Scott's blog

I did it, I actually watched the ball drop in New York last night(OK it was at 11 pm our time). I let the kids stay up and experience this for the first time, although it was with Carson Daly instead of ****** Clark(he did make a couple of appearances though). Now it's the morning after and I feel great, many new things to start the year off right. I did make the usual resolutions of lose a couple of punds, get in shape and spend more time with the family. Now I just need to figure out the million dollar question of how to accomplish them all. Well, it looks like just enough snow outside to play in, so I am off to enjoy a day with the kids in the winter wonderland. I hope that they don't grow up too fast, because these are the days to remember. Have a great day of vacation and back to work tomorrow for most of us!

The work day is done and now I can relax for a bit. I have a meeting at 7pm tonite, hopefully it won't last until 10. It was a good day to get back to work after a long vacation, I got a lot accomplished. Has anyone else seen the new discussion on Alcohol sales in Hutchinson. I am curious to see what people have to say on that issue, it has always been in the back of my mind also. Anyway, I am about to eat some leftovers that I made for the family on New Year's Eve(my wife was sick so we stayed in). I made my version of ham tortilla rollups, I added some cheese/salsa dip to the cream cheese. It really is pretty good, try it sometime. Then I am off to a meeting, and back home to get a little sleep before the next day arrives.

The city council in Hutchinson should be taking notice of the active discussions that are going on within this site. With the amount of people commenting on the smoking ban (both for and against), this is obviously going to be the place to get a feel for what the public opinion is. I know that many will not even write stuff under a "username", but I would bet that many of these opinions are being formed in living room or workplace discussions between friends and families. Perhaps if the City Council or even the area school boards want to get some input on any given issue from the public, they will start their own forum discussion here.

That's enough on the political stuff, now back to what I am up to. My family has decided that we are going to try a responsibility chart for the kids, to teach them about being responsible and also rewarded for that. We are doing the basics, Brush your teeth, go to bed on time, etc. I will keep you posted on how that is going. I am sure that many have tried this and some have worked and some have not. ...more later

Busy weekend for me so far. First on Friday evening was the Back door party(customer appreciation night). This seemed to go over very well, I always enjoy a social evening with my customers. Next was bowling with our couples league. This was going great for the first 2 games. I was over 200 each, and then came the 3rd game, I won't even tell you the score it was so low. Although this is mostly for the fun and social time, I am a little competitive with myself and really like to do my best. Anyway, Sunday is for family here, and we have 3 January B-days to celebrate, so I am now off to have lunch with everyone soon. Check in later....

Cold is coming! That is the first thing that caught my ear when I turned on the news this morning. I don't like the cold, but I expect it, after all I have been a Minnesotan all my life. I just hope that with it comes a little bit of snow for the kids to enjoy. OK, my wife will tell you that I enjoy the snow as well, I always get out the plow to clean off the driveway. She says that I am just playing and she is probably partly right. After all, who hasn't pushed dirt or snow around in the sandbox as a kid hoping for it to be the real thing someday. Anyway, if it comes I will be ready and even enjoy it a little as will most everyone else. Later....

It was a pretty good night of bowling. I was right on my average. The team did not do as well as we have been, but we all have "off" nights sometimes. I did come home to a surprise though. I walked in and my youngest was still up and had just thrown up. Hopefully this is a quick flu bug that will be better tomorrow. Thank goodness that I work for a good company that allows me to stay home with my children when they are sick. Although, I can do some stuff from home, so the day is not all lost. The responsibility chart seems to be working, as the kids still like to make the check marks each night as they go to bed. I hope that it will just become habit for them to get the chores done. It' late, I will write more tomorrow.....

Knocking on wood did not help, I guess that is because I am generally not the superstitious type. It seems that the bug has jumped over to me. I awoke at about 3 am with a terrible feeling that turned out to be more than just a feeling(I got sick). So now both of us are home sick today. Let me tell you , I would rather be at work! I had heard that this was going around, but it has been a while since I have had a flu bug. I do get most of the colds that go around, but I can deal with that, this stuff I can't stand. Anyway, just a bit of health advice: Wash your hands and avoid sick looking people. You don't want to catch this one. Later....

The Lady in the Water was the movie that we watched this weekend. It really is a good movie, not at all what I was expecting. It's about an asian bedtime story come to life(in modern time). It really was fun to follow.
We finally got some snow, and I am sure that all the snowmobilers are happy. The kids are definately ready to do some sledding, hopefully we will have some time this week. You never know how long it is going to last. I get to plow the driveway after work as well, that is somewhat fun for me. I am sure that it will end with a snow fight(snowballs probably won't work this time). The kids seem to think it is fun to get as much snow on me as possible before we head in the house. Later....

Food, that is what is on my mind right now(it's lunch time). We were just having a discussion of where the best Chinese food is. Everyone seems to have an opinion on this subject, even those who don't like Chinese food(which I can't even imagine that). Anyway, just thought I would share that tidbit .
Looks like we are not going to get very much snow, I was actually kind of hoping for an inch or two. I remember when I was growing up all the snow that we had. We would make snow forts, go sledding, snowmobiling and even ride the bikes into the snow banks. And of course who can forget King of the Mountain. That was a morning ritual every day before school. I know that they don't like the kids to play that anymore, but come on it was fun. So what if you got hurt once in a while(I see it a toughening you up for life). Of course we had a lot more snow each year back then. Later....

It's snowing again. Although it only looks like we will get an inch or so, it's nice to see things turn white again. I will be out with the kids this afternoon doing the normal winter activities. I am glad to be able to do these things with my kids, as it always brings me back to my childhood. There is nothing like a memory of the winters in Minnesota. I was reminded of how I liked to take out my dirt bike in the snow, when my son asked if the go-cart would run in the snow. It always sounds like fun, but doesn't work quite as good as you would hope. A snowmobile really is the only motorized vehicle made for the snow. I have learned that from experience. Anyway I am off to have some fun with the kids.....

Another day on the books. I worked late today, got home about 6:45 after picking the kids up and taking them back to work with me for awhile. I just got so busy at the end of the day. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining because if I am working late it means I am getting business. I guess I will see what the President has to say about the state of the Union tonight on TV. Hopefully it will be positive and energetic, I think we all need that right now. It has been a good day, busy at work and the kids are behaving. It doesn't get much better than that. OK, maybe a trip to someplace warm and a beer in my hand would be ideal........

What a great Sunday. I have accomplished cleaning the house, the car and the kids even played nicely today. Now it is off to bowling. We are bowling our regular league and then are going to try the no tap tournament. Hopefully that goes well. Pray for strikes or nine's all night. The nine's usually come easier than the strikes but I can hope. Wish us luck....

It's "hump day". Another Wednesday to get through and then it is on to the weekend. Do you remember when you were in college and when Thursday came, it was the start of the weekend. All the bars had their specials starting then, and usually there weren't a lot of classes(or they were short). Aahh, those were the days. Now I am all grown up and there are things everyday to get done, or places to be, etc. I believe that I am like most people now, in that the kids are busy with this and that every weekend. Don't get me wrong, having chosen the retail path after college, I thrive on being busy and under stress. Just ask my wife, if I don't have anything to do, I go crazy(OK, maybe drive her crazy). I am constantly on the move, which is great, I look at it as not missing out on anything. Anyway, it's time to get some work done, I have plenty to do. Talk to you later....feel free to comment to my blog, if you have anything to chat about.....

Way to go Tristan! My son bowled a 142 this past weekend on his Saturday league. I believe that it will earn him a patch for a game over 120. He also rolled his first "turkey" ever. We were all very proud of him. This comes after a couple of weeks of struggling to get his average. Anyway, it is getting close to game time, so I better get the house chores done, so I can sit for the rest of the day to watch the great commercials. Later...

Here I am again ready to begin another work week. We have plenty going on here at the Hutchinson Leader. We are busy putting the Guide to Hutchinson, Agriculture Tab, Monthly Real Estate Guide and the regular papers together this month. This time of year really keeps us hoppin' around here. That is good because when it is slow, I tend to go crazy as I like to keep moving and busy as much as I can. Anyway, it appears that the cold snap is almost over. Perhaps I can even get out ice fishing with the kids at least once this year. They have been asking to do this lately and it has been just too darn cold for me. Besides the fact that if they went out in this cold, they would only last 10 minutes. Soon it will be spring and then they can get out more anyway. Let's hope for an early one......

Hope everyone had good Valentine's day. I personally do not celebrate this holiday as much as the other ones. Yes, I do give my wife a card and it always comes from my heart and I have in the past spent a bit of money on presents, but this year we decided to keep it low key. After all we have an Anniversary coming up and in my mind that is much more important than a "Hallmark Holiday". I am still waiting for it to warm up though. I bowled in the City tournament singles and doubles last night, but probably should have saved my money. I only threw a 544 for a high series 644 after handicap, which was much below my 636 scratch of last year. Oh well, there is always next year. I shouldn't complain too much anyway, I bowled exaxtly what my average is. Talk to you later....

It was breakfast for supper night at our house. At least for the kids. They wanted eggs the "way dad makes them", which by the way is over easy. So that was supper. As for the adults, I don't know yet. I will be waiting for my wife to get home from work this evening to decide on supper for us. What a day, it was very nice to feel some warmth for a change. And by the look and feel of the kids clothes today, they enjoyed being outside as well. We recently purchased the American Idol game for our PS2, and although it is a cool game you won't be seeing me at any karaoke events any time soon. To say that I was terrrible would be an understatement. I think I will keep my day job. The wife on the other hand, may have to try it out with others watching/listening sometime(she did quite well). Anyway, enough for today......

Snow!!! That was the only thing on the kids' minds this weekend. They played in it as much as they could. I have included a video to share with you of some of the outdoor action this weekend. Enjoy....

Here it comes! Another foot is coming, that's what they are saying anyway. I had to get up extra early this morning to scrap off the wet stuff. I wanted to keep up on it this time, because the last snow I waited until it was over and that was a mistake. I t took me almost two hours to plow out, and it usually only takes around 45minutes. I am running a little short on places to put the snow though(the driveway is shrinking quickly). The kids were excited to wake up to a school cancellation, but they still have to go to daycare. I guess that isn't as "bad" though, because it will be play time all day. I guess we will wait and see how bad it gets.....

Kids are out playing and have been for some time now. I have taken a couple of video clips, but I am having trouble uploading today to youtube. I think that they are busy right now, I wil try later and have them up tomorrow sometime. I went home early, but I guess that this is kinda work(that was for the bosses if they are reading). Just kidding, it was a good idea to get off the roads today, they are getting quite bad. Anyway, time to get the kids in for supper soon....

Scott, One again I enjoyed yet another clip. She looked like she just might have been having a great time. Oh...to be young again!
Our snow storm passed over us with only an inch or two. Hope yours did the same. Today in Idaho it is cold and clear. Just maybe you will get some of this nice sunshine that Idaho is to have for a few days..

Scott,

Looks like a great snow fort. Please be careful though. When I was about 8 years old my brother and I built what I thought was the greatest snow fort ever. Our Mother warned us to be careful. To this day I can remember her exact words, "what would you do if the fort caved in on you" We were playing and having a good time. My older brother decided to go to the house and get some PBJ sandwiches so we could have a snack in our newly built 3 room snow fort. As my brother was walking to the house, without warning, part of the fort caved in and trapped me inside. I was burried in snow but was able to get one arm free and remove enough snow so I could breath. I yelled for my brother and fortunately he heard me and came back to dig me out. I was very sore from the weight of the snow but with no other problems. Needless to say, that was the last snow fort I helped build and enjoyed. Luckily, I was not alone when the fort caved in.

Scott, Wow! Did this ever bring me down memory lane. My brothers and I would build these forts when we were young and played in them by the hours..What a great time we had! I'm certain that your two little ones will have memories to last a lifetime. What a great Daddy you are!
Tell your little girl Happy Birthday for me. A package will be in the mail today.
I really enjoyed your video clip. Thanks again!!
Diane

It has been a hectic couple of days around our house. We have this going and that going, never ending. The youngest had to go to the dentist this morning for a toothache(we are hoping it is not an abcess). Everyone in the family now has a cold, one with an ear infection, one with a sinus infection and hopefully only colds for the others. I guess that usually comes with the first thaw of the season, especially when allergies run in the family. Speaking of which, you should see the river that is running down the side yard of our house. It is crazy how much flows down in the spring. Although I am pleased with the landscape work that we had done a few years ago, the sump pump does don seem to be running too much even with all that water going by. I guess it is diverting it where it is suppose to go. Well, it's Wednesday and one day closer to the weekend, have a good midweek...............

Happy St Patrick's day to all the Irish out there! I do celebrate this Holiday as my wife is one of them. Have fun....

I never miss an episode of CSI(I have it set on the DVR to record every new one)! That was one of the best of the year. Great twist on the triplets, but even better with the look alike double for the husband. Makes you think that maybe it's not so bad not having too much money, at least no one wants to take you out for the insurance(or inheritance). As usual I can't wait to see what they come up with for next week...

Scott, I truly enjoyed the musical with our favorite star in it. She had a nice temp. tattoo on her forehead! Thought she might enjoy them.
I also want to congratulate you and your wife on your 10 year anniversay. Hope you enjoyed your celebration.
The weather here in Idaho is starting to change..little more rain..less snow. Just maybe spring is on its way.
Diane

Soccer has started again. I am once again coaching the girls k-1 indoor soccer and boys 2-3 indoor soccer. This is so much for both the kids and the parents. What a great way to teach some skills, get some exercise and have fun all at the same time. Even though we don't keep score, there is nothing more fun than to see one of the kids score a goal. They get so caught up with the excitement that they don't always stop to reset after the score. Anyway, if you haven't seen this sport played in person, you should check it out. At the lower levels it is non-stop fun. This sport is great exercise and very good for team building skills as well as a great confidence booster because every one participates. Hopefully, I will be able to share some video clips in the future with you.......

Is summer coming? I sure hope that this is the end of the snow for this year. April snow just does nothing for me. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good Minnesota winter full of snow, but there is a time limit to it! I am ready to get out in the yard, go fishing, camping and all that comes with summer. Now that bowling is over, spring should be here. And yes, I did finish with a 601 this year! I so wanted to make a 600 one more time this year and I just made it. One more fun night to go with the Sat. couple league, and the tournament for the Sunday couples and it is all over until next year. Soon I will have some fish stories to share.. you will want to read about them...

Tomorrow is awards/fun day for the kids at Hutch Bowl. They all really look forward to this day. They get their patches, trophies, etc and also get to play some fun bowling games. We will see what the kids get in the morning. It looks like spring is here to stay this time. We can't wait to get out in the yard and plant flowers, etc. Maybe even a garden this year. Soon it will be time for swimming and all the other fun stuff that comes with summer. I am also about to embarq on the next step in my career with Red Wing Publishing. I will be starting my new role as Internet Sales Consultant for nine of the papers within the company. I am excited to start this new postion. Anyway, I have enough work to do to keep me busy all day, so talk with you later....

I am ready to go fishing... Has anyone else been out yet? If I get a chance to go this weekend, I would like to go where they are biting. It is always more fun with the kids if they can catch something, otherwise they get bored. Looks like spring has decided to stay, I saw a planter in the field on the way to work this morning. Maybe you can even get in the garden this weekend, although we had planned to wait until after Mother's Day. WE will see. We still are deciding if we want to add a garden this year. I would like to, but it will be a lot of extra work for the summer. I will keep you posted. The Go-cart will probably get a work out soon also, as it is now warm enough and the soil is firm enough to handle it. Just rambling today, hope you don't mind...

The Tiger Cubs track meet is this weekend, we really hope that it does not rain. The kids participated in this fun event last year and couldn't wait to sign up this year. The track team does an excellent job of setting up and running this fun day. Let me tell you it is a lot better than the kids wanting to be in a video game tournament or some other non-physical activity. The more I can get the kids outside the better, otherwise they will sit in front of the TV all day.

We only have one more week left of the boys 2-3 soccer and they are getting quite good. I have seen teamwork from these kids now that was not there a few weeks ago. They are passing, watching for open players, and getting in front of the net to score. I am very pleased with their progress. Just think if they have 2 or 3 hours to practive and play instead of 50 minutes, they might be at the next level by now.

For those waiting for the fishing opener: Only 8 more days!!!

It is time for the fishing opener. I am ready, I hope everyone else is too. I know in our family it is a pretty big deal to go fishing together. We even have to use two boats sometimes, because everyone wants to get out at the same time. Good luck to everyone!

Long Jump: She's in the air! How far will she go!