On Towards the 4th of July

Last Thursday morning (23 June), I had a late morning meeting with a financial planner, who had contacted me on LinkedIn. He basically wanted to get to know me more and what my career direction is to be, the better for him to help me. It was a nice meeting. That night, I went to a networking happy hour in Des Peres, but that wasn't such a good event. I never could get into the flow of things and hardly talked to anyone, so I left after a short stay.

The next day, I was in downtown St. Louis to view exhibits of Marine Week St. Louis. I first went to Ballpark Village, just north of Busch Stadium, where I saw several items on display. They included a MV-22B Osprey tilt rotor aircraft, a CH-53E Super Stallion heavy transport helicopter, and an M1A1 Abrams main battle tank. I then walked to the Gateway Arch grounds, where other equipment and displays were set up. It was really interesting and I took quite a few photos there.

Saturday afternoon, I was at Chill Frozen Yogurt in Clayton for a singles ice cream social. It was my first time at this place and the first event with the St. Louis Singles Meetup Group I had been to since last March. It was a nice time and I enjoyed some good frozen yogurt and nice conversation with other participants. That night, I was at Amsterdam Tavern in south St. Louis to join other soccer fans in watching on TV the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final being played in Pasadena. (Not so nice: Mexico overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat the USA 4-2.) It was a good fun environment.

At the monthly soccer referee clinic Monday night (27 June) at Grand Glaize Library, I was volunteered to help lead a panel discussion of game situations and the correct way of dealing with them. It was a good discussion that benefitted all of us there.

Last night, I hosted the IPMS/Gateway business meeting in our kitchen and family room. We planned next month's general meeting and discussed other club business for about and hour.

Not much today, except for mowing the front lawn. This weekend, I hope to attend one of the St. Louis Lions matches (either Saturday or Sunday), and on the 4th of July, I'm planning to march in the Webster Groves parade that morning. Should be interesting.

Later.

A Little Bit Happening

I did finish my P-51D Mustang model early yesterday and entered it in the Same Kit Contest at the IPMS/Gateway meeting last night. It was one of seven entries in the contest's Out of the Box category; there was only one entry in the Anything Goes (highly modified) category. I didn't win, but at least I got it entered and we did have a nice bit of interest in this. This was the first time our club's done the Same Kit Contest, and the IPMS/Gateway board will study this to improve upon for next year.

I refereed Sunday morning (19 June) in the swamp (sorry, on the pitch) at De Soto Park. There was some standing water in spots on the field, and muddy patches as well. I was truly wet and my boots were muddy by the time that game ended. Plus, I dismissed a coach for his irresponsible behavior. (He kept dissenting at my decisions against his team.) The second game, in which I was an assistant referee, went much better in comparison.

I have a pair of networking events tomorrow -- a one-on-one meeting in the late morning, a happy hour that night. We'll see how that goes.

Later.

An Edit Job Done Well

Late last week, I completed the copy edit, proofreading, and fact checking contract job on a book manuscript. It was a history book written by a woman who had, with her husband, played with me in a trivia night a few weeks ago. I returned the edited manuscript to her, on both a hard copy and a file saved on a thumb drive, last Tuesday morning in Chesterfield. She was very appreciative of my efforts (this was her first book, although she had written several magazine articles before), and said that should make it easier when she turns this over to her publisher. I'll withhold further details on this until it's published.

Took in a conference call with the Naturally Autistic ANCA magazine and radio show staff last Friday night. We have things going you'll hear about in due course. I ushered in church last Sunday morning, the first time in about two months, and it went well.

Got some painting and decaling done on my P-51 Mustang model, which should be completed in time for this Tuesday's IPMS/Gateway meeting. It will be my entry in the Same Kit Contest. (Info at http://ipms-gateway.com) Hope to see you there.

Speaking of IPMS/Gateway, I wrote my column last Monday for the newsletter, and yesterday I ran off some flyers for our Invitational on 10 September and delivered them to Checkered Flag Hobby Country and Schaeffer's Hobby Shop.

This morning, I met a bank executive for coffee at a St. Louis Bread Company location in Town & Country. He and I connected through LinkedIn, and he wanted to know more about me and my career aspirations. He had some ideas to help.

Tonight, I'm off to the St. Louis United FC dinner meeting in U. City, and Sunday morning I'm back refereeing soccer in downtown St. Louis. Yes, my heel's much better now.

Before I go, I took some photos of myself this morning to use on my social networking sites. Some of those photos I have been using for my profiles date back to last November, and I feel I need something more up to date.

Later

Work at Home and Feeling the Money Blues

A week ago today, 3 June, I started major editing and fact checking work on a history book by a local author. I won't tell you the details on this until it's published, but I got it virtually all done today. I have one last question out to the author today, but once it's answered and included in the edited manuscript, it's ready to return to the author. It was quite a fine book to work on. Not too challenging for me, for the most part.

I went to Over Under bar in downtown St. Louis for Stress Free Fridays that night, as the group celebrated its 7th anniversary. I've been with them for two years. Had a nice time there.

The next day had me in south St. Louis, at Amsterdam Tavern, to join the watch party for the USA-Spain friendly in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The defending World Cup winners cruised to a 4-0 win over the Americans, but it looks like the Stars and Stripes put that behind them this week as the CONCACAF Gold Cup got going here in the USA. The Americans beat Canada 2-0 on Tuesday, and play Panama tomorrow night. Should be good.

Last Sunday afternoon (5 June), I co-hosted Writers Block, a new monthly Naturally Autistic Radio program carried over Blog Talk Radio. I was on the phone for the hour talking about how having Asperger's syndrome has affected my approach to editing, and the other panelists' writing work. It came out very well, I thought. Will let you know when the next show comes on. In the meantime, you can find out about this and other Naturally Autistic Radio programs at http://www.naturallyautistic.com/radio-show/.

It's been real hot this week here in St. Louis, with temperatures hitting 95 degrees F (35 degrees C). It's cooled down a bit today, but some thunderstorms are hitting this area this weekend.

Last Monday night (7 June) started three consecutive nites out. The Human Sexuality and Relationships Meetup group got together in Sunset Hills for dinner on Monday. It was nice seeing these people for the first time in a few weeks and talking about our personal relationships. I gave a lift home to a new member of this group, who lacked a car and had to catch the bus to come down from Olivette.

I ran the IPMS/St. Louis meeting Tuesday night at Thornhill Branch Library. I renewed my membership for another year, and I was unanimously retained as president for 2011-12. Also talked with a colleague about doing a simple club newsletter, and got some ideas for it.

Wednesday night, I was in downtown Clayton for the Missouri Aviation Historical Society meeting, which was nice. Saw some people including a new member who said he's an aviation writer who's also starting his own publishing firm. I chatted with him and let him know I'm an experienced editor, and he said he'd keep me in mind for any editing help.

Right now, I can use some financial help. Not having paid work lately means I'm really dipping into my savings just to get bills paid minimally. I should be getting payment soon on some recent proofreading work, which should help a bit. It's been so frustrating of late. I did apply yesterday online for a pair of editing and writing openings I saw. I just hope something good happens to me real soon.

Before I go, I can report good news in our family. I'm an uncle again, as my brother Brian's wife Gretchen gave birth to a boy. Name of the boy is to be announced, but he'll join big sister Rowan in their household. Congratulations!

Later.

Taking It Easy on a Sore Heel

Last Thursday night (26 May), I went to a business networking happy hour at The Stable, a brew pub in south St. Louis. It was rather interesting, although I did see a few people I know, most folks there were younger than I. It was crowded and loud, so it was a challenge for me to get around and to talk, but it was OK.

Saturday afternoon found me at the Amsterdam Tavern in south St. Louis with quite a few other soccer fans to watch on TV the UEFA Champions League Final in London, in which FC Barcelona defeated Manchester United 3-1. I was happy with that result, pulling for Barca, and so were quite a few other patrons. A nice time had by all, whether their team won or not.

The next morning found me on the pitch, refereeing men's soccer at DeSoto Park in downtown St. Louis. I had the middle for the first two games I worked that day, and cut that match short by 5 minutes. That was due to two players I sent off from the same team in quick succession. I had just informed one player he was being sent off for using offensive language (he used the f-word in criticizing me for having just cautioned him for dissent), when his teammate shoved me on the chest. Not very hard, mind you (I stayed on my feet), but it was enough violent conduct to warrant his being sent off and (on the advice of my near assistant referee) my terminating the match. I got the ID cards of the players I sent off with both teams' rosters, and wrote up and filed the report to the league the next day. I wasn't scared by this at all; actually, I was more concerned about a blister on my one heel that flared up. I'm taking this week and weekend off from games to let it rest properly.

The rest of the Memorial Day weekend was rather quiet: I listened to the last few laps of the Indianapolis 500 on the radio driving home from Sunday's games; worked on that P-51 Mustang model I'm doing for this month's IPMS/Gateway "Same Kit Contest"; and got the IPMS/Gateway Invitational (on 10 September) posted on a few local community calendar web sites.

Tuesday, I received from an author a thumb drive containing a book manuscript to edit and fact check. I started reading it yesterday (having printed a hard copy), and made notes on what should be changed (usually in punctuation) and what facts to especially check. It should be interesting. I'll be able to tell you more on this project in due course.

Later.

Dodging Storms

We had some stormy weather here late yesterday afternoon into early last night. It rained, there were high winds, and a bit of hail (about acorn-size, I estimate) fell. Fortunately, there was no damage I could tell and the worst of this weather passed us by. I wish I could say the same about the folks in Joplin, Missouri last Sunday -- they got hit real hard by that tornado. My thoughts and prayers go out to those folks.

Friday night, I enjoyed a bit of Stress Free Fridays at The In Spot in the East Delmar Loop area. I've been there a few times before and I enjoyed a nice time hanging with the SFF crowd.

Youth league soccer's spring season ended last weekend. I had three games Saturday morning at Mehlville High and three more Sunday morning at Oakville High. The games generally went well, although in my middle at Mehlville, I dismissed a coach for irresponsible behavior in the last minute. (He bitterly protested his player that went down in the opposition penalty area getting cautioned for unsporting behavior [simulation]. The match was tied at that point.) However, things went well, although my left heel still feels the effects of worn away padding in my shoe. Hopefully, it will be better in time for refereeing men's games Sunday morning.

On a sadder note, my friend Bob Burgess from IPMS/Gateway died from pneumonia a week ago at age 71. He was laid out Sunday afternoon in St. Charles and I drove out there to pay my last respects. Bob was buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery Monday afternoon. (He was a US Air Force and Air National Guard pilot.) Several mates from IPMS/Gateway and the Missouri Aviation Historical Society were on hand at the funeral home. Bob was best known to me for presenting the aircraft recognition contest at the December IPMS/Gateway meetings for several years. I usually did real good at that one. (I took the photo of Bob -- in the white shirt -- in 1994, when he helped man IPMS/Gateway's display at the Scott Air Force Base Open House.)

I've had something most nights this week. Monday, it was the monthly soccer referee clinic at Grand Glaize Library, where we had a talk on what assessors look for in referees during matches. Tuesday late afternoon, there was the monthly conference call of the Naturally Autistic ANCA publications and radio staff. That night, I was at Larry Ehret's apartment in south St. Louis running the IPMS/Gateway business meeting.

Yesterday's stormy weather caused postponement of the Missouri Aviation Historical Society meeting in Clayton; it will be held on Wed., 8 June. This morning, I was in Richmond Heights for the first meeting of the public relations committee of the 2011 International Institute's Festival of Nations. (The festival -- a multi-ethnic event featuring food, crafts, and entertainment -- will be at St. Louis' Tower Grove Park 27-28 August.) Two others were present; another two weren't there for various reasons. You'll be hearing more about this Festival in the weeks ahead.

Tonight, I'm off to a business networking event in south St. Louis. Hopefully, this will be worthwhile.

I wish you fellow Americans a very happy Memorial Day weekend. Let's remember those who died for this country and to pray for peace.

Later.

Finding Sunshine Among the Clouds

Last Thursday, 12 May, I went to O.B. Clark's, a sports bar in Brentwood, Missouri, for a book signing. George Vescey, sports columnist for The New York Times, was there to sign his latest book, "Stan Musial: An American Life." I went there to buy a copy for my Dad (his 87th birthday was on the 14th) and for Vescey to sign it. He did, along with books for many others there at the event. It was hosted by St. Louis United FC, a soccer viewing support group. (The photo shows Vescey, at left, with Tom Schwarz, head of St. Louis United FC.) I mentioned to Vescey about a column he wrote during the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan, in which he stated his opinion that refereeing soccer was the toughest officiating job in sports. Vescey remembered it and said he still agreed with that assessment. I told him as a youth and amateur referee that I agree fully with that statement. He asked if I think there should be a second referee on the field, and I replied that I think that would ruin the unity of decision that makes soccer good, but I added that augmentation -- be it goal line technology or additional officials by each goal to act as goal judge -- would be a good thing. I gave the book to my Dad and he really liked that gesture. He's started to read the book and is liking it a lot so far.

Last weekend, rain fell during my officiated games -- three Saturday morning and early afternoon at St. Louis U. High, and four Sunday afternoon and early evening at Mehlville High. Fortunately, both venues had artificial turf, so field conditions weren't a real concern. The games went well. I have more games on artificial turf this weekend.

Last Monday (16 May), I interviewed for a part time job at a bookstore in Fenton. It would be to work in the store's music and video section four about 15 hours a week, mostly nights and weekends. I think the interview with that section's manager went well, and I should hear back from her in the next day or so if I got this job. It would be a nice way to earn some money while I try to find something else full time.

Tuesday night (17 May), I ran the IPMS/Gateway meeting at Calvary Presbyterian Church. It went well, with a good turnout (about 30 models) in the quarterly contest. There were seven entries in the Anything Yellow special category (including my 1969 Camaro Z-28). We also had a build night, so I got a bit of work in on the P-51 I'm doing for next month's Same Kit Contest.

This rain and sunshine alternating weather of late does my sinuses no favors. I worry about major allergy problem this spring and summer, with all the rain we've had here lately.

Later