Soccer, Scale Modeling, and Rain

I refereed soccer and futsal last Sunday (18 February). First, I didn't realize I had soccer games that day, and I need a reminder call to tell me. I quickly got dressed and arrived at the Lou Fusz Soccer Complex (https://loufuszsoccer.com/facilities/) in Maryland Heights, where I was in the middle for a under 14 match. It was a bit challenging, but it ended well. I was supposed to have worked another match after that, but neither team showed up and it wasn't on the league's schedule. That meant I was able to get to C4 (http://www.c4stl.com/) in Town and Country for the final night of the futsal season. My first match of four--all high school boys--was not held, as neither team showed up. My partner and I waited until the next game time arrived, and then we did the three other matches. They were all tense at times, bur all of them ended up well.

Back at work Monday morning, it was busy as usual, but nothing the branch staff could not handle. Home after work, I finished work on a car model for the next night's IPMS/Gateway (http://www.ipms-gateway.com/) meeting.

After work on Tuesday (20 February), I was off to Calvary Presbyterian Church (http://calvarypresbyterianchurch.org/) for the IPMS/Gateway (https://www.facebook.com/IPMSGateway/) meeting. It was raining a lot that day and night, and that cut into the meeting's attendance. Our first contest for Modeler of the Year was held; per tradition, it was an Out of the Box Contest (no modifications to the kit, and kit instructions to accompany the entry). My car model--a 1:32 scale 1957 Chevrolet convertible--was one of 27 entries in this contest. (This was a lower number of entries, due as I said to the rain-reduced attendance.) I didn't place in the Automotive category, but at least I earned 2 points--one for entering in the category, and one for entering in the Special Category (Out of the Box).

We also had a vote on the revised Constitution and By-Laws (C&BL) for the club, which passed overwhelmingly. Overall, a good night.

It rained off and on Wednesday, as my branch mates and I kept busy with our duties.

Off on Thursday, UI went to the Oakville License Office (http://dor.mo.gov/offloc/index.php?category=&locationString=63129) to renew my Corolla's state registration. My documentation was in order, and I received a two-year renewal in return for my money. After that, I chilled out at home. I split my TV time that day and in the past few days between the Winter Olympics, which end this weekend, and old movies and TV shows.

Another Friday at work was busy towards the end, but we all pitched in and got it done.

Today, I went to Worldwide Technology Soccer Park (http://www.saintlouisfc.com/SOCCERPARK) in Fenton for Saint Louis FC's (http://www.saintlouisfc.com/) pre-season match against SIU-Edwardsville. I first joined the St. Louligans (http://stlouligans.com/) for their tailgate in the parking lot before we marched into Toyota Stadium for the match. About 30 minutes before the match, rain started pouring down and it never let up the whole afternoon. I was with some of the St. Louligans in our usual spot in Section 8 for the first half, but retired to the covered plaza near the west stand for the rest of the match. Saint Louis FC won the first of the 75-mionute matches 4-1; after that, I left to get warm and dry. (With the second mini-match included, Saint Louis FC won 7-1.)

After the match, I went to Starbucks in Valley Park (https://www.starbucks.com/store-locator/store/17458/hwy-141-i-44-922-south-meramec-station-rd-valley-park-mo-630882) to get a nice hot coffee drink and to relax before heading home. There, I got out of my wet clothes.

Later.

Another Newsletter to Press; Passing Inspection

Monday mornings at our branch are most busy, and last Monday (12 February) was no exception. There were quite a lot of vehicles to clean up and some customers to pick up and drop off. At least the weather was nice for this time of year and everything worked out for the best.

Early this past week, I was busy putting together this month's issue of The Arch Scaler News, newsletter of IPMS/Gateway (http://www.ipms-gateway.com/). Despite a few slight glitches regarding illustrations while assembling the newsletter, it all came together by Thursday morning (15 February). I printed out the handful of newsletters to our members who only get it by US Mail, then sent the remainder via email. (For the latter, I also sent the proposed revision to the Constitution and By-Laws, which is up for vote at the meeting.)

Valentine's Day on Wednesday was just another day for me. I did wish my female friends a Happy Valentine's Day, and wished everyone a happy day, whether they had a loved one or not.

The work week went well. Friday afternoon, I spent about 90 minutes at our Ballwin branch. I was filling in for their vehicle service agent, who was ill. I cleaned a few cars and picked up a customer until one of their agents arrived to do the rest of the day. I then went back to Ellisville for the remainder of the day.

I was back on the workbench late in the week, trying to finish a model or two for this Tuesday's Out of the Box Contest at the IPMS/Gateway meeting. One of them has been more problematic and I won't get that one done in time, but the other should be ready for Tuesday night.

Thursday morning, I took my car back to Jiffy Lube (https://www.jiffylube.com/) in Concord Village to get the state emissions inspection done. This time, their system was working perfectly well and tested my Corolla, which passed. The manager there did not charge me for both the safety and emissions inspections, due to their computer glitch, which was very generous of them. I'll be able to renew the Corolla's registration later this coming week.

Yesterday, I woke up to light snow falling on the ground. It melted later that day, as it warmed up. Yes, the weather has been up and down a lot in recent days, which does not do my sinuses any favors.

I'm off to referee futsal at C4 tonight.

Later.