Blog Archives - The Land of the Weird

The Land of the Weird

End of September 2016

9/30/2016

Time has just swept me away this month. I can't seem to get my feet under me; rather, I am caught in the current of the many tasks on my plate. In general, I put the time that I have to better use. Hopefully, I will be more successful in doing so during October.

Despite its hectic pace, September has been a good month. Here are some of the highlights:

This month saw the start of my Walden Ed.D. coursework. I am still relearning what it means to be a student in upper level classes. Here is one of the main areas where I need better time management (and research skills).

We finally saw Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and I disliked it to about the degree that I thought I would. It's not as bad as Spider-man 3 or X-Men 3, but I place Green Lantern higher. That said, I think Ben Affleck made a fine Batman (if only I could stomach a Batman who uses guns).

I changed the oil for our minivan for the first time. Its engine hasn't fallen out, so I think I did well.

The boys started their ice-skating lessons. They've only been on the ice twice, but they keep asking when they get to go again. In truth, I'm pretty eager to skate again too.

I hung my Millennium Falcon, two TIE fighters, Darth Vader's custom TIE, and Luke's X-Wing from the ceiling of my office in a quasi-replica of the trench run from the original movie. The set up makes me smile every time I see it.

Janelle and I picked up new phones. Our other ones were showing their age, having been a couple of generations back when we got them five years ago. This means that I finally have space for my music, podcasts, and pictures. Trevor seems happy getting any kind of smart phone from the deal, even if it's outdated.

The boys' Faith Formation catechism class started up on Wednesday evenings with a group meal to begin each session. Starting next week, I will be leading the kids in some songs as well with the expectation of holding a monthly children's mass. The kids seem pretty excited about the idea.

Oh, did I mention that I e published my first novel, Dragon Hunter? Because I did that too.

What I haven't done is finish my Alaska Alive! course. I need to put a significant amount of effort to get that done soon. It will have to be after I serve as a line referee for tomorrow's soccer tournament (another first for me), but that's something to worry about in October.

September slipped by quickly and enthusiastically. I hope that October holds the same energy, but a more sedate pace.

Order of the Stick

9/29/2016

I don't spend a lot of time browsing the Internet for entertainment. Most of my online time, if not work or school related, is limited to Facebook, Starcraft II, and Overwatch. One exception to the rule is the comic strip "The Order of the Stick" by Rich Burlew. It is some of the finest Dungeons and Dragons humor out there and has been going fairly strong for over a decade. The characters are engaging, the story is classic fantasy with plenty of twists, and the humor is spot on ("Did you hear me? I rolled a 4!" still cracks me up).

The largest frustration is that it is an ongoing story that is updated infrequently, much like any gaming campaign I've even been a part of. Still, I check almost daily to see if Rich has updated the adventure (even though he only does so about once a week now). I know that it is working towards a conclusion ... well, perhaps in another decade at this pace, and I'm eager to see what it is, but for now I just like having something to look forward to (like when I'd get comic book subscriptions through the mail).

If you're interested, it's worth it to start at the beginning:
http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0001.html

Shortened Workouts

9/28/2016

Due to Janelle's work schedule, I have had to cut my workouts shorter so I can get to the boys' bus on time. Generally, I have been trying to keep my intensity higher during the time that I have in an effort to make up for the lack of total exercise time. Still, I feel like I'm cheating in some way.

It's particularly difficult when I end up having to skip a large portion of the exercise plan. Yesterday, I didn't even make it all the way through the strength training portion, let alone start the conditioning section. Today, I only got through the first third of the workout of the day (WOD). I feel particularly foolish as I'm leaving while the other members of my group are in the middle of their sets.

I also feel awkward trying to start sooner than the rest of my group. It feels like when someone scarfs down a fancy meal without really paying attention to it. Still, I'd rather put in the little amount of time that I can rather than not do it all.

Hopefully this won't be the case through the entire school year. Already, we are a little concerned what we might need to do during track season should Janelle's schedule stay roughly the same. I'm certain we will work something out.

Ice Skating Class

9/27/2016

Today was the boys' first evening of ice skating class. Although I brought some grading to work on, I got little of it done as I watched their antics. Considering that this was only their second time on the ice, they were making good progress.

By far, the most entertaining to watch was Rowen. Initially, he had refused to let us sign him up for classes, but yesterday he was talking as though he planned on joining them. When we told him that there might not be space for him since he didn't sign up earlier, he was quite confident that it would turn out in his favor (which it did).

It took a little while for the instructors to coax Rowen away from the wall, and when they did, he spend much of his time lying on the ice or picking himself back up. Somehow, he turned all of his initial stumbles into full-out body slides. He gained a bit of confidence when they gave him a type of railing to push around, but he kept trying to use it to escape the little kids' area and join his brothers in the middle of the ice.

I couldn't hear what anyone said, but based on their gestures, the little kids weren't to go past the first blue line, a rule that he kept breaking as he tried to follow the bigger kids. Based on her arm motions, it was clear to me that one instructor said something to the effect of "you can't take the railing if you go over there." In response, Rowen shoved the railing away and tried making it over to the big kids on his own. Multiple falls later, he was actually getting better about staying up, but obviously decided he wasn't ready to do what his brothers were trying (gliding short distances on one leg) and returned to his group.

By the end of the session, Rowen was making it from one side to the other with few falls, Trevor was looking more comfortable (if not quite proficient), and Connor was practicing spin-like maneuvers ... literally skating in circles around his brothers. Connor did, however, say that he might not want to play hockey after one player (a student of mine) wiped out hard during one of the drills they were doing just before the boys' class.

Connor was talking about speed skating in the Olympics, though.

Dangerous Driving

9/26/2016

Unfortunately, pre-sunrise driving is now the norm for our bus drivers, students, and teachers as we come in to school. The dark road conditions, with just enough light on the horizon to affect night vision, make for some tricky driving. This is especially the case when dark-coated moose cross the highway.

Tragically, this was the case this morning for one of our (thankfully student-free) buses. Trevor and I noticed that traffic was behaving strangely on the highway just past where we turn on it. I saw the bus off to the side and a semi on the other, but it wasn't until I was nearly on top of it that I saw the moose lying in the middle of the road. The front driver's side section of the bus was gone. According to Janelle, they were still cleaning up at the time she had to take the boys to school.

I've had my share of animal vs. vehicle accidents. Even the smallest ones have been unpleasant. However, the idea of hitting a moose is considerably more concerning ... frightening even. As much as I love driving Mera (my Prius), my one worry is getting into an accident with something that could plow right through the car and into the cab. I feel bad enough for the animals involved without the fear for my family's and my own lives added to it.

Especially with winter approaching, I need to take greater care in my driving and not let hurry or distractions endanger our safety.

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

9/25/2016

Today's readings warn us about the dangers of complacency, especially in the light of the suffering of others. Time and again, the Bible urges us to help those in need rather than turn a blind eye to the suffering of the poor. Our homily expanded the definition of the term "poor" to include any sort of lack. Do we spend time and effort sharing our talents with those who need them?

I find it very easy to sit in the comfort of my home and surrounded by the fruits of my labors and the gifts of family and friends while intentionally ignorant of the plight of the poor in my world, nation, state, community, and neighborhood. It is easier to focus on my own concerns than to learn about the troubles of others, let alone help them. Yet even that guilt is wasted energy. Instead, I should focus my time in helping those around me, those who might suffer from a poverty of friendship, or joy, or love.

I need to also recognize the poverty within myself and make a better effort to improve those areas. The danger lies in believing that there is no room for improvement, that things are as good as they can possible get. Striving for that unattainable perfection is what truly makes us rich.

A Pleasant Saturday

9/24/2016

I just finished writing my two appropriately cited responses for today's online discussion. I had thought about putting it off, considering how full today has been, but I decided that I would appreciate not having them hang over my head all day tomorrow (they are due tomorrow night). Thus, I'm feeling pretty good about how I capped a rather pleasant day.

We started with a slow-moving morning which meant our normal Saturday trips (dump, library, post office) were a bit delayed. Our normal routine was made a bit stranger as there was a free ice-skating class for children at the local ice arena. Thus, I dropped Janelle and the boys off first so they could participate and then proceeded to run the errands on my own. The rink was open for a public "free" skate by the time I was done, and I tremendously enjoyed becoming reacquainted with ice skating. Connor took to the ice with amazing, if not surprising, enthusiasm and skill. Rowen tired of it quickly. Trevor struggled quite a bit, but I was impressed with his determination. The net result was a lot of fun, to the point that we even signed up the two older boys for the next month or so of classes (Rowen refused).

Returning home, we had some housecleaning to do after a late lunch, but my most interesting chore involved changing the oil for our minivan. This was my first time changing the oil on anything larger than a riding lawnmower. Although our carport now sports some oil stains, I was surprised to find that I didn't coat myself in the attempt. Honestly, the entire process went much better than I expected; although I do not look forward to doing it again in a few months.

We also watched Superman vs. Batman and were just as disappointed as I expected we would be. I'm glad that I saw it if for no other reason than the fact that future DC movies will reference it (such as Suicide Squad did), but I feel no need to own a copy of the film and am glad I didn't spend the money to see it at the theater. There were still parts that I enjoyed, but they were few and did in no way make up for the parts that I despised. Still, watching a movie, even a poor one, with the family is a pleasant way to spend an evening.

All-in-all, it's been a good day.

Dragon in the Earth

9/23/2016

In a number of works of fantasies, and even some sci-fi shows, planets, such as the Earth, are said to be dragon eggs. In many of said stories, a major goal of the protagonists is to keep the antagonists from waking the dragon.

Living in an area with earthquakes and volcanos, I think I understand the reasoning behind such ideas. The earth's tectonic plates move in response to the sleeping dragon's dreams. Volcanic eruptions are but the troubled snoring of the fire-breathing drake. Oil is tapped from its veins.

While there is something definitely creepy about this idea, there's also something appealing to it as well. I like to think to of the Earth as an organism that is simply too large for us to fully comprehend. Considering that our entire existence plays out on such a thin layer of its surface, it wouldn't surprise me to learn that there is a great deal more to our Earth beneath her skin.

However, I do hope that the dragon doesn't wake up any time soon.

Autumnal Equinox

9/22/2016

The northern hemisphere has crossed the halfway point in its turn against the sun. From this point until the vernal equinox, areas to the south will have more light than places north of them. Despite the darkening and the problems associated with it, I again find myself in a heightened state of anticipation. The fall is the herald of my favorite time of year.

Today, Rowen commented excitedly about the leaves that were strewn across our yard. I joined in his excitement. While I miss the reds and purples that would adorn the trees in Michigan, there's something peaceful and calming about seeing the birch here turn their deep golden hue and then slowly start shedding them. To me, it evokes thoughts of cider and doughnuts, apples and pumpkins, and the promise of snow to come.

Talk of snow was on many people's lips today as the winds turned colder in respect for the day. I have to say that it is truly a pleasure to have the talk all be positive with loudly spoken wishes for plenty of snow. Today is just a harbinger for such dreams, but the awakening of them is sweet.

Ending on a Loss

9/21/2016

I severely dislike ending a video game session on a loss. Normally, I will continue playing the game, be it StarCraft of Overwatch, until I get a win. Sometimes, there's simply no choice in the matter as I will have to stop playing because of some time commitment, whether that's an actual appointment or just needing to get to bed.

Unfortunately, that last game is the one that sticks with me. It's even worse if I had a string of losses leading up to it. Somehow, just one win at the end, even if the majority of my matches ended in defeat, makes everything seem brighter.

It's the worst sort of addiction. Just one more game. But I need to eat. Just one more game. But I'll be tired in the morning. Just one more game ...

On Amazon

9/20/2016

"In what is left of the wild reaches of Columbia, a series of vicious attacks have caught the attention of veteran reporter Thomas Blake. As he begins to investigate, Thomas starts to unravel a secret that has been kept for a thousand years: Dragons are real, and only a few brave people stand between us and them."

As of this morning, my first novel, Dragon Hunter, is available as an ebook on Amazon! You can see my author page at www.amazon.com/author/pdmarks.

I am beyond excited! This book would not have come into being without the help of many friends who have given me encouragement and suggestions along the way. I started working on the ideas for this book before the turn of the millennium, and it has been in its nearly complete state for the past ten years (as I was rejected by publisher after publisher). This year, I received the final piece, the amazing cover by Daisy Nelson, that made e publishing it a true possibility.

Dragon Hunter is a story that I enjoyed writing and still enjoy reading. I hope that it entertains others as much as it did me.

Electronic Gradebook

9/19/2016

This year, I am attempting a completely new feat: grading only using the online gradebook. For the first time in my teaching career, I will attempt to not use a paper gradebook for my classes. Despite my tendency to embrace technology, this was not an easy decision for me.

Since my first year of teaching I have kept a paper gradebook. I did use spreadsheets for my calculations just to make that aspect easier, but even when my school districts moved to online recording systems, I still maintained a paper copy as my primary means of recording attendance and grades. In particular, I used the Whaley three-line gradebook as it allowed me to keep grades, attendance, and behavior all together. In a couple of instances, including a complete system wipe, having the paper gradebook as a backup (although it really was my primary) saved me from a great deal of heartache.

However, technology has improved a great deal since that last crash and keeping the second book was becoming more of a burden than a benefit. Last year, I largely used the book to keep track of attendance as I got into the habit of entering my grades directly into the computer (instead of into the book and then into the computer). It seemed like a good time to let go.

I still have a couple of blank Whaley gradebooks just in case.

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

9/18/2016

Today's readings and homily warned about the dangers of putting too much time and energy into the possession of wealth in this world. Too often we waste our thoughts wanting the dross of this world rather than working towards what we know is best for ourselves and the people around us. In this realm, I know that I fail.

Much of what I spend my time on is devoted to temporary pleasure, fleeting moments that need continual renewal. Whether it's a tasty meal, an enjoyable video game, or even a good story, the enjoyment of the moment fades with time with little gained in the end. Don't get me wrong; I believe we need these moments in our lives. I just worry that they can too often be overly consuming.

Constitution Day 2016

9/17/2016

Alas, as it is Saturday, I haven't been able to greet my students with a "Happy Constitution Day" as I usually do on the 17th of September. Nor was my day particularly patriotic. The closest I came was watching Captain America: Civil War with the family. Janelle, Trevor, and Rowen had not seen the movie before. Janelle still hasn't seen a good portion of the end as she fell asleep during it (we were watching in the afternoon).

The movie brings up, and does not resolve, a primary issue when it comes to the use of power (or in this case, superpowers): who should decide when, or if, it is used. With a person whose motives are impeachable, such as Captain America, it makes sense that they should be able to go and help when and where they are needed. Yet what about motives that aren't quite as pure? What about the collateral damage? Even if a committee is put in charge, how might their motives and agendas affect the situation? What if more suffering is caused due to the inaction of the people who could have done something about it (e.g. Spider-Man's origin dilemma)? The problem is that both sides of the argument were right. How they handled the situation might be in question, but the motives and ethics behind both sides ring true.

I suppose these were the questions that the founders of our Constitution struggled with as well. While the Constitution is not a perfect document, I like to think that they did a fairly good job at trying to come up with good answers. Our Bill of Rights, in particular, is a testament to that.