cold to stay longer than 9pm. From my students who stayed for the duration I was told it lasted until 10pm! For those of us used to the Disneyland parade (30-45 minute wait and 20-30 minute parade in at least 60 degree weather) the Toms River parade was too long and too cold. There were some good marching bands and real steam engines that were entertaining, but next year we'll stay home.
Until the next break in the action,
Brad
10/24/2007: 13.90-mile biking, 44:55, 18.6 mph
10/26/2007: 7.01-mile biking, 24:46, 17.0 mph
10/29/2007: 7.12-mile biking, 24:17, 17.6 mph
10/30/2007: 14.18-mile biking, 47:43, 17.8 mph
11/2/2007: 14.20-mile biking, 46:43, 18.2 mph
Well, I still haven't settled enough to blog on a regular basis. I hope to set a specific time to do so, but for now you'll have to endure the hit & miss posts.
OK, what's new? Well, I have accepted the position of Program Coordinator for my department at OCC. What does that mean? I get to help in the administrative stuff (kinda like an assistant dean.) As a part of that, I will evaluate the adjunct faculty (rather than having the dean do it all himself.) Fortunately, Dean Strada will take me through the evaluation process several times before they "count." The other parts should be easy enough - the staff is very supportive and we are all excited to be working together. I get paid for this job as if I was teaching two additional classes in each of Fall and Spring semesters and one additional in Summer. It will mean I have to be at the college from 9 to 5 Monday through Friday (with a few evening and off-site evaluations) but I'm already there for that time anyway - it's the only place I can really get work done.
For those of you who did not hear, my wife is now the Ward Choir Director. She has an awesome Christmas program written and we will begin practicing it this week (there's the downside of changing choir directors after October Conference!) I'll leave the details for her blog - if she wants a topic for her next post.
On Halloween we all went downtown Toms River to see the parade (2nd largest in the country!) It started at 7pm. We were too cold to stay longer than 9pm. From my students who stayed for the duration I was told it lasted until 10pm! For those of us used to the Disneyland parade (30-45 minute wait and 20-30 minute parade in at least 60 degree weather) the Toms River parade was too long and too cold. There were some good marching bands and real steam engines that were entertaining, but next year we'll stay home.
Until the next break in the action,
Brad
Monday, October 22, 2007
Downpours, Gaming and Dumbledore...
10/17/2007: 14.08-mile biking, 45:43, 18.5 mph
10/18/2007: 14.15-mile biking, 46:24, 18.3 mph
10/19/2007: 7.04-mile biking, 22:31, 18.8 mph
Last Friday I had to abandon my bike ride home - yet again! This time it was the weather that did not cooperate. Normally I can bike in the rain just fine (I've even done it here in NJ), but Friday afternoon was an exception. I was warned by my colleagues not to bike home, so I called my wife and she and the boys came to pick me up. As I walked towards the parking lot where I was to meet them the rain was moderate. I thought "this isn't too bad, maybe I shouldn't have called." Just then the rain started coming down in sheets, driven by a 20+ mph wind. This condition continued for the remainder of my wait for my wife, most of the way home, and for an additional 2 hours (off and on) after we got home. I was definitely glad I called.
Saturday, the Toms River library hosted a "family gaming" day from 10am-2pm. They had three gaming systems set up (including a Wii) for families to come and play. My boys spent some time playing Mario Cart and Wii bowling. As a family we did a doubles match on Wii tennis and took turns on Dance Dance Revolution. I was quite impressed with DDR. My wife and I are seriously looking into the cheapest way to get a good DDR platform. Why? The main reason is that it offers a good workout while having fun! As the days turn colder, we may not be able to keep up on our running/walking/biking - so we would want a fun way to stay in shape (sorry Kathy Smith, you're not fun!) If you have any suggestions on getting an inexpensive system that supports DDR (not the midi plug-and-play) please post a comment.
Finally, J. K. Rowling has declared that Albus Dumbledore is gay. I found out about this as I was looking for a legal article to give to my students. Within the article I found the response I would give to her revelation:
[G]iven that the Potter books, now complete, make no mention of Dumbledore's sexuality, Rowling would not appear to have any authority to declare the print version of Dumbledore gay, straight or bi. Her views on such matters are naturally of interest to fans of her books, but the work must stand on its own.
[A]n author of a work of fiction is, at best, first among equals in interpreting that work. Her intentions do not control the meaning of the text.
Unfortunately, we will now have the joy of watching the imminent collision as gay rights advocates proclaim Harry Potter as the greatest stories ever told and the book censorship crowd add "advocates homosexual lifestyle" to their lengthy list of Rowling's offenses.
Though I do love watching a good train wreck,
Brad
10/18/2007: 14.15-mile biking, 46:24, 18.3 mph
10/19/2007: 7.04-mile biking, 22:31, 18.8 mph
Last Friday I had to abandon my bike ride home - yet again! This time it was the weather that did not cooperate. Normally I can bike in the rain just fine (I've even done it here in NJ), but Friday afternoon was an exception. I was warned by my colleagues not to bike home, so I called my wife and she and the boys came to pick me up. As I walked towards the parking lot where I was to meet them the rain was moderate. I thought "this isn't too bad, maybe I shouldn't have called." Just then the rain started coming down in sheets, driven by a 20+ mph wind. This condition continued for the remainder of my wait for my wife, most of the way home, and for an additional 2 hours (off and on) after we got home. I was definitely glad I called.
Saturday, the Toms River library hosted a "family gaming" day from 10am-2pm. They had three gaming systems set up (including a Wii) for families to come and play. My boys spent some time playing Mario Cart and Wii bowling. As a family we did a doubles match on Wii tennis and took turns on Dance Dance Revolution. I was quite impressed with DDR. My wife and I are seriously looking into the cheapest way to get a good DDR platform. Why? The main reason is that it offers a good workout while having fun! As the days turn colder, we may not be able to keep up on our running/walking/biking - so we would want a fun way to stay in shape (sorry Kathy Smith, you're not fun!) If you have any suggestions on getting an inexpensive system that supports DDR (not the midi plug-and-play) please post a comment.
Finally, J. K. Rowling has declared that Albus Dumbledore is gay. I found out about this as I was looking for a legal article to give to my students. Within the article I found the response I would give to her revelation:
[G]iven that the Potter books, now complete, make no mention of Dumbledore's sexuality, Rowling would not appear to have any authority to declare the print version of Dumbledore gay, straight or bi. Her views on such matters are naturally of interest to fans of her books, but the work must stand on its own.
[A]n author of a work of fiction is, at best, first among equals in interpreting that work. Her intentions do not control the meaning of the text.
Unfortunately, we will now have the joy of watching the imminent collision as gay rights advocates proclaim Harry Potter as the greatest stories ever told and the book censorship crowd add "advocates homosexual lifestyle" to their lengthy list of Rowling's offenses.
Though I do love watching a good train wreck,
Brad
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Aldetha meets Padi...
10/02/2007: 14.24-mile biking, 47:25, 18.0 mph
10/03/2007: 14.11-mile biking, 47:28, 17.8 mph
10/04/2007: 14.06-mile biking, 46:57, 18.0 mph
10/05/2007: 14.07-mile biking, 46:31, 18.1 mph
10/08/2007: 14.11-mile biking, 47:37, 17.8 mph
10/09/2007: 14.13-mile biking, 45:37, 18.6 mph
10/12/2007: 6.9-mile biking, 23:09, 17.9 mph
That just looks ridiculous! I should blog more often.
OK - some explanation is in order. 1st, I didn't all of a sudden move closer to the college on 10/3. I actually filled my tires up to the proper pressure. So naturally, I thought my speed would dramatically increase - wrong. It increased a little, but most of the decrease in resistance due to a fully-inflated tire was offset by the increase in circumference of a fully-inflated the tire. That explains the drop in mileage.
The "short" ride last Friday came courtesy of a flat tire I noticed about 100 yards before the end of my ride to work. I ended up taking Aldetha home on our car rack and fixing the tire myself on Saturday. However, once I changed the tire it developed a severe "wobble." I also noticed that Aldetha's rear brake was not properly engaging the tire. I contacted a colleague who had biked to OCC since 1974 for a bike shop referral. He recommended Padi's Pedal Power. Due to my schedule I could not get Aldetha in until this morning - so my wife has driven me to work these past two days.
Wait! I just got a call and Aldetha is fixed! We can pick her up today and I can ride again tomorrow.
I feel much better starting my work day with a rigorous bike ride,
Brad
10/03/2007: 14.11-mile biking, 47:28, 17.8 mph
10/04/2007: 14.06-mile biking, 46:57, 18.0 mph
10/05/2007: 14.07-mile biking, 46:31, 18.1 mph
10/08/2007: 14.11-mile biking, 47:37, 17.8 mph
10/09/2007: 14.13-mile biking, 45:37, 18.6 mph
10/12/2007: 6.9-mile biking, 23:09, 17.9 mph
That just looks ridiculous! I should blog more often.
OK - some explanation is in order. 1st, I didn't all of a sudden move closer to the college on 10/3. I actually filled my tires up to the proper pressure. So naturally, I thought my speed would dramatically increase - wrong. It increased a little, but most of the decrease in resistance due to a fully-inflated tire was offset by the increase in circumference of a fully-inflated the tire. That explains the drop in mileage.
The "short" ride last Friday came courtesy of a flat tire I noticed about 100 yards before the end of my ride to work. I ended up taking Aldetha home on our car rack and fixing the tire myself on Saturday. However, once I changed the tire it developed a severe "wobble." I also noticed that Aldetha's rear brake was not properly engaging the tire. I contacted a colleague who had biked to OCC since 1974 for a bike shop referral. He recommended Padi's Pedal Power. Due to my schedule I could not get Aldetha in until this morning - so my wife has driven me to work these past two days.
Wait! I just got a call and Aldetha is fixed! We can pick her up today and I can ride again tomorrow.
I feel much better starting my work day with a rigorous bike ride,
Brad
Friday, October 12, 2007
I'm still alive...
Lunch is almost over, so I have to post quickly. I'll save the biking stats for later, but here's something that must be shared:
My apologies to musicians and Star Wars fans everywhere,
Brad
My apologies to musicians and Star Wars fans everywhere,
Brad
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Busy but productive...
9/19/2007: 14.21-mile biking, 49:59, 17.1 mph
9/20/2007: 14.22-mile biking, 49:09, 17.4 mph
9/21/2007: 14.21-mile biking, 47:50, 17.8 mph
9/24/2007: 14.23-mile biking, 48:25, 17.6 mph
9/25/2007: 14.21-mile biking, 48:42, 17.5 mph
9/27/2007: 14.22-mile biking, 49:43, 17.2 mph
9/28/2007: 14.24-mile biking, 48:39, 17.6 mph
10/01/2007: 14.25-mile biking, 45:51, 18.6 mph
As you can see, I still make it to work most every day via my bike...I just don't take the time to blog about it. Yesterday my bike time was helped by mildly favorable headwinds and the fact that I wasn't on my feet teaching all day. All of my classes had their first exam yesterday - which means I got to sit down for most of the class. Other factors that could have contributed to my faster time are: recent weight loss, my body adapting to my biking, improved cardio system due to my biking. I do think it was an anomaly. I normally sit in the 17 mph range and probably will until the weather forces me to slow down a little.
All of my classes are going great! I still love teaching and the students seem to enjoy my classes and the way I teach. I am also enjoying teaching seminary. Waking up at 5am is hard, but starting my day teaching the Gospel from the scriptures is great.
I don't think I mentioned it before, but about 2 weeks ago we went out looking at some houses. We saw a total of 4. We would not even consider the first and the last that we saw. The second was OK, but it had a pool which is a "deal-breaker" for us. The third was practically perfect in every way. Well, not really, but it would require minimal work for us to move in. The updates we would want beyond that could wait for at least 5 years (possibly ten.) The list price is a little high for our budget, but our realtor says its overpriced. By the end of January she thinks it will come down into the upper end of our price range. In the meantime, I am continuing to browse the listings and preview homes with the realtor. As we find houses that we think my wife would like, we bring the whole family for a look-see. Of course, all the houses I am looking at now are being held up to the standard of that third one we saw that we fell in love with.
That's all for now, I have to get back to being a professor.
Add "happy" to the title up there,
Brad
9/20/2007: 14.22-mile biking, 49:09, 17.4 mph
9/21/2007: 14.21-mile biking, 47:50, 17.8 mph
9/24/2007: 14.23-mile biking, 48:25, 17.6 mph
9/25/2007: 14.21-mile biking, 48:42, 17.5 mph
9/27/2007: 14.22-mile biking, 49:43, 17.2 mph
9/28/2007: 14.24-mile biking, 48:39, 17.6 mph
10/01/2007: 14.25-mile biking, 45:51, 18.6 mph
As you can see, I still make it to work most every day via my bike...I just don't take the time to blog about it. Yesterday my bike time was helped by mildly favorable headwinds and the fact that I wasn't on my feet teaching all day. All of my classes had their first exam yesterday - which means I got to sit down for most of the class. Other factors that could have contributed to my faster time are: recent weight loss, my body adapting to my biking, improved cardio system due to my biking. I do think it was an anomaly. I normally sit in the 17 mph range and probably will until the weather forces me to slow down a little.
All of my classes are going great! I still love teaching and the students seem to enjoy my classes and the way I teach. I am also enjoying teaching seminary. Waking up at 5am is hard, but starting my day teaching the Gospel from the scriptures is great.
I don't think I mentioned it before, but about 2 weeks ago we went out looking at some houses. We saw a total of 4. We would not even consider the first and the last that we saw. The second was OK, but it had a pool which is a "deal-breaker" for us. The third was practically perfect in every way. Well, not really, but it would require minimal work for us to move in. The updates we would want beyond that could wait for at least 5 years (possibly ten.) The list price is a little high for our budget, but our realtor says its overpriced. By the end of January she thinks it will come down into the upper end of our price range. In the meantime, I am continuing to browse the listings and preview homes with the realtor. As we find houses that we think my wife would like, we bring the whole family for a look-see. Of course, all the houses I am looking at now are being held up to the standard of that third one we saw that we fell in love with.
That's all for now, I have to get back to being a professor.
Add "happy" to the title up there,
Brad
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Lots of talking...
9/14/2007: 14.21-mile biking, 50:19, 16.9 mph
9/18/2007: 14.21-mile biking, 49:55, 17.1 mph
My high hopes of running in the evenings have produced little substance. I ran last week on Monday night, but since then I have not made the time to run. Fortunately, I have to bike just over 14 miles to and from work every day - except yesterday when I took the car, but there was a good reason - or else I would be in bad shape. As it is, I am in pretty good shape. I do think that running 5 miles and biking 14 miles each weekday may be more than my body can handle (on top of work responsibilities.) I'll find that balance, but for now I'm back to being a cyclist.
The lesson on Sunday went well. It's quite a change to go from a 25-30 member Elders' quorum in Irvine to a 15 member combined High Priest/Elders' quorum here. I got many compliments on my lesson. I heard that the Relief Society's version of the lesson was not as well presented. I think that may be a first in my experience - a priesthood lesson "outperforming" a relief society lesson. It may just be that the sister teaching the lesson tried to present all the material in the SWK manual (even though the "teaching helps" at the beginning warn against that.) In sum, my Sunday teaching went well.
My presentation on Monday went great. I took the car so I wouldn't have to worry about changing at work and so I would have the most amount of time to go over the PowerPoint one last time. I spoke for about 25-30 minutes and then answered 5 or 6 questions. Only two of the questions were really directed to the content of my presentation. The others were all tangential issues about enemy combatants and American foreign policy in general. Having participated in several job talks and presentations at UC Irvine, I was well-prepared for these "statements with a question tagged on at the end."
Right now I'm just trying to get a little more than "one day" ahead of my classes - so I'll end with this: Even though I have a great deal of work to do to even feel caught up, I am happier than I have been in more than 5 years. I am doing something I love and have a vision of my life that is settled and that I am excited about.
Maybe now I can start looking for a house,
Brad
9/18/2007: 14.21-mile biking, 49:55, 17.1 mph
My high hopes of running in the evenings have produced little substance. I ran last week on Monday night, but since then I have not made the time to run. Fortunately, I have to bike just over 14 miles to and from work every day - except yesterday when I took the car, but there was a good reason - or else I would be in bad shape. As it is, I am in pretty good shape. I do think that running 5 miles and biking 14 miles each weekday may be more than my body can handle (on top of work responsibilities.) I'll find that balance, but for now I'm back to being a cyclist.
The lesson on Sunday went well. It's quite a change to go from a 25-30 member Elders' quorum in Irvine to a 15 member combined High Priest/Elders' quorum here. I got many compliments on my lesson. I heard that the Relief Society's version of the lesson was not as well presented. I think that may be a first in my experience - a priesthood lesson "outperforming" a relief society lesson. It may just be that the sister teaching the lesson tried to present all the material in the SWK manual (even though the "teaching helps" at the beginning warn against that.) In sum, my Sunday teaching went well.
My presentation on Monday went great. I took the car so I wouldn't have to worry about changing at work and so I would have the most amount of time to go over the PowerPoint one last time. I spoke for about 25-30 minutes and then answered 5 or 6 questions. Only two of the questions were really directed to the content of my presentation. The others were all tangential issues about enemy combatants and American foreign policy in general. Having participated in several job talks and presentations at UC Irvine, I was well-prepared for these "statements with a question tagged on at the end."
Right now I'm just trying to get a little more than "one day" ahead of my classes - so I'll end with this: Even though I have a great deal of work to do to even feel caught up, I am happier than I have been in more than 5 years. I am doing something I love and have a vision of my life that is settled and that I am excited about.
Maybe now I can start looking for a house,
Brad
Friday, September 14, 2007
Am I "respected" or just old???
9/13/2007: 14.19-mile biking, 50:35, 16.8 mph
My Wednesday 'prep' day turned into my Wednesday "sleep in and then drive to school only to have several students stop by before and after my office hour to talk and keep me from getting anything done" day. So I have been a little frazzled, but I had to post because of what just happened. As I walked past one of my students in the hall he nodded and said "hey sir." "Sir?" I know I should take that as a comment of respect, but part of me feels a lot older now. I'll get over it - I've gotten over hearing "Mr." or "Professor" Young.
I guess for guys "old" and "respected" are about the same,
Brad
p.s. Liz - you would definitely ace my State & Local class with an insight like that.
My Wednesday 'prep' day turned into my Wednesday "sleep in and then drive to school only to have several students stop by before and after my office hour to talk and keep me from getting anything done" day. So I have been a little frazzled, but I had to post because of what just happened. As I walked past one of my students in the hall he nodded and said "hey sir." "Sir?" I know I should take that as a comment of respect, but part of me feels a lot older now. I'll get over it - I've gotten over hearing "Mr." or "Professor" Young.
I guess for guys "old" and "respected" are about the same,
Brad
p.s. Liz - you would definitely ace my State & Local class with an insight like that.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Biking in the rain...
9/11/2007: 14.21-mile biking, 52:09, 16.3 mph
Yesterday we had some big downpours come through Ocean County. My bike into work included only a light mist until I got about 1/2 mile from the college - then it started to rain pretty hard. The bike home was pretty dry, but windy. My office mate was amazed that I hadn't driven in because of the weather. I may be crazy but I'm in shape.
In my State & Local Government classes yesterday, I divided the students into groups of 4 or 5 and had them come up characteristics of New Jersey behavior/ideas/beliefs/actions that could be explained by facts about the state (geography, demographics, history, charismatic leaders, etc.) I though we'd do that for about 20 minutes and then I'd do an overview of Federalism. Was I wrong! They all got right into it in their groups. When I finally stopped them and opened the class up for each group to present the discussion was lively and interesting. I had to stop them after 45 minutes because we were just out of time! I learned so much about the state and why New Jersey is and acts the way it does.
If your unwilling to learn you shouldn't be a teacher,
Brad
Yesterday we had some big downpours come through Ocean County. My bike into work included only a light mist until I got about 1/2 mile from the college - then it started to rain pretty hard. The bike home was pretty dry, but windy. My office mate was amazed that I hadn't driven in because of the weather. I may be crazy but I'm in shape.
In my State & Local Government classes yesterday, I divided the students into groups of 4 or 5 and had them come up characteristics of New Jersey behavior/ideas/beliefs/actions that could be explained by facts about the state (geography, demographics, history, charismatic leaders, etc.) I though we'd do that for about 20 minutes and then I'd do an overview of Federalism. Was I wrong! They all got right into it in their groups. When I finally stopped them and opened the class up for each group to present the discussion was lively and interesting. I had to stop them after 45 minutes because we were just out of time! I learned so much about the state and why New Jersey is and acts the way it does.
If your unwilling to learn you shouldn't be a teacher,
Brad
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
The boys made dinner...
9/10/2007: 14.18-mile biking, 50:22, 16.9 mph
9/10/2007: 5.2-mile run, 45:30, 8:45 pace
Yesterday I started teaching seminary at 6am, so I moved my running routine to the evening. Having the entire day of meals behind me will probably be better for me than my habit of running on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. Despite the fact that my lower back and legs hurt from biking to and from work and standing/dancing around the classroom teaching for 5 hours, I felt energized throughout my run. My time is one of the best times I have posted since we moved. I also slept quite well last night - I was a little concerned about running so close to bedtime.
I had such energy to run because my two boys made a great dinner for us last night (with the help of their beautiful Mom!) The main dish was an egg cooked in the cut-out middle of a piece of bread with ham and cheese on top. The name is something about "birds in a nest." They also made a yogurt dish with fresh fruit and chocolate Life cereal sprinkled on top. The recipes come from Cooking Rocks! Rachael Ray 30-Minute Meals for Kids. I loved it, the boys had a great time making and eating it, and my wife likes the fact that the recipes in the book (including this one) are real recipes for real dinners that the whole family can enjoy - not just simplified meals that only the kids enjoy.
After reading the comments about yesterday's decision to not use PowerPoint, I thought it best to make a more scientifically sound examination of the issue. All five of the classes I have had since I posted have overwhelmingly approved of PowerPoint. I don't do PowerPoint in the manner that makes students dislike it (i.e. click really fast or simply say what is on the slide verbatim) and my students made some recommendations for how I could make the presentation more useful to them. Most of them echoed the comments to my post. So I did one more PowerPoint lecture yesterday and it turned out just fine. I didn't get to the lecture I planned today because the students got too involved with the group activity I assigned them (that's a very good thing!) I'll see if I can integrate my energetic and personal teaching approach and an effective PowerPoint presentation.
Finally, I have been asked to substitute for the Elders'/High Priest teacher this Sunday. I am excited about it - I love to teach - but I have a lot to do now! In addition to my regular OCC teaching I have to prepare a 30-minute presentation for Monday and a lesson on the Law of Chastity for Sunday morning.
I must love teaching because I am still so happy,
Brad
9/10/2007: 5.2-mile run, 45:30, 8:45 pace
Yesterday I started teaching seminary at 6am, so I moved my running routine to the evening. Having the entire day of meals behind me will probably be better for me than my habit of running on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. Despite the fact that my lower back and legs hurt from biking to and from work and standing/dancing around the classroom teaching for 5 hours, I felt energized throughout my run. My time is one of the best times I have posted since we moved. I also slept quite well last night - I was a little concerned about running so close to bedtime.
I had such energy to run because my two boys made a great dinner for us last night (with the help of their beautiful Mom!) The main dish was an egg cooked in the cut-out middle of a piece of bread with ham and cheese on top. The name is something about "birds in a nest." They also made a yogurt dish with fresh fruit and chocolate Life cereal sprinkled on top. The recipes come from Cooking Rocks! Rachael Ray 30-Minute Meals for Kids. I loved it, the boys had a great time making and eating it, and my wife likes the fact that the recipes in the book (including this one) are real recipes for real dinners that the whole family can enjoy - not just simplified meals that only the kids enjoy.
After reading the comments about yesterday's decision to not use PowerPoint, I thought it best to make a more scientifically sound examination of the issue. All five of the classes I have had since I posted have overwhelmingly approved of PowerPoint. I don't do PowerPoint in the manner that makes students dislike it (i.e. click really fast or simply say what is on the slide verbatim) and my students made some recommendations for how I could make the presentation more useful to them. Most of them echoed the comments to my post. So I did one more PowerPoint lecture yesterday and it turned out just fine. I didn't get to the lecture I planned today because the students got too involved with the group activity I assigned them (that's a very good thing!) I'll see if I can integrate my energetic and personal teaching approach and an effective PowerPoint presentation.
Finally, I have been asked to substitute for the Elders'/High Priest teacher this Sunday. I am excited about it - I love to teach - but I have a lot to do now! In addition to my regular OCC teaching I have to prepare a 30-minute presentation for Monday and a lesson on the Law of Chastity for Sunday morning.
I must love teaching because I am still so happy,
Brad
Monday, September 10, 2007
A child's and a student's perspective...
9/7/2007: 14.18-mile biking, 50:35, 16.8 mph
9/8/2007: 5.2-mile run, 46:02, 8:52 pace
Today was my first day of seminary teaching. I had two students and we had a good time introducing ourselves and starting on the Old Testament. But that's not where the perspectives came from...
The student's perspective came after I finished teaching my Intro to Pol Sci class this morning. I had spent about 50 of the 75 minutes of class lecturing from a PowerPoint presentation. I then overheard a student (not mine) talking about how good this other instructor was. Why? She wrote all the notes and outline on the white-board and didn't use PowerPoint. The student loved that because she could keep up with the lecture and notes. As I reflected on the student's comments I came to realize that I am far more comfortable with my lousy writing and being able to move around the room than I am with a well-polished PowerPoint. I felt I had bored my students this morning with my lecture. So what do I do? I am going to bag the PowerPoint for now and go with what made me such a great teacher at UC Irvine - writing on the board, group activities and interacting with the students. I'll let you know how it goes.
The child's perspective is courtesy of my younger son. I was sitting at the breakfast table in my biking clothes, ready to get up and bike to work. I told the boys that we needed to say prayers so I could go to work. My younger son said, in an honestly 'I didn't hear you' tone, "where are you going?" I told him that I had to go to work. At that moment he gave me in my biker shorts and biking shirt a "That's nice dear" look that could have come from a mother who sees her teenager wearing five nose rings to go out with his/her friends, but forces a smile on her face to so as to not offend. Without using the tone of my voice it's painfully difficult to explain. Nevertheless, my wife and I had a difficult time containing our laughter. We both saw the look and got the message, though there is little I can do to improve my biking fashion.
Still learning and fixing,
Brad
9/8/2007: 5.2-mile run, 46:02, 8:52 pace
Today was my first day of seminary teaching. I had two students and we had a good time introducing ourselves and starting on the Old Testament. But that's not where the perspectives came from...
The student's perspective came after I finished teaching my Intro to Pol Sci class this morning. I had spent about 50 of the 75 minutes of class lecturing from a PowerPoint presentation. I then overheard a student (not mine) talking about how good this other instructor was. Why? She wrote all the notes and outline on the white-board and didn't use PowerPoint. The student loved that because she could keep up with the lecture and notes. As I reflected on the student's comments I came to realize that I am far more comfortable with my lousy writing and being able to move around the room than I am with a well-polished PowerPoint. I felt I had bored my students this morning with my lecture. So what do I do? I am going to bag the PowerPoint for now and go with what made me such a great teacher at UC Irvine - writing on the board, group activities and interacting with the students. I'll let you know how it goes.
The child's perspective is courtesy of my younger son. I was sitting at the breakfast table in my biking clothes, ready to get up and bike to work. I told the boys that we needed to say prayers so I could go to work. My younger son said, in an honestly 'I didn't hear you' tone, "where are you going?" I told him that I had to go to work. At that moment he gave me in my biker shorts and biking shirt a "That's nice dear" look that could have come from a mother who sees her teenager wearing five nose rings to go out with his/her friends, but forces a smile on her face to so as to not offend. Without using the tone of my voice it's painfully difficult to explain. Nevertheless, my wife and I had a difficult time containing our laughter. We both saw the look and got the message, though there is little I can do to improve my biking fashion.
Still learning and fixing,
Brad
Friday, September 7, 2007
Revelation on personal energy and Constitution Day...
9/6/2007: 14.22-mile biking, 51:57, 16.4 mph
Yesterday's bike ride was easy enough going into work but the wind was right in my face all the way home. In addition, I spent most of the day on my feet teaching four of my seven classes. All that explains the 1 mph dip in my speed.
I thought that sleeping in the past few days would help my energy level. I thought that biking every day to work and the stress of preparing and teaching classes would necessitate more sleep. Nope! I was wrong. I have more energy if I get up on only 6 hours of sleep and go running than if I stay in bed and get 1-2 extra hours of sleep. I have been dragging the last few mornings - so I hope to get back into running tomorrow morning.
Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) got a federal law signed that requires the Dean of the Social Sciences at OCC to recognize "Constitution Day" in some manner. The law is not specifically directed at OCC, but that's the effect it has. So, the Dean came by to see if I wanted to do something in the student center for "Constitution Day." I told him I would. So now I get to present, "Separation of Powers: the Iraq War" on Monday, September 17th. Doing so will look great on my tenure resume, it's a subject I am very interested in, and it will allow other students in the college to see me and hopefully get to know and like me.
Oh, and I start teaching seminary at 6am next week.
Just barely a day ahead,
Brad
Yesterday's bike ride was easy enough going into work but the wind was right in my face all the way home. In addition, I spent most of the day on my feet teaching four of my seven classes. All that explains the 1 mph dip in my speed.
I thought that sleeping in the past few days would help my energy level. I thought that biking every day to work and the stress of preparing and teaching classes would necessitate more sleep. Nope! I was wrong. I have more energy if I get up on only 6 hours of sleep and go running than if I stay in bed and get 1-2 extra hours of sleep. I have been dragging the last few mornings - so I hope to get back into running tomorrow morning.
Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) got a federal law signed that requires the Dean of the Social Sciences at OCC to recognize "Constitution Day" in some manner. The law is not specifically directed at OCC, but that's the effect it has. So, the Dean came by to see if I wanted to do something in the student center for "Constitution Day." I told him I would. So now I get to present, "Separation of Powers: the Iraq War" on Monday, September 17th. Doing so will look great on my tenure resume, it's a subject I am very interested in, and it will allow other students in the college to see me and hopefully get to know and like me.
Oh, and I start teaching seminary at 6am next week.
Just barely a day ahead,
Brad
Thursday, September 6, 2007
I came, I saw, I taught...
9/4/2007: 14.12-mile biking, 48:57, 17.3 mph
In response to Liz's comment:
I am only a day ahead of the students, but I did manage to sleep well last night.
I think I'll get more comfortable as the semester goes on. Everyone has been very helpful, and the students have tolerated my "name game" and other introductory activities well. I hope tomorrow goes as well as today.
I am upset at Verizon Wireless, however. Yesterday I tried to make a call, but couldn't because my "cell phone number was not valid." Come to find out that my number had been assigned to two different accounts at the same time. As the second account to receive the number I am the one that needs to change. Unfortunately, the change will not complete until Saturday, during which time I will be without my phone. I am also a little concerned because the new number I was assigned rings through to an active phone line - so how can it be mine?
In any case, I will have to update everyone with yet another phone number once this whole mess is figured out. Until then, call my wife with any emergencies or just send me an e-mail.
Maybe we should have gotten a land-line,
Brad
In response to Liz's comment:
I am only a day ahead of the students, but I did manage to sleep well last night.
I think I'll get more comfortable as the semester goes on. Everyone has been very helpful, and the students have tolerated my "name game" and other introductory activities well. I hope tomorrow goes as well as today.
I am upset at Verizon Wireless, however. Yesterday I tried to make a call, but couldn't because my "cell phone number was not valid." Come to find out that my number had been assigned to two different accounts at the same time. As the second account to receive the number I am the one that needs to change. Unfortunately, the change will not complete until Saturday, during which time I will be without my phone. I am also a little concerned because the new number I was assigned rings through to an active phone line - so how can it be mine?
In any case, I will have to update everyone with yet another phone number once this whole mess is figured out. Until then, call my wife with any emergencies or just send me an e-mail.
Maybe we should have gotten a land-line,
Brad
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
D-day minus two...
9/4/2007: 5.2-mile run, 46:02, 8:52 pace
Well here I am scrambling to get my courses outlined and syllabi ready. I think I'll do fine with the teaching part, but I don't know if I'll have all administrative stuff in place by 9:30 on Thursday. Oh well!
I hope I'll be able to sleep Wednesday night,
Brad
Well here I am scrambling to get my courses outlined and syllabi ready. I think I'll do fine with the teaching part, but I don't know if I'll have all administrative stuff in place by 9:30 on Thursday. Oh well!
I hope I'll be able to sleep Wednesday night,
Brad
Monday, September 3, 2007
And the calling is...
8/29/2007: 14.09-mile biking, 48:40, 17.4 mph
9/1/2007: 5.2-mile run, 46:27, 8:56 pace
My knee hurt all through Wednesday and Thursday, so I took Thursday and Friday off from biking and running. Thursday was easy to avoid - I had an all-day event at OCC to kick-off the academic year - lots of sitting was good for the knee. By Saturday morning I was able to run pain-free. I look forward to this week. I might be able to log over 20 miles of running and 50 miles of biking. I'll just have to see.
OK, for the big news. First of all, I was not sustained in our Ward meetings yesterday. The second counselor in the bishopric met with me to go over the details of the calling and told me that it was approved at the stake level. So what is the calling? Seminary teacher. I am very excited about it. I should be contacted this week by the CES director for our area and the High Council member over seminary/CES. As I understand it, I will be teaching every weekday at about 6am. I'll need to move my running time, but that's no big deal. I won't start until the 10th or 17th of September, so I have some time to prepare.
That's it. I think Becky had the closest guess with EQ/HP teacher. Well, gotta go shopping before the ward chili cook-off this afternoon.
I must have "teacher" written on my forehead,
Brad
9/1/2007: 5.2-mile run, 46:27, 8:56 pace
My knee hurt all through Wednesday and Thursday, so I took Thursday and Friday off from biking and running. Thursday was easy to avoid - I had an all-day event at OCC to kick-off the academic year - lots of sitting was good for the knee. By Saturday morning I was able to run pain-free. I look forward to this week. I might be able to log over 20 miles of running and 50 miles of biking. I'll just have to see.
OK, for the big news. First of all, I was not sustained in our Ward meetings yesterday. The second counselor in the bishopric met with me to go over the details of the calling and told me that it was approved at the stake level. So what is the calling? Seminary teacher. I am very excited about it. I should be contacted this week by the CES director for our area and the High Council member over seminary/CES. As I understand it, I will be teaching every weekday at about 6am. I'll need to move my running time, but that's no big deal. I won't start until the 10th or 17th of September, so I have some time to prepare.
That's it. I think Becky had the closest guess with EQ/HP teacher. Well, gotta go shopping before the ward chili cook-off this afternoon.
I must have "teacher" written on my forehead,
Brad
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Pain, Trader Joes, and the bishop...
8/29/2007: 5.2-mile run, 49:18, 9:28 pace
This morning's run ended up going longer than I wanted. Not in distance, of course, but in time. by about mile 2 my left IT band had tightened up and my knee was starting to hurt. I had to slow down through the rest of the run and take two 1-minute walking breaks to keep the pain under control. When I got home I worked both IT bands over with my painstick, in addition to really stretching out well. I think the combination of the time change, my recent biking, my lack of regular running and two hours in the car yesterday sent my body into open rebellion. It should settle down by next week.
So, two hours in the car. The trip to Trader Joe's was just under 50 miles each way and took about about two hours round-trip. After 5 years in California where two-lane roads are only found on side streets, I was surprised to find that the "highway" we had to travel was largely two lanes. It wasn't too bad - I did get to pass a truck, and get passed in turn by a BMW - but the two hours of driving was almost more than I could handle. It was definitely worth it, though. We re-stocked our cereal supply and picked-up such goodies as: triple-ginger cookies, mango chili vinegar, crushed ginger, whole-wheat pizza dough, sun-dried tomato sausage, flax seed tortilla chips and milk-chocolate chips. While there we also picked-up sandwiches for lunch. I think we'll limit our visits to once a month - that's as often as I can handle a 100-mile, 2-hour drive.
Once we got home, everyone was sick of driving. So we decided to forget house-hunting in favor of my going to the DMV to get my NJ license and plates for Gandalf. After two hours of bureaucratic fun, I am now officially a New Jersey driver with a New Jersey car. Today we will probably send my wife to get her license. After that we'll only need to get Gandalf inspected so we can put the expiration sticker on his plates and we'll be done with the NJ DMV for at least a year.
Finally, I met with the bishop last night (at my request) to talk about how our family is adjusting to New Jersey in general and the ward specifically. During our discussion, he felt a strong impression to extend to me a calling. He said he had been pondering about 14 different callings for me but this was not one of them. The prompting he received was just so strong that he didn't feel he should wait to talk it over with his counselors. Of course I accepted. I won't tell y'all what it is until I am sustained by the ward, but I will tell you that I am very excited and nervous about it. I will definitely need the Lord's help to magnify this calling.
My body may be hurting but my spirit is flying high,
Brad
This morning's run ended up going longer than I wanted. Not in distance, of course, but in time. by about mile 2 my left IT band had tightened up and my knee was starting to hurt. I had to slow down through the rest of the run and take two 1-minute walking breaks to keep the pain under control. When I got home I worked both IT bands over with my painstick, in addition to really stretching out well. I think the combination of the time change, my recent biking, my lack of regular running and two hours in the car yesterday sent my body into open rebellion. It should settle down by next week.
So, two hours in the car. The trip to Trader Joe's was just under 50 miles each way and took about about two hours round-trip. After 5 years in California where two-lane roads are only found on side streets, I was surprised to find that the "highway" we had to travel was largely two lanes. It wasn't too bad - I did get to pass a truck, and get passed in turn by a BMW - but the two hours of driving was almost more than I could handle. It was definitely worth it, though. We re-stocked our cereal supply and picked-up such goodies as: triple-ginger cookies, mango chili vinegar, crushed ginger, whole-wheat pizza dough, sun-dried tomato sausage, flax seed tortilla chips and milk-chocolate chips. While there we also picked-up sandwiches for lunch. I think we'll limit our visits to once a month - that's as often as I can handle a 100-mile, 2-hour drive.
Once we got home, everyone was sick of driving. So we decided to forget house-hunting in favor of my going to the DMV to get my NJ license and plates for Gandalf. After two hours of bureaucratic fun, I am now officially a New Jersey driver with a New Jersey car. Today we will probably send my wife to get her license. After that we'll only need to get Gandalf inspected so we can put the expiration sticker on his plates and we'll be done with the NJ DMV for at least a year.
Finally, I met with the bishop last night (at my request) to talk about how our family is adjusting to New Jersey in general and the ward specifically. During our discussion, he felt a strong impression to extend to me a calling. He said he had been pondering about 14 different callings for me but this was not one of them. The prompting he received was just so strong that he didn't feel he should wait to talk it over with his counselors. Of course I accepted. I won't tell y'all what it is until I am sustained by the ward, but I will tell you that I am very excited and nervous about it. I will definitely need the Lord's help to magnify this calling.
My body may be hurting but my spirit is flying high,
Brad
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Run & Bike...
8/27/2007: 14.00-mile biking, 48:09, 17.4 mph
8/28/2007: 5.2-mile run, 46:23, 8:55 pace
Well I managed to get up at 5:30 and go running!
More tomorrow,
Brad
8/28/2007: 5.2-mile run, 46:23, 8:55 pace
Well I managed to get up at 5:30 and go running!
More tomorrow,
Brad
Monday, August 27, 2007
Just can't get on Eastern Time...
8/24/2007: 13.44-mile biking, 46:14, 17.4 mph
No running lately. I normally run in the morning, but I've been having a hard time getting up before 8am. I think it's because my body is still set on Pacific Time and is used to getting up at 5:20 for my running. Of course, that's 8:20 here which is definitely too late for a morning run. I guess I'll have to just force the issue until my body complies.
I did bike to work last Friday, however. It was great! I know the weather will not always cooperate to make my ride an easy one, but I plan to ride to work as often as possible. At just under 7 miles each way, the ride seems easy after my 16-mile rides around the Newport Beach Backbay.
That's all for now. Tomorrow we plan to take the nearly 40-mile trip to Trader Joe's to satisfy our addiction to their products that we picked up in California. If that doesn't wipe us out we may go drive around and check out local houses for sale. Before all of that, however, I must get up and go on a run!
Wishing my internal clock was as easy to change as my watch,
Brad
No running lately. I normally run in the morning, but I've been having a hard time getting up before 8am. I think it's because my body is still set on Pacific Time and is used to getting up at 5:20 for my running. Of course, that's 8:20 here which is definitely too late for a morning run. I guess I'll have to just force the issue until my body complies.
I did bike to work last Friday, however. It was great! I know the weather will not always cooperate to make my ride an easy one, but I plan to ride to work as often as possible. At just under 7 miles each way, the ride seems easy after my 16-mile rides around the Newport Beach Backbay.
That's all for now. Tomorrow we plan to take the nearly 40-mile trip to Trader Joe's to satisfy our addiction to their products that we picked up in California. If that doesn't wipe us out we may go drive around and check out local houses for sale. Before all of that, however, I must get up and go on a run!
Wishing my internal clock was as easy to change as my watch,
Brad
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Calling contest...
Well, my wife set-up a "calling contest" on her blog yesterday and linked to my blog stating that I would have one too. So here it is:
What calling will I get in our new ward?
Here's the deal: I offer no prizes (I'm into that "success is its own reward" idea) but I do offer inside info.....
The ward has just over 400 members of record. Over 200 single sisters and just about 80 priesthood-holding brethren (about ten of them are over 75 years old.) I told the bishop that I was coming off a stint as the ward choir director - but that was after my wife had explained her experience in music and told him she enjoyed being the choir director. I also told him of my experience teaching in Elders' quorum and in Sunday School (Family History.) He also mentioned that the ward clerk/ward organist/Elders' quorum & High Priest group teacher needed to be released from one of those callings.
There it is. Let the comments begin!
Brad
What calling will I get in our new ward?
Here's the deal: I offer no prizes (I'm into that "success is its own reward" idea) but I do offer inside info.....
The ward has just over 400 members of record. Over 200 single sisters and just about 80 priesthood-holding brethren (about ten of them are over 75 years old.) I told the bishop that I was coming off a stint as the ward choir director - but that was after my wife had explained her experience in music and told him she enjoyed being the choir director. I also told him of my experience teaching in Elders' quorum and in Sunday School (Family History.) He also mentioned that the ward clerk/ward organist/Elders' quorum & High Priest group teacher needed to be released from one of those callings.
There it is. Let the comments begin!
Brad
Friday, August 17, 2007
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Two-a-days...
8/7/2007: 5-mile run, 44:00, 8:48 pace
3-mile walk/run, 40:00
Normally I watch our boys when I get home from my morning run so that my wife can take her morning walk. However, we are staying with family, so my wife and I took the opportunity to go on a morning walk together. I really enjoyed spending the time with her walking, jogging and talking about all sorts of things. We were both a little sore from helping her sister and brother-in-law pack-up to move yesterday, but the exercise helped loosen-up some of the stiffness. It also strengthened our decision to stay in our NJ apartment for two years before we consider moving to a house - but we'll have to see.
Exercising is more friendly with two,
Brad
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Starting with a win…
8/4/2007: 2.6 miles, 21:30, 8:16 pace
Everything is on its way to
I hope all y’all like my new blog. If you have any suggestions, just let me know.
I could get used to this “winning” thing,
Brad
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