Well, tomorrow is the big day. Okay, it’s not THE big day, but it’s the day we travel to Omaha for my surgery. Believe it or not, the days have gone by pretty fast since the doctor’s office called me on Wednesday.
I haven’t been feeling too nervous or anxious about the surgery like you might think. Until today that is. Shortly after noon today, I started packing my bag, and that’s when it started to sink in that something was happening. The rest of the afternoon I was sort of frazzled and I wandered around the house a lot wondering what I was forgetting to pack. Mom came out at about 5pm to see us before we go. Then we had supper and I took my shower. By then it was a quarter after six.
This evening, Nebraska had a football game against Ohio State that started at 7pm. I was glad of that because I knew it would give me something else to think about until bedtime. That almost turned out badly though. Before I knew it, Nebraska was down 27 to 6 and I was pacing the house again. Luckily, I checked in on the game again a little bit later because Nebraska was rallying. About halfway through the third quarter, the game completely turned around. Nebraska ended upscoring 28 unanswered points, and won the game 34 to 27. That was pretty amazing. According to the announcers, it was the biggest comeback in school history. Needless to say, that took my mindoff my worries and really lifted my spirits. Do you suppose God turned that football game around justfor me? Probably not, but it sure did the trick.
So anyway, the bags are all packed and we’re all ready to go, and I’ll be going to bed soon to see if I can sleep. We haven’t decided yet if we’re going to church tomorrow. There will be time, we’re usually home by 11am as our church has two services each Sunday, and we go to the early one, but we’re not sure how we’ll feel in the morning. We may get up and decide to hit the road. I hope I can get some sleep tonight. My mind is still reeling a bit, trying to think if I’ve remembered everything. Well, even if I forget something I suppose events will unfold as they are meant to. After all, if God be for us, who can be against us?
So long for now. I might post some updates from Omaha since we’ll have Joni’s laptop with us, but who knows, I may have better things to do.
Romans 5:3-5 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. ESV
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. ESV
Showing posts with label huskers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label huskers. Show all posts
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Journal - The Night Before
Well, tomorrow is the big day. Okay, it’s not THE big day, but it’s the day we travel to Omaha for my surgery. Believe it or not, the days have gone by pretty fast since the doctor’s office called me on Wednesday.
I haven’t been feeling too nervous or anxious about the surgery like you might think. Until today that is. Shortly after noon today, I started packing my bag, and that’s when it started to sink in that something was happening. The rest of the afternoon I was sort of frazzled and I wandered around the house a lot wondering what I was forgetting to pack. Mom came out at about 5pm to see us before we go. Then we had supper and I took my shower. By then it was a quarter after six.
This evening, Nebraska had a football game against Ohio State that started at 7pm. I was glad of that because I knew it would give me something else to think about until bedtime. That almost turned out badly though. Before I knew it, Nebraska was down 27 to 6 and I was pacing the house again. Luckily, I checked in on the game again a little bit later because Nebraska was rallying. About halfway through the third quarter, the game completely turned around. Nebraska ended upscoring 28 unanswered points, and won the game 34 to 27. That was pretty amazing. According to the announcers, it was the biggest comeback in school history. Needless to say, that took my mindoff my worries and really lifted my spirits. Do you suppose God turned that football game around justfor me? Probably not, but it sure did the trick.
So anyway, the bags are all packed and we’re all ready to go, and I’ll be going to bed soon to see if I can sleep. We haven’t decided yet if we’re going to church tomorrow. There will be time, we’re usually home by 11am as our church has two services each Sunday, and we go to the early one, but we’re not sure how we’ll feel in the morning. We may get up and decide to hit the road. I hope I can get some sleep tonight. My mind is still reeling a bit, trying to think if I’ve remembered everything. Well, even if I forget something I suppose events will unfold as they are meant to. After all, if God be for us, who can be against us?
So long for now. I might post some updates from Omaha since we’ll have Joni’s laptop with us, but who knows, I may have better things to do.
Romans 5:3-5 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. ESV
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. ESV
I haven’t been feeling too nervous or anxious about the surgery like you might think. Until today that is. Shortly after noon today, I started packing my bag, and that’s when it started to sink in that something was happening. The rest of the afternoon I was sort of frazzled and I wandered around the house a lot wondering what I was forgetting to pack. Mom came out at about 5pm to see us before we go. Then we had supper and I took my shower. By then it was a quarter after six.
This evening, Nebraska had a football game against Ohio State that started at 7pm. I was glad of that because I knew it would give me something else to think about until bedtime. That almost turned out badly though. Before I knew it, Nebraska was down 27 to 6 and I was pacing the house again. Luckily, I checked in on the game again a little bit later because Nebraska was rallying. About halfway through the third quarter, the game completely turned around. Nebraska ended upscoring 28 unanswered points, and won the game 34 to 27. That was pretty amazing. According to the announcers, it was the biggest comeback in school history. Needless to say, that took my mindoff my worries and really lifted my spirits. Do you suppose God turned that football game around justfor me? Probably not, but it sure did the trick.
So anyway, the bags are all packed and we’re all ready to go, and I’ll be going to bed soon to see if I can sleep. We haven’t decided yet if we’re going to church tomorrow. There will be time, we’re usually home by 11am as our church has two services each Sunday, and we go to the early one, but we’re not sure how we’ll feel in the morning. We may get up and decide to hit the road. I hope I can get some sleep tonight. My mind is still reeling a bit, trying to think if I’ve remembered everything. Well, even if I forget something I suppose events will unfold as they are meant to. After all, if God be for us, who can be against us?
So long for now. I might post some updates from Omaha since we’ll have Joni’s laptop with us, but who knows, I may have better things to do.
Romans 5:3-5 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. ESV
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. ESV
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Football Season 2011
Well, here it is August already, and that can mean only one thing: football season is almost here! I’m not much of a baseball or basketball fan, so as soon as the superbowl is over, I pretty much just sit around and wait for football season to start again. We had a pretty hot and humid summer here in Nebraska, but during the last week or so the weather has been very mild. The calendar tells me that football season is near, but the fall-like weather is much more convincing.
The upcoming 2011 season brings a little added excitement for us Cornhusker fans. This will be Nebraska’s inaugural season as a member of the Big 10 conference. It’s the beginning of a whole new era for the University of Nebraska, and for its ravenous sports fans. The Big 10 conference has 12 athletic schools now, and they will be divided into two divisions of 6 schools each, as follows:
One division will have Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Iowa, Northwestern, and Nebraska. The other will have Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Each team will play the other five teams in its division every year, plus three teams from the other division on a rotating schedule. It was also announced that one of the three cross-divisional games for each team will be against the same opponent each year. Nebraska’s annual cross-division opponent will be Penn State.
It was also announced recently, that division mates Nebraska and Iowa will meet each year in the newly dubbed “Heroes Game.” Each year, the Heroes Game will honor one person from Nebraska, and one from Iowa, that exhibits the qualities and characteristics of heroism. The first Heroes Game will be played the day after Thanksgiving, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.
Here’s a look at Nebraska’s very first Big 10 football schedule:
*Non-conference games
Sat Sep 03, Tennessee Chattanooga
Sat Sep 10, Fresno State
Sat Sep 17, Washington
Sat Sep 24, Wyoming
*Conference games
Sat Oct 01, Wisconsin
Sat Oct 08, Ohio State
Sat Oct 22, Minnesota
Sat Oct 29, Michigan State
Sat Nov 05, Northwestern
Sat Nov 12, Penn State
Sat Nov 19, Michigan
Fri Nov 25, Iowa (Heroes Game)
There will also be a conference championship game sometime after that.
Wow, the early part of that schedule looks a little rough. It looks like Nebraska is playing Washington again after they embarrassed the Huskers in the bowl game last year. And those first two conference games? I’ve heard that Wisconsin is expected to win the Big 10 this year, and Ohio State is always very good. That’s a tough start but maybe it’s best to get those games out of the way early, since Nebraska tends to peter out throughout the season. I also noticed that ABC has opted to air quite a few of these games, so those of us without cable might be able to see more games on tv this year. Only a few more weeks to go!
The upcoming 2011 season brings a little added excitement for us Cornhusker fans. This will be Nebraska’s inaugural season as a member of the Big 10 conference. It’s the beginning of a whole new era for the University of Nebraska, and for its ravenous sports fans. The Big 10 conference has 12 athletic schools now, and they will be divided into two divisions of 6 schools each, as follows:
One division will have Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Iowa, Northwestern, and Nebraska. The other will have Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Each team will play the other five teams in its division every year, plus three teams from the other division on a rotating schedule. It was also announced that one of the three cross-divisional games for each team will be against the same opponent each year. Nebraska’s annual cross-division opponent will be Penn State.
It was also announced recently, that division mates Nebraska and Iowa will meet each year in the newly dubbed “Heroes Game.” Each year, the Heroes Game will honor one person from Nebraska, and one from Iowa, that exhibits the qualities and characteristics of heroism. The first Heroes Game will be played the day after Thanksgiving, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.
Here’s a look at Nebraska’s very first Big 10 football schedule:
*Non-conference games
Sat Sep 03, Tennessee Chattanooga
Sat Sep 10, Fresno State
Sat Sep 17, Washington
Sat Sep 24, Wyoming
*Conference games
Sat Oct 01, Wisconsin
Sat Oct 08, Ohio State
Sat Oct 22, Minnesota
Sat Oct 29, Michigan State
Sat Nov 05, Northwestern
Sat Nov 12, Penn State
Sat Nov 19, Michigan
Fri Nov 25, Iowa (Heroes Game)
There will also be a conference championship game sometime after that.
Wow, the early part of that schedule looks a little rough. It looks like Nebraska is playing Washington again after they embarrassed the Huskers in the bowl game last year. And those first two conference games? I’ve heard that Wisconsin is expected to win the Big 10 this year, and Ohio State is always very good. That’s a tough start but maybe it’s best to get those games out of the way early, since Nebraska tends to peter out throughout the season. I also noticed that ABC has opted to air quite a few of these games, so those of us without cable might be able to see more games on tv this year. Only a few more weeks to go!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
News - Huskies Husked!
On Saturday, September 18, the Nebraska Cornhuskers traveled to Seattle, Washington to take on the Washington Huskies for their third game of the season. Nebraska entered the contest with a number 8 ranking, down two spots after a questionable performance against Idaho last week.
The big questions facing the Cornhuskers this week were: 1) could they clean up their game after a sloppy performance last week where they committed four turnovers, and over a hundred yards in penalties, and 2) how would freshman quarterback Taylor Martinez perform in his first away game, facing a very large and potentially hostile crowd.
Both questions were answered very favorably. Far from being intimidated, Taylor Martinez completed 7 of 11 passes for 150 yards, and also rushed for 137 yards including three touchdown scampers. Martinez was one of three Huskers to rush for more than 100 yards, the other two being Roy Hellu and Rex Burkhead. As a whole, the offense played a much cleaner game, losing only 1 of 2 fumbles, as opposed to last week’s 3 of 8. Both fumbles were committed by backup quarterback Cody Green. The penalty situation was much improved as well, only 6 I think, and one of those was a delay of game, committed intentionally to give the kicker a little more room to work..
Nebraska exploded in the opening minutes of the game, scoring on a long run by Taylor Martinez. Then it was the Blackshirt defense’s turn to show off a little, intercepting Washington quarterback Jake Locker’s first pass, and returning it for a touchdown. Four minutes into the game, Nebraska was up 14 to 0. The rest of the first half was much the same, with Nebraska and Washington each scoring two more touchdowns. The halftime score was: Nebraska 28, Washington 14.
The beginning of the second half saw another scoring explosion. Taylor Martinez scored another long touchdown run on the very first play of the second half. Washington answered right back with two long plays and a touchdown of their own. Nebraska’s next possession took them all the way down the field in only four plays, making the score 42 to 21. The rest of the game was largely uneventful, Nebraska scored twice more, while Washington never saw the endzone again. The final score was: Nebraska 56, Washington 21.
Husker fans everywhere gave a big sigh of relief at the end of this game, after finally seeing their team really dominate on both sides of the ball. Most impressive to mewas the performance of Nebraska’s defense against a team who reputedly has one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. Washington QB Jake Locker is expected to be picked very high in next year’s NFL draft, but against the Blackshirts he completed only 4 of 20 passes for 71 yards, and was picked off twice. Voters across the country were apparently impressed as well. The updated poll for this week shows Nebraska back up to the number 6 spot, having leapfrogged over Texas and Oklahoma.
It was great to see Nebraska play so well, but in all honesty, it is still too soon to tell if the Huskers are ready for the big time, as they have not yet faced a ranked opponent. Next week’s game against South Dakota will be our last non-conference matchup before we begin facing some tougher opponents in the Big 12.
The big questions facing the Cornhuskers this week were: 1) could they clean up their game after a sloppy performance last week where they committed four turnovers, and over a hundred yards in penalties, and 2) how would freshman quarterback Taylor Martinez perform in his first away game, facing a very large and potentially hostile crowd.
Both questions were answered very favorably. Far from being intimidated, Taylor Martinez completed 7 of 11 passes for 150 yards, and also rushed for 137 yards including three touchdown scampers. Martinez was one of three Huskers to rush for more than 100 yards, the other two being Roy Hellu and Rex Burkhead. As a whole, the offense played a much cleaner game, losing only 1 of 2 fumbles, as opposed to last week’s 3 of 8. Both fumbles were committed by backup quarterback Cody Green. The penalty situation was much improved as well, only 6 I think, and one of those was a delay of game, committed intentionally to give the kicker a little more room to work..
Nebraska exploded in the opening minutes of the game, scoring on a long run by Taylor Martinez. Then it was the Blackshirt defense’s turn to show off a little, intercepting Washington quarterback Jake Locker’s first pass, and returning it for a touchdown. Four minutes into the game, Nebraska was up 14 to 0. The rest of the first half was much the same, with Nebraska and Washington each scoring two more touchdowns. The halftime score was: Nebraska 28, Washington 14.
The beginning of the second half saw another scoring explosion. Taylor Martinez scored another long touchdown run on the very first play of the second half. Washington answered right back with two long plays and a touchdown of their own. Nebraska’s next possession took them all the way down the field in only four plays, making the score 42 to 21. The rest of the game was largely uneventful, Nebraska scored twice more, while Washington never saw the endzone again. The final score was: Nebraska 56, Washington 21.
Husker fans everywhere gave a big sigh of relief at the end of this game, after finally seeing their team really dominate on both sides of the ball. Most impressive to mewas the performance of Nebraska’s defense against a team who reputedly has one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. Washington QB Jake Locker is expected to be picked very high in next year’s NFL draft, but against the Blackshirts he completed only 4 of 20 passes for 71 yards, and was picked off twice. Voters across the country were apparently impressed as well. The updated poll for this week shows Nebraska back up to the number 6 spot, having leapfrogged over Texas and Oklahoma.
It was great to see Nebraska play so well, but in all honesty, it is still too soon to tell if the Huskers are ready for the big time, as they have not yet faced a ranked opponent. Next week’s game against South Dakota will be our last non-conference matchup before we begin facing some tougher opponents in the Big 12.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
News - Huskers Victorious Over Vandals
On Saturday, September 11, the Nebraska Cornhuskers took on the Idaho Vandals at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. Both teams came to this week 2 match-up with one win already under their belts, Nebraska having defeated Western Kentucky, and Idaho with a win over North Dakota.
Idaho was expected to be a tougher opponent for the Huskers than WKU was last week, and in that they did not disappoint. All-in-all, the Vandals scored 17 points, passed for 219 yards, and took away 4 turnovers from Nebraska, 3 fumbles and one interception. This would seem to raise some questions about the strength of Nebraska’s defense, but at the post-game press conference, coach Bo Pelini said he was pleased with the overall performance of his defense, and felt that they had a better understanding of his game-plan than they did last week.
If you look at the numbers a little further, it is clear that coach Bo was right to praise his squad. The Blackshirts gave up only 60 rushing yards, recorded 7 sacks for a total loss of 80 yards, and took away one fumble and 4 interceptions, including two that were returned for touchdowns.
Pelini was not impressed with the play of his offense, however. They did manage to rack up 471 yards of offense, including 360 on the ground, but only came away with 39 points when they clearly should have had much more. The offensive squad fumbled the ball no less than eight times, losing three to the Vandals, and Martinez threw one interception. Nebraska was also called for 10 penalties for a total loss of 110 yards, some of those coming at crucial moments when Nebraska was poised to score. Turnovers and penalties are silly mental errors that occur in every game, but Nebraska had way too many of them today.
The quarterback situation in Nebraska, if there ever was one, seems to have resolved itself with freshman Taylor Martinez in the starting role. Sophomore Cody Green took a few snaps today to spell Martinez, while senior Zach Lee did not play at all. I feel bad for Lee, having to sit on the bench for his senior year, but football is big business, especially in Nebraska, and the coaches have to put their best players on the field. Today, Martinez completed 12 of 17 passes for 106 yards, and rushed for a stunning 156 yards.
At the end of the day, a win is a win, and if you take away the mental errors, the team performed reasonably well. Nebraska was ranked number 6 this week, and I’ll be watching the polls to see if they move into the top 5 before their first road game next week in Seattle, Washington where they will take on the Washington Huskies. That’s right, it will be the Huskers versus the Huskies.
Idaho was expected to be a tougher opponent for the Huskers than WKU was last week, and in that they did not disappoint. All-in-all, the Vandals scored 17 points, passed for 219 yards, and took away 4 turnovers from Nebraska, 3 fumbles and one interception. This would seem to raise some questions about the strength of Nebraska’s defense, but at the post-game press conference, coach Bo Pelini said he was pleased with the overall performance of his defense, and felt that they had a better understanding of his game-plan than they did last week.
If you look at the numbers a little further, it is clear that coach Bo was right to praise his squad. The Blackshirts gave up only 60 rushing yards, recorded 7 sacks for a total loss of 80 yards, and took away one fumble and 4 interceptions, including two that were returned for touchdowns.
Pelini was not impressed with the play of his offense, however. They did manage to rack up 471 yards of offense, including 360 on the ground, but only came away with 39 points when they clearly should have had much more. The offensive squad fumbled the ball no less than eight times, losing three to the Vandals, and Martinez threw one interception. Nebraska was also called for 10 penalties for a total loss of 110 yards, some of those coming at crucial moments when Nebraska was poised to score. Turnovers and penalties are silly mental errors that occur in every game, but Nebraska had way too many of them today.
The quarterback situation in Nebraska, if there ever was one, seems to have resolved itself with freshman Taylor Martinez in the starting role. Sophomore Cody Green took a few snaps today to spell Martinez, while senior Zach Lee did not play at all. I feel bad for Lee, having to sit on the bench for his senior year, but football is big business, especially in Nebraska, and the coaches have to put their best players on the field. Today, Martinez completed 12 of 17 passes for 106 yards, and rushed for a stunning 156 yards.
At the end of the day, a win is a win, and if you take away the mental errors, the team performed reasonably well. Nebraska was ranked number 6 this week, and I’ll be watching the polls to see if they move into the top 5 before their first road game next week in Seattle, Washington where they will take on the Washington Huskies. That’s right, it will be the Huskers versus the Huskies.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Journal - Football Season
It came, it finally came! For nine months I’ve waited for football season to begin, and it’s finally here. The college football season officially opened last Thursday, but Saturday, September 4 marked the season opener for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Anticipation was particularly high this year because the pre-season polls showed Nebraska in the top ten for the first time in 9 years. Nebraska’s opponent for the season opener was the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky University.
There were two major questions facing the Huskers this year. First, would there be any improvement to last year’s impotent offense. I think the answer to that is a great big yes! In a surprising move, coach Bo Pelini started freshman quarterback, Taylor Martinez. Is Martinez any good? You betcha. Taylor rushed for more than 100 yards, including three touchdown runs. He seemed pretty solid throwing the ball too, completing a good percentage of his passes. Some of Martinez’s success should be credited to the offensive line which protected him well, also an improvement over last year. Last year’s backup quarterback, Cody Green, saw a fair amount of game-time, but last year’s starter, Zack Lee, didn’t come in until just 6 minutes were left in the game. Nebraska’s two main running backs, Roy Hellu, and Rex Burkhead, both had good success running the ball. Overall, I would say the offense looks very promising.
The second question facing the Huskers was: would the defense be as dominant as they were last year without superstar Ndamukong Suh (pronounced endomican sue), who was drafted by the Detroit Lions earlier this year. I’m still undecided on that one. The defense didn’t dominate Western Kentucky as much as I thought they would, giving up 10 points, and very nearly giving up another touchdown. That would have been another score for WKU, but the runner fumbled the ball just before he crossed the goal line, and Nebraska recovered. I felt it was a shaky start for the defense, but it’s only the first game of the season, and they have plenty of time to work out the bugs before they start facing ranked opponents.
The final score was: Nebraska 49, Western Kentucky 10. This week’s updated polls show Nebraska moving from number eight, up to number six. There will definitely be some things for the team to work on this week, but it was a good start to the football season.
Next week’s opponent is the Idaho Vandals. The reports I’ve read show Idaho to be a stronger opponent than WKU, but Nebraska is still a 28 point favorite. Game time is Saturday, September 11, at 11:30 am CST. See you there!
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
Joshua 1:7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
There were two major questions facing the Huskers this year. First, would there be any improvement to last year’s impotent offense. I think the answer to that is a great big yes! In a surprising move, coach Bo Pelini started freshman quarterback, Taylor Martinez. Is Martinez any good? You betcha. Taylor rushed for more than 100 yards, including three touchdown runs. He seemed pretty solid throwing the ball too, completing a good percentage of his passes. Some of Martinez’s success should be credited to the offensive line which protected him well, also an improvement over last year. Last year’s backup quarterback, Cody Green, saw a fair amount of game-time, but last year’s starter, Zack Lee, didn’t come in until just 6 minutes were left in the game. Nebraska’s two main running backs, Roy Hellu, and Rex Burkhead, both had good success running the ball. Overall, I would say the offense looks very promising.
The second question facing the Huskers was: would the defense be as dominant as they were last year without superstar Ndamukong Suh (pronounced endomican sue), who was drafted by the Detroit Lions earlier this year. I’m still undecided on that one. The defense didn’t dominate Western Kentucky as much as I thought they would, giving up 10 points, and very nearly giving up another touchdown. That would have been another score for WKU, but the runner fumbled the ball just before he crossed the goal line, and Nebraska recovered. I felt it was a shaky start for the defense, but it’s only the first game of the season, and they have plenty of time to work out the bugs before they start facing ranked opponents.
The final score was: Nebraska 49, Western Kentucky 10. This week’s updated polls show Nebraska moving from number eight, up to number six. There will definitely be some things for the team to work on this week, but it was a good start to the football season.
Next week’s opponent is the Idaho Vandals. The reports I’ve read show Idaho to be a stronger opponent than WKU, but Nebraska is still a 28 point favorite. Game time is Saturday, September 11, at 11:30 am CST. See you there!
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
Joshua 1:7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
News - Big 10 Conference Alignment
Today, ESPN reported that the Big 10 conference alignment has been announced. College football fans know, of course, that Nebraska will be leaving the Big 12 conference after the end of the 2010 season, and will be joining the Big 10 conference beginning with the 2011 season. That will make a total of twelve teams in the Big 10, which means they must divide into two divisions, just as the old Big 12 conference is currently divided into North and South divisions.
The two divisions of the Big 10 conference will not be divided up geographically as the Big 12 was, however, so the divisions will probably not have names like North and South. It remains to be seen what kind of names the divisions are given.
So here’s the split: In one division will be Ohio State, Penn State, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Purdue. In the other division will be Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Iowa, and Nebraska. The alignment is important because the teams that are in the same division will definitely play each other every year, but will not necessarily play all of the teams in the opposing division each year.
Big 10 officials knew that it would be difficult to come up with an alignment that would please everyone. In particular, Ohio State and Michigan have a long-standing rivalry that is in jeopardy now that the two schools are in separate divisions. It was reported, however, that efforts would be made to keep the rivalry alive.
As a Husker fan, it will be interesting, over the next several years, to see who Nebraska’s new rivals will be. Personally, I’m hoping for a Nebraska, Michigan rivalry. Michigan hasn’t had a good team for a few years now, but they will undoubtedly regain national attention again sooner or later. Also, Husker fans will undoubtedly remember the 1997 season in which Nebraska had to share the national championship with Michigan. I was also curious about playing Ohio State. Ohio State has been one of the top teams in the nation for several years and I wondered how Nebraska would match up against them. The two schools will be in different divisions so we may or may not play each other, but if both teams win their respective divisions, they could play each other for the Big 10 conference championship, which would make for a very exciting game. If Nebraska continues to improve as they have in recent years, we may indeed see such a match-up late next season.
Speaking of Nebraska’s improvement, many experts are predicting that the Huskers will have a good season this year, their last in the Big 12. Pre-season polls are showing Nebraska ranked number 7 or number 8. One ESPN analyst has even predicted that Nebraska may go all the way to the national championship this year, although it’s a bit early to be thinking that far ahead. We won’t have to wonder much longer, the football season begins in just three days when Nebraska will take on Western Kentucky on September 4, at 6pm.
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Luke 1:37 For nothing will be impossible with God.
The two divisions of the Big 10 conference will not be divided up geographically as the Big 12 was, however, so the divisions will probably not have names like North and South. It remains to be seen what kind of names the divisions are given.
So here’s the split: In one division will be Ohio State, Penn State, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Purdue. In the other division will be Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Iowa, and Nebraska. The alignment is important because the teams that are in the same division will definitely play each other every year, but will not necessarily play all of the teams in the opposing division each year.
Big 10 officials knew that it would be difficult to come up with an alignment that would please everyone. In particular, Ohio State and Michigan have a long-standing rivalry that is in jeopardy now that the two schools are in separate divisions. It was reported, however, that efforts would be made to keep the rivalry alive.
As a Husker fan, it will be interesting, over the next several years, to see who Nebraska’s new rivals will be. Personally, I’m hoping for a Nebraska, Michigan rivalry. Michigan hasn’t had a good team for a few years now, but they will undoubtedly regain national attention again sooner or later. Also, Husker fans will undoubtedly remember the 1997 season in which Nebraska had to share the national championship with Michigan. I was also curious about playing Ohio State. Ohio State has been one of the top teams in the nation for several years and I wondered how Nebraska would match up against them. The two schools will be in different divisions so we may or may not play each other, but if both teams win their respective divisions, they could play each other for the Big 10 conference championship, which would make for a very exciting game. If Nebraska continues to improve as they have in recent years, we may indeed see such a match-up late next season.
Speaking of Nebraska’s improvement, many experts are predicting that the Huskers will have a good season this year, their last in the Big 12. Pre-season polls are showing Nebraska ranked number 7 or number 8. One ESPN analyst has even predicted that Nebraska may go all the way to the national championship this year, although it’s a bit early to be thinking that far ahead. We won’t have to wonder much longer, the football season begins in just three days when Nebraska will take on Western Kentucky on September 4, at 6pm.
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Luke 1:37 For nothing will be impossible with God.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
News - Nebraska in the Big 10
Now that the University of Nebraska in Lincoln is officially a part of the Big 10 conference, I thought it was high-time I started learning who my football team is going to be competing against beginning in the 2011 season. To be honest with you, I’m not a huge fan of college football, except where the Cornhuskers are concerned. I am familiar with the Big 12 schools only because those are the teams Nebraska has been playing against all my life. Before all this began, I don't think I could have named one school from the Big 10. But all that is going to change next year, so here is a list of Nebraska’s new opponents:
Iowa:
Iowa Hawkeyes; University of Iowa; Iowa City
Illinois:
Fighting Illini; University of Illinois, Champaign
Northwestern Wildcats; Northwestern University; Evanston
Chicago Maroons; University of Chicago; Chicago
Indiana:
Indiana Hoosiers; Indiana University; Bloomington
Purdue Boilermakers; Purdue University; West Lafayette
Michigan:
Michigan Wolverines; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor
Michigan State Spartans; Michigan State University; East Lansing
Minnesota:
Minnesota Golden Gophers; University of Minnesota; Minneapolis
Wisconsin:
Wisconsin Badgers; University of Wisconsin; Madison
Ohio:
Ohio State Buckeyes; Ohio State University; Columbus
Pennsylvania:
Penn State Nittany Lions; Pennsylvania State University; State College
Nebraska:
Nebraska Cornhuskers; University of Nebraska; Lincoln
Now, I know that Nebraska is the twelfth school in the Big 10, but as you can see from the list above, there are thirteen schools. There’s something here that I haven’t quite figured out yet and it has something to do with that University of Chicago. I’m thinking that school doesn’t play football because I've never heard of them before. I'll have to look into this further.
So that’s the Big 10 conference as it stands right now. It is very likely that the Big 10 will grab up a few more schools before they are done expanding, all the signs point toward a final total of sixteen schools. I know that Missouri is one possibility that has been discussed, and also Notre Dame. We'll just have to wait and see. Now that last Friday's critical mass has come and gone, further changes will probably take longer to come into focus. Nebraska’s decision would have come several months later if the Big 12 hadn't demanded an answer right away.
Football is the only sport I really care about so that is naturally what I focus on the most, but in all fairness I should mention that Nebraska's move to the Big 10 will benefit other sports as well. In his statement on Friday, Tom Osborne mentioned that the Big 10 will offer more competition for other sports. Osborne went on to explain that in the Big 12, only two schools compete in gymnastics, but in the Big 10 there are seven. He referenced similar examples for golf, wrestling, and swimming, just to name a few. This should provide better experiences for students who participate in those sports.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Iowa:
Iowa Hawkeyes; University of Iowa; Iowa City
Illinois:
Fighting Illini; University of Illinois, Champaign
Northwestern Wildcats; Northwestern University; Evanston
Chicago Maroons; University of Chicago; Chicago
Indiana:
Indiana Hoosiers; Indiana University; Bloomington
Purdue Boilermakers; Purdue University; West Lafayette
Michigan:
Michigan Wolverines; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor
Michigan State Spartans; Michigan State University; East Lansing
Minnesota:
Minnesota Golden Gophers; University of Minnesota; Minneapolis
Wisconsin:
Wisconsin Badgers; University of Wisconsin; Madison
Ohio:
Ohio State Buckeyes; Ohio State University; Columbus
Pennsylvania:
Penn State Nittany Lions; Pennsylvania State University; State College
Nebraska:
Nebraska Cornhuskers; University of Nebraska; Lincoln
Now, I know that Nebraska is the twelfth school in the Big 10, but as you can see from the list above, there are thirteen schools. There’s something here that I haven’t quite figured out yet and it has something to do with that University of Chicago. I’m thinking that school doesn’t play football because I've never heard of them before. I'll have to look into this further.
So that’s the Big 10 conference as it stands right now. It is very likely that the Big 10 will grab up a few more schools before they are done expanding, all the signs point toward a final total of sixteen schools. I know that Missouri is one possibility that has been discussed, and also Notre Dame. We'll just have to wait and see. Now that last Friday's critical mass has come and gone, further changes will probably take longer to come into focus. Nebraska’s decision would have come several months later if the Big 12 hadn't demanded an answer right away.
Football is the only sport I really care about so that is naturally what I focus on the most, but in all fairness I should mention that Nebraska's move to the Big 10 will benefit other sports as well. In his statement on Friday, Tom Osborne mentioned that the Big 10 will offer more competition for other sports. Osborne went on to explain that in the Big 12, only two schools compete in gymnastics, but in the Big 10 there are seven. He referenced similar examples for golf, wrestling, and swimming, just to name a few. This should provide better experiences for students who participate in those sports.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The Future of Nebraska Football
There is a lot of talk going around about the University of Nebraska leaving the Big 12 athletic conference and joining the Big 10. I’ve spent quite a bit of time today reading dozens of news articles on the internet trying to find out just exactly what is going on. From what I have read, it seems like nobody really knows anything right now.
In trying to sort through all the rumours and speculation, I’ve drilled down to two basic facts: 1) The Big 10 conference is looking to expand by adding one or more schools to its roster, and Nebraska has been named as a likely candidate. 2) The University of Nebraska’s Board of Regents is currently discussing the possibility of a conference shift. Other than that, nothing is certain, although it sounds like there could be a decision from Nebraska as early as this Friday.
Now, on to the rumours and speculations. Of all the articles I’ve read, whether news or opinion, most seem to agree that if Nebraska jumps ship, the entire Big 12 conference will dissolve. There are a variety of reasons why that might happen, but the prevailing theory is that with Nebraska gone, the Big 12 will become too weak to compete on a national level and the other schools will look for better deals as well. In fact, it sounds like the Pac 10 conference is already seriously courting the entire Big 12 south division.
Basically, it sounds like the Big 12 will cease to exist, with all twelve schools being absorbed into other conferences. Nebraska and Missouri are expected to join the Big 10. The Pac 10 will pick up six other schools: Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and either Colorado or Baylor. It sounds like Colorado is the more likely candidate for the Pac 10, but there is a rumour that Texas is creating legislature to keep all four Texas schools together. If they go with Colorado, Baylor may get left out in the cold. After all that, there is a possibility of the Mountain West conference, which I have never even heard of, picking up Kansas, Kansas State, and Iowa State. If the Pac 10 chooses Baylor over Colorado, then CU may also go to the Mountain West.
So why is all this happening? Partly for security. Much as I hate to admit it, Texas is a national powerhouse in college football. If Texas leaves the conference, the old Big 8 schools may be left in the lurch. It would be better for Nebraska to get out before that happens, especially while there is a very good offer on the table. As you may have already guessed, money is a major factor. They are saying that in the Big 10, UNL television revenues could increase by as much as 20 million dollars per year.
I’ll be honest with you, I’m not real fond of change, especially on such a large scale. Football is a pretty big deal in Nebraska, as it is in many states. I’ve spent my whole life watching Nebraska play against Oklahoma and Kansas State and Colorado. Especially Oklahoma. Football fans all over the country are aware of the rivalry between NU and OU. If all this happens, it's likely that the two teams will never meet on the field again. Things are always getting bigger. During my years at UPS, I witnessed first-hand how little companies get swallowed up by big companies. Mom and Pop stores get overrun by national chains, and little football conferences get absorbed into larger super-conferences. It’s just sad sometimes. This world is no place for nostalgics like me, I guess.
Well, at any rate, it doesn’t sound like we’ll have to speculate much longer. There should be some concrete news on this by the weekend. In the meantime, I better start learning what schools are in the Big 10 conference!
Psalms 102:26-27 They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.
In trying to sort through all the rumours and speculation, I’ve drilled down to two basic facts: 1) The Big 10 conference is looking to expand by adding one or more schools to its roster, and Nebraska has been named as a likely candidate. 2) The University of Nebraska’s Board of Regents is currently discussing the possibility of a conference shift. Other than that, nothing is certain, although it sounds like there could be a decision from Nebraska as early as this Friday.
Now, on to the rumours and speculations. Of all the articles I’ve read, whether news or opinion, most seem to agree that if Nebraska jumps ship, the entire Big 12 conference will dissolve. There are a variety of reasons why that might happen, but the prevailing theory is that with Nebraska gone, the Big 12 will become too weak to compete on a national level and the other schools will look for better deals as well. In fact, it sounds like the Pac 10 conference is already seriously courting the entire Big 12 south division.
Basically, it sounds like the Big 12 will cease to exist, with all twelve schools being absorbed into other conferences. Nebraska and Missouri are expected to join the Big 10. The Pac 10 will pick up six other schools: Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and either Colorado or Baylor. It sounds like Colorado is the more likely candidate for the Pac 10, but there is a rumour that Texas is creating legislature to keep all four Texas schools together. If they go with Colorado, Baylor may get left out in the cold. After all that, there is a possibility of the Mountain West conference, which I have never even heard of, picking up Kansas, Kansas State, and Iowa State. If the Pac 10 chooses Baylor over Colorado, then CU may also go to the Mountain West.
So why is all this happening? Partly for security. Much as I hate to admit it, Texas is a national powerhouse in college football. If Texas leaves the conference, the old Big 8 schools may be left in the lurch. It would be better for Nebraska to get out before that happens, especially while there is a very good offer on the table. As you may have already guessed, money is a major factor. They are saying that in the Big 10, UNL television revenues could increase by as much as 20 million dollars per year.
I’ll be honest with you, I’m not real fond of change, especially on such a large scale. Football is a pretty big deal in Nebraska, as it is in many states. I’ve spent my whole life watching Nebraska play against Oklahoma and Kansas State and Colorado. Especially Oklahoma. Football fans all over the country are aware of the rivalry between NU and OU. If all this happens, it's likely that the two teams will never meet on the field again. Things are always getting bigger. During my years at UPS, I witnessed first-hand how little companies get swallowed up by big companies. Mom and Pop stores get overrun by national chains, and little football conferences get absorbed into larger super-conferences. It’s just sad sometimes. This world is no place for nostalgics like me, I guess.
Well, at any rate, it doesn’t sound like we’ll have to speculate much longer. There should be some concrete news on this by the weekend. In the meantime, I better start learning what schools are in the Big 10 conference!
Psalms 102:26-27 They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Journal - News, Weather, and Sports
Yesterday, I called my case worker, Cindy, at Health and Human Services with a few questions. First I asked about the new health bill and how that might effect the Medicaid program. She said there have been no changes. Apparently even though President Obama signed the bill, it’s till kind of up in the air as to what will happen. Also, most of the changes that are supposed to be implemented won't take effect until 2014.
Last week, when BCBS denied me they suggested something called CHIPS. I told them I never really liked that show very much. Just kidding, Chips is some kind of insurance program but I thought it was specifically for children. I asked Cindy about it and she said there are two programs called Chips. The one BCBS was talking about is actually handled by BCBS and it’s for people who can’t get insurance. The drawback is that it usually has very high premiums. I was kind of planning on that anyway so I guess I will look into that further and see what happens. Unfortunately, that means I have to contact my arch enemies, BCBS, again.
The third thing I asked about was Medicare. I had heard recently that when you become eligible for Medicare you have to pay a hundred dollars a month for it in the form of a deduction from your social security. That isn’t necessarily true, however. Any amount you have to pay for Medicare is based on your income. She said that my income is below the maximum so I won’t have to pay anything for it. I still have another year before I am eligible, though. I forgot to ask her if that is the same in every state.
Last Thursday, I filled out an application online to renew our food stamps since they are getting ready to run out. They don’t call it food stamps anymore. Now it’s called SNAP. Supplemental Nutritional Aid Program or something like that. Isn’t it funny how we always try to put fancy names on things? I guess the name “food stamps” is kind of outdated, though. These days they give you a debit card and each month they just deposit more credit to your account. We’re getting closer to that cashless society every day. Anyway, since I called Cindy yesterday, she went ahead and went over the application and asked what she needed to ask about that to finalize it. It was all so easy. I can’t help but think how much trouble I had with that same system in Dallas.
The weather is shaping up very nicely here in Nebraska. Our temps have been in the sixties and are starting to push into the seventies now. Unfortunately, spring in Nebraska means wind. I remember when we moved up here at the end of April last year. We had some pretty powerful wind storms in those first few weeks. Those were kind of scary but our house proved to be very strong. It isn’t insulated very well, but it's solid.
I was a little sad last night. If the Huskers had won their basketball game Sunday, they would have been playing Oklahoma last night. I was looking forward to that game, but instead Oklahoma played Kentucky. Oklahoma won, so the last four teams in the tournament are Oklahoma, Connecticut, Baylor, and Stanford. Connecticut is the clear favorite. They are the returning champions and have won every game for the last two years. Maybe Baylor will knock them off in the championship game.
Well, that’s all the updates I have for now. Until next time, keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars. Bonus points to whoever can tell me where that phrase came from.
2 Chronicles 15:7 But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
Job 11:18 You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.
Last week, when BCBS denied me they suggested something called CHIPS. I told them I never really liked that show very much. Just kidding, Chips is some kind of insurance program but I thought it was specifically for children. I asked Cindy about it and she said there are two programs called Chips. The one BCBS was talking about is actually handled by BCBS and it’s for people who can’t get insurance. The drawback is that it usually has very high premiums. I was kind of planning on that anyway so I guess I will look into that further and see what happens. Unfortunately, that means I have to contact my arch enemies, BCBS, again.
The third thing I asked about was Medicare. I had heard recently that when you become eligible for Medicare you have to pay a hundred dollars a month for it in the form of a deduction from your social security. That isn’t necessarily true, however. Any amount you have to pay for Medicare is based on your income. She said that my income is below the maximum so I won’t have to pay anything for it. I still have another year before I am eligible, though. I forgot to ask her if that is the same in every state.
Last Thursday, I filled out an application online to renew our food stamps since they are getting ready to run out. They don’t call it food stamps anymore. Now it’s called SNAP. Supplemental Nutritional Aid Program or something like that. Isn’t it funny how we always try to put fancy names on things? I guess the name “food stamps” is kind of outdated, though. These days they give you a debit card and each month they just deposit more credit to your account. We’re getting closer to that cashless society every day. Anyway, since I called Cindy yesterday, she went ahead and went over the application and asked what she needed to ask about that to finalize it. It was all so easy. I can’t help but think how much trouble I had with that same system in Dallas.
The weather is shaping up very nicely here in Nebraska. Our temps have been in the sixties and are starting to push into the seventies now. Unfortunately, spring in Nebraska means wind. I remember when we moved up here at the end of April last year. We had some pretty powerful wind storms in those first few weeks. Those were kind of scary but our house proved to be very strong. It isn’t insulated very well, but it's solid.
I was a little sad last night. If the Huskers had won their basketball game Sunday, they would have been playing Oklahoma last night. I was looking forward to that game, but instead Oklahoma played Kentucky. Oklahoma won, so the last four teams in the tournament are Oklahoma, Connecticut, Baylor, and Stanford. Connecticut is the clear favorite. They are the returning champions and have won every game for the last two years. Maybe Baylor will knock them off in the championship game.
Well, that’s all the updates I have for now. Until next time, keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars. Bonus points to whoever can tell me where that phrase came from.
2 Chronicles 15:7 But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
Job 11:18 You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Journal - Sunday
Sunday was a pretty good day. We went to church as usual and had kind of a special treat. We had a minister from the African Congo visiting. Our church is very active in the Congo, sending money to support missionary efforts over there, and also sending people from our own church to volunteer. Anyway, that minister, who’s name I cannot pronounce, gave us a short sermon in his native language while his interpreter translated for us. It was interesting, and it really drove home the fact that people are really the same all over the world. His sermon was no different than what you might hear in your own church.
After church, we came home for a quick lunch of bacon and French toast, one of our favorites, and then it was off to the new school in Gibbon for a play. Bobbi’s stepson Elliott had one of the leading roles in “Oklahoma", and he really did a great job. That was my second play as a blind man and sometimes it's hard to follow the story, but I enjoy the music. The new school has a nice little auditorium, which we never had at the old school. We always had to use the cafegymatorium for everything.
It was about 4:30 when we got home. It was a really beautiful day. I’m not sure what the temperature was but it was the first time I really enjoyed going outside since last fall. When we got home I actually opened up a couple of windows in the house and the air and sunshine coming in felt wonderful. We grabbed a bite to eat, then I took my shower and started waiting for the game to come on.
It was the big game between Nebraska and Kentucky in the sweet sixteen round of the playoffs. It was the last basketball game of the day and wasn’t schedule to start until 8:30, but the previous game between Oklahoma and Notre Dame went into overtime, so Nebraska started late. It was a little after nine when it finally tipped off.
Well, it was another exciting game. I have to admit, I didn’t really think theLady Huskers would have too much trouble with Kentucky, but Kentucky really came out fighting. The score was pretty much even through the first half, but then Kentucky rallied and finished the half with a ten point lead.
The second half was all downhill, with Kentucky pretty much controlling the game. They extended their lead to nineteen points an the Huskers just couldn't seem to do anything. I began to lose hope. With just a few minutes left in the game, with nothing to lose, Nebraska began to fight. Kentucky's nineteen point lead dwindled down to seven. But the rally came too late. The final score was Kentucky 76 and Nebraska 67. I never really got the impression that Kentucky was the better team, itt just wasn’t Nebraska's night. All of Kentucky's shots seemed to fall in, and all of Nebraska's seemed to fall out.
And so, the magical season ends. It’s a bitter disappointment after coming so close, but I'm really proud of our basketball team, as I'm sure all Nebraskans are. Good luck next year!
2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
After church, we came home for a quick lunch of bacon and French toast, one of our favorites, and then it was off to the new school in Gibbon for a play. Bobbi’s stepson Elliott had one of the leading roles in “Oklahoma", and he really did a great job. That was my second play as a blind man and sometimes it's hard to follow the story, but I enjoy the music. The new school has a nice little auditorium, which we never had at the old school. We always had to use the cafegymatorium for everything.
It was about 4:30 when we got home. It was a really beautiful day. I’m not sure what the temperature was but it was the first time I really enjoyed going outside since last fall. When we got home I actually opened up a couple of windows in the house and the air and sunshine coming in felt wonderful. We grabbed a bite to eat, then I took my shower and started waiting for the game to come on.
It was the big game between Nebraska and Kentucky in the sweet sixteen round of the playoffs. It was the last basketball game of the day and wasn’t schedule to start until 8:30, but the previous game between Oklahoma and Notre Dame went into overtime, so Nebraska started late. It was a little after nine when it finally tipped off.
Well, it was another exciting game. I have to admit, I didn’t really think theLady Huskers would have too much trouble with Kentucky, but Kentucky really came out fighting. The score was pretty much even through the first half, but then Kentucky rallied and finished the half with a ten point lead.
The second half was all downhill, with Kentucky pretty much controlling the game. They extended their lead to nineteen points an the Huskers just couldn't seem to do anything. I began to lose hope. With just a few minutes left in the game, with nothing to lose, Nebraska began to fight. Kentucky's nineteen point lead dwindled down to seven. But the rally came too late. The final score was Kentucky 76 and Nebraska 67. I never really got the impression that Kentucky was the better team, itt just wasn’t Nebraska's night. All of Kentucky's shots seemed to fall in, and all of Nebraska's seemed to fall out.
And so, the magical season ends. It’s a bitter disappointment after coming so close, but I'm really proud of our basketball team, as I'm sure all Nebraskans are. Good luck next year!
2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Journal - March Madness
If you’ve been reading my blog, you’ll know that I have recently become very interested in basketball. This is all because of what the women's team at UNL has done this year. As I have mentioned before, they are the first basketball team from Nebraska, men or women, to advance to the sweet sixteen round of the playoffs.
I decided it would be interesting to create a bracket of the sixteen teams and track their progress through the rest of the playoff schedule. Of course, there are plenty of brackets available online, for download and printing, but those don’t do me much good. The brackets just don't make any sense if you can't see the lines. What I decided to do was create my own bracket in a spreadsheet.
I actually had a hard time finding out who the sixteen teams were, however, and which ones were playing each other. The brackets that are available online would, of course, have all that information, but like I said, my screen reader doesn’t interpret them very well. I was finally able to piece my bracket together by reading various news articles about the basketball playoffs. I have learned more about basketball in the last two days than in my previous 39 years. Here are the sixteen teams:
In the Kansas City Region:
Oklahoma versus Notre Dame.
Nebraska versus Kentucky.
In the Dayton Region:
Connecticut versus Iowa State.
Florida State versus Mississippi State.
In the Memphis Region:
Tennessee versus Baylor.
Duke versus San Diego State.
In the Sacramento Region:
Xavier versus Gonzaga.
Stanford versus Georgia.
You may be asking yourself, “Who or what in the heck is Gonzaga?” I asked myself that very same question so I looked it up. Gonzaga is a private Catholic University in Spokane, Washington. So there, you learned something today.
The last time I talked basketball I said that all sixteen teams were coming together in Kansas City for the final tournament, but I found out that was wrong. As shown above, there are four different cities, each hosting four teams. I guess they do that so they can get through the games more quickly, or maybe so more fans have a chance to watch a game. Each region will end up with one winner, and I’m assuming those Final Four teams will come together somewhere. Actually, I think I read that the finals will be in San Antonio.
At the time I am posting this, the Memphis Region and the Sacramento Region have already played their first round of games, but I’m not telling you who won yet. The Lady Huskers play Kentucky tonight. Incidentally, I read that this is also Kentucky’s first trip to the Sweet Sixteen. Too bad one of them has to go home after this. Hope it’s Kentucky, though. Connecticut, or Uconn as they are called, are the big favorite in the playoffs. They are the returning champions and have won their last 74 games, which is basically every game for the last two years. I don’t like the thought of the Huskers playing against them, but I don’t think the two will meet unless they both make it to the championship game. Okay, that’s not entirely true. I would kind of like to see that matchup. But we can't look too far ahead, first they have to get past Kentucky.
I know most of my readers are not basketball fans, I'm not either come to think of it, but this is what’s going on in my life right now, so I wanted to make a complete record of it.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
I decided it would be interesting to create a bracket of the sixteen teams and track their progress through the rest of the playoff schedule. Of course, there are plenty of brackets available online, for download and printing, but those don’t do me much good. The brackets just don't make any sense if you can't see the lines. What I decided to do was create my own bracket in a spreadsheet.
I actually had a hard time finding out who the sixteen teams were, however, and which ones were playing each other. The brackets that are available online would, of course, have all that information, but like I said, my screen reader doesn’t interpret them very well. I was finally able to piece my bracket together by reading various news articles about the basketball playoffs. I have learned more about basketball in the last two days than in my previous 39 years. Here are the sixteen teams:
In the Kansas City Region:
Oklahoma versus Notre Dame.
Nebraska versus Kentucky.
In the Dayton Region:
Connecticut versus Iowa State.
Florida State versus Mississippi State.
In the Memphis Region:
Tennessee versus Baylor.
Duke versus San Diego State.
In the Sacramento Region:
Xavier versus Gonzaga.
Stanford versus Georgia.
You may be asking yourself, “Who or what in the heck is Gonzaga?” I asked myself that very same question so I looked it up. Gonzaga is a private Catholic University in Spokane, Washington. So there, you learned something today.
The last time I talked basketball I said that all sixteen teams were coming together in Kansas City for the final tournament, but I found out that was wrong. As shown above, there are four different cities, each hosting four teams. I guess they do that so they can get through the games more quickly, or maybe so more fans have a chance to watch a game. Each region will end up with one winner, and I’m assuming those Final Four teams will come together somewhere. Actually, I think I read that the finals will be in San Antonio.
At the time I am posting this, the Memphis Region and the Sacramento Region have already played their first round of games, but I’m not telling you who won yet. The Lady Huskers play Kentucky tonight. Incidentally, I read that this is also Kentucky’s first trip to the Sweet Sixteen. Too bad one of them has to go home after this. Hope it’s Kentucky, though. Connecticut, or Uconn as they are called, are the big favorite in the playoffs. They are the returning champions and have won their last 74 games, which is basically every game for the last two years. I don’t like the thought of the Huskers playing against them, but I don’t think the two will meet unless they both make it to the championship game. Okay, that’s not entirely true. I would kind of like to see that matchup. But we can't look too far ahead, first they have to get past Kentucky.
I know most of my readers are not basketball fans, I'm not either come to think of it, but this is what’s going on in my life right now, so I wanted to make a complete record of it.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Journal - BCBS Blues, NCAA Pinks
Well.
On Monday I got a letter from BCBS saying that they have denied my application for insurance. Last week, they had asked for records from Doctor Hargrave. We mailed a copy of that request to her office in Dallas on Friday the 19th. The denial letter I got on Monday was dated the 19th. They asked for the records but didn’t wait to get them. They didn’t even mention the records, they said I was denied because of my pre-existing conditions which they have known about all along. Is it a coincidence that their denial letter was dated just two days before Barrack Obama signed the new health bill? No, I don’t believe in coincidences, as I have mentioned before. I don't really think there is anything in the new health bill that would have a direct effect on my case, but BCBS wasn’t taking any chances I suppose. Well, I kept saying that I wished they would make a decision, one way or the other and I got my wish. What's next? I have no idea. More waiting. I'll just have to wait and see where God leads me next.
That was the bad news. Now for the good news! Nebraska won their second round game against UCLA on Tuesday night! It was a pretty exciting game too. Well, the first half was, anyway.
UCLA struck like lightning in the opening minutes of the game and took a 13 to 4 lead very quickly. The Lady Huskers battled back, though, and tied it up at 15 before going on to take a ten point lead. The first half ended with a five point lead for Nebraska. UCLA came out fighting again in the second half and came to within one point, but it was all Nebraska after that. UCLA never gave up, they kept scoring points, but Nebraska was just too much for them. The final score was 82 to 70 or something like that.. Nebraska was hitting the three pointers again. They struggled with that in the first half, but started hitting them almost at will in the second. And not just one or two players, either, I think seven or eight different players hit three point shots.
With this win, Nebraska advances to the sweet sixteen, which is just a fancy way of saying there are only sixteen teams left playing for the national championship. Those sixteen teams come together in Kansas City this weekend. Nebraska is supposed to play Sunday night against Kentucky, but no time was set yet. This marks the first time a Nebraska basketball team, men’s or women’s, has made it to the sweet sixteen. Pretty amazing. Wouldn’t it be great if they won the national championship? Even if they don’t, I hope they can keep having this kind of success for many years to come. What a boon to the University and to Nebraska sports. Seeing any Husker team do that well really leaves me feeling in the pink. Wasn’t that a clever tie-in to my title?
For those of you who don’t live around here, my hometown of Gibbon, which I live very close to now, built a new school and began using it this year. Gibbon is a small town so they only need one school for all grades. The old school, where my siblings and I attended, and also where my parents and their siblings attended, and where my sister's kids have attended, has been standing vacant this year. I know they really neded a new building, but it’s sad to think of the old school just sitting there empty.
Now it sounds like someone may be interested in doing something with it, though. There is an email going around to everyone in Gibbon and the neighboring towns with a link to an online survey. The survey asks several questions about what kinds of activities or services the people around here might be interested in. Maybe they are thinking of using the old school for a community center or something like that. That would be awesome if they can pull it off, although it honestly doesn’t seem like there are enough people around here to support something like that. I sure wish them lots of luck in their venture though!
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
On Monday I got a letter from BCBS saying that they have denied my application for insurance. Last week, they had asked for records from Doctor Hargrave. We mailed a copy of that request to her office in Dallas on Friday the 19th. The denial letter I got on Monday was dated the 19th. They asked for the records but didn’t wait to get them. They didn’t even mention the records, they said I was denied because of my pre-existing conditions which they have known about all along. Is it a coincidence that their denial letter was dated just two days before Barrack Obama signed the new health bill? No, I don’t believe in coincidences, as I have mentioned before. I don't really think there is anything in the new health bill that would have a direct effect on my case, but BCBS wasn’t taking any chances I suppose. Well, I kept saying that I wished they would make a decision, one way or the other and I got my wish. What's next? I have no idea. More waiting. I'll just have to wait and see where God leads me next.
That was the bad news. Now for the good news! Nebraska won their second round game against UCLA on Tuesday night! It was a pretty exciting game too. Well, the first half was, anyway.
UCLA struck like lightning in the opening minutes of the game and took a 13 to 4 lead very quickly. The Lady Huskers battled back, though, and tied it up at 15 before going on to take a ten point lead. The first half ended with a five point lead for Nebraska. UCLA came out fighting again in the second half and came to within one point, but it was all Nebraska after that. UCLA never gave up, they kept scoring points, but Nebraska was just too much for them. The final score was 82 to 70 or something like that.. Nebraska was hitting the three pointers again. They struggled with that in the first half, but started hitting them almost at will in the second. And not just one or two players, either, I think seven or eight different players hit three point shots.
With this win, Nebraska advances to the sweet sixteen, which is just a fancy way of saying there are only sixteen teams left playing for the national championship. Those sixteen teams come together in Kansas City this weekend. Nebraska is supposed to play Sunday night against Kentucky, but no time was set yet. This marks the first time a Nebraska basketball team, men’s or women’s, has made it to the sweet sixteen. Pretty amazing. Wouldn’t it be great if they won the national championship? Even if they don’t, I hope they can keep having this kind of success for many years to come. What a boon to the University and to Nebraska sports. Seeing any Husker team do that well really leaves me feeling in the pink. Wasn’t that a clever tie-in to my title?
For those of you who don’t live around here, my hometown of Gibbon, which I live very close to now, built a new school and began using it this year. Gibbon is a small town so they only need one school for all grades. The old school, where my siblings and I attended, and also where my parents and their siblings attended, and where my sister's kids have attended, has been standing vacant this year. I know they really neded a new building, but it’s sad to think of the old school just sitting there empty.
Now it sounds like someone may be interested in doing something with it, though. There is an email going around to everyone in Gibbon and the neighboring towns with a link to an online survey. The survey asks several questions about what kinds of activities or services the people around here might be interested in. Maybe they are thinking of using the old school for a community center or something like that. That would be awesome if they can pull it off, although it honestly doesn’t seem like there are enough people around here to support something like that. I sure wish them lots of luck in their venture though!
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Journal - Basketball, Blogs, and Birthdays
First off, I need to make an addendum. I talked about Grandma Gladys the other day and totally forgot one of my favorite things. For longer than I can remember, there was a sun catcher hanging in Grandma’s big kitchen window. It was kind of a basic flower shape, a round center with evenly spaced petals around it, all in red and orange. The frame of the design is very heavy, maybe pewter or something similar. I have that sun catcher now and it is one of my most favorite possessions. Unfortunately I can never get it to stay in a window, it’s always falling because it is so heavy. Don't know how Grandma kept it hanging all those years.
Hmm. Hmm. Hmm. I noticed something about my screen reader, System Access To Go, the other day. It used to be that when I typed hmm, it just said the letters instead of actually pronouncing it. Now he actually says hmm the way a person would. Evidently they are making little improvements in the program. If I spell that with three m’s instead of only two he still just says the letters, though.
Sunday was Nebraska’s first game of the NCAA tournament for the women’s basketball team. Nebraska controlled the game pretty much from the start. They had a 13 point lead at halftime, and ended up beating Northern Iowa 83 to 44. They hit ten 3 pointers, which is good. Someone said they were having trouble with that earlier. Kelsay Griffin scored the 2,000th point of her 5 year career. I don’t know much about basketball, but I know it takes a lot of baskets to make 2,000 points. The next game for Nebraska is tonight at 8:30 versus either North Carolina State or UCLA. I don’t know how good those teams are but I can assume that each game will get more difficult as the weaker teams are weeded out.
The song I can’t get out of my head this week is “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum. My favorite food of the moment is breaded chicken patties with swiss cheese on a hamburger bun with green olives and potato chips on the side.
I’ve really been enjoying writing book reviews for my blog “Reviews From The Deep”, and I'm really pleased that some other people have been enjoying it too. I already mentioned last week that Joni's friend Benning talked about it on his blog, “Benning’s War”, and on Saturday my Friend Ensign Ro also mentioned it on her blog, “In The Center Of The Roof.” She gave me some good feedback too that I think will help me write more interesting book reviews. Incidentally, Ro is, like me, blind, and if you want to see the world from the perspective of a blind person, you should definitely read her blog. She’s much better at describing the “blind experience” than I am. In fact, you should go do that right now. I’ll wait for you here.
All done? Good! Also I should mention Joni’s blog, "One Voice - Write Right." Joni mentions both of my blogs all the time and suckers, I mean “gets” people to read what I write. Thanks honey! If you’re interested in becoming a writer, Joni’s blog is for you, she always has lots of hints and tips for budding writers. Also, she posts her own, original poetry every Sunday, so check it out.
Speaking of Joni, today, March 23rd, is my sweetie’s birthday! Now, let me think, how old is Joni this year? 28? No, too young. 47? No, way too old! Oh, I remember! Joni is 39 this year. Happy 39th birthday, honey! I hope you have a really great day!
Numbers 6:24-26 The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Psalms 4:6-8 Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Hmm. Hmm. Hmm. I noticed something about my screen reader, System Access To Go, the other day. It used to be that when I typed hmm, it just said the letters instead of actually pronouncing it. Now he actually says hmm the way a person would. Evidently they are making little improvements in the program. If I spell that with three m’s instead of only two he still just says the letters, though.
Sunday was Nebraska’s first game of the NCAA tournament for the women’s basketball team. Nebraska controlled the game pretty much from the start. They had a 13 point lead at halftime, and ended up beating Northern Iowa 83 to 44. They hit ten 3 pointers, which is good. Someone said they were having trouble with that earlier. Kelsay Griffin scored the 2,000th point of her 5 year career. I don’t know much about basketball, but I know it takes a lot of baskets to make 2,000 points. The next game for Nebraska is tonight at 8:30 versus either North Carolina State or UCLA. I don’t know how good those teams are but I can assume that each game will get more difficult as the weaker teams are weeded out.
The song I can’t get out of my head this week is “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum. My favorite food of the moment is breaded chicken patties with swiss cheese on a hamburger bun with green olives and potato chips on the side.
I’ve really been enjoying writing book reviews for my blog “Reviews From The Deep”, and I'm really pleased that some other people have been enjoying it too. I already mentioned last week that Joni's friend Benning talked about it on his blog, “Benning’s War”, and on Saturday my Friend Ensign Ro also mentioned it on her blog, “In The Center Of The Roof.” She gave me some good feedback too that I think will help me write more interesting book reviews. Incidentally, Ro is, like me, blind, and if you want to see the world from the perspective of a blind person, you should definitely read her blog. She’s much better at describing the “blind experience” than I am. In fact, you should go do that right now. I’ll wait for you here.
All done? Good! Also I should mention Joni’s blog, "One Voice - Write Right." Joni mentions both of my blogs all the time and suckers, I mean “gets” people to read what I write. Thanks honey! If you’re interested in becoming a writer, Joni’s blog is for you, she always has lots of hints and tips for budding writers. Also, she posts her own, original poetry every Sunday, so check it out.
Speaking of Joni, today, March 23rd, is my sweetie’s birthday! Now, let me think, how old is Joni this year? 28? No, too young. 47? No, way too old! Oh, I remember! Joni is 39 this year. Happy 39th birthday, honey! I hope you have a really great day!
Numbers 6:24-26 The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Psalms 4:6-8 Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Journal - Too Much Time
Is it any wonder I’m not crazy?
Is it any wonder I’m sane at all?
Well, I’m so tired of losing, I got nothing to do
And all day to do it.
Styx – “Too Much Time On My Hands”
So last week I got another letter from BCBS. The last letter I got a couple of weeks ago asked for my general health medical records for the last five years. The letter I got last week asked for records from my eye doctor for the last five years. Now why on earth couldn’t they have asked for both of those at the same time? Because they are being deliberately difficult, that’s why. I suppose they’re hoping I will just give up on the whole thing if they drag it out long enough. No such luck, BCBS, I got nothin’ better to do. Joni took the letter to the library today to make a copy. We’ll have to mail it to Doctor Hargrave in Dallas. Poor Doctor Hargrave, my file is absolutely huge and they’re going to have to mail or fax all that paperwork. I know they’ll be glad to do it, though, they’re good people.
I’m still working out regularly on the exercise bike, five days a week. My workouts are up to forty minutes and I’m starting to see some progress. My fat l'il belly isn't quite so fat as it used to be and my muscles are stronger. I’m not going to make my workouts any longer because I’m afraid I’ll start to get bored with it. Instead, I'll work on pushing harder. Also, I'm not eating as much junk food as I used to. In fact I don't really eat snacks at all anymore, only once in a while. Come to think of it, I usually eat snacks when I’m up late at night writing my blogs. I’ve got crackers and cheese tonight. I guess it’s easier to take care of yourself when you have lots of free time.
I missed the Big 12 basketball tournament games because I never was able to find out when they were being played. I have found out since, however, that Nebraska won their first round game, but lost in the second round to Texas A&M. Texas A&M went on to win the tournament. I don’t know anything about basketball so I'm confused about something. Nebraska was named Big 12 champions for having the best record, but Texas A&M won the tournament and was named Big 12 tournament champions. What’s up with that? I’m having trouble finding out when Nebraska will be playing in the NCAA tournament coming up later this week, so if you know please tell me. All I have been able to find out is that they are playing Northern Iowa in the first round, don’t know when, though. Oh, I also found out that Nebraska's Kelsay Griffin was named Big 12 player of the year or something like that. She really is good from what I can tell on the radio.
I had quite a mess on my hands today. I was messing around with some of my audio books and dropped a whole stack of CD’s on the floor, about fifty in all. It took me a good hour and a half to get them back in order again. That’s okay, it gives me something to do.
On a final note, my friend Benning, okay he’s Joni's friend from her online writing classes but he's been reading a lot of my book reviews over at “Reviews From The Deep”. Anyway, he said some nice things about my book reviews on his own blog, “Benning’s War.” Benning is very much up on today’s issues and if you like to keep up to date you should go take a look. And don’t forget to leave him a note to let him know yu were there. Bloggers like getting comments, it makes us feel validated.
Psalms 39:4-5 Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath.
James 4:13-15 Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
Is it any wonder I’m sane at all?
Well, I’m so tired of losing, I got nothing to do
And all day to do it.
Styx – “Too Much Time On My Hands”
So last week I got another letter from BCBS. The last letter I got a couple of weeks ago asked for my general health medical records for the last five years. The letter I got last week asked for records from my eye doctor for the last five years. Now why on earth couldn’t they have asked for both of those at the same time? Because they are being deliberately difficult, that’s why. I suppose they’re hoping I will just give up on the whole thing if they drag it out long enough. No such luck, BCBS, I got nothin’ better to do. Joni took the letter to the library today to make a copy. We’ll have to mail it to Doctor Hargrave in Dallas. Poor Doctor Hargrave, my file is absolutely huge and they’re going to have to mail or fax all that paperwork. I know they’ll be glad to do it, though, they’re good people.
I’m still working out regularly on the exercise bike, five days a week. My workouts are up to forty minutes and I’m starting to see some progress. My fat l'il belly isn't quite so fat as it used to be and my muscles are stronger. I’m not going to make my workouts any longer because I’m afraid I’ll start to get bored with it. Instead, I'll work on pushing harder. Also, I'm not eating as much junk food as I used to. In fact I don't really eat snacks at all anymore, only once in a while. Come to think of it, I usually eat snacks when I’m up late at night writing my blogs. I’ve got crackers and cheese tonight. I guess it’s easier to take care of yourself when you have lots of free time.
I missed the Big 12 basketball tournament games because I never was able to find out when they were being played. I have found out since, however, that Nebraska won their first round game, but lost in the second round to Texas A&M. Texas A&M went on to win the tournament. I don’t know anything about basketball so I'm confused about something. Nebraska was named Big 12 champions for having the best record, but Texas A&M won the tournament and was named Big 12 tournament champions. What’s up with that? I’m having trouble finding out when Nebraska will be playing in the NCAA tournament coming up later this week, so if you know please tell me. All I have been able to find out is that they are playing Northern Iowa in the first round, don’t know when, though. Oh, I also found out that Nebraska's Kelsay Griffin was named Big 12 player of the year or something like that. She really is good from what I can tell on the radio.
I had quite a mess on my hands today. I was messing around with some of my audio books and dropped a whole stack of CD’s on the floor, about fifty in all. It took me a good hour and a half to get them back in order again. That’s okay, it gives me something to do.
On a final note, my friend Benning, okay he’s Joni's friend from her online writing classes but he's been reading a lot of my book reviews over at “Reviews From The Deep”. Anyway, he said some nice things about my book reviews on his own blog, “Benning’s War.” Benning is very much up on today’s issues and if you like to keep up to date you should go take a look. And don’t forget to leave him a note to let him know yu were there. Bloggers like getting comments, it makes us feel validated.
Psalms 39:4-5 Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath.
James 4:13-15 Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
Monday, March 8, 2010
Journal - Perfect Season
Saturday’s basketball game, Nebraska vs Kansas State, was another exciting one. I turned the game on a little late. There was just a few minutes left in the first half and Nebraska was down by eleven points. Uh oh! By the end of the first half, Nebraska had narrowed the gap to seven points. This was the final game of the regular season, and Nebraska was playing for a perfect, undefeated season. It looked like they had their work cut out for them.
When the second half began, Nebraska took over. Within just a few minutes they had an eleven point lead and never looked back. Kansas State came within six points at one point, but that was as close as they got. Nebraska won the game 82 to 72 and finished the season with a perfect record of 29 wins and 0 losses, the first Big 12 team to do so.
My computer speakers came on Friday, several days earlier than I expected. It’s always nice when something happens sooner than you expect it to. I also got a headphone extension cord so Adam and I can plug into the cord instead of directly into the speaker. I think that will help the jack in the speaker not wear out so quickly. Joni rarely uses the speakers for anything, so the cord can just stay plugged into the speaker all the time, and Adam and I can plug into the cord.
I’ve been noticing something odd about my screen reader, System Access To Go, lately. I had noticed some time ago that when I delete things from the computer, they don’t go into the recycle bin. Later on, I discovered that the deleted files are going into the bin, but when I look in there, SA To Go tells me the bin is empty, even though it’s not. On Saturday I emailed Serotek, the company that makes SA To Go, to ask them about that.
It looks like spring is finally on its way! Most of the snow is melted and the temperatures are gradually climbing into the forties and fifties. When we went to church on Sunday, I only wore a light jacket instead of my winter coat and it felt wonderful. Also, the geese and cranes are arriving by the hundreds. My hometown of Gibbon sits about 3 miles north of the Platte River, and our house here on the turkey ranch is about 5 miles south of the river. The area in between is a major stopping point for migrating geese and cranes. I think mostly they go for the river, but quite a few of them are landing in the harvested corn fields around here to pick up scraps of corn too.
We had a very thought provoking message at church this week. It was about following Christ as a nation. It was Pastor Tim this time, instead of Pastor Mike, but he does a nice job too. He talked a little bit about September 11, quoting from an interview that someone had with Billy Graham’s daughter, Ann. The interviewer asked her how God could let such a thing happen. Her response was that God is deeply grieved over it, but we have spent so many years now asking God to get out of our schools and out of our government, that God, being the gentleman that He is, has calmly backed off. That's a pretty scary thought, but it makes a lot of sense.
Psalms 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
Psalms 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, and the people he chose for his inheritance.
When the second half began, Nebraska took over. Within just a few minutes they had an eleven point lead and never looked back. Kansas State came within six points at one point, but that was as close as they got. Nebraska won the game 82 to 72 and finished the season with a perfect record of 29 wins and 0 losses, the first Big 12 team to do so.
My computer speakers came on Friday, several days earlier than I expected. It’s always nice when something happens sooner than you expect it to. I also got a headphone extension cord so Adam and I can plug into the cord instead of directly into the speaker. I think that will help the jack in the speaker not wear out so quickly. Joni rarely uses the speakers for anything, so the cord can just stay plugged into the speaker all the time, and Adam and I can plug into the cord.
I’ve been noticing something odd about my screen reader, System Access To Go, lately. I had noticed some time ago that when I delete things from the computer, they don’t go into the recycle bin. Later on, I discovered that the deleted files are going into the bin, but when I look in there, SA To Go tells me the bin is empty, even though it’s not. On Saturday I emailed Serotek, the company that makes SA To Go, to ask them about that.
It looks like spring is finally on its way! Most of the snow is melted and the temperatures are gradually climbing into the forties and fifties. When we went to church on Sunday, I only wore a light jacket instead of my winter coat and it felt wonderful. Also, the geese and cranes are arriving by the hundreds. My hometown of Gibbon sits about 3 miles north of the Platte River, and our house here on the turkey ranch is about 5 miles south of the river. The area in between is a major stopping point for migrating geese and cranes. I think mostly they go for the river, but quite a few of them are landing in the harvested corn fields around here to pick up scraps of corn too.
We had a very thought provoking message at church this week. It was about following Christ as a nation. It was Pastor Tim this time, instead of Pastor Mike, but he does a nice job too. He talked a little bit about September 11, quoting from an interview that someone had with Billy Graham’s daughter, Ann. The interviewer asked her how God could let such a thing happen. Her response was that God is deeply grieved over it, but we have spent so many years now asking God to get out of our schools and out of our government, that God, being the gentleman that He is, has calmly backed off. That's a pretty scary thought, but it makes a lot of sense.
Psalms 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
Psalms 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, and the people he chose for his inheritance.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Journal - Odds and Ends
Well, I ordered some new speakers for the computer today. It’s gotten very difficult to make my headphones work, and I know it won’t be long before they don’t work at all. Naturally, I tried different pairs of headphones, but that’s not the problem, it’s the jack in the speaker. It really sucks to have to spend money on something like that, but I have to be able to use headphones at the computer. Without them, I won’t be able to hear well enough, and if I turn it up louder everyone will have to listen to it. I’ve been agonizing over this for the last five days, so I kind of feel better that the decision is made. They should get here early next week.
I also ordered Joni’s birthday present. I think she'll really like it, it's a…
Oops! I better not tell. Somebody who reads this might tell her what it is.
On Tuesday Joni and I ran into Gibbon to visit the doctor. We’re not sick, we just needed to give her that paperwork for BCBS. I’ve only been to this doctor a couple of times so there wasn’t much. She made copies for us, then we took it over to the post office and mailed it. So the ball is back in their court again. Can’t wait to see what they say next.
I’m looking forward to a good basketball game tonight. The Lady Huskers are playing Kansas. Kansas hasn’t had a very good year, but Nebraska played them earlier this year and, from what I’ve read, Kansas almost won. Also, it sounds like Kansas has to win this game to get into the NCAA tournament so they will be fighting hard. Nebraska is in the tournament no matter what so there’s no pressure. They still have their record to think of, though. Nebraska is two games away from a perfect season. I wonder if the basketball team has ever done that before?
Oh, one more thing. Today is my big sister’s anniversary! Happy Anniversary Bobbi and Mike! I know you guys have many more happy years ahead of you. Especially now that most of the kids are gone! Hahaha! Have a great day guys!
Colossians 3:14 over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
That’s it for today. See you next time!
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
I also ordered Joni’s birthday present. I think she'll really like it, it's a…
Oops! I better not tell. Somebody who reads this might tell her what it is.
On Tuesday Joni and I ran into Gibbon to visit the doctor. We’re not sick, we just needed to give her that paperwork for BCBS. I’ve only been to this doctor a couple of times so there wasn’t much. She made copies for us, then we took it over to the post office and mailed it. So the ball is back in their court again. Can’t wait to see what they say next.
I’m looking forward to a good basketball game tonight. The Lady Huskers are playing Kansas. Kansas hasn’t had a very good year, but Nebraska played them earlier this year and, from what I’ve read, Kansas almost won. Also, it sounds like Kansas has to win this game to get into the NCAA tournament so they will be fighting hard. Nebraska is in the tournament no matter what so there’s no pressure. They still have their record to think of, though. Nebraska is two games away from a perfect season. I wonder if the basketball team has ever done that before?
Oh, one more thing. Today is my big sister’s anniversary! Happy Anniversary Bobbi and Mike! I know you guys have many more happy years ahead of you. Especially now that most of the kids are gone! Hahaha! Have a great day guys!
Colossians 3:14 over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
That’s it for today. See you next time!
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Journal - Basketball
I’ve never had much interest in basketball. I have mentioned before that football is the only sport that interests me and when football season ends, it’s a very long wait until it begins again. It is a testament of how bored I have become that I have begun listening to basketball games on the radio in the evening.
Okay, that’s not entirely true. I do get bored sometimes, but the main reason I started checking out the games is that Nebraska’s women’s basketball team is having a really phenomenal year, far exceeding everyone's wildest expectations. As of this writing, their record is 26-0, and they are the Big 12 conference champions.
I’m sorry to say that I’ve only listened to two of those twenty-six games, but they were good. The game on Wednesday of this week was particularly exciting. They played Oklahoma, always an important game for Nebraska but even more so because Oklahoma has a good team as well. On that day, Nebraska was ranked number three in the country, and Oklahoma was 11. Also, on the previous week, Oklahoma beat the number 1 team, Connecticut.
Anyway, this was an exciting game that went right down to the wire. With only a few minutes left in the game, Oklahoma finally took a two point lead after trailing the entire game. For a while, they went back and forth; Nebraska would score to tie the game, then Oklahoma would score to take the lead, back and forth they went. Then one of the teams got a foul shot, I forget which, but then it was only a one point game. Nebraska would take a one point lead, then Oklahoma would go up by one, then Nebraska again. Talk about a nail-biter! Well, with less than a minute and a half left, Nebraska finally took control. A couple of the Nebraska players made some fantastic plays that broke Oklahoma's spirit, and Nebraska ended up winning by sixteen points.
Hummm. It occurred to me that if Connecticut got beaten by Oklahoma, then Nebraska would probably have moved up to number 2. I just went to check on that, but the polls are still showing Connecticut undefeated, so maybe I misunderstood something. Maybe they were saying that Oklahoma almost beat Uconn. Anyway, Uconn is still #1, Stanford is #2, and Nebraska is #3. Sorry for the confusion!
I bet it feels really good for the basketball program at Nebraska to be getting some attention. Those of you who don’t live in Nebraska may not understand how we are about our football team. We give the word fanatic a whole new meaning. And, it's always good for a university to get this kind of national recognition. It helps them earn more money at the basketball games, and draw more students from around the country. So kudos to the basketball team.
Now, is it football season yet?
Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
Okay, that’s not entirely true. I do get bored sometimes, but the main reason I started checking out the games is that Nebraska’s women’s basketball team is having a really phenomenal year, far exceeding everyone's wildest expectations. As of this writing, their record is 26-0, and they are the Big 12 conference champions.
I’m sorry to say that I’ve only listened to two of those twenty-six games, but they were good. The game on Wednesday of this week was particularly exciting. They played Oklahoma, always an important game for Nebraska but even more so because Oklahoma has a good team as well. On that day, Nebraska was ranked number three in the country, and Oklahoma was 11. Also, on the previous week, Oklahoma beat the number 1 team, Connecticut.
Anyway, this was an exciting game that went right down to the wire. With only a few minutes left in the game, Oklahoma finally took a two point lead after trailing the entire game. For a while, they went back and forth; Nebraska would score to tie the game, then Oklahoma would score to take the lead, back and forth they went. Then one of the teams got a foul shot, I forget which, but then it was only a one point game. Nebraska would take a one point lead, then Oklahoma would go up by one, then Nebraska again. Talk about a nail-biter! Well, with less than a minute and a half left, Nebraska finally took control. A couple of the Nebraska players made some fantastic plays that broke Oklahoma's spirit, and Nebraska ended up winning by sixteen points.
Hummm. It occurred to me that if Connecticut got beaten by Oklahoma, then Nebraska would probably have moved up to number 2. I just went to check on that, but the polls are still showing Connecticut undefeated, so maybe I misunderstood something. Maybe they were saying that Oklahoma almost beat Uconn. Anyway, Uconn is still #1, Stanford is #2, and Nebraska is #3. Sorry for the confusion!
I bet it feels really good for the basketball program at Nebraska to be getting some attention. Those of you who don’t live in Nebraska may not understand how we are about our football team. We give the word fanatic a whole new meaning. And, it's always good for a university to get this kind of national recognition. It helps them earn more money at the basketball games, and draw more students from around the country. So kudos to the basketball team.
Now, is it football season yet?
Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Journal - Busy Week
Whew! It’s been quite a week, so I thought I would take a few minutes to describe it. This probably won’t be very interesting to read, this is mostly for me. Someday, I will enjoy reading back over these posts to see what was happening in my life when I was blind. So here’s a recap:
Saturday, November 21: Joni, Adam, and I rode to Kearney, (pronounced car-nee), with Mom to watch Brenna play volleyball. Her grade doesn’t play against other schools yet, it’s really more of a practice with a short scrimmage at the end. I’m discovering that my daughter is kind of shy. That will present a challenge because I’m not very talkative either. I got to talking to Mom about how I’m finding it hard to get any exercise and found out she had an exercise bike in her basement that she wasn’t using. So when we got back, Joni and I loaded it up and took it home. I found out how much out of shape I am because the next day I was sore just from carrying that darn thing.
Sunday, November 22: Went to church today as usual. Pastor Mike gave a really good sermon about being thankful. It’s so easy to get caught up with all the things we want or the things we wish we could do, that we forget to be thankful for what we have. It’s always good to get that reminder. Also, Kylie, (my sister Bobbi’s daughter), turned 15 on Saturday so today was her “family party.” We went over for a little while and had cake and ice cream.
Monday, November 23: We didn’t have anywhere to go today, so Joni spent the morning and early afternoon cleaning. We aren’t expecting any company, but she always gives the house a thorough cleaning for the holidays. I’m not much help with that so I played the saxophone for her while she worked. I got in the mood early this year so I’ve been working on some Christmas music. Later on, I took a short spin on the bike. It's one of those that you can work with your legs or your arms so it will be a good workout.
Tuesday, November 24: Back to Mom’s today. Aunt LeeDel came down from Sioux Falls on Monday, and Uncle Butch drove over from Crete just for the day. We always enjoy their visits, and today was our only day to see them since Butch only came for the day and LeeDel drove back home Wednesday morning. Also, Kevin and family arrived from Arizona at around 6pm. We all had supper together then went over to the school to watch Kylie’s play. It was a one-act of Alice in Wonderland and Kylie played three different parts. She’s so talented!
Wednesday, November 25: Went to Mom’s yet again! Today was our big gathering with all four of us kids, spouses, and all the grandchildren. The house was so crowded! It was a little intimidating because I knew I couldn’t move around through the house without tripping over everybody, so I mostly stayed in one chair all day. I had fun though and Brenna was there so I got to talk to her a little bit. After supper we went over to the church to take family pictures. There just wasn’t room in the house to do that. Mom got her picture of us four kids, the first one in 22 years. It was such a special day but I was totally exhausted when we got home at around 8pm. It’s kind of hard work to listen to so many people all at once!
Thanksgiving Day: Today we stayed home and had our traditional holiday with just the three of us. Joni’s turkey was delicious as always and everything else was great too. We had so many things to be thankful for this year that we hardly knew where to begin. God has been very good to us, fulfilling all of our needs just as He promised He would, and then some! After the kitchen was cleaned up we all just lazed around the house and watched a little football. It was really a nice, relaxing day.
Friday, November 27: Well, another Thanksgiving come and gone. Things are returning to normal, which means it was a pretty quiet day. Had turkey sandwiches for lunch, (one of my favorite things about Thanksgiving), then I took a spin on the bike. I’m up to 30 minute workouts already and no sore muscles. After that, it was time for the Nebraska vs. Colorado game. It was on TV today, but I still prefer the radio because they’re better at explaining what’s going on. And Nebraska won! Go Huskers!
So that was our big holiday week! It sure was great spending some time with the family, but I’m glad the holidays only come around once a year! Seriously though, I am so thankful for all that God has given me. I hope that you are too, and I hope you'll take some time this holiday season to remember those who don't have families, or homes, or turkey dinners. You may not be in a position to help them financially, but we can always pray for them.
Look out Christmas, here we come!
Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Saturday, November 21: Joni, Adam, and I rode to Kearney, (pronounced car-nee), with Mom to watch Brenna play volleyball. Her grade doesn’t play against other schools yet, it’s really more of a practice with a short scrimmage at the end. I’m discovering that my daughter is kind of shy. That will present a challenge because I’m not very talkative either. I got to talking to Mom about how I’m finding it hard to get any exercise and found out she had an exercise bike in her basement that she wasn’t using. So when we got back, Joni and I loaded it up and took it home. I found out how much out of shape I am because the next day I was sore just from carrying that darn thing.
Sunday, November 22: Went to church today as usual. Pastor Mike gave a really good sermon about being thankful. It’s so easy to get caught up with all the things we want or the things we wish we could do, that we forget to be thankful for what we have. It’s always good to get that reminder. Also, Kylie, (my sister Bobbi’s daughter), turned 15 on Saturday so today was her “family party.” We went over for a little while and had cake and ice cream.
Monday, November 23: We didn’t have anywhere to go today, so Joni spent the morning and early afternoon cleaning. We aren’t expecting any company, but she always gives the house a thorough cleaning for the holidays. I’m not much help with that so I played the saxophone for her while she worked. I got in the mood early this year so I’ve been working on some Christmas music. Later on, I took a short spin on the bike. It's one of those that you can work with your legs or your arms so it will be a good workout.
Tuesday, November 24: Back to Mom’s today. Aunt LeeDel came down from Sioux Falls on Monday, and Uncle Butch drove over from Crete just for the day. We always enjoy their visits, and today was our only day to see them since Butch only came for the day and LeeDel drove back home Wednesday morning. Also, Kevin and family arrived from Arizona at around 6pm. We all had supper together then went over to the school to watch Kylie’s play. It was a one-act of Alice in Wonderland and Kylie played three different parts. She’s so talented!
Wednesday, November 25: Went to Mom’s yet again! Today was our big gathering with all four of us kids, spouses, and all the grandchildren. The house was so crowded! It was a little intimidating because I knew I couldn’t move around through the house without tripping over everybody, so I mostly stayed in one chair all day. I had fun though and Brenna was there so I got to talk to her a little bit. After supper we went over to the church to take family pictures. There just wasn’t room in the house to do that. Mom got her picture of us four kids, the first one in 22 years. It was such a special day but I was totally exhausted when we got home at around 8pm. It’s kind of hard work to listen to so many people all at once!
Thanksgiving Day: Today we stayed home and had our traditional holiday with just the three of us. Joni’s turkey was delicious as always and everything else was great too. We had so many things to be thankful for this year that we hardly knew where to begin. God has been very good to us, fulfilling all of our needs just as He promised He would, and then some! After the kitchen was cleaned up we all just lazed around the house and watched a little football. It was really a nice, relaxing day.
Friday, November 27: Well, another Thanksgiving come and gone. Things are returning to normal, which means it was a pretty quiet day. Had turkey sandwiches for lunch, (one of my favorite things about Thanksgiving), then I took a spin on the bike. I’m up to 30 minute workouts already and no sore muscles. After that, it was time for the Nebraska vs. Colorado game. It was on TV today, but I still prefer the radio because they’re better at explaining what’s going on. And Nebraska won! Go Huskers!
So that was our big holiday week! It sure was great spending some time with the family, but I’m glad the holidays only come around once a year! Seriously though, I am so thankful for all that God has given me. I hope that you are too, and I hope you'll take some time this holiday season to remember those who don't have families, or homes, or turkey dinners. You may not be in a position to help them financially, but we can always pray for them.
Look out Christmas, here we come!
Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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