Oct 06
So, it’s been a while since I’ve posted. Something like a little over a month and I have had a few thoughts rolling around in my head that I’ve wanted to post, but never got around to. So pardon the backdating on some of these ideas.
The early part of September brought a lot of change for my family and a few of my closest friends. It’s also interesting to see how these changes affected us all. Brandon moved out of Jerry and Lacey’s and was living for the first time on his own in his own apartment. That move was over Labor Day Weekend. Jen and Gabe moved down to Brighton and at the same time I moved from my parents place. We all moved into my grandparents old house where my Aunt and her cat currently live. No worries, there’s plenty of room.
All of this moving around, it’s more than just the “stuff”. The change in relationships, the communication between friends, the stress it puts on oneself and one another is difficult to deal with. Brandon was basically part of the Todd family from the time I met him until he moved out. Jen and I never knew Jerry, Lacey, Brandon, or their kids before we moved to Midland, but I would consider them part of a small group of people I think of as my closest friends.
Jen started her new job a couple weeks ago. It seems to be going well, albeit a little slow as the new facility gets started. Gabe is now in his new daycare as well. (note, daycare down here = NOT CHEAP) Gabe’s daycare is actually the same place I went to as a child, something like 24 or so years ago.
All of these changes make you take a moment and pause and realize how important the little things are. I really valued being all of 2.5 miles away from my friends. I valued the inexpensive and fantastic child care Gabe received in Midland. I valued the house we lived in. The move is change, and plenty of it. We are dealing with new circumstances and finding new things to value. Without question, we will continue to deal with change and while Barack Obama may be using it as a slogan, we are living it.
written by Matt
Aug 27
I had a post not too long ago talking about that “feeling” you get when things just work, they click, or whatever metaphor you’d like to use. Today, I gave my first opening day technology presentation to the Dexter Community Schools entire staff (and my first opening day presentation in years) and what a response. I did a bit of a “presto-change-o” as the video started playing. I had a custom made tshirt on under my shirt and tie. I ran off stage and as I did, started removing the tie. That got some “hoots”. The video was awesome (in my opinion) and the staff thought so too with the loudest applause of the morning. I ran back out right at the end and continued to introduce the changes in technology. The response was the best I could have hoped for.
I was high as kite the rest of the day and had great responses from staff afterward. By 2pm, I was soooo out of energy. I crashed when I got home because of such a high-tempo carried throughout the morning. What a way to welcome staff back and kick off the start of the school year!
Check out the video that ran as the opening to my technology keynote (formatted for the web):
DCS Opening Day Technology Video
written by Matt
Aug 26
It has been quite the roller coaster over the last few weeks, with the job situations, the house, Gabe, friends, and everything else. The biggest, and most positive news is that Jen just received word that she has a new job down in Novi. She will be working for the brand new St. John’s facility called Providence Park at Beck Rd. and I-96 in Novi. This is a brand new facility, not even yet fully opened. I’m excited about the idea of finally being able to live in the same place as my wife and son and even more excited about the opportunities that await her. With it being a shiny, new facility, the possibilities for her work to expand and continue to challenge her abound.
Gabriel is also growing like a little weed. He is walking extremely good these days and getting around the house quite quickly. He’s also climbing up and down stairs like he’s known how to do it forever. He also knows what going outside means, or putting your shoes on, etc. If he wants to go for a car ride or go outside, he’ll bring you his or your shoes. Don’t mess with him when he’s like that. He’s like his parents, if he doesn’t get to do what he wants, he gets rather upset. It’s just fascinating to me to see the growth of understanding and physical action that he has exhibited. I can only imagine what the coming months are going to bring us.
And as for me…staff come back tomorrow. Big presentation to start the year…I’m pumped! More on that afterwards…
written by Matt
Jul 20
The weather cooperated long enough to get in a fun, competitive SEMBA flyout Saturday morning from the large open backyard of member, Scott Strouse. It was an interesting morning where the weather and winds changed throughout the flight as a cloud deck moved in from our southwest. There was quite a bit of left and right available through the morning until we just had a lot of “slow”. Steve King of “Blown Away” had the closet shot on the X, with a handful of other SEMBA pilots having other close shots. It was a fun morning for around 10 or so pilots, crews, and families. Photos will be posted in the Ballooning section of the photo gallery.
written by Matt
Jul 17
I just thought I would let everyone know that I have finally gotten around to posting about the last six months worth of photos of Gabriel that I have been neglecting to post. Alas, it has been just a little busy over the last six months with a new house, new job, etc. Check out the Gabriel section of “As Gabriel Grows” in the photo gallery as well as pictures from his first birthday and his baptism. Enjoy!!
written by Matt
Jul 11
I have started my new job at the Dexter Community Schools and wow, what a week makes! I have had quite the upswing in trying to learn and absorb a number of things from network infrastructure, names, faces, locations, etc. I also have to say that it’s been nothing but fun and exciting. After a full week, I have a better understanding of things and it will only continue to get better. The list of things that are needed to be done to get us up to a 21st century network can only be compared to the list of exciting opportunities that the school district is asking for. I’m quite excited about the coming weeks and months!
On a side note, it is rough to be away from my wife and son for a full week. This week was the longest time that I have been away from my son since he was born. I’m happy to say though that they will be with me at my parents place on Monday and Tuesday so I won’t have to go so long next week. I just try to keep myself busy and that helps, but it doesn’t alleviate it. At least this is just temporary. More next week.
written by Matt
Jul 03
Today was my last day as Network Administrator at the Bullock Creek School District. It has been an adventure to say the least with roller coasters of high’s and low’s throughout the two plus years I have been with the district. I have seen kids do some amazing things with technology and it’s a tribute to the team of individuals working with them every day. I will miss a great deal of people who strive every day to provide the best education possible. I have learned a great deal as well and plan on sharing that knowledge with the next school district I call home. Thank you to all those that have shared their knowledge with me at Bullock Creek. Part of me will always remember that it’s always a great day to be a Lancer.
written by Matt
Jun 24
You know that feeling that you get when it feels like the planets have aligned, the pieces fall into place, and it all just works? I had that feeling today after a full day spent where I will be working starting July 7th. I have accepted a position as Director of Technology for the Dexter Community Schools. This will end my stay at Bullock Creek as their Network Administrator, as I will finish up there on July 3rd. I will leave with many warm, positive memories of everyone from “The Creek”.
That adrenaline filled feeling was amazing today as I realized not only the potential of what Dexter has to offer but the massive amount of hard and FUN work that lies ahead. This is an opportunity that comes MAYBE once in a career. I have every intention to make the most of it.
Oh, and I am sure some of you are saying, “But you just bought a house!” Yes, we did. This will, unfortunately uproot the family one more time. This will also bring us closer to my family and back to many of my old stomping grounds. There is little doubt that we will have some interesting logistics to work out as a family in the coming months, but we have been through much in our short married lives and I am confident that we can take on this positive challenge ahead of us.
written by Matt
