1 year teaching anniversary

I passed my one year anniversary with University of Phoenix. I was reviewed by the school who sent a special representative to "audit" one of my classes. The Chair of the local campus reviewed their findings with me today. The auditor was very kind and stated I was excellent in the classroom and on-line. The Chair went on to say I was the best undergrad finance professor they have. While I might have been tempted to downplay or even disbelieve him I decided that I would simply thank him instead. Which I did. He went on to say he would recommend that I be offered a contract in January - a contract would guarantee me eight classes a year with the right of first refusal for the classes I am qualified to teach. That made me feel really good. It's nice to be recognized for doing a good job. It's nice to recognize that you've done a good job. And I was and I did. A little pat on the back to keep me going for another day.

a household repair adventure

The adventure for this weekend is the kitchen faucet. It's leaking from the sprayer and we've been told it's time for a new one. We've picked a nice one, matches the brushed stainless steel appliances and has a more traditional look which suits our house overall. However, it won't work well just sitting in the box it came in.
I'm not very experienced in these sort of house repairs; the fact of the matter is I've never changed a faucet before in my life. What's the saying, fools rush in where angels fear to tread? Do they have kitchen faucets in heaven? If so, do they ever need changing? Are there plumbing angels and do their pants fit properly? Wow, all sorts of interesting theological questions arise from simple house repairs. Who would have thought?
Back to the task at hand. If you've never done something before you can view it as a challenge, a problem or an adventure. A problem is negative and sets you up for defeat right from the get go. A challenge is adversarial and can quickly lead to frustration and language the plumbing angels probably don't use. An adventure speaks of new experiences, excitement, requires courage and bravery. So adventure it is. Plus, when you go on an adventure people want to go with you! So Claire, Addison and I are changing the faucet today.
I shut the water off (key first step!) and then quite easily disconnected the hot and cold water pipes from the taps. Loosening the collar nut that held the faucet in place was another matter entirely. I couldn't get a wrench in the cramped quarters and the whole threaded sleeve rotated when I tried banging it hammer-like. Addison came to the rescue. I jammed the wrench tight against the collar and he twisted the faucet from above. A moment of strength on the boy's part and the collar nut twisted freely. I'm quite proud of him, and myself for working with him - too often I get that wrong and it doesn't work out well for either of us.
With the old faucet out it was time for the new one to go in. It slipped in easily and it didn't bother me a bit that we were going from one central hole for the pipes to three, in fact four as the sprayer is on the side by itself. I taped up the connections and tightened the hot and cold water pipes.
The moment of truth had arrived and I turned on the water. No leaks! I turned on the tap and water sprayed out the bottom of the sprayer. It also came out the faucet where it should but that success was overshadowed by the sprayer malfunction. I turned everything off and contemplated the problem. Looking through the box I spotted a rubber ring and a rubber washer. Hmmm. Considering it unlikely they would put unnecessary seals in the box I disassembled the sprayer and low and behold, the home for the ring and washer was plainly evident. Reassembly took only moments. The water back on I tried the faucet again. Much better but still the sprayer dripped. I tighten things up and, third time being the charm, it worked properly.
I'm proud of myself for completing this adventure and for enjoying the trip too!