How big is a cubit?

And with that biblical reference we're off and running. In case you haven't guessed by now, I've started building a boat. It's a small one, without any space for animals even, but I'm having a great time building it. It's a twelve foot long kayak and I'm hoping to have it done in time to do some duck hunting out of it this year. As I get more done, I'll be taking pictures and I'll post them on my blog with updates. I'm still trying to decide whether I want to fiberglass the bottom or not, but I'm leaning toward it if only to protect the bottom better in the rivers around here. It will add a little bit of weight, but a lot of strength, so I think the trade-off will be worth it.

I went duck hunting on Wednesday, but didn't see any. I did see a pair of moose while I was out there and also a ton of deer. As far as the weight loss thing goes, I've really been holding steady at about 242, which means that I need to get back in the gym and back on the wagon as far as WW goes. Otherwise, I'll never hit my goal of 225 by Xmas. Take care and Hope all is well in your worlds.

I want one!

So the Engineering Department here at MSU has built a race car to compete against other universities in a yearly contest at Fontana Speedway in California. This is actually the second car that the team has built, and they just received a big sponsorship from Kawasaki for three full motorcycles and three new engines. Now they'll have plenty of gear to keep building new and improved race cars. The reason that I bring this up, aside from the fact that it's cool and I want one, is that yesterday they were allowing the general public/sponsors come out and drive the car. As my department has been instrumental in getting them racing space (parking lots and parking cones) they invited anyone from the department to come down and try it out. I didn't have to be asked twice, so after work yesterday I took this little number out for a couple of laps. It was soooo cool. It was ridiculously fast and so very overpowered. It was honestly the fastest/most fun driving experience I've ever had. The funny thing is that I never really opened it up and went after the track like I would have liked to because I didn't want to hurt the car and because I wasn't sure of it's capabilities. Apparently, after watching the actual team race it, I could've have done just about anything I wanted without hurting the car, but it's not mine, so I didn't want to take any chances.

I've been out duck hunting a couple of more times, but I've only shot one duck. I've seen a ton of deer and even a cow moose a couple of times, so that's been cool and just being out there when the sun's coming up and everything is peaceful and quiet is pretty amazing. I'd take pictures, but they really don't show what I'm seeing. Anyway, I have to get back to whatever it is that I'm doing here, so take care.

Welcome to this world!

My sister KT had her second child yesterday! Miles Alexander Koopman is 9 pounds and 20 3/4 inches long. Sounds like he's going to be a big boy. I'm so very proud of my sister and happy for her growing family. MAK, as he will be known from now on, welcome to this world and know that you are loved.

Good times with family

So, I've been having a good time with my father-in-law in town. We ventured down to a couple of mining ghost towns on Thursday and kicked around. I'd never been, so it was kind of cool to explore a new place with Sy and her dad. We've been eating a lot of really good food and have just been spending some nice time together. I'm kind of bummed that he's leaving today, but life goes on. I really haven't been up to too much else. I went duck hunting Wednesday morning, but didn't have any success. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.

Opening Day

So opening day for duck season was Saturday, and my buddy Sam and I were out there. I managed to trade with a coworker to get the day off. I crawled out of bed at 4am to get dressed and loaded up and went to Belgrade to pick up Sam and his two hunting dogs. We drove North to a beautiful lake and set up our decoys in the sloughs/ponds just below it and got ready to start the day. I should mention the fact that it was pouring rain and really windy and the projected high was only 42 degrees. Perfect duck hunting weather.

As it got to be shooting light, we had about a dozen teal land in our decoys, but the dogs were so excited to start the day they ran out to retrieve them before we'd even got a chance to shoot at them. Once we got the dogs back into the blind, the day started for real. There were ducks everywhere! It was amazing! Sam shot one cinnamon teal that literally bounced off the water and landed on my boots! I told him if he kept that up we wouldn't need the dogs anymore. All in all it was a great day. I ended up with 5 ducks and Sam had 5 ducks and a goose.

Past that, I really haven't been up to much. I'm holding steady with my weight, but I've kind of gotten away from the program a little. I really need to renew my commitment to WW, and get back on the wagon. Sy's dad is in town for the week and I'm looking forward to my days off so that I can spend time with them. Take care.