One lonely donkey...

Every week I drive two of my dogs Murphy and Gus-Gus to doggy daycare.

Gus-Gus

Murphy

Yes I said it, we take our dogs to "Doggy Daycare". They love it and I am not ashamed to admit we do this. However, this post is not about that. It is about the donkey I see on my way there and back. He lives on a farm in a stable with some horses. However, he is always by himself in the corner. I imagine the other horses don't appreciate the finer qualities inherent to Mr. Apples (that is what I named the donkey). The other plausible explanation is that the donkey is totally happy to be by himself in the corner. Either way, I really appreciate Mr. Apples, he makes my Wednesday. Here are some pictures of him. I hope you enjoy!

He is on the right.

A bigger picture of his home.

Part-time summer fun or Under qualified pizza making.

So, this summer I procured a summer job to make extra money. It is at a take & bake pizza place (not Papa Murphy's). It has been fun. I won't lie, there are days I wonder what I am doing there. But, I get free pizza and get to explore my culinary side. Here are some fun and interesting things I have made when we have been slow.

My attempt at a Chicago style deep dish pizza

Deep fried brat. Small pizza crust, sauerkraut, onion, cheddar, jalapeno all rolled up and deep fried!

Mustard on top

Delicious

My friend Cody makes the worlds smallest pep trio

Pre-cooked

Cody's hand for reference

Cody's Iphone for reference

Cooked to perfection!

On the topic of college teaching

I took a brief hiatus from blogging. Why? I was prepping and teaching college courses. I am done teaching for the summer. The courses I taught this summer were great, however, I had forgotten how much work prepping and teaching a course can be. In addition, the two courses I taught this summer were graduate level, so these courses were different in structure than the 100 level undergrad courses I had previously taught (more in-depth content, I also feel like I need to be exceptionally prepared to discuss topics at a deep level with students for them to get the most out of the course).

Teaching university courses is an odd concept. To teach children k-12 you need a degree, "x" amount of hours of supervised teaching, etc. At a university you just need a vote of confidence from a department head, and probably a master's degree. Elaine and I have had in-depth conversations (well, as in-depth as our conversations go) about the fact that we were never really taught how to teach college courses. I think the prevailing idea is, if you know enough about a subject you will be able to effectively teach about it. The first course I taught at a university was set up as a "Co-taught" course. Alas, after the first week my teaching buddy went into labor and I did not see her until the end of the semester. With one swift shot of early labor the proverbial training wheels were ripped from my teaching bike. It was scary, but I got through it.

I am not so sure that the above mentioned "theory" works. Elaine has had not "real" training in teaching college students, but is a great professors. She won a teaching excellence award a year ago. I don't know if I am a "great" instructor, but I do my best to 1) Cover the course content; 2) Make the content interesting to learn (avoiding death by power point). Sometimes I feel like I do well, other times....well you learn what doesn't work.

I am thinking college teaching is one of those things you can only get better at with age, like a fine wine (I tell Elaine I get better with age, she laughs, I assume that means she agrees). I am currently in the process of prepping for my 3 fall courses, one of which is a summer course I taught. I am excited to throw out what didn't work and add in stuff that I think will make the course better.

Well that is it. Let me know your thoughts, help me out. What did you like in your college courses? What didn't you? What would you do if you were a professor? What wouldn't you? What has worked for you? What hasn't worked for you?  

On the topic of ten year reunions...

So, I missed my ten year reunion this weekend. Ok, if I am being 100% honest (which I am not sure is the best policy like I was told as a small child), you could say I skipped it. One of the graduate courses I teach had weekend sessions (that later got significantly shortened), but I am sure I could have found a way to get to Newton in time.

I don't really know why I wasn't excited to go to my reunion. In general, I got along with almost everyone in my high school and really harbor no ill will towards anyone. My parents still live in my home town, so I would have had a place to say. I was just sort of ambivalent towards it.

In a way I am like that about a lot of things. I dread doing just about anything in social settings with people I haven't seen for awhile. I get anxious, I wonder if I am going to do/say something dumb, I am concerned about how people will perceive me, and generally stress myself out. I have no idea why. I would like to say I have some deep seeded memory where I was mocked in a large social group, or that I was publicly humiliated like Carrie. 

But, nothing like that has ever happened. Even more interestingly, I don't get nervous giving presentations to peers, teaching college students, or even on job interviews. I just really get nervous when I am faced with interacting with people I know and like, that I haven't talked to for awhile. I see someone I haven't talked to for awhile in the grocery store and I get nervous. It is weird, I know.

Past experience has told me that I usually have an absolutely great time when talking to people from my past, or interacting in groups. Who knows?

Is there a point to this? Not really. This seems to be a theme with my blogs lately. I am happy to hear that everyone had a great time. I guess maybe that will be motivation enough for me to buck up and go to my 15.

On the topic of birthdays

Yesterday was my birthday, I am 29 years of age. I don't really understand the deal with birthdays. People seem to think on their birthday everyone needs to be nice to them. In addition, they think it is a license to do whatever they want (like diplomatic immunity). Personally, I would much rather people are nice to me for 2 minutes a day all year, but that is just me. It is not that I dislike birthdays, it is just that I don't understand the big deal once you are past the age of 12. I think you should get to celebrate birthdays 1-12, 18, 21, 50, 100, and all birthday's after (I am sure I stole this idea from somebody, I am not saying it is my original idea). It would make them more meaningful. However, this is not a blog complaining about birthdays. In the spirit of remembering the past 29 years of my life, I decided I would put into words some of my most memorable birthday events.

Best Birthday Present
This is a tie. The car I got when I was 16 ranks up there (1986 Cutlass Supreme with a lift kit and rally rims).I just remember how amazing it was to me that I was free to drive wherever I wanted. I could come and go as I pleased, do whatever I wanted! My first trip, Maid-Rite with Melissa Moore (I was sure this care was going to open up a whole dating scene for me). Also, I did not have a provisional license (I made it under the cut off by 1 month), so I was unleashed on the fine community of Newton with no strings attached. I would like to say that car opened up a ton of doors socially for me (specifically with the ladies), but alas, I was still an awkward over weight teen (I have only marginally shook the awkward stuff), though much more mobile. However, that care treated me well for 2 years and I still smile when a see an Cutlass with a high school kid in it. I hope they enjoy their car as much as I enjoyed my first.

The other great present I got was our dog Murphy (I was 25 I believe). Murphy is a mutt from the shelter and is one of the more interesting dogs I have ever came across. He is high strung, needy, and has an ear-splitting beagle bay. I love that dog. Even though he can get annoying, we can all agree it is great to be needed.  Also, I swear his coat is made of velvet (he is a pleasure to pet).

Worst Birthday Present
One year my great grandma gave me a Barney bank, I was 13, enough said.

Best Birthday Party

I wish I could say it was my 21st or 18th birthday, but I have had a history of lackluster "parties" on my adult birthdays (more on that in "worst" birthday parties). But, the best party I can remember was my 10th birthday party. I got to invite like 15 friends. I remember I got a ton of great presents,which really is 90% of what a good birthday is when you are young. We played pin the nunchuck on Michelangelo (the ninja turtle), my dad actually drew and cut out Michelangelo and the nunchucks. Then my parents orchestrated a water gun fight in the basement. My family did not have a lot of money growing up, so I think this was their way of giving me a great birthday party on a shoe string (it was amazing).  Somewhere there is VHS of that party, I think it would be fun to watch. 

Worst Birthday Party
 This one is super easy. My 21st birthday I was working in Larchwood Iowa, running a summer day camp. Somehow (I am still not sure how this got worked) I ended up living with a 65 year old bachelor farmer. This gentleman didn't drink, or talk, or really even like me, but he lived in what I consider a haunted house (a tale for another time). As you can assume from the story, I knew no one in town and "Jeb" was not up for a raucous 21st birthday. So I did what any newly minted 21 year old, self-respecting college student would do, I ended up buying a 12 pack of Schlitz (the only thing they had at the gas station in Larchwood, Iowa) and drinking it in my room in his haunted house. It may be the sadist 21st of all time. On the upside, this did begin my love-affair with Schlitz and drinking by myself.  

Conclusions
 I really wish I had some grand thought to pull this blog together. I don't. I guess, maybe I should just say thank you for all the kind messages my friends have sent me over the last few days. Thank you, it means a lot. Maybe in a year (when I am the big 3-0) I will be a year wiser and a able to write a big life lesson about birthdays. Or, maybe next year I will get a make up for the 21st birthday I never got. Who knows? I got a whole year ahead of me to anticipate.

Bill

The Butler should have done it....

I am keeping up with my once a month blogging quota! I refuse to start off blogs with, "So I have written anything for awhile."

Elaine and I have been enamored with the NCAA tournament the last few weeks. It is by far Elaine's favorite sporting event, and I must confess, I don't mind it too much either. I was bummed that Butler couldn't pull it off. I was really hoping they were going to get over the hump. However, I feel as if they imparted a good life lesson during the championship game. That lesson being; sometimes, you can't hit the toilet no matter how hard you try. For anyone who watched Butler attempt to make baskets, you were painfully privy to what I am talking about.

In other news, I (and several colleagues) presented at the National Training Institute this weekend. It was a big honor to present with some of the best known people in the field of social emotional development (e.g., Phil Strain, Barbara Smith, Lise Fox, Mary-Louis Hemmetar, to name a few). The work they do surrounding effective interventions for children with challenging behaviors and promoting social emotional development is simply amazing. Our session was well attended and we got good feedback. Unfortunately, it was in Florida during a week of rain. As a result, I did not get much time in the sun and am still rather white.

Finally, I am working diligently (expect for right now when I am blogging) on getting my summer course ready. It is in a topic I have never taught, so I feel like I need to over prepare. What is that saying, "Fail to prepare, prepare to fail." In addition, it will be the first time I have taught graduate students, so I will be interested in how that plays into teaching. I think they will enjoy the course.

That is it, until next time.

I am back in Iowa, it is spring, this is what is on my mind....

As Spring approaches I would like to make my yearly plea/public service announcement to weather forecasters in Iowa.

Here it goes:

Dear Iowa weather forecasters;
I have lived in Iowa for most of my life. I understand the dangers of tornadoes. You only need to break into your fine programing (The Bachelor, The Middle, Parenthood, etc.) once to warn me there may be a tornado in the area (no need to tell me that a tornado is "possible", I can discern that myself). In addition, you are allowed to inform me one more time if (and only if) the tornado is within 15 feet of my house (these messages should be kept to less than 10 seconds). If you do not choose to offer the second warning, I will not hold you accountable. Finally, there is really no need to break into your prime-time broadcasting to let me know that it is: raining, thundering, misting, windy, or the sunset is a slight shade of green.

Sincerely,
Bill Henninger

I've been going through changes...

This will be an extremely quick post because, I have somewhere to be. However, I felt I should get pack on the posting wagon. I have gotten great news in the last few weeks, my boss informed me my physical presence was no longer necessary in Denver.

Meaning....that I get to move home in two weeks! I will fullfill the rest of my obligations for my postdoc at distance (utilizing Skype, email, and flying back when needed). It is exciting to be going home and to have the challenge of the my last few months be conducted via distance technology.

As for now, I am frantically packing/throwing away stuff for the move. I sold my bed on Criag's list for a cool $50. The next two weeks I will be sleeping on an air mattress. I would sleep on an air mattress for the next 3 years if it meant moving back with my wife and our pets. 

Bill

The Rolling Stones gather no moss.... (alternate title: Not so Tangled-Up in Blue)

It would be a lie to say I am back to feeling like my normal self. I am much better than I was a week ago. But, I am still trying to get my "groove" back. I have been making pretty good progress on all of the items I put forth in my blog a week ago. I have turned in my second article to my co-author and am waiting on her to give me feedback. I also have some prospects on the part-time job front (one as a coordinator for bar trivia, the other raising money for non-profits). I am also making great progress on major project stuff related to my post-doc. So, I am keeping active, which I think is pretty important.

However this blog is less about that and more about something else I have been doing to get out of my funk. And that is, Groove Shark. What is Groove Shark you might ask? Well, it is an online music streaming site (think Pandora). But unlike Pandora, you can pick your songs at Groove Shark without having to purchase the upgraded version. My friend Stimpy's comment, "Mind = Blown."

You may be saying to yourself, "certainly their song selection is limited if they are just giving it away for free." I have yet to stump the Shark. It is impressive to say the least.

So how does this all tie in? Well, music makes me happy and it gets me going when I don't feel like...going. On the days where I have felt the most down, I have always been able to improve my mood a little bit by turning on some music. It doesn't fix my home sickness, but it certainly has helped more than I would suspect.  I hope it does the same for you.

P.S. If you are looking for suggestions

1. Seems to wanna hurt by Donna the Buffalo
2. Angry Words by Willy Porter
3. Give me Shelter by the Rolling Stones
4. Anything by Bob Dylan
5. Same for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin 
6. The Shins
7. Muse
8. Greatest Man that Ever Lived by Weezer
9. Also My name is Jonas
10. Possum Kingdom by the Toadies
11. Highway Chile, Castles made of Sand, Cross Town Traffic, etc. by Jimi Hendrix
12. Pig by Dave Matthews
13. Animal by the Neon Trees
14. 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins (Really anything by them)
15. Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus
16. Jalopy Style by Citizen King
17. White Stripes
18. Sublime (self titled album and Forty Ounces to Freedom)
19. Mason Jennings

What did I miss?

Learning to love coffee again...

So I recently realized a few things about myself:

1. I spend a lot of money on caffeine related drinks (e.g., pop, crystal light energy)
2. I am fairly incapable of functioning with out caffeine.

Why does this matter? Well I decided on my way back from Iowa that I should quick drinking caffeine to save money and be more healthy. It did not work out well at all. I crashed like the Hindenburg. I had been drinking a crystal light energy everyone morning and like 4 -12 ounce cans a day. It was an ill-conceived plan.

After my horrible failed experience I decided I would tweak my approach. I decided to compromise. I am attempting to drink less caffeine, however I am allowing myself coffee (as long as I make it or get it from my apartment building). I have always loved coffee. Since I went to Ireland I had been a daily coffee drinker, until I discovered crystal light energy. Almost all the way through college (undergrad) I only drank coffee as my soul source of caffeine. I don't know when I transitioned from coffee to crystal light and pop.  Even in grad school I was the en-actor of  our departmental coffee hour. Usually "coffee hour" was me sitting by myself drinking coffee in the lounge while a majority of my friends made excuse for not coming (except Jay Peck, Nancy Peck, and Molly Luchtel).

The good news about my new coffee rule is that my apartment allows me all the free coffee I can drink! It is pretty good coffee too! So, that is the big news in my life. Like I posted last time, I had been feeling really down last week. I think when you are down it is the little things you have to focus on that make you happy. So, for now I am enjoying my coffee.

Wishin' time would fly faster...

I generally try to make this blog as upbeat and fun as possible. I feel like there are plenty of people in the world that would love to tell you all about their problems and suck the joy out of you. However, I have to admit my last week was pretty rough. A good amount of stuff happened, but the crux of the situation is that I miss my wife, my dogs, my home, and all the comforts associated with it. I am not sure I have ever felt so home sick in my life. I spent most of my week attempting to work and really feeling like it was a horrible uphill trudge.

So, I have decided today that the pitty party must end. I am not in a place to pack up and leave, nor am I willing to. I do enjoy my job and feel I am gaining valuable experience, so I want to see it through. Also, I am extremely fortunate to have the position I do. It has already opened a large amount of doors for in my future career. So, I need to make a plan, set some goals, and hopefully the time will move quickly (fingers crossed).

I am not sure exactly when I get to move back, it will be sometime early to mid-June. So, I have decided that I am going to retool my life a bit and try to make the time fly by keeping myself busy. First off, I will know how long I have:

-


Wedding-Countdowns

-My mother and sister are coming in early Feb. so I have that to look forward to.

-I have heard it will be getting hiking worthy soon, so I would like to hike once a week when the weather gets nice.

-Next, I am setting a goal to have 3 manuscripts submitted for publication by the time I leave. I already have 2 that are getting pretty close. I have an idea for another that I should be able to get ready fairly quickly.

-Next, I need to finish/write a policy brief.

-My postdoc colleagues and myself are working on a book, so that will take up some of my time and we are presenting at NTI, so we need to get that ready.

-I am planning to have some job interviews in the next month or two, so that will take a few days up a week (Gus and Alice will get a lot of "Amanda" time).

-And I am planning to go home to see Elaine in March for Spring break.

-Finally, I am currently looking for a part-time job (bar-tending or waiter nights and weekends). Anyone in Denver who reads this blog and has any leads please let me know.

When I see the amount of days and what all I can work on, it doesn't seem so daunting! I am hoping it continues to be this way. I will report back later.

Sunday, study Sunday...

What will I be doing this Sunday????

Transition offense...

I do not have anything earth shattering to write about, just a funny story to share and my thoughts on it. Last night my wife and I were watching the Bachelor (insert manliness joke hear, I can take it) and the following comment ensued:

Me: That girls has got some pipes (muscular arms).
Elaine: Mine are going to look like that pretty soon, I am working my arms.
Me: Really, you just lifting your arms or doing some other stuff too?
Elaine: Just lifting, should I be doing other things?
Me: I don't know hunny (pause), have you seen my arms? I am not sure I am in a place to give advice.
Elaine: (laughs)(nods head in agreement).

I tell this story for a few reasons.
1). I thought it was pretty funny.
2). One of the topics I taught in my university classes was that relationships (especially marriages) are not stagnant. They develop and change much like a growing person does. Later I asked myself if Elaine would have laughed and I would have been able to not take offense to her laugh 3 years ago (when Elaine and I just got married) or 6 years ago (when Elaine and I just started dating) . I am not so sure it would have went down the same way. I am suspicious she would have said something like, "No hunny your arms are great." Also, if she hadn't given me some positive feedback, I may have been annoyed about it.

I think this story is a good depiction of how relationships change. I believe (and am backed up by some research) that as you progress through a relationship some of the passion begins to transition into a sense of comfort and contentment with the relationship you have with a significant other. As a result, you understand that even if your partner is not consistently giving you kudos on your physical appearance, you are being complimented in other ways, like knowing what your favorite drink order is a Starbucks or doing their best to be interested in something you are interested in (for women this usually revolves around feigning interest in obscure sports).

This was always a tough topic to explain to 18-22 year old students, because it is something that is hard to experience, but easy to recognize when it happens. It also is a bit scary to think the passion that we all feel when we start dating someone we are into, will eventually be replaced (some more than other) by other feelings. However, I think there is something to be said for this shift in emotions. It is great, comforting, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I hope everyone experiences it someday so they know what I am talking about.

Ok, that is enough of my sappy ramblings. I hope everyone is having a great New Year. I leave you with one of my favorite songs about needing love.