Spring Break Thursday

Well, I'm back from Montana. The interview went really good, I got to sit in on one of the classes I would be teaching, and they use the same books that I used at Highlands Ranch for MS Science. After the interview, I went to the Eekoff's for supper. (For you Dordt people, which is pretty much everyone...Bigs and Mark's parents) That night, Robin & Jon picked me up and showed me around for awhile. We looked around Belgrade at apartment complexes and houses. There were some really nice places there, a number of subdivisions I guess. We went on to Bozeman after that, which is where the closest Wal-Mart, Target, etc... are all located. Its also where Montana State is located, so there's plenty to do there.

When I flew in, it was pretty cloudy, so I didn't really get to see the area until the next morning, and the mountains seemed to be no further than 15-20 miles away in each direction, so its like a bowl in the middle surrounded by ski slopes, fly fishing streams, and all the hunting you can think of.

Well, the day after I got back, they called me and offered me the job! So as hard as it was to get on the plane, fly there, sit through the interview, and fly back... the tough part really begins now. I did let them know before I left Montana that I had another interview at a school in Indiana in 2 weeks, and that they had already bought plane tickets for me and Linds, so I was planning on going out there. They had no problem giving me two weeks to think about it so I could check out DeMotte.

As relieving as it is to know that I will have a job next year, I think I feel even more worried about it now in trying to reach a decision about our future next year. I know that God will reveal His plan to us when the time is right, but saying that and living that are two so completely different things that its making my head spin. So...it would be great if you could pray for God's guidance in this whole decision-making process, as there are definite pros and cons to each place I've interviewed with so far.

On another note, with baseball season I guess "officially" started with the games in Japan, I thought I would add a few baseball thoughts...

-Aaron Gleeman makes a good point about the Twins batting Adam Everett 9th and having Carlos Gomez hit leadoff. If you bat Joe Mauer 2nd...will he reach the 100 RBI total that everyone knows he's capable of?

-We know how big of a fan Gardy is of Punto (he did show complete confidence in him after his stellar .210 AVG last season. Gleeman says "don't be surprised if Punto takes over before midseason for Harris, unless we see a .350 AVG from Harris in April." Wouldn't that be just an amazing lineup? Punto, Everett, and Gomez batting before Mauer? How long before Casilla is ready for the majors? Maybe when he's 30 years old? 35? (I guess he is only 23)

-I don't get to see Twins games out here in Denver, but apparently Livan made an impossible play in the Twins' game vs. the Rays on Wednesday. Elliot Johnson bunted a ball down the line towards 1st, and Livan lumbered over to make the play with Morneau covering the bag. When the ball reached about 10-15 feet from the base, Livan and his 6'2", 250 frame wouldn't (couldn't) bend over to make the play, so he did the next best thing...he kicked it...right into the glove of Morneau for your routine 1-3 putout. It's a good thing we have a Canuck playing 1st base to make the save...to which Morneau replied "it wouldn't have counted anyway, you can't kick it in for a goal." Wow, spoken like a true Canadian. I don't remember seeing a kick in baseball so spectacular since Paul O'Neill's relay throw...er...relay kick.

-A non-Twins question for the Cubs fans out there...why the signing of Reed Johnson? Besides the fact that he can backup Pie in center, what now becomes of Murton? Another season in AAA?

So long everybody...

News

Wow, it really has been that long since I've written on here, I thought Linds was just kidding. Well, I guess that means I really have been as busy as I felt like I was for the past couple weeks. Let's try to remember what's been happening lately...

The interview in Annapolis went pretty good. The school is really nice, not at all the middle-of-the-city setting I was expecting. I guess the whole area is like that though, you never really feel like your in a capital city while you're there, so that was kinda cool. The job would be teaching either 6th or 7th Science, with one additional elective, most likely a Bible class. So...from a 1st-year teacher's POV, only prepping for two classes, having a team meeting period, and having another open period looks really good. They also have a little different view of education, at least it seemed that way to me. They seemed focused on an "excellent" education more than setting the foundations of basic principles at the middle school level. I tend to think that the foundations are what sets a person up for where "excellent" learning should occur...in the high school. But don't get me wrong, if they're able to do that in the middle school, then I can't imagine the discussions they have in the high school. I think its just a different mentality than what I grew up in, and even different that what I've taught in here in Denver.

Well...I did survive the plane ride, and as much as I might be getting to be a "pro" at this plane riding thing...I don't ever need to fly again. Unless its to Rome...or New Zealand...then I'll suck it up for a flight. Somehow I got stuck in the middle on all three flights (I had one connection on the way back). I just don't fit there, its not right. WHERE DO I PUT MY ELBOWS?!?!?! Anyways, the flight from Chicago was delayed into Denver, so my prep time for the classes that I had to teach on Monday was cut from what I had hoped to be around 3 hours down to about 30 min. It's a good thing I'm so naturally gifted at teaching I can wing it, huh? Yeah right... I will admit, softball and golf went alright, but my freshman Science class was a little shaky.

Oh, I almost forgot...along with planning for class, I had a phone interview with DeMotte Christian on Monday night too...talk about adding pressure to an already stressful situation. Its a good thing I don't perform like Michael Cuddyer in the clutch, because I guess the interview went good enough to warrant a face-to-face interview in a couple weeks. They're actually flying both me and Linds out there, so they already get bonus points on our part for that move. And if anyone has any thoughts on how to teach from a Reformed perspective, and might possibly have some real-life Science examples as to how and do that...shoot me an email with a few ideas.

Oh and yes...of course its March Madness, and how fitting is that this year with everything going on. So fitting, in fact that I only had time to fill out ONE bracket and enter it in only two pools. I think I normally have around 10 different brackets, hoping that at least one will save me. Now I guess I see the touch or not with the mighty pen. I filled it out while supervising Freshman study hall, so...no internet, no ESPN analysts, no CollegeRPI by my side, etc... the list goes on.

I met up with Tim on Wednesday night to catch up. He had been skiing with some friends for Spring Break at Breckenridge and Copper Mtn. We sat and chatted at IHOP for a little over an hour or so, it was a good time.

Speaking of Dordt Spring Break, I finally get to see some familiar faces from NW Iowa around. Kelsie, Kristin, and Kate are around for a little over a week, so I went out to eat with the DeNooy's a couple times.

Well, that might be it as far as what's been happening. Looking ahead now...

I leave for Manhattan Christian on Monday morning for a short 24-hour visit there. I'm hoping I can catch up with Robin & Jon while I'm there, but I'm not betting on it.

I have a interview date set up in DeMotte April 7-9. I'm really looking forward to that one, it seems like a great place.

As of right now, heading into Spring Break, I have 10 actual in-school student teaching days left. I'll be wrapping up two classes I'm teaching the week after break, and then continuing with the Science class for the remainder of my time here. I really hope the weather gets nice by the time I come home, because its been in the 60's pretty much all the time here, and that's the forecast for next week too. Linds just said I'm getting soft...I didn't have an answer right away, but then again, who needs an answer when its 60 degrees outside and someone has a tan already from coaching track...

So long everybody...

Jobs

Well, there is updated news in the search for a job...

I had a phone interview with Manhattan Christian on Thursday night for about 30 min. I didn't know whether I would be more or less nervous for a phone interview as opposed to a in-person interview, especially because I don't think I communicate over the phone really well. When they switched to speakerphone on their end, I really thought I was going to lose it because I really couldn't hear what they were saying. Oh well. I thought I gave pretty solid answers to their questions though, and I think I made them laugh 5 or 6 times, so they at least know what kind of a person I am. At the end, he told me they would let me know soon, then he paused...actually, we'll let you know tomorrow. So when I hung up, I knew the laughs and jokes were either a really good thing, or a reeeeaaaaallllyyyy bad thing to do. Turns out they did call the following afternoon and told me I was one of the final two candidates! They're going to have me come out during my spring break here, which is the week of March 24-28. Not completely sure how I'm going to get there yet, I looked up plane tickets and the cheapest ones from Denver to Bozeman are $600+, but then again, who wants to be off the ground in a plane when you have a Beretta??...excuse me...THE Beretta.

I'm still planning on flying out to Annapolis next Thursday for an interview there. I'm not sure exactly what the schedule is for out there, but I'm getting excited for it. I can see that my top two options for next year definitely have their pros & cons, but I'm trying not to make up too big of a list before I actually go there, see the school/area/housing/everything. If anyone has any input at all, feel very free to let me know. The DeNooy's feel like Linds and I need to stay here next year, even if it ends up me working at Mickey D's School...as long as Linds can come and revive the v-ball program.

I feel used...in a good way.

Alot...and not alot

Well, the High School experience is going quite well. I'm still trying to get used to starting classes at 7:50 every morning. It's a good thing we didn't have that in high school, I don't think my GPA would've been quite as good. But, I guess as I look back to college I had a 7:45 class more often than not, but I still know I don't truly wake up until mid-morning. When I get a cup of coffee in the morning, that usually helps, so I might have to put a coffeemaker in my room next year.

I taught a Health chapter this past week, it went alright I guess, not quite the hands-on science stuff that I enjoy doing, but we had some interesting discussions. Next week I start teaching P.E. classes, and over the next month I'll be doing 3 different units between 2 classes. Soccer, Softball, and Golf are my activities of choice, and thanks to the 60 degree weather right now and the prediction of hitting 70 DEGREES on Saturday, hopefully I'll get to teach them outside. But there is a prediction for more snow on Sunday night...

I'm helping out with track out here too, mainly working with the throwers (because I learned SO much about it doing it in high school). But its going really good. I have a couple guys who hadn't ever done it before, so at least I can teach them something. There's also a senior who placed at the state meet last year, so hopefully by the end of the year, I'll have a couple promising newcomers and maybe even a state champ??? That would look good on a resume...

For those of you who don't know, I do have an interview lined up in two weeks, and I'm flying there. Now most of you know me, but I try to keep my unwillingness to fly anywhere more of a secret. I'd rather drive for 3 straight days...you're thinking I'm kidding...I'm not. But anyways, I'm flying there, and to add to it, I'm teaching a lesson there as well. Double the nervousness, and its still two weeks away. Oh, and I need to figure out whether or not I need to wear a tie. Hopefully I still have one tied and just wrapped around a hanger. If not, polo shirt here we come!

Oh, and just to add one more thing...I know no one here's a huge Twins fan, and if you are, you probably aren't as critical about the offseason moves as I am, but Aaron Gleeman writes a blog that (no lie) made me stand up and yell "THANK YOU" for finally writing what I've been thinking about the Twins lately. I know, I know, its just a game and its not my money or my team...but its a free country and if I knew it was going to be this bad, I would've sent in my application in September to apply for the GM job myself. The link is www.aarongleeman.com, and its the Feb. 27 post.

High School

Well, Week 1 in the High School is in the books. It's definitely different than the Middle School...the change from 8th graders to Freshmen is alot different than I remember. My 1st period class is a P.E. Foundations class that is all Freshmen. Ray (my cooperating teacher) expressed his frustration with them on the first day I was there, and it didn't take me long to figure out why. Very little respect for anyone (teachers or peers), and a very predetermined view of what effort should be put into P.E. classes. I have a feeling they'll get their wake-up call when grades come back to their parents and the P.E. grade is subpar at best.

The rest of my day consists of a Health class which I already began teaching, a Team Sports class, a Lifetime Activities class (mostly seniors who have already checked out for the year), and a couple periods in Support Services, which is WAY more rewarding than I thought it would be. Most of the students that come in really want the help, instead of being forced to be there.

Thursday night I stayed for the Girls' BB game, mostly because I was talked into staying, but I will admit that I didn't last the night, but I gave it an effort...I lasted through the JV game and half of the Varsity game. I saw a few of my 8th graders from Highlands Ranch there, so it was good to catch up with them again. I know I'm going to have to go back and visit before I leave here.

Friday night I went to Mr. Crusader, which is a fundraiser where 14 senior guys were put up in a type of a Miss America Pageant, complete with a choreographed group dance, formal introductions, individual talent acts, and interviews. It was absolutely a riot. The whole crowd was into it, and it was really cool to see all the support. It was a great idea for a fundraiser...I might try to push for it next year wherever I end up.

Weekend

Ah...President's Day weekend. Up until this year I had no idea what that meant, because we always had so many snow days that we had to make it all up and there never was a break from school. Well this year was different, a little time off breaks up the month of February real nice, along with giving Linds a chance to come out and visit. And oh, Dordt College, thanks for giving her up on two of the bigger visit days of the year, I'm glad you could share.

Anyways, Linds flew in Thursday night, and Denver International Airport is a little confusing, even if you're picking someone up, so its a good thing the Beretta is equipped with a stellar navigation system...a.k.a. Me. We made it back to Gwyn's house around 10:30-11 and enjoyed a nice heart shaped pizza in light of it being Valentine's Day.

Friday we went to Highlands Ranch so I could show Linds around the school a little. We met Judy (my cooperating science teacher) and her daughter Leesha there and I put Linds to work helping me put up posters in the hallway. Then we all went out to eat at Chili's. That afternoon we spent some time at Red Rocks, an ampitheather just into the foothills by Morrison. They hold 20-30 concerts there a year. They've had the Beatles, U2 a few times, Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, and others. It's a pretty sweet place. Here's a picture from the top looking east over Denver...


Saturday we went up to Berthoud Pass, which is off I-70 on the way to Winter Park, to go showshoeing. It was definitely an experience, and alot of fun. We didn't exactly feel like we went very far, since it took us an hour to go halfway up the mountain and decide we were too out of breath to make it any further, so we took a couple pictures and went back down. We made it to the treeline, so we figured we were high enough. Here's one of those pictures...(notice the sweatshirts, it was like 30-40 degrees up there, real nice!)


Sunday was spent going to church, eating leftover Middle Eastern food from the night before, (A place called Jerusalem, its by DU, absolutely incredible food), and capping it off that night at Jamba Juice, where the fruit smoothies are AMAZING!

Monday we ate at Chipotle, and if you've never eaten there, you need too. Then we stopped in to visit the De Nooy's before Linds had to take off for the airport.

Overall...great weekend, I hope the next 6 weeks go by as quickly as the last 6 did. If any of you are wondering, I have sent out a number of applications to schools, still waiting to hear back from most of them, but the job search is on.

So long everybody...

Quote of the Day

Alright...off topic from school a little here, but nonetheless a great quote from Twins GM Bill Smith in a story about how the Twins' payroll is $22 million dollars less on this Opening Day that it was last opening day...

"To be honest I haven't really had to worry about (payroll)," Smith said. "I've been trying to increase it."

WHAT!?!?!?!

Off to school...3 days and an inservice left at Highlands Ranch...