The Day Has Arrived

School is back and it ain't so bad. I don't like not being at the bike shop all the time like last week and weeks previous. The kids aren't all that bad. I think I'm going to be able to make the best of a less than perfect situation.

This week I learned that it is now 4 of 6 Elkins siblings in the teaching profession. Becky has taken a position at Creekview Elementary in Alpharetta. Randy teaches Music at Brandon Hall in Dunwoody, Suzy teaches Math and Computer Science at Milton in Alpharetta. Of course there is me, the baby, teaching Special Ed. in Rome.

Now all we need to do is get Jeannie teaching art North Carolina and Jody teaching something in social sciences or special education in Florida and we'd be 100%.

Of course none of my siblings start back for two weeks.

TOWNANDCOUNTRY

TOWNANDCOUNTRY
Originally uploaded by ralknz

How cool is this. I was talking to a friend the other day about how cool she thought an adult tricycle with a basket in back was. Little did I know that our shop had access to these wonderful gems. This is definitely awesome, almost as awesome as the tandem

Been Awhile Hasn't It

Well, so much for relaxing over the summer break. I enjoyed my week in St. Augustine with the Hollands. It was good to see the ocean again. I went fishing and walked on the beach at night with Kristi. A good time was had by all.

Pre-Planing starts up next week and the idylic days of summer are over.

Well, I just thought I ought to put up at least one more post before the official end of my "Free" time.

They Left Me Alone?

Well, Mike will be gone through the end of my vacation week. George is gone until next week sometime. Maybe I'll have the new logo for the sign finished and the page either ready to launch or even uploaded before George gets back. The website address is ordinarybicycles.com. Keep checking for it. This is a preview of the logo.

Just Another Day at the Shop

Not a whole lot happening around here. Mike's doing post rookie school with the fire department so I am pretty much alone at the shop all week. The customers are suffering from Mike withdrawals. I am doing inventory on the bikes this week and building a few hopefully. I'm also building the web site. I have the domain name registered. It is ordinarybicycles.com and we should at least have a facade up by the end of the week. Here's hoping. After I attempt to impose my kind of order on the sales floor I am going to see if George won't go for a shop jersey. I really hope he does. I'm even going to see if we can't do long sleeve as well.

Sad News

Cicero died today. He didn't stay long, but we will miss the cute little bugger.

We're Grandparents

Gotcha didn't I. Lexie and Caesar have had one little one at this point.I'm not sure if Lexie is through or not. Picture will be forth coming. If it is a boy I want to call him Cicero because he can meow up a storm. If it is a girl I'm thinking Kate (Shakespeare - think about it), or Medea? The girl names I'm gonna have to swing by Kristi. I'm kinda leaning towards Medea.

Well, I gots to go pack up the tent for Kristi. We put it up this week so it could air out. She's out with friends tonight and going camping tomorrow, and I'm stuck at home with the kids. Kinda funny don't ya think? While the cats away the mice will play. (I'll ride and play with the computer Oooo!)

Life Without School

I think it is safe to talk about being out of school now. I think all of my siblings are done with their respective school years. If not, so sorry. I am emmensely happy to be done with the school system for 2 months. The year ended on a much better note than it started.

Now, on to the world of bicycles. I am working at my dream job over the summer. The only draw back is that I am working six days a week instead of 5 and I don't get to leave until 5 or 5:30. On the otherhand I don't have to be there until 10 in the morning. I still get up early so I can ride though. Well, I'm gonna say TTFN.

No More Kids

The school year is over and we've got 3 days of post planning and I have to go to work right now so I'll write more later.

It's Here

The end is here. I had an exciting day today. We went to the park and walked forever (it seemed that far). We went back to school and one of the boys got sick and had to go to the emergency room. He wound up being alright, but the hospital is holding him overnight for observation. Only one more day and it is all over for the summer. I'm so exhausted I'm going to bed.

For those of you that aren't through yet, sorry. I don't make the schedule.

And for those that read Ice Water. We have a totally new A/C unit and it works great.

Four to Go

No one's counting though. This is the final countdown. I saw the new air conditioning unit going in yesterday afternoon. Maybe it will work today. I'm not holding my breath. But here's hoping. Actually, since the sun has already risen this morning we only count as three more days to go.

I'm a Wrench ... Again

Saturday I started at George's bike shop in Rome. It is Ordinary Bikes at the end of Broad St. I will be building lots of bikes and not wearing polyester soccer jerseys to work (no airconditioning). I also learned that I like building mountain bikes more than road bikes. Mountain bikes come partially assembled and road bikes don't.

Well, it is time to go to sleep and get ready for the last week of the school year. Lots of travel around town and bowling into the summer.

Got Ice Water??????????

Today was a hot one in the old town this morning. I started the day off sitting on our park bench in the back yard and watched the sunrise with a cup of coffee.

Then I got to school and learned how to lock my keys in the car even with the remote lock in my hand. Oh, and the phone was in the car. I had turned the key to the on position and plugged in the phone and then locked the doors and learned that with the key in the on position the remote lock won't work. Fun.

Next I walked in and discovered that the air-conditioning unit cooling my wing of the building had finally died. Not good with students that can't deal with the heat. We went to the mall and will probably do the same tomorrow.

Dealt with whiner that doesn't understand the concept of having lost.

Had a great time at the Soccer Banquet. Had great AWESOME BBQ.

Did I mention that the air conditioning didn't work and won't until next week.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

We got ten more days. Who's counting? Not me... ha ha ha. Of course the next day I go to work at the bike shop full time. I actually start this coming Saturday at the shop. Hopefully sometime this week I'll have a rideable bike again.

Tuesday we play the last softball game for the season. I had hoped that we would play the summer league, but not enough commitment there. I can understand that with everyone going on vacation at different times. If we had played this summer I was going to by baseball pants. Oh, Well!

Paperwork !Blech!

I'm finished with the evil troll of paperwork for this school year. Well, almost. I have to write it up and turn it in and then that will be it.

We will face Tucker first in the play offs. We will be nomads for the tournament. We're third in our region so it will be a miracle if we get to play at home at all. Even for the title. That will be a trip.

It's Saturday and I'm on the Computer

Howdy folks! I am just hanging out this Saturday and doing as little as possible. Unless it only involves my fingers (the computer).

Last night was a rough night for the Wolves. I'm travelling with the varsity team now that the JV season is over. We went to Dalton last night and lost a heartbreaker. The score was 2-3. We scored first and then gave up a goal later in the first half. Coming back in for the second half we went up 2-1 and immediately gave up another goal. Later in the second half the refs scored a goal for Dalton making it 3-2. Rome wound up 3rd in the region. We had to win by 2 or get a shut out to win the region.

Now we begin our March to State. It's a whole new season out there.

Now on to more fun things. We now have a softball team at WPC. Take a look at these pictures. I really want to play but I have to wait till the championships are over. I don't know how much of an asset I'll be but it will be fun.

I signed my contract this week. What a relief. One IEP and a Re-Determination and I'll be set.

Gooooooooooaaaaaaaaalll

The team played an awesome game last night. We won 1-0 against Southeast Whitfield. It was great. We ended the season 5-4-0. I am pleased with the outcome of the whole season.

One More to Go

Tomorrow is the last game of the JV season. We will be playing Southeast Whitfield. They are pretty much like us. We play up to our potential and we will win. A win tomorrow will give Rome JV a winning season. That would be a nice return to coaching.

Tomorrow will be a big day all around. Special Olympics is tomorrow. It'll be a big day for the boys. They be doing adaptive tricycle races, softball throws, and assisted wheelchair races.

It is a good Good Friday

We had the day off today. I am enjoying that. Sleeping late. I didn't get up until 6:45. Now, I stayed in bed until 11:00. Of course this is the last chance I get to relax much until five weeks from now. The rush is on to get to the end of the year.

Spring Break

I never thought I would want storms on Spring Break, but I'm dying here. This pollen junk is out of hand. I've been out once today and I ran back home. Rain would be a good thing and the size of these mosquitos? We could use a snap freeze right quick too.

Being inside I have decided that there is nothing really good on the tube during the day. Well, I've got a website to update. Talk at y'all later.

Hey Y'all Look at This

Check this out peoples. Rome soccer is #9 in the state of Georgia for AAAA. Checkout this site out Soccer Info and click on Georgia and type Rome into the little box and click on Rome. This should bring up our schedule.

Howdy Doody

Well, we have one week and counting to Sanity Break... I mean Spring Break. This weekend is a busy one. Kristi and I are hanging out with the nieces and nephews while Philip, Shelley, and Stephen are at the Busch Race. Tomorrow we will be celebrating my 36th a few days early. Crazy Crazy. That's all for now got a soccer game to go to.


TTFN

I Almost Forgot

With my birthday coming up I think I should let you all know what I want for my B-Day.

First Home Depot Card (any amount) larger the better
Second A stick for Mom's old camera (the biggest one you can find)
Third Marvel Mystery Oil
Fourth Anything you feel that I need and want

A little info about getting the home depot card; the more money on the card the more vegetables I can grow.

When It Rains It Pours

I like these rain metaphors.

My niece got to play a good chunk of time in her game yesterday. They won Sonoraville 3 - Woodland 0. Vanny is one of 2 sixth graders on the middle school team. I'm so proud of her.

We won, We won, We won. Rome 6 - Gordon Central 2. It is always nice when your team starts off good, but it awesome when they just keep getting better. Depth, oh yeah, that's a nice thing too. Maturity, now come on, this is JV you can only hope for so much before your just flat dreaming.

We were late and didn't get to warm up. We hit two half laps and then hit the field. Then we started hitting them and didn't stop. One of the refs felt that it was his job to call the entire field. (when there are two refs it is general custom for one to make the calls on one end and the other to make the calls on the other end)

Well, this see all, know all called tripping in the box on one of my boys. The problem was the infraction occured out side the box and the Tony award winning diver landed inside the box over a yard away. So GC got a pk (penalty kick) which our goalie SAVED. That rocked. I'll only give the details on the highlight calls. This genious ref later gives one of my players a yellow card because the kid he fouled had been fouled too many times. WHAT! Oh and he gave another player a yellow card for turning around and running into the guy behind him. Clutz not Yellow.

Oh and when we did get the call it invariably happened when we had the advantage. (we had the ball, it was under control, and we were going to the goal without immediate challenge). He did that five times.

Well, needless to say we are happy with the out come.

The Super Duper Up to Date Schedule

Feb 13 @Woodstock 5.00
Feb 16 Sonoraville 5:00
Feb 22 Calhoun 5:00
Feb 28 @NW Whitfield 5:30
Mar 6 @Armuchee 5:00
Mar 9 @Gordon Central 5:00
Mar 15 @Murray 5:00
Mar 16 @Calhoun 5:00
Mar 19 NW Whitfield 5:00
Mar 22 Armuchee 5:00
Apr 2 Murray 5:00
Apr 4 Coosa 5:00
Apr 6 @Coosa 5:00
Apr 10 @Christian Heritage 5:30

We Did It Again

We won again. It was a struggle seeing how little we've been playing till now. The boys didn't score at all in the first half, like the last game, and this worried me a little. Then we got our shots in and the defense stood strong yet again. Actually one of the shots was a gift. One of my boys took a shot and hit an Armuchee player and bounced the ball in.

We do it all again on Friday at Gordon Central. Everything is just cruising on along elsewise. My class will be making sausage balls today. Don't y'all wish you were up here.

A Little Rain Must Fall

whatt
Originally uploaded by ralknz.

Well, the Elkins household got some not so good news Saturday morning. Ceasar was diagnosed with Feline Leukemia. Lexie is fine and has gotten her shots. We are going to continue as before just adding a little tuna to there diets to keep the protein up. We're not going to fret over it because that just won't do anything for us or Ceasar.

Happier news. I have been through my final observation for the year at school. I have my annual review on 3/14. Then I get my contract and its one big glide into the end of the year.

Last but not least the Varsity team won again on Friday night. 5 - 0 against Lakeview Fort Oglethorpe. My boys play again on Tuesday at Armuchee. That is pronounced Armurchee.

Well we'll talk at ya some more later.

Not the Best Day

Well, we learned what it's like to lose today. We really don't like it. There won't be any dwelling on it. Lessons will be taken and learned. You would think you couldn't get teenage boys to shut up. Go figure. They also seem to like to look at the ball more than touching it. Good Lord if they get a hold of the thing they won't let go even in front of the net. We got some work to do.

Hello Everybody

Well, Mom called and said I needed to make a post. I have been going non-stop and just haven't thought about this old thing. One thing that is getting to me is that it decides to rain the day of any game we've got scheduled. Maybe we'll get to play on Wednesday at Northwest Whitfield. The indians are getting restless and the chief is about to scalp them.

Work is going well. The boys are always fun. Sometimes a little loud. My last observation will be this Thursday. Yippeeee. Last but not least within two weeks I will know if Rome really does like me. Contracts by the 14th.

Oh, and this is what I was up to over the weekend www.wpcrome.com
Check it out and let me know what you think.

O Happy Day

It is the best of days today. We got our federal tax return and my JV boys had there first game. WE WON 3 - 1!!!!! It was awesome. My first time as a head coach. It was awesome. Did I mention we won 3 - 1. I'll talk more coherently about the game later. But WE WON!!!

Peek a Boo

Hello
Originally uploaded by ralknz.

Imagine this coming out of your belly after a long day at work. I've heard of butterflies in your stomach, but not this. Lexie is a burrower and wasn't too pleased that my pouch wasn't any bigger.

Tomorrow is the begining of the season. Let's just hope the storms hold off until the JV plays. I really don't want to start the season in the rain at an away game. Well, that is not up to me.

More later

Just Another Day

Life is a crazy thing. It doesn't ever stop just speeds up occaisionally. Anxiety is setting in and will be dispelled on Tuesday. The season explodes on that day at 5:00 in Woodstock. I think I have my starting line up which is just too cool. I say who plays and who doesn't. Well, it is time for this old man to go to sleep. More later.

Snow Day

Need I say more other than I am still in bed at 7.00 and I don't forsee getting out any time soon. We even let the cats in to hang out and watch tv with us. Lexie is now between the sheets and comforter attacking our feet.

Its Official

The teams have been chosen with a minimum of carnage. Of course the day the teams are posted I have to be away from the building observing someone elses classroom inorder that I may do my job better. I will also be doing the same on next Wednesday. When it rains it pours. The week after that the season starts and shortly there after I will be starting classes on Saturdays that I need to be recertified this year. Nothing like saving it till the last minute. We Elkins' don't ever do that.
O yeah we got our QX4 today and it is 9.00 and I still haven't seen it. She was over at Mom and Dad's just a minute ago.

The Countdown Is On

Soccer is build to a head. We do tryouts the beggining of next week and play our only preseason game that Saturday. There has been a change in the schedule for the JV boys. We have moved a game, Gordon Central to March 9, and added a game on Feb 13 against Woodstock. I think it is there at Woodstock.

Another Week Down

I have made it through another observation. My first official one. That means one down and two to go. By the end of the year they may even want me back for another year. We are pushing hard for the end of the month. Kristi got her first paycheck Friday. What joy. She will be getting payed every other week. We also have the wonderful honor of babysitting Regina's TV until she moves. It is so much bigger than our old one. The one that was mine in the basement of Mom and Dad's. Well, it's time to get back to the Soprano's marathon.

I'm Slow (no comment)

I just looked at the Tour of Georgia website and realized that Alpharetta has been knocked off the tour itinerary. Good thing I didn't move into those townhouses on Maxwell. I am happy that the tour finish is closer to downtown. A day has also been added. Moving on up to the East Side. The Tour has gone from 6 to 7 days. It will be finish in Rome on Tuesday, start there on Wednesday, and the queen stage will be on Friday ending at Brasstown as usual.

Today is a New Day

Oh, happy day. Kristi got the job she wanted. She is starting training today.

The not so happy things of life. A certain company with whom I have set up a credit account still hasn't gotten me a credit card. The post office still won't deliver that particular bill. Talk about reliable government service. The company has the same intials as credit card.

Long Weekends are Wonderful

It is a wonderful thing to get a chance to take a break every now and then. Invariably the breaks are too short. I feel bad for not doing more to commemorate the reason for the day. I do feel that we should commemorate the man's life every day of the year. Now that aside. We have done nothing all weekend but go to the mattresses and watch the Soprano's all day everyday (excepting the trip to church). It is time now to go and see who wins the Golden Globes for this year. Auf Wiedersehn

Rome High School JV Schedule

In response to a request from a higher authority (Mom). I have posted the schedule for my soccer team.

Rome High School
Boys JV Soccer Schedule

Feb 16 Sonoraville 5:00
Feb 22 Calhoun 5:00
Feb 28 @NW Whitfield 5:30
Mar 2 Gordon Central 5:00
Mar 6 @Coosa 5:00
Mar 13 @Calhoun 5:00
Mar 15 Murray 5:00
Mar 19 NW Whitfield 5:00
Mar 22 @Armuchee 5:00
Apr 2 @Murray 5:00
Apr 4 Coosa 5:00
Apr 10 Christian Heritage 5:00

Busy Busy Busy

School just jumps right back in there and keeps on trucking. My boys are all back and in relatively good health. That means I'm on my toes constantly.

Soccer is picking up like the proverbial snow ball down a hill. We are still in conditioning. I started running the warm up laps with the boys yesterday. Being the tail end charlie (anyone finishing behind the old fart has to go around again). That was an eye opener for me. I will definitely be doing more of that from now on. My knee actually felt better last night after having run (all be it only a 1/4 mile). The season starts with the Rome Jamboree on the 3rd of February. My season (JV) starts on the 16th.

On top of that I am setting up and running the Website for my church Westminster Presbyterian. I don't know where I'm going to find the 25 hour in the day or the 8th day of the week, but it will get done.

I owe I owe it's off to work I go

What a Day

We had an awesome night last night. Sumo rocks. That is the first time I have ever been to a Japanese steakhouse. It was fun watching the food be cooked right there in front of us. We had the smallness of the world reaffirmed for us last night. One of the ladies in the choir (she actually sits next to Kristi) is the older sister of one of my Young Harris classmates. To cool. Today was just awesome. It was quite low key. We slept pretty late and messed around for a while then I went to run some errands. Slack slack slack. The days was mostly gone before we thought to look at a clock. Oh, yeah, we got a new entrtainment center and had an fantastic dinner without spending a dime. Oh yeah Lexie is in danger of loosing what little life she has left. We replaced the plastic tubing on my fish tank again. Before we had cleaned up the trash (2 pieces of tubing) the little stinker had the new tubing in her mouth and was looking at us like WHAT? Then she ran for the safest place in the house for her... Under the dead center of our bed. Crazy cat. She is banished from the bed room (where the fish tank is) but everyone knows how effective that will be.

O Wonderful Blessed Day

Yes, that's right it is Friday. I have only had one student most of the week he has definitely tried to make up for everyone else being gone. I'm not gonna say what has gotten me riled up. We'll suffice it to say that the boy has been a Fountain of joy this afternoon.

Can't wait to go out and spend time with people that aren't special ed teachers. We are starting Tables for Eight tonight and it is our first time. We are going to Sumo Japanese Steakhouse.

School's Back Forever

We are back to the grindstone. Getting up this morning was a stretch. That is a groove I really need to get back into. One student has moved on up to a higher level classroom, one is sick and another has a recurring fever. So, I will probably have one student for the remainder of the week. Pre-Season started in earnest today. Running, lots of running. It is just over a month before the begining of the soccer season. I can't wait. We plan to have a big season this year. I've got to call my brother and get the coffee set for the morning and put together lunch. Then go to sleep.

It's A Brand New Day

Well, it has been a while since I updated this thing. That is going to be one of my resolutions for the new year. I'm going to be more consistent with this blogging business.

First of all, we are surviving the Christmas season well. The Christmas Tree ...not so much. The cats loved on it a bit too much. The branches went from standing out ridgedly to looking like we had hung 200 pound ornaments on them. From this /, to this \. The cats were cute though while destroying the tree.

I just wanted to get the year started off right by letting everyone know what's up. I got to go now and get back to my competitive reading. J and Michelle, Kristi and I, and a few other folks are having a reading competition. We have a list of 100 Modern Library novels we have to read as many as possible of by the end of 2007. At the end of the year we will have a party to award a prize to the winner. I started Conrad's Lord Jim at 12:05 last night. I am so glad I am the only teacher in the bunch. Can you say summer vacation. I'm going to need the advantage due to my horribly slow reading. No Evelyn Woods grads need apply to the competition. We would have to handicap

Side by Side

bonding,
originally uploaded by ralknz.

This is the long awaited picture of the "kids." Lexie is the gray one and Caesar is the other one. Lexie got her name because she looks like a gray ghost which was the nickname of the aircraft carrier Lexington in WW2. Caesar got his name because Kristi just thought it would be a good name for him. I think she chose that because he acts like a little emporer.

It's About Time

I don't have a whole lot of it these days. We're back from Vermont (if ya didn't already know). We came back under duress. I'll put some pictures up soon. It's so cool we've been married for a month already. It just keeps getting better. Well, I'll go into more detail later.

Oh Wow

We are almost there. I am beyond excited. We got two cats this week and I may put some pictures up later in the week. Don't hold your breath. I may not post again until the middle of October. Just pray that we remember to get the claw clippers before we have to redo the couch. We'll see y'all soon.

Later

Three Weeks to Go

I am getting infected with the antici--------------------pation bug. Three more weeks till the big day. We are in the final run down to mawiage. I can't wait till the week after. I get to spend a week alone with Kristi in a place far far away.

How Time Do Fly When Your Having Fun

It has been exactly 365 days since Kristi made me the happiest man in the world. Where did the time go? MomDadSuzySam's banniversary was great friends of Mom and Dad showed up for their weekly run to Slope's while we were there and got to join in the festivities. Becky and Kristi and I nearly bought the same exact cards. She just chose the ones we didn't. This is wierd/cool Kristi thinks too much like us.

Well It Is the Weekend of Labor

And how. We finished moving the big stuff today. Mom and Dad have been together for 50 years this year. Today actually. Sam is a year past driving and Suzy is 29 yet again. I can't wait till Monday when I get to sleep in at least till seven or eight. We're heading out the door for Roswell to celebrate all the honorees tonight. We even have one of them with us Sam helped move us up here today. Well, hopefully I'll remember to post again before the end of the week.

I'm A Little Late With This

S reminded me that I had been neglecting my blog. That is not good since I don't live in the epicenter of Elkinsdom any more.

School is going along just fine. The kids are a challenge, but what do you expect with the population I serve. I have a wonderful assistant that I don't know what I'd do without. She reminds me of myself as an assistant... anoyingly knowledgeable.

I still believe Floyd.

&^%*&%*&% the Press and the UCI

Hey guess what the French lost again so who will they trash this year. The conviently American winner. OOPs we leaked confidential information, AGAIN. Oh its ok he just a filthy American. Let's ruin his entire future on a whim.

Logically how could the testosterone have helped if it didn't show up earlier in one of the three or four other p tests he had to take each time he wore the yellow jersey in the preceding two weeks, o wait, THREE WEEKS.

I wish the great American racers would fall in love with the Giro like I have. Then I wouldn't have to go through this torture every year. I really don't like the French as a whole. They aren't losers they just can't win.

Floyd Is Still Alright By Me

The type of steroids that would cause that positive result are not overnight fixes. In other words they could not have helped him to that super human turn around. They would have had to be present during the previous week and gradually helped and if they had been there he probably would not have blown up the day before. I continue to be very much a Floyd fan.

Floyd Rocks!!!! Floyd Rocks!!!!

I am breathless. This has been one of the best Tours in the last 20 years and yes I'm including Greg and Lance. Il Pirata's victory is the only one close in my estimation. Excitement? This was the epitome of excitement. Floyd gives up the yellow jersey to gain an unwilling ally. Insanity to give up 30 minutes! or pure genius? Let the other guys work for a few days in the flats and scoop the jersey back up in the mountains. Blow up in the most spectacular way in the Alps.

Wait that wasn't part of the plan.

ANIHILATE!!!!!!!!!!! the competition the very next day. Take it easy for a day and ANIHILATE the competition again in the final time trial and take back the Yellow Jersey for good and all by a minute.

I shall always thank God that I was alive to see this Tour. I hope Floyd has a few more of these up his sleeve. I shall be praying for his recovery from impending hip surgery.

Picture This for a Shower

CalhounInvite,
originally uploaded by randrewelkins.

Here are the pictures from the shower on Saturday in Calhoun. Anyhoo, the day was awesome. Kristi's family can't get over how excited I was about the cooking utensils. I love to cook. One aunt offered to marry me. Bread machine, mixing bowls (ceramic and stainless), MORE springform pans, cast iron skillets (graduated 3 of the suckers), and so much more. Peruse the slide show. This was one huge shindig. To top it all off I got to end the day at Pirates of the Carribean with Kennedy. He's not going to be back from New York before I have moved. Weird.

Someone Is Giving Us A Shower We're Not Taking It

Tomorrow we are heading up to Rome to be showered with more wonderful gifts. I can't wait to see what we get this time. I also get to show my Mom and a sister or two my new home up close and in person. Well, it's time for me to go float off into la la land. I'll update on the loot later.

Home Sweet Home

condofront,
originally uploaded by ralknz.

Well, folks we have found us a place to live. FINALLY. We'll be staying in Calhoun to start off with. Then moving into Rome within a year (as the plan goes).

Ain't it purdy? Take a look around. The tour starts at the front and works its way back. We have the front of the condo, then the view from the entrance, next the front room (office), and move into the living room with laminate floors, off of this is the master suite (with walk-in closet), finally the kitchen "suite" the dining area cooking area and pantry. Also there is a laundry and garage (two cars). At last we reach the back yard. You will have to remember this as you look at the pictures, but do take a look.

OOOO Velvet

Case2,
originally uploaded by ralknz.

My cello is very happy now a days. It has new accomodations

Happy 4th of July

This fourth rocks. I am not your usual American. I woke up to the third stage of the Tour de France, and I'll see two soccer games before I go to bed (one is even live and in person). I am grilling ribs and watching fireworks. To top it all off; last night I bought a biography of Hamilton (Chernow) and a biography of Franklin (Isaacson), and I'm reading a book on Washington and one about Jefferson (that one is on again off again in the reading).

Remember we shrugged off the bonds of tyranny more than two hundred years ago. Let's not fasten them on again.

Happy 4th

On the Road Again

tractor,
originally uploaded by ralknz.

Good to be back on the road again. I got road shoes for my "tractor." That's what I call my cyclo-cross bike, because it gets the job done. The engine is gas right now (just ask Kristi) but I'm working on making it a diesel. I actually went and did my fav-o-rite thing to do on the bike today. I went exploring. Of course I was just across Trickum in the neighborhood there, but I had fun. Gotta go shopping for supper fixins. Bye

Latest Veggies

LatestVeggies,
originally uploaded by ralknz.

On a happier note would ya look at these veggies. The maters still haven't turned yet; a few may get sacrificed soon to the southern breakfast gods (fried green tomatoes). I still need to take a out a few chipmunks that absolutely love my veggies. Well, anyhoo this is the latest update on the garden. RAIN, pray for RAIN.

A Sad Day

Musashi has taken that last long dive. He succumbed to injuries sustained at the hands of our former algae eater (Squeegee). Musashi battled on for a few days after Squeegee was "removed from the bowl," but he just couldn't make it with half a tail and the numerous sores all along his body. He will be missed greatly, not least by Hiroshige who remained untouched by the evil Squeegee.

Musashi and Hiroshige

MusashiHiroshige,
originally uploaded by ralknz.

I forgot these guys earlier. They are my desk buddies. That is Musashi on the left and Hiroshige on the right. If you look down on the bottom of the bowl you'll see what looks like a plant. It is. I put that dwarf waterlily bulb in there a month and a half ago. Finally, it has put out shoots. I can't wait to see how it turns out. Later

Aren't We Cute

Aren'tWeCute,
originally uploaded by ralknz.

I'd forgotten this picture. We were at Kim and Rob's for our engagement party. Isn't that Pig window just beautiful. Yes, it hangs right over the dinner table. I personally like it. Well, the big day is getting closer and closer. I just can't wait.

Ummm... Tastes Like Dirt

Has anyone seen the US national soccer team? Somebody said they were in Germany, but I haven't seen them there. I saw a really good junior college team get the stuffing beat out of them by the Czech Republic. They were even wearing US jerseys. I swear it even looked like they only play on repainted football fields. Disgusting.

Hope the real team shows up by Saturday. Its a long way to walk back home.

zuchinibloom

zuchinibloom,
originally uploaded by ralknz.

Would ya look at these vegies. There's a new bloom every day. This so rocks. I hope the beans do some serious beaning before the end of August. I'll be severely displeased if I have to yank those bad boys up without getting anything off them. I think I'll have a pretty good haul from everything else. I'm pretty stoked about the garden. The beans have some itty bitty pods popping out. They were too small to get a good picture of so they'll probably make it into the next photo shoot. Make sure to check out the whole photo group when you click on that beautiful bloom.

Zuchini

Zuchini,
originally uploaded by ralknz.

This is my summer occupation, and these are the first fruits. I have started a garden in the backyard of my townhouse. Nothing gets the wheels moving for a relocation like planting a garden. About the time the zuchini and cucumbers and beans and maters started showing real promise I get the job offer from Rome. Now that we're definitely moving everything is busting out with produce. I hope to get a good bit of stuff off the veggies before I have to take them up. Make sure to take a look at the whole garden I'll be adding more pictures as more veggies develop.

Rosenmuller Studenten-Music #1 Paduan a3

This is the End My Friends

8.22 This is it. My last day with the behemoth that is Fulton County. I should probably go sign in so there is no mistake on my final pay check. Life is so good. I got payed and can pay bills again yipee.

10.02 Well, this is a busy day. Took a request for a certificate of attendance and guided a mother to the counselors office. Played some backgammon. Went to Target with Moss. Now I got to check the communications and move some equipment to storage. Busy, busy, busy.

1.05 Done and done! I have been fed my "last supper" (really lunch). I have moved what needed moving and stored what needed storing, found my former department head a new tape dispenser since hers had grown legs, and last but not least I faxed my documents off to mortgage company and signed out at the office. I'm no longer employed by Fulton County.

Well, I'm off to be a house wife for a few weeks.

Weird, Just Weird

I can't believe it I have less than one whole day left as a Fulton County BOE employee. All my life I wanted to be a teacher in Fulton County (OK for the past 10 years) and now I'm leaving it behind. Well, that's what they get for shunning me. I'm gone. I'm moving on up. Some time tomorrow I'll walk into Roswell High School for the last time as an employee. I'll have to pay for football tickets again. If I ever make to a game again. Rome is a bit of a drive just to reminisce.

Some good things: there will be a Slope's BBQ in Cartersville by the time I move and one in Adairsville within a year and one in Rome possibly within 18 months. How blessed can one man be?

You know what the weirdest thing is? I won't miss Roswell one bit. One or two people maybe but the place, the staff, and the job? NAH!

Which Way Does the Hood Go?

fortegrad06,
originally uploaded by ralknz.

Well, it has finally gotten here and passed. The 2006 graduation ceremony is over and done with. It was a phenomenal bit of planning and execution. What with the programs in our seats and the cooler full of water for the teachers. NOT. Well with the perfect planning of the procession. In all fairness the procession hoo ha was all about being clueless as to what we should be doing and making the best of the situation. A lack of administrative communication.

We did enjoy ourselves once we got seated and the phones came out on silent. We learn well from our students. Picture of a picture taker. Games were played and people learned the intracacies of their phones.

This was my last official act as a Fulton County teacher. I must say I enjoyed it immensely. Two more days and the end will have been achieved.

School's Out ... Forever

Well, not exactly. In one way it is; Mom and I are leaving Fulton County BOE for good. She is retiring and I got hired away. So, school isn't really out for ever. I start in Rome about the middle of the summer. Gots to do all that new teacher orienting stuff and what not.

Tomorrow is really cool we get to dress up like Hogwarts and march around the stadium. OK, it's not really like Hogwarts, but we get to wear our robes and hoods. Of course mine will be for the correct degree, but the wrong school unless Mr Smith can pull a miracle. I'll even settle for a Georgia hood instead of the Ohio St. hood I'll be doomed to wear tomorrow night. I'm supposed to be in a blue and gold hood for Georgia Southwestern State Univ., but of course I waited till the last minute. Pictures will be forth coming.

More music soon also.

Chillin and Grillin

The busy season is upon us. Weekends are packed for the foreseeable future. This weekend we went to Calhoun for a going away party for Jen, one of Kristi's best buds, on Friday and cake testing on Saturday morning. After that we went to see Da Vinci Code, then rushed home for a wedding. We got home at 5.05 the wedding was at 6.05. We were out the door by 5.30 and in our seats by 5.57. O we are good. With the Lord's help.

Next weekend is Graduation at Roswell (my last), Saturday is a concert on the green with JMI, and Sunday is tux clarification day. The folks we're renting our tuxes from got things a little hinky jinky. Gotta straighten that out.

And it just goes on. Eventually we move into the girls only showers. The only thing about that is that I don't get to relax. I start with the new teacher orientation stuff up in Rome. I have a feeling we won't know what is going on until Mid-October.

About the grillin thing. I got home from Church today and fired up the grill and cooked some polish sausages outside. They were good. I'm slowly getting the hang of this grilling business.

Well, I'm gonna go for now

Leo the Hero

This is the little guy we gave to Kristi's Mom for mother's day. His name is Galileo, but he goes by Leo for short. We miss him already. We're saps. He only spent one night, but we were hooked from the get go.

10 Days, But Who's Counting

Well, in ten days the little angels will be cut loose and by the 31st of May my tenure with Fulton County will be over. I've got a lot to do in the next few months; moving, starting a new job, and getting married. When it rains it pours.

Oh, yeah, the weekend off! I am now a person with grilling experience. I've always been good at the socializing part of grilling, but never actually been in charge of the grill. I bought one and cooked out for friends on Friday and the parents and in-laws on Saturday. It was fun and I think there is a new grill monster in the world today.

Later

Rain Rain (don't) Go Away

Yesterday afternoon was kind of nice. It rained all afternoon so I couldn't go to work after school. I like it when I get to spend suprise time with Kristi. Did some cleaning around the house and after dinner made some foccacia [sic] bread from some left over pizza dough. Yum O! Foccacia bread and Orange Julius' what a night.

I've got a self induced four day weekend so maybe I can get caught up on the landscaping and getting the house organized(my part at least). Then I can start getting ready to move in a month or two. This is going to be a crazy summer.

Gotta Go

When In Rome ... Give Us A Ring

Well, I got a job offer from Rome City Schools. I will be working with severe and profound intellectually disabled students. I am on cloud nine. I have been working for nearly 10 years to get a teaching position. I give up my desires and there you go. If you give up what you want you just might get what you need.

O my lord there is so much to do between here and there. I'm gonna have to find a place for us to live. First off I'll have to decide where I'm gonna stay until the wedding. Do I go ahead and get look for a house, or find a something to stay in for two months while We look and get married.

I think I'll take baby steps.

TTFN

Where Am I...Am I Where...I Am Where?

I'm just a little confused today. I got up 15 minutes earlier and was 20 minutes later getting to work. Go figure. I'm bored with my job. I need to get a real one. One that I was actually trained for. Not feeling inspired to say much of anything except K is out of town tonight. I'll just have to work late and go to bed early. (I'll work late but I doubt I'll go to bed early). I'm gonna go do my job some more.

I Have No Idea

8.22 Well, the experiment went bust. Il forno only makes it to 1550 (good to know), glass used has low COE, and the mold broke in to a bunch of pieces. The glass melted enough to form a column from the pot to the mold. Kind of pathetic looking really. The pot is in excellent condition. I need to see if the glass is fused to it. I really haven't taken any time to look everything over yet. Just noticed the obvious. Later.

11.18 The pot was in excellent condition though useless with a six pack of Miller High Life and a bottle of salsa fused to it. That process won't be repeated until I have access to a better furnace and I figure out why the mold broke. Oh by the way I could go into diabetic shock from all the little bitty cheesecakes I found in the teacher's lounge about half an hour ago. Sometimes there are good things about being a teacher. Tomorrow I'll be returning to the time tested practices of actually placing the glass in the mold and heating it. So old fashioned. I may even put some pictures up to show my ineptitude.

Glassy Eyed is a Good Thing

12.13 I have come across the flower pot method of delivery for kiln forming glass. Take a flower pot, fill it with glass, run the kiln up to a high temp 1700+ (crossing my fingers), and let it flow. Have no clue how this will work. The kiln in question is an old bead furnace and mostly reliable. It mosey's on up to 1000 then heats up slower and slower the nearer it gets to the top end. We'll see how this process works out. The temp on the glass is also in question because I'm using old beer, and salsa bottles (reuse the refuse). These glasses have a higher COE than most art glass frit. May break down and use some flux in the future.
Later

It's a Bright New Day

Well, Easter has come and we have remembered the sacrifice and gift of Jesus. It was a beautiful day and the service was extremely powerful. Holy Week was excellent with beautiful weather and wonderful lessons on the passion of Christ (the exaltation and denigration). Too much to say and not enough words.

It's That Time Again

It's time to choose who will win the NCAA tournament. I have as is usual chosen by the most occult methods the teams whose names I liked or didn't hate. Unusually, I am not doing so well this year.

Tis the season to go crazy

Things are blooming. That means two things. Work is picking up, and I'm in danger of getting stopped up. Once everything starts turning green I will have absolutely no free time. (i exaggerate sometimes) It will be a nice to change up the days. Life has gotten a little repetitive recently. I get to spend more and more time outside working in yards. Well, I've got to go check on the glass in the kiln.
Later

More Wishing from Me

I forgot all about hard to find music I want.
Any Buck Owens
Blue Grass Gospel

Mom's Big Bash is Past; Guess Who's Next

Well, Mom's big day was really big. Everyone showed up. I even made it through the Praxis Testing in time to get there before the visitors started showing up. I had good time and enjoyed making the cheese cakes and seeing everyone. But, for real I need to inform the world of what I want for my b-day.

Of course I want books and books that are rather hard to find. So, here are some links to make y'alls lives easier.

Murder Mystery
Venetian Reckoning
The Death of Faith
Fatal Remedies
A Sea of Troubles

Racing Fiction
The Tour

If I think of anything else I absolutely must have I'll update.

Up Coming Events

Big Brother is on his way home. He sold his house in three days for more than suggested retail. We still don't know where he'll be laying his head when he gets here. Is he going to live close to the church close to the family or somewhere in between. I'm just glad he'll be near by.

I will be playing at his new church on Ash Wednesday, March 1. His first program at the new gig. I may join the Atlanta Philharmonic if he gets the directorship there. After the Ash Wednesday thing we'll be cranking back up at the RPCO. We'll be playing again there on the Sunday after my birthday.

This Friday and Monday will rock. I'm going to be doing some of the ground work for some glass projects that I hope to do in the near future. Figuring ramp speeds and compatibility of different glasses.

The Most Exciting Life

Its Wednesday

We're Back and We're Magnifique

This Sunday, Feb. 5, the RPC Orchestra is back in action. We will be playing at the 9.45 and 11.15 services. The selections are some hymns to be named later and Two Magnificats by Pachelbel. The fun fact of this performance is that I haven't seen the music yet. Speaking of that. I need to go see if Mr. Moody can bring me the music so I can run through it before rehearsal tomorrow night.

Zum Geburtztag von Herr Mozart

Well, today 250 years ago the world was blessed with musical genius. Mozart was born and we got stuff like opera in the vernacular and all kinds of excellent music from piano concertos to opera. At the moment I am working on (at least I'm thinking about working on) Rondo ala Turca.

I went for a walk yesterday at a park I haven't been to before. It was highly enjoyable and about 2 and a 1/4 miles. Lots of up and down and wild life around. It's also on the way home from school. Huge plus.

Later

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

The time has come to return to the blogging business. I just took a hiatus over the holidays, but I think next year I shall utilize Swordfish in appraising the world (and myself) of what would be good gift giving ideas, in both directions.

I have learned how exciting preparing for a wedding is. Really, I have. Last night we decided on the menu for the reception. Kristi and I are so meant for one another. Every item I wanted she wanted. We love the same foods (except the spicy stuff but there wasn't any of that on the list)

Randy is interviewing this week for a church job here in Atlanta. If he gets the church job he may also take a position as conductor with a local orchestra.

Well that's all for the time being.

Performance Update

I completely forgot to update the come see me schedule when I started playing at the Baptist Church.

The latest performance was yesterday at the Baptist Church.

The next is this coming Saturday at RPC. We will be playing the Scarlatti Sinfonia and some hymns.

The only Christmas performance I can remember at the moment is December 18 at the Baptist Church. I have a solo in O Holy Night. Pretty stoked about this.

Dueling Banjos

Let me begin by saying I still hate I-40 at night. At least the part where you get on 306, and get lost, or go the long way.

Now, Kristi and I went to Jeannie and David's this past weekend. I actually enjoyed the trip up there this time. It is so much more fun with someone in the car. We never ran out of things to talk about only had to stop twice. It would have been perfect except for the 40-306 thing. Jeannie had country fried steak for us when we got there. Jere had already left by the time we got there. So sad. We'll have to try and run into him soon (probably won't see him until the engagement party on New Years). Jeannie had the country fried steak and David was watching Deliverance. Actually it was paused and I new exactly what it was (sad or scary, we're not sure).

Saturday was awesome. I actually slept till 10 o'clock. Then once everyone was awake we went to the Farmers Market. David rode his new toy to get a safety sticker and some sanity after a wonderful work week. The Farmers Market was pretty interesting. I really liked the Seafood Restaraunt. It's a need to go back again and again to try all the menu offerings. Then we slept again (at least I did). Oh, luxury. Getting to sleep twice in one day. Then we ate steak and bacon wrapped shrimp.

It was a weekend of totally enforced laziness. Kristi and I did absolutely nothing but be pampered. That was really nice.

Now for Suzy's big news. They rocked Auburn Alabama. First trip they finished 11 out of 16. What is so cool about that is that Milton got done wrong. In the first round, after spending all night reconfiguring their robot, they got a big ol' goose egg. Milton was the only team to get zero points in any of the rounds of the finals. They came back and posted the highest score for any round in the tournament in the last round.

MILTON BEAT WHEELER AT AUBURN REGIONALS

... bomb's bursting in air...

This past Saturday was pretty darn cool. I'm kinda glad I got sick last week so Kristi and I had to put the trip to Clayton off. We were in the kitchen when we heard a booming sound outside.

We looked and it was fire works. It was kind of funny trying to open the door we were so excited. I couldn't think why anyone would be having a Halloween fireworks display, but I wasn't going to argue. Anyway Kristi informed me that the church up the street was having its big fall festival this weekend. I honestly don't care why they were doing it. There Were Fireworks Out My Backdoor!!!

I mean the coolest thing is we could sit on the patio and watch the whole deal. No traffic, do finding a parking space, no travel time. JUST RIGHT THERE!!!! Well, needless to say we will be looking into whether there will be fireworks at this church on the 4th of July or not. Just imagine. We are already going to put a park bench under the kitchen window.

I just wish I'd had a camera to get one picture. The view was just awesome. Gotta go to work now.

128 and Counting

Well, we've made it through the first 11 weeks of school. Fall is finally here (temperature wise). I'm so happy I get to wear sweaters and sweatshirts and what not... and cords! Going to the Triangle this weekend. That is, we're going to Clayton NC to visit Jeannie and David.

Today is a sad day. Rosa Parks died today. She started the bus boycott in Birmingham and helped found the SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference). She lived to the age of 92. Rosa will be missed.

I'm drawing a blank on what else to tell the world at the moment so I'll probably do updates later in the day.

The Happy Couple

happy couple,
originally uploaded by ralknz.

The performance went well this morning at RPC. Reba, Roy, and Regina came down to hear the performance. Reba and Roy are my future in-laws, and Regina is Kristi's sister. We all went to Outback after the last performance and Mom and Dad got to meet Mom and Dad. Joe and Roy hit it off. Neither one of them would quit talking. We also finally got some decent pictures of us, the Happy Couple.

Well, the Milton robotics team has advanced to the next competition at Auburn in a few weeks. Yahoooooooo! Go Suzy and Sam. I'm not so sure that Roswell even got to the semi's of this weekends competition. I'll have to ask Suz tonight.

Remember my next performance is November 13 and we're playing Scarlatti's Sinfonia.

UPDATE: Milton placed 3rd this weekend at the Boost Engineering Science and Technology (BEST) competition this weekend at Southern Polytechnic in Marietta.

I'm a Smart One

We're playing tomorrow 10.23.05. That is the RPC Orchestra is playing tomorrow. I'm not the fastest snail in the bunch (my own metaphor). Everybody keeps asking me to let them know when and where I'm performing. Well, I'm an idiot! This is the place to do it. Of course I have to make sure everyone is checking the site out so they can check out my performances.

Here is the current schedule as it stands now:

Tomorrow 10.23.05 at the Roswell Presbyterian Church (RPC) 9:45 and 11:15 services. The orchestra is performing part of the prelude and possibly the first hymn. Bach's Prelude and Fugue in Bb Minor is the prelude piece and the hymn is TBD (we'll know in the morning).

The next performance as of right now is 11.13.05 at RPC 9:45 and 11:15 services. We will be performing Scarlatti's Sinfonia. There is no hymn at this date, but that will more than likely change.

A possible solo performance may be in the works at Macedonia Baptist Church in Dalton. All that information will be forth coming.

I should go to sleep now so I'll be worth something in the morning.

Timely Shmimely

Well, this weekend was fun, as was last weekend. To start off with, last weekend Kristi moved to Love Lane. Yes, we will be living on Love Lane. That's so cute!!! Philip, Mom and Dad Holland, Regina, Kristi, and I packed all the remaining furniture and boxes into the family vehicles and took off from Riverbend for Love Lane. Philip and I only managed to mildly aggravate Kristi, which I think is a good thing for me.

During the week I managed to start exercising regularly (sorta). I get to school around 6 in the morning and do alpines. That is a lap around the track plus once through the stadium. I like these. They give variety to boring old laps. I will also start alternating riding in the morning with running(once I start running) when I find a place to keep the track bike (and indoor trainer) at school.

This weekend Mom and Dad Holland brought down a washer and dryer which we got into the house with only one pulled muscle (on me, not noticed until much later). That was Saturday, the day after a depressing homecoming game against Walton. We gave them the game. Mental, all mental. On Sunday, Kristi and I went shopping for livingroom furniture. We got a couch, coffee table, end table, and mattress (no the mattress is not going in the livingroom they just had a deal). Now we can invite people over and be all sociable and stuff.

Gotta meeting to go crash (forgot to get my name put on the list)

Guess What

Well, I figured it was about time I told the world. I'm getting married!!!!!!!!!! I asked Kristi to marry me on September 3, 2005. I'm still floating around annoying people with my happiness. I asked her if she would wear my grandmother's engagement ring. She said of course she would. Then we went to Brown and Co. Jewelers to get the ring fitted. Ian set us up right. There is so much to do. I shall attempt to be more timely in the updates of what is going on. Later

Bringing Back the 70's

Kristi and I were driving around last night looking for a gas station that we wouldn't run out of gas waiting to fill up. The whole situation was, and is, absurd. News stations could have used file footage from the 70's. What is the first thing people do when told not to panic. They Freak Out! How Annoying! It's times like this that I enjoy having two tanks in my truck and a half full Escort. I get to skip the whole "Omagod, there ain't no gas!" stupidity. Of course, having three bicycles helps, too. That is my actual prefered method of transportation anyhoo. The only thing bad about this gas price explosion is that it happened at the same time that ragweed and goldenrod make their appearance. These two are the arch villains of my life.