Build It and He Better Come Quick

Take a look around Pearce's room. The place is ready for the boy to show up any time now. We are so ready for the next phase of no sleep and a cute gurgly baby that sleeps alot except when he doesn't. It is now P - 23.

FRIIIIIIIIIIIIIDAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, there are ten more school days to go. We are almost done. I cannot wait. Running head long into the unknown is definitely a way to learn how much faith one has.

On to much more fun things. We are at P-27 and counting. The anticipation is killing me and I think Kristi is a little more ready than I am. She had a shower at work tonight. I can't wait to see what the little guy hauled in this time.

I have been much better about the practicing of late. (for all of a week) I worked on a couple of scales and then worked on Telemann's Sonata #1 in G major. I like that one. Actually all of the sonatas in that collection are less intimidating for me than the Bach Cello Suites. They are easier.

Speaking of easier. I have found something the doesn't inspire me at all. Daniel Demoivre Suite 1 C major. It is a solo cello thing but it is not technically challenging at all. We'll just have to see how that collection goes. I feel that they may be some of the first pieces Pearce may learn.

Back to the Telemann piece. I have made it through the Vivace. I have all the notes down. Now, I just need to make them sound as well as I can with my poor cello. Most of my mangling tonight came from being tired and my arms and fingers being out of shape. The strength is coming back and endurance grows. I wish Randy were nearer or I lived in Rome where I could get some decent accompaniment. Either/Or will come to pass soon enough.

30 Days to P-Day

Well, I guess it is obvious that we are ready for the little guy to make his appearance on the scene. We are putting together our delivery bags. We've got to put the car seat in the way back of Queenie (the QX4). We went and had our tour of the hospital Tuesday.

Today, I woke up and didn't practice. I really didn't mind. I slept in when Kristi said she wasn't going to go in to work today. I will not go two days without working out on the cello. I have, however, been expanding my repertoire exponentially. I have found two new sites with links to free sheet music. I even found the sheet music Apocalyptica plays. Battery is dying must go now.

Life's a Bit Stringy These Days

I don't know if I told y'all about my trip to the luthier's. That is the folks that make and repair string instruments. The first words out of the fella's mouth were does someone actually play that thing. Of course I said "I do" Well, he said it would need a new bridge (not a surprise). The thing bends like a shepherds crook. Kristi just told me that I have told you about this so I'll stop. (see March 28)

Well, anyhoo. I am just begining to practice again. (I still haven't gotten the bridge or fingerboard done.) I am going to try to take it seriously this time. I am spending plenty of time on the scales. I am also working through Rosenmuller Studentmusic. It's not very technical but it gives me a work out. Once I get used to an hour at a time I'll move on to more tougher stuff.

I am looking at the Diran Alexanian Cello Technique. Its an interesting read and alot of work. Off I go.

Wild and Crazy Ride

Well, the season is over. My tenure as a Rome Wolf is over as well. It started with me happening to over hear a discussion over the need for a JV coach and ended with a missed PK in the first round of the state tournament.

Now that was something to see. We played Hillgrove, out of Cobb County, at their house and got lost on the way. Our top scorer was ill. He went home sick the day before and only came to school on game day so he could play that night. He played the whole game. Rome held Hillgrove scoreless for an hour. They scored one on us with about fifteen left on the clock. We got it back off a throw in with about two left on the clock. After that we kept it scoreless through double overtime.

Next we went to the mandatory 5 PK's apiece. Hillgrove hit the cross bar on one and Rome got blocked on one. After the mandatory five we went to one and one's. Rome made the first one as did Hillgrove. On the second one Rome got blocked and Hillgrove just did make their second. It was over after nearly 2 hours on the field.

Where ever I go next year (still no word on job offers) I hope it is a AAAA school, or at least GHSA, so I can get a game against Rome scheduled. If I can lead a team against those boys and beat them I can pretty much beat anyone. They want me to land on a team as well. It will be a fun game. Whenever it happens.

Lookie Lookie

Spending time getting Pearce's room ready for his arrival. The time grows shorter and shorter.

Moving On Along

Look at that changing dresser. I stripped it and stained it myself. The clothes on the dresser are waiting to be washed. You should see all the cute stuff Pearce is going to get to wear. I wish I were that small again. We need something to cover that filing cabinet. Take a look at the quilt. One of the girls that works at the Exchange Club with Kristi made that with out even asking about colors. Well, we are on our way to a proper nursery.

Rain Rain Come Again Another Day

Darlington wound up being a tie 1-1. That really is the best outcome for a rivalry that big. Of course Darlington didn't beat us 8-1 like the kids were bragging.
Dalton was postponed more later gotta go eat.

It's later. We lost to Dalton 3-1. The next night we beat Ringold and held on for 3rd in the region. Rome goes to Hillgrove in Powder Springs on Tuesday. Wish us luck.

Cutie Patootie and Late Soccer

Isn't this just the most adorable shot. He was jealous of the shots of Sara.

You may wonder why I'm posting so late on a school night, but there is soccer on TV. New England Revolution is getting mutilated by the refs. Chicago Fire could have beaten New England on their own but the refs had to be donkeys. They booked a Rev at 7 minutes it should have been a yellow at worst. Chicago had already scored. Next the refs gave Chicago a PK for tripping themselves in the box. Chicago had already scored again on their own. Finally, the refs did not see the Fireman set up camp on the wrong side of the Revs defense and he just takes a feed and pops it in front of the goal for a buddy to finish off.

Don't get me wrong. I am more than happy that Chicago won. They could have done it on their own with a 2-0 score. I just think the refs should control a game not influence the score. I was amazed that MLS uses Berry Refs.

Well, I'm going to bed before I get caught up in the Galaxy v Quakes. We've got Darlington tomorrow night. I so want to crush them. I'm still looking for a position over there.

Look Out for the Scout

It has lived through the winter. Pretty ain't it. Don't really need to say anything else.

So Fast So Unfair

Well, the week is over. Monday it is back to the grindstone. I got to sleep a good bit this week. That was fun! I also got to cook some too. I made pizza on Thursday and that was a blast.

I found out that the cello is going to be about $250 to put just right with a new bridge and shaved down fingerboard. When I went into the shop down in Roswell one of the guys there squinched up his face and asked if anyone had played the cello recently. Well, that was why I had brought it in. I new I needed a new bridge and it turns out that the bridge isn't the only problem. The fingerboard isn't just right. I'll be happy to hear the cello after the work is done. It sounds good now with an occaisional buzz. The planing should take care of any buzz and a properly fitted and placed bridge will be nice.

We got the changing dresser in the baby's room. Maybe this weekend I'll put some pictures up for all to see. It looks awesome. We can't wait to see it all together. The furniture, fixings, and PEARCE.

Day Two

We are (well I am) on Spring Break this week. I have gotten to cook twice this week. I am going to Roswell tomorrow so I won't be cooking tomorrow night. I am going to try a Pork Mole' on Thursday if I can find a 12oz pork tenderloin. I did get my mountain bike nearly complete. I have to align the chain to eliminate the skip and it will be ready to roll for real. I got a cool novel (it sounds cool). The Spanish Bow is about a cellist in Spain who lives at the time of the Spanish Civil War and WWII. Sound like anyone we know? I'll let the world know how the book is as soon as I get through it.

Roy Bought a New Toy

Roy bought a tiller on Saturday. He lucked into a great deal. He was at the store looking at a $750 tiller. Someone told him about some one that was getting rid of a year old machine. Roy went over there and came home with a tiller for just $250. And I was trying to figure out the logistics of renting a tiller to cut up a little garden. Take a look at this start of the gardening.

Just For You Momma

Here is the long awaited picture of Pearce's bed. That's a little beluga on my music chair (I don't have a music room just a chair). Maybe this weekend we'll put the changing dresser in the room and get a little video of the whole room. We are waiting now for a fair amount of the stain smell to wear off before bringing the dresser in.

Oh, thanks for the pint Mom.

Baby Gifts, Baby Gifts

Here is the latest in our shower registry links. We are at Wal-Mart and Babies R Us. Take a look around. I can't believe that Pearce is almost among us.

Not Playing Our Game

Our winning streak came to a crashing halt on Wednesday. We should have put on a clinic for Cartersville. We did not. Into each life a little rain must fall. So, tonight Ridgeland will suffer a deluge (possibly a literal one and definitely a figurative one). We can't drop our level of play when we are playing weaker teams. I think the boys know that now. It happened at Milton and I'm sure it will happen to more teams when they are on their way up.

Interesting news to come within the week.

Big Week, Really Big

If the rain gets out of the way early enough today will start a busy week for the Rome Wolves. Today we play Sonoraville at home on the varsity side and Darlington away on the JV side. Thursday the varsity side plays Callaway at home and the JV side plays Dalton at home. That is going to be fun logistically. Friday the varsity side plays Lakeview Ft Oglethorpe (LFO) at home for our first region match.

Well, pray for the rain to stop in time for todays matches to go off on time.

O What a Time of the Year

Spring is here for sure.

The first two games of the soccer season have come and are behind us (thank the Good Lord). Thank goodness they weren't region games. They weren't pretty. Next week we play our first 4A teams with a will to put a hurt on anyone in our way.

The rain is pouring down and it isn't all that warm.

Finally, the first race of the year is on the tube. No, I'm not talking about Daytona. The Tour of California prologue starts today. Cycling, baby, that's what I'm talking about. All closet Europeans rejoice we now enter the time of soccer and cycling. Rock Racing is definitely the team everyone will be watching with their flair and team choices. I also can't wait to see the boys in Argyle.

Swim Fishy Swim

The 20th annivesary of the Emory/Children's Healthcare transplant program was this weekend. Dad's heart is 11 years old this year. The Heart-to-Heart Celebration was at the Atlanta Aquarium this year and Dad invited Kristi and I to go with him and Mom. We enjoyed quite alot. The aquarium wasn't as impressive as the price suggests, but there were definitely some really cool fish. I liked walking under the fish.

Tis the Season

We got the season off to a great start with an exhibition game against Coosa. The Wolves scored 7 last night and both keepers had clean sheets (no missed saves). The boys will travel to Kennesaw Mountain on Wednesday and head to Kell on Friday.

Where Have All The Strings Gone

I sit here on a Sunday morning reading Cello blogs and wondering where are all the string players (amatuers that is). Where I live I have only been able to find a Violinist and Bass player. The violinist is a biology professor nearby and getting married; she won't be available until after her honeymoon. I haven't even thought about asking the bass because we'd need at least a violin (or two). I could fix up the cello pieces for bass and play the viola pieces myself (fixed up that is).

I miss playing in a chamber orchestra like I did in Atlanta. I actually played in two. Both were church orchestras. It was kind of fun on days when both were performing. Well, at least it got interesting. Up here I know of only one "Orchestra" and I don't know anything about it except the church it is part of. I don't even know if it has any strings. (people like the hi fallutin sound of orchestra more than band) It is also not at my church and most if not all of there performances are for church services. I'll just have to check into it.

Speaking of church I should probably start thinking about getting ready to go.

We are Registered

We went to Babies R Us today and went hog wild. If you'd like to see what we went and picked out go to Babies R Us. We are going to hit the Wal-Mart soon. Go look at the listings. They are cute.

Pearce Carter Elkins

It's a boy just look.

Pearce pulls a bicycle kick

Pearce plays the ball.

Pearce laying back

Look at those legs.

Pearce as a Picasso Portrait

Didn't Aunt Jeannie do this alot with the thumb?

Happy New Year

Well, the year of our Lord, 2008, is well underway. We did what is becoming usual for us at the Elkins household. We got in bed and watched the Times Square ball drop. Then I went to sleep.

I went down to Roswell for Mrs. Ownby's funeral. Saw David and few others I hadn't seen in a long while. Talked to Susan Caster about the new school she is Principal. I also got to spend some time with Mom and Dad. Kennedy and I looked at one of my surplused computers and decided that it wasn't worth saving. (Actually Becky talked sense)

Today I reentered the world of work. We had us an inservice today at the school. Well, actually it was at the Elementary down the road. I was late. Did a bit of work for Econ and some for World. We're gonna have to hit US before 1st period on Monday. That one doesn't change much anyway. We've got a set pattern in there.

Aufwedersehn 2007

It has been an interesting year. Return to coaching, return to wrenching, vacation in St Augustine, new teaching assignment, exit from coaching, return to coaching, first anniversary, we're pregnant, failed return to cyclocross, first sonogram.

Well, I don't have a great deal of profundity to send y'all's way. I do have to say it's a sad end to the year with the murder of Benazir Bhutto. I'm not really enthused about seeing who doesn't lose the race for president. I am looking forward to the Olympics. We are both looking forward to our first child. That is the all encompassing joy of our life at this point.

Christmas Day

What a day. I got up around 6 this morning and got the Christ candle ready to light. There wasn't a holder for one taper so I hunted one up. I used an old cup from a bottom bracket I removed from a bicycle. That candle fit right in there. We lit the candle and had breakfast in the Christmas Room and enjoyed the tree for a little while. Then I got my shower and we got the car loaded up for the ride to Mom and Dad's.

We had breakfast at Suzy and Sam's and opened presents. Everyone enjoyed the time together. We even had a fire in the fireplace. (I don't have a real one of those at the moment)

After the food and presents Kristi and I went to Mom and Dad's to hang out and nap. Randy and I got the fire started in their fireplace. Mom got a good laugh making references to us being like a presbyterian horse(something to do with a camel). Anyway, the fire went roaring on its way. I racked up, well, we both racked up a few more presents before we left the folks house.

Last of all we had Christmas Dinner at Becky's. Turkey, of course, my favorite oyster dressing, olives, cranberry mold, sweet potato sufflet, dressing, mashed potatoes, pecan pie, apple pie, mincemeat pie, pumpkin pie, and brownie along the lines of my grooms cake (made by Kennedy), and asparagus. We all partook in verying states of gluttony. Then we opened more presents. At last Becky took Kristi and I for a ride in her Christmas present. Actually I forgot my computer and we had to deliver Dad's Christmas present from Jody to M&D's. She has a really cool car. It won the Dakar Rally 13 running. The day is over and I must retire to the sleeping chambers.

Christmas Room

The cats are not fond of leaving anything alone. They feel the constant need to explore and taste everything new in the house. That will be interesting when Baby Elkins gets here. For now however we have the problem of Christmas decorations. Last year they dismantled the tree by perching in it. This year Christmas decorations have been sequestered in the music room. To be known here in this blog entry as the Christmas Room, or CR. Well, we put up a little 3 foot tree in the window of the CR. I printed out a pretty Mary and Jesus Icon for the cover of my Christmas Music binder. We broke out the cathedral window pillow, Christmas afghan, and both of Mom's Angels. You can't forget the Advent Wreath and the old and new Advent Books.

Christmas Gift

The star above the door is an unexpected present from Dad. I was supposed to put this picture up a while back, but here it is now

The Anticipation Builds

We are free of the school yard at last. There is no real work standing between me and Christmas now. I do have to go in to the bike shop but that really doesn't count. Yes, I have to be there. Yes, I don't get to be with Kristi. Yes, I have to build bikes. But, hey, I get to build bikes. Maybe I'll even sell a few of the things to go under someone's tree.

Guess what!!! The Elkins' are lighting the fourth advent candle on Sunday. This is so cool. I don't ever remembering getting to light the candle as a child at RPC. Mom will have to provide that info. I will also be playing on the Sunday after Christmas (12/30).

Well, now that I have completed any and all work to be done infront of a classroom for the calendar year of 2007 I am going to go do vacation sorts of things TTFN

Gitin' Happy about the NATS

I won't name names but a certain nephew of mine has been excepted to the Georgia Institute of Technology. I'm not naming names because he hasn't bothered to call and tell me yet. My pride has caused me to be ostracized by a few fellow Dawgs. O, the sacrifices we make for the young ones. I have even been called the equivalent of mudblood.

Doctor Visit

Kristi got to go to the doctor this past Wednesday. I went to a department meeting. The doctor helped Kristi hear the heartbeat. By the way the heart rate is 140 bpm. I am going to get to go to the next visit for positive and sure because we aren't back in school yet. It is on the 2nd of January. I will be taking the camera and will attempt to take a small video of the monitor. So y'all can see the heartbeat as well. Well, the doctor says that we have a happy baby. More later.

'Tis the Season

It is Christmas, but that's not what I'm talking about. 'Tis the season to start working the team out. Time to start the process of getting the soccer wolves ready for this spring's campaign. We start the conditioning on Wednesday. I have a different role this year I am the goalie coach this year. Back to where started at Milton, lo those many years ago, back in the previous century.

I kinda need to commit to paper a workout for my goalies. I'll set up a rotation to work them out. I can only work with two at a time until sometime towards the end of January. I think I might enjoy this more; not being in charge of the team. All I have to do is work with the keepers.

Well, TTFN

Adventageous

Tis the season to begin our celebration of Advent. Sunday is the first day of Advent. We celebrate at home by reading from devotionals and the Bible and lighting the candles of the Advent Wreath.

This brings back many memories from childhood. I remember everyone gather around the coffee table in the livingroom to read the story and light the candles. The number always varied because by the time I really got to remembering things folks had started heading off to college. Anyway, we would gather in the livingroom with the lights off and the previous week's candles lit to read by.

My favorite part of the Advent celebrations was Dad reading the story. The book he read from was really cool. It is a good story and the pictures were awesome cut paper deals. I've now made a powerpoint slide show that I'll use next year with my little ones.

Gobble Gobble Gobble

Well, we had turkey, we had olives and dressing. That was a good day. We told the Holland brood about their cousin yesterday. We had Vanny come here to the blog and then enlarge the pictures. Then, I told them that the picture was of there cousin. They loved it. Kris and I got wish lists from a couple of the kids. It was really cold after all the warm we've been having. We got a lot of rain on Wed. We even got some good thunder. We should be getting a good bit more over the weekend and Monday.

Christmas List Time

Well, it is that time of year again. This is my wish list. I have it on good authority that we might get a ps2 from Santa.
Colin McRae Rally 2005
Rally Fusion Race of Champions
Paris Dakar Rally
GTC Africa
V-Rally 3
EA UEFA Champions League (soccer)
EA FIFA Soccer
an MLS game if there is one
Gorshkhov's Sea Power and the State. (In English.)
Bookshelves.
Gift Cards

WE'RE PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here are the very first pictures of Baby Elkins. We went to the doctor today for the first visit. Because there was some question that there might be two babies the doctor suggested that we go ahead and do an ultra-sound. We heartily agreed. There is nothing like seeing the heart bumping on along. All that is visible at the moment are the head, the body, and arm buds. We are at week 10 and the projected due date is June 16. What a Father's Day present. This may scare some of you, but I'm going to be a Dad. It is so real now that we have pictures. Not that it wasn't. Man, you can see the little bugger. I can't wait. The excitement of the day is about to knock me out. I gotta go to bed so I can go teach tomorrow.

Oh, Good Lord In Heaven Be Praised

I have found heaven in Calhoun. Dub's BBQ rocks. They like to say that they are the only restaraunt in town that doesn't need a sign. It ain't bragging if it's true. I liked it that we finally went somewhere that K was recognised (and not as my wife) first. We walked in and K's cousins W and H work there.

The ribs were to die for. It's a good thing Slope's is so far away (no side by side comparisons will happen). I like Dub's sauce its got a nice tang to it. They have the best fried pickle spears in town (I know that's not saying alot). Stew stands up to anything I've had in a while. It's kind of on the same line as Dad's and Slope's. They have beef and beer. Next week or this week I will try the BBQ. First I think I will go for the pork. Then, I'll try the beef. Finally, I may or may not try the chicken.

The banana pudding... there are no words.

The interior is rough hewn pine with home made booths. There aren't any free standing tables but that is alright. The people are awesome (not to mention related to me). The hostess led us to our booth with a baby in her arms. Just getting there we had to look for a place to park.

We've arranged to take the folks out this week for Dub's and we'll think of an excuse for the week after. Yes, it is Thanksgiving but that don't matter. BBQ over all.

Well Its Wednesday

I don't really have a whole lot to say. Other than I'm bored to death. Only interesting thing at the moment is that I'm supervising detention at 8 in the morning. Got to go cover a class.

Two in a Row

I have now taken 2 Saturdays in a row off from the bike shop. I think that is a first since I started over there. We are having a family reunion at our place this weekend. It'll be fun to "relax" and catch up with everyone.

This has definitely been an interesting week. At school I had a nice surprise. The AP that will be observing me basically told me exactly what would get a good review. They don't usually do that. In theory I should know already, but different people see things different ways and have different Ideas about what is important and what is not. So, that was a very nice surprise.

Yesterday we bought a Christmas CD and listened to it. We listened just to make sure it had been worth buying. I can't wait for Advent to start. We need to find, get, make a wreath and candles this year.

Well, I'm on the verge of rambling so I'm going to go for now.

And Then The Rains Came

Man that was a nice break this week. Three days without a let up in the rain. It didn't do a whole lot for the drought but it was some rain. We have the Moore reunion this weekend. It's going to be at the club house in my neighborhood. I guess that means we are hosting it. That's kind of fun. Well, I don't have a lot to say so I'm going to take my leave for now.

BEST is First, but FIRST is Best...

I just wanted to say that. The Milton Robotics Team under the illustrious leadership of Suz competed well on Saturday, but extended rounds of competition just weren't in the cards. They made it to the wild card round to be the eighth team into the semi-finals and tied another team on points for the round. The other team made it out (over) of the gate first to take the eighth spot in the semi's. Oh, well.
Everybody was around at some point during the day we were in Roswell. Everyone but Jeannie. Jody, Becky, Suzy, and Myself were at the competition. Jody, Randy, Suzy, and Myself were at Slope's for dinner that evening. It was kind of cool. I missed Jeannie not being there. The last time we were all in the same place at the same time was my wedding. Well, everybody will probably be in the same place some time in June. I'm hoping.
It was neat getting to see Sam, Zoe, Zane also. 2/3 of the kids and 3/5 of the g-kids at any given point on Saturday. That was a nice mini reunion. Next week is the big thing for the Moore clan. We'll talk at y'all later.

We Got Us a Face Lift

If you haven't noticed yet there is something wrong with your perception. I changed the layout. The blog guts needed to be updated and I just took the opportunity to go with a new look.
I have been struck down by a stomach bug. There'll be more on that at Old Boy Cyclocross. We'll hopefully be down to Roswell all day on Saturday and most of the day on Sunday.
We actually have to teach for an entire week straight. Two and three weeks ago we had Fall Break. Last week we had a teacher work day. Next week the students leave early on Tuesday so we can talk to there parents.
I'm going to go now. Despite being ill all I can think about is the race on Sunday.

What a Weekend

This was a great weekend. Ordinary Bicycles turned 25 this weekend and we had a great sale. We sold a butt load of bikes and got rid of some more patagonia and mountain hardware stuff.
During the sale Chris McHagge came by to check out how the sale was going. He runs the alternative paper in Rome the Unscene. We got to talking and he told me that he owns the Claremont House B&B here in Rome. I jokingly said that it'd be nice if they happened to have a room. He immediately shot back that someone had called in and canceled at the last minute that morning. Long story short he let us have it for the night.
I called Kristi and told her to pack some clothes for the night. She thought I meant that I had forgotten my clothes for Red Lobster (I did not even think about taking clothes). I said no I was going to come home, change, and take her out to eat. She needed to pack for herself for overnight. Then I told her about our last minute accomodations. The room was awesome. The house rocked. Take a look at the Claremont House. See y'all later.

Which Way Did He Go

Ken and Beck at Milton for the White Columns Invitational. They need to stop fertilizing that weed.

I started the day off by falling asleep at the kitchen counter instead of riding this morning (5am). Then I headed down to the shop to load up George's truck for the triathlon at Lake Weiss. I got loaded up and was ready to roll but no Mike. It turns out he was walking out the door early at the firehouse when a call came in. Someone left their windows open and the neighbors had burned leaves the night before. They woke up smelling smoke in the house. The firefighters came and closed the windows and said that ought to take care of the problem.

Next Mike and I scooted back to Rome. I went by the Church to say hey to the folks at the highland games (I'm doing that next year). Went home and showered and went south.

Got to Milton just in time to see Alpharetta Marching Raiders do their show. This weekend is the White Columns Invitational marching band competition Kennedy looks good in his uniform. He is a giant next to Beck. Got to see Suz as well. They have got their robot about ready for the competition coming up. I can't remember which is first, First or Best, but they are looking to have two weeks to work on fine tuning the driving technique before the competition.

Black Eyed Bandits

I was reminded tonight about the story of the weekend from last weekend's camping trip. Kristi woke at 4 o'clock in the morning Saturday and heard something outside the tent. She tapped me on the shoulder or somewhere, I don't remember... Honey...Honey! There is something out there. I put on my shoes and shorts and a shirt. When I unzip the tent flap and flash the light out at the picnic table we were treated to a scampering herd of Raccoons. Five of the little boogers (little being a relative term) hurried off leaving a sacrificial lamb stuck in the beam of the flashlight under the picnic table. It finally took off.

In the morning we discovered that the banditos only got a hold of the bread and hot dog buns but left the candy and hamburger buns alone. Needless to say we put the food in the truck Saturday night.

And the Ants Go Marching Down

We went camping this week end at Red Top Mountain. It was the first time I have gone camping like this. I really enjoyed it. We were serenaded with I'll Fly Away late on Friday night. Saturday night we got talkative pre-schoolers, but they were funny. Out of the mouths of babes was in full affect that night.

Kristi and I are going to try camping before as many races as possible. We are definitely camping at Yargo. Probably Conyers and Monroe. Hard Labor and/or Panola Mountain State Parks. Well, more later. By the way I am at 31% BF

BACK!! Back In The Saddle Again...

You should know your Aerosmith. I will once again turn the pedals in anger this fall. I have managed to get myself a state of the art ride. It won't belong to me. I will be riding a Scott Cyclocross this season. Not sure if it will be the Comp or Team yet. George has the final say. I'll know by the end of the month, though.

I still have a hefty amount of work to do on the engine before I get the machine. At the moment I'm carrying 67.5 pounds of fat around on my body. That is in addition to the 157.5 that the rest of me weighs. That all adds up to 225. My IDEAL weight would be 180 (as old as I am) but I will settle for 200 for this season.

The schedule looks like this right now:
10/21 Conyers
10/28 Winder
11/4 Monroe
11/11 Macon
11/18 Augusta
12/2 Blue Ridge
12/9 Dahlonega

TTFN (gotta finish supper)

Hatari

Great movie. We loved it. Val de Vargas was there and told stories about the making of the movie and how he was cast. We have passes to the rest of the weekend. We'll be seeing really good stuff I think. I'll let y'all know later.

Now, I'm off to build bikes before we start the Saturday round of Movies.

Whew!!!!!!!!

I love my nieces and nephews, but Good Lord, these kids are crazy. We had them over to swim with the folks and wound up having the kids to visit for the night. It was fun. Not again until I forget how crazy these overnights get. It was fun especially the movie watching, six of us piled into our bed watching a movie. We are now going into recovery mode.

August is in the Books

We've made it through another month and the world is still here. It's amazing how that keeps happening. School is ticking on along. The football season has gotten its start. Georgia won and I don't know about Rome yet. I hope they won. Kennedy marched in his first half time show on Friday with Alpharetta. I can't wait till we get a chance to go see him march. Well, it is time to eat and get ready for church. We'll talk at y'all later.

Oh, yeah!! If any of my family members are in need of ideas of what to get me at any point in the year. I would really like Gorshkov's Sea Power and the State. In english for any of you smarties out there.

And the Days Go By ...

The year is actually off to a good start. We've had some real wrinkles. One overpopulated class. That's been fixed. Got a challenging new student added to my caseload on Friday. An EBD kid that doesn't nicely fit into any service model we have at the school. Never fear I have already put together a plan to accomodate. Of course, we must now see if the plan works.

Well We Made It

One week down and 35 more to go.

Hey Y'all Look at This

The website lives. It has hit the super highway and gone. I have to change the hit counter back to Zero and make it count only unique visitors. But I am so happy that it is up and running. It will be growing by leaps and bounds. So keep visiting. Keep checking it out.

Here it is ordinarybicycles.com

Go look the site use to have a killer links but I chopped them off some how so I have to restore them.

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.