10 March 2011

Encouraging Sign

Today I got a call from the HR department of a fairly large (about half the size of Focus, financially speaking) ministry in town. They had been given my name by Waterstone, the organization with which I had my first interview. Try to hold back the laughter, but it was for a VP of Finance position. Essentially, I would be in charge of their Finance department. I talked to the HR representative and then sent him my resume after the conversation ended. Obviously I'm not going to get this position, but at least this means I didn't make a complete fool of myself in that first interview. It sounds like my experience and credentials are at least somewhat of interest in the non-profit world...

09 March 2011

Tottenham 0-0 Milan (Aggregate 1-0)

We're through to the quarterfinals! That's right, on their debut Spurs have made it to the last eight in the Champions League. When the draw was first announced I said this tie was 50-50, and I was pretty much right on target. We thoroughly out-played Milan in the first game, but in tonight's second game we were on the ropes for much of the evening. It was pretty tense since they had the ball in our end for long stretches and only needed to score once to even things. There were moments of panic (such as the Gallas goal-line clearance), but after the game was over we had held strong. Milan did not score on us in either match.

It was an ugly win - everyone agrees with that evaluation. The other 4 games in this round will be played next week. On Friday, 18 March, the quarterfinal draw will be made. This is just like Selection Sunday in college basketball except that it is entirely random. There are no longer seeds since the competition is this far along. I've been saying it all along, but it is no longer out of the question that Spurs can get to the semifinal or final with a favorable random draw. Do I think we will get that far? Probably not. However, it's still possible. Most Spurs fans agree that the ideal draw would match us up against Schalke in the next round. In my opinion, based on the rest of the teams still left (or that should be left after next week's games), I think Chelsea would be the easiest opponent we could face in the semifinals (after Schalke in the quarterfinals). We play well against them and are very familiar with their team. If everything goes according to plan, we'd then have the pleasure of getting blown out by Barcelona in the final.

Just for fun Jules and I held a mock draw. I did it five times. Unfortunately, 3 out of 5 times we drew Barcelona in the next round. One time I did draw Spurs and Schalke and they were to play the winner of Bayern and Shakhtar. I would take that. I guess everyone will find out "for real" on Friday of next week. Even if we get Barcelona and it ends right now, this run has exceeded all dreams and expectations.

08 March 2011

Dave & Jean Sudduth's Legacy

A Colorado Sudduth family reunion of sorts...and we were even missing four of their grandchildren and three great grandchildren (plus two more on the way). This picture reminds me that although you can't take anything with you, you can sure leave a lot behind. Life isn't all about professions, but when I looked around and saw the professors, educators, doctors, clergy, and other professionals all coming from two people, it's quite obvious the difference that they made in this world to and through their family.

07 March 2011

Slumber Party

Sometimes, you just have to crash out with (and under) all your friends...

06 March 2011

9 Months Old

The little guy is starting to take steps while holding on to furniture... He's a mover and a shaker!

05 March 2011

Finished: Basement Crown

I finally finished a level in the house. I've been steadily working on it the past few weeks. It's been about four months since I started the project and I expect it's going to take a good 6 months or more to complete it. Anyway, a video was the only way to get a good idea of what it looks like (the alternative being pictures). One thing I learned from this project is that I'm a terrible tour guide. I can't film, talk, and walk at the same time.

04 March 2011

Greeley Tribune

Jean Sudduth
Dec. 3, 1921 - March 2, 2011

Age: 89

Residence: Greeley

Jean Sudduth, 89, of Greeley died March 2, 2011 at Life Care Center. She was born Dec. 3, 1921, in Lovell, Wyo., to Harvey and Hazel (Williamson) Looper.

She graduated from Greeley High School in 1939 and then attended Colorado State University, graduating in 1943. She then went to Colorado State College and graduated in 1959 with a master’s degree in elementary education. She taught first grade for Greeley-Evans School District 6 from 1959 until 1981.

Jean married David Sudduth on May 9, 1943, in East Greenwich, R.I.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Greeley, belonged to PEO, Alpha Delta Kappa, Panhellenic and the Theta Alumni group.

Jean loved to garden, sew, read, travel and square dance. She also enjoyed spending time at their cabin in Red Feather and winters in Florence, Ariz.

Survivors include her sons, Thomas and wife Linda Sudduth of Omaha, Neb., Dr. John and wife Lori Sudduth of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Ken and wife Janice Sudduth of Eaton; daughter, Janet Sudduth and husband Dr. Robert Larson of Flagstaff, Ariz; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on Oct. 26, 2000; and two brothers, Robert and Joseph Looper.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, at the Allnutt Macy Chapel. A reception will follow in the Allnutt Reception Center. Private interment at Linn Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the charity of choice in care of Allnutt, 702 13th St., Greeley, CO 80631. Friends may view the online obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences at www.allnutt.com.

03 March 2011

Buddy Boy

Jonathan is finally at that age where I can play with him. The past few weeks he's gotten very excited when he sees me (that's because I've started to play with him, like in this video). He smiles at me all the time now, begging for some more fun...

02 March 2011

Hazel Jean Sudduth

December 3, 1921 - March 2, 2011

My uncle Ken called this morning to let us know that my grandmother (on my Dad's side) passed away early this morning in her sleep. She was 89 years old. For the past several years she's been in assisted living.

I've included the most recent picture I have of her in good condition (i.e. how I remember grandma). This was taken when Stacey and I were married in 2003. Unfortunately, she was never able to really know Stacey or her recent great-grandchildren. Most of my memories and time spent with her were as a child. We would spend a week with my grandparents
each summer growing up. It was always fun to go to the pool and eat Cracklin Oat Bran or popcorn with "Oleo" on it. Sunday nights we would always watch Mutual of Omaha... I don't remember for sure, but I vaguely remember her giving us homework while we stayed with her. She was a long time teacher and I guess you can never stop being a teacher even in retirement. The coin, rock, and stamp collections were all a result of grandma. Maybe it wasn't homework...maybe she just made us read a book. I remember having to eat fresh tomatoes that were grown in her garden. With enough salt and pepper I could choke a slimy slice down. It's funny what you remember as a kid. She always kept a stash of board games and toys in her house for us. Avon's "Skin So Soft" was used as a mosquito repellent. I can't make a post and not reference the cuckoo clock they had in the kitchen. Michelle and I would dance around the kitchen whenever the top of the hour came and the music played. Both of my grandparents were big time Denver Broncos fans. I doubt they missed very many games over the years. I really enjoyed playing with the 8-track they had in their living room.

She was always very good to us kids. I don't think she had a mean bone in her entire body. Ahh...I almost forgot about the little candy dishes at Thanksgiving...I could go on and on...

01 March 2011

One Month Mark

I've reached the one month job search mark.

So far it hasn't been too bad. I've had two interviews and probably could have a job by now if I would have taken the most recent opportunity. Luckily, I can afford to be selective. Based on my understanding of the time frame involved, I would not be surprised at all if things really get going in about another month or so. All of the positions I've applied for are starting to build up and in a few weeks I should see some results. There aren't a lot of jobs out there but in our local market I think things are still OK. I'm averaging about one application per day which is pretty good in my opinion.