Christmas Was Nice

Last Tuesday night, the outgoing and incoming IPMS Gateway e-board met at Mike George's house for the business meeting. We planned the January meeting and discussed some other club business, and then I official became club president for 2010. It's a big honor and something I have long aspired to. I will do my best in that position.
Christmas came and went. My parents and I had a good time. We went to Christmas Eve service at church, then came home to egg nog and a bit of TV before turning in. The next morning, we opened some presents under the tree. The big gift for me was a new two-piece suit from my parents, a gray item that I picked out earlier this month. My parents felt I needed a new suit and I agreed with them. This suit should go well with many wardrobe items and situations. I also got a history book from Rick and his wife & son, and a gift certificate from Amazon.com from Brian. I used the latter to order a video series ("Band of Brothers") and a book. They should arrive here later this week.
Nothing much else over the weekend. I did referee some futsal earlier today. Games sure kept me focused.
I plan to get my hair cut early this week, and I'm at a party on New Year's Eve. More on that in due course.
Later, and Happy New Year.

I'll (Still) Be Home for Christmas

Last week, the temp agency said I did not get the temp job. Not that I was bad, but because someone else had more of a online editing skills the client was seeking. However, the contract editing job is on. I'm doing a videoconference today with the consultancy in which the specifics of this job will be laid out. Should be interesting.
I refereed some futsal yesterday afternoon, and had assignments the previous weekend. That's going well. Off for a few days for Christmas and New Year's. A week ago, I was at the referees Christmas party in Fenton. Had some fun there. Got info on the referees trivia night in February, which I e-mailed to Larry, with who I played a trivia night last summer.
Last Tuesday, IPMS Gateway had its monthly meeting. Yours truly was elected as club president for 2010. The only other candidate withdrew prior to the vote, citing schedule conflicts, so I was elected by acclamation. I officiate take over the office tomorrow night at the club's monthly business meeting. I'm getting a few ideas in mind about the club I want to put forth in the coming weeks.
Speaking of IPMS Gateway, last Friday afternoon I met with our treasurer at Gravois Bluffs Shopping Center in Fenton. Y98 Radio was holding a live broadcast that day to help the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign, and we used that to present our club's donation of $350 to Toys for Tots. The Marines were most appreciative of our efforts, and I sent a release out on that donation. It looks like the Suburban Journals will run it soon.
I already bought a book for Rick and sent it to him for Christmas. (This was on the gift exchange, between my brothers and I. Brian's buying for me.) I still have to buy something for my parents. Not much time left for that. If I don't talk to you all sooner, Merry Christmas.
Later.

A nervous few days

Been awaiting a couple of contract jobs I am up for of late. One is to edit and proofread books for a consulting firm -- a telecommuting position. The other is a temporary proofreading job in St. Louis. Would be happy with either or both jobs.
Friday, I went to a pub to watch the Final Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was held in Cape Town. I had draw sheets in which to add the countries' names in at the appropriate locations. That included the USA in Group C, with England, Algeria, and Slovenia. I think the Americans got a good draw, opening with England, then two teams that are beatable. Should be fun in South Africa next June and July.
Last weekend I refereed my first futsal games of the new season. They went well -- better than I expected, as I felt a few first weekend jitters, but not a hassle. I have some more futsal the next two weekends. Haven't had any outdoor winter league games yet, but as there won't be many such games (due to considerably fewer teams this season), I many not have much to do outdoors until spring.
Later.

Welcoming the relatives recently

Last month, two of my brothers were in town for a few days each, on separate visits. Brian and his daughter Rowan were here early in the month, and it was my first time in person with my 3-year-old niece. Rowan and I got along great. She's a wonderful girl. We all had some nice time together.
Last week, Rick drove up from Austin with wife Melissa and 4-year-old adopted son Alex. They spent Thanksgiving with my parents and I and we all had a good time together. Melissa also reviewed my resume and made a few helpful suggestions, and gave me a short course on InDesign software, which she uses in her editing work.
I have a couple of games to referee tomorrow night, which wrap up the fall season and whose end was extended due to many rainouts this fall (especially in October). Then it's on to the winter outdoor boys season and the futsal season, both of which start this weekend.
Speaking of soccer, last weekend I saw the film "The Damned United" at a cinema here. I really enjoyed it and highly recommended it to my friends and colleagues.
Starting to get ready for Christmas. Yesterday I helped put up lights on the exterior of the house. The weather was pleasant yesterday, but not to today.
Also yesterday, I helped my mates at IPMS St. Louis set up a model display in the lobby display cases of the Thornhill Branch, St. Louis County Library, our meeting site. We have about 70 models in the two cases, which makes for a very nice display. We also put up flyers about our group in the cases. The display will run until early January.
Later.

Rainy Days and Tuesdays

It's been raining a lot in St. Louis these past two days. Not the greatest of mood setters. One bit of sunshine, though came here Sunday morning, when my brother Brian and his daughter Rowan arrived from New York on a visit with my parents and I. This is the first time I have seen my niece in person, and she's a real good little girl. They'll head back to New York on Thursday, but we'll have some time together in the meantime.
Last week saw some soccer games I refereed last weekend, and some college volleyball Thursday night. After attending a networking event in west St. Louis, I drove to Washington University to see the host Bears play Webster University in the first round of the NCAA Division III women's volleyball tournament. Wash. U. beat Webster 3 sets to 1 to advance, but it was sure nice to see the Gorloks in post-season play. It was not something I could see when I was Webster's sports information coordinator 20 years ago.
I have IPMS Gateway meeting tonight, and tomorrow night is the futsal referee recertification clinic.
Later.

Got through the weekend

The weekend came and went fine, under the circumstances. All that rain we had through Friday played havoc with the tournament I was scheduled to referee in. I ended up with just four, shortened (25-minute half) games Sat. night, plus three league games Sunday afternoon. These were played on artificial surfaces, needless to say. They all went through with no real hitches. Obviously, there was no time for any Halloween activities for me. Mom did keep some treats by the door and there were a few kids who came by our house early Saturday night.
I'm at a fund raiser for Jean Carnahan's 2010 US Senate seat bit tonight, and run the IPMS St. Louis meeting tomorrow night. Info on the latter at http://www.ipms-stlouis.org/
Later.

A cold rain keeps falling

It's been raining a lot here in St. Louis this month, and the past few days have been no exception. Before the rain lets up tomorrow night, we may have around 3 inches of rain in this latest surge. Wet! Not having much fun at home now. Feel real draggy. I hope I can pick it up by this weekend, when I'm refereeing in a girls' tournament.
Speaking of refereeing, I worked a few games this past week. That included the middle on a under-17 girls' match Sunday afternoon. It was OK -- not real interesting, and no real hassles -- and I passed the maintenance assessment given of my work then. No major faults found by the assessor, just a few minor things to work on. I'm almost done with registration for 2010. Just have to take and pass the written test, which I can do online. Plan to do that later today.
Friday night was special at Mehlville High. The football game at home vs. St. Louis U. High was the benefit for Operation Ozzy. The school and its alumni were paying tribute to Mehlville's Number 1 fan, Tim (Ozzy) Osborn, who had fallen on hard times in recent years (unemployed and homeless). Thanks to a group of Mehlville High alumni on Facebook, we were able to track Osborn down (a classmate of mine, a St. Louis Police officer, found Osborn on the street), get him a place to live and some part time work, and set up a trust fund for him. I was so happy and proud to be a part of this effort. I remember Ozzy well from my student days, when he cheered on the Panthers from his seat.
That's it for now. Rain, rain, go away!

Quiet before it gets busy

Nothing much happening for me of late. Haven't been called in yet for temp jobs, and haven't heard back on a job I applied for late last week. I got in some soccer refereeing last Sunday, my first games in over a month. They went well and bode well for me this week. I have two game tomorrow night (MRL), one Saturday morning (MRL), and two Sunday (SLYSA), with a maintenance assessment being done on one of those Sunday games.
I mowed the lawns (front and back) earlier today. The front lawn mowing included leaves that had fallen off a tree in the middle of the yard. My parents greatly appreciated that I could help them out like this.
IPMS Gateway meeting tonight at Calvary Presbyterian. I have to open the fellowship hall and get it ready, then close it down. No problem, though, as it's not a huge job. I just like to pride myself on getting it done well.
Later.

Staying out of the rain

We had quite a bit of rain much of Thursday and into Friday morning. My soccer games this morning were called off due to wet grounds. Hopefully, tomorrow afternoon's games come off.
Speaking of soccer, I passed my referee fitness test last Sunday morning. Several of my colleagues also did the three-part test: 12-minute run around a 400-meter track; 200-meter dash; and, 50-meter dash. I was glad to have passed, as I had only really trained for this in the previous week, due to my recent temp work assignment. Glad to get this out of the way.
No word yet on any temp jobs, or any job openings. I did pick up a book I ordered, "Asperger Syndrome Employment Workbook," which should help me fine tune my job search strategy into the kind of work I would be highly suited for doing. I'll go over this in the coming week. Anybody out there with any thoughts and ideas is welcome to contact me here.
Just got a new combination DVD recorder/VCR, to replace by 4 year old device. After some fits and starts, it's hooked up to my TV. It runs DVDs and video tapes great, but I still need to figure out how to record programs off TV.
That's it for now. Talk to you later.

Recent accomplishments

Sorry I haven't written sooner, but I was kept busy by my recent temp job. The insurer was rushing to finish their project by the end of September, and we did so. At least, as far as proofreaders like me were concerned, it was done last Sunday, 27 September. I and other proofreaders and production artists joined the client's staff to put in some overtime over the past month, including weekends, to get the tailored documents proofread and corrected in print. They were most appreciative of what we temps did for this project, and I for one was very happy and honored to have contributed to the success of this project. They plan to keep us on file for future projects. I appreciate that; they are a fine company to work for and these are some very good people to work with.
In between all that, I was able to help at the IPMS Gateway to the West Invitational on Sat., 12 Sept. in Eureka. There was a pretty nice crowd at Hitters' Choice Cages for this event. About the same attendance and number of model entries as last year -- I have to think the recession has to do with that -- but the club made money on it, all vendor tables were wold, and there were some real nice entries in the model contest, which I helped to judge. Overall, a fine time was had by all.
Last weekend, Rick came up from Austin for a few days, with Alex (his soon-to-be-officially adopted 4-year-old son) in tow. They spent some time sightseeing, visiting Rick's friends, and having fun with my parents and I. They flew back to Austin on Monday.
That's it for now. Looking ahead Mehlville High's Homecoming this Friday night, and to my soccer referee fitness test this Sunday morning.

Remembering good days, and a tragic one

I'm off from work today. The client told me and my fellow temp proofreaders yesterday afternoon that they would not have any work for us this day, but should as early as Saturday. I will be unavailable for work tomorrow (due to the IPMS Gateway Invitational; more on that later), but may come in Sunday. We'll see. It's going well, with us trying to catch errors in the documents, after the group specific information has been dropped in.
Last weekend (Labor Day holiday) was a good one. Friday night, I went to a Mehlville-Oakville alumni party prior to the football game between those two high schools, hosted (and won) by Oakville. It was interesting to see some people who also went to my high school, although at different times to mine, and to watch a football game in person, which I have not done in 10 years.
Sunday morning, I ran line on two men's amateur soccer games, the first I had worked since mid-August. They went fine, despite wet field conditions (due to rain), and the men working the middle in both games passed their assessments. (The assessors also liked my work in these games.) I was a little sore in my legs from the workout, but was pleased.
Monday, I started off at the Greek Festival at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in St. Louis' Central West End neighborhood. It's the largest such festival in the country, with food, music, dancing, and crafts. I had lunch there and saw a bit of Greek dancing. Very nice. Then, I went to the Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG) in the Shaw neighborhood of St. Louis for their annual Japanese Festival. That had music, crafts, food, judo demonstrations, and the setting of the Japanese Garden at the MBG. It was fun to take in the festival, and to admire the variety of plants the MBG had on display.
Tomorrow's the IPMS Gateway to the West Invitational model contest and swap meet at Hitters' Choice Cages in Eureka, Missouri. The Get Out section of today's St. Louis Post-Dispatch has our show mentioned about special events of this weekend, which makes me happy. We're also posted online at stltoday.com, riverfronttimes.com, toastedrav.com, kwmu.org, and kmov.com. Hope to see you at the show. For more info, visit
Today marks the 8th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. I was living in Dallas then, working as editor at Squadron/Signal Publications in nearby Carrollton. Just before 8:00 am (Central Time), I left my apartment in north Dallas to drive to the office. On the way, I headed to the Carrollton post office to drop off some mail. While on the road to the post office, I had been listening to a music station and turned to a news radio station, WBAP, to get the hourly news bulletin. The announcer mentioned that they would have ABC network news in a minute with an update on a plane crash into one of the towers of the World Trade Center in New York. My first thought was that a small plane had somehow it the building.
I was in the drive through lane at the post office when the network news came on. The lead story was about the crash that occurred a few minutes earlier. The anchor then handed off to a reporter on the scene with a live report. The reporter mentioned the first crash and the resulting scenes of panic, with fire fighters and police racing to the World Trade Center, when he suddenly said "Oh my God!", or words to that effect, when the second plane hit the other tower. I didn't quite know what to think at that moment, as a pulled out from the post office and headed to Squadron/Signal, but something major and unprecedented had happened.
Arriving at Squadron/Signal a couple of minutes later on that warm, sunny morning in Carrollton, I heard on the radio the first reports that these crashes were an act of terrorism, and that President George W. Bush was notified while visiting a school in Sarasota, Florida. I came into the building and walked over to my office, which was then located on the far side from the main entrance, and a few of my colleagues and supervisors were already there and had heard about the attacks. A TV set was brought into the art department, a few steps from my office, and the set was turned on to one of the network stations, and for the first time I saw the video of smoke pouring from large caps torn into the sides of the World Trade Center towers. My immediate supervisor, Glen Phillips, was with us watching all this. He was a US Air Force veteran, who had served in Air Force Intelligence and was familiar with the Middle East. Phillips said "This has Osama bin Laden written all over it." This was before I heard anyone on TV or radio mention the group or groups responsible for this attack.
The news got worse over the next few minutes. I heard the first statement from the President about the attack, as he then hurried to fly out of Sarasota to return (eventually) to Washington. There was the plane hitting the Pentagon, the report of the plane crashing in western Pennsylvania, and the God awful scene as both World Trade Center towers came crashing down. I had mentioned about the time I had visited the World Trade Center in 1996, and going up to the roof of the one tower. Chuck Harransky, one of my supervisors, said he had also visited to World Trade Center one time.
My colleagues and I tried our best to work that day, but it wasn't easy. I turned on a radio mounted on a shelf above my desk to get the latest news as it came in. I normally did not do so at work, but this day was different. As the news came in on the rapidly developing story, I thought of my brothers Rick and Brian, and Brian's wife Gretchen, who lived in Brooklyn at the time and worked in New York. I was wanting to call them and see if they were OK, but figured the lines would be full. Finally, I called my mother in St. Louis and she told me she had contacted Rick, Brian and Gretchen and they were all safe. Rick worked out of his apartment that day and saw the towers burn and collapse from through his window. Brian was well away from Ground Zero. Gretchen was working in Manhattan, well away from the World Trade Center, but had to walk home across the Brooklyn Bridge, with thousands of other people. I was glad to hear of that news, but still stunned by what happened.
I went home at the end of the work day to check on TV and the internet on the latest of what happened. I saw the rescue workers in New York and Washington going through the rubble to find possible survivors and the bodies of the fallen. I also thought of my friend Bob McSpadden, an airline pilot who lived with his wife Beth in Lake Dallas, Texas, north of Dallas. Beth told me Bob was fine, and not anywhere near the danger zone that day.
I eagerly followed the story and its aftermath in the days that followed. That Wednesday night, the day after the attack, I was on the officiating crew of a men's amateur soccer game in Carrollton. (This was a make up game for one cancelled due to field conditions earlier in that season.) Our crew and some of the players remarked about unusually how quiet the sky was, with the civilian aircraft grounded for a few days. (This field was within the outer traffic pattern of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.) The following Saturday, before the youth games I helped referee, there was a moment of silence in memory of the 9/11 victims.
That's my story from that tragic day eight years ago. I thank you for allowing me to indulge in this memory. Let's all take a moment and remember the victims of these attacks, and to recommit to bettering this world to present such an attack in the future.
(I've attached a photo taken of myself during my 1996 visit to the World Trade Center. I hope you like it.)

Just a short note, addition

The IPMS Gateway web site, with info on the Invitational, is http://ipms-gateway.com

Just a short note

I had a busy week at the temp job. Put in a bit of overtime, including time yesterday (Saturday) morning. Looks like this job is going well and the project should end early next month. We'll see how much of this week I'll be needed.
Yesterday afternoon, I retrieved some models I had in the display cases at the Prairie Commons Branch, St. Louis County Library in Hazelwood. They were part of a display IPMS Gateway had this past month in that library. We did have one person who came to our meeting this month who found out about us from that display. Speaking of IPMS Gateway, the club hosts its 2009 Gateway to the West Invitational on Sat., 12 Sept. at Hitters' Choice Cages in Eureka, MO. You can get details on that event at
That's it for now. Hope you have a great week.

A busy past few days; some books to recommend

I have spent much of the past few days at my temp job. Us temp proofreaders & production artists have helped the client by pitching in on their big project. I was proofreading complicated documents, making sure they matched the mandated norms. A lot of intellectual grunt work, but it will be satisfying once this project ends early next month.
I recently finished three books that I would highly recommend. Two are in military history; the third is in environmental-economic matters. The first one is "Hell Hawks! The Untold Story of the American Fliers Who Savaged Hitler's Wehrmacht," by Robert F. Dorr and Thomas D. Jones. This book tells the saga of the 354th Fighter Group, US Army Air Forces during World War II. The group -- nicknamed the Hell Hawks -- flew P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft on fighter-bomber missions in support of US forces in northwest Europe from just before the D-Day landings in France on 6 June 1944 to V-E Day on 8 May 1945. A fascinating story of some airmen whose tale hasn't been told much before, and it's told very well by Messrs. Dorr and Jones. I got my copy from Bob Dorr, and he and Jones signed it for me. If you're interested in getting a signed copy, please let me know and I'll fill you in on the details.
The other military history book I recently read was "The Great Gamble: The Soviet War in Afghanistan," by Gregory Feifer. It's a tale of the 1979-89 Soviet war in support of the pro-Moscow Afghan government against the mujahiden rebels, who got backing from the US. The story is told with interviews of people on both sides of this conflict, and tells of how the Soviets almost casually entered Afghanistan, expecting an easy little war, and ending up fighting to have peace with honor. A great read and a cautionary tale relating to the current US-led operation in Afghanistan.
In another direction, I recently finished reading "Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution -- and How It Can Renew America." This book is the latest by Pulitzer Prize winning New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman and tells how climate change, an expanding middle class worldwide (especially in China and India), and a rapidly growing population pose great threats for all of us on Earth. Yet, Friedman also argues it's a great opportunity for the US to take the lead in sustainable technologies and conservation, if Americans have the public and political will to do so. Another great read from one of my favorite columnists.
That's it for now. Take care & talk to you soon.

Meeting a friend, and a day of soccer refereeing

Work has been going well, although a bit slow of late. Looks like we're pretty much caught up on our project to this point. Good in that sense. May have reduced hours this week.
Last Thursday (13 Aug.), I had a meeting and tea with Llynda Walker (nee Combs), one of my Mehlville High classmates. We had not seen each other since we graduated back in 1982. Llynda's now married and living in western Virginia, but was in town last week to meet spend time with family and friends. She was a fine gal in high school, who sang beautifully in Special Chorus, and is still a fine gal. We wished each other all the best in our lives.
Saturday, I got back into soccer refereeing with a girls' friendly tournament in Cottleville, Missouri, hosted by the Tony Glavin Soccer Club. I worked four games that day, and my lack of fitness showed, as I had a cramp in my right calf during the third game I worked. However, I did my best around it and completed my assignments (although I was relieved as assistant referee early in the second half of the third game in question). Being a friendly-oriented tournament helped, in that the intensity of play was not that would be found in regular tournament play.
Back to the job: I am glad for this work, in that the pay is enabling me to pay off my credit card debt. I should have that all paid off in full by month's end. What a relief!
Been also tuning up for the IPMS Gateway to the West Invitational in Eureka, Missouri on Sat., 12 September. I have sent show flyers to several area hobby shops, and posted notices on several local online community calendars. These include: stltoday.com, toastedrav.com, kwmu.org, and kmov.com. Hope to see you at the show. For more info, visit http://ipms-gateway.com
Later.

http://www.dccc.org/page/s/standagainstrush

http://www.dccc.org/page/s/standagainstrush

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Catching my breath

Chilling out at home now, doing my laundry. Now into my fourth week of my temp work assignment. It's going real well. Making good progress, I'm told. A bit slow today, waiting for others' work to catch up to me, but I'm satisfied with what I'm doing now.
Last Tuesday, IPMS Gateway had its annual Slam Fest at the July general meeting. I came to Calvary Presbyterian Church right after work to open the fellowship hall and get it set up. From 7:00 pm, members so interested had two hours to assemble and finish a model, which would then be entered in a "beauty contest" by vote of the members present. I worked on the Pegasus 1:48 scale P-51B Mustang, which is a snap together kit. I had a bit of problem with the kit, as the plastic was real slick; more of a toy type plastic than one associated with model kits. Fit was a bit tricky on the wing-fuselage joint and on the propeller spinner, but I was able to complete it and paint it some, plus use the kit's stickers in about 1 1/2 hours. Six of us did models for that, and mine ended up tied for second in the vote. I won a $5 gift certificate from CRM Hobbies.
This was my lucky night, as I also won $13 in the 50/50 raffle, had the high bid on a kit in the silent auction, and won another kit in the raffle of "beauty contest" entrants. Very nice. I also let the club board know about the web sites I posted notices on our Invitational coming up on 12 September in Eureka. You can get info on that event at http://ipms-gateway.com
That's it for now. Talk to you soon.

Into a less busy week

Last week was a hard one. I had my proofreading job in the daytime -- just entered its fourth week today -- plus an additional night job. It was a take home one, proofreading a book catalog for a distributor I had worked with a few weeks back. I received the catalog on Monday morning, and turned it back in, completed, the following Friday morning. I had to put in some long hours Wednesday and Thursday night to get it done, but get it done I did. The current job is going well -- tedious at times, but progress is being made. Good group of people I'm with, in both the full timers there and fellow temps.
Been couped up with all this work, so I did go out for a jog yesterday afternoon. Will need more running to get in shape for refereeing. I hope to get some soccer assignments for late this month and the start of August. I do need to get in my maintenance assessment when I referee a men's game soon, as part of registration.
I did take in the festivities of All Star Week in St. Louis last week via television, including last Tuesday's All Star Game. A wonderful time, except for the National League losing again. Apparently, everyone in town had a great time.
Take care & talk to you soon.

Where was I?

Been a bit hectic of late. I'm nearing the end of my second week on a new temp work assignment, proofreading documents for a insurance firm in Metro St. Louis. I can't get into any specifics here, but it's very detail oriented. The assignment should run 2-3 months and pays very nicely for me now. Glad to get some work for once.
One week ago, I was downtown after work. After dinner at Hooter's, I walked to the Old Post Office Plaza to catch a free screening of one of my favorites, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," It's a hoot to me. The film was shown courtesy of Frontyard Features, which presents free outdoor screenings of various films during the summer. Last month, I took in a screening of "To Kill A Mockingbird" at Tower Grove Park. Check these guys out: http://www.fyfstl.com/.
The 4th of July -- Independence Day in the USA -- I was working at Fair St. Louis on the Gateway Arch grounds. I was a volunteer helping with a beer and soda booth on Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd., just a few yards north of the main stage. It was slow when I arrived to work at 1.30 pm, as it rained earlier in the day and caused a delay in the fair's start. As the day and night wore on, the crowds picked up and the drinks were selling. We got done with tearing down just after 10 pm, and I and the others picked up $21 in tips each (individual shares from the tips collected at our booth). The only downside to this was that I had my back turned to the fireworks display. (Plus, the booth's roof and back wall prevented me from looking up at the show.) I saw some video highlights the next morning.
I refereed some men's soccer last Sunday afternoon. Games were OK. There's a 3v3 tournament in town this weekend, so I may do some of those games.
That's it for the moment. Later.

Hot Times in This Old Town Lately

I'm trying to say inside as much as possible, at the temperature is above 90 degrees F. Rather muggy out.
Nothing new on the job search. The one organization I interviewed with nearly 3 weeks ago needs to run a background check on me and the other candidates, so I provided my agency with a filled out background check form. Waiting to hear back on a few other firms I applied with recently.
Last Friday, I had a wonderful "happy hour" at EXO Lounge in Midtown St. Louis. The event was run by Stress Free Fridays, a social group that has weekly get togethers like this. It was my first time at a Stress Free Friday, although I had signed up on its web site some weeks back. It was a neat time, chatting with some people, enjoying two cocktails and some finger food (the latter from a fundraiser going on simultaneously, for state Representative Tishaura Jones. I even got a free massage on a masseur there. Hard to beat that! I plan to be at this week's Stress Free Fridays event in the Central West End.
Sunday after church, I went to Humphrey's near St. Louis U. to watch the USA-Egypt and Brazil-Italy matches of the FIFA Confederations Cup on TV, with some of my fellow referees. We were amazed with the results of these games, 3-0 wins each by the USA and Brazil, which meant they advanced to this week's semifinals. The USA needed to win by 3 goals and for Brazil to beat Italy by 3 goals for the Americans to advance. You can't make this up!
Right after the games, I walked to Robert R. Hermann Stadium for the SuperLiga match between the Kansas City Wizards and Atlas FC. I remarked to a fellow spectator on the walk to the stadium that, compared to the Confederations Cup matches we just saw, this SuperLiga match would be a let down. It was -- KC and Atlas played to a 0-0 draw in very hot and humid conditions. The referee called water breaks about 30 minutes into each half, out of concern for the players. Good move.
I'm off to the IPMS Gateway business meeting tonight. I have some ideas for publicing our Invitational in Eureka in September. Our general meeting one week ago at Calvary Presbyterian Church was a good one. We gained a new member and had a nice turnout for the decaling demo.
Take care & talk to you soon. Stay cool!

होत टाईम्स इन थिस ओल्ड टाऊन Lately

आईटी'स बीन होत हियर लातेली

Some satisfaction of late

Last week, two most interesting things happened. Wednesday morning, I went to The Creative Group office in downtown St. Louis to update their info on me (not having worked an assignment for them in over one year) and to be quickly briefed about the assignment for me. That afternoon, I reported to the client's supervisor to be given a catalog for proofreading. The client also gave me their style sheet, where they deviated from the standard styles for written items (such as AP and Chicago Manual of Style, both of which I'm familiar with). I came home to find my cousin Bertice Brown and her husband Ed at home with my parents. They drove up from their home in Birmingham, Alabama, on their way to Colorado to see their youngest daughter, Emily. My parents saw them when my Aunt Margaret Knowles (Dad's sister, Bertice's mother) died last year, but I had not seem the Browns for just over 20 years. They are doing well and they very much appreciated our hospitality, even if a stormy night livened things a bit. Bertice and Ed drove off the next morning.
I got down to work on the proofreading assignment, wich I completed late Friday morning. Mid-afternoon, the client asked me to come to their office with the proof copy, which I did. The supervisor greatly appreciated my work, telling me (as she looked over the document with my proofing marks) how this was just what she wanted in a proofreading. She signed my timesheet and thanked me for a super job. I asked her to please let me know if she heard of any jobs fitting my experience and skills, or people I should network with, and she said she would. I got the timesheet faxed in at a office supply store's print shop.
Last weekend was rather quiet. No games then, or this weekend. I'll be back on the 28th with a pair of games to referee.
Last night, I went to a house meeting in Affton of some concerned citizens and Obama supporters. We (about 10 of us) gathered to discuss health care reform and what we want. Several of us told of how they are being brought to financial hardship, if not ruin, by high health insurance payments and treatment costs (office visits, prescriptiuons). Our consensus was that we should let our members of Congress know that they should stand with the people and not the lobbyists for the health insurance firms. The American people want to make sure everyone is covered and all at affordable costs across the board. You can find out more on this issue and what you can do to help at http://www.barackobama.com/
I have IPMS Gateway meeting tonight at Calvary Presbyterian Church. I'll be at the fellowship hall early to get it set up for the meeting. Just a reminder that our club is hosting the 2009 Gateway to the West Invitational model contest and swap meet on Sat., 12 September at Hitters Choice Cages in Eureka, Missouri. For more info on that and our club, visit http://ipms-gateway.com/
That's it for now. See you all soon.

Some interesting events of late

Last Tuesday, I was reelected by acclamation as President of IPMS St. Louis for 2009-10. No other candidate was offered up for the position, after I told the assembled members and guest that I was willing to stand for reelection. No problem. The club should be in good hands (let's hope) for another year. Meeting was nice, with a guest having found out about us from our web site coming to the meeting for the first time, and joining on the spot.
The next day, my one temp agency called to set up an interview for me for a temporary proofreading job with a healthcare maintenance organization. The interview was on Friday afternoon in downtown St. Louis. It was rather brief -- only about 20 minutes -- but I think it went very nicely. I haven't heard back yet from the temp agency if I got the job or not. I plan to call back tomorrow to find out. Before the interview, I snapped a photo of the Meeting of the Waters fountain across Market Street from St. Louis Union Station.
Saturday morning, the St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church parade ran down my street towards the church for its annual picnic. It was mostly youth groups in the church walking or riding in vehicles. Several of them tossed candy towards our driveway and front lawn, and I was able to scoop all this up for the family. (Some of it was taken to our church today by Mom.) Later that day, I drove to the Tony Glavin Soccer Complex in Cottleville, for the PDL match between St. Louis Lions and Real Colorado Foxes. I was assistant referee 2 (AR2), the official on the far side from the team benches. It was my first AR assignment in this league, and I admitted to being rather nervous. However, the game largely went well (St. Louis won 2-0) and I at least benefitted from the experience.
Yesterday started with two men's games (Latin American Soccer League) at De Soto Park in St. Louis. I worked with two Bosnian-Americans, who I had never worked with before, but we somehow got the games in OK, for the most part. I grabbed a bit of lunch from one of the food vendors set up at the park during these games -- in my case, a pork rind taco which was spicy, yet tasty. Then, I drove to the Anheuser-Busch Center in Fenton for the WPS match between Saint Louis Athletica and Sky Blue FC. It was the first time I saw a WPS match, which Saint Louis won 1-0. I snapped a few photos of the game action, plus a self portrait of myself.
I had a nice online chat yesterday with a young woman I met online. She seems very nice and I hope to chat with her again soon, and meet her in person.
Take care & talk to you later.

A rather interesting Memorial Day weekend

Friday night, I went to The Royale pub in south St. Louis to take in a DJ spin on their patio. Husband-and-wife DJs and KDHX-FM hosts Steve and Cat Pick were spinning a rather eclectic mix of music. Cat was my high school classmate. I don't think she quite recognized me there, but I was happy to see her.
Saturday afternoon, I was in Cottleville for the St. Louis Lions-Des Moines Menace match, working as 4th official. We gathered well before game time to inspect the field, go over procedures and begin administrative tasks. The game was physical, but fine, as St. Louis and Des Moines tied at 2. St. Louis led 1-0 with an early goal, but Des Moines scored two 2nd half goals to take the lead, only for the Lions to equalize late in the match. This result meant that St. Louis advanced to the 2009 US Open Cup tournament, and Des Moines did not. I was rather nervous, this being my first PDL assignment, but overal it was fine. I work as 4th on another Lions match on 6 June. After this game, I had a nice dinner at a St. Peters bar and grill, Mad Dogs and Cats, before driving home.
Sunday afternoon found me going Greek for awhile, as I attended the annual Greek Fest put on by Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Town and Country, Missouri. Skies were overcast and I took in the vendors, food and entertainment of this event. I should have some cellphone photos from that event attached to this post. (My scheduled men's soccer games Sun. morning were called off, probably because no one wanted to play that day.)
Yesterday was quiet. I spent it at home, watching some war movies on cable (Turner Classic Movies' annual Memorial Day Weekend marathon). Today, I got my hair cut, deposited my pay from Saturday's game. and applied online for a magazine editing job in Pennsylvania. Wish me luck!
Later.

Entering the Memorial Day Weekend

Rather quiet now as I write this. Starting the holiday weekend that is the unoffical start of summer. I know what I have planned. I'm 4th official on tomorrow night's PDL match between St. Louis and Des Moines in Cottleville. Should be interesting, to say the least. Sunday morning, I have two men's games to officiate at Jefferson Barracks Park, then I can enjoy the rest of the Holiday weekend.
Nothing much happening. I got my last paycheck from the Census Bureau this past week, and that was for when I turned in my gear. Helped my parents celebrate their birthdays recently -- Dad's 85th on Thu., 14 May and Mom's 69th on Mon., 18 May. (Yes, that's 14 years and four days apart.) Last Saturday afternoon, I helped run a Make & Take event at the HobbyTown USA shop in Arnold, Mo. Myself and three IPMS Gateway colleagues faciliated this event, as four kids and two mothers worked on model kits, which they got to take home after they put them together. Nice way to promote our hobby and club, and for the shop to promote itself. It was real fun, and the tools I brought came in handly. I also got to plug our Invitational this September.
Saturday night, I joined two of my WAWWA friends at a trivia night in Richmond Heights, Missouri. It was put on the Richmond Heights Chamber of Commerce. Our table -- eight people total -- had the night's highest score, getting 94 of 100 questions right. Each person in our table won $20. I also won a side contest that night, which netted me a $50 restaurant gift certificate and four tickets to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Quite a nice night.
I did read of a job opening this morning in my e-mail, for a managing editor position. I'll check this out and ask around my network for info on this posting.
Later.

Where was I?

Rather quiet past few days, for the most part. I had two games I ran line on Wed. night at St. Louis U. High. Both semifinals in the Missouri Soccer Association's amateur cups -- Men's Amateur and Men's Over-30. They went pretty well. I was just glad the stormy weather held off until well after the games were over.
Yesterday, my parents and I had a nice dinner at Tucker's Place in south St. Louis County. It's a steakhouse, and we were celebrating my parents' birthdays -- Dad's 85th was yesterday, Mom's 69th is Monday. Tucker's is a good place to go for a nice steak dinner -- I had the New York Strip, which was very nicely prepared.
This past Tuesday, I went to a meeting of the STL Writers Connect MeetUp in Brentwood. About 6 of us were there -- this was my first time at this MeetUp -- and our leader gave us some tips on turning our ideas into books. I would like to try this in the coming weeks. Later on Tuesday, I went to a Yellow Tie networking happy hour hosted by Spoke Marketing in midtown St. Louis. There was a large crowd there, but I got to talk with a few people (including a few fellow job seekers) and it was a generally nice affair.
Tomorrow has me (1) officiating two games in the morning, weather permitting; (2) helping conduct a scale modeling Make & Take at the HobbyTown USA shop in Arnold, Missouri; and (3) attending a trivia night in Richmond Heights, Mo. with some folks from the WAWWA group. On Sunday, I'm going to a singles MeetUp brunch in west St. Louis in the morning, then referee tow men's games in downtown St. Louis that afternoon.
Later.

Formally finished with census canvassing

This past Monday, I turned in my Census Bureau gear -- hand held computer, kit bag, credential, manuals and forms -- to my supervisor. This formally ended my enumerator work, although I had not worked a block since 23 April. The supervisor thanked me for my efforts, and let me know that they may be hiring people again for temporary work in August if I was interested. I said I was.
Last weekend found me on the pitch, refereeing. I worked a busy slate: four games Saturday in St. Charles (Midwest Regional League under-16 boys) and three on Sunday, with one MRL game in St. Charles and two St. Louis Youth Soccer Association u17 boys games in Fenton. Generally, they went well. Spring season ends in about a month from now. Will at least have some summer games (Latino men's league on Sundays, plus two men's amateur fourth official assignments in the coming weeks).
Did some straightening out in my office yesterday, clearing out some old papers. Look to do more such straightening out in my living spaces in the coming days.
More later.

On hiatus

Last week, I canvassed two neighborhoods in St. Louis' north side for the US Census Bureau. I found many boarded-up buildings and vacant lots, but also some residences. They were the last neighborhoods I have canvassed in the course of the current program. There is a slight possibility of being sent elsewhere in Missouri to help, but that is remote. I'm pretty much done with Census work for the time being, although I could be recalled this August for some other duty with them. In the meantime, I can get back to finding full time work.
After several games called off due to weather, I was back refereeing last week. Worked four tournament games in St. Charles Sat. afternoon, and two Development Academy games Sun. in Maryland Heights. I'm scheduled for two games tonight, weather permitting (the field may be too wet), and some more games this weekend.
Lately, I've been bothered by major itching and rashes on my back, chest and shoulders. I have applied lotion to it, but the itching persists. Anyone have any ideas?
Later

A pause before resuming the canvassing

Monday morning, I completed my last south St. Louis County area to be canvassed for the US Census Bureau. Our group of canvassers in the Mehlville/Oakville/Lemay area got through our areas in two weeks. Hundreds of residences checked. Few problems, and they were easily solved for the most part. After about two days off, I'm back to canvassing today, this time in an area north of here. I'll get the details later this morning. Looks like about two more weeks of this canvass for sure.
A good thing about this job has been the nice pay. Thanks to this, I'm getting my credit cards paid off. I just sent in a payment yesterday that clears the outstanding balance from one card, which had the highest interest rate. I've already mapped out the cards I owe based on interest rate, and hope to make major progress over the next few weeks.
Had some games to referee Saturday night. The last one, where I was in the middle, was terminated with just over one minute left, due to lightning. One team was up 4-2 at that point, and that result may stand as far as the league goes. Overnight rain washed out Sunday's games. I have some games coming up this weekend.
It's going to be a busy weekend. I hope to hit the Greater St. Louis Book Fair at West County Center. It's the 60th book fair, which benefits nursery charities in Metro St. Louis, and is a source for long out of print books, records and tapes, all at low prices. Also this weekend is the annual World War II Weekend at Jefferson Barracks County Park. Some 300 reinactors will gather to act out small unit combat in the war, plus give visitors an idea of what it was like being a soldier in that time. Two friends of mine will likely be there, but I may be pinched for time, due to my games.
Last Saturday, I went to the memorial service in Ferguson, Missouri for my friend John Brooks, who died last month. He was in my scale modeling clubs and was quite an interesting fellow. He used to work for McDonnell Douglas and had a lot of good info on their aircraft, which John supplied to scale model kit manufacturers. He also shared inside info from the kit makers with us modelers on upcoming releases. John had health problems in recent years and died on the operating table. Still, it was sad to see another friend from this hobby go so soon from this life. I'll be sure to say hi to him in the great scale modeling room in the sky.
That's it for now. Take care and talk to you son.

Pounding the pavement (for the US Census Bureau)

Tomorrow I start my third week of work as an enumerator with the US Census Bureau, for which I will be working temporarily until late May. I went through training my first week, going on my first canvass of residences the Friday afternoon of that week. Last week was my first full week of neighborhood canvassing. Got quite a few residences confirmed according to the address lists loaded onto my government-issued hand held computer (HHC). I added residences not on the canvass block and subtracted those on the list I did not find on the ground.
Snow showers early on Monday and rain late last week but a crimp into my canvass efforts, so I didn't work the maximum 40 hours I could. Still, I'm not complaining about the hours, and the pay. (Not to mention the exercise I'm getting when I'm out walking door-to-door.)
Easter was fine. I refereed two men's soccer games this morning. They were ok, no great play but no real problems (apart from a soggy ground, which made footing difficult for players and referees alike at times). Then it was home for dinner with my parents, and stayed home to follow several events at once: Cardinals game (they won, again), Blues game (they won, again), the Masters, and word about the freeing of the US merchant ship captain from his Somali pirate captors.
Hopefully, the new week will bring more to write about soon. Talk to you then.

News bad, good and indifferent

This past week I got word from the firm I interviewed with 2 1/2 weeks ago that they would not pursue me further for the communications specialist opening. They felt I was not quite the kind of fit they were seeking. OK, I'll just go on in my job search.
On the bright side, tomorrow I start my temp job with the US Census, helping to lay the groundwork for the 2010 Census. A week-long training session this week will show me how to collect data on residences, prior to going door-to-door. This job will run for about 8 weeks, at full time pay. Should be interesting.
We had some unseasonably cold weather this past weekend. It rained quite a bit yesterday, before and during some boys soccer games I officiated last night. At least we were on artificial turf, which made it a bit easier, but it wasn't all that pleasant in the cold and rain. The games went pretty good. I was supposed to have refereed some games this morning, but a bit of snow overnight caused cancellation of my games. I have some games this week, but it depends on how dry those fields get.
Mom & Dad are fine, after coming come on Monday afternoon from their road trip to Austin.
Take care & talk to you soon.

Quiet time now

My parents left St. Louis yesterday morning to drive to Austin, Texas. They should be there as I write these words. Mom and Dad are visiting my brother Rick, his wife Melissa and their foster son for a few days before heading back to St. Louis. My brother Brian and the rest of the New York Dolls are also in Austin, playing at the South By Southwest (SXSW) Festival.
I'm running the house while my parents are away. Don't expect any house parties here, though Actually, I have been awaiting word from the firm I interviewed with last week for a communications specialist job. They are supposed to contact me regarding a second interview with them, and I hope it will be in the next business day or two. Stay tuned.
I had soccer refereeing last weekend, and the games went well. Also had IPMS Gateway meeting on Tuesday night, with me opening and closing the church fellowship hall where they meet. Had a sad moment on Sunday, when I got word my friend and fellow IPMS member John Brooks died on the operating table. He had been taken two days before to the hospital with peritonitis (he's had kidney problems in recent years), and apparently suffered a fatal heart attack while being operated on. He was a neat guy, if quiet and sardonic in tone, with a great feel for aviation history. John used to work for McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) and collected much material on the firm and its aircraft. He also had close ties to model kit manufacturers, so he gave us modelers the scoop on kits due out. John will be missed.
Last night, I was at the Judevine Center for the March WAWWA (We Are Who We Are) activity, a game night. We played at several board games for about two hours and chatted among ourselves. There was a good turnout of about 10 WAWWA members and two counselors. I had not been able to make a WAWWA activity for a few months, for one reason or another, so it was great to get this in.
Hope to have some good news on the job situation soon. Talk to you later.

A Ray of Hope

This week turned out very nicely, overall. I helped officiate two Development Academy soccer games Sunday morning in Maryland Heights. They went well, considering the second game's start was delayed about 30 minutes due to lightning in the vicinity and was then played under highly windy conditions. At least afterward I could chill out at home.
I spent much of Monday through Wednesday morning preparing for my job interview Wednesday afternoon. It was for a communications specialist position with a firm in St. Charles, Missouri, and I was there for about two hours, interviewed by the marketing and human resources directors. I also took a pair of tests and received info on the organization's benefits package. I am optimistic of being called for a second interview next week.
I was assistant referee on two boys games Wednesday night. Thursday, I fact checked a chapter of a book my brother Rick was editing, and this morning I was at a career search program in Sunset Hills, Missouri. After short speeches of welcome by Rep. Russ Carnahan and St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley, a panel discussion was held on job search trends and tools. Several breakout sessions were offered after that, and I took in one on networking. There, I chatted with several panelists, exchanging business cards.
I'm relaxing tonight, but it's soccer this weekend. I plan to be at Barristers in Clayton to watch the Manchester United v Liverpool patch on TV. I referee boys games Saturday and Sunday night. Hope all of them go well.
Hope you all are well. Take care & talk to you soon.

Rays of hope

I'm off to referee soccer tonight and (after a short turnaround time at home) tomorrow morning. Looks like we may get some showers tonight and tomorrow. At least it will be mild in temperature.
The trivia night one week ago was neat. My parents and I went and we had a fun time. The hall was packed and our referee association raised quite a bit of money for the Disabled Athlete Sports Association. I had soccer games (start of the spring season) on late Sunday afternoon and evening. They were fine.
I went to a networking event last Monday night and it was interesting. It was at Sol Lounge in west St. Louis and it was crowded. Still, I did meet up with a few folks to possibly connect with for career opportunities. I stopped by a career fair at Saint Louis University the next day. Not much that interested me, so I didn't spend much time there. I went home, and then ran the IPMS St. Louis meeting that night.
The US Census Bureau called me on Wednesday to offer me a temporary job working on the 2010 Census, for which I had recently tested. I accepted and the training session is at the end of March and beginning of April, followed by about eight weeks of door-to-door surveying. Could be very interesting.
I had two games I officiated Thursday night and I had to write a report before I went to bed. I sent off one player for his second caution of the match (he encroached on an opponent's free kick, after I had just cautioned that same player for dissent). It was not a night for enjoyable soccer. Hopefully, this weekend's games will be much better.
On a brighter note, I got an e-mail Thursday afternoon from someone I met at a networking event a few weeks back. She said that a wholesaler was looking for a communications specialist, and she knew that firm's marketing director. I applied for it right away, using her name, and got a call the next morning inviting me to an interview. That will take place this Wednesday. Stay tuned. Wish me luck!
Take care & stay dry! Later.

Trivia matters and a model display

Chilling out at home now. This morning, I drove to the Jamestown Bluff Branch of the St. Louis County Library in Florissant to help set up an IPMS Gateway display in the lobby display case. I brought ten models and some others in the club brought other models -- 31 in total on display right now. We also had info on the club and our hobby put in the case. Our display is running through 28 March, so stop on by if you're in the area.
Last night, my parents and I attended a trivia night at Andre's in south county. It was put on by the Eastern Missouri Soccer Referee Association (EMSRA) to benefit the Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA). It was a real fun night for all -- a packed house, lots of interesting and head-scratching trivia questions to answer, even two St. Louis Rams cheerleaders making an appearance. Most importantly, EMSRA raised quite a few dollars for DASA, helping disabled people to have fun playing organized sports.
Speaking of soccer referees, the spring outdoor St. Louis Youth Soccer Association (SLYSA) season starts tomorrow afternoon. I'm looking forward to getting going with this.
Talk to you soon.

Phone calls, refereeing calls

Last week I got into my new part time job making telephone calls from home for a local communications firm. These are calls made to voters in advance of the city primary next month, asking for opinions on issues affecting the city. I have made a bunch of calls and got a few surveys completed. Most times, though, I got answering machines, wrong numbers, people not at home, or people just not interested in talking to me. I need to work at least 10 hours a week this week, and I get paid by the completed survey. I wonder if this work is really for me.
My brother Rick asked if I could fact check on a book he's editing. I said yes and he e-mailed the start of the manuscript to me yesterday. I'll look it over during the next couple of days. Should not be too much trouble.
Last weekend, I joined with several of my fellow referees at a tryout Saint Louis Athletica of Women's Professional Soccer held at St. Louis U. High. Nearly 50 women's players tried out for some positions on the team, which (with WPS) starts play this spring. I was assistant referee on two games Saturday and one Sunday morning. It was cold, though sunny, both days, but Saturday morning started with a dusting of flurries on the field. This dusting ended soon after play began, but it was windy much of the day, which made it even colder. At least yesterday it was not so windy. I certainly wish the team and WPS all the best.
Late yesterday afternoon, I went to Vetta-Westchester to referee under-12 girls futsal games -- the last games of the season for me. The first game was a forfeit, as one team did not show up; apparently, this match (and the others I had yesterday) were all rescheduled from earlier this month, and the one team apparently did not get the updated date and time. The other games went well, especially the last one, a very exciting contest. I worked 52 futsal games in the 2008-09 season, which was above average for a referee here. I'm anxious, though, to get the spring outdoor season started this Sunday.
Oh yes, I did watch the Oscars last night. A good show overall, although it did drag a bit in spots. I haven't really seen the movies that were nominated for Oscars, so I didn't have any performer or fi;m to pull for. I'll be sure to check them out when they are on DVD in due course.
More later.

Quite a bit these past few days

Friday 6 February was quite an interesting day. I took a job test that morning with the 2010 U.S. Census, for a position as a poll taker or office worker. I did very nicely, scoring 26 right out of 28 questions in the multiple choice test. I will know in due course if I get a job with them or not. Then, I met my high school classmate and good friend Tim Popp for lunch at Rich and Charlie's in Mehlville. Tim was in town on business for Anheuser-Busch InBev, working and living in Oklahoma City. He as down with a bit of a cold, but was otherwise fine, and we had a wonderful afternoon getting caught up.
My 45th birthday on the 7th went well. I was busy refereeing soccer and futsal that day. My parents took me out to dinner the next day.
I went to a networking event Tuesday morning the 10th at JBuck's in Clayton. That was interesting, although rather crowded for my taste. Still, was able to make a few contacts there. That afternoon, I did a phone interview to get a part time job as a phone agent for a local surveying firm. I would get paid per completed telephone survey done at home, using my phone and computer linked online. Did my first calls for them last Monday the 16th. Will try to do some more in the coming days.
Also last Tuesday the 10th, my Dad came along as my guest to the monthly meeting of the Military History Society of St. Louis, a volunteer group of military history buffs. Someone from the Jefferson Barracks Historical Foundation spoke about the base's history and current restoration efforts. My Dad was based there for a while in World War II, and has been doing volunteer work at a building the Telephone Pioneers have on the Jefferson Barracks park grounds. He found it very interesting.
I refereed soccer Thursday night, and last weekend, along with futsal on Saturday and Sunday. Almost done with the winter seasons, with just three futsal games to do this Sunday afternoon. Spring season begins on 1 March, and I already have quite a few games assigned for next month. That should keep me out of trouble for awhile. (LOL)
I was reading Peter Bart's blog on Variety.com this morning and he mentioned a very interesting article blogger Andrew Sullivan wrote on TheAtlantic.com, on why he blogs. Here's the link to Sullivan's essay: http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200811/andrew-sullivan-why-i-blog. He makes some interesting points as to why one writes online. Check it out.
That's it for now. Later.

RIP, Chris Saulet

Last Thursday night, I got a phone call telling me that Chris Saulet, a colleague from IPMS Gateway, had died. He was only 50 years old and had been battling cancer the past few years.
I attended the wake Sunday afternoon in St. Charles, and the funeral yesterday morning in St. Peters. He touched many people in his many-faceted life: he was a sailor in the US Navy; a trooper in the Missouri State Highway Patrol (retired as a Sergeant last year after 25 years on the force); a Technical Sergeant in the Missouri Air National Guard; a competitive cyclist; and an award-winning scale modeler. Several IPMS Gateway members came to the wake and funeral. The funeral mass was most moving, with Chris' brother fighting back tears as he spoke about Chris, and the priest referring to Chris' brief yet full life in the homily.
After the funeral, the casket went to the cemetery in St. Charles for a brief graveside service. An Air National Guard honor guard carried Chris' body to the grave site, the path lined by Missouri state troopers and other police officers. The honor guard fired a three-shot rifle volley, then a bugler played "Taps." The US flag was removed from atop the casket and folded, then presented to Chris' widow. After this service, a luncheon was held in St. Peters.
I knew Chris for just over 10 years. He was a superb modeler, and a valued member of our club. He helped out a lot with contests and other club activities. He served as a club director in 2007 and we held many of our monthly business meetings at his house, due to his illness. He never took pity on himself and never wanted others to feel sorry for him.
At Sunday's wake, I related to Chris' brother the story of a major league baseball manager (whose name escapes me) telling of a terminally ill player. The manager said, "He taught us how to live, and now he'll teach us how to die." Chris' brother agreed with that sentiment.
Yes, I will miss Chris Saulet, and so will a lot of people. He cast a large shadow in his short time on Earth, and I look forward to seeing him in due course in Heaven.
If anyone is interested, Chris' family requested that memorials be sent in his name to the American Cancer Society.
We did get some more snow in the middle of last week (about 7 inches/17.8 cm in total). Much of it has melted the past few days as it got warmer, but it's dipped below freezing again today. It should be much warmer this Saturday for my birthday, but we may get some rain this weekend.
That's it for now. Take care & talk to you soon.

Out in the snow (briefly)

We got about 2 inches (5.1 cm) of snow last night and this morning, and a bit more is expected this afternoon as I write this. I went out this morning with the snow blower to remove snow from the driveway. It took a while to start and warm up the machine (it had not been used since last winter), but once up and running, it did its job. I took some photos of the yards with my cellphone. Enjoy!

This weather may force postponement of the IPMS Gateway business meeting, when I am supposed to hand off the Secretary's duties to my successor. We'll see about that.
I refereed soccer last Thursday night and Saturday afternoon, and futsal Sunday night. Games went well. Nearing the end of the winter seasons in both soccer and futsal.
I also looked at an option of getting certified as a school teacher, in case I can't find work in my chosen fields (editing and PR). I got info from the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE), which has an online study course for this subject. I may go in this direction, once I get more info about this program, its success rate, and some advise from friends and people in teaching on this course. You're welcome to add your two cents to this discussion.
While I'm out looking, I am thinking about finding part time interim work. My dad suggested I look at being a courier; there are some openings for that locally.
That's it for now. Talk to you soon.

These past few days

I'm trying to catch up to life since these past few days. I had plans to attend an ice skating party Friday night, but our group cancelled the event due to lack of interest and no one in the group informed me. The counselor working with this group apologized to me today by phone and said it was a mixup (they forgot my contact info). They'll try again next month with an outing to be announced.
In refereeing, I had futsal games Saturday night, soccer games Sunday mid-morning to early afternoon, and futsal that night. It's generally been going well so far this winter.
Monday, on the MLK Holiday, I joined with about 50 other Democrats (volunteers in the Obama campaign) at Jefferson Barracks Medical Center, a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in St. Louis, where we served lunch to patients there. A button box (accordion) band performed for them and we gave away attendance prizes. Very nice to do and made me glad to do some sort of public service on the day we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Yesterday, I joined a crowd of about 1,000 people at the Moolah Theatre in St. Louis to watch the Inauguration of Barack Obama projected on the movie screen. It was a great moment to witness, even if the Chief Justice did flub part of the oath he administered to Obama. It was a grand day. It would have been nice to have been in Washington, DC for this, but am glad to be here in St. Louis.
Last night, I opened up the meeting room for the IPMS Gateway meeting. We had our annual Swap & Sell, which draws a big crowd for us, and kit auction to benefit the club. Also at this meeting was the elections for 2009 club oficers, postponed from last month. (Weather forced cancellation of the December meeting.) I will relinquish the Secretary position I've held the past two years at the business meeting next week. It has been good to have served in that role, but am glad to let another member take over.
I almost forgot. Last Thursday, I went to Geek Squad at Best Buy to have my computer looked at. The visuals on the monitor didn't look right that morning. The Geek Squad technician adjusted the settings and it is running good as new. He said the updated monitor driver was conflicting with the Windows Vista operating system software; apparently Vista frequently has these kinds of problems. I browsed among the DVDs at Best Buy when a customer service rep asked if I had a cell phone. I said yes and he wondered if he could check to see if I was eligible for a free cell phone upgrade. I did, and -- to make a long story short -- I got a new cell phone, one with a slide out QWERTY keyboard for easier text messaging. I've been getting used to the new phone since then, but like it quite a bit.
That's it for the moment. Talk to you again soon.

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Cold one today!

It's been real cold here in St. Louis the past 24 hours. The coldest in a few years. So cold the soccer games I was to have called tonight were cancelled. It should get a bit warmer this weekend.
This morning, I was signing onto my computer when the visuals didn't look right. After restarting it a few times and trying a diagnostic on my own, I went to the Geek Squad at Best Buy. The technician checked it and found that an updated driver for the monitor screen didn't take, due to some issue with existing drivers on the computer. He said that's been a problem with Windows Vista (which was installed on my HP notebook). He fixed the problem and it's working just fine now.
After I got my computer back, I browsed among the DVDs for sale at Best Buy when one of their customer service people asked if I had a cell phone with me. I said yes, and he said he could check to see if I was eligible for a free upgrade. I said sure and he checked my phone, called up the model number, my cell phone number and provider on a hand held device. I was eligible, he told me, and he showed me some cell phones eligible for this. I found one, an LG Rumor, that features a sliding QWERTY keyboard that's just the thing for texting. I selected it and he activated it for me on the spot. He even, using some gizmo, transferred my contacts and their phone numbers from my old phone to the new one. All it will cost me is $18 to be billed by my provider on my next bill for activation. Sure glad I came to that Best Buy when I did.
I'm going ice skating tomorrow night. Should be fun. (At least it's indoors.) Later.

Mulling over options

Relaxing at home, after running lines on two under 18 boys games this afternoon. (Brisk out. Brr.) I heard last week from two firms that I applied to that they went with someone else for the respective positions, and heard that two others have me on hold. I took in an information session last Thursday night on being certified as a teacher. It would not require a new degree, but is an online home study course. I may become an English language arts teacher under this scheme. Something to think about if nothing else happens on the job search.
Friday night, a referee colleague had me over at his house to hear a presentation on a network marketing business, one that would sell memberships in a nationwide products and services discount program. Naturally, I'm skeptical about these things -- this is due to cost (steep, by my standards), and viability (finding enough people interested in this and being able to sell it). I'll check it out in the coming days, but don't bet the farm I'll go with it.
Last night, after refereeing futsal earlier in the day, I went to a singles group dinner party. It was rather nice (about 14 of us there), and we had fun with the white elephant gift exchange. I brought a photo frame (not tacky, but the best I could come up with on short notice), and came away with an artificial pine plant. Something for the Christmas decorations next year.
That's it for now. Later.

First weekend of 2009 in the rear view mirror

I had a rather quiet few days after New Year's Eve. I just relaxed at home New Year's Day, and the day after. Did not do much Saturday. Today was different, as I officiated three under 18 boys soccer matches in Fenton. The games generally went well. The teams did show a bit of rust from the Holiday break, particularly in game fitness, but that should improve over the next week or two. I had a rather exciting match in the middle, as the lead see-sawed and it was a rather spirited match. Fortunately, it ended well, with no bad feelings by the teams towards each other, or me.
Tomorrow, I plan to follow up on some jobs I applied to just before the Holidays. The people I need to speak to should be back in their offices tomorrow. I also have the IPMS St. Louis meeting to run Tuesday night, plus remembering to remove my models from the library's display cases, where they were for a month now.
Hope you are getting to this new blog site (http://bobbyd0702.blogspot.com) fine. Feel free to tell your friends about this. Take care & talk to you again soon.