BLING... BLANG... BLOG

frown

2012-01-31T06:42:00.000-08:00

No. I didn't make this one. I just took a picture of her and made her frown. It is my desktop background to remind me how sad she is about my blog. I try to imagine she would be sad if I didn't doodle. But alas...

old to new

2012-01-30T07:08:00.000-08:00

Yup. This new blog design is sad, but it is OK... I will someday grow to love it like I did my minimal black design.

Jared

2012-01-29T06:41:00.000-08:00

I don't really like this one... But I started messing around with the skin color and I thought... Humf. This guy would have probably rather been somewhere else. Where? Jared's Galleria.

"jared's"

R.I.P.

2012-01-28T16:48:00.001-08:00

Old Blog...

I want you back. This new blog makes me sad.

We had 8 long years together... Sigh.

dude

2012-01-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

"hipster"

'nough said.

Books to Read

2012-01-27T17:10:00.000-08:00

At home, on my nightstand to be precise, I have a huge stack of books to read… I laugh at the tower of terror every night as it looks back at my tired eyelids as they close in exhaustion after a long day’s work. Today, while teaching my class about allegory and literary allusions one of my kids started clicking and WAH LAH! He discovered a sequel to one of my faves! There goes another book on the list! At any rate, here is a list of some of the books I want to read/re-read this year:

There it is. I am pretty excited to read them, but I am pretty sure I need some weekends so I can dig into these books.

2012 Update...

2012-01-25T07:07:00.000-08:00

Well... I have been enjoying my blog for the past month but I thought I'd take today to update you on my life.

(But based on my blog statistics from the past couple of months, it seems my pictures are more popular than anything--1,500 loads per month is saying something... whoever you are...)

At this point I am still working as a high school teacher (by day) and attempting to be a father, husband, college instructor, choir director and writer (by night). In addition to these ventures, I have also taken up a task to write a curriculum for a documentary (which is really a great film). Also on top of all this, I have been working to get my school WASC accredited and am currently working to write a chapter of the report with a small group of teachers.

But I have no complaints. I love all of the things I am doing and feel I am using my skills to help others and support the community.

With all this said, I have neglected to discuss my goals for 2012... SO here they are:

1. Read my Bible in chronological order
(I've always wanted to do this. I got a plan and have made it through Job and Genesis this month. It is interesting to think of it all happening in the proper order. At least to me.)

2. Get published
(Yup, I know I have very little control over the actual publication, but I really am working for it. I posted a little card at my desk at work that says "I will be published in 2012!" Not as a name-it-and-claim it thing, nor as a positive-thinking thing, more as a I will see this and remind myself that all authors have to work to get published. I am willing to put in the work. I may end up publishing something unexpected, but hey at least will get published... And no, this blog doesn't count.)

3. Plan a great trip.
(I realize we may not have the means nor the ability to go on a great trip, but we sure can plan one. I hope to go to Europe, Canada, or the East Coast. Any of the three sound good to me. My guess is summer will be the time to plan this trip, but I know I need to set it as a goal so I actually do it!)

There it is. Three goals. Three hopes. Three dreams. We'll see what will come of them.

My secret blog life...

2012-01-24T07:24:00.000-08:00

"Urban Gent"

I admit it. I(periodically) follow a blog called The Urban Gentleman... I love the style and swag they have there. I can't afford anything from it, but it is great to think of urban style. So this is me paying homage to them...

Rushdie

2012-01-23T06:56:00.000-08:00

Rushdie inspired this one and the previous post. I have been reading his book with my class and enjoying it (probably more than them).

As for this picture, it is a little sad if I do say so... Not the concept, the drawing. I'll work on these a little more.

gulp gulp gulp

2012-01-22T06:55:00.000-08:00

"glumfish"

Yes, gray and white is what I decided this picture should be.

Weave

2012-01-21T07:08:00.000-08:00

"Knowledge"

This is a group of circles that are somewhat unified. So there it is...

Design...

2012-01-20T07:17:00.000-08:00

"Blovked"

A typo becomes a blessing.

Psalm 16:11

2012-01-19T06:52:00.000-08:00

"Fighter 3"

There it is.

Bald.

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

"Plum Bum"

This is not Professor Plum... I am working on a series with the old Clue Characters, but the idea crept into my head whilst drawing this character. He is odd. But so am I.

Here is the p

Ears...

2012-01-17T07:08:00.000-08:00

"Elfin"

This girl is very elfin. And I need to remember not to have my characters always looking at me. Maybe this is an external manifestation of my egocentricity? Eh. It probably is just me being lazy with form.

1000 POSTS!

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

Happy 1000th to my blog! We've been through a lot together... Ups and downs, forgetful times and times of remembrance. Alas, I love this little place on the WWW that I can call my own. Today I'll post a picture in honor of my Bling Blang Blog's 1000th. Here's to the Blogosphere and my little corner.

Play us a song Piano Man...

2012-01-15T07:10:00.000-08:00

"Carl 2042"

This post is dedicated to Carl Swenson, who I imagine to turn into a country bumpkin (in the nicest was possible) when he is in his forties or fifties. Not sure why he came into my head, but there you are. Enjoy Carl!

Cheese and Toads...

2012-01-14T07:09:00.000-08:00

"Toady Toast and Cheese"

This woman is called "Toad Lady" she is rather toad like, and because of that I thought she'd like cheese. Not sure why, but that's just who she is. Embrace it.

Worlds of Grey

2012-01-13T07:09:00.000-08:00

"Emo in Blue"

I teach a few Emo-Kids. They are an interesting bunch and delightful people. This picture was inspired by Pinocchio and Emos everywhere. Enjoy--or should I say be elusive and dark.

3

2012-01-12T07:12:00.000-08:00

"Grrr Meow Kiss"

Sorry for the odd quality here.

I have nothing to say about this one. It was a poor attempt... This was my second or third drawing I did on El Bamboo.

Manna

2012-01-11T07:11:00.000-08:00

"Manna"

I don't know why this one is called Manna, but it is. I feel like this guy is the awkward guy at the 1986 party in Brooklyn.

Poor soul...

The End, Quatro

2012-01-10T07:09:00.000-08:00

And now we have a senior citizen on our hands. He has aged, wrinkled, and been grayed. Poor soul. He still looks good. But I'd say he's over 70 now (sorry Mum and Dad)...

Fighter Verse

2012-01-09T09:59:00.001-08:00

Ah! This one was so long... Alas, I did my best.

"Fighter 2"

Three...

2012-01-09T07:08:00.000-08:00

This is when he is pushing forty or so... He doesn't have any wrinkles but he is starting to show the tell-tale signs (is that the right idiom?) of aging.

Sigh...

Part Du...

2012-01-08T07:05:00.000-08:00

Here, he has hit puberty and possibly is in his 20s...

Uno...

2012-01-07T07:06:00.000-08:00

So, I had this idea... I'll start with a basic kid and as the week goes on I'll age him. We'll see how it goes. Here he is as an eleven year old...

Riddle Me This...

2012-01-06T07:03:00.000-08:00

Here is another villainous group of Baddies. Can you tell I'm watching Batman Cartoons on my time off?

Enjoy.

Trials...

2012-01-05T07:05:00.000-08:00

Not the difficult ones... The ones where I try some things out. I am trying out this system with circles. I think it is like a modern stained glass window...

I started out with the idea of unity, but it went awry and it turned out to represent cliques more than anything... I hope this isn't symbolic for our now New Year...

Oddy

2012-01-04T07:04:00.000-08:00

I think this guy is stuck between Mr. Potato Head.... Ronald McDonald... and The Cat in the Hat... Needless to say, I think this picture is just odd.

Doodle Madness

2012-01-03T07:02:00.000-08:00

So our pastor has challenged our church to learn "Fighter Verses". So I thought I'd occasionally doodle these to memorize them. See if you can figure it out.

"Fighter 1"

I should have drawn feet standing on or next to the "Word" but I didn't... Still learning...

More eDoodles

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

You asked for them... Here is another one...

This one is called "Crazy Color"

Still learning...

eDoodles...

2012-01-01T15:58:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the year 2012. The year Michael finally decides to jump into the modern day of doodling and doodle with an AMAZING tablet... Now for those of you who know me well, no, I didn't spend money. It was a Christmas gift. For those of you who don't know me well, what the heck are you doing reading this? At any rate, I hope you enjoy some less than fabulous eDoodles.

Batman Baddies...

Bing...

2011-12-05T06:31:00.000-08:00

The greatest Christmas album of all time is Bing Crosby's "Merry Christmas". I grew up listening to it. So as the season is here, I imagine the Tiki-Room Gods would join in with Bing and sing "Mele Kalikimaka"!

Not for the polite...

2011-12-04T06:29:00.000-08:00

Sorry... This is a little crude, but I couldn't help it (OK I could have, but I decided it was OK). The idea came in my head and I had to draw it.

Riding the Christmas Wave

2011-12-03T06:28:00.000-08:00

I drew a MUCH better version of this one, but I don't know where it went. So here is my 3 minute version of Surfin' Santa.

Told you so...

2011-12-02T06:42:00.000-08:00

Here she is... She is a crazy sort of snooty-buttoo who came into my head when I was thinking about people with long noses sticking their noses into other people's business.

Caps for Sale

2011-12-01T06:24:00.000-08:00

Have you ever read "Caps for Sale"? If so, you can imagine this grotesque person I drew is him. It is odd... But tomorrow's is odder (AKA uglier).

Lizzy

2011-11-30T07:07:00.000-08:00

This is Lizzy. She is from NEDGE. She is a sneaky little lizard. Beware.
You've been warned.

Mad, mad, mad...

2011-11-29T08:28:00.000-08:00

We're all mad. I did this for Christmas. I think this year's Christmas Theme should be "Classic Children's Literature"... I'll work on the Sherlock Academy picture next.

Boo!

2011-11-28T08:26:00.000-08:00

This is a monster I was working on. I think he/she looks like a cow.

Joy Unleashed

2011-11-27T08:24:00.000-08:00

Created for Benji Magness after a sermon...

Mini-Doodles

2011-11-26T08:21:00.000-08:00

I know... I haven't been writing much (well, I haven't been writing at all). But that's only because I have been consumed with the world of Nedge. I know some of you are sick of me musing on the world of Nedge so often (cough... cough... Farah). But that's just me. I am a little obsessive.

At any rate. I am working on bringing Doodles back to this blog. I hope to be up and running with some great Doodles tomorrow.

Sweetly Rejected

2011-10-28T08:58:00.001-07:00

I have started into the publishing process of Nedge, and I have to say... Rejection can be so sweet. I always talk to my English students about the hardships of trying to get published: Form letters, unopened manuscripts, rejections, the list goes on...

But last night I got another great rejection letter. I call it great because the letter I opened last night was kind and thoughtful. I am amazed that a publishing house sent me a personalized letter that actually hints they read my book.

I'm sure I'll receive countless other rejections--most of them will be form letters--but today I will sigh a sigh of happiness and say, "Rejection can be sweet."

Here's the letter she sent to me. I blocked out her name to keep her privacy. Click on the image to see it in full view.

Note, I sent the letter to her on the 17th of October! Now that's fast turnaround... Here's to Nedge.

Sigh... Pt. 2

2011-09-17T14:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't been online in awhile... Partly because I don't have the Internet at home, and partly because I am absurdly busy at school. I have taken on a HUGE workload, but I know I will return to the world of the blog-o-sphere.

Here are my new words of wisdom:

Keep up on the dream. You'll get there.

Zoom... It is gone.

2011-08-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

This week has FLOWN by. I guess last weeks tend to do that.

For most of the summer I kept a summer log so I could look back and say, "Oh, that's what I did." Most of it is made up of hanging with Fauf, chess games, watching ALIAS, bike rides around the neighborhood and to Evergreen Video, and writing my story (I just hit the 30,000 word mark yesterday--now we'll see if they are quality words or not).

Today is an exciting day:

The Last Day of Official Summer--weekends don't count.
Seminar--I will be leading a seminar in AG in 30 mins. from now.
I am calling a book agent today about my children's books I have written (mainly the Christmas story I have been working on for a year and a half).

I have a lot of things cooking... So I better tend to them so I don't burn them or myself!

Don't worry, I have been saying no to a lot of requests lately. I need to stay sane and focused on family and fun.

Back to School in T-Minus 2 days!

Sigh.

Consumption

2011-08-05T15:56:00.001-07:00

Sigh. My life has been so consumed with:

Westly's cuteness.

Nedge's mysteries.

Summer's end.

TV's captivation.

There it is.

Lazy Summer's End

2011-07-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

I have been wondering what this last portion of Vacation would bring for me. And I have to say... Not much. :-) But I am thankful for a time of rest and relaxation before the madness of teaching high school and 8.5 units for the college sets in. It will be a busy time I'm sure, but rewarding nonetheless.

This week I am spending time reviewing and reading Farah's latest book in the Sherlock Academy series... It is called "The Holmes Brigade" and is her biggest and best work yet! I am so proud of her. You can check out more info on her webpage HERE!

I have been working on my story, via MY BLOG and have come to a point where I am happy with the ideas I've laid out. It is no Shakespeare, but I'd reckon it is better than Mary Pope Osborne and perhaps equal to Patrick Skene.

In addition we are making plans for a short trip to the LA area for EMMA'S Big First Birthday!

Other than that, I have devoted afternoons to Farah, Westly, Bike Riding, and Alias. Sigh. Summer is wonderful.

Addictions...

2011-07-23T21:25:00.001-07:00

I am slightly addicted to blogging right now. I think I may have to go to rehab for this one (RIP Amy Winehouse). But I think writing this story is a good process for me to go through.

Here are some things I am also addicted to:

1. Smiles from Westly!

2. Thinking about Harry Potter and the final moments of greatness for the movie franchise.

3. Talking with Farah about Sherlock Academy's future.

4. The smell of Starbucks... Not even the drinks or treats.. JUST THE SMELL!

5. Alias... AH! I can't believe my wife did it to me, she roped me in and made me completely addicted to it. I can't wait to see what Sydney does next. PLEASE NO SPOILERS PEOPLE!

At any rate, my other blog THIS ONE is not the only addiction I have. So there! :-)

Updates...

2011-07-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

I just customized my new blog! HERE!

Thanks for all of the ideas from friends and family! Keep 'em coming!

Lightning Strikes Twice

2011-07-19T11:42:00.001-07:00

Hooray, my brainstorming over the past three years has finally paid off!

Eureka! I found my story!

This past month I have been working on a story I've had brewing for sometime. Yesterday, I spent the day researching and planning the rest of my story on my other blog: CLICK HERE!

I can't give anything away just yet, but the plot will be interwoven with two other stories I had previously written (none of them have been shared with any of you out there in the blog-o-sphere)!

In addition, I have to say it is a joy to spend time creating new adventures, characters and worlds.

I write mainly for my personal enjoyment, but I hope (and this is a hope) that some random person will read it and be delighted by it...

Sigh.

It takes me back to the time when I wrote the story of FANTASMIC! when I was in the fourth grade. I swear, Disney was going through my trash. Lisa can testify to this story.

It also reminds me of the time when I wrote "The Easter Bunny is Missing!" and made copies for my whole family. I still remember taking a copy to my Grandma and Grandpa's house. I'll never forget the feeling of excitement I had when I published that work.

And, more recently, it reminds me of the time I read my story to Cassidy and the whole family. Cassidy's reaction will stick with me for a long time.

Sigh.

I love writing a good (well, that's to be determined) story.

Potter Patter

2011-07-18T11:50:00.001-07:00

My heart has been heavy for the past few days. It has not gone "pitter patter", nope. It has gone "potter patter".

Yup, it's the end of a decade's worth of movie magic and marvels.

Harry is a little worse for wear (see the cuts and bruises), but that's what happens when the Darkest Wizard of all time is chasing after you for 7 years.

I have really enjoyed every moment of the HP Series (minus the Mike Newell issue). Here are my top memories of the film series:

10. Sharing the movies with Farah in July 2007. She was so sweet to sit and watch a movie series she wasn't that interested in (at the time) and watch them in marathon mode--we finished all 4 in 24 hours. (Now, I'll share with you that she cried at the finale along side of me!)

9. Seeing Movie 3 with a group of people who made an agreement to meet again. Though our budge won't allow us to go, we are excited to see if anyone else will go.

8. The final Midnight Premiers debacle with the tickets. It was well worth it. 7 horcurxes and 7 sobs from this man.

7. The Midnight Premier of Movie 6. We had so much fun playing "Name that Scene" at the front of the theatre. And I do believe they did an AMAZING job of decorating the 4 theaters to look like the 4 houses.

6. The Midnight Premier of Movie 7. I was shocked to be sitting by a girl who started weeping at the sight of the Warner Bros. logo. It was fun.

5. Seeing the first movie. The movie was still in its opening week. I had picked up HP a year earlier, and though "Hum. When I get a break from school reading, I will totally love this one." But on the night I saw the first movie I hadn't finished the first book. I was on the chapter where Hermione goes with Harry to Snape's protection of the stone (the different potions that would transport him to the mirror) and I had no clue Snape wasn't the "bad guy". I remember sitting in the theater saying, "Oh yeah, this is where I am in the book. WHAT THE HECK!?" After that I raced home and finished books 1-3 in less than a week.

4. The 10 PM premier with Francy and Tanya. Hilarious memory.

3. The Midnight release of Movie 4 (ugh). So much excitement in the air, and a great Burrow moment.

2. Movie 5. The day after we came back from our Honeymoon, I raced to the theatre to see it by myself. Tears and all--that would be me crying, not Farah.

1. Seeing the film with the Burrow. Sigh. And seeing the films with Farah this past week. 8 films. 8 days. Sigh.

Taking a moment...

2011-07-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

I will be taking a moment away from my blog for a few days (no more than 3), as I prepare for the madness of HP8.

See you all soon.

HP, Here I Come!

2011-07-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

That's right, y'all. I got my ticket (finally) today to see the midnight showing. I am VERY excited to go, though it will be completely bittersweet. I know it will be worth the struggle it has taken to get my ticket. At least I can stop stressing over where and when I'll see it. Not I know for sure.

As for the rest of the week I think I will find myself enjoying the summer hours and writing my story. Oh--and watching the rest of the HP Series. Fauf and I are on movie 5 today, and we'll be enjoying them till Thursday (EEK!).

Sigh. I am so happy.

Crickets.

2011-07-11T06:38:00.000-07:00

There isn't much to do at 4:00 AM.

I should know.

The past week I have been awoken at least 3 times at the 4:00 AM hour by a somewhat-suspiciously-not-so-stray cat that is prowling the neighborhood. Sadly, this cat found our baby bird's nest, hidden away in our front door wreath, and attacked it. Just yesterday I discovered the remains of our little bird on the doorstep. For those of you who know about our bird story, it came as a shock. We're going to hope this isn't an omen, but just an evil cat that wants to harass me.

So. What do you do at 4 AM?

Well, for one I have been blogging on the new blog HERE.
For two (can you say for two?), I have been drawing pictures.
For three (if you can say for two, you can say for three), I have been watching absurd movies. See below.
For four (now this is just getting ridiculous), I have been venturing to Starbucks and have found it (SHOCK!) empty.

I'm sure I could be doing some better stuff to help the world, but hey, y'all--it is 4 AM.

Today, my plan is to move the wreath that the cat continues to paw at in hopes of getting a full night's sleep.

Here's to sleep, and Cookie Time!

Ah!

2011-07-10T12:17:00.001-07:00

Harry Potter is almost here and I still can't find a ticket. Thanks for all who have been hunting for me.

The movie will be bitter-sweet, so I am partially OK with missing the midnight showing. But you know, deep down inside I will be broken hearted if I don't go.

Tomorrow will be the deciding day. We'll see what a few connections can do for me.

Fingers crossed. Wands at the ready.

Hot Tub Musings

2011-07-09T07:12:00.000-07:00

Last night, Farah and I were sitting in the hot tub (yes, we are living it up), musing about the future. We started dreaming up where we want to take Westly when he is older. Our plans became quite grand, but that's us. As it stands now, we have no extra money to even go to Barnes and Nobel, but somehow we'll make it happen. This morning I woke up with travel ambitions, and I decided to pen (type) all of the ideas we had.

(Eek! I love this little Future President of America! And if he is going to be President, we'll have to provide him with an enriched, cultured childhood--well, mostly.)

So here is a list of places I want to take Westly:

Age 1- Disneyland (In fact, just put this one on every year following. Let's pray Mimi can keep going strong so we can visit the Kingdom often--and freely.)

Age 3- San Diego Zoo and Sea World (Lions, Tigers and Shamu, OH MY! I think Westly will laugh at the monkeys.)

Age 4- Lego Land (A Land made out of Legos!? Four Year Olds!? Perfect... Ignore the creepy kid in the photo.)

Age 5- The Grand Canyon (This is something I don't care about, but it is big, and little Kindergarteners like big things, so this one gets a Kindergarten stamp of approval.)

Age 6- Sacramento (We'll be studying the state government and all that jazz, so it makes perfect sense. I remember first seeing the Capitol and being shocked that it really existed.)

Age 7- Disneyworld (This is a given. Seven year olds can really take in the magic. It will be epic. Sorry for the other Shaw babies who may make their debut, that's the privilege of being a first-born you get to really enjoy it while the others drool and look around aimlessly.)

Age 8- The Oregon Trail, I've always wanted to go on this trail (We'll study it and find the game to play, and Grandpa Shaw will tell him stories about the trail. He'll be dying to go there.)

Age 9- Dollywood (Who doesn't want to go there!? I'm sure Westly will be a big Dolly fan by age 9. If not, we'll visit Mt. Rushmore.)

Age 10- A driving tour of the East Coast, with a lot of touring around the Washington DC area (Time to get an education of our country. After-all, we will be studying the American Revolution, so it is fitting that we tour places like Gettysburg, Williamsburg, and all the other Burgs. Oh and Harry Potter World--he'll be a huge fan by then.)

Age 11- Hawaii (Can't you just picture Westly going to a luau? All the hula girls will think he is so cute with his little dimples. Plus we can visit where Obama was born so he can get that whole 'Modern Day President' vibe.)

Age 12- Cruise (By this time he'll be old enough to watch the other little Shaws who will enter the world... Sorry, West, but if you get all these free trips you'll have to pay it off on this one while Mommy and Daddy go explore the ship. We'll let you play at all of the ports.)

Age 13- New York, NY (To be a 13 year old in NYC would be awesome--scary, but awesome)

Age 14- London, England (Back to the roots and maybe Wills and Kate will have had a baby girl. By this time the royal heir will be 12 or 13, so by then Westly will be at the right age to start courting her.)

Age 15- Roma, Italy and Paris, France (Now that he's explored his roots, and probably been denied by the Princess, he can go fall in love with a hot Italian or French girl. Maybe that's weird for me to say, after-all I am 44 at this point.)

Age 16- Australia (I think I'll need to force him to become a surfer so he can surf with a wallaby.)

??????????????????????????????

Age 17-20- And now we enter the mystery years where Westly will assert his independence and go off with his friends to odd places like Brazil, Madagascar, China and Los Angeles.)

Age 21- Vegas (This is when I'll have my mid-life crisis--AKK! I'll be 50!--And he'll start gambling away his inheritance on the ponies.)

Sigh. This is what every kid running for president in 2036 will need to have done. So, I better start saving...

Did I miss anything?

Writings are Moving...

2011-07-08T08:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, everyone. Call me crazy, but I am launching a new blog JUST for my stories. Therefore BLING BLANG BLOG, aka this blog, can be dedicated to my personal musings.

You can find it at:

http://michael-shaw.blogspot.com

I hope you all go there to read my work. Thanks for your support this past week!

Sigh...

2011-07-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

She is still my beautiful bride...

4 years today...

xoxo

Yet another story started...

2011-07-06T06:28:00.000-07:00

CHAPTER ONE

The harsh summer breeze lashed through the trees that lined the homes on Meadowbrook Avenue. The boiling summer heat that the residents had experienced just a year ago had vanished. This year, all over the neighborhood, and through all of England for that matter, residents were hibernating in their homes. Down every street the rumbling furnaces could be heard blazing to fight the strange cold.

Every night on Meadowbrook Avenue the businessmen and women rushed home from their jobs bundled up in scarves, gloves, and hats to scurry into their homes in the quickest most efficient way possible. The jingling of keys and locking of doors could be heard as residents secured every lock and window to keep the cold out. Yet it was a losing battle.

Were it not for the brilliant full moon in the sky the Village would have seemed deserted, yet in the icy-clear of that night, if one were looking, one would have seen a small window quietly creek open on the top floor of one of the homes. A skinny, blond haired boy sat shivering by the windowpane attempting to lower his pet lizard out into the night.

The boy seemed to be encouraging the lizard to brace the outdoors. The lizard looked at the boy and begrudgingly stepped down onto the windowpane.

“Come on Lizzy.” The boy said proding the lizard with his index finger, “You haven’t eaten a week. You’ve got to try to find something.”

The lizard wiggled back into the bedroom.

“No, no.” the boy reproved, “Back out.”

With a more forceful push of his index finger, the boy scooted the lizard out the window.

She turned and nipped at the boy’s hand. Tura rubbed his index finger, which dripped a warm shade of scarlet down onto the snow-laden windowpane.

“Silly old sod.” The boy remarked as he shut the window and watched his beautiful lizard’s scales shimmer as she shimmied down the drainpipe.

Tura heard the familiar rumble of the furnace from the basement kick in followed by the rumble of his own stomach. He walked out of his room and down the two flights of stairs. Just before he reached the bottom floor he heard the television from the living room.

“In related news,” the newsreader recited, “Another series of abnormal behavior has been captured on CCTV. You may want to put the little ones out of the room for this one. As you can clearly see, this footage you’re watching shows a man in a purple cap suddenly appearing near the Tower Bridge in London. If you watch closely you’ll see he’s pulling something from behind his cloak—that’s right he’s wearing some sort of cloak—but it appears that he is pulling a large knife from his cloak. Just out of shot we can see the bobby on guard fall over apparently knocked out. Though the man doesn’t make contact with the bobby, the screen did go fuzzy for just under one second.

“London officials aren’t commenting on this peculiar scene, but they are saying the man in the fedora may also be involved in Bus 219 missing from outside of the Kensington Gardens earlier this week. The Prime Minister, had this comment to make, ‘While the cuh-cuh-current state of the nation seems uneasy, I urge everyone to rest assured that we have cuh-cuh-contacted the—proper guard to assist in defending the good people of Britain.’

“As for other news, the weather…”

Tura wondered about these strange events. Just last week he had ridden on Bus 219 to Kensington Gardens and had sat by a man wearing an odd sort of jacket and a peculiarly colored fedora. He couldn’t remember, but it may have been purple. Or was it maroon?

Yet another...

2011-07-05T07:23:00.000-07:00

“Class I have an announcement to make.”

The whole class fell silent to hear the news. Even Bobby Tomlin, stopped poking Debbie Dorkelson’s back.

“He’s back.”

A few of the class members looked around at each other.

“Old St. Nick, Kris Kringle. Santa Claus is back.”

“Oh shut up.”

“I’m not joking look, I know your parents have taught you all extremely well, and have shipped you here to get an education, but its all true. Santa Claus is real, and he’s coming here today.”

I knew it! And I'm ready for Santa. He's finally bold enough to show his face. Well, this time. This time I was going to give him a piece of my mind. I'm ready for him.

Kid's Book pt. 2

2011-07-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

Here's another section of Brandon's Story. For some reason I like this part, but I'm not sure it can be built into a full story. I have more written...

The Monster Grows Nigh

It was a breezy summer evening. The sky was glowing in shades of cotton candy and nectarines. A small, shaggy haired boy sat on the front porch of his house playing with the hole on his right pant leg. He had just made the hole sliding into home plate, where unfortunately he was tagged out, losing the game for his team. The jeans were somewhat new and he knew his mom would be upset with him because she had just spent the last four dinner times on the importance of taking care of his things. But what’s a kid to do? He had to try to win for his team.

After picking at the hole and making it significantly larger, he watched as a few of the neighborhood boys ran by the vacant lot across the street. The boys were screaming as though a monster had just come out of the bushes and attacked them. But the only monster that Brandon knew about was the Monster of Tomorrow. For Tomorrow was the worst and most horrible of days.
Perhaps it had finally happened and Tomorrow had actually become a monster. That’s what the boys were running from! He could imagine Tomorrow coming across the lawn with horrible, sharp claws; its mouth dripping with saliva preparing to feast on the brains of innocent boys.

But just as Brandon convinced himself that Tomorrow had grown into a monster, much to his dismay, the real neighborhood monster ran by Brandon’s house; Patti Wilcox. She was about a foot taller than all of the boys in her class and was always trying to catch one as her boyfriend. Brandon’s mom tried to tell him that girls have their growth spurt about two years earlier than boys do. But Brandon knew better. Brandon knew Patti Wilcox was really an evil ogress.

Patti ran down the street with a shocking shade of red lipstick smeared across her lips crying, “Oh Tommy Fullerton! You’re the only man I’ve ever loved!”

Brandon dove behind the brick wall on his porch. Peeking out from behind the wall Brandon remembered when he first met Patti, pre-ogress days, back in Kindergarten. She was a normal kid back then, she liked to play on bikes, dig in the sand, and once she even attempted to snatch their teacher’s pet snake. But alas, now all she could think about was boys, being top girl in school, and boys, boys, boys.

Brandon watched as Patti tackled Tommy Fullerton (more proof that she was an ogress). Brandon could hear the sickening sounds of kisses being planted all over poor Tommy’s face. Poor Tommy attacked by an ogress! After much deliberation Brandon finally decided he would face the ogress and save Tommy from a fate worse than Tomorrow. But just as he was about to move from his hiding place he heard Patti cry, “Come back here Thomas Richard Fullerton, you forgot your hat!”

For a brief moment Brandon forgot about the real monster; not Patti Wilcox, but Tomorrow. For Tomorrow was the worst, and most horrible of days. Tomorrow wasn’t the day to go to the dentist nor was it the day where he had to get dressed up to go to Aunt Bolivia’s house. No, Tomorrow was the worst and most horrible of days: The first day of school. The first day of the forth grade.

It’s not as though Brandon was a poor student; he normally received good marks on his work, teachers tended to like him, and he never was sent to the principals office. But this year things were going to change for Brandon.

The choice Tomorrow brought was horrific! Mr. Thomas or Ms Bella. Mr. Thomas was the most strict and oldest teacher in the whole school. He also happened to look something like a troll. But when considering his other option a troll didn’t seem so bad. Ms Bella taught the other forth grade class and Brandon heard she smelled like rotten sauerkraut, had a nose that looked something like a smashed radish, and rumor had it was probably a witch. Either way Brandon knew that this was going to be one of the worst years ever.

Which teacher should he be stuck with? What will come of Tomorrow?

Start of a Kid's Book

2011-07-03T07:11:00.000-07:00

Here is a clipping from a story I started back in 2004... The story is intended for 3rd to 4th grade students

CHAPTER ONE
Right Before the Trouble Started

Brandon’s trouble started months ago. In fact it all started back at his Third Grade Open House.
It was nearing the end of year. Brandon had just completed a great year with Mr. Davenport. Mr. Davenport was a cool teacher who gave out candy sticks and showed movies for class parties. But now that Open House was nearing, Mr. Davenport started acting differently.
Just a week before the big night Brandon noticed they spent nearly the entire cleaning and scrubbing the classroom. On the day of Open House, Brandon and his classmates were given the task to cover all of Mr. Davenport’s odds and ends with old bed sheets.
“Parents don’t need to look at all of these things.” Mr. Davenport explained to his students as he pulled a pink and yellow flowered sheet from the cupboard. “Clara and Jasmine, you two girls go clean the sink. Mark and Jonah you can dust off the computers. Everyone else clean out your desks while I get more sheets. I need more sheets! How did this classroom get so messy?”
Brandon thought it was funny seeing an adult running around trying to clean before the parents came to inspect. Brandon knew the feeling. Every Saturday before Brandon could go out and play ball, his room would be inspected. Brandon supposed Open House was the equivalent to the Saturday Morning Inspection at his house. Not that Mr. Davenport had anything to worry about; his classroom was one of the coolest in the schools.

* * * * *
His mom had arrived home early from work. She stood in the kitchen preparing an early dinner, which looked like it had a lot of vegetables in it.
“Hi there, Sweetie.” She still called Brandon Sweetie even though he was almost nine years old.
“Hey, mom.” Brandon replied as he reached for a shoebox he had placed on a nearby shelf.
“How was school today, Sweetie?” she asked while chopping a carrot into small pieces.
“We learned and stuff.” Brandon replied now sitting at the kitchen table sorting his baseball cards by team.
“Oh I love stuff. Stuff, stuff, stuff.” she said with a smirk on her face.
Brandon put his baseball cards down and smiled at his mom. Brandon’s mom always wanted to know what was going on at school. She never liked it when he said he said “stuff”. She figured it was because he was trying to hide something (Which was the case when Brandon lost his watch on the playground and the time he earned a C- on his big Social Studies test). But today there was nothing to hide; he was just being lazy with his words.
“Well, Mr. Davenport had us do a lot of cleaning.” Brandon continued working on his cards and matched two Dodger teammates together.
“Oh really?” she relplied with a bit of a smile on her face, “Well, at least he can get you clean.”
“Yeah,” Brandon blushed remembering his laundry he didn’t put away, “Oh, and I finished painting my map of South America and the Amazon Rainforest for tonight.”
“Now that’s worth seeing.” Brandon’s mom unpacked a few more unknown vegetables on to the counter.
“It’s ok, I guess. Patricia said it looks like an elephant painted it.” Patricia was the know-it-all girl who always tried to boss Brandon around. “But when I told that to Mr. Davenport what he said, Mr. Davenport said he’d never met an elephant who knew how to paint Brazil the way I did.”
Brandon’s mom smiled and dropped the now chopped vegetables into a large black pot on the stove.
“Well I don’t know anything about elephants who paint, but I once knew an elephant who could dance ballet.”
“Mom!” Brandon blushed, his mom always made up eccentric stories.
“Well, elephants or not, I must say I’m excited to peek into the forth grade classes. I can’t believe you are already going into the fourth grade!”
“Not for three months. Remember summer comes first!” Brandon couldn’t believe his mother was already thinking about the next school year! He had barely started to plan his summer of baseball games and sleepovers and she was already thinking about school.
Brandon’s mother finished adding ingredients to what looked like a vegetable soup before she reminded him that he would need to get washed up for Open House.
Open House was always a lot of fun, but he felt like he was on show, like one of those little dogs on the Thanksgiving Day Shows. His mom would want to parade him in front of the judges (The teachers in this case) and tell them all of the great things he knew how to do. At least dogs got treats.
But this year things would be different at Open House, and this is where all of the trouble began.

Stories I've Been Working on...

2011-07-02T07:07:00.000-07:00

Here are some starts to some stories I have been working on. Some of them are a few days old, other a few years old... Just thought I'd try posting something different...

Earl hated gum. To Earl gum was one of life’s great mysteries. He didn’t understand why people chewed it. Mouths moving up and down like cattle grazing in a field. But worse than gum in someone’s mouth was where the gum went when the cattle grazer had finished chewing it. In Earl’s world there were only two types of people: those who didn’t chew gum, and the second the punks who would chomp their gum, blow bubbles making extremely annoying popping sounds, and then dispose of the gum under their seats. Gum chewers were Earl’s mortal enemies.

Today the gum just wouldn’t come off. Earl Shlepper worked feverishly with his chisel and pick in his hands. He recognized this type of gum, it was the crusty tangerine orange gum, either Flavormint or Tangaswirl (it was hard to say) but both were two of the hardest gums to remove from the backsides of chairs. As Earl bent over and forced the gum to cleave from the floor he felt the little trickles of sweat begin to escape from inside the brim of his hat. Next to gum, Earl’s considered his uniform the worst item in the world. From the first day he started his job at the old theatre he had to wear what he considered to be the goofiest, stupidest hat, shirt, and pants in the world. It resembled that of a doorman’s in some posh hotel from the 1920’s, and quite possibly could have actually been from that time period. Earl adjusted the golden lined brim of his hat and wiped his forehead with his wrist and continued back to the laborious chore of chiseling away the tangerine gum.

So, from this, how old do you think Earl is?

The Guest List, Please

2011-07-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

Every year my sister Susie lives it up on her birthday... She goes out to eat, celebrates with friends and family, and always has a great time. It got me thinking. What if I could plan an amazing party? You know, invite anyone in the world. Besides the typical family and friends, if I wanted to extend my list who would I invite? Well, since I am having a party on the 4th, maybe I should invite some people. Well, here it is:

Kate and Wills, I mean, who doesn't want these two at their party?

Barbara Harris, AKA Mrs. Andrews from "Freaky Friday". Farah will tell you I love "Freaky Friday" with Jodie Foster, and her mother in the film is totally ridiculous. She looks like she'd be a hoot at a party.

Weird Al. I've been watching his ridiculous video of "Preform This Way" where he parodies Lady Gaga and I can't get that dumb porcupine out of my head. I love it.

Oprah. Especially if Gayle is in tote. 'Nough said.

Buddy, The Cake Boss. I would love to have this guy at my party. He is rather amazing. Sigh. If only we lived on the east coast.

Abraham Lincoln. Ever since I got over my fear of Lincoln (thanks for that one, Susie) I have been fascinated by this American Icon. He would be good fun at a party because you could play games with his hat.

Those are the party guests as of today... We'll see which ones show up on the 4th.

Summer Doodle

2011-06-26T08:54:00.000-07:00

Summer time has been going wonderfully well. I have been enjoying the "nothingness" we've had planned, while sneaking in a few productive days. I have to say my favorite part is spending time with my lovely wife and cute Mini-Doodle.

Mini has started laughing when I play with him, which is quite possibly the best thing he has done yet. Other than that, life has been pretty status-quo. (Sorry, this blog is a little boring)

Here are some pictures of us (well, him) this summer:

First Father's Day--AMAZING

2011-06-19T20:34:00.001-07:00

Well, my first Father's Day was pretty spectacular.

I woke up and went to church where I sang at both services (a line up I picked). I forgot at first, but I did wear my new swanky watch that Farah got me as a Pre-Father's Day gift. AMAZING!

Then I came home from church, only to find a great gift on my countertop "Harry Potter 4 Deluxe Collectors Edition". AMAZING!

Then it was off to SLO where we celebrated my Dad, Uncle Burt, Ky, and me. It was a great BBQ thanks to Burt's Morro Bay restaurant "The Embarcadero Grill". Yet again, AMAZING!

Then it was time to head home, but we were both hungry again, so Farah got me Olive Garden! Woot! Woot!

Now, we're home chilling with Mini-Doodle and enjoying some Harry Potter Special Features (this one is on Sound and Music).

Happy Father's Day to my great dad, and to all the dads out there!

I Wish... But I...

2011-06-15T19:28:00.000-07:00

During the summer, I often find myself wondering about other career paths I could take/could have taken. Then I find reason why I shouldn't. Alas, here are my delusional dreams.

1. A Writer

I'd love to write a great story... It would be great fun to twist some plots to my liking. But I have a hard time staying on one plot line...

2. A Lounge Singer

This would be amazing. If only I could sing in a Vegas lounge (preferably wearing a leopard jacket). It would be amazing, except then I'd have to start smoking... at least second hand...

3. A Party Planner

I think I could throw some mean parties. I would love the thrill of setting up a great event. But I'd probably always go over budget...

4. An Actor

I love acting. I think I'd prefer to be a stage actor and I'd love to journey into the world of another person's life for 2-3 hours every evening. But I think I'd be worried about forgetting my lines...

5. A Journalist

I'd love to interview fascinating people about their lives and struggles and report them to the world. But I guess I would have to be daring, and hurt a lot of people's feelings...

6. A Movie Critic

I'd love to be paid to give my opinion (on anything, but primarily) on movies. I would have a hard time sitting through a bunch of crappy movies and making deadlines though...

7. A Cartoonist

I'd love to make remarks and jokes about the world through the ink pen. It would be fun to do. But my hands tend to cramp up when I draw a lot...

Thankfully my job, one of the greatest on the planet, allows me to use all of these career focuses on a regular basis.

Writer- I write a ton, not always my favorite type of writing, but it is writing

Lounge Singer- There are two moments where I sing to my high schoolers: during Animal Farm and Haroun (one is good the other bad)

Party Planner- My 4th period class ALWAYS asked for parties, on a rare occasion I delivered

Actor- My students never know when I am having a bad day

Journalism- My students are always being interviewed by me--though my reports are more like Detentions

Movie Critic- I host the film club where I always give my opinions

Cartoonist- I draw absurd cartoons for my classes

But... Sigh. Every summer. The same delusions run wild through my head.

Summer Time By Will Smith

2011-06-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

Well, the summer is here.

Things I'll miss about the school year:

1. Absurd high school trends including: Rebecca Black Hating, Nyan Cat music, and Fail Pages

2. Mostly-intellectual discussions on literature

3. Thursday mornings (they were the best)

4. Listening to the morning talk radio

5. My classroom... I forgot to take a picture of it this year, and sadly I was forced out. We'll see if I remember next year!

Things I'm excited about for the summer:

1. Sleeping in

2. Playing games (I am on a chess kick right now--though the computer is kicking my butt)

3. Bike rides in the morning (I went on a short one this morning)

4. Giraffes (I guess).

Sigh. I love a good summer.

Humf.

2011-06-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

I feel rather topic-less. Any ideas on what I should post about?

Confessions from an Ig

2011-05-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

I was reading through Farah's blog today, and it got me thinking. Maybe it is time for a Confession from an Ig... So here it goes:

Confession 1- I love making up ridiculous nicknames for Westly. This week I have started calling him "Ludwig van Baby" because of his little tuft of hair that sticks up on the back of his head. He looks like a musical genius of the 19th century or a mad scientist of the 20th. You take your pick--I vote Ludwig.

Confession 2- I am actually bummed this school-year is coming to an end. I have loved this group of students, even the ones who talk incessantly--yes you Charlie--does that count as a shout out? I know next year will be wonderful, but this group has that certain something. Alas, there are some years where you are just blessed with a great group.

Confession 3- I want to make ice cream. The last time I made my own ice cream was in the fifth grade during summer school. Back then it was a "fun" thing to do. There were interactive games and lessons that were all hands on. My favorite three were peanut butter taste testing (I picked Laura Scudders), Magic Class (seriously, I am Harry Potter), and the day we made ice cream in science. This summer, I want to get an old coffee can and make some ice cream in it.

Confession 4- I like the mornings. I know, for years I said I hated waking up, I liked sleeping in, yada yada yada. But in reality, I have come to love the mornings. Some good quiet time when no one is awake. The thought of "I can make this day anything I want it to be." The excitement of, "When will my doodles wake up so we can hang out?" To me, all mornings have that Christmas morning excitement. Maybe that comes with living in the Manor...

Confession 5- I haven't had a Diet Coke in 515 days. Not that anyone's counting. I know I should be proud, but just last night I had the urge to go out and buy one. To taste the processed sugar-free drink upon my lips. I can't help it. It has been around since I was born and it is a part of who I am. Perhaps I will always have a faint craving for the NutraSweet drink... But I mustn't drink one. I have an addictive FEAST OR FAMINE lifestyle, so I better stay away. Sigh.

So there they are. My confessions. Do you have anything to confess?

What is that I smell...

2011-05-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

The Summer Breeze, rolling in.

I can hardly wait for Summer to come! I am anxious for all of the Summer Goodness awaiting me. There are 17 days of school--four of those being set aside for finals and such, which means only 13 more days of teaching... Well, if you count the two days set aside for tests and such, that makes it only 11 more days.

In all honesty, I am rather sad to see this group of students go. They are a bright group with a lot of personality. Part of me wishes I could follow them up, but what's best for the family is less prep. So bring on the new set of 9th graders...

As for summer plans, here are some of the ones I hope to make happen:

1. Go on our anniversary/honeymoon retreat. This will be the first year we don't journey up to Carmel for our anniversary, but we will invest in a lush hotel here on the coast--complete with fine dining and babysitting services thanks to some wonderful family members.

2. Ride my bike more often. I haven't been very good about riding my bike since the Mini-Doodle was born, so I hope to improve that with free mornings and lazy afternoons. I see many Starbucks and Jamba Juice rides in the coming months.

3. Double Pay-Checks. I love the summer because I work part time for the college. With that said, I only work two days a week and I get double pay. It is a good thing for a guy like me.

4. My gift certificate to Amazon is coming! Just the other day I completed a survey for a textbook company where I earned a hefty gift card to Amazon. This summer, I plan to save up some money and use the gift card to buy something epic. It will most likely not involve Odysseus, however it may involve Literature. More to come on this...

5. Spend more time with Doodle and Mini-Doodle. I am excited for Mini to get into a routine and possibly allow his Mother and Father some regular down time together. But even if that doesn't happen, it will be nice to be able to explore the world with him. I plan to take him out and about to experience the joys of infancy. Maybe even his first trip to Disneyland will take place...

That's it for now... Look for an extensive list after Memorial Day. Ah, just the sound of Memorial Day around the corner sounds like a Princess Tiana jamboree!

Mummy

2011-05-08T09:22:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of you Mommies, Moms, and Mums out there. I have been blessed with a wonderful mum! Cheers to her and all of you wonderful maternal caretakers.

In addition, this year I wish my lovely Farah a Happy Mother's Day as we celebrate one month of our Mini-Doodle.

Here's to moms!

One Month

2011-05-05T06:06:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow, Westly turns one month old. Time has zoomed by, and in someways it has stood still. But with either feeling, things have certainly changed in the Shaw Manor.

Here are 10 changes I've noticed:

1. I come home and give a kiss to not one, but two doodles.

2. I have a better memory than my wife now (though I doubt this will last long).

3. I rarely sleep longer than 4 hours without being woken up (I use to get 8 to 9 hours people).

4. When I sneeze, cough or feel overly tired, I worry about passing on my germs.

5. There is a lot of stuff in our house.

6. I take photos and videos like a crazy man on summer vacation.

7. On the weekends, I weigh the merits of getting dressed and going downstairs versus staying in bed and wearing my robe all day.

8. I looked up recipes this week.

9. I count rest time in minutes, not hours.

10. My mult-tasking skills have exponentially improved.

Alas, as the weeks go by I'm sure I'll see more changes. They are all welcomed because we couldn't be happier. Simply, couldn't be happier... Ahh...

Tony Danza

2011-05-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

Oh, Farm Boy, you are a loud doodle.

Last night, he reminded us who the boss of the house is.

The End is Near

2011-04-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

Well, Spring Break is almost over... Only 36 hours of vacation time left...

The Mini-Doodle thinks I should quit my jobs and stay home... Sadly, we have developed this habit of eating, so I'll be back to work on Tuesday. Today, we'll sit at home and enjoy some TV. But I think I've lost control of the remote...

To-Do

2011-04-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

Since this is the official first of 7 days of Spring Break I thought I'd better write my list of things I intend to do over the Vacation:

1. Finish my Maya Angelou Book

2. Read to Westly

3. Go on at least three bike rides

4. Take Westly out on a walk around the neighborhood

5. Play a game of Scrabble with le Fauf

6. Grade papers (urg)

7. Eat a chocolate bunny

8. Watch bucket-loads of TV

9. Trick someone into making chocolate chip cookies for me

10. Consider the merits of going to the Drive-In to see two movies I have no interest in

Well, there it is. In the past I would have written about London, LA, Disneyland and all sorts of wonderful locations, but I have now entered the world of parenthood so I had best keep my goals practical. Here's to the Vacation! He is risen!

A Room for 1

2011-04-16T16:55:00.001-07:00

Here are the pictures of Westly's room. It was a lot of work, but it came together quite well. We just put the finishing touches on it two weeks ago, but since he arrived I have been too daffy to remember to post pictures, etc.

Farah did all of the sewing, I did the painting and artwork on the walls, and we collaborated to find the right stuff for the room.

Westly

2011-04-08T15:13:00.001-07:00

He is cute.

He is here.

He is loved.

There will be more soon (seriously).

Inspiration

2011-02-20T07:08:00.000-08:00

My wife is such an inspiration to me.

She is living her dreams right now. She's an author, artist, soon-to-be mommy, and teacher. Amazing. Just this week she had two (and a half) author visits to schools here on the Central Coast. Well--I am living my dream too, but not all of my dreams just yet.

One dream is to be an author (is that every English Teacher's dream?).

I am currently inspired to write again. I have been dragging my feet and my thoughts on this idea I've had for quite awhile. It's funny how one day you think of it and months later you finally have enough inspiration to write. At any rate, I've just started a book about something I know quite well: Teaching.

This won't be a "how-to" guide by any means, rather it will be a novel about an insane school with a colorful group of characters. The hard thing will be making the real things I have seen and heard sound believable. Honestly, the observations and anecdotal records I've acquired over the years sound like something right out of fiction--but I assure you they are real situations.

We'll see if it goes anywhere. At this point in time I am just content to have a strong idea.

Last night we watched "Julie and Julia" which always inspires me to chase after my dreams. Then again, all I need do to be inspired is look at my AMAZING wife and her career of awesomeness.

Alas, I'm still in love.

Smarties Kick

2011-02-17T21:43:00.000-08:00

Sigh. I just read some of my students' essays. I am thankful for some students who happen to have something in between their ears. Hooray for smarts.

Tonight I felt Westly kick. While this is somewhat common, it was especially significant since I could physically distinguish his foot. Just another reminder that he is on the way. I can only hope and pray he will come out with something in between his ears. Hooray for doodles.

More to come this weekend...

The Bucket

2011-02-13T06:53:00.001-08:00

About three months ago I started creating a "Bucket List". Two Sunday's ago I heard a sermon on these types of lists--though I think he said not to make them. I obviously was only reminded of the one I created and missed that part of the sermon as I started to muse away at the possibilities of this world. At any rate, here is the start of my list:

1. Take a drive down the East Coast (preferably in the fall)
2. Go to Washington DC
3. Sing at a Karaoke Bar (though I did this once, I want to do it again)
4. Go to Disneyworld
5. Go to the Oscars
6. Be in a movie
7. Go on a cruise
8. Publish a book/story
9. Sell a painting I've created
10. Hear Celine sing in person (laugh all you want)
11. Go to Paris
12. Go to a presidential/gubernatorial debate
13. Serve as a STInt missionary or work at an orphanage for a month
14. Ride in a hot-air balloon
15. Stay in a penthouse suite at a 5 star hotel
16. Win the Lottery (at least on one of those scratchers--I'm looking at a jackpot of $20 or more people)
17. Meet my grandkids, and hopefully my great-grandkids
18. Go to a filming of "The Tonight Show"
19. Record a CD
20. Attend a swanky New Year's Eve Party
21. Go to a Hollywood Premiere

Those are some of the things on my list... If you can help me accomplish these things let me know. :-)

Do you have any other ideas for me? And no, I will not jump out of a plane with or without a parachute.

Grumpy Grumptertons Strike AGAIN!

2011-02-12T14:34:00.000-08:00

For some odd reason everyone I run into wants to spoil the joys of us being new parents. I walk around excited to set up my baby's room and they say, "Well you know, this will probably be the last time you have the energy to paint a room like that."

Or if I mention I am going to have a nice evening of dinner and a movie with my wife they'll say, "Don't get too use to that. Once your son comes you'll never go out again."

On Facebook I post that I'm so thankful that my buddies brought me over 1,000 diapers for Westly and what do people say... "Hope you didn't just get [this] size or [that] size."

Or even better was the oddly trollish woman in Target who looked as if she could care less for her little tot--who may I add was playing with a DVD--when the mom looked at Fauf and said, "Enjoy them while they're in the womb. After that it's just..." To this I walked away.

People, let me tell you. I am happy to be having a baby. I am excited. I know it will be more work. I know I'll never have "my own little life". But I'll still be me, still be happy and still be excited to have this little doodle in my life.

Needless to say I am so delighted by this time of life. I love planning. I love the anticipation. I love the expectancy. It is delightful.

So the next time you see me just say, "Hooray for babies!" and I'll cheer along with you!

Love is in the air...

2011-02-10T17:07:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about things I love, which got me thinking about things I love but I don't like to admit. Well, those are Guilty Pleasures... Luckily (or unlucky as it may be) for you I am not bashful. So here it goes...

My Guilty Pleasures:

1. Flying Monkeys

I think they are absurd and delightful all in one breath. Elphie made me realize they were just tortured animals being tested on, and The Wizard of Oz slot machine made me realize they mean bonuses are coming your way.

2. The phrase "epic"

I know it is being overused, but I love saying things are epic. It just seems to fit my view of the world.

3. "Love Actually"

I am always a little embarassed about this one. Maybe it is all of the nudity in the film--but I love this movie. Every year I watch it and every year I tear up a little bit. Stop laughing at me, you know you cry with Emma Thompson stands by her bedside while Joanie Mitchel plays in the background. It is EPIC. There, I said it.

4. Googling Farah's Book

I love checking the stats on her book and seeing who is looking up her information. Yes, I am obsessed with my own wife's success, but at least it isn't "creepy"... I think...

5. Bubble Baths

I know. I gave Parker a really hard time about this one. And then we moved into this beautiful home and I fell in love with our Jacuzzi-sized tub. There is nothing better than reading a book while bubbled up to the neck. Sorry, people. It is the warm, bubbly truth.

What are your guilty pleasures... (To out my wife, she has a love for Bieber).

My life.

2011-02-06T15:01:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for Baby Westly is a lot of fun, and a lot of work. We've been very busy taking care of his pre-world needs and entrance in the world needs. Here is a list of a few of the things we have done:

1. Birthing Classes--in preparation to push this little bugger out we have been learning about the options available to us during the 12-48 hour time period whilst my lovely lady is in labor (say that five times fast).

2. Your Baby Week by Week--once a week we crack open the book before going to bed and read about the insane development of our little doodle. He is always growing and changing and it has been fascinating to read about him.

3. Awkward Family Photos--we have viewed these photos regularly to ensure we don't fall into the trap of taking absurdly positioned photos. Nevertheless, we do plan on taking absurd pictures of our little scoundrel doing absurd things.

4. Decorating the Nursery--I spent a lot of time painting, Farah spent a good amount of time sewing and we have both spent a lot of time organizing all the loot (woot, woot). It is a lot of work, but well worth it.

5. Praying for this little Tike--he needs all the prayer he can get having parents like he will.

Sigh...

2011-02-03T17:58:00.000-08:00

The blog bug has bitten me and I am infected. That’s right, here’s another blog for you, just 24 hours after my last post.

Since I spent yesterday complaining about the world, today I thought I’d spend time telling you some of the reasons why I love this town…

1. Katie Marzullo--She is Santa Maria’s Sweetheart and a delightful newscaster (sorry, Arturo, we like you a lot but Katie is delightful). From her chuckles at the end of her newscast to her serious tone during intense clips—she’s awesome.

2. Small but SPEEDY--If I want to get somewhere I need only drive 10 minutes. I like things being close together and quaint. Give me 10 minutes—not to mention, traffic free—and I’m happy!

3. Small Town Excitement—Oh yes, that’s right. The news showed up (Drat, not Katie Marzullo) to cover the opening of a drive up mailbox. We televise the Elk’s Rodeo. We discuss around the water coolers the implementation of new stop signs. Small town excitement is so much better than shoot outs and riots (though soon riot worthy news may spread as I heard there are strange high schoolers in colored suits lingering around the Oak Knoll’s Center).

4. The Bump—No. Not Farah’s (though that is one of my favorite things about this city right now), I’m talking about bumping into people you know. Farah use to think I was some sort of celebrity in this town only to discover I was anything but a local celeb. The great thing is you bump into people you know all over the town. You see your old gym teacher, your neighbor’s gardener, and gasp even Katie Marzulo. The Bump is a good thing.

5. BBQ’s—Oh baby. I am so thankful Westly is going to grow up in a world filled with BBQ aromas permeating the air on a Sunday morning. Life is good in the ‘hood when you can buy some Pilipino BBQ in front of Smart n Final.

6. Lastly, I love my town because we have our very own SONG! Yes, that's right I know it by heart and will willingly sing it for anyone who wishes to hear the beautiful ragtime styled theme.

Yes, I love my town.

Grrr...

2011-02-02T16:06:00.000-08:00

I know I often tote around my favorite things (i.e. Greg's Kindle, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, my wife) and I give them lots of shout outs, but today I am filled with gripes.

Today as I sat in the staff lounge we attempted to "fix" our bell schedule (ugh, this is a lovely little chore) and when someone said, "Let's just get out of school at 2:50 and that will be fine." To this I thought, "I hate 2:50. That is an evil time."

It got me thinking. What else do I hate? Well, here are some things I like to call my anti-guilty pleasures.

1. Fast Food Windows-- Ugh. This is the Achilles' Heal of America! We fatten up in a hurry while the window slides open. Ugh. The next time I even think of using one I am going to park my car and buy groceries at a market and fight the evils of American obesity.

2. Chocolate Covered Pretzels-- yes they are chocolatey. Yes they are salty. But together I just think they are kinda blah. It probably all goes back to an old sermon I heard from this man about a chocolate covered pretzel stick... At any rate, I don't like this beloved treat.

3. The phrase, "There's an App for that."-- While I love the whole i-movement, I am sick of people telling me about all of the absurd apps that exist. I like the apps themselves but SHUT UP about the apps for goodness sake!

4. The Superbowl-- I try to enjoy this. I like the commercials. I like the pre-show. The half-time show. Heck, I even like the coin toss. But the actual show always stinks worse than shredded Green Bay cheese.

5. Camping-- why do I want to spend my weekend--my long deserved weekend-- sleeping on a rocky floor in freezing temperatures, only to discover when I have to pee I have to shoot it off into some bush. Nope. This is why God made 5-star hotels.

There it is. I'm back.

This blog is dedicated to those who have bugged me to no end to get my blog up and running again (Yes, that means YOU!)

Resolu--I mean GOALS!

2011-01-08T15:13:00.000-08:00

Ugh. Have you noticed I've been avoiding you?

Yes, it's true. I've been avoiding you for the past week and a half. I haven't had much to say, nor have I felt ready to announce any resolutions. This year I thought I would change my phrasing from "resolutions" to "goals". My wife tells me it is far better to have goals--resolutions tend to leave you out in the cold.

Well, I'll give it a try (much to the chagrin of my readers out there).

Goal 1- Writing. I WILL pursue my writing this year. I will send out my manuscript to children's magazines. I will be published.

Goal 2- Reading. I WILL read 25 books this year. Last year I read 24, this year I will mark it with 25.

Goal 3- Helping. I WILL cook a meal for my family at least once a week. Oops. I better get on this one--maybe Farah will let me start this one in March.

Goal 4- Resting. I WILL rest and relax without work in front of me for at least 1 hour a day.

Goal 5- Praying. I WILL pray with my lovely wife every night before we go to bed.

Goal 6- Movie-ing. I WILL return my powers back to the world of the cinema.

Well, those are my verbs for the year. Julia Roberts may make a movie out of my life: Write, Read, Help, Rest, Pray, Movie. But for the film version I'll be played by Tobey Maguire and Farah will be played by Famke Janssen or that Twilight girl.

Here's to the goal!

Resos

2010-12-28T10:41:00.000-08:00

So, New Year's Eve is coming up soon. I am currently trying to decide what my resolutions will be. Have you made yours yet?

I think this year I will resolve to spend less time sleeping and more time cleaning. Ugh. That's the sad truth...

What are your resolutions?

Day 8

2010-12-24T15:01:00.000-08:00

Wow. What a great Christmas I've had. Today was the last gift:

A subscription to the Uncanny X-Men. For those of you who don't know it, I have been a nerdy comic book kid for a long time. I grew up reading the X-Men, and I'm excited to start up again. Once a month the Marvel Comic will be delivered to my door. Woot! Woot!

Things are great, and Christmas isn't even here yet!

More to come on the family celebrations tomorrow...

Happy Christmas Eve!

Day 7

2010-12-23T12:08:00.000-08:00

I am delighted to tell you I have yet another gift from the Fauf. Today she delighted me with something practical.

I know this is ridiculous, but it will make life easier:

A hair-buzzer--I think that is the name of it. You know, the thing they use at barber shops to buzz the back of your hair. Yup. I got one. Now I will be clean and even when I get a haircut.

Huzzah.

Day 6

2010-12-22T19:00:00.000-08:00

Today prepared me for the future. I am simply delighted to say I was given a Harry Potter calendar!

Believe it or not, I actually sit at my desk this year--sometimes for as long as two hours at a time (gasp)!

This will be a great addition to my desk and I'll enjoy it daily.

Don't Judge

2010-12-21T18:46:00.000-08:00

I love powerful women. What!? I said it.

At a recent dinner party, I brought up the truth that I admire really powerful women. Everyone laughed at me because they think I am oddly attracted to these women. No, not really. I just really admire them and I like how they command attention and respect. ROCK ON with that! So, here is my list of amazingly powerful women who I love:

Le Fauf

My first powerful woman is my wife. Not the boss-o kind. I mean, I married a pretty powerful lassie: author, cook, beauty, friendly, and she drives a nice car. She's the number one. Who doesn't love Jerry---I mean who doesn't love Farah?

Joan

Foul-mouthed, hysterical, and always relevant. Gotta love that "piece of work." Somehow every-time I see her I am drawn in and appreciate her madness.

Oprah

Sure, I've never sat in her audience. She's never given me a 2012 VW Bug. Nor has she ever given me an "ah ha" moment when I watched her show. But I love her.

Martha

Every Thanksgiving and Christmas I take at least one minute out of my day and say, "I wonder what Martha is doing?" I think she and I would get along quite well. I mean, she likes things done a certain way-- but she, more than anything, enjoys a good celebration. Gotta lover her.

Judy

She lays the smack down on a bunch of idiots daily. I am so thankful CBS has moved her air-time to 4 pm. I try to get home to see her barking at people. You've got to love Judy.

Elizabeth

She has seen it all. She advises the country's leaders, is an icon, and has ruled as queen for nearly 60 years! She is dignity and grace wrapped up in one package. Who doesn't love this amazing lady?

So those are my top list... I could have added Celine, Rosie (the celeb OR my mom), Beyonce, and many others... But I didn't. So... Who are you favorite wonder women?

Day 5

2010-12-21T11:52:00.000-08:00

Well, Day 5 was greet with Holiday Cheer. I was glad to finally, and I mean FINALLY, sleep in.

We awoke late and opened presents under the tree. Today's gift was a treat for me to use in my profession.

A great book for me to brush up on the old classics of yesteryear--or the days of yore as Phoebe would say.

At any rate, I love the simple treat and look forward to reading and enjoying it.

Huzzah!

Day 4

2010-12-20T17:03:00.000-08:00

Today is Day 4 of the 8 Days of Christmas... Very exciting, I know.

My true love gave to me, a pennant to hang in my classroom. At school we try to promote colleges to attend. Mine is a different sort of school... Well, you can look for yourself:

WOOT! WOOT!

El Dia de los Tres

2010-12-19T11:37:00.000-08:00

For those of you who haven't followed my blog for the past 4 years, I wanted to take a moment to tell you about what le Fauf and I do every year.

We started out celebrating Hanukkah, I know--I know-- We're not Jews. But we liked the idea of our faith's heritage getting some shout outs. And, well, let's face it, we liked the idea of 8 nights of fun

Therefore, every year we have 8 Nights of gift giving. We now call it "The 8 Nights of Christmas"--though it always starts the Friday night school is out.

So there's a little history for you. Now to the present's present.

Today is all about tasty treats and holiday favorites.

I was greeted by a giant candy cane--no make that two giant candy sticks of Reese's Pieces and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Delicious!

Today was our "cheap" day, but I'm not complaining.

Here's to Day 3!

Day 2

2010-12-19T04:58:00.000-08:00

Well day two was kicked into high gear with a morning discovery of what was in bag number 2--

This time it was the Classic-ish Disney flick "Tarzan"...

Esta bueno! No?

I must say I've wanted to own this one for at least 2 years, so I am happy to finally have it in our collection. Hooray and huzzah for that! I always enjoyed the Phil Collins tribal music. Woot! Woot!

Day 1

2010-12-18T06:19:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know, I went to the Deathly Hallows premier and enjoyed it to the max--well, I actually hated the very ending. No, not the part with Dobby--I just teared up at that part.

When the credits had rolled, I stood up I lost my iconic Michael hat. You probably would know it if you saw it. The little gray golfer's cap that I wear--strike that WORE-- at least 60 days out of the 365. Well, it was a sad day for the Ig. I went back and tried to get it from the chair, but some sneaky witch or wizard already absconded with it.

Alas, I bring up this depressing news to tell you about the good news that came today...

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me: A golfer's cap, all gray and new!

Woot woot!

Bring on Day 2!

Insert Title Here

2010-12-15T17:42:00.001-08:00

I need ideas. I have three or four blogs started but none of them are post-worthy. So people, what should I blog about?

Help.

Christmas Movies You Should be Watching

2010-12-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

I know everyone has their own little traditions when it comes to Christmas Movies, however, since you logged on and are reading my blog I believe I have rights to dictate what you watch and don't watch. Sure I could tell you to watch "Miracle on 34 Street" "It's a Wonderful Life" or some others, but I am going to tell you the five movies I never miss during the month of December.

5. The Grinch
Not that horrible Jim Carrey version, no way. I'm talking the Boris Karloff narrating,Thurl Ravenscroft singing, Chuck Jones drawn, Theo Gisel-ed up Christmas version. An instant and important classic to have during the season.

4. Frosty the Snowman
Stay away from the weird Frosty Returns junk and pop in a DVD (or even a VHS) of the original Frosty the Snowman, narrated by the great Jimmy Durante (the same one Lucy Ricardo fawns after). If anything, just watch until the moment the kid says, "Oatmeal." It is worth your time.

3. A Christmas Story
I suggest watching this one with the family when it is on ABC-Family's 25 Days of Christmas--normally it is on all Christmas Eve. Or you can watch it while the younger kids are in bed, on DVD. The TV version is a little cleaner and makes for a good night of Holiday Wackiness. Be sure to suffer through the intro and get to the good stuff--Santa pushing the little kids down the slide, the soap poisoning scene, and the infamous tongue to the flag pole incident.

2. Last Holiday
When I saw it in the theaters, I didn't expect much--but honestly this one is a fantastic tale of last moments during the Christmas Season and New Year. I love the food in it, and if you're like me you'll want to go out to a fancy restaurant after watching. Ah. It is just delightful--and yes I tend to get a little onion eyed during the show.

1. Home Alone 1 & 2 (don't even get me started on 3 & 4)
Can you believe it has been 20 years since this 1990 classic came out? I love these movies. They are magical (thanks to John Williams and Chris Columbus). They are funny (thanks to those idiotic Wet Bandits). They are heartfelt (thanks to Catherine O'Hara and Macaulay Culkin). All around. Good stuff.

Well, those are the five-ish movies I never miss. What about you? What movies do you make sure you see every year at this time?

Senior Citizens BEWARE of Robots!

2010-12-07T16:50:00.000-08:00

Remember that sketch? I do.

I just finished reading "Haroun and the Sea of Stories" with my Honors English classes...

They really enjoyed it--for the most part. I loved the use of machines and magic in the story, however, it got me thinking about machines that are missing from our world. (If you haven't read this lovely little book, just imagine Willy Wonka-esk machines producing "sadness" and other such commonplace ideas.) So here is a list of machines I'd like to see in our world:

The Homework Grader 3000:

Honestly, I love my job... But after reading 140 papers (plus 22 more at Hancock) and writing "spell out numbers" and "introductory clause needs a comma" over 100 times can be exhausting. If only there was a magic machine that would grade the papers and respond as needed.

The Grinch Detector 580:

Imagine you are having a good day. You are feeling good. Enjoying the season. Then you turn a corner and BOOM! a Grinch comes out and destroys your moment and reminds you people in this world can be major butts. If only you had a Grinch Detector 580, you would have never turned the corner.

The Chocolate Converter 650:

If only I had this, I'd eat my brussel sprouts. Imagine you are sitting there, knowing you need to eat healthy foods, but you are like me and you realize most green foods don't taste enjoyable. What do you do? Reach for the Chocolate Converter 650 and make the food trick your mouth into thinking it is chocolate all the while gaining the nutritional value of the food. I'm no John Henry Midas, but I'd sure love it.

Teleporter:

Need I say more? We really need one of these.

So, to all of you Science Nerds (aka Jason) start inventing and make me happy.

That's all there is.