It’s been a long day, and while I’d love to write a 500-word blog about how absolutely tired I am being talked over by students, trying to make sure to at least try to write comments on the idiocy going on in the Iowa State House right now (#ialegis if you are on Twitter), or the fact that at 53, weight just doesn’t come off. No, instead, I’m all for 5 random things.
- We coached 7th and 8th grade basketball this past season and had hoped to get our 7th graders into a tournament. They were disappointed when we told them that nothing was panning out, but last weekend, a team agreed to join a local tournament, so, hurray! We had practice today, and it was so good to see these girls. They are a fun group, coachable, and even though they will die on Saturday (very out of shape) they’ll have a great time playing together.
- If you are in St. Louis Park, a suburb of the Twin Cities, a place to visit is CopperWing Distillery. We visited this weekend and really found the place quite awesome. It just had a hip vibe (not us, but we totally enjoyed it) and some great drinks too. We will go back again if it ever comes up!
- While we were on the topic of drinking, we found a true microbrewery in St. Louis Park, Uilsperger Brewing. It’s literally in a strip mall, with a seating capacity of 25! Really good Irish stout and a peanut coffee blonde, we really enjoyed the beer and the owner (even if he is a Milwaukee Brewers fan!).
- We’ve paid for our 30th anniversary trip we are going on this summer and are totally stoked. We are taking a trip to Scotland and Ireland on a “Spirits Tour” dealing both with whiskey AND ghosts! It should be a great time! 🙂
- And finally, I can’t go without a shout-out to the best basketball player in the country right now, Caitlin Clark! To watch her break the all-time NCAA Women’s scoring record with a “logo three” in the first three minutes was just amazing. She’s been hard-working, and humble, yet, passionate and firey. She just never quits, never stops coming at you, and you cannot take a single second break on defense or she makes you pay. Whether she goes to the WNBA this year or not (she probably will), she’s made her mark on a generation of female athletes who simply know her as “Caitlin”.
Thanks for reading. It feels good to write, even if for just a little bit. 🙂
The Life of a Conflicted Teacher 
February 21, 2024 at 8:08 am
the trip to Scotland and Ireland sounds wonderful. I am sure you both will have a wonderful time.
February 21, 2024 at 2:22 pm
We are hoping for that same wonderful time! 🙂
February 21, 2024 at 8:49 am
Like Lakshmi, I’m zeroing in on your upcoming trip to Scotland and Ireland. That sounds incredible! Something to look forward to amidst kids talking over you and the gloom happening in your state house. (I’m afraid to look it up, but I will momentarily.)
February 21, 2024 at 2:21 pm
We are plenty stoked about going! I’ve never been overseas before, and my wife is a big Outlander fan (both the books and the TV show) so it just fit for us!
February 21, 2024 at 8:52 am
I went to X and searched for #ialegis.
Ooof, is the nicest response I can make in this forum.
I haven’t read about this until now. Thanks for opening my eyes to what’s happening in your state.
February 21, 2024 at 2:20 pm
Yes, it’s scary and infuriating and just plain silly, all packaged up into one big pile of yuck.
February 22, 2024 at 8:38 am
Darin, I love the “Five Things,” random though they may be, structure (anti-structure?) and plan to use it during the March Challenge. I think Writer Tammy of “Inspiration & Magic Substack” suggests it, too, for those incoherent flea-activity days. I love yours; they wind up thematic. Scotland, ghosts, booze and an anniversary to celebrate—that’s a plan! (Go, Caitlin!)
February 23, 2024 at 5:57 am
Instead of focusing on what could’ve made you even MORE exhausted, you shared five random – and FUN – things! I’m excited for your trip!!!! Congrats, and ENJOY!