Toned Down Wednesday. . .

Reined in a bit sartorially speaking this chilly, wet January morning. A more pleasing (???) combination of items that is a bit less beyond the pale I think, which is to say more restrained.

Two interesting and unconnected things happened yesterday, both of which are worth relating here.

One, a student stopped me yesterday to compliment that crazy melange of clothes, which, you might recall, wasn't quite what I had hoped once I was fully cognizant and awake yesterday morning. In any case, said student mentioned that she really appreciated it when occasional professors made the effort to dress with respect for their students and the occasion rather than hoodies, jeans, and work boots (Hey, it's Michigan.). The student in question is an surely an outlier, but maybe there is hope for Generation Z? Some of them get the concept of self-presentation though.

Second, and closer to home, the Young Master was spotted coaching younger students in their punch and kick techniques during a series of exercises yesterday evening at the Tae Kwon Do studio. He did not manage to earn his recommended Black Belt status in December, yet it was really warming to see him coaching younger classmates as they worked together during the hour-long class for advanced belts. Maybe in June when the next round of testing is scheduled? He is learning the meaning of resilience and determination in the meantime.

Next up, we have a three-day skiing weekend getaway coming up in Northern Michigan to pack for! Winter has been somewhat underwhelming so far although we had a good week or so of cold and snow during Christmas. I was in touch with one of the Nordic ski centers we plan to visit yesterday however, and the manager assured me that most of their 35+km of trails are open with natural snow. Many happy skiers over the weekend according to her email. Huzzah!

And if the temperatures don't cooperate, well we can still eat well, visit a few ski shops, hike the trails at another ski area, and enjoy some board games by the fireside during the evenings. Should be fun.

But let's wrap up the week first, eh? It's 7:20am, so I supposed now would be the time to start getting some actual work done.

-- Heinz-Ulrich

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Mid-June Thursday Style. . .

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