Nathan Pedretti

New location

2010-06-07T23:36:00.004-05:00

After many years on Blogger and a long break from posting, this blog has moved to: http://nathanpedretti.tumblr.com/.

Synchronists

2009-05-28T19:46:00.002-05:00

Carl Jung wrote about the idea of synchronicity to mean unrelated people doing similar things, or common things happening without cause and or effect.

It seems to me that in our current age of technology, with more people connected by more ideas, the rate of synchronicity may be nearing an inflection point of rapid increase. Our technology may be creating a cognitive background noise that will increasingly inspire larger groups of people with the same idea.

What we attribute to kismet (i.e. fate, fortune, and inspiration), may in fact be our own minds responding to the larger shared contextualization created by our technological tools.

New Laptop

2009-05-03T11:14:00.002-05:00

I'm trying to find a new laptop that has the following features:

lightweight
long battery life
handles internet video well
integrated video camera
and is a vista machine

I want to spend about $600-700 for the whole package. Ideas?

Long vacation done.

2009-04-27T19:23:00.004-05:00

My blogging activities took a year-plus hiatas. Since my last quasi-post:

Relocated from Chicago to Milwaukee.
Read all of Ayn Rand's fiction works (well, I skipped We the Living).
Ate some really good food in Chicago, Boulder, and Las Vegas.
Learned to Cook by taking classes at the Milwaukee Public Market.
Hiked in the mountains and climbed my first 14er. (google it)
Helped Jane manage the stresses of Medical School.

And, beyond the world of home, family, and loyal brown dog:

Spoke as a presenter at the Illinois Education and Technology Conference.
Presented my first Professional Development seminar on Curriculum Planning in the Fine Arts. (I'm now a registered CPDU provider in the state of Illinois).
I started 88 Stories, a company devoted to helping families preserve their family photos and stories. One of my longtime best friends, Matthew Stein, and I are collaborating on this great project. We've already digitized nearly 50,000 images for clients across the country. AWESOME!
I started a second company, Rooberry LLC, to provide personalized school website services to schools struggling to meet AYP. (Adequate Yearly Progress). This isn't really a new business, since I've been doing this as a sole proprietor about 4 years now. Basically, I think schools can generate a large bump in test score improvement by focusing on improving communication systems in schools. Teachers talk with administrators, parents, and kids, and scores will improve (and maybe they'll fund arts, music, and dance again).

More to follow. Really. I'm back.

The Four-Tiered World of 2050 | Beyond the Beyond from Wired.com

2008-01-16T11:43:00.000-06:00

The Four-Tiered World of 2050 Beyond the Beyond from Wired.com - It's time to move past the ideas of a developed, emerging, and third world ideology. This author speaks of four worlds of radically different economic status. What is the impact on our economy? On our culture? On our call to help others?

The Two Flavors of Google

2008-01-14T11:58:00.000-06:00

The Two Flavors of Google - MapReduce and Hadoop, both initially created by Google are powering the whole cloud computing movement by taking large jobs and farming them out to thousands of computers and recompiling the result into a useable form again.

Five Computer Clouds Are All We Need - GigaOM

2008-01-14T11:53:00.000-06:00

Five Computer Clouds Are All We Need - GigaOM - I don't completely agree with this list, but this is a good look at the functional areas of cloud computing. Where's IBM? Microsoft? Governments? Cloud computing will become a military advantage in the coming years (perhaps very soon), and governments will want in.

The Big Switch: Rewiring the World, from Edison to Google

2008-01-14T11:48:00.000-06:00

The Big Switch: Rewiring the World, from Edison to Google - This is the definitive new text on cloud computing, problems and opportunities.

Who will operate the cloud? | Tech news blog - CNET News.com

2008-01-14T11:46:00.000-06:00

Who will operate the cloud? Tech news blog - CNET News.com - Cloud computing, or the use of large networks of computers for storage and computation, is coming very quickly. It's a major area of growth in the next five years (which is why I haven't been talking about it more often), but it probably the largest reshaping of the computer industry since the internet. Start making investments now because we're moving into a new era of five big bell cloud computing companies.

Google betting big on mobile market--and Apple | Tech news blog - CNET News.com

2008-01-14T11:43:00.000-06:00

Google betting big on mobile market--and Apple Tech news blog - CNET News.com - More mobile madness as google is betting the farm (server farm) on mobile tech.

Netflix Launches Preemptive Strike Against Apple - News and Analysis by PC Magazine

2008-01-14T11:41:00.000-06:00

Netflix Launches Preemptive Strike Against Apple - News and Analysis by PC Magazine - In another prime example of the coming digital convergence, Netflix has jumped first to offer streaming media from from its library. As I've mentioned earlier, the coming movements this year are in social networking, mobile technology, and HDTV digital convergence tools.

CES 2008: Intel Debuts 16 New Processors Based on 45nm Silicon Technology | Gadget Lab from Wired.com

2008-01-07T11:30:00.000-06:00

CES 2008: Intel Debuts 16 New Processors Based on 45nm Silicon Technology Gadget Lab from Wired.com - Another story increasing my belief that one of the major trends in 2008 will be on mobile computing. This article is about MIDs (Mobile Internet Devices), but the laptop market is expanding at 30% a year, WiMax is coming quickly, and handsets will be open by the end of the year. Go mobile now.

Bill Gates, Live From Las Vegas at CES 2008: NBC and Disney on XBox Live and Gates The Guitar Hero | Gadget Lab from Wired.com

2008-01-07T07:40:00.000-06:00

Bill Gates, Live From Las Vegas at CES 2008: NBC and Disney on XBox Live and Gates The Guitar Hero Gadget Lab from Wired.com - I think the overlying trends we are seeing is better integration of media into a variety of consumer devices, more "natural" input methods like speech and touch, and a greater acceptance as gaming as an accepted method of play--even for adults.

Apple's Piping Hot Innovation - Forbes.com

2007-12-27T15:01:00.000-06:00

FORBES: Apple's Piping Hot Innovation - Forbes.com - Apple continues to change the relationship between users and information, this time, by creating a system to simplify the purchase process of many common goods. Even if they get a small percentage, this is a huge area for growth.

Turret Defense Games

2007-12-24T11:55:00.000-06:00

DIGG: Turret Defense Games - Yes, there are many different types of turret defense games, but did you know there are people that collect turret defense games? This may be the more amazing fact. I don't think I'll ever be this bored. EVER.

Clinton Would Crack Down on Computer-Generated Cartoon Sex | Threat Level from Wired.com

2007-12-24T10:41:00.000-06:00

WIRED: Clinton Would Crack Down on Computer-Generated Cartoon Sex Threat Level from Wired.com - This is a poorly titled article. Clinton has come out in favor of more regulation of the video game industry. Do we need more regulations, really?

Top 10 Startups Worth Watching in 2008

2007-12-24T10:38:00.000-06:00

WIRED: Top 10 Startups Worth Watching in 2008 - These are some great new (and more established) tech start-ups to watch in 2008. As I mentioned in a post earlier this week, 2008 is all about social networking and mobile technologies. SEO is out, and online marketing is in (on SN/mobi sites).

The Second Coming of Apple TV | Epicenter from Wired.com

2007-12-19T17:07:00.000-06:00

The Second Coming of Apple TV Epicenter from Wired.com - Watch for signficant breakthroughs in internet delivered media through hardware like AppleTV in 2008. If I could put together a hotness index for tech in 2008 it would be:
1) HD video services (transition happens officially Jan. 1, 2009, so next year is key)
2) Web Applications built on open social networking protocols
3) Mobile Applications built on Android / open source handsets

Eeextremely Eeenticing: a review of the Asus Eee PC: Page 1

2007-12-19T15:01:00.000-06:00

Eeextremely Eeenticing: a review of the Asus Eee PC: Page 1 - If you've not heard of the Asus Eee, this is the hottest, little linux-based PC on the market. At $399, it's powerful enough for a mini-office productivity environment--if you're running internet-based apps. People using Office need not apply for this PC.

Paul Allen applies to bid in U.S. wireless auction | News | Reuters

2007-12-19T08:30:00.000-06:00

Paul Allen applies to bid in U.S. wireless auction News Reuters - The wireless spectrum race gets even more interesting as Microsoft co-founder, Paul Allen, joins the bidding war for the new 700 Mhz spectrum. Google's in, the telecoms are in, and even a few cable companies. Paul Allen left microsoft back in the 90s to start his own venture, Vulcan Enterprises. He's also recent started a space company. Everyone wants this spectrum and if a third party like Allen or Google gets it, it could be great for US consumers.

Toshiba's Home Nuclear Reactor | Gadget Lab from Wired.com

2007-12-19T08:26:00.000-06:00

WIRED: Toshiba's Home Nuclear Reactor Gadget Lab from Wired.com - Sadly, I don't think we'll have one in our neighborhood anytime soon.

What's in Store for EBay? Outlook Hazy | Epicenter from Wired.com

2007-12-19T08:22:00.000-06:00

WIRED: What's in Store for EBay? Outlook Hazy Epicenter from Wired.com - Executive level problems combine with a possible user revolt, and yet, the stock price is still high. What am I missing?

ideaXchange: How do you drive traffic to your blog or web site?

2007-12-18T09:41:00.000-06:00

ideaXchange » Blog Archive » Theme of the week: How do you drive traffic to your blog or web site? - Always important to strategize different ways to drive traffic to your website.

» Need charts for your website? Google makes it easy! | Googling Google | ZDNet.com

2007-12-18T09:08:00.000-06:00

Need charts for your website? Google makes it easy! Googling Google ZDNet.com - If you like the look of Google's charts, you may want to use their new charting API.

» Google’s OpenSocial: Strategy, money and the art of war, err APIs | Between the Lines | ZDNet.com

2007-12-18T09:02:00.000-06:00

Google’s OpenSocial: Strategy, money and the art of war, err APIs Between the Lines ZDNet.com - OpenSocial is an Open Source API that allows data/profile sharing between participating social networking (SN) sites (not facebook). Essentially, this commodotizes the SN market, and allows people to innovate on uses for social networking, not the actual social networking functions.

Eye-Fi Wireless 2 GB SD Memory Card - Wal-Mart

2007-12-18T08:55:00.000-06:00

Eye-Fi Wireless 2 GB SD Memory Card - Wal-Mart - Free your photos with this simple, awesome digitial camera accessory.

Synthetic DNA on the Brink of Yielding New Life Forms - washingtonpost.com

2007-12-18T08:49:00.000-06:00

Synthetic DNA on the Brink of Yielding New Life Forms - washingtonpost.com - The coming confluence of genetics, nanotechnology, and robotics (artificial intelligence) can be seen in recent development work to create synthetic life. This research, performed at the nano genetic scale is creating artificial life to process chemicals and other valuable industrial work.

NDP Group: Apple's Leopard Leaps to Record Sales | Epicenter from Wired.com

2007-12-18T08:30:00.000-06:00

NDP Group: Apple's Leopard Leaps to Record Sales Epicenter from Wired.com - Why is it selling? Because Leopard, Apple's newest operating systems allows users to create and manage new media (audio, photos, video, podcasts, and mashups) easier than on any other system. Why was windows so successful in the 90s? It allowed users to create manage 90s media (documents, spreadsheets, and databases) easier than any other system.

iFraud: The Very Best iPhone Imitators

2007-12-18T08:26:00.000-06:00

iFraud: The Very Best iPhone Imitators - See some other iPhone like devices. The iPhone is revolutionary because of its input device: multitouch & wifi. These two technologies together allow the iPhone to surpass all other phones because its easier to get data in and out of it than any other device.

» Getting started with Android | Ed Burnette’s Dev Connection | ZDNet.com

2007-12-17T23:37:00.000-06:00

Getting started with Android Ed Burnette’s Dev Connection ZDNet.com - Let's get programming people. Cell phone software is horribly locked down. Improving cell phones is non-trivial, but Android is a good start to creating an open platform for cross-phone application development.

Data-center worker sabotages Calif. power grid | Tech News on ZDNet

2007-12-17T23:34:00.000-06:00

Data-center worker sabotages Calif. power grid Tech News on ZDNet - Does anyone else think it's funny there is a giant switch in Folsom, California that can turn off the power grid? "Oh whoops, I turned off the grid!"

Amazon.com: Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity: Books: David Allen

2007-12-17T15:12:00.000-06:00

Amazon.com: Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity: Books: David Allen: 'It's possible for a person to have an overwhelming number of things to do and still function productively with a clear head and a positive...' - YES IT IS, and this book is the best I've read to help you do it.

Neuronal circuits able to rewire on the fly to sharpen senses

2007-12-17T15:03:00.000-06:00

Neuronal circuits able to rewire on the fly to sharpen senses - This is the basic idea behind being able to focus. Block out the "noise" and sharpen your senses on a source of interest.

Openness and the Metaverse Singularity

2007-12-17T14:59:00.000-06:00

Openness and the Metaverse Singularity - This is hands-down the best article that I have read explaining the possible impact of technology on culture in the coming 20 years. Where do I stand on the spectrum? I promote augmented reality and lifeblogging. That's where my business is focused in the long-term.

Geekipedia: Wireless -- Know Your PANs From Your WLANs

2007-12-17T14:56:00.000-06:00

Geekipedia: Wireless -- Know Your PANs From Your WLANs - Do you know the difference?

Wired News - AP News

2007-12-17T14:54:00.000-06:00

WIRED: Chip-Shrinking may be nearing its limits - If you are not familiar with this problem, read this article (if you are familiar, then this is rehashing). But, the problem with these sorts of technology doom-and-gloom is that it leaves out the new technology that has consistently been invented to circumvent the end of moore's law for the past 30 years. Yes, the current technology is coming to a stop point, but eventually, a new technology will outpace it and continue the transition.

Easy Songs for Beginners Lessons - Guitar Noise

2007-12-17T14:42:00.000-06:00

Easy Songs for Beginners Lessons - Guitar Noise - This seems to be a good website (recommended by Linette!) for picking up some easy songs that sound great.

Google's Know-It-All Project - Forbes.com

2007-12-15T12:56:00.000-06:00

Google's Know-It-All Project - Forbes.com

Good idea, but it's already done very well by wikipedia. What's the value add? Oh yeah, you get a share of the ad revenue. Where do I sign?

Google and the Wisdom of Clouds

2007-12-15T12:54:00.000-06:00

Google and the Wisdom of Clouds

Cloud Services are already a huge field in consumer and business applications. This is the new paradigm for computing. How are you using the cloud?

WSJ: 12/15/07

2007-12-15T12:52:00.000-06:00

WSJ.com

Items of interest today:
* Inflation hobbling fed's ability to respond to the housing crisis?
* US gets out of the way and lets the Bali climate change process move forward
* Home foreclosures hit the highest level since 1972 in Q3
* Citibank puts $49B of debt onto books, playing wack-a-mole with housing crisis
* New term by intel: MIDs mobile internet devices, larger than a cell, smaller than a laptop, with complete web browsing capabilities: sound, video, text/graphics.
* Buy GE stock?
* Google introduces wikipedia-like tool, and defines a unit of knowledge as a "knol"
* If Hillary is elected, what about Justice Bill Clinton?

Obsessive- Compulsive’s Guide: Top 12 Organizing Tips, Plus Resources | zen habits | simple productivity

2007-11-26T11:58:00.000-06:00

Obsessive- Compulsive’s Guide: Top 12 Organizing Tips, Plus Resources zen habits simple productivity - Once you successfully get your tasks done, the only way to get better is to improve your efficiency.

Tatey-roo!

2006-10-09T23:14:00.000-05:00

Hi guys! When are we going to play some more?

Yahoo! UI Library

2006-03-30T12:20:00.000-06:00

More informtion on the Yahoo! UI Library, along with links to developer help.

Web 2.0: A Pattern Library

2006-03-30T12:06:00.000-06:00

Some background on Web 2.0. Web 2.0 is the changing face of the internet from a collection of web pages, to a platform for communications.

Important Moments

2006-02-19T07:21:00.000-06:00

It's about 7 am on Sunday morning and I'm up writing to all of you. My wife, mother, and brother are still asleep upstairs and the house is quiet. Even our little brown dog, Tate, is off staying with a friend for the week. The sun is coming in through the back windows, and the day is clear, bright and cold. I am content.

During the past few days, I've had alot of thinking time and I've used it to think about me. When your health changes, you turn inward, analyzing, and diagnosing. You try to control all of the small parts of your life that you still have to control. Its an odd time. For instance, my typing skills have improved remarkably since the surgery. I'm not fast, but I'm extremely accurate and my prose flows out remarkably easily. Its one part of my life I can still control, and I've noticed its importance to me again.

While thinking about me, however, I really noticed all of the beautiful people in my life that are working to help me. Curt and my mom have been at my house on and off since the surgery. Last night, at 4 am, when I had too much pain to sleep anymore, my mom was up talking to me in the kitchen, helping me through the pain, and working to get me in a better place again. We haven't had moments like that since I left for college, and its really nice to reconnect with them.

Jane has been the best through all of this too. Anytime of the day, she's been there to help with medicine, and even cooking our first batch of Nathan-friendly spinach soup last night. I count myself lucky.

As for friends, the emails have been great, but last night, I had my first phone call. I talked to Nicole for a bit and it was nice to reconnect with friends again. Paige stopped by yesterday to check on me, and we watched a movie. I helped her make some pizza, and I drank a Boost shake. Paige and I don't know each other very well, yet, but I appreciate her concern. All of these little connections are very meaningful.

Anyway, my point of all of this reflection, is that up with my marriage day and my marathon day, my surgery day has become one of the most transformational moments in my life. Its certainly tough, but I'm fighting through it, and when I come out the other side, I'll be much stronger for the process.

Post-op (Heading Home)

2006-02-18T14:46:00.000-06:00

Pre-op

2006-02-18T14:45:00.000-06:00

Surgery Update

2006-02-18T14:36:00.000-06:00

As many of you know, I had jaw surgery on Wednesday afternoon to correct a long-term imbalance in my facial structure. Eventually, without surgery, I would have developed a TMJ-like condition in addition to tooth and bone loss. Yuck.

I'm on the other side of the procedure now, and my life has been turned upside down, but in doing so, I've gained a new level of personal calm and public appreciation for all of you have lent your time, talents, and kind words to my cause. I've really needed all of your help these past few days and I will probably need it even more so in the next few weeks as I put myself back together again.

Rather than retype all of the details, lets summarize as follows: I had jaw surgery. The staff that helped in the surgery were all excellent and I appreciated their kindness and humor. Jane, my family, and our friends, have been so helpful in aiding us back on the road to good health.

If you are interested in seeing some before and after pictures, please visit my website: http://www.pedretti.org/ and follow the link for the surgery pictures. Just a warning, some of the post-op pictures are rather messy. Surf wisely.

2005-10-08T20:12:00.000-05:00

Alex playing with his new birthday legos.

2005-10-08T20:11:00.000-05:00

Alex and Tate playing in the backyard.

2005-10-08T12:35:00.000-05:00

Chess is one of the major new programs at Greenbay this year. Our principal has had great success incorporating chess into the curriculum in other schools.

2005-10-08T12:28:00.000-05:00

"Who you lookin' at?"

2005-10-08T12:27:00.000-05:00

Tate and I spent quality time in the backyard after work.

2005-10-03T21:01:00.000-05:00

Books, Lots of Pie, and drinks make a great evening with Book Club.

2005-10-03T21:00:00.000-05:00

Tonight was the first meeting of Jane's book club. Jane, Amanda, Britt, Maya, and Sophia founded a female book club that discussed Life of Pi by Yann Martel this month.

2005-10-03T20:56:00.000-05:00

He's getting so big. His coat started to change this week to a thicker, rougher texture. He's an admixture of big paws, lumpy legs, and ferocious appetite.

2005-10-03T20:55:00.000-05:00

I turned 27 this year!

2005-10-03T20:47:00.000-05:00

Tate loves sleeping on his back in the middle of the kitchen. He feels so at home!

2005-09-24T10:25:00.000-05:00

My little first graders are cute and goofy. This was supposed to be the "normal" picture, not the goofy one that would come later.

2005-09-24T10:21:00.001-05:00

Jane and Tate: See his little puppy belly!

2005-09-24T10:21:00.000-05:00

Tate has got his cute head nod down.

2005-09-24T10:19:00.000-05:00

Tate loves playing in the backyard.

2005-09-24T10:18:00.000-05:00

We really like it's updated interior with clear visibility and sharp instrumentation. We hope it gets good gas mileage as well.

2005-09-24T10:17:00.000-05:00

Here's our new honda!

2005-09-16T17:50:00.000-05:00

Tate hates getting cleaned up, but loves playing with his blanket.

2005-09-11T23:40:00.001-05:00

Tate and his new dad.

2005-09-11T23:40:00.000-05:00

I am the cutest puppy ever!

2005-09-11T23:39:00.001-05:00

Yes, I already know how to chew on stuff.

2005-09-11T23:39:00.000-05:00

Tate "Tater" Pedretti.

Wicked Musical Soundtrack Lyrics

2005-08-08T09:14:00.000-05:00

Jane and I are going to see the new Chicago cast for Wicked, the prelog to The Wizard of Oz on August 22. I haven't heard such a good musical since Les Miserables. Here is a link to the clever lyrics: Wicked Musical Soundtrack Lyrics.

2005-08-08T00:28:00.000-05:00

Curt, seen here wearing his brightest shirt for the family picture, didn't cool off from the day's heat, until somewhere near the Dells. It was a festive, but hot family picnic.

2005-08-08T00:22:00.000-05:00

After the canoe trip, we met back at the farm and enjoyed the evening air. Grandma and grandpa loved hearing the stories from the day. Meanwhile, Ethan, Evan, and Alex were busy riding bikes, playing basketball, and generally, getting dirty!

2005-08-08T00:20:00.000-05:00

We all stood around until Mom jumped in and started ordering people into vehicles. From left to right stands Brandon, Jess, Kimberly, Curt, Lynette, Mona, and Julie (seated). There was nearly 22 of us on the river.

2005-08-08T00:18:00.000-05:00

Before canoeing, we all ate a big lunch around the kitchen table and tried to help Curt understand how we all get to the river. This seems to confuse him every year.

2005-08-08T00:17:00.000-05:00

On saturday, we toured Brandon and Jess' new home on the Coulee. During the landing process, they broke a pipe under the house, so they'll move in later this week. Congrats, guys!

2005-08-08T00:15:00.000-05:00

I carpooled with my parents back to La Crosse this weekend for my grandparent's 49th wedding anniversary. First, we stopped and saw Maryellen's new home (still under construction).

2005-08-05T11:47:00.000-05:00

Look at that fine Scandinavian-Italian craftsmanship.

2005-08-05T11:45:00.000-05:00

Hanging out out on the deck. We picked up a new outdoor table and chair set (no chairs pictured here).

2005-08-05T11:42:00.000-05:00

We finished the deck this morning. I put the last eight balusters (the spindly posts that function half as decoration and half as supports for the railing) on this morning. We grilled last night on it for the first time, too.

2005-08-03T16:52:00.000-05:00

Jane helped to coordinate the Evanston Athletic Club portion of the Lance Armstrong Ride for the Cure. She spun downtown outside of the NBC channel 5 news station.

2005-08-03T16:49:00.000-05:00

What a big mess! I went back to school for the first time today and found I had a new room. The buildings and grounds people are taking down the library shleving and I straightened much of it, but there's still HOURS of work to do to prepare for the school year.

2005-08-01T13:56:00.000-05:00

"Is that a pink dog purse?" -- Yes, yes it is. There are some questionable fashion designers out there.

2005-07-22T15:39:00.000-05:00

Here's what the deck looks like from standing on the deck.

2005-07-22T15:37:00.000-05:00

We passed the second inspection on our deck this morning. The structure is complete, and now, we dive into laying the decking, adding hand rails, and building stairs. The excessive curve on the deck is a function of photo manipulation, not construction.

2005-07-10T08:32:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I staked out all of the posts for my deck, and tihs morning, I'm going to dig all the holes and insert the forms for concrete.

2005-07-10T08:30:00.000-05:00

Can you smell all that wood? I open up my garage and the pungent perfume of freshly cut wood wafts through my backyard. The wood is organized according to my Type A personality traits, by cut and by length. Yes, that is 24 backs of concrete in the corner. No, I hope not to use that many!

2005-07-10T08:29:00.000-05:00

These are two holes that I cut into the blacktop for posts for my deck. I used a circular saw with a masonary blade to make the incisions, then forked it out with a giant crowbar.

The Interpretation

2005-07-08T09:20:00.000-05:00

The Interpretation - Joe's new blog. He's trying to bring an artistic dimension to the world of blogging. I'm still confused, but I'm sure in time it'll come to make some sense. He's a good writer, I'll be interested to read further.

2005-07-07T21:34:00.000-05:00

Yuck! I took down the stairs to our backdoor this evening. Tomorrow begins the big construction--I'll be installing the ledgers along the house, measuring out for the posts, and digging the post holes this weekend.

2005-07-07T21:31:00.000-05:00

Jane and I saw Allison Krause last night at Ravinia. We had awesome seats (thanks Joanna) with Brittany and Michael, but Amanda, Paddy, and her mom joined us on the lawn for some pre-concert eats.

2005-07-07T21:30:00.000-05:00

Whoa! We almost didn't get our deck supplies into the back yard, but our handy home depot delivery man somehow manuevered over my tomatoes to safely place our deck materials in the garage.

2005-07-07T21:29:00.000-05:00

John, Kerri, Elizabeth, Erin, and Jane. Erin and John are friends from IU, and Kerri is Erin's sister from Urbana-Champagne. All were in town today because John is presenting a paper at U of Chicago. Elizabeth is so cute (and pudgy!)

2005-07-04T21:01:00.000-05:00

Run, girls, run!

2005-07-04T21:00:00.000-05:00

My buddy Scott organized field day. Yes, ladies, Scott is still single.

2005-07-04T20:58:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder, I do work. This is a picture with Mrs. Coleman and I serving hot dogs at our annual, Greenbay Elementary School field day. Four hundred kids served in under an hour! It was awesome.

2005-07-04T20:56:00.000-05:00

Congratulations, Nancy! Nancy graduated from U of Chicago, and we celebrated with her family down in Chinatown for dinner.

2005-07-04T20:53:00.000-05:00

Michael and Britt joined us for Ravinia.

2005-07-04T20:52:00.000-05:00

Jane and I went to hear Garrison Keillor at Ravinia. We sat on the lawn, ate great food (Thanks, Britt and Michael), and laughed hard at good, old-fashioned midwestern humor.

2005-07-04T20:50:00.000-05:00

What a mess! This is one of the intermediary steps towards our deck project. I removed ten posts from the ground by hand. (Growl here)

2005-07-04T20:49:00.000-05:00

This is a photo-stitched version of my school, Greenbay Elementary, in North Chicago, IL.