All Work and No Play

I wouldn't say things at the airport have been dull. I get to meet new people pretty much every day. However, work is work and I've begun to get into a routine. Hence, I haven't had much of anything newsworthy enough to share. Besides, most of you know my routine by now, so there's no need to beat that dead horse. Earlier this week, I found a Yahtzee game on an aircraft. I haven't played in quite a while, but now I have something else to do at work during the slow periods.

Yesterday, I went to Cedar Rapids for the UD men's and women's first cross country meet of the season. Despite small numbers on both teams, everyone ran well. The women's team has already doubled and it sounds like they will getting a few more runners for the next meet. The men's team currently has six members, so they could use some help as well. The Spartans are now under the direction of Matt Hayes. Formerly a runner at Wisconsin-Steven's Point, Hayes previously coached at Milikin and several other colleges before coming to UD (more info). It was good to see the returning runners and meet the rookies. The women ran a 4k followed by the men's 5K. I've seen several different vehicles lead cross country and road races: Gators, bikes, police crusiers... However, with Mt. Mercy as the meet host and the event titled, the Mustang Gallop after their mascot, why shouldn't a horse lead the race? It was unexpected for those of us who hadn't been to this meet before, but it worked out rather well. If I would have been thinking, I would have put money on that horse. ;)

Men's Results

Women's Results

Photo Album

End of Summer Summary

Technically, it's not the end of summer for everyone. As Grandpa Erickson noted, I won't be heading back to school this fall for the fact that I'm now a member of the real world (not talking about the MTV reality show.) However, there is still excitement around town as friends move back and get ready to take up classes and fall sports. Just because I'm not going to back to school, doesn't mean I have to stop bringing my peanut butter and jelly for lunch.
Things have been pretty routine here lately. I've settled in to a "regular" work schedule. My hours at Mesaba don't change as frequently as they used to, but I still find being alert for a 5am shift or staying up for a 9pm-midnight hardly normal. I had the day off today, which afforded me some time to get caught up on some chores around the apartment, some lesson plans, and still find time to relax. I do have to work tonight and tomorrow afternoon, but I have tomorrow night off and Thursday during the day. For supper tonight, I made pizza on the grill. My former roommate found the recipe and I have since perfected it. This time instead of pepperoni, I tried Alfredo sauce, a grilled chicken breast, tomatoes, and spinach. It was delicious.

Last week I also found time to meet up with some classmates for a single A baseball game in Clinton, IA. The Lumberkings played host to the Burlington Bees. It was a pretty good game, but we spent most of it catching up. Erin, who got the tickets, works for the team in the media relations department. Aaron, my former flight instructor and now "co-worker", was visiting his parents in DeWitt, IA. He's now a pilot for Mesaba so we shared some interesting perspectives.

The next thing on my radar will probably be UD's homecoming. I'll try to make it to a few of the football team's regular games as well as some cross country meets, but it may involve trading some shifts. No non-rev trips coming up soon. I think I'll bank my time off for the items I just mentioned. I would like to get to Seattle and Florida before the end of the year though.

Reunion Time

Most of the doobies attending the family gathering this year are probably on their way already and won't receive this, but I just thought I'd make an entry before I head out. Tomorrow afternoon I'll take a Northwest flight to Minneapolis and then on to Kalamazoo. Scheduled arrival time is 10:35 pm, but with summer weather, anything can happen. Friday has many possibilities for family bonding. Amanda is making a visit to Hope College , so I may tag along so that I can also see Uncle Darel. Hopefully there's enough time to pick fresh blueberries. Picking's not the fun part, it's the eating I'm after. I'm also hoping there's time for a rematch in the Pott's Family Volleyball Tournament. With the reunion on Saturday, my only goals are to pile on the oliebollen and brush up on my sailing skills. I'll have just enough time to go to church with the family before I need to verify at the airport. My routing back to Dubuque will take me through Detroit in addition to Minneapolis. Flights look full at the moment, but there's always a chance someone will misconnect or cancel, allowing me a seat to get home.