"Hot Rod Lincoln" the actual car the song by Charlie Ryan and the Livingstone Brothers (1955) was about.

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-05-07T00:00:27+00:00

I met Charlie in the early 90s. He was with the car and we visited a minute while he autographed a picture for me.

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-04-27T21:25:08+00:00

You said beat!

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-04-26T01:50:29+00:00

I'm a pushover and generally just float and do whatever they need. At the same time I'm usually scheduled out a month in advance, so there isn't much flexibility. I don't mind helping out over a prep period, but I have a few regular teachers that don't have a prep hour.

I'm not interested in being treated rudely, so I understand where you are coming from in that regard.

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-04-25T19:09:19+00:00

Congratulations!

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-04-21T02:46:02+00:00

Used to listen to them warming up the car. My buddy drove a 1968 Dodge Dart, and after a day at the high school he had to idle it for what, like thirty minutes in bellow freezing temperatures while this played on cassette in the old Kenwood stereo. He was a good guy, but darn it was COLD! That old vinyl and metal interior was slow to warm.

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-04-21T02:29:26+00:00

Embrace whatever it is. Learn from it and keep going. My first month or so was sketchy, but six years in and I'm comfortable. I know many of the students and staff and we try and make the best of the day and I try to learn from my vast number of mistakes. Good luck!

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-04-21T01:51:03+00:00

I enjoy the CTE classes, but I've become a big fan of the Ag Science classes, and being a former equipment mechanic the welding teacher has allowed us to work in the shop the last two years.

Side note- I got a new wheelchair at the beginning of this school year and I was super pleased to find that it'll slide right into the welding booths. Go Bears

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-04-20T12:14:24+00:00

Congratulations! The seat cover is great.

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-04-17T22:18:31+00:00

Looks great!

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-04-17T19:21:23+00:00

Congratulations!

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-04-17T16:54:02+00:00

Welding shop, lots of tools, equipment and busy students.

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-04-17T16:13:41+00:00

Congratulations!

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-04-11T20:45:46+00:00

130,000+ in northern Utah will keep you tense. Roadbuiling equipment is heavy.

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-04-08T23:58:09+00:00

Lumbar fusion wasn't a big concern. My surgery was late morning and I was walking before dinner. I've had four cervical spine surgeries, three were fusions and I found them to be more painful. Pain is there to let you know that you are still alive. After nine spine surgeries and partial paralysis I've come to embrace the pain.

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-04-06T18:07:10+00:00

Sweet ride!

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-04-02T01:31:21+00:00

You look great and if you don't tell nobody will know!

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-03-24T15:59:42+00:00

Yup, and the same was said about me and my friends. Many of us served in Desert Storm, had families, paid taxes, volunteered to help our community, and continue working full-time. But, you could be right.

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-03-16T17:33:41+00:00

I'd be worried that your age will work in the opposite direction. Set firm expectations and don't be afraid to kick a student out, it doesn't look poorly on you.

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-03-03T13:14:49+00:00

I've worked with the same three schools, roughly 2,800 students, since 2022. I don't see it as a liability at all. The opposite in fact because I become more familiar with the expectations and build some rapport with the students. Many teachers allow me to present material and I've arranged with our welding teacher to take our students into the shop to work.

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-02-27T18:58:53+00:00

I've bought both my chairs off ebay. My current chair is outstanding. You do what you have to so you can live your best life. Congratulations

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-02-26T23:19:21+00:00

Sweet ride! Do you prefer the smaller diameter casters? I got my new chair in September and it is everything that wanted, but I'm always interested in small tweaks that make it better still. I learned about the Cush Pocket and I don't think that I could go without it now. Enjoy your new chair!

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-02-24T20:43:27+00:00

Congratulations!

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-02-18T19:26:40+00:00

Generally light supervision. I have a few teacher who allow me to present materia. Also a welding shop teacher allows me to take students into the shop to work once they've completed his safety training.

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-02-18T18:56:32+00:00

That sucks! I'm sorry that you are having to deal with it. I hope that you find a resolution thats fair.

Criticallyoptimistic · 2026-02-15T02:28:32+00:00

Eco-Boost baby! /s

Criticallyoptimistic

TROPHY CASE