A bunch of things:
Today marks my first month in probably over 15 years without caffeine. It felt like 100 years at times, but I've hit the first mile marker in my quest for 12 months. God deserves the credit.
Kristin has been doing a chore chart with Danny where he earns rewards if he does everything. Today, I was driving with Danny back from the Kittery Trading Post to deliver tools back to my father-in-law. Danny said to me as he was falling asleep "Dad, I don't care about rewards- I just want to spend time with you." I told him to wait 10 years and see what he thinks then. Before all of you women get weepy eyed, keep in mind I just bought the kid Skittles and Gatordade at 7:30 at night.
Today I rolled out a bunch of things to students at Pelham High School. Email accounts, remote access to files and applications, a website for them to check their own grades and attendance, and an Inbox/Outbox system for moving files between students and teachers. I didn't think much about it until I was done, but it was a big day for me professionally. I worked for the past 19 months in Pelham to get to the point I was at today. They are world class things that those students get to use- the only District in the State with all of those services to my knowledge. I feel proud. It took about $350,000 and a lot of nights where I worked past midnight (I remember getting home at 4:19 AM one morning), but it was worth it.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
The Kid Who Cried Wolf
Danny is sometimes a touch emotional. One night, I had enough, and decided to tell him the story of the boy who cried wolf. I don't know the real story, but here is what I told him.
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
adapted by Adam
adapted by Adam
Once there was a boy who lived in a small farm town where the people raised sheep for a living. The boy had a very important job. The men took him to the top of a hill where he could see all of the sheep. They told him to watch out for a wolf. If he saw a wolf, the boy should yell and scream and the men of the town would come running to scare off the wolf.
The men left, and the boy sat as the sun went down. And he waited. And he waited. And he waited. And he.... was... bored.
So the boy yelled "WOLF!!!"
The men grabbed their guns and came running up the hill. They said "Where's the wolf? Where's the wolf?"
The boy said, "There is no wolf, I was just bored and wanted some company." One of the men told him that wolves like to steal their sheep and eat them and that it was very important that the boy only yell "wolf" if there was really a wolf. The men left and went back to their houses, put their guns away, and started eating their dinner again.
And the boy waited. And he waited. And he waited. And he... was... bored.
So the boy yelled "WOLF! WOLF!!!!"
The men stopped eating dinner, grabbed their guns and came running up the hill again. They said "Where's the wolf? Where is it?"
The boy said, "There is no wolf, I was just cold and wanted someone to talk to." The men were angry. They told the boy that they were eating their dinner and did not want to be interrupted if there was no wolf. The men left.
And the boy waited. And he waited. And he waited. And he... was... bored.
So the boy yelled "WOLF! WOLF! WOLF!!!!"
The men looked thought for a minute and then grabbed their guns and came running up the hill for the third time. They said "Where's the wolf? Where's the wolf?"
The boy said, "There is no wolf, I was just scared of the dark and wanted someone to talk to." The men were angry. They told the boy that they weren't going to believe him if a wolf really DID come to steal the sheep. The men left angry at the boy.
And the boy waited. And he waited. And he waited. Do you know what he did? Nothing! He did not want the men to be angry at him anymore. So he waited. And he waited. And he- WAIT! What was that? There was something sneaking over to the sheep! Is it? Could it be? No- wait- YES! It's really a wolf!
The boy screamed "WOLF! WOLF! WOLF!!!! WOLF!!!!!! WOLF!!!!!!!!"
The men didn't come. They sat in their homes and did not listen to the boy.
The wolf took one sheep, then another. Then, the wolf came back and took more sheep. The boy watched the wolf take all of the sheep, one by one.
The next morning, the men came up the hill. They said "Where are all of the sheep??????"
The boy said, "The wolf came and took them. I yelled 'wolf' but nobody believed me."
The men left, and the boy sat as the sun went down. And he waited. And he waited. And he waited. And he.... was... bored.
So the boy yelled "WOLF!!!"
The men grabbed their guns and came running up the hill. They said "Where's the wolf? Where's the wolf?"
The boy said, "There is no wolf, I was just bored and wanted some company." One of the men told him that wolves like to steal their sheep and eat them and that it was very important that the boy only yell "wolf" if there was really a wolf. The men left and went back to their houses, put their guns away, and started eating their dinner again.
And the boy waited. And he waited. And he waited. And he... was... bored.
So the boy yelled "WOLF! WOLF!!!!"
The men stopped eating dinner, grabbed their guns and came running up the hill again. They said "Where's the wolf? Where is it?"
The boy said, "There is no wolf, I was just cold and wanted someone to talk to." The men were angry. They told the boy that they were eating their dinner and did not want to be interrupted if there was no wolf. The men left.
And the boy waited. And he waited. And he waited. And he... was... bored.
So the boy yelled "WOLF! WOLF! WOLF!!!!"
The men looked thought for a minute and then grabbed their guns and came running up the hill for the third time. They said "Where's the wolf? Where's the wolf?"
The boy said, "There is no wolf, I was just scared of the dark and wanted someone to talk to." The men were angry. They told the boy that they weren't going to believe him if a wolf really DID come to steal the sheep. The men left angry at the boy.
And the boy waited. And he waited. And he waited. Do you know what he did? Nothing! He did not want the men to be angry at him anymore. So he waited. And he waited. And he- WAIT! What was that? There was something sneaking over to the sheep! Is it? Could it be? No- wait- YES! It's really a wolf!
The boy screamed "WOLF! WOLF! WOLF!!!! WOLF!!!!!! WOLF!!!!!!!!"
The men didn't come. They sat in their homes and did not listen to the boy.
The wolf took one sheep, then another. Then, the wolf came back and took more sheep. The boy watched the wolf take all of the sheep, one by one.
The next morning, the men came up the hill. They said "Where are all of the sheep??????"
The boy said, "The wolf came and took them. I yelled 'wolf' but nobody believed me."
The End
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
As Told by my Drunk Grandpa
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
As Told by my Drunk Grandpa
Once there was a boy who lived in section 8 housing on Galbreath over by the Taco Bell because his dad couldn't get a job as a health inspector because he got a case of the gout over in Iraq and no one in this God forsaken country would hire a health inspector with a case of the gout and maybe hepatitis C on top of the gout.
The men of the section 8 housing told the boy to stand on the corner and warn them if any Steeler fans drove by so they could throw Johnsonville brats and weiners from Gold Star chili at them since the weiners from Gold Star taste like grandma's rubber water back she uses on her back ever since she fell at the IGA after she stepped on a case of Kentucky Jelly she was going to use to grease the doorways when big uncle Eddie was going to come over for cheese grits.
So the boy stood there making obscene gestures. And he mooned people. And he threw things. But he got bored. So he yelled "Steelers suck!!!" Ole' Hank and his dad grabbed their terrible towel guns and a T-shirt that says "Got Chin?" with a picture of Bill Cowher on it and ran out to the road.
They said "Where are 'dem som' bitches?" The boy from section 8 said "I ain't seen 'em, I was just tired of mooning cars." His dad told him to go to Taco Bell and get him a mexican pizza with extra green peppers and told him not to yell "Steelers Suck" unless he really saw Steeler fans.
So the boy stood there making obscene gestures. And he mooned people. And he threw things. But he got bored. So he yelled "There's Kimo Von Oelhoffen!" Ole' Hank and the boy's dad grabbed fake knee braces and their Heinz field catchup guns and ran out to the road.
They said "Where are 'dem som' bitches?" The boy from section 8 said "I ain't seem 'em, I was just tired of throwing fake Troy Polamalu wigs at cars and yelling "Medusa." His dad told him to go to that Chinese restaurant behind Taco Bell that no one has ever seen anyone go in or out of before to get him some general tsao's chicken and told him not to yell "There's Kimo" unless he really saw Steeler fans.
So the boy stood there making obscene gestures. And he mooned people. And he threw rocks at cars with pictures of Hines Ward catching HPV from Deshea Townsend. But then- could it? No- YES! It was a car full of Steeler fans with Kimo Von Oelhoffen jersey's! Jackpot!
So the boy yelled "Steelers SUCK!" and "There's Kimo!" and "Ben's riding again!"
But his dad and ole' hank were passed out on the couch from the al Qaeda chicken they got from that chinese restaurant and didn't hear the boy from section 8.
So the boy pretended the car hit him and he yelled really loud. The Steeler fans got out of their car and ran over to the boy. Just at the right time, Ole' Hank took the driver out at the knees. No yellow flags were thrown, no police were called to respond, but somewhere, Carson Palmer suddenly had a good feeling about next season.
The men of the section 8 housing told the boy to stand on the corner and warn them if any Steeler fans drove by so they could throw Johnsonville brats and weiners from Gold Star chili at them since the weiners from Gold Star taste like grandma's rubber water back she uses on her back ever since she fell at the IGA after she stepped on a case of Kentucky Jelly she was going to use to grease the doorways when big uncle Eddie was going to come over for cheese grits.
So the boy stood there making obscene gestures. And he mooned people. And he threw things. But he got bored. So he yelled "Steelers suck!!!" Ole' Hank and his dad grabbed their terrible towel guns and a T-shirt that says "Got Chin?" with a picture of Bill Cowher on it and ran out to the road.
They said "Where are 'dem som' bitches?" The boy from section 8 said "I ain't seen 'em, I was just tired of mooning cars." His dad told him to go to Taco Bell and get him a mexican pizza with extra green peppers and told him not to yell "Steelers Suck" unless he really saw Steeler fans.
So the boy stood there making obscene gestures. And he mooned people. And he threw things. But he got bored. So he yelled "There's Kimo Von Oelhoffen!" Ole' Hank and the boy's dad grabbed fake knee braces and their Heinz field catchup guns and ran out to the road.
They said "Where are 'dem som' bitches?" The boy from section 8 said "I ain't seem 'em, I was just tired of throwing fake Troy Polamalu wigs at cars and yelling "Medusa." His dad told him to go to that Chinese restaurant behind Taco Bell that no one has ever seen anyone go in or out of before to get him some general tsao's chicken and told him not to yell "There's Kimo" unless he really saw Steeler fans.
So the boy stood there making obscene gestures. And he mooned people. And he threw rocks at cars with pictures of Hines Ward catching HPV from Deshea Townsend. But then- could it? No- YES! It was a car full of Steeler fans with Kimo Von Oelhoffen jersey's! Jackpot!
So the boy yelled "Steelers SUCK!" and "There's Kimo!" and "Ben's riding again!"
But his dad and ole' hank were passed out on the couch from the al Qaeda chicken they got from that chinese restaurant and didn't hear the boy from section 8.
So the boy pretended the car hit him and he yelled really loud. The Steeler fans got out of their car and ran over to the boy. Just at the right time, Ole' Hank took the driver out at the knees. No yellow flags were thrown, no police were called to respond, but somewhere, Carson Palmer suddenly had a good feeling about next season.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
BA
When I first heard the term "BA" I thought of Sgt. Bosco "B.A." Baracus from the A-Team.
In my world, it stands for Business Administrator. A "BA" runs the operations of a school district. From the financial side of things, to transportation, food service, and physical plant- all of the non-educational functions of a district are managed by a business administrator.
In my role as director of technology, I have a limited scope and focus. I can effect some change, but my effect is limited by the narrow scope of my job. I feel I have some God-given talents and abilities that might be better suited in a BA job that has a wider scope.
The most important characteristics of a BA, in my opinion, are integrity (handling all of the millions of dollars of tax-payer money with frugality and honesty), solid intentions (to make the district work more efficiently and effectively so that the education of kids is more effective), common sense (the ability to make decisions that are cost-effective, logical, and create productivity gains), and the ability to handle fragmented and disjointed tasks with a broad knowledge base. In short, I think I have what it takes, minus an MBA.
So, after talking to many people who know me, a few people in my district, and praying for guidance, I have decided to apply for the business administrator job in Pelham. I lack the credentials that would cement my chances. However, I have solid working relationships with everyone in town, including those outside of the school district in positions of authority, and I bring to the table knowledge of the District, solid intentions, integrity, and common sense.
In two years (or more), Pelham and Windham are going to split from being one administrative unit to two. At that time, if the folks in Pelham are far-sighted enough, Pelham would have a BA with two years of experience, an MBA, and a working knowledge of Pelham that would make the transition a positive experience.
I think my chances are about 40%, maybe more. Regardless, I feel strongly that applying is the right step. Anyone have any thoughts?
In my world, it stands for Business Administrator. A "BA" runs the operations of a school district. From the financial side of things, to transportation, food service, and physical plant- all of the non-educational functions of a district are managed by a business administrator.
In my role as director of technology, I have a limited scope and focus. I can effect some change, but my effect is limited by the narrow scope of my job. I feel I have some God-given talents and abilities that might be better suited in a BA job that has a wider scope.
The most important characteristics of a BA, in my opinion, are integrity (handling all of the millions of dollars of tax-payer money with frugality and honesty), solid intentions (to make the district work more efficiently and effectively so that the education of kids is more effective), common sense (the ability to make decisions that are cost-effective, logical, and create productivity gains), and the ability to handle fragmented and disjointed tasks with a broad knowledge base. In short, I think I have what it takes, minus an MBA.
So, after talking to many people who know me, a few people in my district, and praying for guidance, I have decided to apply for the business administrator job in Pelham. I lack the credentials that would cement my chances. However, I have solid working relationships with everyone in town, including those outside of the school district in positions of authority, and I bring to the table knowledge of the District, solid intentions, integrity, and common sense.
In two years (or more), Pelham and Windham are going to split from being one administrative unit to two. At that time, if the folks in Pelham are far-sighted enough, Pelham would have a BA with two years of experience, an MBA, and a working knowledge of Pelham that would make the transition a positive experience.
I think my chances are about 40%, maybe more. Regardless, I feel strongly that applying is the right step. Anyone have any thoughts?
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Went to Kasaundra's 5th birthday party today. It's interesting how romance seems to be hardwired. Danny and Kasaundra seem to have an attraction for each other. They're both selfish little 4-5 year olds like they should be. But every once in awhile, something sparks different behavior. Kasaundra was bowling. TJ skipped his turn, so Danny got to use TJ's turn. When Danny's real turn came, we skipped over him to Kasaundra. Danny was sad- so Kasaundra came and got him and handed him her ball.
Day 20 without caffeine. God help me. I want a Coke or a Pepsi. Bad.
Day 4 with either the Rotavirus, the Norwalk virus, or general gastrointeritis. Either way, I'm on the mend. It's interesting how the body is able to manipulate itself without my control to purge everything. Intelligent design or evolution? Must be an accident... Yeah right.
Kristin has been a big help while I've been sick. I've lost weight and haven't eaten more than about 700 calories for four days. Now I think she might be getting it. It's going to be hard on her when I go back to work and she's stuck home with Danny, Andrew, Hanae, pregnant, and sick. Just kidding. I'll have her mom come down. Just kidding, her mom will be too busy.
Day 20 without caffeine. God help me. I want a Coke or a Pepsi. Bad.
Day 4 with either the Rotavirus, the Norwalk virus, or general gastrointeritis. Either way, I'm on the mend. It's interesting how the body is able to manipulate itself without my control to purge everything. Intelligent design or evolution? Must be an accident... Yeah right.
Kristin has been a big help while I've been sick. I've lost weight and haven't eaten more than about 700 calories for four days. Now I think she might be getting it. It's going to be hard on her when I go back to work and she's stuck home with Danny, Andrew, Hanae, pregnant, and sick. Just kidding. I'll have her mom come down. Just kidding, her mom will be too busy.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
It's good to be sick
I'm sick, but I feel like it's ok. I've never vomited so violently, I even pulled muscles in my back. But you know- I can stay home from work, lay in bed, and be ok. God is good. My wife took the kids, I was able to get work done on my laptop, and I have to say, it's ok if God wants me to be sick sometimes so I can appreciate the days when I am not sick.
Today is day 17 with no caffeine. I did watch TV today, but it was interesting because I couldn't pay attention to it- I got bored. Even though it's only been two weeks, I think God has changed me a bit to not appreciate what TV has to offer me. We'll see how I feel in a month :)
Andrew got ear tubes. It is amazing how different Andrew and Danny are from each other. Danny I had to carry into the OR and he was scared all three times. With Andrew, I decided not to go to the OR with him. They put him in a wagon and drove him to the OR and did not care! He just went and sucked his thumb. After the 10 minute surgery, he woke up, didn't cry, and just drank his juice. He seems to be very comfortable in new situations- which is different from what I'm used to.
I'm watching North Carolina play Clemson because I'm bored and have nothing else to do. Ahh well.
Today is day 17 with no caffeine. I did watch TV today, but it was interesting because I couldn't pay attention to it- I got bored. Even though it's only been two weeks, I think God has changed me a bit to not appreciate what TV has to offer me. We'll see how I feel in a month :)
Andrew got ear tubes. It is amazing how different Andrew and Danny are from each other. Danny I had to carry into the OR and he was scared all three times. With Andrew, I decided not to go to the OR with him. They put him in a wagon and drove him to the OR and did not care! He just went and sucked his thumb. After the 10 minute surgery, he woke up, didn't cry, and just drank his juice. He seems to be very comfortable in new situations- which is different from what I'm used to.
I'm watching North Carolina play Clemson because I'm bored and have nothing else to do. Ahh well.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Day 15
Today is Day 15 without caffeine, soda, or TV. I have asked God for strength every day and He has given it to me.
January 14-16 at Grammy's
Went to Grammy's house in New London after watching football at Savvy and "K-K's" house. It was freezing rain outside and the roads were terrible. We saw three cars that had spun off the road on the way up. Weather was right around freezing.
Danny and I played "hide-n-seek" and I taught Danny how to do simple addition. He is rough around the edges, but seems to grasp the concepts.
We ended up staying two nights.
Danny and I played "hide-n-seek" and I taught Danny how to do simple addition. He is rough around the edges, but seems to grasp the concepts.
We ended up staying two nights.
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