Well He Just Drove Off Sometimes Life's Okay.

I was dropping off my sister at SDSU and I noticed an unmarked cop car following me for a few blocks. (Very sneaky of you Mr. Officer) He got out of his car and this is pretty much how the conversation went:

Blue: Your registration is expired.
Me: Really?
Blue: Yeah, September.
Me: Oh, I should have them here (checks glove compartment)
Me: Yeah, I think must have left them at home.
Blue: You think? Are you sure.
Me: Yeah, because my mother's been giving me a hard time about not remembering to put them on.
Blue: Would a ticket help you remember?
Me: It probably would.
Blue: You should have said, "No, I'll go home right away and put them on."
Me: Well yeah, but either way I'm going home and putting them on.
Blue: Okay then. See you later.

I really had no clue that I didn't have them up to date. I kept thinking 'why is this cop following me.' Which is probably why I wasn't in much of a panic when he pulled me over.

Aladdin Jr. is coming along. Roles are starting to become more definite, but there is still alot of uncertainty, we still have months until the play, so I'm okay.

This week at work has been hectic. That's all I will say about that.

Halloweeb

In the spirit of Halloween, and photoshopped babies, I now bring you...


Halloween Baby Funny Picture

I don't know how old this is, but it's the first time I've seen it. The Hitler baby is hilario.

Neverender

Well, in case you were wondering, dang kids got me sick. Shucks. I'm getting better, needless to say, being sick sucks.

I'm working on my Master Chief helmet.






Thanks to the people at the 405th for the idea, tutorial, and software. I was hoping to have the whole armor ready for the Hallowfest this weekend, but with being sick at all, that's not going to happen.

Either way, it will be a fun thing to have.

We started tryouts/auditions for Aladdin Jr. Some people gave me what I expected (both good and bad) and other surprised me a bit (mostly good, but some bad). I should have a complete cast and crew by the start of next week.

I'm sick.

Just thought I'd mention that.

Oh, and for what ever reason I'm back on the Coheed and Cambria binge again. I'm assuming it is because I finally decided to get the comics (the lead singer Claudio Sanchez is the writer of a comic book series that follows the bands albums). You should check them out (The Amory Wars). It's nothing spectacular (spectacular), but it's the novelty that one of my favorite bands' lead singer also writes a comiv book. Anyway, they're having a tour in which they play 4 consecutive nights, one album a night (sickness!). I wish I could go, but for once, it's not the money, I can actually afford it now (see: fulltime job; also see: bigboy paycheck), its more that, I don't think I can make it because of work. Plus going alone is loner-status.

Down But Far From Out

So there was a possum chillin on the top of my fence last night. Gizmo was barking and barking, but it wasn't until my mother came out and asked "Is that a rat?" that I actually paid attention. The possum wasn't that big, but creepy nonetheless. I was trying to scare it away with my baseball bat, but it was just sitting there. My grandfather came out, asked for the bat, slowly leaned in, poked the possum and sent it flying. For whatever reason it was hilarious.

This website thing for the school is bugging the hell out of me. I make progress in some areas, but get stuck in others.

Trade Jake Peavy?! I've been opposed to this for quite some time, but recently, I've seen the light. The only way I am okay with trading Peavy is if we get a king's ransom. They would have to set a precident, because of the situation and value. 4/78 mil is manageable for a 27 year old CY Young Award winner. Yeah, he' under contract for 4 more years, young, extremely proven. That's more than you can say to compare to the Dan Haren, Johan Santana, C.C. Sabathia trades.

Blame it on the tetons

Blah, the Chargers lost... that's all I've got to say about that.


Shit. As I'm writing this, I totally forgot about going to that softball game, Sara. My bust...

So I finally got access to the school's website. I can make changes and the like. Which is good, and yet not because it seems the original webmaster was a little too fired up about Dreamweaver. Alas, I'm glad we can make changes and I can figure out how to tinker around with it.

My monthly room cleansing is almost complete. Gasp! My desk is horrid, but everything else is... ... spotless. Aha, and I washed clothes too, what now yo?@!1!!one!

I'm almost almost caught up with all my work work. I've got a few housekeeping things here and there, then it's on to the major projects (Drama, Statistical Analysis, Website, Hallowfest, Grant Writing).

We had the blessing of the animals this Friday, here are some pics...










That first photo is actually my brother and Gizmo. He was not happy about being at school all day, and he expressed it. Glad he was blessed, because he's NEVER coming again. Grouch.

Anywho, I'm liking being the photographer for the yearbook. It's going to be satisfying to know that the yearbook is going to be the best in years. And honestly, yes it is because I am working on it.

It's been a while

Not that I didn't have anything interesting to post, I just didn't really feel like it. I kinda don't now either, but I am bored.

I've completed the home page for the school's website. At least my version of it. I'm getting better at Dreamweaver. I've watched a few movies since the last post (Burn After Reading, Lakeview Terrace, Love Guru) they were all okay, nothing really to write thoroughly about.

Unfortunately one of my employees is leaving me. Bummers. I've got to go through the whole application process again. I think this would have been a great core of staff, one I haven't had in a while (this is my second year in charge?). Hopefully I can find some one I can count on like the rest.

Drama club has officially been approved, and so has the play. We're doing Aladdin Jr. this year. I'm excited, but surprisingly not really nervous. That might be because it hasn't really sunk in yet and the performances won't be until the end of the year. Cast and crew hasn't been decided either, I just gauged the interest. Seems to me we have quite a few, and by a few I mean too many. I'm sure I can find a good Aladdin, Jasmine, and Genie from them.

Basketball practice is underway as well. It's been a different start than last year, which is good. It has yet to be determined whether we'll have a competitive team.

Another day and another excuse that postpones my quest to get in shape. "Monday" as they always say.

Sadly, no photos today.

Speaking of sadly, Paul Newman passed away today. Couldn't say I knew much of his work (films, entrepreneur, humanitarian) but a life lost is never easy. My condolences to his family and loved ones.

Bored.

Week In Review

Alrighty, so it's been a while. This past Sunday I went to go see Spring Awakening with my brother.

DISCLAIMER: I am in no way a Musical/Theatre critic, so I really have no idea what I'm talking about. Which I guess could be a good thing.

I enjoyed it. It takes place in the 70's, Germany I believe. It's the story of average teens growing up and all the pressure, curiosity, and rebellion that every teen seems to go through. Except depicted through rock and dance, of course. I really liked the music, not necessarily the lyrics, but the music was good. The plot as a whole was typical, but the way it was presented was impressive. It is supposedly one of the more (not controversial, but) intense musicals out right now, with nudity, smoking, teen suicide, and plenty of sexual innuendos. My only serious complain were the seats, we definitely ended up with the worst seats in the house; all the way at the top, all the way in the corner. I ended up sitting in the aisle because the seats waaaaaay up there have no leg room. But I digress. I didn't pay for my ticket.

Later on that day I also saw Hamlet 2 with my friends.

Okay so it isn't really a play, but I had a very thespian-like day.

Considering the content and basic premise of the very title alone (everyone dies in the original Hamlet) I wasn't expecting much. It was actually quite funny. I wouldn't say hilarious, but funny. I might have been in the play/musical mood though, so I wondering what my reaction would have been had I not seen a musical several hours earlier. Anyway, I probably won't watch it again, but it was fun. "Rock Me Sexy Jesus" was probably the best part of the movie.

School 'officially' started this week. I've come to realize that even with the less responsibility this year, I seem to have more. I have more, longer breaks in between, but that time seems to always be filled with favors from the staff. Which I never say 'no' to because I don't mind. I just hope it doesn't come down to the staff relying on me to be there and assist during my supposed 'break' times. My staff in particular seems to be gelling well. I'm still waiting on one more to sign on with us, which seems to be taking forever and a third. Hopefully she can start this week, but with the way things are turning out, who knows.

I've also noticed that the responsibilities I do have, are very mundane. Needless to say, I do the same thing in the morning, lunch time, and after school. And that I'm going to be doing so for the entire year. I need to make sure I mix it up a little. At the very least, I'm starting to park in different spots (tragic, I know). I got in the habit last year to park in the very same spot every morning. Since I was always the first to arrive (no one else got there at 6am) I had my 'pick' of parking spaces.

The rest of the week was pretty much work. Oh, and it has been uncomfortably hot the past week. NotAfan. Hopefully it starts to cool down (..or else...).

I saw my godson during the week. I told him he looks like no one is coaching him how to play linebacker, and he confirmed my assertions. Being the godfather that I am, I offered to coach him. So yea, that's what I'll be doing on my weekends. Driving to Alpine to make a linebacker out of him. Good times.

I'm looking forward to a fantabulous rest of the weekend. Mexico plays Jamaica later today, and the San Diego Chargers play the Carolina Panthers tomorrow. Excitement.

High School Football

Ah, those were the days. Freshman football. I'll leave my high school football experience for another day (you'll thank me later, it's a long rant). My godson started high school football. He's never played tackle football before so it's funny seeing how awkward he looks out there, even though he's a very gifted athlete.



Yes, all his extra gear, that was me. Gotta spoil the godson, ya know? Anyway, it was only a scrimmage, which is basically practice, just against another team. His team did not seem prepared at all. It's frustrating, but you have to remember it's freshman football. Most of these kids have never played tackle football before.



I kinda wish I had the time to coach him myself. He just needs some concentrated attention, and he could be decent. It's tough though, freshman football at public schools usually don't get much attention (i.e. coaching staff, equipment, practice time).

One of his classmates from the school I work at is also on the team.



He's one of the shorter players on the team, but he's got it put together a little more. I hope he continues to play all 4 years.

Some more pictures...

Doing some drills before the scrimmage

Water break.

My godson's sister; not camera shy

Father and son.

The Week In Review

Yes, I know it's only Thursday. It's week enough for me. So quite a few happenings this week. Staff meetings started up this week. The usual from the teachers (worried, stressed, tons of questions) while I sit back and ask myself (what the heck is the problem?!!?one!!1). I know I'm not a teacher so I don't have the same problems, but a lesson in crisis management and such would be helpful for them. It's going to be ok, gosh.

I also had 3 days to recreate my daycare facility and office. It's been set in stone for the past 20 years and I now finally got a chance to make it my own. It's been hell, I gotta say. My office is about 52% done (pictures soon), but the supply room, that's about 12.8% done. The actual day care center is fine, operational, it will do for now. I've got Friday and the rest of the 3 day weekend (3 day weekend!!!) to finish. I want to FINISH by the weekend. I definitely don't want to start the year falling behind, this is a big year for me. I've got alot planned.

The other day I was office shopping at Target and I see Hugo Sanchez at the cash register. Holy crapolio it's Hugo Sanchez! In San Diego! In Target! Yeah, for those not in the know, legendary Mexican soccer player. Not quite as inept as a coach, at least for the national team (see false promises, shortcomings, and fracaso) . Now, I'm not one to approach celebrities or famous people, but I almost did. It came down to, is he an ass who will shun me, or do I bother a person while paying for items, who is obviously on some kind of vacation (no job, ya know?). I ended up walking away. In short, he's short, his mistress is tall blonde and leggy, and he looks like your average Mexican.

Tonight was the back to school BBQ for the kids. For me it meant a bombardement of parents asking questions and filling out paperwork. It wasn't too overwhelming, but I was a tee bit concerned that I had quite a few registration forms left. I need a key number to be met this year, so we'll see. I was told not everyone showed up so hopefully everything went well.

Tomorrow starts the official school year. Hoo....ray. I'm hoping for a fantabulous year. We'll see...

LIGHTS OUT...for good?

We've all heard the recent news regarding Shawne "Lights Out" Merriman and his lingering knee problem. And now with reports that he has both LCL, and PCL damage there's a likelihood that he may need that surgery after all. The question is whether it will be minor surgery to stabalize his knee and keep him out several weeks, or the full reconstructive surgery that would keep him sidelined for the season.

It's interesting to note that his contract expires at the end of the 2009 season. If Merriman were to have the reconstructive surgery, that would leave him the 2009 season to get back to his All-Pro status. More important would be his status as a Charger after the 2009 season. A.J. Smith is known for being a no nonsense kind of guy, in that once he sets the value of a football player, it's his way or the highway. A.J. Smith doesn't 'low-ball' athletes, but he also doesn't fall for the hype that any agent or stats present.

One one hand you can see Merriman returning to his 2006 form, where he led the league in sacks while only starting half the season, or he could have an 'average' year with 6- 8 sacks. His 2009 season will drastically affect the type of contract he would be offered by the Chargers.

The Chargers are not afraid to shy away from damaged goods. In 2006, the Chargers drafted Antonio Cromartie with the number 19th overall pick, despite missing his entire junior season with Florida State recovering from a torn ACL.

Whether Merriman has the minor surgery or opts for reconstructive surgery, he is an invaluable part of the Charger defense, who have led the NFL in sacks (149) since Merriman has been with the Chargers. Interestingly enough, the Chargers only amassed 98 sacks in the previous three seasons before Merriman was drafted in 2005.

Sacks don't tell the whole story. Countless times has Merriman made a key play to him a game. Whether it's tripping Peyton Manning on a fourth down play when the Indianapolis Colts were poised for the endzone, or recovering a causing a fumble during a playoff game, Merriman has an instinct for being at the right place at the right time.

With the looming thought of having to sign key players in the following years (Philip Rivers, Marcus McNeil, and Antonio Cromartie) it is important for the Chargers to think long and hard on their decision with Merriman. It is a crucial time for the San Diego Chargers franchise. With the window of opportunity closing in, will Merriman be the guiding light, or will the Chargers seek alternative energy? Power outage concerns in San Diego, go figure.

Where The Eff Were you?

So last week my brother decided to have one of our OLSH gatherings. I told him it was a bad idea and that no one would show.










Partially correct.

Most of the people that showed were from my sister's class. I had 3 of my friends show up (Thanks Cristina, Rassan, and Demetrious for showing). The rest of you...shame.


D snuck out before the photo op. All in all it was alright. I think I've decided that I'm over 'planning' these things. Let someone else plan the get-togethers, I'll just attend from now on. I put too much effort into them for just a couple people to show up. I appreciate those who attended, but come on people...


Where's the love?! Entertaining my imaginary friends, pfft.