Posted by Brad on April 30th, 2008 — Posted in Journal
Every year I show “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” in Religion class. It’s a great illustration of allegory, which the Bible is full of. Plus, it’s a Christian allegory. Plus, it’s a fun movie to watch. Well, NOW it’s fun to watch. The 1988 version was a little hard to watch because of old special effects and such.
Anyway, the kids never know what Turkish Delight is, and it seems to be a pretty important detail from the movie, because it’s the tempting “fruit”. I always say that it’s sort of like gum drops, but that doesn’t quite describe it, so then I get some for them to taste. I cut the pieces in half because I don’t want to break the bank getting enough for sixty kids. They usually come in multi-flavor packs. I set the mint ones aside, because the lemon and rose flavors seem more candy-like to me.
Someday I’ll have to see if I can successfully make it. The recipes seem simple, but perhaps not easy. They sound like they call for precision. It also might be hard to find rosewater. I think if I ever went looking, it might end up being some sort of Quest.
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Posted by Brad on April 29th, 2008 — Posted in Journal
I have had a pretty easy time watching TV this year. Monday has been a heavy night because I watch the sitcoms on CBS. (The sitcom is my favorite genre of TV show, but it’s a dying genre. Sad.) Tuesday and Wednesday are American Idol nights, but once Idol is over, I can get ready for bed. Thursday was nothing. Nothing! I have been so happy on Thursday nights. I get a little chore done, or I watch a recorded show, or I play a little Xbox… Wonderful!
Well, there are now new episodes of the only dramas I watch: Bones and House. I really do like these shows. Fox could have put them on American Idol nights. They could have put them on Thursday. They could even have put them on Friday. What night have they placed them? Monday! During my sitcoms, dang it! Now I have to record one set of shows and watch the other set of shows live. I used to be able to fall asleep if I got too tired to stay up ’till 10. Now I have to stay awake to make sure I don’t miss anything.
I hate watching TV without the safety net of DVR. Stupid FOX. If I wasn’t so lazy I’d write them an email.
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Posted by Brad on April 28th, 2008 — Posted in Journal
My truck has been running on empty for the last couple of days, so yesterday I finally stopped at the gas station to fill up. I always swipe the card first, then pull open the gas tank cover, then push all the buttons I have to push, then unscrew the gas cap. After doing all that yesterday, I lifted the gas nozzle to bring it to the opening of my tank, and made a little scared noise.
There was a paper wasp building a nest by my gas cap! I’m glad I didn’t accidentally grab it while I was unscrewing the cap. Fortunately, it was sort of cool yesterday, so the wasp was slow.
I squirted the wasp and its nest with gas. They both fell to the ground. I was surprised how fast the wasp died. The gasoline killed as fast as a shovel! I should keep a spray bottle of gas around just to spray things dead with it.
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Posted by Brad on April 27th, 2008 — Posted in Journal
Yesterday was our annual Field Day event, where area elementary schools are invited to a track and field competition. I was once again a “place holder” person. Actually, this time our AD guy told me I was in charge of all the place holder people. I heard Uncle Ben’s words echoing through my head: With great power comes great responsibility.
There wasn’t really anything to be “in charge” of. We each had a runner to tackle after they crossed the finish line. I had first place, like last year. It’s kind of a nice place to have, because I didn’t have to deal with kids who were like me when I was in elementary school… you know, that kid who runs like he’s dying and still comes in last and then can’t catch his breath and collapses on the ground? Yeah… that was me.
Anyway, I forgot how hot our turf field gets. I wore jeans and a long sleeve shirt because it was cool in the morning. But by 10am, it was already too warm. Next year I’m wearing short shorts and a half shirt.
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Posted by Brad on April 26th, 2008 — Posted in Journal
We had a dress-down day yesterday. The kids could bring in $2 (or more) to support the effort to find a cure for Type One diabetes, and then have the privilege of dressing casual. I, of course, joined in the fun. I never finish wearing my entire tie collection each school year anyway, so I just don’t even try anymore.
On days like this I often wear long sleeves at school, because even though it’s casual day, I think long sleeves are a little more formal than short, and I like to be at least a little dressed up when I’m at school. I decided to wear a gray shirt I have that has long sleeves, and is made of soft, lightweight material. It also has sleeves that come down to cover half my hand, which I really like for some reason.
During the school day yesterday, right before class started, a kid said to me: “You wear that same shirt every dress down day.” And after remembering back to other dress down days, I think he’s right. Oops.
So in the event of another dress down day… Note to self: Don’t wear this shirt.
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