June 8, 2021: Since I have already used up my insurance deductible for the year on my kidney stone surgeries, I thought to myself, “What else could I break since any future procedures now are super cheap?!” After weighing several options, I landed on tearing the meniscus in my right knee. Seriously, though, earlier this … Continue reading MENISCUS TEAR SAGA

April 16, 2021: From inside the NCAA Division I women’s volleyball tournament venue in Omaha, NE: here’s video I shot of the path between the arena (where the last eight teams will play) and the four convention center courts (where the first two rounds were contested). Regional semifinals will also happen Saturday and Sunday in … Continue reading FROM INSIDE THE 2020 NCAA DIVISION I WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT

January 30, 2021: From the "Way Too Much Information" Dept.: Generally, I like to share mainly rainbows and unicorns on social media, but sometime life throws an unexpected curve ball, and you've got to deal with it. Fortunately, in the end, this one was pretty minimal, but worth noting. After dinner on Wednesday night, my … Continue reading KIDNEY STONES SAGA

#ValentinesDayChallenge Share your story! Valentine’s Day is coming! Here’s our story: -How’d you guys meet? On a dare in 7th grade from my best friend -First Date? At McKinley Middle School – Cedar Rapids, IA -How long have you been together? 35 years -Age difference? She’s a little older—she just turned 126. -Who was interested … Continue reading VALENTINE’S DAY CHALLENGE

It’s time for my #Top9of2020! Like everybody else, there were lots of ups and downs and opportunities for personal growth. (1) Murphy and I went to the NFL AFC divisional playoff game at Arrowhead where the Chiefs rallied from a 24-0 deficit to beat the Texans, 51-31; (2) I was inducted into my high school … Continue reading TOP 9 OF 2020

I cannot pretend what it's like to be African-American. I cannot fathom the deep emotions that have manifested themselves from generations of racism, torture, oppression, and slavery. Therefore, I definitely cannot provide succinct meaning for what is currently happening in the United States in some clever post. Yeah, I only post on social media about … Continue reading I want to be better educated on #BlackLivesMatter

Summer Break 2020, Day 1 started off with some really good cardio, abs, and arms. As I sit on my deck drinking my morning coffee and enjoying the chirps of the birds and the light breeze rustling the leaves, my mind wanders. In 33 days, my only child will report to the Air Force Academy. … Continue reading 33 days to go…

I am a high school teacher in NKC Schools, but before you call me a district homer or cheerleader, also know that I have a senior in the district. Obviously, it’s been an incredibly emotional last four weeks since spring break for seniors and their families, as event after event got postponed, changed, or cancelled. … Continue reading This could be the greatest graduation ever

In the United States, we are only in the initial stages of this coronavirus crisis. It’s going to get much worse before we can even think about normalcy again, so it’s difficult to perceive what life will be like months or even a year (or longer) from now. However, I hope that, as a society, … Continue reading There’s more that unites us than divides us

Jan. 25, 2020 from a Facebook post:  It’s pretty surreal to think that I’m now a member of my high school alma mater’s Hall of Fame. Thank you to all associated with making it such a special night for me and my fellow inductees, plus a big shout out to my friends and colleagues who … Continue reading The CWR Hall of Fame