Thursday, May 28, 2015
This weekend (5/29/15)
Nothing going on this weekend. No soccer, no hockey, and lacrosse is over for the season.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Breaking non-news: FIFA officials charged with corruption
So, until Brendan decided that soccer was his sport, I knew absolutely nothing about it. I still don't know that much, to be perfectly honest. I like watching it. I think the Columbus Crew games are fun to go to. I'll shoot dirty looks at the parents who accuse my kid of a handball when he wasn't actually "handling" the ball (I'm a rule-follower). But talk to me about Barcelona's efforts at rebuilding blah blah blah and my eyes start to glaze over.
However, even for a total novice like me, I don't think I've ever seen a more obvious headline than the ones today about charges of corruption amongst officials at FIFA, international soccer's governing body. Did they honestly think that Qatar was chosen as the location for the 2022 World Cup because the climate is particularly well-suited to a bunch of guys running the equivalent of a marathon for 90 minutes without a break? Also, has there ever in the history of all things historical been a sport in which there was no corruption?
Still, it sort of seems like a weird thing for the US Dept. of Justice to be spending its time and resources on.
However, even for a total novice like me, I don't think I've ever seen a more obvious headline than the ones today about charges of corruption amongst officials at FIFA, international soccer's governing body. Did they honestly think that Qatar was chosen as the location for the 2022 World Cup because the climate is particularly well-suited to a bunch of guys running the equivalent of a marathon for 90 minutes without a break? Also, has there ever in the history of all things historical been a sport in which there was no corruption?
Still, it sort of seems like a weird thing for the US Dept. of Justice to be spending its time and resources on.
It couldn't have come at a better time.
At the beginning of every school year we start out with shiny new shoes and haircuts, and are tan, organized and well-rested. We go to four stores so that we can meticulously check off every random item on the school supply list (I'm looking at you, 3x5x14 pencil box). The folders are labelled, lunches are packed with fruits and vegetables, and the fridge is stocked with perfectly portioned servings of healthy snacks. The homework folders have not yet been lost. This is what the beginning of the school year looks like:
We take pictures, because it doesn't last. By the end of the year, we're completely over checking math homework, and not entirely sure whether the history project is due tomorrow. We've long since given up packing lunches; Taco Tuesday sounds amazing right, boys?! Even the poor teachers seem to sort of give up the fight a couple of weeks before the end of school (not that we can blame them because good grief, those children are a handful). Today Brendan is spending exactly 7 minutes in every class, because they've shortened the schedule to release them at noon. Other than the speech he gave last week in English class (perfect score, by the way!), I don't think he's actually done much of anything except take standardized tests and watch movies/read during classes.
This is what the end of the year looks like:
Not pictured: hustling children out of the house 30 minutes late because you had to fill out the forms for the sports physical, Nathan's first shirt, which didn't survive breakfast, violation of rule about not wearing fancy new running shoes to school because the school sneakers are wet from last night's scout meeting, the cooler from last weekend's soccer tournament that I had to move out of the photo frame, 13 oz. of syrup coating everyone and everything, 90lbs. of papers and books in Bren's backpack that he cleaned out of his locker yesterday, the long-overdue haircut because I haven't had a chance to get his portrait taken for his 9th birthday and he insists that he wants to shave his head, or the homework folder that has been missing since sometime before Spring Break.
Nate was really sad that today is the last day. He loves all of the summer adventures, but he really misses his friends. But he's not one to let things keep him down for long. When I dropped him off this morning he waved cheerfully over his shoulder as he skipped off to put his backpack away. Especially for Brendan, we don't have a lot of these "last days" left, so I get a little misty.
I promise, teachers, that by next fall we'll be recharged and reorganized and ready to tackle the marshmallow replica of the Washington Monument. Pinkie swear.
We take pictures, because it doesn't last. By the end of the year, we're completely over checking math homework, and not entirely sure whether the history project is due tomorrow. We've long since given up packing lunches; Taco Tuesday sounds amazing right, boys?! Even the poor teachers seem to sort of give up the fight a couple of weeks before the end of school (not that we can blame them because good grief, those children are a handful). Today Brendan is spending exactly 7 minutes in every class, because they've shortened the schedule to release them at noon. Other than the speech he gave last week in English class (perfect score, by the way!), I don't think he's actually done much of anything except take standardized tests and watch movies/read during classes.
This is what the end of the year looks like:
Nate was really sad that today is the last day. He loves all of the summer adventures, but he really misses his friends. But he's not one to let things keep him down for long. When I dropped him off this morning he waved cheerfully over his shoulder as he skipped off to put his backpack away. Especially for Brendan, we don't have a lot of these "last days" left, so I get a little misty.
I promise, teachers, that by next fall we'll be recharged and reorganized and ready to tackle the marshmallow replica of the Washington Monument. Pinkie swear.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Actual thought
that popped into my head last night when I was watching Game of Thrones: "I wonder if I remembered to get the horses shod?"
I . . . don't have horses. I have absolutely no idea where that came from.
I . . . don't have horses. I have absolutely no idea where that came from.
Friday, May 22, 2015
This Weekend (5/22/15)
This should be simple.
Saturday, 10:00 am - Nathan lacrosse.
Yep, that's it. Bren and Mike are at a tournament up in Toledo for the weekend, so little dude and I are hanging out together. We're going to spend some time with friends, and do some organizing at the house.
Saturday, 10:00 am - Nathan lacrosse.
Yep, that's it. Bren and Mike are at a tournament up in Toledo for the weekend, so little dude and I are hanging out together. We're going to spend some time with friends, and do some organizing at the house.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Thursday, May 14, 2015
This Weekend (5/15/15)
Technically, that is a lie. This is actually a schedule for the entire week. Honestly, there's not even any point in saying "hold on to your hats!" because it's just repetitive at this point. We're in the home stretch, and our soccer coach is trying to kill us.
Friday, May 15
Brendan soccer - Apollo game. time/location TBD
Saturday, May 16
10:00 am Nathan Lacrosse - Middle School
10:40 am Brendan Soccer vs. Erie Admirals - Lodi - Field 19
2:00 pm Brendan Soccer vs. Erie Admirals - Lodi - Field 7
6:30 pm - Nathan Birthday Party!
Sunday, May 17
Nate Hockey - 3:50 pm
Brendan soccer - Apollo game - time/local TBD
Monday, May 18
6:30 pm - Nathan Cub Scout Crossover Ceremony. Our little bear is going to become a Webelo! Time is going way, way too fast.
7:15 pm - Brendan Soccer - Lodi - Field 5. Yeah, you read that right. A weeknight game, and Mike and Bren are going to have to miss Natey's ceremony. Suck.
Wednesday, May 20
My sweet, precious darling gets one year closer to double-digits. Not ready.
Thursday, May 21
6:00 pm - Brendan Soccer vs. Liberty - Lodi Field 6. Yep, read that one right, too. A second weeknight game, and the day before they have to leave for a weekend tournament. You can't even imagine the amount of Gatorade and laundry detergent we're going to go through.
Next weekend, over Memorial Day, Brendan has the aforementioned tournament. Nate and I are staying home. He has a lacrosse game versus Hoover, but I don't have a time yet. Unfortunately, we are rapidly approaching the hoooooooooooooooooot portion of the season, in which Nathan melts like an ice chip on the hood of a black Camaro in July. Not that I can blame him; with all of that gear, he has to be an uncomfortable, sweaty mess. No wonder he prefers hockey.
Please keep checking back here and "refresh" this post because I'll update it as soon as I have the Apollo game info. Just wanted to get the rest of it out there. [OMG, already had to update because I forgot about hockey. Am idiot. Send booze.]
Friday, May 15
Brendan soccer - Apollo game. time/location TBD
Saturday, May 16
10:00 am Nathan Lacrosse - Middle School
10:40 am Brendan Soccer vs. Erie Admirals - Lodi - Field 19
2:00 pm Brendan Soccer vs. Erie Admirals - Lodi - Field 7
6:30 pm - Nathan Birthday Party!
Sunday, May 17
Nate Hockey - 3:50 pm
Brendan soccer - Apollo game - time/local TBD
Monday, May 18
6:30 pm - Nathan Cub Scout Crossover Ceremony. Our little bear is going to become a Webelo! Time is going way, way too fast.
7:15 pm - Brendan Soccer - Lodi - Field 5. Yeah, you read that right. A weeknight game, and Mike and Bren are going to have to miss Natey's ceremony. Suck.
Wednesday, May 20
My sweet, precious darling gets one year closer to double-digits. Not ready.
Thursday, May 21
6:00 pm - Brendan Soccer vs. Liberty - Lodi Field 6. Yep, read that one right, too. A second weeknight game, and the day before they have to leave for a weekend tournament. You can't even imagine the amount of Gatorade and laundry detergent we're going to go through.
Next weekend, over Memorial Day, Brendan has the aforementioned tournament. Nate and I are staying home. He has a lacrosse game versus Hoover, but I don't have a time yet. Unfortunately, we are rapidly approaching the hoooooooooooooooooot portion of the season, in which Nathan melts like an ice chip on the hood of a black Camaro in July. Not that I can blame him; with all of that gear, he has to be an uncomfortable, sweaty mess. No wonder he prefers hockey.
Please keep checking back here and "refresh" this post because I'll update it as soon as I have the Apollo game info. Just wanted to get the rest of it out there. [OMG, already had to update because I forgot about hockey. Am idiot. Send booze.]
Thursday, May 7, 2015
LACROSSE UPDATE!
I got this email from the lacrosse coach last night:
Since the girls lacrosse are having their tournament this Saturday and will be using all the fields at the middle school, we will be moving our games to the fields behind the high school. We will still be playing from 10-11. Make sure your son brings water. We will be back on the turf next Saturday, May 16th.
See you Saturday!
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
This Weekend (5/9)
Both the hockey and soccer schedules have been moved around a bit, so go with this one. It's the most current version.
Saturday:
10:00 AM - Nate Lacrosse - field behind JMMS
12:00 PM - Brendan soccer vs CSA Impact - Lost Nation Sports Park, 38630 Jet Center Drive, Willoughby Ohio 44094
2:15 PM - Brendan soccer vs Whitecaps - Lost Nation Sports Park, 38630 Jet Center Drive, Willoughby Ohio 44094
Sunday:
5:00 PM - Nate hockey - Center Ice. Happy Mother's Day, indeed.
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Hockey Schedule
Here's Nate's spring hockey schedule. He's in the 9-12 division.
| 2015 Spring House League Schedule | |||
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Age Group |
| 5/10/2015 | 2:40 PM | 3:40 PM | 13 & Up |
| 3:50 PM | 4:50 PM | 8 & Under | |
| 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 9 to 12 | |
| 5/17/2015 | 2:40 PM | 3:40 PM | 8 & Under |
| 3:50 PM | 4:50 PM | 9 to 12 | |
| 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 13 & Up | |
| 5/31/2015 | 2:40 PM | 3:40 PM | 9 to 12 |
| 3:50 PM | 4:50 PM | 13 & Up | |
| 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 8 & Under | |
| 6/7/2015 | 2:40 PM | 3:40 PM | 13 & Up |
| 3:50 PM | 4:50 PM | 8 & Under | |
| 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 9 to 12 | |
| 6/14/2015 | 2:40 PM | 3:40 PM | 8 & Under |
| 3:50 PM | 4:50 PM | 9 to 12 | |
| 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 13 & Up | |
| 6/21/2015 | 2:40 PM | 3:40 PM | 9 to 12 |
| 3:50 PM | 4:50 PM | 13 & Up | |
| 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 8 & Under | |
Monday, May 4, 2015
Weekend Recap
It was just another crazy weekend in the Bickis household! Saturday morning Brendan and Mike went to the church to sort flowers for the Troop's spring flower sale. Nate had a lacrosse game shortly thereafter. He played great defense, and had a great time. Brendan and I went to the Humane Society for a quick volunteer stint, and again brought home 0 animals. We were oh, so tempted though, but a pair of cute little puppies with fat bellies that looked like a miniature version of our older mutt.
We all met up at the movie theater for the Avengers Ultron movie, which we loved! A few years ago, when we were watching one of the other movies in the theater, Nate, who is our resident expert on all things superhero, caught a glimpse of the Winter Soldier and yelled out "That's Bucky!!!" at the top of his lungs. It was pretty adorable. Kid should come with a spoiler alert. This time, as we were watching, as they introduced a new character, he managed to contain himself and only stage-whisper "Daddy, there's Vision!"
Afterward we grabbed a quick bite to eat and then took Bren to a soccer game for his second team. He got 2 goals, and it was something of a total trouncing of the other poor team. I think the final score was like 14-0. We've been on the other side of that, and it's so frustrating, so we were definitely not excessively celebrating.
Sunday morning we got up early and Mike and Nate put in a garden, while Brendan tried very hard to look busy. The dogs mostly got in the way and went around behind Mike, grateful for the chance to dig up whatever he'd just planted.
Then Nate had a hockey game, which they lost, but he had fun. Skating full ice is definitely a tough transition for him. I'm glad he's getting a chance to try it out before the travel season starts in the fall. Also, instead of goalies, they used tires, and the kids had to shoot through the hole of the tire for the goal to count. He hasn't yet mastered the wrist-flick technique needed to lift the puck up off the ice and make that kind of shot. Frankly, neither had anyone else on their team, or, with the exception of one kid on the opposing team, any of them, so they were at something of a disadvantage.
After hockey we did some work around the house, and then after dinner we went down to T-county for another soccer game. This one had a bonus girl scout contingent! One of my girl scout friends has a son on the team we were playing against, and another one of our friends was there to watch. So I sat in "enemy territory," to watch the game, while Nate stalked a groundhog and played with the little brother and sister gang. Luckily Brendan managed to avoid fouling my friend's kid. Despite playing a man down with no subs for the entire game (and three men down by the end because two kids had to leave early), they won 6-3, and Bren got two more goals! It was fun, but we all basically fell into bed and passed out cold last night.
Full week this week, as usual. Livin' the dream, though.
We all met up at the movie theater for the Avengers Ultron movie, which we loved! A few years ago, when we were watching one of the other movies in the theater, Nate, who is our resident expert on all things superhero, caught a glimpse of the Winter Soldier and yelled out "That's Bucky!!!" at the top of his lungs. It was pretty adorable. Kid should come with a spoiler alert. This time, as we were watching, as they introduced a new character, he managed to contain himself and only stage-whisper "Daddy, there's Vision!"
Afterward we grabbed a quick bite to eat and then took Bren to a soccer game for his second team. He got 2 goals, and it was something of a total trouncing of the other poor team. I think the final score was like 14-0. We've been on the other side of that, and it's so frustrating, so we were definitely not excessively celebrating.
Sunday morning we got up early and Mike and Nate put in a garden, while Brendan tried very hard to look busy. The dogs mostly got in the way and went around behind Mike, grateful for the chance to dig up whatever he'd just planted.
Then Nate had a hockey game, which they lost, but he had fun. Skating full ice is definitely a tough transition for him. I'm glad he's getting a chance to try it out before the travel season starts in the fall. Also, instead of goalies, they used tires, and the kids had to shoot through the hole of the tire for the goal to count. He hasn't yet mastered the wrist-flick technique needed to lift the puck up off the ice and make that kind of shot. Frankly, neither had anyone else on their team, or, with the exception of one kid on the opposing team, any of them, so they were at something of a disadvantage.
After hockey we did some work around the house, and then after dinner we went down to T-county for another soccer game. This one had a bonus girl scout contingent! One of my girl scout friends has a son on the team we were playing against, and another one of our friends was there to watch. So I sat in "enemy territory," to watch the game, while Nate stalked a groundhog and played with the little brother and sister gang. Luckily Brendan managed to avoid fouling my friend's kid. Despite playing a man down with no subs for the entire game (and three men down by the end because two kids had to leave early), they won 6-3, and Bren got two more goals! It was fun, but we all basically fell into bed and passed out cold last night.
Full week this week, as usual. Livin' the dream, though.
Saturday, May 2, 2015
This Weekend (5/2/14)
Sorry! This is super late!
Saturday:
9:00 - Brendan Scouts. Sorting flowers from the spring flower sale. If you ordered flowers, they're here!
10:00 - Nathan lacrosse - JMMS
1:45 - Brendan is volunteering at Humane Society (or so-shee-etty, as Nate likes to call it).
6:30 - Bren is playing a soccer game with an Alliance-area team he was invited to play with. I don't have a specific location yet, so if you're interested in coming just text or call me or Mike and we can give you more information then.
Sunday:
11:40 - Nate hockey at Center Ice
5:00 - Bren soccer with the Alliance-ish team again. Same deal. Call or text for location details if you want to attend.
Saturday:
9:00 - Brendan Scouts. Sorting flowers from the spring flower sale. If you ordered flowers, they're here!
10:00 - Nathan lacrosse - JMMS
1:45 - Brendan is volunteering at Humane Society (or so-shee-etty, as Nate likes to call it).
6:30 - Bren is playing a soccer game with an Alliance-area team he was invited to play with. I don't have a specific location yet, so if you're interested in coming just text or call me or Mike and we can give you more information then.
Sunday:
11:40 - Nate hockey at Center Ice
5:00 - Bren soccer with the Alliance-ish team again. Same deal. Call or text for location details if you want to attend.
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