Life on the Runn...

Since it was an away game this past weekend, Brian and I had a free weekend.  We had originally planned a camping trip with some of my friends, but we decided not to go when the forecast called for three days of rain.  Instead, we spent a good portion of the weekend with Brian's family, who we haven't seen in a while. Saturday was a family get-together.  We were welcome any time after 3pm (the Badger game started at 2:30).  Knowing he shouldn't mess with me and my Badgers, Brian agreed to make a stop at a restaurant with plenty of TV's to ensure that I could watch the entire Wisconsin - Iowa game.  We planned to leave at half time and make it to Brian's uncle's house in time for the party.  We settled on Buffalo Wild Wings as the restaurant of choice. I had never been there before, but I figured it would do the trick.  Now I don't really care for meat on bones or breaded meat, so I was a bit concerned about the whole meal aspect of the stop (and I di...

It is already one week later, and I'm still riding high on the excitement that was last weekend's Badger game. Since Brian had rock climbing plans Saturday morning, my 'son' Nick picked me up, and he and I drove to Madison together.  I'm used to a rather quiet driving buddy, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that Nick and I had so much to talk about - Bradford athletics, our friend Rob's gym, and education. When we got to Madison, I was really excited to reunite with Katie, my very best friend.  We haven't seen each other in quite a while, and we used to spend a lot of time together in Madison while I was in school, so it was very appropriate that our long-awaited reunion took place in MadTown on a football Saturday. Despite the insane crowds and the horrible parking situation, we arrived at the stadium and made our way to our seats just in time to see kickoff.  Good thing we were timely.  The Badgers returned the kickoff for a touchdown.  The stad...

When I tell people I teach ninth graders, they often say things like, "I'm sorry" or "That has to be terrible".  I adamantly disagree.  Those of us who have the privilege of working with ninth graders know that they have their redeeming qualities, and that in the midst of the organized chaos that can be the typical freshman classroom, wisdom abounds. Take, for example, the other day.  While I was sweeping the dust off of my document camera, one of my students told me I was just like his dad.  You can imagine my confusion when being compared to a man.  My student went on to explain that his dad says their house is not clean if there is dust on tables, etc.  I smiled, expecting to move on and hoping I wouldn't be called out on any more of my obsessive behaviors (we all know I'm anal about cleanliness). My student continued with what I have to consider one of the most profound moments in my classroom this year.  In a very straightforward tone, my stud...

Hey all. I know it has been a few days; things have been a bit hectic. I promise to update soon...lots to share - new phone, work stories, and a wild Badger football win.

 He goes by many names:  Justin, JB, Bizzle.  Whatever name you choose, consider yourself lucky if you can call him "friend".  I have known Justin for a couple of years now, and I can honestly say that he is one of the kindest, most selfless people I have ever met.  JB, this is a shout-out to you, my former desk mate, and my great friend. Justin sharing in my Badger pride A classic Justin picture

It was Homecoming in Madison on Saturday, and though Brian was out of town, I did not let that interrupt my plans to celebrate.  Since graduating, I've been carefully calculating plans to become a season ticket holder, and this year my dream came true...now I only hope it can last!!  Our usual game day buddies, Matt and Meg, were otherwise engaged this weekend, so I had the perfect opportunity to share my Badger love with a few of my Kenosha friends. Katie, Justin, Amanda and I had a lot of work to do.  The much-hated Minnesota Golden Gophers were in town for the Homecoming Game, and the coveted Ax was up for grabs.  The ax, for those of you who don't know about it, is awarded to the winning team when the Badgers and Gophers face off.  It has been with the good guys for a few years now, and I know Bucky did not want to give it up, especially on Homecoming.  No need to fret, the Badges destroyed the competition.... The four of us spent the day cheering f...

Since yesterday was our first Parent-Teacher Conferences of the year, today was our first half day (the four extra hours of work Thursday night means that many fewer hours today).  I decided to take advantage of this gift and made a quick trip to the Outlet Mall in Pleasant Prairie. Initially was a bit disappointed with my first stop, and I thought this whole shopping endeavor would be a bust.  But, it turns out that I was a successful shopper, and I have some really great finds to prove it..  First, I searched the shoe store looking for shoes that comfortably fit my "new" feet.  I found a cute pair, but the store didn't have my size in the color I preferred.  No need to fret though; I was able to order the shoes, and they should arrive at my house in a few days.  I'm very excited to get a present via UPS.  It seems that Brian is the only one who typically gets deliveries. I had new shoes, so I needed new clothes to wear with them.  I found so...

After a late Friday night, we had an early Saturday morning.  We needed to be up and ready to leave the house by 7am in order to meet our friends Mike and Lisa and make the five hour drive to Rochester, MN.  I must say that I'm doing pretty well with these early Saturday mornings...though I wouldn't mind not setting an alarm six days a week.   Thankfully, the drive was shorter than anticipated, so we had time to hang out in Rochester before the Withers wedding.  Mike, Lisa, Brian and I stopped at Target for party supplies and found a really nice restaurant for lunch.  McGoonies  Taxi Co. is a restaurant/comedy club that once was an old savings and loan.  There are old pictures and memorabilia all over the restaurant, and the menus look like newspapers (and are even stored in an old paper stand).  Stopping there was a really great choice.   After enjoying a tasty lunch, we headed back to our hotel for a quick nap and a bit of football viewin...

Last week was Homecoming Week at Bradford High School.  Because my friend Amanda was assigned the task of organizing the dance and much of the week's festivities, I did my best to support her where I could.  That meant helping with permission slips, ticket sales, and ballot counting. All of Amanda's efforts and the efforts of the kids surely paid off, as was evident Friday.  First, there was the Homecoming Assembly, which was entertaining as usual.  All of the couples on court make videos as they battle it out for the coveted title of Homecoming King and Queen.  Then, after school, candy, kids, and floats took over the greater Bradford area.  It was parade time, and it was a blast! I had the pleasure of watching the parade with a few of my favorite boys, Seth and Ethan.  They are my friend Star's kids, and they're two of the most well-behaved, cutest boys you'll meet. After the parade, our usual group went to the game.  Though the Red Devils s...