Day 31: Snow Removal Tools

Day 31: Snow Removal Tools
Originally uploaded by hcuevas_98

Today I spent a few hours shoveling the previous day's snowfall. Fortunately the sun was on my side because the snow that remained on our cars and driveway melted away. My truck however is still surrounded by a barrier of snow but the rest of the driveway is clean.

In this photo are the tools I used to help me through this task. A standard snow shovel, a flat shovel, and my dad's New York Fire Department boots-my dad was a New York City Fireman for 21 years. These are by far the best winter boots I have ever worn.

Day 30: A Foot of Snow

Day 30: A Foot of Snow
Originally uploaded by hcuevas_98

It snowed all day today and at some points it was snowing almost 2 inches per hour. The result, just about a foot of snow. I spent some time shoveling today but my efforts were for naught. Even if I get my driveway clear, our cul-de-sac probably will not see a plow for 2 more days. I'm anticipating a day off on Monday but I hope we can get our van out by Tuesday. As for my truck, looks like it will remain in this spot for quite some time because I have no snow tires or chains and of course it is rear wheel drive.

I guess we'll have to go out and play in the snow! :)

Day 29: Leisure Reading

Day 29: Leisure Reading
Originally uploaded by hcuevas_98

I'm a little late with "today's" photo but in keeping with this project, the photo was taken yesterday but I didn't have the time or energy to post it last night.
So here I am Saturday morning posting and writing about Nicholas Sparks' book The Last Song.

After a very long evening at a track meet, I was prepared to drive home when my daughter asked if we could stop at Barnes and Noble so she could pick up a book. So off we went to BN and we came out with her choice of leisure reading for the weekend. I originally wanted to take her picture holding the book but this was the closest I could.

If she hasn't finished it already, she will certainly have it read before lunch today.

Day 28: Go Tribe

Day 28: Go Tribe
Originally uploaded by hcuevas_98

This is one of my favorite coffee mugs because the WM emblem still has its feathers-class of 1989. The NCAA thought this symbol was insulting to Native Americans despite the fact that the College of William and Mary had an Indian School. Unfortunately, the mug has been relegated to sitting on my desk because it developed a crack after being placed in the microwave without any liquid.

Day 27: Wrecked Cars

Day 27: Wrecked Cars
Originally uploaded by hcuevas_98

Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars are loads of fun but there is no good way to keep them organized. So after the daily ritual of putting the cars away in a large plastic bin. The result, a pile of "wrecked cars".

Day 26: Preparing for Virtual Immersion

Day 26: Preparing for Virtual Immersion
Originally uploaded by hcuevas_98

Today I helped Spanish classes connect with classmates on the other side of campus using Skype in preparation for the first day of the Virtual Immersion Program with a class in Colombia. How far we have come! First it was penpals, then epals, then Group based Skype sessions, and starting tomorrow, we will have 12 webcams connected to 12 students. Tomorrow we will join the Human Network-thank you Cisco for that tag line.

To read more about this program, go to http://ow.ly/10NBr .

Day 25: DC or Marvel ?

 
Day 25: DC or Marvel
Originally uploaded by hcuevas_98

Today was activities day at school and we were fortunate enough to have Dave from Dave's Comics come by to speak to our students about comics, storyboards, storylines, and superheroes. As an avid superhero fan, it was a real treat to have Dave discuss the nuances of the industry. Unfortunately, I think we may have disappointed him when we started to develop our digital comic strips using Pixton because as he put it, "he loves the smell and feel of the paper."

Day 24: Looking into the past

Looking into the past
Originally uploaded by hcuevas_98

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Richmond, Virginia, Maymount is a wonderful refuge from the daily grind. The Maymount website actually lists it as 100 acres of history, habitats, and horticulture but one really has to visit this urban oasis to fully appreciate all it has to offer.

So after a few hours in the Nature Center, the wee one and I headed out to the grounds. It was a cloudy day but we were content to be outdoors frolicking up and down hills, sitting beneath trees, and exploring the many creeks that run through this property. As we made our way to one of the creeks, we had to cross over a stone bridge. I took several shots of the bridge from different angles but opted for this one.

This stone bridge has openings which allowed me peer through creating a portal effect that was irresistible.

Day 23: Saturdays in January

Day 23: Saturdays in January
Originally uploaded by hcuevas_98

Saturdays in January are often spent at our school's indoor track facility. It is a wonderful place for runners from all over the state to compete especially since it is considered to be one of the fastest tracks in the state.

My role during these track meets is not as a coach but as a USTFA official. I'm the starter for all of our home meets but I also serve as a clerk, umpire, and rules interpreter if there is a grievance.

Today's photo has some of the items I use during the course of the meet.

.22 caliber starter's pistol, ear protection, a box of shells, discarded shells, a whistle, and my official's badge. I placed the relay baton in the photo to add a little flair.

Day 22: A Lonely Campus

A Lonely Campus
Originally uploaded by hcuevas_98

St.Christopher's School is often buzzing with activity but Friday evenings are often quite peaceful. As I was leaving for home this evening I gazed across the grounds and could not help but wonder if the campus felt lonely. It wasn't an eerie feeling but I sensed that the campus felt as if it had been abandoned for the evening. Sepia tone was used to give it an aged appearance.

Day 21: Courting Candle

Day 21: Courting Candle
Originally uploaded by hcuevas_98

The courting candle was used to limit the amount of time a potential suitor could spend with a father's daughter. If the father was dissatisfied with the potential suitor, the wooden peg was lowered to reduce the amount of time that could be spend with his daughter.(When the flame reached the iron candle holder, time was up.) This candle was given to us after we were married and I guess I am fortunate that my bride replaces the candle regularly so I can keep hanging around. ;)

Maybe I'll use it when my daughters start dating.

Day 20: St. Chris Robot

Day 20: St. Chris Robot
Originally uploaded by hcuevas_98

Today, our robotics team aka team Snufaluffagus, showed our Board of Governor's their latest creation. After seeing this robot in action, I found myself longing for the science classroom. Maybe I'll return to the science classroom as I get closer to retirement.

Retirement? Who am I kidding I'll be working as long as I can because I love working in an environment where I am always learning.

Day 19: The Pink Night Light

Day 19: The Pink Night Light
Originally uploaded by hcuevas_98

Our 3 year old loves the color pink. She has a pink room, pink pajamas, pink slippers, a pink chair, and now she has a pink night light. It's actually much larger than a standard night light but because of its size, it casts a rose colored hue on her pink walls which seems to sooth her. I wonder if I would sleep as soundly if I had a pink night light? Hmmm.

Day 18: That's One Big Mouse

Day 18: That's One Big Mouse
Originally uploaded by hcuevas_98

This afternoon, I had the distinct pleasure of having my 3 year old design a series of interesting and imaginative scenarios for us to play. We buzzed around the circular driveway on her tricycle, we put out fires with her firetruck, and played with Barbies on the back porch. It wasn't until I got to the back porch that I saw my shadow and realized that the wee one had placed Minnie Mouse ears on me.

Day 17: Lost Socks

Day 17: Lost Socks
Originally uploaded by hcuevas_98

We've all experienced it, but I do believe as a family we have reached an all time high for unpaired socks. Most of the socks seem to be from our children but their are a few rogue socks from mom and dad too. I don't quite understand where they go but somewhere in this house there are orphans that need to find their way home. If you see them, tell them we are looking for them.

Day 16: Mr. Mom

Day 16: Mr. Mom
Originally uploaded by hcuevas_98

Today is the 1st day of 3 that I'll be playing Mr. Mom. So far, everyone is fed and clean but let's just say the kitchen needs a little work. Hope my bride has fun with her sisters. It's Nana's birthday so it's bound to be a good time.

Day 15: Winter offers some color

Day 15: Winter offers some color
Originally uploaded by hcuevas_98

As far as winters go, this one has been one of the coldest and dampest ones I can remember. Today it was warm, sunny, clear, and quite mild for January in Virginia. The sunshine was a welcome respite from the bleak days of winter and as the sun cast its rays upon the campus, I was struck by how red these leaves were. These shrubs are not new to the campus but then again maybe Old Man Winter released his grip just long enough to see a hint of color.

Day 14: Webcam Mania

Day 14: Webcam Mania
Originally uploaded by hcuevas_98

We just received 12 new Logitech 9000 webcams for our Virtual Immersion program for our 8th grade Spanish class. Let's just say our Spanish teacher is very excited about the potential. To read more about it please visit my blog post at here.

Day 13: Gumby

Day 13: I'm Gumby
Originally uploaded by hcuevas_98

This past Christmas, my mother-in-law, aka Nana, gave me Gumby for Christmas. I have fond memories of the Gumby cartoons as a child but the memory that always makes me chuckle is when Eddie Murphy appeared as Gumby on SNL.

So why did I did I pick Gumby for today's photo? Let's just say it's been a long day and I needed something to perk me up. So as I was looking at the pile of work on my desk, I saw that doll sitting in my office and he made me smile. From that point on, we were on a mission to find a good place for Gumby to say hi and make everyone else smile.

Day 12: Under the Weather

Last night was certainly a prelude to how our 3 year old is feeling today.  The poor thing woke up several times last night and she was able to hang on albeit in an erratic fashion but by about 1:00 she was out of gas.  I hope she has a great nap because there is nothing better when one is under the weather.

Day 11: Fire Phasers

This summer I received this Star Trek PEZ Collector's Edition for my birthday.  Now as my Day 5 post indicated, I love candy and it's taken lots of will power not to dive right into this box of PEZ.  So now you know.  Not only am I a candy fiend but I am also a huge Star Trek fan.

Day 10: What do you call pancakes?

On most weekends, I make the family pancakes or waffles.  There's no secret recipe but I do use Bisquik which seems to be our family's favorite pancake mix.  This weekend was no different and as one can see, pancakes were the carb of choice.

One small request. If your geographic area has a name other than pancakes, would you please include it in the comment section and tell us where you are from.

Thanks, and can someone pass the syrup?!

Day 9: Counting Laps

I've been involved in track and field and cross country since high school but my latest stint is as a certified USATF official.  As the starter for all of our home meets, I often find myself acting as the clerk, umpire, or lap counter. Today however, my son spent most of the day at the meet moving hurdles, getting starting blocks, and counting laps.  Now counting laps on the surface appears to be quite easy and it is until runners start getting lapped.  Well my son seems to have a knack for this job but I think he enjoys ringing the bell on the final lap best. As one can see, there are 4 laps to go.

Day 8: It's all a matter of perspective

We had a light dusting of snow today and everywhere I looked there were lots of options for today's photo.  As I was going through my day I was struck by how the individual blades of grass perforated the thin blanket of snow.  Taking  a photo from above or at an angle did not provide the desired outcome but I was determined to photograph this scene.  I thought about laying on the ground but I was already too cold to lay down on a concrete walkway.  On a whim, I held my Blackberry Curve upside down and as close to ground level so I could get the trees in the background.  A quick 180 degree rotation and here is the result.

Day 7: Winter is taking its toll

This winter has been exceptionally cold and damp in Virginia and it is causing all sorts of problems from water main breaks to sink holes, and what now seems to be the ever present pothole. Driving down to and from work is about as close to driving through a war torn town.  I think I'll postpone getting the cars aligned until late spring when the patchwork is completed.

Day 6: Care for some java?!

I usually have 2 cups of French press coffee before school but today I needed a little more. Since I was the first to arrive at the office, I headed over to the coffee maker to brew a fresh pot of java.  As I was prepping the materials, the sun was shining on a wooden table and I mused on how this kind of light would affect the photo. What I found interesting, is that the photo almost looks cartoonish.  I'm sure there is a term to describe this characteristic but my education in the art of photography is quite limited.

Or maybe it's just overexposed.

Day 5: Shhh it's a secret !

Ever need a sugar boost?  Well, today was one of those days and I decided to visit a secret stash that a dear friend has hidden for me. I'm a candy fiend and this cache of tootsie roll pops was just what I needed to get me through the afternoon. Today's flavor was grape but my favorite new flavor is pomegranate.

Can anyone figure out who stashes my hidden treasures?  Need a hint? GREEK for LITTLE SUMMER

Day 4: A Sense of Community

Well, we are back from a lengthy Christmas break and all aspects of school life are back in full swing especially our dining hall. The dining hall staff is responsible for serving 3 meals per day on Mon-Thurs and breakfast and lunch on Friday.  This may not sound particularly special until one realizes that we are a day school and that families will often eat meals together at breakfast and dinner and teacher, advisors, and coaches will often dine with their students/advisees/players. Also, as a faculty member, our families are allowed to join us for breakfast and dinner.
Below are 2 of the many staff members that work to keep the dining hall humming and for the sense of community they help instill.   Thank you!

Day 3: Terrestrial Icebergs

With 12+ inches of snow behind us and temperatures below freezing, Virginians have been able to gaze upon these frozen formations longer than usual.  They have also been known to cause scratches and dents to those drivers foolish enough to park near them but unlike their oceanic cousins, terrestrial icebergs seem to get filthier with every passing day.  It is hard to believe that something as pure as freshly fallen snow, can eventually turn in to one of these.

Day 2: A windy day at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

We're back from our New Year's holiday on the Delaware shore but our return trip carries us over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.  This engineering marvel is over 20 miles in length and has 2 tunnels that are each 1 mile long.  We've seen our fair share of freighters and dolphins and one time we were able to watch a submarine breach the surface with quite a splash but nothing prepared us for the fury of 47 mile per hour winds as they roared across the bay.  There is a rest area just past the midway point and we stopped only to be blasted by wind and the occasional spray of the bay.  But what was most amusing was how the wind treated my bride's hair.  She has the straightest hair and the moment she stepped past the corner of the rest area, well, I'll let the photo tell the rest of the story.

Day 1: Exercise Like the Eskimos

A New Year's  tradition that is often celebrated in colder climates is the polar plunge.  Well today was no different.  My father-in-law who by the way has done 3 of these already asked my 2 oldest children if they were interested in participating in this year's Exercise Like the Eskimos polar plunge at Bethany Beach in Delaware.  Well my children couldn't resist the opportunity/challenge and agreed to jump in the Atlantic Ocean which was under 50 degrees Fahrenheit.  Too cold for me as I prefer hot weather!

Well here they are after they Excercised Like the Eskimos

About this project

The goal/purpose of this project is quite simple and far from unique but I intend to use photos to document one aspect of my day everyday.  I've been pondering on what themes I would focus on but I've decided to let the themes evolve on their own.

There are several of us who are participating in this endeavor and the blogs are listed here.

Time Frame: January 1, 2010-December 31, 2010

I hope you enjoy the images as viewed through my eyes.