Happy New Year?

Well greetings to all of my blog followers. I have not abandoned you. I have received the tens of comments about my lack of bloggingfulnessability. You have been heard and here I go. I will attempt to summarize my "goings on" over the past few weeks. I have not missed Hoops! I am now entering the gauntlet of tournaments for the next 5 weekends. I was on break from school as well as the treadmill. I have resumed my daily regime of jogging. Semester tests are upon me so I am facing a ton of grading and mass confusion. I will have more time in another week or so.

4 days and counting...

I can't wait for this week to be done. Basketball continues to take a toll on my already dwindling life force. Last week we actually beat a school that has historically whipped our butts, but last night, we were shut out. Our 7th graders try hard but they are not ready for serious competition.

I had my formal appraisal/observation yesterday. I think if was fine. I never like to trick things up for one day. I try to do what I do each day. It annoys me when people stress and put on some sort of artificial display for their yearly visit. Get over it already!

I just wanted to tell my wife how much I appreciate her. She is so wonderful. I love how she looks and smells in the morning. She would disagree, but she is most beautiful then. She is such a great mom. So much is required of her each day and she always comes through. Thanks sweetie for all you do for us. ILU!

We are heading to my favorite place on Earth next Monday. Yes, that's right, over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go. Thank you Grandmother and Granddad! Can't wait to see you again. I will try to post again before we leave but all bets are off.

Shout out to my BFF Big Daddy. You are the man. Thanks for your unselfishness. I appreciate you!

Merry Christmas to all...God Bless you and your loved ones!

Bring on Christmas Break...

I know it has been two weeks but things are crazy. Between basketball, teaching, holidays, and other stuff, blogging seems to get the shaft. Every time I read my wife's blog, I see the link to mine. It says, "Last post 2 weeks ago." Nothing like a blog to make you feel guilty (accountability). By tonight, I will have stubbed my toe 8 times already, with 8 more stubbings coming before Christmas. We have one team that has talent and will be competitive. The other 3 lack talent and athleticism but have plenty of ability to bounce back quickly. That is one thing I miss about youth. Our players can get on the bus after a 64-4 butt kicking and play around as if nothing happened. It usually takes me a few minutes longer to blot it out of my memory. As I think about the kids perseverance, I think about how I am called to do the same. I used the Internet for good and found this verse.

Psalm 37:24,28
24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
28 For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever,

God has promised me that when I am down and discouraged that he will protect me and hold me up. Some days I need his protection, while other days I fight and scratch to get out from under his hand. What a paradox?

Working out has been easier as of late. it has become routine now and some days I look forward to it. The other days, I make myself. I feel stronger and hope to continue through the holidays.