Getaway Day

Time to return home.

Sad? Yes. I made some amazing friends here that I know I will network with in the future. I also heard some amazing inspirational stories that will motivate me into becoming a better teacher. I also learned so much that my students are going to be positively impacted in ways they can never imagine.

Happy? Yes. I miss my family. I can't wait to see my boys. While I was gone Nicholas needed to get glasses because he has an eye problem. I wasn't there for that and it really hurts. I know it's small but it still stings as a parent.

Overall? Next to my trip to Korea the most amazing week of my life. Words escape me (a rarity) because the impact will be felt for many years in my content and style. I have to thank Boeing for paying for this trip. I thank my fellow PISD people who were so amazing this week. Thanks to Denise Ridgway for recommending me. Thanks to my parents for watching my boys for a whole week!! Most important, thanks to you for reading my crazy ramblings all week long.

T-Minus 3:00:00 for liftoff!
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Graduation

All workshops are done. All speakers are done. The only thing left is graduation. I am happy and sad about that.

Time to flip the badge!!

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Bottle Rockets

Tara, Reid, Julie and I just built a balanced bottle rocket in less than 30 minutes.
We are a G/T group now



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Hubble IMAX Movie

We are now here ready to watch the movie. I wanted to see it so I'm glad we get to watch it. The theater is enormous so I know this is going to be awesome.

Oh movie starting! Talk in an hour

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Day 5 Wrap Up

Yesterday was another great day here at Camp.  We had the Air Force Academy come in and talk to us about possible career paths for our kids.  Excellent information and definitely something to think about in the future.

After that it was Rocket Launch Time!  I get mine on the platform and here is the launch:



The chute did not open all the way so my rocket tumbled pretty fast, but I am proud that it went straight up and pretty high!

After that we had a guest speaker, former astronaut Hoot Gibson.  I wrote about him earlier and he was a very dynamic speaker.  I enoyed listening to him.

After lunch we were GO for our final STS mission.  We did a great job working as a team again. 

The camp counselors keep commenting on what great teamwork we have.  I can tell as well and this is really great.  You want to do your best because you don't want to let your team down.  But you can also have a little fun with your teammates as well.  I communicated with the space station and one of the astronauts developed Narcolepsy so I got to take care of that and have a little fun with them in the process.

The final thing of the night was observing the stars.  The International Space Station was actually visible and flew directly over us last night.  I tried to take a picture but it did not come out well.  We also learned about stars alignment and the constellations.  I love astronomy but I have never been very knowedgeable about it.  Nicholas is a stargazer too so I am going to have to learn these things so I can share with him.

I am sad today is our final day but I miss my boys so much.  This trip has been really hard on my oldest Nicholas.  He keeps demanding a flight suit so I think I am going to break down and get him one today.  I am definitely going to miss my wonderful (and hopefully lifelong) friends I've met here, but I can't wait to see him and Colin tomorrow.

Ok I am now a GO for breakfast.  Roger, over and out.

Mission Discovery: SUCCESS!

The mission was a success! I was the Mission Scientist in Mission Control so I was talking between the Flight Director in MOCR and the crew on the space station. It was challenging, but it was fun. The perspective was much different in there than it was on the orbiter. Your view is much narrow on the orbiter while a more global perspective is needed in MOCR. We handled the anomalies and I even got to take care of a medical anomaly so my pharmacy genes stayed happy.

We have a little break (a miracle) before we are in for an amazing treat: we are going to view the sky through the Hubble telescope. I can't wait because I know the pictures are going to be breathtaking.

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Mission Discovery

In MOCR now and ready for liftoff. We are GO!

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Speaker: Hoot Gibson

Wow! What ana amazing speaker! As the intros were going on some guy sits next to me. I look up and it's Hoot! Reid and I talk to him for a minute and I get a pic too.

His presentation was a lot of personal pictures, but that's all he needed. He told amazing stories about the incredible life he has led. He was part of the first selection of astronauts in1978. He met his wife in the astronaut training program. Flown 5 missions. Docked the shuttle to Mir. Wow what a life!

Next up is our final mission: Discovery. I am Mission Scientist and will be communicating with the Space Station. Team Harmony rides again!!

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Rocket Time

Rocket launch in 10 minutes!



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Overcoming Fears

I knew today was going to be a personal struggle for me.  We were going to Rocket Park, where they have the Space Shot simulation.  Basically, it goes up high, then drops.  I am so terrified on heights but with the encouragement of Tara and Reid, I somehow convince myself to get on this ride.

Wow this is gonna go high.  My eyes are closed as the cart pulls us up higher..and higher...and higher...until.....

SWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!  Down we go! I screamed like a girl but I didn't care.  It was really cool.  It took a lot for me to go up on that ride so I felt very proud.   It also helped that I had some good friends supporting me as well.

Little did I know that was nothing compared to our final activity of the day:  The Pamper Pole.

This pole sits 32 feet up in the air.  You climb a ladder, then up those large staples, then stand on the top.  From there you JUMP (yes I said JUMP) to smack the white rope in the middle.  There are 9 people that are supporting you, as well as a very uncomfortable harness.

There is no way I am getting on this pole.  No.  I refuse.  My fear of heights is already starting to kick in and I am still on the ground.  I was hoping that I could just keep the job of "rope holder" but no everyone had to try.

I don't hang my own Christmas lights on my house and you expect me to climb this pole?  I don't think so bubba.  Well, I went 3rd from last and when it was my turn I made it my personal goal to at least go above the ladder.  I am all locked in and it's time to start climbing.  I close my eyes and begin.

I clear the ladder and I am just looking up at the staples rungs now. One level at a time.  Team Harmony is cheering me on.  Their support is literally pushing me higher.

I stop about halfway up.  Nerves are kicking in.  I can feel my legs beginning to shake.  I can't go any farther.  I want to quit but my team is pushing my higher.  Their spirit makes me want to try just one more rung.  So I look up, and start again.

I stop again right at the top.  I can't take that final step.  The pole is too wobbly.  My legs are DEFINITELY too wobbly.  I make the big mistake of looking down.  Wow that parking lot is far down.  Yikes.  I am clutching the top like I am holding a baby.  I feel it again. My team pushing me.
"One more step." 
"Just one more." 
"You can do it."

Can I?  I have to do it.  One foot up on the platform.  I lean forward and my other foot goes

ON THE PLATFORM!!!  I am standing 32 feet in the air.  My whole body is shaking but I did it.  I can't believe it! I rotate on the platform 180 degrees so I can do the final part:  The rope leap.  If I can climb this pole, then I sure can jump off of it. 

I do my jump, touch the rope, and my team gently eases me to the ground.  I land and my legs are jello.  I can barely stand up but I did it.

There is no way I would have done this without my team.  They inspired me to keep going when I wanted to quit twice.  Everyone was sincerely rooting for the other to succeed.  I truly felt like I was part of a team and it was amazing.

During our debrief Steve (teacher from St. Louis) talked about strength.  It was not just physical strength that got us up that pole, but emotional strength.  The strength of a team working towards one goal.  Never giving up, even when it is hard.  I learned today that when a group of people truly work together, we can break through any barrier to find success.

Who would have thought I would find this at Space Camp?  I can't wait to be a Camp Counselor next year.

Rocketry

Time to build a rocket!

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Discovery Mission Assignment is...

Mission Scientist! In Mission Control!! This is my station. I may move in under my desk...

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Astronaut Simulations

Just finished simulations and it was incredible! Lots of video and I will post when I get to a computer.


On to Discovery Mission. I wonder what my position will be this time...



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Is this worth $7.55 (with tax)?

Apparently at the Huntsville Mariott it does. I ran out of the anti-stinky last night and got molested to the tune of $7.55 at the gift shop for a new one.

Ouch.

On my way to breakfast (a little late...too much karaoke last night), then some astronaut simulations. Day 4 here I come!!

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Ed Buckbee

Very Interesting speaker. He discussed the early history of the space program, focusing mainly on Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo. He was in media relations for all those early programs and helped create (with Dr. Von Braun) and run the Space Museum here.

He shared some amazing first hand account of the challenges and successes of those early pioneers. My favorite story was his last. I may not get it totally right, but this is close:

As Alan Shepard was preparing to launch for Apollo XIV, he couldn't sleep the night before. He decides to go to the launch site and is going up to different levels when he sees a light. He goes to the light and runs into an engineer working. They begin talking, basic general conversation. The engineer asks Shepard if he knew what each of the parts did. Shepard then says, "I've never met anyone who knew what all 3 million pieces do.". The engineer says, "Me neither, but I'm here working late to make sure that my part works and we won't let you down."

That is a concept that can be applied very globally. If we did our part, imagine what we could accomplish.

After the speech, we all get a copy of his book and we took our group photo in our flight suits. Good times.

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Atlantis Mission Prep

In the orbiter, ready for the mission. I haven't been this excited since November 7, 2009. This is incredible.

T-Minus 20:00 to launch.

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The Rain Cometh

Its been raining off and on all day, but we've been inside so it really hasn't mattered. Well we are trying to leave lunch now and it is a solid sheet of water.

This sucks but at least the coffee is luke warm.
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Literacy, Part 2

I submitted too fast! I wanted to save but I hit send by mistake. Oh well.

This was an idea about how to make Loop Cards (AKA "I have, who has")

http://www.brendenisteaching.com/gen/loopcards/

Next we were asked to write a poem about what we teach and since I'm G/T then I chose Haiku form. Enjoy...

Science

Space and Chemistry
The Earth, the oceans and stars
Cosmic apples grow outside

Not too bad for 5 minutes!! Ok, well at least I got the form correct...

That was the highlight of my last 2 hours. Lunch in 10 minutes thank goodness!
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Literacy

Ok I was right. This is not interesting. However she did have a couple good links about journals:

http://www.sciencenotebooks.org/

http://sciencenotebooking.blogspot.com/

Both are really interesting and I think will help me make my interactive journals better.

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Mars Rover Fail

I totally take the blame. Our activity was to make a Mars Rover and land (Egg Drop Lab). Well I used our parachute to wrap the egg so when drop came it crashed to the Earth at supersonic speed. I have video that I will post later when I get to a computer.



Next up is Literacy in Space. From what I hear its 2 hours of staring at book covers and ISBN numbers. Not looking forward to that but after that is lunch then its MISSION TIME!!!
I must be strong and not play with my phone...
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Day 2 Wrap Up

Wow what a day. We started early this morning and the camp part ended around 8pm so I was tired. However, everything was worth it. I've learned so much today, from Bob Springer to DNA to practicing conducting a mission. I am really looking forward to tomorrow where we will actually do the mission.

However, not everything has been good. Some people have had difficulty with the VEEEEEEERY tight schedule and can't take their smoke/potty/cell phone breaks. Also, this afternoon we were told that a camper has whooping cough and if any of us develop similar symptoms in the next 2 weeks that we need to tell our doctor immediately. Apparently, this person suspected she had it because she had a test done before she left. Also, she requested a solo room so she definitely knew SOMETHING was up. She is gone now but it was VERY irresponsible for her to even show up and possibly infect everyone on her flight, hotel, and camp.

Despite the small speed bumps, this has been an amazing trip. I've met some fantastic people that I will be friends with for a while. Julie, Paul, and Carol from my district are really awesome. Reid (Houston via N. Virginia), Tara (Houston via Philly), Bridget (Chicago), Nicole (Chicago), Sadaa (Japan) and Rebecca (Chicago) are all fantastic people I've met here. My roommate Steve is from Portland, which reminds me of my best friend who lives in Hillsboro, OR.

Day 3 starts now. I'm ready.

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Mission Specialist Assignment

Sooooo I'm a Mission Specialist for the Atlantis launch! We will be building a 3-D ACCESS model (pictured) while being suspended from a harness. Oh yeah, and we will be floating from the harness too. Oh yeah, we have 25 minutes to build it. Oh yeah, they said we would probably get to step 8. Oh yeah, I told her we are going to finish it.

Oh yeah, I love Space Camp.
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DNA Extraction

I just extracted DNA from a strawberry. First we mashed a strawberry in a ziploc bag, then mixed it with a solution of water, Dawn, and salt. After that, then we filtered it leaving almost all the liquid. Then that liquid is added to cold isopropyl alcohol. Once that, the DNA is extracted and you are left with this amazing sight.

I am moving here sorry Houston...
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Bob Springer, Astronaut

Wow what an amazing speaker!! He graduated from Top Gun Flight School so that was really awesome. He also flew on the mission with the TDRS satellite that my dad worked on for years. Dynamic, funny, and really knowledgeable about everything shuttle. Great speaker.

I love this place I want to be a team leader next year. Gotta figure out how to apply for that...
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A Rainy Start

I love the rain...in moderation. I also love sleeping in the rain but that's not an option today. Hopefully the rain will let up so we can have the full experience today.

We begin our real space adventure today. I am excited and nervous and looking forward to some amazing experiences.
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Hungry and Stuck

I'm hungry. I need an egg sammich and an OJ but nothing is within walking distance. Ok there is some crazy grocery store called "Papa Jack's" but it sounds waaaay to creepy to visit. Well that and I have to cross the FREEWAY to go there.

Hello vending machine my old friend...
I've come to talk to you again...
Because my stomach isn't sleeping...
I need some food without peeping...
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Huntsville Mariott

Here in the hotel room finally. The World Cup is over and Spain has won, despite my desire that NotSpain would win.

The room is really nice: I still don't have a roommate but I am not complaining! This pic is the view from my balcony. We have a little downtime before dinner so I think I might go swimming. We've been told that today is the only downtime we will have and starting tomorrow it will be 7am to 8pm every day until we leave. Yowza I better enjoy tonight as much as possible.
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I miss my boys already

I know I've only been gone less than 2 hours but I miss them already. It took a lot of talking to Nicholas before he understood Daddy was going to come home from his trip. He has been very clingy, but its been good because I wanted to store up 7 days of hugs. I even got dad to install Skype on his laptop so I can read Nicholas a story at night from here.

I'm not sure who this trip is going to be harder on: them or me...
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Tiny Planes

On the plane ready to fly. I didn't realize ExpressJet was designed for people under 5'9" because I almost had to get on all fours to get on the plane. I blame my parents for making me eat so well.
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MLS Travelers

Just came across players for the Columbus Crew of MLS. I'm glad I'm people watching now.
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I'm Watching...and Waiting...

At the airport. Just met a couple people from HISD names Tara and Reid. They both teach 8th grade science too so I assume we will be grouped together at some point of the trip.

The drive took no time at all: 40 minutes max. I went thru security in record time too. So now I'm at the gate reading Rules by Cynthia Lord. This was my assigned summer reading by my principal and it's pretty good so far.

Still another hour to board...maybe I will find a snack because I left my oranges at home. Oh well...
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Getaway Day

I didn't sleep well last night.  Maybe it was because I was excited...maybe it's because my Cafe is doing well on Facebook...maybe because Notting Hill was on TV last night.  I finally had to be dragged to bed by my son Nicholas: "Daddy, are you EVER going to bed?"  So at 1:30am I finally drag myself to bed, not really tired.

I tossed and turned and finally realized I actually went to sleep when my alarm went off at 5:30am.  Man I love my cell phone alarm.  I can't even remember using a regular clock alarm anymore.  I have one.  It's pretty cool actually!

As soon as its plugged in, some magic gnomes inside it sync the time and weather.  There is a projector in the back to project the time.  It really is pretty impressive...too bad I have no need for it.

Anyway, I woke up, showered, dressed, and was ready to go at 6am.  I packed everything Friday so last night all I had to do was double check to make sure I didn't forget anything.  Looking at my carry-on, it is very clear that I am going someplace sciencey:  laptop, eBook reader, iPod, digital camera, and all sorts of wires everywhere.  I am even bringing my GPS on the chance that I decide to rent a car.  I am still on the fence about it because...well because I have no idea how much time we will have to go around.  I would like to check out the city at night at least once (and maybe blog the food hehe), but we shall see.

Wow.  Ok I just did a search for "Huntsville, Alabama attractions" and came up with a website for Hunstville downtown!  Bonus!  On the front page they mention a trolley that goes all around downtown and it's free.  DOUBLE BONUS.  Well, I check it out and one of the stops on the trolley is the Super Wal-Mart.  Yikes.  Oh well, sounds like I won't need a car after all...

Well, it's now 6:30am and I can't believe the kids are still sleeping.  They have been waking me up at 5am almost every day this week and the ONE DAY that I am up early those precious little angels are still sleeping.  I don't want to wake them up but I also don't want to leave without saying goodbye.  Ah the dilemma of a single dad....

OK so here is my plan for this blog:  I know that this is going to be an amazing week with very little free time.  I know I also have lots of friends that are interested about what I am going to be doing and I don't know how often I will be able to Facebook (did I just use that as a verb? Damn right).  I am going to try to post to this from my phone (BlackBerrys rule!!) as often as possible.

OK signing off now.  Dad wants to leave for the airport a little after 7am since my flight is at 10:15 and we have to drive aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaall the way up to Intercontinental Airport.  See you from the airport!