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.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
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
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
- Seems to wanna hurt by Donna the Buffalo
- Angry Words by Willy Porter
- Give me Shelter by the Rolling Stones
- Anything by Bob Dylan
- Same for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin
- The Shins
- Muse
- Greatest Man that Ever Lived by Weezer
- Also My name is Jonas
- Possum Kingdom by the Toadies
- Highway Chile, Castles made of Sand, Cross Town Traffic, etc. by Jimi Hendrix
- Pig by Dave Matthews
- Animal by the Neon Trees
- 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins (Really anything by them)
- Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus
- Jalopy Style by Citizen King
- White Stripes
- Sublime (self titled album and Forty Ounces to Freedom)
- Mason Jennings
Friday, January 21, 2011
Learning to love coffee again...
So I recently realized a few things about myself:
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.
- I spend a lot of money on caffeine related drinks (e.g., pop, crystal light energy)
- I am fairly incapable of functioning with out caffeine.
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.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
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.
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, January 9, 2011
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