More of My Girls

More of My Girls, originally uploaded by eElementary.

Myra showed off her Hurricanes pride during Fathers' Day. We had a great

day, with lots of time spent with my girls!

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

First Life Imitates Second Life

Quite funny for those of you 'in-world'

Linux and Hurricanes

Interesting title, right? Finally have a few minutes to update the blog. I spent most of my time lately shifting our home operating systems to the Linux distribution, Ubuntu. So why am I switching operating systems? Well, awhile back I decided to try out Firefox, the open source browser that challenges Microsoft's Internet Explorer. As a loyal Firefox user, I saw the benefits of open source, when adding extensions to my browser. Now, I could not imagine browsing the internet without my web developer toolbar, weather, built-in Google toolbar, and more. It just makes sense. So then I began to use other open source software. Products such as Audacity and The Gimp allowed me to complete tasks similar to paid software, most times even superiorly (is that a word?). Then I stumbled upon the office suite, Open Office. With this software, I found it did many of the tasks in one step that I needed two or more steps with in Word. Such as saving a file as a pdf. It eliminates the need for programs such as Primo PDF that 'print' files as pdfs.

When I started the new job and choose a Macbook Pro as my laptop of choice, I decided to run a Linux distro using the loaded Parallels. Parallels allows you to run another operating system within Mac OS. While most set it up to run XP, I decided to run Linux. Of course the challenge came from deciding which Linux distro to use. Many different selections abound, from Ubuntu, to Mandriva, to SUSE, the choices are mindboggling. I finally settled for Ubuntu for two reasons. One, their venture into education, edubuntu, would be something I could recommend to school systems, and two the overwhelming support community. Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distros, so with my initial lack of knowledge, that appealed to me.

I will post more thoughts on my switch in future posts...

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Did you notice I had fewer posts recently? Compared to last year, I looked for the reason. When you look at my June, 2006 posts, you quickly see why--the STANLEY CUP. This year, as we failed to make the playoffs, I did not post as much. Two nights ago, we ended our reign as defending Stanley Cup champs, as the Anaheim Ducks beat the Ottawa Senators. Hopefully we will see better things from the Canes next year! I did enjoy the playoffs--Myra really like the contrast in the games and Lucy liked watching 'iiiiiice' and 'awkeee'. (-:

Summer In The City

The heat returneth. Looking at my Firefox extension, I see 98 for today. Phew! And me, being the less than bright one, plan a 4 mile run today. Oh well! I actually believe I run better in the heat, as opposed to the cooler days. Running, since adding carbs back to my diet, has taken off. I did the Falls Lake Dam loop last weekend (6 miles) and SPRINTED at the end. I feel much stronger physically and mentally.
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Nana and PapPap left this morning. Lucy and Myra really enjoyed their time with them. We visited the beach (see above), lots of shopping, and they treated us to ice cream. Now we prepare for a weekend visit from Grammie and Grandpa. We even may go out on Hidden Lake this weekend!

Enjoying the Summer

Who wouldn't when Nana and PapPap come down to lend a helping hand with Lucy and Myra! I hope to post some pictures soon. The girls have been enjoying their time with Cole as well. We went to a local beach this morning, then went shopping this afternoon. Fun time!
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Running is better. The carb-free diet hindered what running I could do, so I am back in carbs eating.

The Newest Star...

Get a load of this picture...

The Old Man Posts Again

Wow! I turned 30 this week. Never thought that would happen. Do I feel any different now? Well, my back caused me some serious pain yesterday, but I attribute that more to the fact I ran 6 miles, most on hard concrete sidewalks. Today, I went on a 3 miler through Durant Nature Park with no pain--the paths were all pack dirt with a soft cushion of pine needles. Ahhhhh!
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Girls are doing well. We all went to the park this morning. A beautiful weekend here in Raleigh. Warm temps, with low humidity. We do not see too many of these types of days, so we definitely will enjoy it! We found out on Monday that Myra's Hydronephrosis (stretching of the kidney) seemingly worked itself back to normal. We will visit with our pediatric urologist Dr. Weiner (insert joke here) in a year, but all looks good! Thank goodness!
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I also started to familarize myself with Second Life. For those of you not in the 'know,' SL is a virtual world where you create a second identity. You can buy clothes, hairstyles, etc, all with virtual Linden dollars. Education began to jump on board when we discovered we could meet virtually with people from all over the world. I actually began a project with this through work, so tune in. This picture shows me hanggliding over Heinz Field on UPMC Island. (-:

The Business Continues

That's busy-ness, not business! (-:

So what's been going on this month? Two weeks of travel (over 1400 miles in day trips), my 30th birthday, and finding out Myra's kidney ailment looks good.

Thirty years old! Wow! All I can say is thank goodness. Thank goodness you ask? Well, the past 3-4 years I've spent too much time thinking how old I was. 27? 28? 29? Now I can just say thirty. Thank you to all of you for not making a big deal of it.
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Monday we also went to Duke for another ultrasound for Myra. The results show her extended kindey returned to normal size. They believe there was a blockage pre-birth that stretched her kidney. The blockage went away, but it took awhile for the kidney to return back to normal. Regardless, we are quite happy she will not need any additional procedures.

Almost Another Month!

Can you believe how quickly time continues to move? I cannot believe May is almost here! With it brings my 30th birthday, which does not hold the mystique it may for others. I always see my birthday as just another day, but this year I guess I should reflect on where I am and where we intend to go.
1. Where am I professionally? In a great place. Working at DPI, I can see myself continue there indefinitely, learning more and more about technology and politics and how they work together.

2. Where am I physically? Beginning with the marathon training and Atkins, I see myself moving back toward that great period in my life where I felt good and saw myself looking good as well.

3. Where am I personally? In a place better than I could possibly imagine. With the best wife and most awesome two little girls, I would improve nothing in my personal life. I just love life with those three!

 
 
 

Movin' Forward...

Hard to believe May is only a few days away. Time continues to speed on by! With May, come new decisions. Kerry and I actually went out to lunch yesterday (thanks for babysitting, Grammie!) and came to a few decisions. The first, and perhaps most time consuming is that I decided to run the City of Oaks Marathon. After about five years, Raleigh finally will host a marathon again. This will go throughout Downtown, NC State, and Umstead State Park. If you remember, Kerry and I ran a half-marathon through Umstead, and it kicked our you know whats! (-: So I decided to try the marathon through it. Kerry really wants to do the Marine Corps next year, so this way my chance. I'll update you on my progress!
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To coincide with that, I decided to try Atkins once again. When training for the Kiawah Island Marathon (way back in 02), I spent the summer on the carb-free diet, and I believe it really helped. I'll shed a few pounds (30 hopefully!) and build muscle for the marathon. I think, considering Lucy and some other things, this will be easier to stick with long term. We'll keep you posted on that as well!!

So Where've We Been?

I noticed I am not blogging as much as 2006. As you can imagine, the new job keeps me very busy. I throughly enjoy it though. This week I will leave on my division's retreat in Beaufort, NC to plan for the next year's activities. We keep pretty busy. I already made many business trips to Charlotte, Rich Square, and my calendar stays pretty booked. I do like the freedom to fill my own schedule, however, as it allows me to really work to the best of my ability. Definitely my learning style!
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The girls rock! We spent all weekend home (literally!) in the bathroom with Lucy as she consistently used the potty. Only a family man could get as big of a thrill out of it as I did, but I genuinely showered her with so much positive praise. Proud Papa! Myra is doing well also. Close to sleeping completely through the night, until the next growth spurt. We also think that first tooth may be coming early (3 months). We'll take that as it comes!

My Teaching Days End...

I sit here ready to start my first day as a Technology Consultant for the Department of Public Instruction. Yesterday I finished my last day (hopefully!!) in a school. While I enjoyed my 8+ years in schools, I definitely realize my desire to move on. I will continue to update you on what happens!

Can We Get Busier?

Of course! Work two jobs, instead of one, right? (-: Well, after Wednesday, I will return to just working one job a day (besides the father of two awesome girls). Thursday I begin (or should I say continue) in Downtown Raleigh. It will be an adjustment switching to office and cubicle life from the classroom, although I really began that phasing out process two years ago, with limited time in the classroom. I definitely cannot wait to begin this new challenge--as I feel very confident in all my skills at this stage.
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We will Easter in PA this year again. A short little trip, although we approach it with apprehension, due to Lucy's previous two out of state trips. Lots of spewage, if you do not mind my bluntness! Poor thing, that's all she needs, after everything else. Oh well! Character building opportunities galore for our two ladies! My wife and I will also celebrate our sixth wedding anniversary. Wow! Six years! Time really does fly!

Busy March, Already!

My three girls continue to do well. Myra just slept 5 hours through the night last night! Woohoo for that! Granted, we all are in various stages of allergies/colds/flu, but we'll take that. Lucy is pretty snotty, as am I! Gotta love spring in NC!
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I actually sit here in the lobby of the RTP Sheraton Imperial Hotel at the Conference. I will present a session on podcasting later this afternoon. A nuts and bolts kinda presentation. Slim on theory, heavy on how to use it in the classroom. I think that's what lacks so much in instruction. Show me what works, what doesn't, and how I can adapt it.

Dubya At it Again...

Hoa boy. What will we do with him! Our dear President, in his proposed budget, wants to cut spending to PBS (Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers, etc) and NPR (the radio) by 25%. All part of a plan to eventually cut all spending in 10 years.
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This just in--The Dixie Chicks won the Grammy for "I'm Not Ready to Make Nice," the slap at the Religious Right! Woohoo!
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Anyway, as appropriate as it is, let's get back to controlling our country by the will of the people. The few are trying to impose their beliefs, not rights, on us. Click on the link below to sign a petition that will be sent to your local senators and politicians.

Click Here

Sleep Well, Princess!

It sounds like Myra J. will have a busy week. On Monday, we will take her to Duke Medical Center (no, not for Lacrosse practice!! Oops, sorry--I used that same bad joke when we took Lucy for her Celiac!!) to visit with a pediatric urologist. Seems that another one of our daughters may possess a medical ailment. This time, the name is a little bigger, Neonatal Hydronephrosis, which is a dilation of the collecting part of the kidneys. You can read more about it here. On Monday, we will visit Duke Health Center once again (after Lucy's visit this past spring) to have a procedure accomplished. While pretty common and not life-threating, the procedure, called voiding cystourethrogram, (click here and look under Monitoring Your Child) it does not sound too pleasant. But this hopefully will rule out reflux, and get her off antibiotics (prescribed since birth to prevent possibly infections if it would be reflux). We will post more as we find it out!!

What We Do These Days...

This video shows our typical days, and we love it!

Getting Along...

Well, much to our non-surprise, the girls are getting along well. Lucy is a SUPER big sister. She always wants to see Myra when awake, or when we bath her, or when in need of a new diaper. Lucy does not like to see and hear her lil' sis cry, as she will go running for her pacifier, or turn on the vibrating chair, if Myra is in it.

Lucy and Myra

Another use for TP!










Everything looks good so far, Daddy!










I much rather like Baby Carissa in here.

Myra Jeanne's Arrival

She's here!! We are so excited to finally meet here! She arrived at 7:04 AM yesterday at the healthy size of8lbs and 1 oz. Mommy is doing well also. We'll post more, after a good nap!!

Myra Watch

Ok, no baby yet. She is now officially 2 days late for those of you scoring at home. Maybe Joey is conducting one of his legendary polls for the due date. Hopefully it will be soon!
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Mommy is doing well. Very healthy and upbeat. I think we just both hope that little Miss Thing will come soon. We're ready to see how the changing dynamics will shift our family in a different direction. We really believe a little sister will be good for Lucy as well. We shall see!

Let It Snow...

Again, Raleigh gets 0.8 inches of snow, and the city shuts down. This time, unfortunately, I was about 1/2 a mile from my school in Durham. The roads were horrendous. I-540, and interstate, was snow covered. TW Alexander, the main artery into the Research Triangle Park, was atrocious. Got within a 1/2 mile, heard Durham County Schools were closed, and I turned around, taking 50+ minutes to get back home. Phew!
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On the plus side, Lucy and I played with the snow, before the rain got it. Myra continues to swim around. No news yet!

Our Little Myra...

What a Thursday! It seems we went on a trial run at the 'delivery' of Myra. Kerry called me at school after her doctor instructed her to go to the hospital to have a specialist look at the ultrasound results. We thought they were going to deliver Myra early. Well, we may have another health problem with our girls. It seems Myra may have hydronephrosis, which is a dilation of the inner part of the kidney. Again, it is not a major problem, but definitely one we will revisit upon her birth. This allows urine to collect on the inner part of the kidney. So, until her birth, we're in a wait and see position. We will keep you updated!
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Lucy continues to enjoy life. She is a little chatter box, with her new words including "Coke" (don't know where she gets that!!), "Peep" (her favorite snack), "Blue" (favorite color), and she loves to repeat the alphabet with us! She is such a cutie!

Happy New Year, 2007!

 Welcome 2007! We celebrated the coming New Year in Downtown Raleigh this year with our friend, Jennifer. The Museum of Natural Science and Museum of History had a bunch of 'kid-friendly' activities, such as making a pirate spyglass, making your 2007 wishes in a bottle, and making kites. Do you pick up on the pirate metaphor? (-: Then we marched in a 'Peoples' Processional to Fayetteville Street where the dropped the acorn (at 7 for us old fogies!) and shot fireworks. We all really enjoyed it. Then went home and to bed by 10 am.
 
 

And We Say Goodbye to 2006...

Wow! Where did this year go? It was a busy one--my first working straight through the summer at the same job. Of course I promptly left that job July 31st, but I did start the new one right away. Lucy improved from the tough start to the year with her diagnosis of Celiac Disease. Now a few months into a gluten free diet, she is thriving. Kerry and I also prepare to bring another daughter into this world. As a matter of fact, she is even putting clothes out even as I type. And of course my Hurricanes won the Cup this year. Pretty good year overall.

So what will 2007 bring? A healthy baby girl, Myra. Possibly a new job? A repeat for the Canes? Time will tell.

Lucy and Her Stroller

Thanks Ms. Jennifer! Lucy loves her stroller for her 3 baybeeeees!

A Very Raleigh Christmas...

Did you know they give prizes away in fruit snacks? Seems so. I opened a new pack of Sunkist fruit snacks, and low and behold, there was an Ernie (of Sesame Street fame) action figure. What a great Christmas surprise! (thanks Mom and Dad!)
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Can you believe it's Christmas Eve, 2006? It took so long getting here, and now, as I type this, it's 3:30! We have had a fun day. Went to our church's Children's service today. Lucy loved it! All kinds of kids, plus she LOVED her purple dress. She is so funny! To make the day perfect, we stopped at Sheetz for lunch! That made our day! Heehee!!
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Afterward, I went for my longest run in months--a 4 miler out to Durant and back. Nice to start getting back into it. I plan to complete the 6 mile loop down around Falls Lake Dam (the Dam Run! Ha!) next week sometime. It helps that we're all feeling somewhat better, although I still go to the doctor on Tuesday. Gotta get over this crud!

Ho...Ho...Ho...Who Do You Know!!!

Hmmm...an interesting question from the past looks like it 'may' affect the beginning of our 2007 in a most positive way. And no, it's not our bundle of joy due January 24th (Miss Myra). Look here soon for some more clues!

Speaking of Myra--she is doing very well. Very busy, but very good. We think she'll be early too. We're excited, but also excited to spend one last Christmas with Lucy. And speaking of Christmas, this will mark the first year we stay in Raleigh. While missing our family, we are very excited of staying here and doing the things we usually do not get to do since we're traveling all over the countryside!

NCETC 2006

Another year at NCETC. I finally attended a concurrent session by Tammy Worcester. It was a session on using PowerPoint for a number of different uses. Lots of neat ideas that I will now implement back at WG. This year I'm working more with AIG students, and always looking for new activities to engage them. In the traditional classroom, a teacher cannot always focus on their AIG students, so as a TF, I can pull the students and work with them after collaborating with their teachers. A TF can be such a resource. Not only do I head up a successful grant writing program, but I troubleshoot the school's equipment, oversee technology purchases, and work with AIG and remedial students. Definitely a position every school should have.

ncetc06

A New Animal in the Fisher Price Farm!

 

A Festive November...

We recently went to Durant Nature Park to enjoy the fall weather. Lucy loves to stroll through the woods, picking up leaves (and not letting them go!), and visiting her duckie friends!










Lucy also likes to visit the grocery store to 'drive' the cart. Here she is with her "Bay-beeee," looking for bargains!

Two Years Old!

Do you believe Lucy B turns two today? Kerry and I can't! How time flies. It really only feels like yesterday that we rushed to the hospital on the rainy day in October. We survived the delivery (wasn't that tough for me, except when Kerry complained about my breath!), survived those early days and sleepness nights, and now we're getting ready to do it all again in a couple months!
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My folks are down for the birthday, Kerry's folks and sister will come up tomorrow, and we should have a nice little celebration. Thanks to all of you who remembered Lucy in all your thoughtful ways. She appreciates it, and we do too!!
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Kerry and Myra are doing well. K is a little tired at times, but is doing awesome giving attention to Lucy, keeping up with the house, and keeping up with her husband. I am doing well also. The job is going well, as I continue to learn more about technology integration. I continue to help students develop webpages, so that's pretty neat.

And the Banner Red (or white) Waves!

Tonight we hoisted the Stanley Cup banner!

And dropped the puck on the 06-07 season.
And I got to see all 4 trophies! 

Some Stanley Cup and Dolly-Jagr Love

Lucy, showing Dolly-Jagr some love. Is that 2 minutes for squishing?

 

My Three Girls!

It's official. We have another girl on the way. Kerry and I went to the ultrasound last week, and it was pretty definite! I liked this ultrasound better, as they printed us a lot more pictures out.


We spent the week thinking about names. We already had one from the last time, but wanted to research names a little more. We ended up deciding on Myra Jean. Good, unique name. Lucy is cute--when asked where Myra is, she points to Mommy's belly. She did say "M-ra" pretty good, but got over that and just began to mumble again. Oh well!

Ahhhhh...

Besides being with my family, another perfect moment in my life! 

Some of My Racing Competition...

Glen Wesley and Ray Whitney approaching the stage. No competition for me, though, as neither ran! (-: 

Lord Stanley...Lord Stanley...

Instead of brandy, we were drinking Gatorade out of the Cup today at the Stanley Cup 5K. 

Stanley Cup 5K

Only Pete Friesen, strength and conditioning coach for the Carolina Hurricanes, would choose to spend his day with the Stanley Cup working out. Thankfully for the people of Raleigh, he decided to share the day with runners, for the 1st (and hopefully more to come) Stanley Cup 5K this morning.

Being the great runner I am (chuckle, chuckle), I decided to run it, and met Jenn, Robin, and Ashley there as well. More players participated then were scheduled (and I use participate loosely--most wore sandals and I presume just stayed to fill out autographs!) It was a good time and even better cause.

Afterward, I got my hands on the Cup, so I was happy with that!

Busy Like No Other...

Phew! Just when I think things cannot get busier, they do. Between the new job, new baby on the way, the piece of junk Ford, and home repairs---we never stop these days!

Things are well though. The new job provides some challenges, but that's what I wanted. I think I was spoiled at the old school with all the technology, so now I can help all these ready and willing teachers develop lessons with what exists. The staff really promotes a high energy ethic too--of course 25% are first year teachers, so that makes me one of the most experienced on staff, but it's all good!

Lucy is doing well. The girl is smart! Or is that S-M-R-T? Only Homer knows for sure! She figures things out so quickly, that Mommy and I are even amazed. I cannot wait for the cooler weather to be outside more with her--she loves the playground, walks, and just being outside. I took her for a run this afternoon, and we had such an awesome time! I am such a Dad!

Speaking of running--I will get back into the races as I run the STANLEY CUP 5K on Sunday. How cool is that? I can just envision myself, running the last mile, Stanley Cup raised above my head. I am definitely ready to get my hand on it again! (-:

Kerry and the new baby both continue to grow! Heehee! I'll post some pictures soon. Mommy is a little tired, what with energy girl running around, but I try to give her time to rest as much as possible. Of course she uses that time to clean or cook, but what can you do! (-:

Hopefully I can update more often...check back soon!