Why I Don't Mountain Bike in Africa

Ouch!

Good Life

OneRepublic is the band I'm listening to now. A band that I can't seem to get enough of right now. In my journey of what feels like hell––a place where Jesus entered between his death and resurrection––my life is both hell, and good. Graduate school was my death. Now, I wait for resurrection. I wait. And, in the waiting that often feels like hell, my life is very good right now. I enjoy taking walks in the fall colors with Jean. I enjoy the moment of making the bed with her and her face, and in the moment realizing I would not trade my life. And, before the bus comes in the morning, and again in the evening before dinner, I get to play catch with Sam and enjoy hearing what is important in his good life. It is seeing the wildness of how Alina dresses herself. And hearing her sing as she goes about. And watching her love and feeling her love––either in her hugs or when she kisses my forehead or when she is catching bugs.

A portion of OneRepublic's song says:
When you're happy like a fool
Let it take you over
When everything is out
You gotta take it in

Oh this has gotta be the good life
This has gotta be the good life
This could really be a good life, good life

I have a good, good life.

The Season is Over, OR a Dream Come True, AND Rest in Peace

One night, while we were still living in Seattle, I had a dream. In my dream, it went from summer to there being a blanket of snow in October instantly. In my dream, I was heartbroken. The quickness of October's snow came without warning, and I felt robbed.

I knew this was how I would feel, fully awake, when the riding season came to an end. That I would feel robbed, and the grief of not being able to ride anymore.

Shortly after being home in Michigan again,and getting out on my bike, I knew I had a shot of getting in 500 trail miles for the season––or possibly even 500 trail miles just in Michigan. I had only ridden 28 trail miles back in Seattle during the spring, so 528 total trail miles this year wasn't much more to shoot for. I have less than 150 miles to go––something that could easily be accomplished in three weeks, and I'm hoping to be riding into December. Yesterday, though, that hope came to an end.

My bike hasn't been shifting right for over a year now. I'd fiddle with the indexing while riding, and be completely frustrated with it. When I got home I would make adjustments and think everything was fine, only to repeat the process on the next ride. I've known for a couple of years that it might be getting close to retiring this bike. I was hoping to at least get through the rest of this riding season with it. Then, perhaps next spring I would be in a place financially to replace this bike. Yesterday, the hope of it making it through this riding season perished.

Yesterday, after making more shifting adjustments between laps, I was sure I had it dialed in. I was positive I solved the problem. A sticking cable inside of the cable housing near the rear derailleur. But, soon into my ride, it wasn't shifting right. Ugh! Then, at the top of a climb the rear end of my bike felt really squirrelly. I got off, and examined my bike. One of the bolts for the rear suspension had broken, and was now missing. Not the end of the world, by any means. I figured I would just walk my bike out, and slowly retrace the steps and pedal strokes in hopes of finding the broken part. 3 miles and 3 hours of careful walking later, I didn't see it anywhere along the trail which was completely covered in fallen leaves.

Still, not the end of the world. I went to the Trek dealer in town. It is a pretty inexpensive part––$18.01 special order, and it will be here in two days, possibly the next day. SWEET! I ordered it.

I went home and decided, while I wait for the part to come, I might just see if the rear derailleur is in need of replacement. It is the original, maybe it is time. But, it still has good tension. It just feels dirty. I started disassembling it for cleaning. To make it easier, I decided to pull the rear wheel. That is when I found this. The end of the world. The crack in the rear frame.

The crack in the frame explains the sheered pivot bolt. It explains why I could never get the shifting right, even when it was completely dialed in on the bike stand––the rear end was torquing too much due to the broken frame. Deep sigh.

So many good rides with that bike. Rides with Sam. Rides with great friends. Amazing conversations. Incredible times alone. Shaping others. And being shaped. Rest in Peace good and trusted companion.

Happy Labor Day

Before and After

The first picture was taken just a few days after we arrived in Seattle, August 2008. Then, we were staying with our friends who graciously and hospitably opened their home to us while we looked for a home of our own. Look at us. Younger. Thinking we are courageous for taking such a journey to unknown lands. In some ways we were. Yet, unknowing of the deconstruction that would take place in our lives.

The second picture was taken the day before the moving truck came to take all of our things back to Michigan for us, July 2011. Older. Wiser. More courageous for being deconstructed and beautifully put back together again. More honest. More real. More us.

Labor Day Weekend

Happy September 1st! With September, we know fall is coming. Beautiful days and crisp nights. How will you be spending Labor Day weekend––the last official weekend of summer?

First Night of Football Practice

Last night was the first night of practice. Sam did great. The coaches kept asking him, "Are you sure you've never played football before?" Sam went in hoping to play running back and, after one night of practice at least, he is on his way. In the sprints against other players he was fastest. In the drills through the cones, he was the fastest. He worked hard last night in practice. Just nine more practices before the season opener on Saturday Sept. 10.

Furniture Shopping

Thursday afternoon and evening, and ALL DAY Friday were spent trying to find reasonably priced furniture for our family room. We didn't want anything "nice" because it is for a family room. Watching movies, playing Wii, laughing, and being together––with food. We had a budget, and we wanted comfort. Bang for the buck, value and coziness.

Friday we left our home around 8am with Jean driving the van with all of the seats removed, and me driving the car with Sam and Alina. We hit many garage sales and estate sales before the stores opened. Then, it was consignment stores, second hand stores and first hand stores. Stores with clearance sales and tent sales. Negotiating over floor model prices. Many stores––too many. The kids did well, but when you are 10 and 7 furniture shopping at dozens and dozens of places gets pretty old.

Around 3:30pm I asked Jean to take the kids home, and that I would keep looking. I went to 17 more stores, and ended up buying a sofa, two chairs, and coffee table at the place where I had parted ways with my family. It was the third time I had been there that day, including twice with Jean, Sam, and Alina. Now, we have comfy family room furniture and have been enjoying being in there together between activities and gatherings. Ahhh.

Hooked on a Feeling

On our expedition home form Seattle to Michigan, the original version of the song "Hooked on a Feeling" played on the radio. This brought back amusing memories, and perhaps disturbing ones, of David Hasselhoff's music video.

Rock Paper Scissors

I saw this on Margaret Feinberg's blog this morning. Very Funny.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Today was shopping day for football gear. Sam is pretty excited.

3 Stories of Wet

Story 1: Last Tuesday Johnny invited me to ride. I felt too embarrassed to accept. It is amazing what three years of sitting, studying and writing does to a person. I knew I wasn't close to the shape I was in three years ago. He was kind. "No pressure," he said. "We'll just ride." It was a good invitation. Saturday I rode with my two favorite guys––Johnny and my son Sam. It was SO humid. I was so wet with sweat. It was a good, good ride. And, it made me want to continue riding.

Story 2: There was a block party Saturday afternoon in our new neighborhood, and it went into the evening. The firefighters came in the late afternoon, plugged their hoses into the hydrants, and sprayed down from the ladder. The kids just loved it being doused with spray. Very wet.

Story 3: It has been nearly two weeks since I've done laundry. Late last week I realized that our house has an outlet for an electric dryer, but there are no electric wires to attach it to the electric panel. Normally, it is pretty simple to run wiring and install a new breaker in the electric panel. But, in this case, the breaker box is already full. There is no room to install another breaker. The person that owns the house doesn't want to update the breaker panel since there is already service for a gas dryer in the basement. I don't want to buy a gas dryer because of cost. So, today I finally did laundry. I had completed three loads of wash by the time I finally located where the clothes pins were. I went out, and started hanging clothes to dry. I had nearly 2/3 of a basket hung, and it started raining. A good, steady rain.

This Week . . . We Move

This week . . . we move.

Three years ago finishing my degree seemed nothing more than a hope, and realistically unfathomable.

The degree has been earned. And, it was earned. Sweat. Tears. Blood. And more tears. It changed me. It changed us.

And this week, we move. The sun is setting on this chapter of our life adventure.

Most everything is boxed and waiting to be loaded. The van is ready for the cross country trip back to Michigan. And we are about as emotionally ready as we can be.

Grief is real. Grief cannot be dismissed. It cannot be downplayed. Grief is a part of being human. Grief is a part of knowing you have lived and have been touched. Without grief there can be no joy, and without joy there can be no grief.

We have said goodbye to many of the important relationships that we established here. Friday night we had dinner with our dearest friends––a couple who really knew our story. Tonight, our neighborhood is throwing us a goodbye BBQ. Our neighborhood is the most loving and caring neighborhood I have ever lived in. Tomorrow I am going to my internship site to say goodbye to the men who helped transform me.

The boxes tell me we are moving. I can't imagine life without the people we will be returning to, and I can't imagine life without the people we leave behind. The boxes tell me change is waiting. My wife and my heart tell me change has already come to me.

The truck and loaders come Wednesday morning to load the boxes filled with things that prompt memories and reflections. Memories and reflections of grief and joy. When the truck leaves, we leave.

We have three travel options:
1. Seattle to Spokane; Spokane to Livingston, MT; a whole day at Yellowstone, then back to Livingston, MT; Livingston, MT to Mt Rushmore, SD; Mt Rushmore, SD to The Biggest Ball of Twine in MN (made famous by this 'Weird Al' song, which we play and sing over and over); The Biggest Ball of Twine in MN to Rockford, IL; Rockford, IL to Rockford, MI.






2. Pretty much the same as 1, but we travel to Michigan via the Upper Peninsula.






3. We skip the Biggest Ball of Twine if the moving truck will be to our new home sooner than expected.






We expect to be at our new place sometime between Monday August 1 and Wednesday August 3. Part of me will still be in Seattle, and part of me will be in Michigan.

Thank You, Study Buddy

Thanks, Moose, for being my Study Buddy over the last 18 months of school.

The Weather

Late yesterday afternoon we stepped out of the house to head to church for VBS. Alina was ahead of me and said, "Whoa! It's not raining! And, it feels kinda warm!" The sad thing is that "kinda warm" was a balmy 57º.

Toyota Commercial

This commercial always makes me giggle.

The Hardest Goodbye

Last night was my hardest goodbye. Besides my family, this person was the most influential person in my life and for growth during my time here. We will keep in touch over Skype, but will it be the same? Such a good and beautiful person. I feel a lot of grief and a huge loss in my life.

Graduation Celebration

Graduation was two weeks ago. It has been a busy few weeks. My mom and Jean's parents arrived on June 22. My Aunt Sue and Wally arrived June 23. Besides graduation activities, we went to Pike's Market. The day after graduation the kids, my mom, Sue and Wally, and I headed to Tillamook, OR to the cheese/ice cream/milk factory, and then to Canon Beach. It was a great, great day. On Tuesday the kids, my mom, Sue and Wally, and I went to the Klondike/Gold Rush Museum, Pioneer Square area, and we toured Qwest Field (where the Seahawks play). The tour was amazing. We were able to see places few people get to see. Sam was even able to give a post-game interview, just like coach Pete Carroll. On Wednesday Jean was able to get the day off of work, and join us for a trip to the San Juans. Her parents joined us that day, too. Sue and Wally left Thursday, and Jean's parents left last Saturday. My mom was able to stay until this past Wednesday. Thursday was spent packing for the big move.

With all of the activity, graduation hasn't really sunk in yet. This video helps it sink in. It also helps me remember my dear friend Sonny, who passed away during Spring semester. His dear wife accepted his degree on his behalf.

Graduation June 25 2011 from Ed Ballance on Vimeo.

Nearing the Finish Line

The last week or so has been extremely crazy. Last Thursday evening I took a red eye flight to Michigan after class. I had one mission: Find a House. And, any extra time I had would be spent on papers––especially my 14 page Old Testament paper.

I landed in Grand Rapids at 8:40am, picked up the rental car, and was on my to see the only house on the itinerary. I intended video the walk through so that Jean could see the house, too. But, when I arrived at the house I found that the video camera's battery was dead. Thank heaven for cell phones!

I liked the house, yet the decision felt very heavy for me. Jean loved the home and the size of the kitchen from what she tell from the video I sent. It just felt like a heavy decision to make without her being present. There weren't any other homes that we liked. But, the decision still weighed on my heart. I set an appointment to see the home one more time on Saturday, and if I liked it still, I would sign the lease.

Saturday morning I woke up and wrote in my journal. The writing was cleansing and helped me gain perspective about the house––good perspective. When I went to the home I loved it even more. And, with a charged battery, was able to shoot quality video to bring home to Jean and the kids. I signed the lease, and we will take possession of our new home in Rockford, MI August 1. I wonder why we have this home. The home was practically leased when I called about it, but while I was on the phone with the home's owner he got an email from the person who was going to lease it saying that he would need to back out. And, it wasn't just a fact of the home now being available so we were now the next best available. In the course of communications following the call I found out that we had mutual friends. God is good to us, and I can't wait to see what will come from us being located there.

While in Grand Rapids I was able to get a good start on my Old Testament paper, read a book for a class, surprise my brother-in-law into speechlessness when I saw him at church, see my favorite Sherpa and his family, and celebrate Kevin's daughter's graduation from high school.

I woke up Monday morning and flew out of GR at 6am. I slept a lot on the plane––and I actually woke myself up several times with my snoring! I also got some reading in. When I got home I showed the video to Jean, wrote a paper, went to counseling, then headed to class. Towards the end of class I realized why I was having such a hard time staying awake––I had actually been awake since 1:20am Seattle time!

Tuesday was my last Old Testament class. Each class has been 6 hours long, but it has been such a rich class. At the end of class the first of a few more last classes where the graduates are prayed for. The students all come and lay hands on the graduates. The professor had his hands on me, and after the prayer he let me know the word God had given him to tell me. It was a powerful word. A word that I will need to have the courage to keep stepping into, but so good.

Wednesday was graduation rehearsal. Sitting there I began to realize the weight and gravity of what I have done the last three years. Such good, difficult growth and classes. Such good, difficult becoming.

With the end of class last night, I officially have one week of classes left. I submitted my Old Testament paper today. With that, I have two papers and one group project left. My mom arrives Wednesday for two weeks, my favorite Aunt Sue arrives Thursday for a week (so, so glad she is coming and that we will have time to spend together), and Jean's parents arrive on Thursday as well. On Friday is a breakfast for the graduates, followed by an open house for our families. Saturday is graduation, and a feast at our house. After the family leaves, we will turn our attention again towards packing and returning home. The end of July will come quickly––perhaps too quickly, maybe not quickly enough.

THURSDAY CLASS

One Month Until Graduation

One month from today––31 days––I graduate. Only 12 papers and 1 group project to go!

Dad Pudding Face

Photoshop in Real Life

I saw this video on Tyler Stanton's blog. H.I.L.A.R.I.O.U.S.

Stanley Steamer

This commercial always makes me giggle.

A Better Day

Today I am feeling much better. Last night I was afraid to fall asleep because I didn't want to have yet another night of misery, mumblings, and weird dreams. I woke up this morning literally soaked with sweat (I don't think this had anything to do with the fact that I dreamed I was Michigan State's basketball couch, and that we had won the national championship the previous year and were knocked out in the final four this year––more of a weird dream than an athletic dream). I was sure that I would still have a fever. I pulled the thermometer from my dresser and my temperature was 97.1º. This is my normal. Yessssss! Though I am harvesting green treasures from the depths of my lungs, I am thankful for that. For the previous two days it felt like my brain was actually rattling in my skull every time I barely coughed. Thanks for your prayers and well wishes!

The Fever Lingers

It was another night of crazy dreams and mumbling to myself. This morning my temperature was 102.3º. I can't wait to feel better.

First Soccer Game

Last night Alina had her first soccer game. It was a lot of fun to cheer her and her friends on. Alina's sweetness shows, even when she is playing soccer. At the end of the first quarter she came over and I said to her, "You like to pass the ball to your friends don't you?" She answered, "Well. I had to pass it to Holland. She hadn't had the ball very much."

But, first grade girls are also very competitive. Riley told Alina, "When we get back on the field, they will pay!"

103º

Today I just didn't feel good. After returning home from taking the kids to school, I left my coat and scarf on. At 10:30 I fell asleep for three hours. Jean was kind enough to go get the kids from school. When she came home she took my temperature. 103º. I feel horrible.

Soccer

Our house is now officially in full soccer mode as Alina had her first practice yesterday. This picture was taken before practice. She is pretty excited that her jersey number is #1! Alina's coach is actually coaching two teams, but because the girls all know each other either from church or school the two teams practice together. She had a fun time.

Unfortunately, though, after practice one of her teammates did a cherry drop from the monkey bars––with her cleats still on. The cleats caught Alina in the face. She has a red mark from her right eyebrow to her left cheek, a bruise on her eyelid, and several cleat marks across her face. She also got a bloody nose. But, Alina––being the kind person that she is––said that it wasn't her friends fault, it was the mean cleat's fault. She said that she was going to reassure her friend again today at school that it wasn't her friend's fault. So sweet.

Duthie Hill

My friend Jason from school as well as my friend Scott from my internship site have been telling me that I need to try mountain biking at Duthie Hill. Sometimes, especially when it comes to mountain biking, I like familiarity. But, yesterday Sam and I went. I loved it, and I will definitely be back––once my sit-bones feel better. It was only the second ride of the year and Sam and I rode just over 13 miles.

This is a picture of Sam getting air.

The Tenderness of Sam

Behind this rough and tumble exterior resides a very tender heart. Yesterday on our way home from school Sam said, "Dad. Today I asked Mrs. Teeter to pray for a job for you. At first I was embarrassed because I thought my friends would laugh at me. I waited for five minutes, then I decided I didn't care." He is so sweet.

It Was Good

Wednesday I was able to attend Town Hall––the monthly graduation and celebration for the men at my internship site. Even though it had only been a couple of weeks since I saw them last, it felt like it had been months. It was good to see each man. It was good to see their smiles. It was good to be in their brotherly embrace. It was good to catch up with them and to hear the amazing things God is doing in their lives.

I had gone there to fulfill a promise. I had promised that I would see them at Town Hall. I had gone to encourage them to stay strong in their journey. But, in actuality, they encouraged me. Deep down I had entered with much personal discouragement. Seeing them and talking with them restored my hope that God is good, and He is faithful. It was them who encouraged me to stay strong in my journey.

Bumper Sticker

I saw a great bumper sticker yesterday as I was driving to class which read, "When Jesus said love your enemies I think he probably meant don't kill them."

This Week

I am looking forward to this week. It seems to hold a lot of goodness.

Monday a class ends, and Tuesday I turn in the last major paper of the semester for another class. Wednesday I look forward to going to the Town Hall celebration for the men at my internship and reconnecting with all of the great guys there.

If that wasn't enough, the kids are on spring break––so hopefully there will be some EdVentures in store. It would be great to go mountain biking and play basketball/Legos/Wii/wrestling/etc. with Sam. And, I'm sure there will be crafts, imaginative play, and walks with Alina.

Happy Birthday Sam

"She named him Samuel, saying, 'Because I asked the LORD for him'" (I Samuel 1:20).

Ten years ago today Sam came into the world. Long before we even thought about having kids, I prayed for a son. I wanted to be the kind of dad that I didn't have. When Jean became pregnant we decided not to find out if we were having a girl or a boy. After 20 hours of labor for Jean, she delivered our son. When I saw that it was a boy, I cried because God had answered my prayer. We named our son Samuel because we had asked the LORD for him.

And I am only now beginning to learn what asking the LORD for him really means. Even though we are shaping Sam, Sam is also shaping us. He has helped me become a gentler, kinder, and more patient man. I am thankful that God gave me the very son our family needed. Lots of energy, lots of hunger, a love for play a big smile, and a sensitive spirit. Happy Birthday Buddy!

Why

Why do I forget that eating almonds give me the hiccups?

Ready to Ride

Today it is 61º. I tuned my bike and put on a new chain. The rest of the drive train looked good. Tomorrow––if the heavy rain holds off––I ride.

Lasts

Today is a day of more "lasts." Today is the last time I register for classes at MHGS. Today I register for Old Testament, Group Therapy, and Vocational & Occupational Therapy. The last three classes I need to graduate.

I've already experienced many "lasts." Last day of internship. Last day of Celtic Spirituality. Last time seeing a friend. This coming Monday will be the last day of Case Conference. The Lasts bring excitement of what may be next, and grief of ending.

Grief

One of my dear friends has passed away. His massive heart attack Sunday is still unbelievable, and that he has now passed away gives me deep sadness. We have sat in every class together, and he has become a trusted friend. I will miss him.

Developing Faith

Most of us are not the recipients of sudden blinding flashes or spiritual light which change our lives for ever and signal that no further effort is required on our part. We are often very reluctant to accept that faith is something that develops and grows gradually and which involves taking risks and being prepared to follow detours and false trails as we seek out the right way.

––Ian Bradley, The Celtic Way

Big Smile

Today after his basketball game, Sam got to get his braces off. Sam's orthodontist rewarded him with a caramel apple covered with M&Ms.

Four Months from Today

Four months from today! YESSSSSSSSSSSS!

Sam Basketball 02-05-2011

There haven't been any basketball games for a couple of weeks. Two weeks ago the entire league was off. This past weekend Sam spent the weekend at a friend's. This game is from February 5th. It is an important game for Sam because it was their first win! They went into overtime the first time they met this team, and the game ended in a tie. This time they won by two. It almost went into overtime again. Pretty exciting!

In this game Sam is wearing #11. He had 12 points. At one point in the game Sam double dribbled. He caught himself, and waited for the whistle. There was no whistle, so he took the shot and it went in. I think the refs realized it and let a similar play happen at the other end for the opposing team.

Sam Basketball 02-05-2011 from Ed Ballance on Vimeo.

Date Day with Alina

For several weeks Sam had been planning to spend this weekend with a friend. Jean would be at church for a CPR training. As soon as Alina knew she would have me to her self, she began planning our date day. We went for donuts, then we headed to the Build-A-Bear Workshop. Alina adopted a Bunny, and named her Alison. She picked out dresses for Alison, as well as for her bear Kate. She also picked out a bed and blankets for them. After that, she had a balloon flower hat made, then off to the shoe store where she picked out new shoes as well as some awesome pink boots. We had lunch at Red Robin––and each of us had bottomless root beer floats. Following lunch, we went to see Gnomeo & Juliet. We went and saw the kitties who were waiting for adoption, then it was home to play together. It was a fun day.

Sam Basketball 01-29-2011

This game took place the last weekend in January. Sam had 18 points, but he was so incredibly disappointed because his team still lost by two. He didn't care that he had 18 points, he wanted his team to finally win a game. Sam is #3 in the yellow jersey . . .

Sam Basketball 01-29-2011 from Ed Ballance on Vimeo.

Now I'm a Counselor

This summer I took a fly fishing class, and on Friday I purchased my first fly fishing rod and reel. All of the counselors I admire fly fish. Allender. Jackson. Eldredge. Call. Does fly fishing make me a counselor? Probably not. But, perhaps it doesn't hurt.

A New Journey

One of the classes I am taking this term is Celtic Spirituality. The class has been a very good for me. I have been longing for an inner stillness, and I am finding it. The class readings, as well as the teaching, have reaffirmed how God refreshes me through being in nature and needing personal retreats––these are things that others had once shamed me for doing. Being in nature and personal retreats are how our professor, as well as the Celtic Christians, refreshed themselves, too. Besides that, I am loving the history of how the Celtic Christians lived among the pre-Christians in a loving and caring way, instead of the Roman way of conquering and changing the other.

The first day of class our professor had signs with names of different Celtic saints on the tables. Not knowing what it meant, I sat at "St. Brendan's" table. It was a good choice. As it turns out, St. Brendan was also called, "the Navigator," "the Voyager,", or "the Bold."

I have felt that God has been calling me to a new journey post-graduation. I have again used Visioneering by Andy Stanley––one of my all-time favorite books, about the Vision God gave Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall––for this vision. And today I was to have a meeting with someone about the vision. Last night before falling asleep I read this prayer from St. Brendan:

I thank You for this, my God,
I am a traveller and stranger
in the world,
like so many of Your people
before me.

There is a sense of adventure,
of openness to possibilities,
abandonment to God
and expectation
of fulfilling His will.

I accept the responsibility,
I'll hear and obey,
and trust it is Your voice I hear,
the call of the Spirit,
the cry of the Bird of Heaven.

It is a Yes to risky living . . .

The sea takes me;
where I do not know,
but I gladly go.

And I can only trust
every word You say,
and obey.

Today's meeting was very good. I look forward to what the rest of this adventure could look like.

The Most Touching Thing So Far

Today is my birthday. Tonight I will celebrate with my beautiful wife Jean, and adorable kids Sam and Alina. I have received greetings and gifts from friends and relatives. It has been a very good day. I think the most touching thing so far has been the 108 men in the shelter where I do my internship sing happy birthday to me. I was encircled by 108 smiling men singing to me. Smiling men in a shelter, singing to me. I know each of their tumultuous stories, and they are smiling at me with big smiles as they sing. I was moved.

Game Three

I had to miss Sam's second game because of a mandatory (S)Ending event for graduation. Thankfully Jean shot video of the game because it was a thriller. After playing overtime, the game ended with a 30-30 tie.

I was glad to be back in the stands for game three. I am such a loud parent, though. I am THE loudest parent, and louder than the coaches. I cheer for all of the kids, not just Sam. One boy on the team is very tall, but seems to wander around aimlessly. I encourage him to get his arms up, to rebound, to shoot, and tell him "good job." At half time I asked Jean if I was too loud. She said yes, and that Casey's mom, the mother of the tall boy who wanders aimlessly, was looking at my when I was yelling/cheering. I said that I didn't care because he didn't have a dad there cheering for him, and that his mom was reading a book while he was playing.

Anyway, Sam had another great, great game. At one point in the game, a parent yelled out, "Who has 5? You don't want to leave him unmarked!" As the game went on, more parents were asking who had number 5.

In the video, Sam is #5 in the white jersey . . .

Sam Basketball 01-22-2011 from Ed Ballance on Vimeo.

What a Difference a Year Makes

Saturday was Sam's first game of basketball. I knew he had made some improvement since last year, but I was surprised to see just how much he had improved. When he was out on the court playing the game he was by far the quickest one on the court. He made his team's first 8 points, and finished with 10 of the team's 18. By the end, we could tell he lost some of his energy as his shots weren't quite making it to the hoop. Besides running much more than the other players, most of the game he was asked to guard #11 on the opposing team––a boy at least a foot taller. He was one tired boy by the end of the game, and the fall he took on his knee slowed him down, too. I think Sam will be playing a lot of sports through his school years. I am obviously biased, but he's pretty darn good! In this game, he's #4 in the white jersey.

Sam Basketball 01-08-2011 Blog from Ed Ballance on Vimeo.

Christmas Ornament

New Year's Day is typically the day we dismantle the Christmas tree and put all of the decorations away. An idea for a Christmas ornament has been rattling around in my head for a few weeks, and I wanted to make it before we took the tree down. So, I did. It's constructed from a gear out of an old rear cogset and a few extra links from a chain. Beautiful. I love mountain biking . . .

Funniest Words of New Year's Eve

Last night we were with some friends for the beginning of New Year's Eve. Our host was walking around with a box of chocolates and held it out for Sam to choose one. Sam made his choice, took a bite, and without missing a beat, said, "Sometimes life is full of disappointments."