This is a picture of my Grandad and Grammer, Mary & Curt Blaylock. Long Beach, CA; circa 1940.

Southern Pride, A Family Memoir

Originally from the British Isles, both sides of my family found a new life in the American South. The Blaylocks hail from Mississippi: Grandad was from Tupelo and Grammer was from Clarksdale. While on my mom's side, the Suddarth's come from Tennessee; west of Nashville. Several years ago I got to go to both Tennessee and Mississippi on some family "road trips" where we were able to visit history.

After seeing where Grandad Suddarth was born and the Presbyterian church where his father preached on Sundays, not far from the Cumberland River, I realized what humble beginnings he came from. The country there is so beautiful and the people are as kind and inviting as people come. I absolutely loved spending time in the Smokey Mountains, and I couldn't help but wonder if my Grandad was able to enjoy them as a boy, or if he had to work too hard to help his family instead of being able to enjoy the gorgeous landscape that Western Tennessee offers. I do know that both he and his brother, Thomas, served in Korea and WWII, respectively. I also know that they both played football for scholarships to Vanderbuilt and North Carolina, respectively. I am now, and forever will be captivated by stories of people from families without means that are able to persevere, get an education, and try to make a better life. Well, times in the South 80 years ago were nothing short of depressed. Many families were forced to move west to find work, better wages, and opportunity in general. My grandparents were no different. Robert Suddarth moved with his parents to El Paso, TX in hopes of better days. Western Migration was on.

The Blaylocks were no different. Times were tough in Mississippi. The Depression hit hard. I've stared at pictures of my aunts in Mississippi when they were children during those days, and there is something very sad about the poverty you can see all around them. I suppose that is why after my grandparents, Curt & Mary married and started a family in Mississippi, they moved to Texarkana, TX in the early 30's for "a better life." Then, during WWII Curt moved his wife and three children at the time, to Long Beach, California where his sister and brother-in-law, Myrtis & Rufus, had relocated and promised work on the shipping docks, good weather, and "a better life." So, once again, the West was calling.

Well, of course a change of geographic location doesn't solve all of your problems. It doesn't always work these days for people chasing dreams, and it didn't always work then. My ancestors and their lives were no different. Many obstacles, set-backs, and even tragedies found their way into the "Western Dream." After the war, Curt and Mary lost one of their sons in Long Beach to sad disease, work slowed down, and they decided they should move back to Texas where they lived out the rest of their humble lives. Lives that gave birth to many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who loved them very much.

After relocating to El Paso, Robert married Charlsa Anne Guynes who also came from the south to El Paso. Things didn't turn out the way he had planned as divorce, personal struggles, and the early, shocking deaths of his sister, sister-in-law, and ex-wife tormented him for years to come. He still lives in El Paso with only memories of a childhood in Tennessee. I wonder if he has any regrets. I wonder if the West delivered to him all that it originally promised.

I do know that when I visit the South, I can feel the deep love of family and tradition wherever I travel. The smell of rich soil, the taste of southern cooking, the feelings of lots of smiles and laughter permeate my memories and thoughts. I realize that my roots are deep in the South where people work hard, live hard, and love God. The Salt of the Earth is how I best describe my ancestors. I live my life to make them proud. Southern Pride.

6 Hours I Will NEVER Get Back

Standardized Test

We hear that word all of the time. If you are a teacher, you know it too well. If you are a student, you may dread the day. If you are a parent, you want your child to do well so you can brag. If you are an everyday citizen, you may know such tests are debated often.

In the great state of Texas, we have the TAKS test. It tests English, Math, Science, and Social Studies knowledge. It is very rigorous and difficult for your average student. There is high stakes pressure for the kids to perform. Schools depend on TAKS scores to keep parents happy or attract new students. Administrators and teachers stress about scores of students because their jobs may be on the line, literally. In Texas, they don't play.

After a lot of build-up with lunch tutoring, morning tutoring, Saturday tutoring (yes, kids pile in on Saturday to get tutored) the English (the other subjects will test in April) portion of the test smacked us right on the ass today.

Today was such a freaking beatdown that I had to come home and drink beer. Yes, I was so frazzled after being TRAPPED in a classroom for SIX HOURS that I bolted home and popped a top. MAN! AAAAAAAHhhhhhhhhhhh. Just thinking back, wears me out.

At 8:30am I got the supplies (dictionaries) and headed up to Coach Gerhart's room. I had my Biology book to keep me busy planning for class. From 9-9:30 I read allowed the test instructions, etc. From 9:30-11:30 I created power points on DNA. At 11:30 we took a lunch break IN THE FREAKING ROOM. What is that BS? I know, I should be used to it. We did this last year and in the practice test a while back, but seriously: ok, 17 year-olds, get your lunches out and eat at your desk. Yes, you can take a potty break. It has been 25 minutes; time to get back to taking the test, put your food away. WHAT A PAIN IN THE ASS.

So, at noon, I start to play solitaire, thinking, ok we've only got about an hour and a half. I can hang. I'll be taking up books, etc. I can make it.

Let me sum it up here:

1. It was about 80 degrees and sunny. I was sweating my chi-chi's off. Totally made me want to fall asleep.
2. I had NO INTERNET or EMAIL because I wasn't in my room. The other teacher in there was having a ball on his computer though.
3. Absolutely no talking because we had a kid still taking the test at the end.
4. The test is untimed, and stupid ass counselors couldn't get their shit together by 1:30, so we SAT IN THAT HOT STUFFY, SILENT, NO INTERNET ROOM FROM 9am UNTIL 3pm!!
5. Then, from 3-4 we had to have some class time for attendance purposes. God forbid we let the kids go home. TOTAL ASS WHIP!

So, there you have it. My rant. Can someone figure out a way to not torture teachers and students with this freaking untimed standardized test????????

It's My Party and I'll Dance If I want to

Another Bride, Another Night of Debauchery

Chancy is getting married in two weeks. We celebrated this union of two people that love each other by taking her out, getting her drunk, and making her do a goofy scavenger hunt. There were many instances of good times. In somewhat of a chronological order, I will list the top 10 highlights for you here:

1. catered mexican (On The Border) food in cool hotel suite
2. chocolate cake in the shape of a certain male anatomy part
3. 3 hot guys that were staying downstairs came up and spiced up the party
4. one of the guys showed us his "behind" the scenes dance moves
5. boxer-briefs being "borrowed" from the guy's room and affixed to the party van
6. heading into a male "dance" club
7. SPOTTING AN ENTIRE CREW OF MIDGET WOMEN GAUKING AT THE STRIPPERS.
8. watching "Diva" get all crazy on the mr. jefferson look-a-like parking lot attendant in Deep Ellum
9. Christy and I sneaking off for pizza
10. On the street of Elm, Chancy stopping some freaky crew of homies that were smoking cigars and had fro's and pics in the fro's to ask them if they had the last two things on her scavenger hunt list...condoms or a thong. They said, yeah, but not with me.

I'm the one in front in the overalls. That's my cousin Jerry telling one heck of a funny story.

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

Rappers That Keep On Giving

Click on this heading to shop for your friends and fam. Nothing like a Big Pun shirt to keep the party alive.

He Wants Props

Matt was at the show last night. I'm sorry his name was absent from my last post as his presence surly was not without notice.

Go Matt! You're 29 and live in the suburbs, but hey, you sure don't act like it!

I Can Still Hang

"You are only as old as you think you are." ~ My cheesy quote this morning to Debbie when she asked me how I can still go out on weeknights.

Last night, Lisa and I joined Lani and Jarod in a night on the town. Their good friends have a band that was playing at the Liquid Lounge in Deep Ellum last night. We left the house and stopped at Keller's for bite to eat with a beer. I ordered me some Tater Tots.
"Napolean, give me some of your tots."
Keller's is pure greatness. I actually used to go there all of the time with my parents when I was a kid. I'd be in the back seat eating my tots, while my parents and their friend, Jack, would eat, drink beer (they bring it all out to you in your car), and tell funny stories. I guess nothing has changed in my world because that was exactly what I was doing last night 23 years later.

Next, Jarod drove us on to the Liquid Lounge. We sort of sat in the Curtain Club which was right next door to the Liquid Lounge without realizing we were in the wrong place. So, by the time we figured it out, we had missed half of the band's set. But, I'm so glad we caught part of Addison Road because they were awesome! More importantly, great people. Go to their website and support them. Ok, I just went to their website, and clicked on images and then concerts and there is a picture of us last night at the end.
Yesssssssssss
We had a lot of fun last night. I think it ended with some sort of rendition of a big white girl doing the running man. I'm not sure. Either way, good times were had. Some of our friends (and husband) didn't want to go out because they said it was a work night, they're too old, etc, etc. Hey, that's cool. I respect your decisions. I'm just glad to know that I can still hang.

Chicken Update

I know they are roosters, but "chicken" is more fun to say.

This morning, I stopped by my trusty vet clinic, and she told me to bring up the roosters and she'd clip their wings for me for free. She's a cool vet, huh?

So, I went on to school and seeing as my MINI doesn't accommodate rooster cages, I asked Lisa if we could take her truck. She said, "sure." So, Lisa and I drove up to the Richardson Vet Clinic with a big chicken coop in the back of the truck, right up by the tailgate. Lisa isn't familiar with the area since she recently relocated up here to Big D. So, when I told her at the last minute to turn here, she said, "Hey, I don't want to make any wild movements...we've got livestock in the back."

So, once we got to the clinic, they told us to bring in the roosters. I'm thinking...I'm not getting those birds out. Luckily, they had this nifty country girl working there, Velvet, who was more than willing to herd my bird. heh. She told us in that Texas twang that, "I'm used to beeaang chasssed bai geese annd cheekins on my granma's farm." Thank heavens for Velvet. She grabbed Lefty and took him inside, where the cutting commenced. Then, the same happened to Pancho.

The vet showed me how to trim the wings. She said it was just like cutting our hair, pretty cool. The roosters didn't seem to mind at all. She offered to trim them up any time for me--no charge. I guess since she make thousands of $ off me and the dogs, fees for wing trimmings is, well, chicken feed. Bu-dum-dum-chee!

As Lisa and I were lifting the heavy cage of newly trimmed roosters back up into the back of her truck, she started giggling. I smiled and asked what she was laughing at. She said, "I bet people are wondering what two truck-driving-lesbian-chicken-farmers are doing here in the city." I'm seriously laughing while I'm typing this. It is lines like that which make life worth living.

ROOSTER NEWS FLASH

I got two phone calls from concerned teachers up at school tonight. They called around 8pm and left a voice message saying that the two roosters were up walking on the exterior 6 foot brick wall and the 3 foot interior fence. I just got the messages at 10pm. So, I look at Scott and tell him what the messages said. I asked him if I should go and look for Pancho and Lefty roaming the school grounds or if I should just wait until the morning to see. He gets out of bed and says "let's go."

So, we get into the MINI and drive up to school (only like 2 miles away) in our pj's with random tennis shoes and coats. I drive up with the brights on, and sure enough, there are the two fatties just chillaxin' up on the wall and fence. They seemed to be sleeping...roosting? I couldn't believe it. Scott and I stand there kind of stunned. Scott jumps into "rooster tamer" mode. He takes his sweatshirt off and flips it at them; forcing them off the wall and back into the yard. After that, I was ready to go home. But, Scott is a better person than me; he starts chasing them around the yard to catch them and put them into their pen. I am cracking up at him chasing those damn birds around in the dark. But, it didn't take him long at all to corral Lefty and then Pancho. He picked them up and put them in their cage. He was yelling at me because I was absolutely NO help at all. I was actually sort of scared because they were making all sorts of noises, flapping, and running around. It was freaking me out. Scott just cornered them, scooped them, and put them up. I couldn't believe it. Once again, Scott never ceases to amaze me. That city boy has some tricks up his sleeve. Pancho and Lefty are cussing Scott right now in their pen...they were so happy roosting.

I just had to throw this post down because that was some crazy stuff tonight...rooster round-up in the dark. I'm probably going to have nightmares tonight. One thing is for certain: Tomorrow the wing cutting will commence!

Taking Wireless To An All New Level

I'm not sure why I feel like I can share intimate details of my life here on the world wide web. But, here I go again with stories that Scott would rather me keep secret.

I'll set the scene for you: I'm at my laptop in the office. I'm checking my email from the day here at home. There were some emails that were pretty interesting....not forwards or anything...but good interesting emails from friends. Well, I feel nature calling me. So, you guessed it, I took the wireless laptop into the bathroom.

There was an absence of sunlight in the tiny room, and I didn't flip on a light. So, with only the shine of the laptop screen, I sat there and just had a little party of one. I read the emails right there on the throne; even composed replys.

Wow, I just wrote that personal bathroom tale down for you all to read. I've hit bottom.

The Roosters at the water bar. You can see their pen in the back.

Pancho and Lefty

In accordance with the Chinese New Year....2005 is the Year of the Rooster. How appropriate because two new tenants arrived today at my work: 2 "Mexican" fighting roosters. I say Mexican because Maria is Mexican and she gave them to me to take care of for her. I also say Mexican because a Mexican named Luis gave them to Maria (for a housewarming gift no less). Finally, I will say Mexican because Mexicans love "Cockfighting."

So, Maria's roosters are calling my work, home. They seemed very happy to get out of their pen and roam free inside the gated area. I fed them some chick feed and some earthworms. I also gave them a tub of water. I hope they are still in the little yard tomorrow when I get to work. I'm not sure if their wings have been cut. It would be a shame for Pancho and Lefty to fly away from their new casa. They had to leave their old casa (Maria's place) because Rafa and Gus (dogs) wanted to munch on them. Actually, Rafa did get a little sample of some Pancho the first night they were there. Feathers were a flyin'! But, Maria also said that they were doing a lot of cock-a-doodle-dooing in the mornings and pecking each other. So, we just thought it would be a good idea to bring them to Tia Ro.

Basically, I'm excited about my new attraction. I never knew how much fun chickens could be until today. Maybe I'll put in a live chicken cam! Ok, no. That's dumb.

To Change or Not to Change

I know I'm NOT in college anymore because...

1. I have house plants.
2. I don't use a hammer and screwdriver to get corks out of wine bottles.
3. I have a car with air conditioning.
4. My diet entails more than potatos, macaroni and cheese and ramen noodles.
5. I don't know where all of the ladies night specials are.
6. I see a guy with grey hair and think he's kinda cute.
7. I don't sleep on a futon.
8. I don't use the word dating to describe my relationship with Scott.
9. ALL of my friends have cars.
10. EMAIL!

I could still be in college because....

1. I still don't have much money.
2. I'm still with Scott.
3. Kamie and I communicate everyday.
4. I still wake up at around 8am (I had to get up for practice, etc.)
5. I still go to happy hour and eat a lot.
6. I stay up late.
7. I still drink before I go out to save money.
8. I still think it is funny to burp and toot.
9. I still like to go to country bars.
10. I'm still studying biology!

How Many Furs Do Rappers Need?

A while back, I mentioned in one of my blogs that I discovered how I NEED a chinchilla. Lisa and I saw them at the local PetSmart and saw that they were SO cute and really funny. I think it would be cool to have a couple in my lab/classroom as a pet. Charlie used to have one with her roommate. I never got to see them in person, but they sounded like a ton of fun. Recently I was doing some internet surfing when I came across this Disturbing Chinchilla Site. So, I felt that it was my obligation to spread this news of chinchilla mistreatment. WTF? This sort of crap pisses me off. Like my sister said...We can make faux fur, so why the hell are we still skinning animals?

Thank you for reading.

Avoidance Disorder

I learned in Abnormal Psych class back in college at GCU that when you are supposed to take care of something, but you do something else to avoid doing what you are supposed to do, that is some sort of avoidance disorder. At least I think that's what it is. Hell, college was a long time ago now that I think of it.

My point is that a lot of us do this, right? Right now, I should be DONE cleaning my house. But, I haven't touched a broom nor a sponge. Instead, I've chosen to spend over an hour making a music playlist on Rhapsody to entertain me while I clean. But, now that I'm done with that (I'm listening to my good work right now), I've decided to check blogs of my pals and now write this post. Hmf. Well, screw it; it's Saturday. I can be avoiding if I want.

Scott's in bed taking a nap. He worked most of today running the clock for the lame-o junior high basketball games, so he's pooped. I can't blame him. He had to get up this morning at 7am while I slept until 9:30. We went and saw the movie Hitch last night. That movie was really good. Very funny. Good Valentine's flick. I recommend.

I Listen to Hank Williams Jr. - So What?

I've never really understood the "finer" things in life. Opera, Fine Crystal, Europe, Art, Etiquette, Coffee after Dinner, The Symphony, or any other of these "silver spoon" affairs are nothing short of francaise to moi. I'm not sure if my lack of social eliteness is genetic or learned. Either way, it remains a part of me that some applaud while others are left with disgust for my lack of refinement. Sure, my sister likes and appreciates most all of the things mentioned above. Weren't we born of the same parents? Hmmmm...what happened to me? Well, whatever the difference was, I'm not complaining. I'm happy the way I've been made. Could I consider myself salty? I like that. Reminds me of the Salty Dog in Homer, Alaska. Remember that Kamie?

Regardless, I realize that some people think I'm trashy; mostly the French teacher-types (no offense Lisa) and the English teacher-types (no offense to robin, jen, chancy, lani, etc, etc.). I guess that is what one should expect when one drinks Lone Star Light and burps. Hmmmm, maybe I should lose the ballcaps I wear too? You're right. Keep the hats.

Well folks, tonight I found a classy-trashy affair that suited me. Tonight I ventured into an arena that I prefer not to enter: The Theater. My "cultured" friend Jennifer invited Robin, Christy and I to a production titled Pluck the Day. A Texas Comedy, written by Steven Walters. The Texan author supposedly wrote the play because of all of the crap he has taken off of Northerners who think that if you are from Texas, listen to country music, and drive a truck, then you must be ignorant.

After we arrived, I admitted to Jennifer that I'd had only a few theater experiences, and none had been worth a damn. However, from the beginning this play was different. First of all, refreshments were in a wheelbarrow and shopping cart. Greatness. The set was trashy like it was set out in the backwoods of Caddo Lake or maybe even Possum Kingdom . We sat in the front row right in front of the "porch" that was covered with empty cans of Natural Light, along with Marlboro butts, and leaves. There were animal heads on the walls and sofas out in front of the house. Enough said. The actors did a great job of drinking beer, cussing, and being just downright entertaining. I loved the show.

I guess that is the sort of play I needed; one that related to my blue collar roots. I sure can't relate to that "Guys and Dolls" shit. I mean, I don't know what happens in those shows, but from where I'm sittin' there is WAY to much singing and freaking dancing. What is up with that crap? I say take all of that "Hairspray" and "West Side Story" doo-doo and dump it.

See? There it is: my ugly unrefined side. I told you that I was easy to be disgusted with. Oh well. If you don't like it, kiss my trashy, uncultered, Texas ass.

Time to meet the little wonders: That's Emmitt Merle in the cammo, and there you have Pudge bringin' up the rear.

Pre Valentine's Day Quote

"I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life." ~Rita Rudner

All Work & No Play

"The world is full of willing people, some willing to work, the rest willing to let them. " ~Robert Frost

I have actally been working lately instead of blogging. What is up with that? I guess since I was sick all my work piled up. I hate it when that happens. So, I just wanted to put a post on here letting everyone know that I've been productive this week at school. It doesn't happen often, so I have to document it.

Back of my shirt...now, I know why random people kept calling me "ro-ro."

The "original" shirt I wore on Saturday to the concert...look close for the little bits 'o bling.

Bitter Sick Girl-Weekend Recap

It is Monday. The Monday after the superbowl. My friend, Jason, says that today should be a national holiday. I agree. When 60% of America is at a superbowl party until the evening, how are we supposed to be productive at work on Monday? National Holiday. Good point Jason.

In accordance with our self-declared holiday, many of us take the day off as if it were a holiday. Yes, I planned ahead and called in a sub because I was "sick." The irony here pisses me off: I'M REALLY SICK TODAY. Man, I hate it when that happens. Yeah, I got sick about 4 days ago mostly because I was not getting any sleep because I stayed up blogging into the wee hours all last week. Basically, I blogged myself into a nasty sinus infection.

So, here I am on my day off...IN BED. I totally lost my voice because I screwed around this weekend trying to have fun when I should have been in bed. Sucks. Daytime TV blows. No wonder housewives are nutz. I'm bitter today. I'm not too bitter to recap the weekend for you though:

Friday: I came straight home from work and got into bed because I wanted to heal myself so I could go to the concert on Saturday. We already had tickets and I had made a darn shirt (refer to pics above), so I wanted to go.

Saturday: I stayed in bed right up until departure and made it to the Texas Mardi Gras. I was so happy with myself. The concert was cool and all, but here's my problem with it: there were tons of girls that showed their boobies. I didn't realize that was going to happen. I was like, alright, whatever, have a good time you girls that aren't even 21 yet. Party on. But, the more they kept pulling up their tops and wiggling them, the more the guys took pictures with their cells, screamed at them, and threw beads at them. So, I was getting irritated. I mean....gross. I say gross because I get so mad at chicks that get used. Arrrrrrrr. Does this make sense: boobs = beads? Only to men. If you are a chick, the only thing that should make sense is boobs = CASH! If you don't get cash, you got used. The last time I checked, you can't buy steak with boobie beads. Dipshits.

Since I decided that the girls were being stupid, I felt it was fine for me to take beer and give it a little wrist flick which sent the beer flying all over them in a splatter pattern. NICE. That made me happy. However, my happiness was temporary because when the beer was gone I couldn't flick anymore. (I wasn't drinking since I was sick, but I did feel the need to order a beer.) I did have another idea....fling the empty plastic bottle at a stupid boobie girl. So, I did. It hit her. That was SWEET. She didn't care. She was too busy making her boobies bounce....sicko.

Later in the night, I started chunking beads at the girls. Random guys high fived me. My friends joined in the chunking. We made some good contacts. I nailed a girl in her left boob on one launch. I figured it wouldn't get any better than that, so I stopped there.

I also want to document the fact that Christy kept me entertained the entire night with her antics. When Lisa arrived, Christy picked her up, literally, then proceeded to fall while still holding Lisa. Oh man, that was funny. Most mortals would have stopped there, but not Christy. She went over and picked up Jason. She lifted him about 2 inches off the ground, impressive. But, she must have lost her balance because she fell back on to her ass pulling Jason on top of her. Oh, snaps..that made me laugh so hard I couldn't breath. Whew. Thank you Christy!

Sunday: I slept in to rest up for my next day: Superbowl Party at Maria's. I should have stayed in bed. But, I wanted to go so badly. I'm a sucker for a good party especially when football, Mexican food, air hockey, and Texas Hold 'Em are involved. I said I should have stayed in bed because I lost at Texas Hold 'Em and I feel asleep during the football. But, hey, I'm a trooper. I'll just have to try to recover today.

The College Meme

I wrote this so we could all stroll down memory lane, so feel free to copy and past to your blog so the fun can live on.

What year did you finally acquire enough credits to not be a Freshman anymore? 1993

If you went to more than one, what college was your favorite one? Grand Canyon University

What clubs did you go to?
graham's Central Station, Denim & Diamonds, Club Rio, Senior Frogs, Club 411, Gibsons

In your freshman year, did you spend more time in the library or the computer lab (this will date you)?
Library

What CD's were you buying?
I was poor and we had to buy CD's at Zia's (used CD/tape place). I think I bought : Live, sara mclaughlin, Fleetwood Mac Greatest Hits, ABBA GH, Garth Brooks In Pieces, Bobby Brown...I'll stop there.

What was your favorite outfit?
Hmmm, well, I'll just say that I'm sure there was a vest involved.

Who were your roommates?
Kamie (4 years)
Tracy, Kathy, JoDee & Roni (1 year)
Lyanna (2 years)

Hangouts?
Big Dick's (aka Big Richard's sportsbar)....cheap hot wings and cheap pool
Native New Yorker...hot wings and football
Brennan's...damn that cheese dip was good! Thanks for the hook ups Angela
That coffee club that TDog and Aimee and I used to play rummycube at.

Who were your best friends?
Kam, Tracy, JoDee, Ly, Dee Ann, Kathy, Aimee, Brooke, Kristi, Bridget

What did you do when you weren't in class?
Volleyball, what else?

Where did you work?
coached club

Did you ever skip class? Why?
Nope. Would've had to run my arse off if the Leprechaun ever found out.

Who did you date?
Scottie

Best Shot to start the night?
Tequila...at least that's what Brandi taught me.

Did you go skinny dippin'?
Kinda

Who did you have a CELEBRITY crush on?
Sylvester Stalone

Did you smoke cigarettes?
nope

Did you live on campus or off?
Always on

What was your favorite sport to watch on campus?
Baseball!

What is the mascot of your college?
Antelope or 'Lope if you were in the loop

What TV shows were a must?
90210, melrose place, party of 5, real world

What was your "poison" (breakfast club reference)?
smirnov vodka and any mixer

How many times did you change your major?
I didn't change, but I did add a couple.

When you entered college, what job did you think you'd be doing after you graduated?
Physical Therapist

What job are you doing now?
Teaching others that they can be a physical therapist.

Was the price of your education worth it?
sure

I feel like warmed up pug turd tonight...

I stole this idea from Allison

I hope this is what Heaven is like.

Social Reflection

Yesterday in class, I must have been wearing my "approachable face" because one of my students started talking to me about music: how he only likes about 3 artists right now, and how most music sucks, how he was "closed minded" etc, etc. I was listening to him, but in my head, I was thinking.... blah, blah, I don't get attention at home, blah, blah....I look like a blonde headed Harry Potter, blah, blah. Ok, I have a problem with paying attention.

Anyway, good old Harry Potter then looks at me and says, "Are you a Democrat or a Republican?" I look back and him and ponder my answer. I was thinking, hmmm, should I answer him? While one of the kids said, "Mrs. Everett, you aren't allowed to answer that are you?" That really irritated me. Last year, I had a similar situation when a student asked me what religion I was. Some of the kids said the same thing: "You CAN'T answer that because you are a teacher!" Like nails on a chalkboard to me, I tell you. When kids say stuff like that, all I hear is all of the politically correct crusaders, cheering..."HURRAY!" Yeah, that chapped me last year. Kids in the classroom were all ears when I proclaimed, "I'm Christian."


When yesterday's teenager, the future of our country, chimed in with his, "You can't answer that," I thought, man, where are these kids getting this information?? I mean seriously, where do kids get the idea that we are not allowed to speak of our religious or political positions? I've never jumped up on my desk and said, "TURN OR BURN!" or "Honor Mohammed" or "republicans suck." At the same time, I'm going to stand up for what I believe. If you think I'm going to deny my Savior to make sure I don't infringe on someone's feelings well, you are wrong.

Back to yesterday...
The initial point of my story here is to tell you that "harry potter" was absolutely disgusted when I told him that I voted Republican in this election.

"How could you?" he said. "He is pushing his religion on everybody. He is all about family values. How could you support him?"

Yes, that's right sportsfans; the youth of America is questioning family values. Let that simmer on your frontal lobe for a few. When did family values become a point of contention? No, he wasn't arguing over Iraq, where he maybe had a case. Instead, he went on to tell me that the whole "Christianity thing" was horrible too.

"He is pushing his Christianity on us all," Harry Potter insisted. "It isn't right for Bush to put his religion into the public eye."

Hmmm. Interesting. I gave the standard conservative argument: that our country was founded on Christian principles.

His response was, "No, it was founded on God, not Jesus."

I asked him if he believed in Jesus. He was thrown for a loop on that one. The girl next to him chimed in with, "I'm atheist!"

At this point, I reiterated that I had been asked my opinions and that was all that I shared. I went on to say to little harry, "What are you going to do about the situation?"

He was stunned. "Well, I can't do anything about it. I'm not 18 yet." I told him that he should think of ways to change what he doesn't like instead of just complaining.

That's when he thrust his fist into the air and exlaimed: "HILLARY '08!"

Toiletry Update

I bought my own feminine deodorant last night. FYI.