Mom and Dad drove down Sunday to see the final performance of the musical. Kim drove from Ocean Springs. Having people in the audience made it so much more fun.
It took 8 hours to strike the set. Werner used a lot of screws building that boat! After I bade farewell to the cast, I left grudgingly for the school office where I made copies until 11:30. When I got home, Terry and Jo were watching TV. We decided to go to Waffle House, so I didn't hit the hay until around 2. Sunday was a long day!
Monday was packed, too. After school, I met up with Chris and Josh. We swung by home depot and picked up some shelving, then hit the schoolhouse and installed them. Afterward, Josh and Chris made dinner for their families and me. Terry and Jo joined us, too. I brought dessert - lemon creme pie.
The conversation was the best part of the evening. Because of the rehearsal schedule, it's been so long since I've been able to talk to any of them. Chris kept hinting that he wants a video camera from Wendy for his birthday this week. I suggested that we use it to make some home movies - some silly skits or something - and then get together for a night of eating popcorn and laughing at what we tape. We could make the video Drew Carey style with a "Who's Line" theme. Or we could write a script. What should our first feature be about?
I drove around with Sherman tonight. He and I were talking about the rising gas prices. I'm thinking about buying a cheap bicycle for my quarter-mile work commute. Do I need a license to drive a bike on the street?
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Friday, August 12, 2005
LONG LIVE LOUIS?
I almost burned my muffins, but I didn't. I think it made them better - being rescued from the flames.
I say I almost burned them, because I forgot I was making muffins. I was really into this DVD I got from Netflix today. It's called "Louis Prima: The Wildest." Watching his performances, especially those with Keely Smith, confirms his place of honor as my favorite entertainer.
I can picture my Dad putting Prima on the turntable and taking a spin around the living room. Dad is a great dancer, and he loved to show out for me when I was a kid. Come to think of it; I think Mr. Prima will have to take second place to my dad.
I say I almost burned them, because I forgot I was making muffins. I was really into this DVD I got from Netflix today. It's called "Louis Prima: The Wildest." Watching his performances, especially those with Keely Smith, confirms his place of honor as my favorite entertainer.
I can picture my Dad putting Prima on the turntable and taking a spin around the living room. Dad is a great dancer, and he loved to show out for me when I was a kid. Come to think of it; I think Mr. Prima will have to take second place to my dad.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
SALADE AVEC UN AMI
Ryan and I had the salad bar at Ruby Tuesday's last night. For some reason, I always put raisins on my salad there, though I never do so at home. I guess it's just the power of suggestion. If I kept raisins next to the croutons in the pantry, I'd probably eat them on salads more often. Gross?
We decided to go to Ruby's after the rehearsal fell through due to lack of interest. Most of the actors blew it off. Seeing the different ways everyone reacted to the situation was entertaining, to say the least. I'd classify the scene as one half angry mob and one half toga party.
We have been in performance mode for what feels like an eternity, so I enjoyed goofing off for a few minutes with them. I noticed that everyone seemed unusually loud - a normal enough response after forcing yourself to be so quiet backstage. It's hard to believe it's almost time for the cast party and striking the set. I have mixed feelings. If you were Delilah, what song would you play for me?
We decided to go to Ruby's after the rehearsal fell through due to lack of interest. Most of the actors blew it off. Seeing the different ways everyone reacted to the situation was entertaining, to say the least. I'd classify the scene as one half angry mob and one half toga party.
We have been in performance mode for what feels like an eternity, so I enjoyed goofing off for a few minutes with them. I noticed that everyone seemed unusually loud - a normal enough response after forcing yourself to be so quiet backstage. It's hard to believe it's almost time for the cast party and striking the set. I have mixed feelings. If you were Delilah, what song would you play for me?
'90'S RAP
I heard a minute or two of '90's rap on the radio. Who knows why, but the sound made me think of pool parties. Why is that? Don't bother with the obvious, because the pool parties I went to never featured Fresh Prince and his cohorts.
BOUNCER NEEDED - APPLY WITHIN
Apparently, there are two kinds of employees in this world: the ones who work and the ones who interrupt said work in their endless pursuit of small talk. Lordy, I wish everybody would leave me alone so I could get my work done. What I need is a secretary to guard the door - or a bouncer! How can I get them to leave me alone without being rude?
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
OFF TO SEE ME?
If I could be a character from The Wizard of Oz, I think I'd either be the Wizard or the Gatekeeper of the Emerald City. Which character would you be?
I've really always wanted to be a doorman, anyway. I like the uniform and the idea of getting big tips just for saying hello all day. The USA Today recommends giving your doorman $100.oo cash for Christmas. They recommend giving your child's teacher a $10.oo gift from Target. Should I apply at the Ritz Carlton or the Astor?
I've really always wanted to be a doorman, anyway. I like the uniform and the idea of getting big tips just for saying hello all day. The USA Today recommends giving your doorman $100.oo cash for Christmas. They recommend giving your child's teacher a $10.oo gift from Target. Should I apply at the Ritz Carlton or the Astor?
DID YOU MAKE THE LIST?
The radio announcer today was jawing about how safe his job is, compared to really dangerous jobs. He gave the example of police officers and fire fighters. I was curious, so I looked at what CNN & the Bereau of Labor Statistics listed as the most dangerous jobs in America. The number one was Timber Cutters - with a mortality rate 26 times the normal worker. Timber cutter, huh? That's my buddy Derek's job! A lot of the other jobs on the list are held by guys I know. I wonder if they know the statistical risks of what they are doing...or if they'd care. How dangerous is your job? If you found out it made the list, would it make you think twice of keeping it?
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
RUT
Why did I bother to work through lunch? Maybe that choice was counterproductive. I sat at my desk typing for 9 hours today. What do I have to show for it? A half a year's spelling tests and one lousy history pretest. The students are coming Monday. Yikes! I stopped working and went home because I could no longer think without food and a minute away from the computer.
I read in the paper tonight that most US workers waste 2 hours a day at work - not counting their lunch break. I find that doubtful. I think most people work hard. But some days, even when I'm working hard, I don't feel very productive. Do you ever have one of those days when you feel like you are spinning your wheels no matter how hard you try?
I read in the paper tonight that most US workers waste 2 hours a day at work - not counting their lunch break. I find that doubtful. I think most people work hard. But some days, even when I'm working hard, I don't feel very productive. Do you ever have one of those days when you feel like you are spinning your wheels no matter how hard you try?
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT
Terry just told me that I expect too much from movies, and that's why I'm always so disappointed. Am I wrong to expect entertainment to be ENTERTAINING?
Monday, August 08, 2005
FOR YOUR AMUSEMENT
This one lets you see which dictator or sitcom character you are thinking of. For extra fun, answer the questions as yourself and see what character you are like. According to the computer, I am Mitch Leery from Dawson's Creek. I didn't know who that was until I googled the name. The one episode I saw of that show was the one where that character died and his son moped around. Monday nights are great for finding useless websites, aren't they?
Another one defines your political viewpoint. According to this site, I am a centrist.
"CENTRISTS espouse a 'middle ground' regarding government control of the economy and personal behavior. Depending on the issue, they sometimes favor government intervention
and sometimes support individual freedom of choice. Centrists pride themselves on keeping an open mind, tend to oppose "political extremes," and emphasize what they describe as 'practical' solutions to problems."
Another one defines your political viewpoint. According to this site, I am a centrist.
"CENTRISTS espouse a 'middle ground' regarding government control of the economy and personal behavior. Depending on the issue, they sometimes favor government intervention
and sometimes support individual freedom of choice. Centrists pride themselves on keeping an open mind, tend to oppose "political extremes," and emphasize what they describe as 'practical' solutions to problems."
SOUTH AFRICA
Want to know what country you would be, if you were a country? Check out this site. Here's what it said about me:
"You're South Africa! After almost endless suffering, you've finally freed yourself from the oppression that somehow held you back. Now your diamond in the rough is shining through, and the world can accept you for who you really are. You were trying to show who you were to the world, but they weren't interested in helping you become that until it was almost too late. Suddenly you're a very hopeful person, even if you still have some troubles."
Hmmm....South Africa? I'll have to tell Werner about this site. Since he's from South Africa, he might get a laugh out of my results.
The site has a test to see which book you are. How could I resist?
"You're Les Miserables! by Victor Hugo One of the best known people in your community, you have become something of a phenomenon. People have sung about you, danced in your honor, created all manner of art in your name. And yet your story is one of failure and despair, with a few brief exceptions. A hopeless romantic, you'll never stop hoping that more good will come from your failings than is ever possible. Beware detectives and prison guards bearing vendettas."
I am a hopeless romantic. And lots of my students have drawn pictures of me. A group of them even wrote a song about me once. But thankfully I've missed the life of failure and despair. I can be melancholy, but not for very long. Life's too much fun to stay down for long!
And what animal would I be?
"You're a Dove! A fan of olives and the United Nations, you'd love to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony. You like stretching your legs at major events, and have done your best to ward off floods when the waters have risen. All this running around leaves you exhausted, and it often seems you can never quite get the peace you so dearly crave. You really like to take showers."
When I took the "State" test, I got the oddest results:
"You're The Moon! You frequently take small steps, but you think very highly of each and every one of them. This aloof attitude doesn't begin to reflect how high and mighty you actually are, though you are able to reflect light onto others when it seems appropriate. Whether the glass is half full, half empty, waxing pedantic, or even crescent-shaped is something ever-changing in your perspective. These mood swings at least follow a consistent cycle, one that makes others believe you have mystical powers. Ultimately, your head is always in the clouds and you just can't seem to stay grounded."
"You're South Africa! After almost endless suffering, you've finally freed yourself from the oppression that somehow held you back. Now your diamond in the rough is shining through, and the world can accept you for who you really are. You were trying to show who you were to the world, but they weren't interested in helping you become that until it was almost too late. Suddenly you're a very hopeful person, even if you still have some troubles."
Hmmm....South Africa? I'll have to tell Werner about this site. Since he's from South Africa, he might get a laugh out of my results.
The site has a test to see which book you are. How could I resist?
"You're Les Miserables! by Victor Hugo One of the best known people in your community, you have become something of a phenomenon. People have sung about you, danced in your honor, created all manner of art in your name. And yet your story is one of failure and despair, with a few brief exceptions. A hopeless romantic, you'll never stop hoping that more good will come from your failings than is ever possible. Beware detectives and prison guards bearing vendettas."
I am a hopeless romantic. And lots of my students have drawn pictures of me. A group of them even wrote a song about me once. But thankfully I've missed the life of failure and despair. I can be melancholy, but not for very long. Life's too much fun to stay down for long!
And what animal would I be?
"You're a Dove! A fan of olives and the United Nations, you'd love to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony. You like stretching your legs at major events, and have done your best to ward off floods when the waters have risen. All this running around leaves you exhausted, and it often seems you can never quite get the peace you so dearly crave. You really like to take showers."
When I took the "State" test, I got the oddest results:
"You're The Moon! You frequently take small steps, but you think very highly of each and every one of them. This aloof attitude doesn't begin to reflect how high and mighty you actually are, though you are able to reflect light onto others when it seems appropriate. Whether the glass is half full, half empty, waxing pedantic, or even crescent-shaped is something ever-changing in your perspective. These mood swings at least follow a consistent cycle, one that makes others believe you have mystical powers. Ultimately, your head is always in the clouds and you just can't seem to stay grounded."
20+ QUESTIONS
I'm apparently on a narcissistic binge with this blog, so why not go over the top? Here's the familiar question list that everybody emails everybody else. How many times have you been emailed this list?
What is your favorite color? white
What is your favorite scent? coffee
Where is your favorite place to vacation? Orlando or Gatlinburg. I enjoy the traveling experience about as much as I enjoy the destination. I love taking the Amtrak or piling in a car with friends.
Do you collect anything? I collect story ideas - and other creative ideas for projects and pictures. I was collecting old records, but I've given it up.
Do you have a favorite tv show? Not anything worth endorsing. I find myself watching TV guide's channel more often than not.
Are you crafty? If so, how? In the elementary art teacher kind of way. I'm interested in getting better at photography and graphic design (think magazine, not scrapbook).
Do you have kids? No.
Do you have pets? I miss my dog and pony - and the horses, cats, goats, and ducks I grew up with on the farm. Now, I have a hamster, a bird, and a fish that live in my classroom. It's not the same.
What kind of movies do you like? I like movies that make me think, or that take me to a time and place outside of my own reality. I'm on a foreign flick kick this summer.
What kind of music do you listen to? Old records from my parents or from the thrift store - they are so relaxing.
What kind of books do you like to read? I like character-driven novels and children's books. I've been exploring creative nonfiction.
Do you have a favorite magazine? Yep. I love reading the essay at the back of time magazine. Dalton Ross's Hit List in Entertainment Weekly is reason enough to subscribe to an otherwise hunk of junk mag. Business 2.0, Wired, and Mental Floss are great.
What is your favorite weekend activity? Throwing a small party for friends ranks right up there with sleeping the entire weekend away. Second place goes to a day trip to New Orleans.
What kind of work do you do? I teach.
What do you do for fun? I learn.
First name? Michael
Were you named after anyone? Mom's Uncle Pat.
Do you wish on stars? No. Just birthday candles.
When did you last cry? Last week when I watched the final episode of Wonderfalls.
Who's your favorite cartoon/comic strip character? Linus
What is your favorite lunch meat? turkey
What is your birth date? December 21, 1974
What is your most embarrassing CD? The "Little Orphan Annie" broadway soundtrack.
Do you have a journal? Yes, a blog and a traditional journal.
Do you use sarcasm a lot? Probably more than I think I do.
What are your nicknames? "Pat Pat"
Would you bungee jump? You betcha'
Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? No.
Do you think that you are strong? Jesus gives me strength.
Shoe Size? 12 wide
Red or pink? red
What is your least favorite thing about yourself? I can be a little stiff, but I try hard to over come it - so I don't thinks it's terribly noticeable.
Who do you miss most? Can you miss someone you've never met? I think I miss my wife and kids the most.
Do you want everyone you send this to, to send it back? n/a
What color pants and shoes are you wearing right now? black pants with bare feet
What are you listening to right now? an ad on TV
Last thing you ate? a waffle
If you were a crayon, what color would you be? neon green
What is the weather like right now? hot!
Do you like the person who sent this to you? I like everybody...there's that sarcasm again
Favorite Drink? milk (gross, huh?)
Favorite Sport? hockey
Hair color? black
Do you wear contacts? Yep.
Favorite Food? breads and sweets
What was the last movie you watched in a theater? Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
Favorite Day of the Year? Christmas
SCARY Movies Or Happy Endings? Scary movies WITH happy endings.
Summer or winter? Winter
Hugs OR Kisses? Hugs
What Is Your Favorite Dessert? chewy cookies
Who Is Most Likely To Respond? n/a
Who Is Least Likely To Respond? ditto
Living Arrangements? A longsuffering, I mean longstanding friend, Terry, and I share an apartment for a year until he marries next summer.
What books are you reading? The Nondesigners Design Book
What's On Your Mouse Pad? I'm on a laptop - no mouse.
What Did You Watch Last night on TV? an old movie, "Presenting Lily Mars." It wasn't that good, but I was too out of it to get off the couch and go to bed.
Favorite Smells? bread baking
Favorite Sounds? crickets chirping and frogs croaking on a cool summer night while I lie on the chaise lounge on the screen porch...piano solos are great, too.
Rolling Stones or Beatles? Beatles
What's the furthest you've been from home? Kenya
Do you like your handwriting? no
Last person you talked to on the phone? Josh
The first thing you notice about the opposite ? women with great smiles always catch my eye
Do you have a special talent? of course; everybody does!
What is your favorite color? white
What is your favorite scent? coffee
Where is your favorite place to vacation? Orlando or Gatlinburg. I enjoy the traveling experience about as much as I enjoy the destination. I love taking the Amtrak or piling in a car with friends.
Do you collect anything? I collect story ideas - and other creative ideas for projects and pictures. I was collecting old records, but I've given it up.
Do you have a favorite tv show? Not anything worth endorsing. I find myself watching TV guide's channel more often than not.
Are you crafty? If so, how? In the elementary art teacher kind of way. I'm interested in getting better at photography and graphic design (think magazine, not scrapbook).
Do you have kids? No.
Do you have pets? I miss my dog and pony - and the horses, cats, goats, and ducks I grew up with on the farm. Now, I have a hamster, a bird, and a fish that live in my classroom. It's not the same.
What kind of movies do you like? I like movies that make me think, or that take me to a time and place outside of my own reality. I'm on a foreign flick kick this summer.
What kind of music do you listen to? Old records from my parents or from the thrift store - they are so relaxing.
What kind of books do you like to read? I like character-driven novels and children's books. I've been exploring creative nonfiction.
Do you have a favorite magazine? Yep. I love reading the essay at the back of time magazine. Dalton Ross's Hit List in Entertainment Weekly is reason enough to subscribe to an otherwise hunk of junk mag. Business 2.0, Wired, and Mental Floss are great.
What is your favorite weekend activity? Throwing a small party for friends ranks right up there with sleeping the entire weekend away. Second place goes to a day trip to New Orleans.
What kind of work do you do? I teach.
What do you do for fun? I learn.
First name? Michael
Were you named after anyone? Mom's Uncle Pat.
Do you wish on stars? No. Just birthday candles.
When did you last cry? Last week when I watched the final episode of Wonderfalls.
Who's your favorite cartoon/comic strip character? Linus
What is your favorite lunch meat? turkey
What is your birth date? December 21, 1974
What is your most embarrassing CD? The "Little Orphan Annie" broadway soundtrack.
Do you have a journal? Yes, a blog and a traditional journal.
Do you use sarcasm a lot? Probably more than I think I do.
What are your nicknames? "Pat Pat"
Would you bungee jump? You betcha'
Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? No.
Do you think that you are strong? Jesus gives me strength.
Shoe Size? 12 wide
Red or pink? red
What is your least favorite thing about yourself? I can be a little stiff, but I try hard to over come it - so I don't thinks it's terribly noticeable.
Who do you miss most? Can you miss someone you've never met? I think I miss my wife and kids the most.
Do you want everyone you send this to, to send it back? n/a
What color pants and shoes are you wearing right now? black pants with bare feet
What are you listening to right now? an ad on TV
Last thing you ate? a waffle
If you were a crayon, what color would you be? neon green
What is the weather like right now? hot!
Do you like the person who sent this to you? I like everybody...there's that sarcasm again
Favorite Drink? milk (gross, huh?)
Favorite Sport? hockey
Hair color? black
Do you wear contacts? Yep.
Favorite Food? breads and sweets
What was the last movie you watched in a theater? Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
Favorite Day of the Year? Christmas
SCARY Movies Or Happy Endings? Scary movies WITH happy endings.
Summer or winter? Winter
Hugs OR Kisses? Hugs
What Is Your Favorite Dessert? chewy cookies
Who Is Most Likely To Respond? n/a
Who Is Least Likely To Respond? ditto
Living Arrangements? A longsuffering, I mean longstanding friend, Terry, and I share an apartment for a year until he marries next summer.
What books are you reading? The Nondesigners Design Book
What's On Your Mouse Pad? I'm on a laptop - no mouse.
What Did You Watch Last night on TV? an old movie, "Presenting Lily Mars." It wasn't that good, but I was too out of it to get off the couch and go to bed.
Favorite Smells? bread baking
Favorite Sounds? crickets chirping and frogs croaking on a cool summer night while I lie on the chaise lounge on the screen porch...piano solos are great, too.
Rolling Stones or Beatles? Beatles
What's the furthest you've been from home? Kenya
Do you like your handwriting? no
Last person you talked to on the phone? Josh
The first thing you notice about the opposite ? women with great smiles always catch my eye
Do you have a special talent? of course; everybody does!
RADIO WAVES?
Last night, when Terry came home from his summer job at Blockbuster, he plopped down in the armchair and told me all about what he wanted to be when he grows up. Ever heard that ideas are in the air?
Sunday, August 07, 2005
WHEN I GROW UP
I was doing some mental housecleaning today, and just look what I found in one corner of my mind! I can barely remember where I got them. If I try hard enough, I can almost make them fit. Would you like to try them on for size?
"When I grow up I'm going to live in an antique-filled, white colonial with a picked fence, green shutters, and window boxes. A hall tree, piled high with umbrellas and scarves, will sit in the entry near the stairs. In the living room next to the stone fireplace and in front of the double bay window, will be a grand piano - the piano my wife will play every day. Her name will be Christina, and we will have five children: Christopher, Elizabeth, Rachel, Sarah, and Isaac (Zeke). [One of them will grow up to be Mayor of our town, or Governor, or even President of the United States.] I will ride my bike to work at the University every weekday morning. In the summers, I'll write books. I will also edit a journal. Christina will write books too, when she's not writing music - and she and I will own our own publishing company. My wife will always beat me in golf, but I will keep trying to beat her at it. Somehow, we will find time to give great dinner parties! We'll have a big back yard, with plenty of room for our dog and cat. And every night I'll tell my children stories about my youth, when I had nothing better to do at night than dream of them and their mother."
"When I grow up I'm going to live in a loft apartment downtown. It will be an industrial brick-boxed space with exposed pipes and lots of story-high windows. All our furniture will be modern and well-designed. A corner of the living area will be dedicated to my wife, Molly's paintings. She'll run a gallery on the first floor, opening it after she sells her restaurant and bakery. Sometimes, she'll display some of my photographs in the gallery. She thinks a lot more of my photography than I do. Next to my darkroom, I'll have one room of the apartment set up as a studio where I can record songs when the inspiration hits me. Mostly, I will record Molly's songs. I like them better than mine. I will run marathons. Molly will try to teach me to swim. We will play tennis together. We'll have three adopted children, Benjamin and Gabriel - from Russia, and little Beth - from China. [One of them will grow up and discover a cure for a dreadful disease! One of them will win the third grade spelling bee! One will never stop gazing at the stars! We will be very proud of all three of them!] We will have a rooftop garden where we grow organic vegetables. Once a month, we'll open the gallery at night for poets and singer-songwriters to share their work. Our building will be the hub of the new downtown renaissance. We will edit the local arts magazine. Our guest room will always be a place where our friends - mostly designers, artists, actors, and writers - can crash for a weekor two - soaking in the creative inspiration. Because our building doesn't allow pets, we will "adopt" one of the walruses at the local zoo, and at Ben's request, we will visit him one Saturday a month for almost a year! We will spend the summers camping or traveling and learning new languages. We will never be bored and will turn parts of the house into natural museums or broadway stages on rainy Saturdays or potentially dull Tuesday nights. At night, the children will tell me stories about their dreams and what they think life will be like when they grow up."
"When I grow up I will live in a small bungalow in sunny California. I will produce and perform in a children's television show. I will market a related line of curriculum and educational toys and software. Because of the show's popularity, I will be able to go beyond writing for educational journals, and will be asked to write articles about education for popular magazines and newspapers, eventually using my influence to start a grass-roots movement that will revolutionize the American educational system. When I retire from entertainment/education, I will run for and win a state political office. My wife, Rebecca, and I will moonlight as ballroom dancers. Rebecca will be a dance instructor and will eventually own a chain of studios featuring her own highly successful teaching methods. She will serve on the board of directors of a local school of the arts. She and I will record CD's together, and will use some of the money from their sales to help produce local theatrical productions. Our children will not be very interested in theater or singing, but both our son and daughter will be patient with their "wacky parents." [Chuck will grow up to be a banker. Becky will insist on being called Rebecca after she breaks into the world of fashion design.] For our thirtieth anniversary, my wife and I will finally take the trip to Europe that we've been promising ourselves."
"When i grow up i will sell everything i own and live in a schoolbus in the woods of Alabama. After living like a hermit for three years, i will get a job teaching English in China. As i move across my new homeland, i will travel light - living out of my backpack - because i like living that way. i will own three cars and fifteen bicycles in my lifetime. i will never marry. Though i have no children of my own, i will encounter many young men and women who will grow to think of me like a dad. i will find real fulfillment in missionary work. When i finally learn to play, i will discover that i do like to play chess - and that it's a great way to bridge language barriers. i will grow a big beard and wear the clothes that my family back in America sends to me. i will wear flip flops almost every day; sometimes I will wear no shoes at all. i will write books about my experiences as a missionary, so that future men and women can gain strength and encouragement from the lessons i learn. i will learn a lot from the Chinese! i will occasionally reflect on the life i might have lived had i stayed in America, and i will laugh with joy because of how much i love my life in China. i will never stop missing Taco Bell. On the day that i die, i will not know the network TV line-up."
What will you be when you grow up?
"When I grow up I'm going to live in an antique-filled, white colonial with a picked fence, green shutters, and window boxes. A hall tree, piled high with umbrellas and scarves, will sit in the entry near the stairs. In the living room next to the stone fireplace and in front of the double bay window, will be a grand piano - the piano my wife will play every day. Her name will be Christina, and we will have five children: Christopher, Elizabeth, Rachel, Sarah, and Isaac (Zeke). [One of them will grow up to be Mayor of our town, or Governor, or even President of the United States.] I will ride my bike to work at the University every weekday morning. In the summers, I'll write books. I will also edit a journal. Christina will write books too, when she's not writing music - and she and I will own our own publishing company. My wife will always beat me in golf, but I will keep trying to beat her at it. Somehow, we will find time to give great dinner parties! We'll have a big back yard, with plenty of room for our dog and cat. And every night I'll tell my children stories about my youth, when I had nothing better to do at night than dream of them and their mother."
"When I grow up I'm going to live in a loft apartment downtown. It will be an industrial brick-boxed space with exposed pipes and lots of story-high windows. All our furniture will be modern and well-designed. A corner of the living area will be dedicated to my wife, Molly's paintings. She'll run a gallery on the first floor, opening it after she sells her restaurant and bakery. Sometimes, she'll display some of my photographs in the gallery. She thinks a lot more of my photography than I do. Next to my darkroom, I'll have one room of the apartment set up as a studio where I can record songs when the inspiration hits me. Mostly, I will record Molly's songs. I like them better than mine. I will run marathons. Molly will try to teach me to swim. We will play tennis together. We'll have three adopted children, Benjamin and Gabriel - from Russia, and little Beth - from China. [One of them will grow up and discover a cure for a dreadful disease! One of them will win the third grade spelling bee! One will never stop gazing at the stars! We will be very proud of all three of them!] We will have a rooftop garden where we grow organic vegetables. Once a month, we'll open the gallery at night for poets and singer-songwriters to share their work. Our building will be the hub of the new downtown renaissance. We will edit the local arts magazine. Our guest room will always be a place where our friends - mostly designers, artists, actors, and writers - can crash for a weekor two - soaking in the creative inspiration. Because our building doesn't allow pets, we will "adopt" one of the walruses at the local zoo, and at Ben's request, we will visit him one Saturday a month for almost a year! We will spend the summers camping or traveling and learning new languages. We will never be bored and will turn parts of the house into natural museums or broadway stages on rainy Saturdays or potentially dull Tuesday nights. At night, the children will tell me stories about their dreams and what they think life will be like when they grow up."
"When I grow up I will live in a small bungalow in sunny California. I will produce and perform in a children's television show. I will market a related line of curriculum and educational toys and software. Because of the show's popularity, I will be able to go beyond writing for educational journals, and will be asked to write articles about education for popular magazines and newspapers, eventually using my influence to start a grass-roots movement that will revolutionize the American educational system. When I retire from entertainment/education, I will run for and win a state political office. My wife, Rebecca, and I will moonlight as ballroom dancers. Rebecca will be a dance instructor and will eventually own a chain of studios featuring her own highly successful teaching methods. She will serve on the board of directors of a local school of the arts. She and I will record CD's together, and will use some of the money from their sales to help produce local theatrical productions. Our children will not be very interested in theater or singing, but both our son and daughter will be patient with their "wacky parents." [Chuck will grow up to be a banker. Becky will insist on being called Rebecca after she breaks into the world of fashion design.] For our thirtieth anniversary, my wife and I will finally take the trip to Europe that we've been promising ourselves."
"When i grow up i will sell everything i own and live in a schoolbus in the woods of Alabama. After living like a hermit for three years, i will get a job teaching English in China. As i move across my new homeland, i will travel light - living out of my backpack - because i like living that way. i will own three cars and fifteen bicycles in my lifetime. i will never marry. Though i have no children of my own, i will encounter many young men and women who will grow to think of me like a dad. i will find real fulfillment in missionary work. When i finally learn to play, i will discover that i do like to play chess - and that it's a great way to bridge language barriers. i will grow a big beard and wear the clothes that my family back in America sends to me. i will wear flip flops almost every day; sometimes I will wear no shoes at all. i will write books about my experiences as a missionary, so that future men and women can gain strength and encouragement from the lessons i learn. i will learn a lot from the Chinese! i will occasionally reflect on the life i might have lived had i stayed in America, and i will laugh with joy because of how much i love my life in China. i will never stop missing Taco Bell. On the day that i die, i will not know the network TV line-up."
What will you be when you grow up?
FAMILY TIES
Sarah, my sister, and her family came down to see the play. Spending time with them cheered me up. It's amazing what a little quality time can do for the soul. I didn't realize how empty my "love tank" was until they started hugging and kissing me. When was the last time anybody did that? Toward the end of the day, when I left Sa's family and went to the performance, the other actors noticed my raised spirits and asked, "What have you been drinking? Why are you so happy today?" I had to admit that my better mood was just the result of some old-fashioned family time. I wonder if life will be like that when I have my own nuclear family.
CATCHPHRASE
Some of the guys from the musical pointed out my catchphrase, "That's funny." Now that I'm aware of the habit, I'm trying to break it. AAAHHHHH! Do you know how hard it is to keep yourself from saying a stupid catchphrase?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
