After work on Friday (27 Sept.), I had soccer refereeing assignments in Maryland Heights last weekend. I was at the Scott Gallagher complex Saturday late afternoon and early evening for three games, and at the Lou Fusz complex late Sunday afternoon to early evening. The games generally went well, but in one of Sunday's games, I had to send off a player just before halftime for his handball on his team's goal line that prevented an opponent's shot from scoring. After getting home that night, I had to file a report with the league on the incident. I believe that player will have to serve a one-game suspension for the red card. Fortunately, the coaches were OK after I explained the situation.
After a busy Monday at the car rental place, I grabbed a bit of dinner before heading to the Grand Glaize Branch of the St. Louis County Library for the monthly soccer referee meeting. There, we had a discussion of what assessors look for from referees and assistant referees. A fine program that night.
Tuesday afternoon (1 Oct.), I went to the cinema in Arnold to see "Rush," the new film directed by Ron Howard about Formula 1 racing rivals James Hunt and Niki Lauda during the mid-1970s. A terrific movie and one I highly recommend seeing. Great acting, photography, editing, and special effects all come together here. That night, I ran the IPMS/St. Louis meeting at the Thornhill Branch, St. Louis County Library, but only one other member showed up. A rather short meeting resulted.
Last night, after working at the car rental firm, I headed to the Saint Louis University campus to watch the 22nd ranked Billikens men's soccer team play No. 4 Creighton. It was a cracking good game, with the Billikens winning 1-0 on an early 2nd half goal. That goal came not long after SLU was reduced to 10 men when a Billikens player got his second yellow card of the match. Quite an effort and a big win for SLU. Good crowd, too (just over 3000 in attendance).
Off work today, so I took care of a bit of personal business. Back to work tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday morning, and soccer games this weekend.
Later.
03 October 2013
26 September 2013
Passing the Maintenance Assessment, and Hosting the Business Meeting
Last Friday (20 Sept.), I worked my shift at the car rental firm, then drove from Ellisville (after a change of clothes) to Basso, an Italian restaurant and bar at the Cheshire Inn in Clayton. Basso was the venue for Stress Free Fridays, and it was my first time at this revolving happy hour in a few weeks. (This was mostly due to my work schedule and the distance to the Stress Free Fridays venues.) I had a nice time there, seeing a few people I had not seen in while, and making a connection with a web designer who was there with a mutual friend. I also enjoyed a very nice pizza, washed down with a couple of beers.
The next day, I worked in the morning at the car rental branch, then came home to change and went to the Lou Fusz Complex to officiate soccer games. The three under-12 girls' matches I worked went well.
Sunday afternoon (22 Sept.) found me at the SLYSA Complex for two matches. The first one was an under-18 women's match I was refereeing to get in my annual maintenance assessment. The assessor arrived from another field on the complex just before kickoff, but took in enough of my pre-game with my assistant referees. The match went well; it was rather exciting and competitive, ending up a 1-0 win for the home side. The assessor gave my high marks overall for my performance in the immediate post-match conversation and in the written report he sent me the next day. Glad to have this done, and to be one step closer to getting recertified for the new year. The under-12 girls' match I was assistant referee on was a easy one by comparison.
Back to work Monday and Wednesday at the car rental branch, where we welcomed a new management trainee from another local branch. She'll do real well here, I think. On my off day Tuesday (24 Sept.), I scheduled an appointment with a podiatrist in two weeks to have him check out my sore heel, which has been bothering me in recent weeks. I also shopped for soda, beer, and snacks for the IPMS/Gateway business meeting I hosted last night (25 Sept.). As the club president was out of town, I as club vice president ran the meeting, in which we decided on the program for the October general meeting and discussed other club business. More info on our club at http://ipms-gateway.com.
Earlier tonight, I went to Foam Coffee + Beer in south St. Louis for a happy hour. It was celebrating the third anniversary of Sex Positive St. Louis, a group promoting health sexuality here. The happy hour was nice and the venue (this was my first time here) was interesting.
Back to work tomorrow morning. Later.
The next day, I worked in the morning at the car rental branch, then came home to change and went to the Lou Fusz Complex to officiate soccer games. The three under-12 girls' matches I worked went well.
Sunday afternoon (22 Sept.) found me at the SLYSA Complex for two matches. The first one was an under-18 women's match I was refereeing to get in my annual maintenance assessment. The assessor arrived from another field on the complex just before kickoff, but took in enough of my pre-game with my assistant referees. The match went well; it was rather exciting and competitive, ending up a 1-0 win for the home side. The assessor gave my high marks overall for my performance in the immediate post-match conversation and in the written report he sent me the next day. Glad to have this done, and to be one step closer to getting recertified for the new year. The under-12 girls' match I was assistant referee on was a easy one by comparison.
Back to work Monday and Wednesday at the car rental branch, where we welcomed a new management trainee from another local branch. She'll do real well here, I think. On my off day Tuesday (24 Sept.), I scheduled an appointment with a podiatrist in two weeks to have him check out my sore heel, which has been bothering me in recent weeks. I also shopped for soda, beer, and snacks for the IPMS/Gateway business meeting I hosted last night (25 Sept.). As the club president was out of town, I as club vice president ran the meeting, in which we decided on the program for the October general meeting and discussed other club business. More info on our club at http://ipms-gateway.com.
Earlier tonight, I went to Foam Coffee + Beer in south St. Louis for a happy hour. It was celebrating the third anniversary of Sex Positive St. Louis, a group promoting health sexuality here. The happy hour was nice and the venue (this was my first time here) was interesting.
Back to work tomorrow morning. Later.
19 September 2013
The 2013 IPMS Gateway Invitational is a Success
After putting in a Friday (13 Sept.) shift at the car rental branch, I got home to make final preps for the 2013 IPMS Gateway to the West Invitational. I finished a 1:144 scale DC-4 in American Airlines colors to be included in the club display there. Up early the next morning, I packed up my things and headed to the show's venue, the Holiday Inn Route 66 in Sunset Hills, Missouri. I helped with final set up of the show, and then served as one of the admissions people in the morning. I took money from the attendees (both show admission and contest registration fees) and gave each attendee a wristband so they could go out and return without paying again. After a brief lunch at the desk, I worked as a contest judge, helping judge armor entries. That was a real challenge, as there were some very good armor entries in our contest. However, the judging team I was on got it done and the contest results were announced from just before 3 pm.
Our show--the first time at this venue--was a great success, with a strong attendance, happy vendors, and raves about the venue. We'll be back there next year. Save the date: 13 Sept. 2014. You can get a wrap of the show, plus photos of the models, here: http://www.ipms-gateway.com/Gateway2013.html
I had to pass on the club picnic the next day, as I was refereeing youth soccer games in Maryland Heights. The three games (under 14s) were OK.
Back to work Monday (16 Sept.) at the car rental branch, with the usually hectic Monday morning rush. I worked again two days later, and will tomorrow (Friday) and this Saturday morning.
Tuesday night (17 Sept.), I got the fellowship hall at Calvary Presbyterian Church ready for the IPMS/Gateway meeting. As our president was away, I ran the meeting, which had a wrap of our Invitational, a build night, a quarterly model contest, and a slideshow from this year's IPMS/USA National Convention.
Tonight, I'm off to the Missouri Aviation Historical Society's monthly meeting at Creve Coeur Airport. More info at their website: http://moavhist.org/
Later.
Our show--the first time at this venue--was a great success, with a strong attendance, happy vendors, and raves about the venue. We'll be back there next year. Save the date: 13 Sept. 2014. You can get a wrap of the show, plus photos of the models, here: http://www.ipms-gateway.com/Gateway2013.html
I had to pass on the club picnic the next day, as I was refereeing youth soccer games in Maryland Heights. The three games (under 14s) were OK.
Back to work Monday (16 Sept.) at the car rental branch, with the usually hectic Monday morning rush. I worked again two days later, and will tomorrow (Friday) and this Saturday morning.
Tuesday night (17 Sept.), I got the fellowship hall at Calvary Presbyterian Church ready for the IPMS/Gateway meeting. As our president was away, I ran the meeting, which had a wrap of our Invitational, a build night, a quarterly model contest, and a slideshow from this year's IPMS/USA National Convention.
Tonight, I'm off to the Missouri Aviation Historical Society's monthly meeting at Creve Coeur Airport. More info at their website: http://moavhist.org/
Later.
12 September 2013
Rain, Work, and a Model Show to Prepare For
Last Saturday night (7 Sept.), I refereed three youth soccer matches at Lou Fusz Complex in Maryland Heights, Missouri. These were all under-12s, and they went well, with no real problems encountered. The next morning, I was at the SLYSA Complex in St. Charles, Missouri for a four-game set, but when I arrived, I found that the two morning games were called off due to the rain that was falling and lightning in the vicinity. I stayed for about an hour, shooting the breeze with colleagues, when we got word that all games that day were called off.
So, a downer, but at least I could get some stuff done at home. For one, I painted an aircraft model I'm finishing for this Saturday's IPMS Gateway to the West Invitational. It's a 1:144 scale DC-4 in American Airlines colors., and the model will go to the club's 1:144 scale aircraft display at the show. I got the decals on today and will have final assembly (such as landing gears) done tomorrow night. I'm really looking forward to the show, at the Holiday Inn Route 66 (formerly the Viking) in Sunset Hills, Missouri. Show info at http://www.ipms-gateway.com/Gateway2013.html. Hope to see you there!
Back to work Monday and Tuesday at the car rental location. A new vehicle prep person joined us this week, and I'll be changing my work shifts next week to Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (from Monday, Tuesday, and Friday), plus every other Saturday morning. Rather calm after a frantic Monday morning, but it's been fine.
Yesterday (11 September), my first off day this week, I got the oil changed on my Corolla, deposited a couple of checks, and had a lunch date in downtown St. Louis. I had a light lunch with Leslie, a gal I met last month at the make 'n take IPMS/Gateway ran at the All-American Hot Rod Show at Gateway Motorsports Park. Leslie and I chatted together for nearly an hour, and we had a wonderful time. Looks like we'll be meeting in person again soon. Stay tuned.
Last night, I refereed two under-13 boys' games at Sportport in Maryland Heights, Missouri. They went well, although I did have to work hard in my middle to keep it under control in the second half. Fortunately, it ended well and I was quite happy with my job that night.
My next post will include my report on the IPMS/Gateway show. Later.
So, a downer, but at least I could get some stuff done at home. For one, I painted an aircraft model I'm finishing for this Saturday's IPMS Gateway to the West Invitational. It's a 1:144 scale DC-4 in American Airlines colors., and the model will go to the club's 1:144 scale aircraft display at the show. I got the decals on today and will have final assembly (such as landing gears) done tomorrow night. I'm really looking forward to the show, at the Holiday Inn Route 66 (formerly the Viking) in Sunset Hills, Missouri. Show info at http://www.ipms-gateway.com/Gateway2013.html. Hope to see you there!
Back to work Monday and Tuesday at the car rental location. A new vehicle prep person joined us this week, and I'll be changing my work shifts next week to Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (from Monday, Tuesday, and Friday), plus every other Saturday morning. Rather calm after a frantic Monday morning, but it's been fine.
Yesterday (11 September), my first off day this week, I got the oil changed on my Corolla, deposited a couple of checks, and had a lunch date in downtown St. Louis. I had a light lunch with Leslie, a gal I met last month at the make 'n take IPMS/Gateway ran at the All-American Hot Rod Show at Gateway Motorsports Park. Leslie and I chatted together for nearly an hour, and we had a wonderful time. Looks like we'll be meeting in person again soon. Stay tuned.
Last night, I refereed two under-13 boys' games at Sportport in Maryland Heights, Missouri. They went well, although I did have to work hard in my middle to keep it under control in the second half. Fortunately, it ended well and I was quite happy with my job that night.
My next post will include my report on the IPMS/Gateway show. Later.
07 September 2013
Getting Through a Hot Labor Day Weekend on the Pitch
Last weekend was a hot one, with temperatures going up into the 90s F, and the heat indices (heat plus humidity) up towards 100 degrees F. Not a good one to be outside, yet I was. Last Saturday (31 Aug.), I worked that morning at the car rental place, getting vehicles prepped for rental and taking customers to and from our branch. After a brief stop at home after work, I was at the SLYSA Complex in St. Charles for my first three game assignments in the Gallagher Friendlies tournament. I worked three matches, with my middle in the first one, an under-18 girls match. The match times for this tournament were reduced (no more an 35 minute halves), and we called water breaks midway through each half. The games went well and my colleagues and I stayed hydrated. Our last game was cut short by lightning in the vicinity; both teams' coaches did not want to wait 30 minutes to resume play.
I was back at the SLYSA Complex the next day (1 Sept.) for three more games in this tournament. They went well, although I was feeling it in my legs during the last game of the set. I started to cramp up in my calves, and I feared I might not be able to finish the game, but fortunately the cramps did not persist and I got through the game fine. (I was dealing with a sore heel all weekend long, which did slow me down a bit, and a sore stubbed toe on Sunday.) After both days' games, I made sure to drink plenty of water, and this did help as I did not feel any cramps on Sunday night.
Monday (2 Sept.)--the Labor Day Holiday here in the USA--I spent at home, recovering from the weekend. I didn't feel like going out that day. It was a day off from work--the car rental place was closed.
Back to work on Tuesday (3 Sept.), with a busy morning due to all the returns from the weekend, plus a few folks needing rentals that day. After work, I was at the Thornhill Branch Library in Creve Coeur to run the IPMS/St. Louis meeting. Only two others attended; I believe this was due to the holiday the day before. I did give a talk on World War II Soviet aircraft colors and markings, which was well received by those in attendance.
Off work Wednesday, I got some personal stuff done, as well as edited items for the upcoming issue of Naturally Autistic Magazine. Back at work Thursday at the car rental firm, I also worked Friday and this morning. Usually, I don't do back-to-back Saturdays, but I am this time because I will be off next Saturday (14 Sept.) for the IPMS Gateway Invitational at the Holiday Inn Route 66 in Sunset Hills, Missouri. Looking forward to this show. I should have a model done in time for the club display there. More show info at http://www.ipms-gateway.com/Gateway2013.html. Hope to see you there!
I'm refereeing games tonight and tomorrow. Talk to you soon.
Later.
I was back at the SLYSA Complex the next day (1 Sept.) for three more games in this tournament. They went well, although I was feeling it in my legs during the last game of the set. I started to cramp up in my calves, and I feared I might not be able to finish the game, but fortunately the cramps did not persist and I got through the game fine. (I was dealing with a sore heel all weekend long, which did slow me down a bit, and a sore stubbed toe on Sunday.) After both days' games, I made sure to drink plenty of water, and this did help as I did not feel any cramps on Sunday night.
Monday (2 Sept.)--the Labor Day Holiday here in the USA--I spent at home, recovering from the weekend. I didn't feel like going out that day. It was a day off from work--the car rental place was closed.
Back to work on Tuesday (3 Sept.), with a busy morning due to all the returns from the weekend, plus a few folks needing rentals that day. After work, I was at the Thornhill Branch Library in Creve Coeur to run the IPMS/St. Louis meeting. Only two others attended; I believe this was due to the holiday the day before. I did give a talk on World War II Soviet aircraft colors and markings, which was well received by those in attendance.
Off work Wednesday, I got some personal stuff done, as well as edited items for the upcoming issue of Naturally Autistic Magazine. Back at work Thursday at the car rental firm, I also worked Friday and this morning. Usually, I don't do back-to-back Saturdays, but I am this time because I will be off next Saturday (14 Sept.) for the IPMS Gateway Invitational at the Holiday Inn Route 66 in Sunset Hills, Missouri. Looking forward to this show. I should have a model done in time for the club display there. More show info at http://www.ipms-gateway.com/Gateway2013.html. Hope to see you there!
I'm refereeing games tonight and tomorrow. Talk to you soon.
Later.
29 August 2013
Helping Make a World of Difference
Last weekend saw me at Tower Grove Park in St. Louis working as a volunteer with the Festival of Nations. This is an annual multicultural festival presented by the International Institute of St. Louis, an organization which helps immigrants settle into this area. Late Saturday afternoon (24 August), I helped at a drinks booth, taking money and passing out beverages: soda, beer, water, and margaritas. We had plenty of business in that booth, and I'm sure the other booths did as well. The next day (25 Augus), I helped staff an information booth, assisting attendees with finding their way around the festival grounds. It was great to be of help to the organization, and I enjoyed my free time before the shifts. I checked out the music, dancing, and food booths (I had Brazilian on Saturday and Turkish on Sunday), as well as craft booths and booths from various organizations. Overall, a great time.
Working hard despite the heat, with temperatures topping 90 degrees F this week. Work as the car rental firm is going nicely, as we added a new vehicle service agent to help take some load off of me. Also been editing and proofreading from home, including proofreading a procedures manual for a friend and editing articles for the upcoming issue of Naturally Autistic magazine.
Yesterday (28 August), an off day from work, I was at the dentist for a routine visit. No real problems noted, my teeth were cleaned, and I'm good for another six months. I got some flyers for the IPMS/Gateway Invitational out to three area hobby shops later that day. The show is Sat., 14 Sept. (two weeks from this Saturday). Details at http://ipms-gateway.com.
Speaking of IPMS/Gateway, I was at the club's business meeting in Arnold, Missouri last night. We discussed the Invitational and other club business, and planned next month's club general and business meetings.
I wish my fellow Americans a happy and safe Labor Day Weekend.
Later.
Working hard despite the heat, with temperatures topping 90 degrees F this week. Work as the car rental firm is going nicely, as we added a new vehicle service agent to help take some load off of me. Also been editing and proofreading from home, including proofreading a procedures manual for a friend and editing articles for the upcoming issue of Naturally Autistic magazine.
Yesterday (28 August), an off day from work, I was at the dentist for a routine visit. No real problems noted, my teeth were cleaned, and I'm good for another six months. I got some flyers for the IPMS/Gateway Invitational out to three area hobby shops later that day. The show is Sat., 14 Sept. (two weeks from this Saturday). Details at http://ipms-gateway.com.
Speaking of IPMS/Gateway, I was at the club's business meeting in Arnold, Missouri last night. We discussed the Invitational and other club business, and planned next month's club general and business meetings.
I wish my fellow Americans a happy and safe Labor Day Weekend.
Later.
22 August 2013
A New Season Begins, and More Hard Work
Last weekend, the fall youth soccer season began, and I was back on the pitch refereeing. Great to be back on the pitch and doing what I really enjoy doing. Last Saturday (17 August), I was at the Lou Fusz Complex in Maryland Heights for three matches late that afternoon and early that night. They went well, including a under-12 boys' match I worked in the middle. No real hassles, except for one rather inexperienced team's rookie mistakes (throw in violations and goal kicks not clearing the penalty area).
Right after the game, I headed for downtown St. Louis to check in as a volunteer for the Moonlight Ramble bicycle ride. This event--the 50th--has thousands of cyclists traveling through St. Louis in the middle of the night. I was sent to a sport in Forest Park to serve as a road marshal (making sure the cyclists are following the right path and there is no traffic interference). I got on station at 11 pm, and the first cyclists appeared just after 1 am. For the better part of the next hour, there were thousands of cyclists passing through, with several expressing their thanks for me being there. I usually replied: "My pleasure!" While this was going on, I also had a AAA roadside assistance person working on my battery, which I ran down while sitting in my car. I was able to get a replacement battery installed and was able to start my car with no problem.
After a bit of sleep at home, I was at the Scott Gallagher Complex in Maryland Heights for three more matches. I had a middle in under-13 girls that was rather excited late in the match with a player going down hurt after colliding with the opposing goalkeeper, and a penalty kick on a foul a few minutes later. Still, the game ended well, so I'm happy. Not so happy, though, was the muggy weather, which caused me to have leg cramps.
Work has been going well at the car rental firm, with me adding some work hours this week. Yesterday, I applied online for a full time position with the firm as a technical writer. Will keep you posted on that application's status. (Thanks to a friend who found the opening and passed that on to me.)
Back to soccer refereeing: Last Monday night (19 Aug.), I attended the monthly soccer referee clinic, which had a discussion of recent game situations and tips for effective refereeing. The next might, IPMS/Gateway met at Calvary Presbyterian Church. We had a good turnout for the Model of the Month "beauty contest" (31 model entries), plus discussion about what contest judges look for in models.
Later.
Right after the game, I headed for downtown St. Louis to check in as a volunteer for the Moonlight Ramble bicycle ride. This event--the 50th--has thousands of cyclists traveling through St. Louis in the middle of the night. I was sent to a sport in Forest Park to serve as a road marshal (making sure the cyclists are following the right path and there is no traffic interference). I got on station at 11 pm, and the first cyclists appeared just after 1 am. For the better part of the next hour, there were thousands of cyclists passing through, with several expressing their thanks for me being there. I usually replied: "My pleasure!" While this was going on, I also had a AAA roadside assistance person working on my battery, which I ran down while sitting in my car. I was able to get a replacement battery installed and was able to start my car with no problem.
After a bit of sleep at home, I was at the Scott Gallagher Complex in Maryland Heights for three more matches. I had a middle in under-13 girls that was rather excited late in the match with a player going down hurt after colliding with the opposing goalkeeper, and a penalty kick on a foul a few minutes later. Still, the game ended well, so I'm happy. Not so happy, though, was the muggy weather, which caused me to have leg cramps.
Work has been going well at the car rental firm, with me adding some work hours this week. Yesterday, I applied online for a full time position with the firm as a technical writer. Will keep you posted on that application's status. (Thanks to a friend who found the opening and passed that on to me.)
Back to soccer refereeing: Last Monday night (19 Aug.), I attended the monthly soccer referee clinic, which had a discussion of recent game situations and tips for effective refereeing. The next might, IPMS/Gateway met at Calvary Presbyterian Church. We had a good turnout for the Model of the Month "beauty contest" (31 model entries), plus discussion about what contest judges look for in models.
Later.
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