The countdown is on

Indeed, the countdown is on! We only have 12 days until the start of the state fair. Many people claim that they are the biggest fan of the fair, but I beg to differ. 😀 When I'm not at work, I'm at the fair, snapping pics, walking around, directing people to the places they are wanting to go, and blogging all about it in the evening. I think I'm the fair's biggest fan.

I made a trip out there today, to see what was going on. I only saw a small handful of people working out there, cleaning food trailers and prepping things. In addition to the assortment of food trailers, there are also a few rides on the grounds. Whitewater is there, so we know that Crazy Mouse most likely won't be, as that ride shares a space. Because of the size of those rides, it's either one or the other, but not both. I took a lot of pictures today, and they are on my Facebook page. That's how I typically cover the fair. Pics go on my Facebook page, and the blog posts to Blogger, but I always put a link on my Facebook page. Feel free to stalk my page during the fair time to see what's new. If you're not interested in fair stuff, just scroll past it.

My first official act at the fairgrounds, before I do anything, I'll be heading to the Domestic Arts building to see how my cookies fared in the judging. I'm entering chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, peanut butter cookies, and snickerdoodles. Wish me luck!

I'm also excited about one of my favorite roving acts, Bandaloni! This guy is talented. If you get a change to see him, take a listen. He is a one-man band, and his show is entertaining. Ron Diamond is a must-see as well. On the Wednesday night of the fair, Tobymac is making a grand appearance! I have missed multiple chances to see him, and I'm hoping this might finally be the year that I get to see him.

There will more posts to come between now and the fair, but I'm going to have to cut this entry short. I just got called into work. I have taken a step back from my baking business and have taken a job at The Alley, the local bowling alley and entertainment venue. I plan to put the funds into my mission fund, as my baking business has been struggling. I'll let people know when I plan to do some baking, and that's the way it will have to be for now. Keep your eyes and ears to this space, as I'll continue to update you as to what's going on at the fairgrounds as we lead up to the 8th of September! Thanks for reading, and God bless!

Good-bye, Summer

While I love my jobs and the kids I work with, I find myself a bit sad at the end of this Summer break. I have to say that this has been one of the best Summers that I can remember in a long time. I had a tremendous time at Junior camp and Junior High camp, my trip to Tijuana, and my week at VBS. My 4 big summer adventures. In the meantime, I worked for Boys & Girls club, as well as the concession stands at the ball fields. Although it was very tiring, it was also very fulfilling. I'm not sure what made this summer more impressionable on me, except that I really re-committed myself to my future, wherever God may take me. I think that God wanted me to be open to fields other than Mexico, and I gave Him that. Maybe that's why I have this wistful feeling right now. When someone asked me where I saw myself in 5 years, I said that I wasn't sure where God would have me then, but for now I feel like I'm in the center of His will. When God gives the go-ahead, then I will be ready to jump into action, wherever that might be. I also learned so much this Summer. Whether it be through speakers at camp, Bible stories at VBS, or devotionals, personal and group. It was a tremendous summer, and I just hate to see it go. 

I am excited to begin my 16th year with the school district. I'll be returning to the school I transferred to in the Spring, working in a modified classroom. A modified classroom means that the kids are in this room all day, working on classwork specially designed to their needs. They are mentally and socially low, but they are great kids with lots of love to give. I feel fortunate to work in this room and with the supervisor, who is an expert in her field.      I'll also be starting in my 5th year working with Boys & Girls Club. I teach a class called "Positive Action," which covers a wide array of life issues that give kids the tools they need to be successful in life. My duties will increase this year, as I'm also going to be teaching a reading and literacy group called "Kidzlit," and assist with another course called "Smartmoves," which is similar to Positive Action.       The baseball season has come to an end, so I have felt the need to take on a job that is not seasonal and where rain may cost me some work hours. I have taken on a job at "The Alley," a local bowling alley which also has an arcade, laser tag, and bumper cars. I'll be manning the concession stand. I'll be working there a few evenings each week. This will be my summer savings job. I'll set this money aside for mission trips and to fill the gaps during the weeks I am gone without pay. Rob's Homebaked Goods was created to fulfill this role, but business has been so slow, I needed to do something to bring in some mission trip money. I won't be able to do much baking now that I am working The Alley, but at least I am bringing in something for mission trip funding. Since I know many of you are asking, "Can you do this?" I feel confident that I can do this. Some days may begin at 5am and end at 11:30pm, but if I feel that I can't do it any longer, I'll cut loose from The Alley.

We are less than a month from the start of the Kansas State Fair! This past week my mom and I went down to get our papers for entering stuff. She is entering some woodcarving projects, and I am again entering cookies. I am entering chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, snickerdoodle, and peanut butter. I am hoping to pick up some more ribbons. While at the fairgrounds, we walked down toward the midway. There is a ticket booth and some unmarked concession trailers there, as well as a few tents going up, but other than that, it's pretty much dead.  I am planning on being there every day, snapping pics and letting you all know what's going on by way of my blog, which is briefly named "Rob's State Fair Ramblings." There is a $2 Tuesday special this year. On Tuesday, most concession stands will be offering $2 portions of their product. Concession stands that are a part of the midway are not a part of this special. The $2 special applies to vendors from the region that bring their businesses to the fair.  I was also excited to see that they are bringing back "Bandaloni," the very talented one-man band. If you get a chance to see him, you won't be sorry.  As you walk around the fairgrounds this year, look for me. If you want to know where something is, chances are I'll know where it's at. It's so much fun being the go-to guy for the fair. As the fair gets closer, and I find out more, keep your eyes on this blog.

So, that's a brief update on what's happening in my life and what I'm up to. Thanks so much for reading. May God bless you and have a great weekend!