Hello from the road!
So this is my first full week of travel for the fall 2007 season. This year it was a little different as I left home. Usually, I would have taken my dog, Abigail Amos (get it, Amos and Andy) to my parent’s house so they could dog-sit while I was out. This year, she stayed home. Why, because my wonderful fiancée would be there to take care of her. That is great, right? It is, but I didn’t know how tough it would be to leave Erin, my fiancée, to set out on a week of travel. We did it all the time when we were dating. We wouldn’t see each other for two or three weeks sometimes. But this was the first time in at least six months that we wouldn’t see each other for an extended period of time. I was sad, and a little apprehensive to leave, but then ONE OF THOSE THINGS happened that just makes you smile and realize that everything will be all right…Actually, better than all right.
Erin had surprised me with a travel care package. It brought back memories of the care packages I would receive from my parents during finals week at Simpson. She packed me up in the “red rocket” (see previous blog for details about my experience with the Kia) with everything from a lifetime supply of Starbursts to cough drops as I had lost my voice the weekend before my departure. It was ONE OF THOSE THINGS that was very sweet of her and it made me smile, and realize, that everything would be A-OK.
So I was driving along from my first school to the second, and I looked out at a stretch of cornfield. It was absolutely gorgeous. Yeah, I know, it sounds corny-but it really was corn, so I can be as corny as I want to be! The corn had already turned a beautiful gold and rays of sun were peaking through storm clouds making the stalks glow in contrast to the darkening sky. It was one of those moments that you felt a great deal of peace and it was ONE OF THOSE THINGS that makes you smile and know things were great with your world.
And another realization that I had today was ONE OF THOSE THINGS that helped me grasp just why I love the road. Although I miss being at home with my fiancée and the dog, I found that as I start my third year of admissions counseling, I have made numerous friends. These friends are the guidance counselors of northwest Iowa. I enjoy catching up with them and seeing how their year is going. The stories of TP’ed trees during homecoming week and the impromptu classes that they have had to cover are great. They make me smile, and make me realize that admissions counseling is a career that connects you with many people. Not just students, families of students, but also counselors, secretaries, the people that run your favorite diner in Hartley, IA and many many more. It is travel season, and travel season is just ONE OF THOSE THINGS that makes me smile!
So as you go from day to day, take the time to enjoy ONE OF THOSE THINGS. Actually, take the time to enjoy ALL OF THOSE THINGS because even though they may be small, they are what make life worth living and put a smile on your face!
I miss you Erin and Abi-I'll be home soon! :)
GO STORM!
Andy
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Andy and the “Red Rocket” Adventure
Is anyone up for a good laugh? Well, do I have a story to tell you.
Travel season official began this past Monday for me, and I was very excited to get back to my road warrior ways. Typically, I would get up, grab my coffee and head to my “big ‘ol truck”, but this day was a LITTLE different. Notice the emphasis on LITTLE. Instead of my “o so spacious, I could fit a couch and TV in here” truck, I embarked on my mission in my fiancée’s Kia Spectra. The Spectra is a great car, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t think that they were built for 6 foot, long-legged, gangly men like me! I kid you not, my knees were above the steering wheel-I wish I had a picture!
So I was cramped in a small car, that isn’t THAT funny, right? Well, here is where the story gets good. I have always grown up driving automatics. Yup, just slam her into gear and we’re off! Welllllllll, the Kia, which I have now officially named “the red rocket” (it is Dr. Pepper red), is a stick.
I know how to drive a stick, (like how to use the clutch and gears) but I just don’t have much practice with the whole deal. When I say not much practice, I mean this was the third time I had ever driven a stick outside of the Fareway parking lot! Like usual, I had a great deal of jerky, but this time I didn’t have the kind you buy in a bag at a store that is flavored like Teriyaki. You get the picture. Who knew that something that looked so simple would give me such a headache (literally-I think I have whiplash)!
So the rest of travel season I will be taking the “red rocket”. I am starting to get the hang of the stop and go with the stick. I find that I love learning something new every day. I would say that learning to drive a stick is a challenge for me, but something that I really am glad that I am doing.
I can’t wait to get back out onto the road this next week. Just visiting with students in my first few high schools this past Monday reminded me of why I love my job. First, I meet new people each day. Second, I get to show my pride for Simpson. And third, I am helping students with their college search and presenting them with the opportunities that I had while I was here at Simpson.
There may be a few speed bumps on my traveled-way including a “sticky”-clutch, a car made for a person a foot shorter than myself, or even the occasion “I’m lost” moment. These are the things that make every day unique and exciting. I love the speed bumps, because they are what make the long, smooth road fun and interesting. Driving a stick and killing the Kia a few times made for a good laugh and nothing beats a good laugh, right? Well, maybe my karaoke rendition of “For the Longest Time” being screamed at the top of my lungs while approaching my second school of the year. Oh man-it was AWESOME!
So today I leave you with this…don’t allow yourself to take the safe, long and straight road. Instead, take a detour on a risky, winding and interesting road. The destination will definitely be worth it!
GO STORM---Andy
Travel season official began this past Monday for me, and I was very excited to get back to my road warrior ways. Typically, I would get up, grab my coffee and head to my “big ‘ol truck”, but this day was a LITTLE different. Notice the emphasis on LITTLE. Instead of my “o so spacious, I could fit a couch and TV in here” truck, I embarked on my mission in my fiancée’s Kia Spectra. The Spectra is a great car, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t think that they were built for 6 foot, long-legged, gangly men like me! I kid you not, my knees were above the steering wheel-I wish I had a picture!
So I was cramped in a small car, that isn’t THAT funny, right? Well, here is where the story gets good. I have always grown up driving automatics. Yup, just slam her into gear and we’re off! Welllllllll, the Kia, which I have now officially named “the red rocket” (it is Dr. Pepper red), is a stick.
I know how to drive a stick, (like how to use the clutch and gears) but I just don’t have much practice with the whole deal. When I say not much practice, I mean this was the third time I had ever driven a stick outside of the Fareway parking lot! Like usual, I had a great deal of jerky, but this time I didn’t have the kind you buy in a bag at a store that is flavored like Teriyaki. You get the picture. Who knew that something that looked so simple would give me such a headache (literally-I think I have whiplash)!
So the rest of travel season I will be taking the “red rocket”. I am starting to get the hang of the stop and go with the stick. I find that I love learning something new every day. I would say that learning to drive a stick is a challenge for me, but something that I really am glad that I am doing.
I can’t wait to get back out onto the road this next week. Just visiting with students in my first few high schools this past Monday reminded me of why I love my job. First, I meet new people each day. Second, I get to show my pride for Simpson. And third, I am helping students with their college search and presenting them with the opportunities that I had while I was here at Simpson.
There may be a few speed bumps on my traveled-way including a “sticky”-clutch, a car made for a person a foot shorter than myself, or even the occasion “I’m lost” moment. These are the things that make every day unique and exciting. I love the speed bumps, because they are what make the long, smooth road fun and interesting. Driving a stick and killing the Kia a few times made for a good laugh and nothing beats a good laugh, right? Well, maybe my karaoke rendition of “For the Longest Time” being screamed at the top of my lungs while approaching my second school of the year. Oh man-it was AWESOME!
So today I leave you with this…don’t allow yourself to take the safe, long and straight road. Instead, take a detour on a risky, winding and interesting road. The destination will definitely be worth it!
GO STORM---Andy
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Division III athletics…for the love of the game!
Early mornings…late nights…35 degree weather…SNOW on the greens…95 degree weather…90% humidity…to many of you this does not sound like fun at all. Instead, it sounds like as much fun as getting tossed into hell's inferno. To me, this meant opportunity; the opportunity to play the game I love, golf, at the collegiate level.
As many of you know, Simpson College is an NCAA Division III school. This means that we have official NCAA athletics, but no athletic scholarship available. To some, this is a turn-off. To me, it meant the chance to play the game I love, for the love of the game; NOT FOR THE LOVE OF THE MONEY.
This is the same for all athletic teams at Simpson. When the football team lines up on the field, they are playing for the guys to their right and to their left. They are not there for just themselves and the fact that they have to play to help pay their way to the NFL (or Canadian League, or European League, or Arena Football League, or as in a lot of Division I cases, the real world-WITHOUT A DEGREE!)
My golf experience at Simpson was one that I will never forget. Last night, I found myself at the course talking with coach. He was in the process of preparing for a tournament that begins today. I was sad, I wanted to go along. I wanted to feel the pressure of that first tee shot with the gallery watching. I miss the days of competing and challenging myself on the course. Many of my competitors became my friends; friends that I still keep in touch with as we have moved on to our professional careers.
The early mornings, and the numerous rounds of rain-soaked golf were sometimes frustrating during the season, but looking back, I wish I could just take one more walk around a course of perfectly manicured holes of pure serenity with my fellow IIAC competitors.
This is an excerpt that I found on the internet from a fellow Division III athlete, Sean Sornsin. It truly represents what Division III athletes are about:
As many of you know, Simpson College is an NCAA Division III school. This means that we have official NCAA athletics, but no athletic scholarship available. To some, this is a turn-off. To me, it meant the chance to play the game I love, for the love of the game; NOT FOR THE LOVE OF THE MONEY.
This is the same for all athletic teams at Simpson. When the football team lines up on the field, they are playing for the guys to their right and to their left. They are not there for just themselves and the fact that they have to play to help pay their way to the NFL (or Canadian League, or European League, or Arena Football League, or as in a lot of Division I cases, the real world-WITHOUT A DEGREE!)
My golf experience at Simpson was one that I will never forget. Last night, I found myself at the course talking with coach. He was in the process of preparing for a tournament that begins today. I was sad, I wanted to go along. I wanted to feel the pressure of that first tee shot with the gallery watching. I miss the days of competing and challenging myself on the course. Many of my competitors became my friends; friends that I still keep in touch with as we have moved on to our professional careers.
The early mornings, and the numerous rounds of rain-soaked golf were sometimes frustrating during the season, but looking back, I wish I could just take one more walk around a course of perfectly manicured holes of pure serenity with my fellow IIAC competitors.
This is an excerpt that I found on the internet from a fellow Division III athlete, Sean Sornsin. It truly represents what Division III athletes are about:
It's not about getting a scholarship, getting drafted, or making Sports Center. It's a deep need in us that comes from the heart.
We need to practice, to play, to lift, to hustle, to sweat. We do it all for our teammates and for the student in our calculus class that we don't even know.
We don't practice with a future major league first baseman; we practice with a future sports agent.
We don't lift weights with a future Olympic wrestler; we lift with a future doctor.
We don't run with a future Wimbledon champion; we run with a future CEO.
It's a bigger part of us than our friends and family can understand.
Sometimes we play for 2,000 fans; sometimes 25. But we still play hard. You cheer for us because you know us.
You know more than just our names. Like all of you, we are students first.
We don't sign autographs. But we do sign graduate school applications, MCAT exams, and student body petitions.
When we miss a winning kick or strike out, we don't let down an entire state. We do let down our teammates, coaches, and fans. But the hurt is still the same.
We train hard, and in the morning we go to class. And in that class, we are nothing more than students.
It's about pride—in ourselves, in our school.
It's about our love and passion for the game. And when it's over, when we walk off that court, field, or mat for the last time - our hearts crumble. Those tears are real. But deep down inside, there‘s a pride no one can touch.
We will forever be what few can claim...college athletes.
...
---
...
Remember, you make your day...Make it the best it can be!
Andy
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Boogity Boogity Boogity...Let's Go Racin' Boys!
Farmers’ tans, port-a-pots, toothless men dropping “Benjies” on colorful pit crew memorabilia…I LOVE IT. That is right, I love NASCAR- and even better, I am proud of it! Where else can you find 150,000 people cheering for 43 different teams in one big asphalt covered, exhaust fume smelling cathedral of speed? NO WHERE!
NASCAR is not just a sport, it is a lifestyle. In my recent trip to Michigan International Speedway, I met numerous race fans that were friendly, fun, and living life as everyone should. Very few would pass our “yes, we are five guys cruising in a minivan” ride parked in the muddy lots, without saying hello. It was neat, it was fun, it was almost better than the feeling a Star Wars fan gets when getting Chewbacca’s autograph and finding a piece of Chewy hair on the Sharpie!
This brings me to a point that I have wanted to share for quite some time. Meeting new people is the best, not to mention, easiest way to discover your hidden passions. When I moved into my first year residence hall room at Simpson, I thought NASCAR was a bunch of cars with out of shape, southern drawl speakin’, drivers making left-hand turns for four hours interrupting my regularly scheduled broadcast of Wonder Years re-runs. Then I met this cat that was always decked out in his #21 Ricky Rudd ball cap. (Occasionally accompanied by the matching T-shirt). At first, I thought-“LOSER”. Then I decided I would say hello to him…This became a habit, and I decided I would actually sit an talk with him…then I befriended him…then I decided to room with him…then I started watching NASCAR with him…then I started going to nascar.com and discussing strategies of NASCAR teams with him…then it hit me, I was addicted to NASCAR. I had found a passion. How? By taking a step out of my comfort zone and introducing myself to the guy wearing the funny racing hat. Now, I am one of those #20 Tony Stewart Home Depot Chevy, Gatorade, Sunoco ball cap wearing dudes!
So what am I saying? I am saying that although something or someone might seem strange or different, you just may not know what it or they are all about. Take a chance. Do something different. Watch a race, go to an event with someone that lives down the hall, or just outstretch your hand and meet someone that doesn’t look, act, or talk like you. Who knows, you might just find a hidden passion.
Simpson is a great place with diverse backgrounds and exciting and interesting people. I found who I was at Simpson (which IS more than just a NASCAR fan) and I love to watch students find themselves as they grow throughout their years here. So maybe that is what I mean when I said that the race fans were living life as they should. They were sticking their necks out there and meeting people. Taking a risk, making friends, and starting that road to finding hidden passions.
So, you probably didn’t think NASCAR would ever be used in a metaphoric way to describe friendship and learning one’s own passions. Well, you were wrong, ‘cause it just happened!
Just remember, take a shot, you only get one chance to live, you might as well not go it alone!
NASCAR is not just a sport, it is a lifestyle. In my recent trip to Michigan International Speedway, I met numerous race fans that were friendly, fun, and living life as everyone should. Very few would pass our “yes, we are five guys cruising in a minivan” ride parked in the muddy lots, without saying hello. It was neat, it was fun, it was almost better than the feeling a Star Wars fan gets when getting Chewbacca’s autograph and finding a piece of Chewy hair on the Sharpie!
This brings me to a point that I have wanted to share for quite some time. Meeting new people is the best, not to mention, easiest way to discover your hidden passions. When I moved into my first year residence hall room at Simpson, I thought NASCAR was a bunch of cars with out of shape, southern drawl speakin’, drivers making left-hand turns for four hours interrupting my regularly scheduled broadcast of Wonder Years re-runs. Then I met this cat that was always decked out in his #21 Ricky Rudd ball cap. (Occasionally accompanied by the matching T-shirt). At first, I thought-“LOSER”. Then I decided I would say hello to him…This became a habit, and I decided I would actually sit an talk with him…then I befriended him…then I decided to room with him…then I started watching NASCAR with him…then I started going to nascar.com and discussing strategies of NASCAR teams with him…then it hit me, I was addicted to NASCAR. I had found a passion. How? By taking a step out of my comfort zone and introducing myself to the guy wearing the funny racing hat. Now, I am one of those #20 Tony Stewart Home Depot Chevy, Gatorade, Sunoco ball cap wearing dudes!
So what am I saying? I am saying that although something or someone might seem strange or different, you just may not know what it or they are all about. Take a chance. Do something different. Watch a race, go to an event with someone that lives down the hall, or just outstretch your hand and meet someone that doesn’t look, act, or talk like you. Who knows, you might just find a hidden passion.
Simpson is a great place with diverse backgrounds and exciting and interesting people. I found who I was at Simpson (which IS more than just a NASCAR fan) and I love to watch students find themselves as they grow throughout their years here. So maybe that is what I mean when I said that the race fans were living life as they should. They were sticking their necks out there and meeting people. Taking a risk, making friends, and starting that road to finding hidden passions.
So, you probably didn’t think NASCAR would ever be used in a metaphoric way to describe friendship and learning one’s own passions. Well, you were wrong, ‘cause it just happened!
Just remember, take a shot, you only get one chance to live, you might as well not go it alone!
Have a great weekend and GO STORM!
Andy
Andy
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
This is ME!
Pheeeeewwwwwwwwww
Oh Oh Oh-I just heard it-Yup! I do believe that was a collective sigh of relief! No, not because you just unbuckled your pants after eating a smorgasbord of breakfast burritos and flapjacks from the dollar menu at McDonalds; but because I am finally blogging. You can sleep soundly, and grow your fingernails back that you were biting with nervous anticipation.
OR, maybe you just clicked on this blog because you were bored, tired, or accidentally got trigger happy with the mouse. But now that you are here, you might as well read on.
Being as this is my first of many blogs, I will write a little bit about my background, but mainly just things that I am thinking right now. “CHEESEBURGERS!” (I am thinking that right now.) I love food.
Which brings me to my first topic. I am getting FAT! Now I might be exaggerating a little bit, but here is the proof. Last week I stopped wearing my comfy, cool, polo shirts to work for the “oh so strangling fun” of TIES! Now, in one summer you wouldn’t figure that you would grow too much now would you? Well, I did-or at least my neck did. My nice, clean, pressed shirts awaited their unveiling, but when I went to button that top button, all that slipped though the button hole was neck fat. Now I have always had a so-called “gobbler” but DANG! This thing is like its own living organism, feeding on McDonald’s double cheeseburgers. Sounds good doesn’t it!?! Well, I guess I found out the side effects of eating every meal for 2 bucks at the local Mac Shac.
This brings me to topic number two. I am getting VERY FRUGAL (AKA-CHEAP)! Now this, I am not exaggerating. I am currently helping my beautiful fiancée plan our wedding which is coming up in less than two months. It is a very exciting time for the both of us, but it is also depleting ye ol’ pocketbook. Now for me, this isn’t a big deal. Why, you may ask. Because I can supplement my diet with 10 cent hot dogs and the special of the day at numerous local restaurants to save a buck or two. For the side effects of such habits please read the above topic (I AM GETTING FAT!). Now my fiancée is a nurse, and I guess this lifestyle is not healthy. So my question is; “be poor or be dead?” Maybe I will follow her advice on this one and go with being poor!
And my third and final topic for the day. I am getting OLD! Now old is a relative term. I am not old compared to Golden Girls, but to the college students that still know me, I guess I am! They affectionately call me “the old guy”, “grandpa”, and my favorite “geriatric man”. Now I know they are somewhat kidding, and I kid right along with them. Lately though, I have realized I am starting to pick up some of those “old guy” traits. My joints hurt, I go to bed before 10 o’clock more often than not, and a fun weekend is going to Bed Bath and Beyond to redecorate the bathroom or going to the local Wal-Mart to buy an 88 cent toy to watch the dog play with. “Oh no”, I forgot to take my multivitamin this morning. I forget things in my old age (hence the vitamin). The thing is, although I am getting older (notice I didn’t say I was old!), I am realizing that I can stay young by participating in students’ lives whether they are deciding on where to go to school, or if they are already here, being active in the activities they participate in. This includes going to fine arts events, athletic events, being part of the alumni advisory board for my fraternity, and just keeping in touch with friends on campus. Simpson is more than just four years of your life. Simpson sticks with you as you grow older and really, it makes you who you are.
Well, that is all for me today. I will be back with new and hopefully more exciting stories from my day to day life and travels as I help students realize what this great school has to offer them. Wow, what a job. I love going to work each and every day, something that as an “old man” I tell you to look for as you search for majors or career paths for your future! Money is DEFINITELY not everything!
Enjoy your week and savor each and every day! GO STORM!
Andy
Oh Oh Oh-I just heard it-Yup! I do believe that was a collective sigh of relief! No, not because you just unbuckled your pants after eating a smorgasbord of breakfast burritos and flapjacks from the dollar menu at McDonalds; but because I am finally blogging. You can sleep soundly, and grow your fingernails back that you were biting with nervous anticipation.
OR, maybe you just clicked on this blog because you were bored, tired, or accidentally got trigger happy with the mouse. But now that you are here, you might as well read on.
Being as this is my first of many blogs, I will write a little bit about my background, but mainly just things that I am thinking right now. “CHEESEBURGERS!” (I am thinking that right now.) I love food.
Which brings me to my first topic. I am getting FAT! Now I might be exaggerating a little bit, but here is the proof. Last week I stopped wearing my comfy, cool, polo shirts to work for the “oh so strangling fun” of TIES! Now, in one summer you wouldn’t figure that you would grow too much now would you? Well, I did-or at least my neck did. My nice, clean, pressed shirts awaited their unveiling, but when I went to button that top button, all that slipped though the button hole was neck fat. Now I have always had a so-called “gobbler” but DANG! This thing is like its own living organism, feeding on McDonald’s double cheeseburgers. Sounds good doesn’t it!?! Well, I guess I found out the side effects of eating every meal for 2 bucks at the local Mac Shac.
This brings me to topic number two. I am getting VERY FRUGAL (AKA-CHEAP)! Now this, I am not exaggerating. I am currently helping my beautiful fiancée plan our wedding which is coming up in less than two months. It is a very exciting time for the both of us, but it is also depleting ye ol’ pocketbook. Now for me, this isn’t a big deal. Why, you may ask. Because I can supplement my diet with 10 cent hot dogs and the special of the day at numerous local restaurants to save a buck or two. For the side effects of such habits please read the above topic (I AM GETTING FAT!). Now my fiancée is a nurse, and I guess this lifestyle is not healthy. So my question is; “be poor or be dead?” Maybe I will follow her advice on this one and go with being poor!
And my third and final topic for the day. I am getting OLD! Now old is a relative term. I am not old compared to Golden Girls, but to the college students that still know me, I guess I am! They affectionately call me “the old guy”, “grandpa”, and my favorite “geriatric man”. Now I know they are somewhat kidding, and I kid right along with them. Lately though, I have realized I am starting to pick up some of those “old guy” traits. My joints hurt, I go to bed before 10 o’clock more often than not, and a fun weekend is going to Bed Bath and Beyond to redecorate the bathroom or going to the local Wal-Mart to buy an 88 cent toy to watch the dog play with. “Oh no”, I forgot to take my multivitamin this morning. I forget things in my old age (hence the vitamin). The thing is, although I am getting older (notice I didn’t say I was old!), I am realizing that I can stay young by participating in students’ lives whether they are deciding on where to go to school, or if they are already here, being active in the activities they participate in. This includes going to fine arts events, athletic events, being part of the alumni advisory board for my fraternity, and just keeping in touch with friends on campus. Simpson is more than just four years of your life. Simpson sticks with you as you grow older and really, it makes you who you are.
Well, that is all for me today. I will be back with new and hopefully more exciting stories from my day to day life and travels as I help students realize what this great school has to offer them. Wow, what a job. I love going to work each and every day, something that as an “old man” I tell you to look for as you search for majors or career paths for your future! Money is DEFINITELY not everything!
Enjoy your week and savor each and every day! GO STORM!
Andy
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