Apr 29, 2009
The Salmon Experiment
His answer, "I don't recall." She had said, "remember that last exam you took and did REALLY well, like the best ever, was after we ate salmon for dinner?" YES! Looks like brain food=fish=dinner often.
Apr 28, 2009
Panic or Pan-dem-ic?
It was just a matter of time before someone came in with concerns about the swine flu. The first person came in today, not because he was feeling so bad, but because his co-workers were afraid he might have caught it while on a business trip to Mexico City. We had to call the health department to figure out where and how to send the swab. The test results will take a few days.
Undoubtedly this illness should be taken with caution, but seriously... the media has hyped it up!
Undoubtedly this illness should be taken with caution, but seriously... the media has hyped it up!
Apr 27, 2009
Little league
On our walk around the neighborhood tonight, we stopped to watch the end of a baseball game. The boys appeared to be about 10-12 years old, some were really tall while others were quite small. Their parents watched from the stands as the sun sank beyond the trees and the bright lights illuminated the baseball diamond. Classic, all-American, Norman Rockwell kind of night.
Apr 26, 2009
Wheee-kend
The weather was glorious this weekend, so we stayed outdoors as much as possible. Dining outside is a special treat, and we enjoyed our specialty pizzas with Steve and Charlene. I worked Saturday but we weren't particularly busy, as everyone seemed to be soaking up the sunshine. Today, we spent a few hours at the park, sitting under the shade. We took advantage of the opportunity before the 'squitos and humidity hit us.
Troy keeps trying to quiz me about various birds we see on our walks, and I'm not doing so great. He's very patient with me, though. He tries to be nice and quizzes me on every single cardinal that he sees, just so I don't look like a complete idiot!
Our little neighbor boy was running around today with a kite. CUTE! We are really excited about getting to know this new family next door.
Troy keeps trying to quiz me about various birds we see on our walks, and I'm not doing so great. He's very patient with me, though. He tries to be nice and quizzes me on every single cardinal that he sees, just so I don't look like a complete idiot!
Our little neighbor boy was running around today with a kite. CUTE! We are really excited about getting to know this new family next door.
Apr 23, 2009
Novice gardener
Actually, it's an exaggeration to associate myself with "gardener," no matter what the preceding adjective. I'm known for not keeping green things alive. Fortunately, we moved into a house with an established yard; my main objective is to not demolish it and hopefully add a little at a time. We added hostas in the front last fall (thanks to Troy) and that area has filled in very nicely. The dogwood tree that Troy planted last fall is also starting to show some blooms.
Esther, one of our friends and expert gardener, suggested impatiens in the back, so I planted a few today. If I cross my fingers, water with two arms holding the can, dance a little flower dance, and whisper coaxingly to them, maybe they'll grow. Here's a photo of today's effort. I hope there will be an "after" photo to post at some point.
Our azaleas finally blossomed this past week. The ones in front are mostly white, the backyard ones are varigated pink and also hot pink.
Esther, one of our friends and expert gardener, suggested impatiens in the back, so I planted a few today. If I cross my fingers, water with two arms holding the can, dance a little flower dance, and whisper coaxingly to them, maybe they'll grow. Here's a photo of today's effort. I hope there will be an "after" photo to post at some point.
Our azaleas finally blossomed this past week. The ones in front are mostly white, the backyard ones are varigated pink and also hot pink.
Apr 22, 2009
Marital Bliss-ters
I give Youngin a lot of credit for blending into our idiosyncratic family fairly well. This time it might cause blisters, however.
Those who know our family probably know we're not terribly exercise inclined, unless it involves pushing motorcycles around the yard (uh, yeah, that's how you start antique clunkers), crank starting Farmalls, stalking groundhogs, or clicking mice. But it should be noted there are at least four to five who range from extreme to occasional exercisers!
So when Charlene threw down the gauntlet, there was an inaudible (audible gasps take more energy) gasp from the non through occasional exercisers and some positive (audible) response among the exercisers.
Well, Youngin is among the exercisers, so it looks like the blisters will most likely be mine when we join in on this event.
Those who know our family probably know we're not terribly exercise inclined, unless it involves pushing motorcycles around the yard (uh, yeah, that's how you start antique clunkers), crank starting Farmalls, stalking groundhogs, or clicking mice. But it should be noted there are at least four to five who range from extreme to occasional exercisers!
So when Charlene threw down the gauntlet, there was an inaudible (audible gasps take more energy) gasp from the non through occasional exercisers and some positive (audible) response among the exercisers.
Well, Youngin is among the exercisers, so it looks like the blisters will most likely be mine when we join in on this event.
Apr 20, 2009
Marital Bliss
Some enjoy cooking together, others gardening, others hiking, camping, cycling, rowing, and/or biking. Some hash it out in counseling sessions. US? We bond over measuring tape, cameras, creeks and water depth.... while racing to take photos prior to the vanishing sunset. I have little understanding about what we're doing but it's been fun helping Troy with his project.
Apr 19, 2009
HOORAY!!!
Troy was inducted today into the Chi Epsilon Honor Society for Civil Engineers. Great job!
Apr 18, 2009
Apr 16, 2009
Apr 14, 2009
Apr 11, 2009
Troy officially joins the army
I've never seen Troy so excited about a store opening but finally on April 1, Ollie's put our town on the map! The new store is less than a mile from our house, and it is a treasure trove for the few, the proud, the cheap.
Apr 10, 2009
May you float down the river of time...
...like a bobtailed chicken on a watermelon rind. My family can correct me, but I think that's the quote we found in grandma's high school signature book. It ties nicely to some things I've been thinking about lately. Since moving from the missionary world to a normal setting, I've meandered around looking at a number of careers paths. When I first moved to North Carolina I had in mind to attend North Carolina State University, but I knew I wanted to work a while to establish residency. So I started looking for jobs, and on a friend's suggestion (thanks, John M.!) I found this job posting and eventually landed the Americorps gig at Advanced Energy. I interviewed with a couple of green builders and I also looked for jobs with companies like Aqua America (I believe Steve helped me locate Aqua America). While I was looking for jobs, I was also visiting the University to see what they had to offer. I visited with the Natural Resources Department about their degree with a hydrology concentration. My interest in this field was a result of my experiences designing and installing a large septic system near Yellow Springs.
While I waited to start my Americorps year with Advanced Energy (AE), I worked for Palmetto Air and Water Balance. My mechanical engineering and heating/cooling background came in handy there. And once I started working with AE, I spent a lot of time inspecting heating and cooling systems as well as insulation and framing. Through all of these experiences I saw a lot of business opportunity in the green building/construction world. And when I found the Construction Engineering program at NC State and realized that a lot of my mechanical engineering classes would transfer, I thought I had things figured out. I talked to the department and applied for admission. My GPA from Akron was not stellar. Dr. Parish said, "take Mechanics of Solids and get a B or better and you're in." That's what I did at the end of last summer and managed to pull out the grade. Then I sat down and talked to Dr. Parish. He looked at me and said I should consider Civil Engineering (same department, almost the same degree, but I needed to take some more advanced math). I decided to try ~ and in the process I discovered that Civil Engineering is a REALLY broad field that involves much more than just building roads and bridges. What I've discovered most recently is that I have returned to those hydrology interests I had when I first moved to NC, in the form of a Water Resources concentration in Civil Engineering.
So, the other day Youngin comes home and says she met a Civil Engineer from NC State, who was also married to a Civil Engineer from NC State. It turns out they both have a Masters Degree from the Biological and Agricultural Engineering department and are glad to talk about some good experiences they had there. And it turns out that after talking to a number of professors in Civil Engineering and in Bio and Ag Engineering that I'm considering the same graduate degree path. The Bio and Ag program focuses more on stream water quality, stream restoration, and wetlands whereas the Civil (Environmental & Water Resources) program is focused on drinking water and wastewater treatment. In the meantime, a good friend of mine happens to be working on some water quality sensor technology, and I may be able to create a masters research project to help test or develop that technology.
Water takes the path of least resistance. So far, it's been an interesting ride.
While I waited to start my Americorps year with Advanced Energy (AE), I worked for Palmetto Air and Water Balance. My mechanical engineering and heating/cooling background came in handy there. And once I started working with AE, I spent a lot of time inspecting heating and cooling systems as well as insulation and framing. Through all of these experiences I saw a lot of business opportunity in the green building/construction world. And when I found the Construction Engineering program at NC State and realized that a lot of my mechanical engineering classes would transfer, I thought I had things figured out. I talked to the department and applied for admission. My GPA from Akron was not stellar. Dr. Parish said, "take Mechanics of Solids and get a B or better and you're in." That's what I did at the end of last summer and managed to pull out the grade. Then I sat down and talked to Dr. Parish. He looked at me and said I should consider Civil Engineering (same department, almost the same degree, but I needed to take some more advanced math). I decided to try ~ and in the process I discovered that Civil Engineering is a REALLY broad field that involves much more than just building roads and bridges. What I've discovered most recently is that I have returned to those hydrology interests I had when I first moved to NC, in the form of a Water Resources concentration in Civil Engineering.
So, the other day Youngin comes home and says she met a Civil Engineer from NC State, who was also married to a Civil Engineer from NC State. It turns out they both have a Masters Degree from the Biological and Agricultural Engineering department and are glad to talk about some good experiences they had there. And it turns out that after talking to a number of professors in Civil Engineering and in Bio and Ag Engineering that I'm considering the same graduate degree path. The Bio and Ag program focuses more on stream water quality, stream restoration, and wetlands whereas the Civil (Environmental & Water Resources) program is focused on drinking water and wastewater treatment. In the meantime, a good friend of mine happens to be working on some water quality sensor technology, and I may be able to create a masters research project to help test or develop that technology.
Water takes the path of least resistance. So far, it's been an interesting ride.
Ahhhh... Friday!
We've been enjoying the company of some Korean friends from mainland China. So interesting to hear about life there! Who knew there were so many farmers in China?? We took advantage of the gorgeous weather yesterday and walked the greenway for a few miles. They'll be headed out this morning but we're glad they stopped by.
Apr 9, 2009
Haste is waste
is the saying I've often heard, since my two speeds are fast forward and stop. So, with four thousand items on the to-do list for my day off, I thought I'd get a jump start and quickly get stew in the slow cooker. While chopping the onion, I turned to look at the meat browning and cut my finger. Argh!! Quick trip to the office, a big bandaged middle finger, and the day moves on with added challenge. Ever type one handed??? or wash dishes without getting a bandage wet??? Poor Troy sure didn't like the sight of blood but he's been a big help.
Apr 7, 2009
Softball
The highlight of my day was a beautiful teenage girl who came in for an appointment this morning :) After work, I headed to the gym and after the workout, waited for Troy by watching the ladies softball team play. It looks like a brand-new field. There were a few brave souls weathering the 45 degree temps with wind whipping across the fence. Fun and cheap entertainment.... I'd recommend it.
Apr 6, 2009
Monday, monday
The schedule wasn't too hectic today but the computer at work died early this morning. It might be resurrected but more likely it needs a burial. All day long, I felt somewhat bereft and lost. A few years ago, I didn't use a computer at all while at work but these days I feel quite dependent on it, not just for scheduling but also as a resource.
Apr 5, 2009
Alarm Clock
These past few mornings, our wakeup call has been a little birdie who sits outside our window singing "Drink your tea, drink your tea." It is right, we really should drink green tea instead of coffee, but we'll need to find a 12-step program first.
Speaking of which, Troy got a cold coffee press for his birthday and we are finally in the process of starting the experiment. Check back for photos and details.
Speaking of which, Troy got a cold coffee press for his birthday and we are finally in the process of starting the experiment. Check back for photos and details.
Apr 4, 2009
Apr 2, 2009
The professor
Today I sat in a math class taught by a man who is supposedly the blend of Troy's in-laws. Very interesting to be in the student seat, watching this Korean professor pace in front of a chalkboard. The subject matter was miles above my head but I appreciated the effort, method and delivery of instruction. Also makes me appreciate all that Troy has to learn, too.
Addendum: I forgot to write about the funniest part of class today! Troy pointed out an error that the prof had made, which impressed the man, apparently. "What is your name?" he asked. "Troy." "Stand up, stand up, Troy, and turn around. What's your major?" "Civil engineering," Troy replied. "OK, all civil engineers say thank you to Troy for making civil engineering look good." Yes, Troy's ear tips were red :)
Addendum: I forgot to write about the funniest part of class today! Troy pointed out an error that the prof had made, which impressed the man, apparently. "What is your name?" he asked. "Troy." "Stand up, stand up, Troy, and turn around. What's your major?" "Civil engineering," Troy replied. "OK, all civil engineers say thank you to Troy for making civil engineering look good." Yes, Troy's ear tips were red :)
Apr 1, 2009
New neighbors
A couple of times last week, we spied a minivan in the driveway of the house next door. Finally on Sunday afternoon, Troy walked over and met the neighbors. They are a nice family with a young boy about 5 years old. I'm looking forward to meeting them sometime too. They are moving in slowly over the next few weeks.
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