I'm Back! Hopefully

Sorry about my absence. I will try to do better. Now that I have finally mastered my new cell phone (see photo), things are getting a lot better!

This fall has been the busiest one I can recall; not complaining, just observing. I came out of the summer slowdown to resume all my normal church activities, along with two classes at Oakland City University. I usually only teach one, and I don’t ever plan to do two again. It’s too much, although I feel I am doing some of my best work there. In a lot of ways I feel like I’m on a mission field, and it’s only 20 minutes away.

Football and volleyball both ended over the weekend. I loved watching my kids play, but it took up almost every night through the week. That coupled with church meant hardly any evening time at home, and I really like/need evening time at home. After just two nights at home I am starting to feel renewed. Rebecca had a great end to her season. The team had not won many regular season games but managed to win two in the sectional. They finally fell in the final game. It was a great run. Ben’s football team showed improvement through the season but, in my opinion, needs a pretty big change in the whole system. We'll see what the off-season brings.

Probably foolishly I have been training hard for the Monumental Marathon. The foolish part involves the timing of being so busy with other stuff, but I did it anyway. I cranked out a lot of 50 mile weeks and managed to hold up well. I am very nervous about the marathon. I have run several of them, so I am not nervous about the distance. I am nervous about trying to qualify for Boston. I have to run 3.35.59 or better. That’s quite fast for an average-talented guy like me. It is going to take all that I have to do it. I am trying to work through my anxiety now. I have to trust my training. I did everything I was supposed to do. I am praying for success and good weather (low 50s or lower).

That’s enough for now! Thanks for your patience.