Time to Say Goodbye

It is time to say goodbye to 2010 and hello to 2011!


I thank each of you for everything you have given me throughout 2010: good advice, a good swift-kick in the pants (when I needed it), guidance, love, support, and some of the best friendships I could ever ask for in this life. (You all know who you are!)


May 2011 be a better year that any year previous! Take care & love to each of you!

Movie Night

Tonight I decided to have a "movie night at home."

Yes, I will admit it! My first choice for the night was Easy A. The plot is simple...Olive is one of those girls who just blends into the scenery during high school. When someone overhears Olive telling her best friend that she had lost her virginity to a college guy over the weekend, Olive's life goes from being a "nobody" to being the school tramp. There is an awesome twist in all of this...Olive is still a virgin! Oh, the tangled webs we weave when trying to fit in during high school.

Here is how the movie is described on IMBd - A clean cut high school student relies on the school's rumor mill to advance social and financial standing. 

I will say this! I am surprised, but it was actually a well-done movie. I enjoyed it. In fact, I loved it.

Movie choice number two is Flipped. I am getting ready to watch it now. Will have to report back on that one.

Santa's Little Helpers

I caught wind of this story, and it made me want to cry.

A Different Christmas

Our Christmas traditions (like our Thanksgiving traditions) went through a bit of an overhaul this year. 


Normally, Dad's family gets together at my Aunt Sue's house for Christmas. This year was the first time we gathered on Christmas Eve or Christmas day in years. We normally gather before the holiday because my cousins have farther to travel during the holidays. 


Somehow we got to gather on Christmas Eve this year. However, there was a change in the gathering place. Instead of meeting at my Aunt Sue's house, I was told we were gathering at my cousin Kelli's apartment. When I inquired as to why we changed, I was told that it was easier for us all to gather there instead of having to transport so many kids. (Among my three cousins, there are T-E-N kids under the age of 10. That's right, uncle Joey has 10 nieces and nephews on this side of the family!) I drove the 2 1/2 hours to Kelli's apartment. My job upon arriving was to help keep the munchkins under control. I am instantly attacked by Dominic and Jacobi. 


All the gifts that were given that night were to the kids. All the adults have stopped buying for each other, and we all purchase gifts for the children. My cousins cannot afford to buy much for Christmas, so we all take care of it. The kids had a blast. There was a DVD player, a slew of DVDs, lots of clothes, Nerf guns, WWE action figures, and some jewelry sets for my nieces. 


I drove back to my house that night. The meteorologists had all predicted all kinds of snow on Christmas day, and I did not want to get stuck. This is the first year in my life that I have not been with my brother and father on Christmas morning. I would not get to partake in my dad making his traditional Christmas breakfast. It was a bit disheartening, but my dad called me early to wish me Merry Christmas and to check on the snowfall report. Oddly enough, we had NO SNOW on Christmas morning. The snow did not start falling until around 10 AM...go figure!


In the afternoon of Christmas day, my brother and I drove to my mother and step-father's house. They live exactly one hour from my brother and one hour from me. When we got to mom's, we all went downstairs to the media room. This is where mom keeps her Christmas tree. (It is also the largest room in the house which means more room for my two nephews, Will and Matthew, to roam. There are less breakables down there, too.) We all settled in for a few hours of conversation. My brother and mother only see each other at Christmas each year. So there is tons of catching up to do. As I sat there, I laughed at how much I am like my mother and how much my brother and step-father are alike. We exchanged gifts, then my mother took us upstairs to load us up with holiday food. My favorite Christmas food from mom...homemade sausage balls. There are none that compare. 


All-in-all, it was a nice Christmas. It was peaceful, and it turned out to be a white Christmas. We RARELY get a white Christmas around here. (Of course, we now have over 6 inches of snow since yesterday, and it is still snowing!) 


Below is a list of some of my Christmas gifts: 


Droid X - It arrives on Wednesday! 

Armani Code - My mother has impeccable taste! 

Superman Watch

Convection Oven - So I can keep on baking! 

Just Dance 2 - This boy's gotta dance! 

Twilight : Eclipse - Yes, I follow the movie and books! 

Zumba DVD set - Yes, I actually asked for this! 

I hope everyone else had a great Christmas holiday! Take care! 

A Huge THANK YOU!

I love selfless acts of kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness, etc.

Today I received a card in the mail. It was a card from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Some very good friends of mine made a donation to the hospital in my honor. It is a gift that truly keeps on giving. Knowing that St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a place close to my heart, I cannot say thank you enough for a gift such as this.

This is the type of gift that I have asked so many for this year. I don't need anything tangible for my gift. I am much more content and happy knowing that this, and other donations will be used to help find cures for childhood catastrophic illnesses.

So a HUGE THANK YOU to Mikeal and Mandi! Love you guys!

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Coincidentally, I ordered a Christmas gift for a fellow blogger today. The funny thing is that this blogger will have absolutely NO CLUE this is coming. It was a random, spur of the moment, happening. I couldn't help myself. It is supposed to arrive at said blogger's home on Thursday! I love sending the random gift from time to time. Hope it brighten's this blogger's day!

Pics That Make Me Smile

Tonight I have settled into my couch with an amazing cup of fresh hot chocolate. I decided to chop up Dove chocolate pieces, melt them slowly, and add them to steaming hot milk. It is probably one of the best cups of hot chocolate I have had in a pretty long time! 


As I sit here tonight, I have been laughing (something that I definitely needed) at pictures that I have caught on Facebook. Thought I would share a few.

First, meet Santa Claus...aka My Father! Yes, this is an actual picture of my dad. Every year he grows out his hair and beard starting in August and ending in December. I will admit that he does look like Santa Claus. However, the hair drives me up the wall and down again! Little kids will see us at restaurants, and they will stare at my father who they believe to be Santa. 


My Christmas present each year is that he shaves on Christmas Day! I cannot help but hate the long hair. It makes him look so much older than he is. 

Today I found this picture from a friend's Christmas party. Some lady that came to the party made these little treats. Yes, they look like little mice on a plate. I am dying to try and make these. From what I can tell it is a chocolate-covered graham cookie for the base, a chocolate-covered cherry for the body and tail, a Hershey's kiss for the face, slivered almonds for the ears, and some red decorating gel for the eyes. It looks complicated but simple. I think I will try to make these for a party I am attending on Tuesday. 

My friend, Amanda, is obsessed with her cats. She will someday be the ultimate cat-lady. She posted this picture today of one of her cats looking festive for the holiday season. Poor cat looks miserable in his antlers. 


The other picture that I was tempted to post was of Amanda holding down the cat. I commented that it was sad she had to forcibly hold down the cat to make him wear those antlers. 

I found this picture on an article titled "Holiday Stress." I just loved the picture. I actually start devouring my gingerbread man with the legs. I always save the face for last. Someone asked me why, and of course my evil comment was that I wanted the gingerbread man to suffer and watch as he is eaten alive. (Insert evil laugh here!) 

This picture is of my youngest nephew, Dominic. He just turned 5. What a cute kid. He is so full of energy. I often laugh when his mother gets frustrated with him. He is so cute, it is hard to stay angry with him. I can't wait to see him on Friday! 

I Voted...A Lot!

I Was Put on This Earth

Last night I read the latest post from Joe over at My Complicated Life in Provo and it struck a certain nerve within me. Seems that a close friend of Joe’s is being shunned and secluded from family events at the family home simply because he is gay.

I can’t say that I identify with this dilemma. I have been blessed to have a family that has been nothing but supportive my entire life. I cannot even begin to imagine what it would be like if my family decided that I was no longer allowed to come to family events, being shunned for who I am, and (what is worse in my eyes) not being allowed to see my beautiful nieces and nephews.

What is so frightening is that I understand the intolerance, the fear, and the state of mind of these family members. I grew up in a very Southern Baptist family. So much of the doctrine is laid into our psyche very early in life. To question it is a no-no. I was always worried that if my family knew about me that I would be shunned. Amazingly, I have not experienced that yet in my family.

I sat here last night trying to come up with some words of advice for Joe and his friend. I also looked for a song to offer support. I searched high and low. I finally found a song that amazed me.

So, I offer up this song to Joe and his friend going through such a rough time.

“As I Am”

Forgive me
I didn’t realize till now
That our cold, self-righteous words
Could hurt you so.

I was taught very young
By those who came before me
To fear and condemn
The things I don’t know.

There is fear in the hearts of those who would change you
Fear of the light that shines from you
They don’t know that light was designed by God
Who gave it a brilliant and beautiful hue

And to those who would change you or send you away
You must proudly stand your ground and say

I was put on this Earth as I am
I was put here to fill the world with magic
I know all the love with which I was born
Can conquer your taunting
Can conquer your scorn

I was put on this Earth as I am
I was born with my own special blessing
I’ll let them shine and not give a damn
I was put on this Earth…as I am.

There is envy in those who recklessly judge you
Wishing their hearts could love like yours
They don’t understand they can reach within
And find all the love forgiveness restores

And to those who condemn you with fury and shame
You must strongly plant your feet and proclaim

I was put on this Earth as I am
I was put here to live as His creation
And I know I am loved in virtue and sin
I’m calm and content within our own skin

I was put on this Earth as I am
I was born with my own special blessings
I’ll let them shine and not give a damn
I was put on this Earth…as I am.

A Perfect Weekend

Rarely do I ever call anything perfect, but I cannot refuse given what a wonderful weekend I have just had.

FRIDAY
After sending all the kids home Friday afternoon, I took off for the bank. It was their annual open house. This is the bank at which I worked from the time I was a senior in college until I decided 3 years later to return to school and get my master’s degree.

When I first began working at the bank, I was a roaming teller. That meant I would fill in at whatever branch needed me. I worked at all 13 of the bank branches in our region. I got to know every one in the entire bank family. I always loved our annual Christmas party simply because I got to see everyone at the same time. After a year at the bank, the CEO himself came down to the teller line to ask me if I ever would consider a career in his bank. I was shocked! It was such a difficult decision to leave the bank family I loved so much.

I got to the bank around 3:30 on Friday. I took time to visit every floor of the bank, just to make sure I saw everyone I knew. Even though it has been a little over 8 years since I left the bank, most of the people are still there. It felt like going home again. I miss them all so much.

After leaving the bank, I drove to my friend Susan’s home for dinner. Susan is a substitute teacher in our school. She is phenomenal. Everyone wants her as their substitute. I never fear when she is in my classroom. On top of that, she has become a wonderful friend. Dinner consisted of roasted pork with a cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes with bleu and parmesan cheese (yumm-o), peas, and herb-crusted bread. Dessert was peppermint ice cream with chocolate sauce. (Eat your heart out, Mandi!)

Once dinner was over Susan, Calvin (her husband), and I went to the local university’s Chorale Christmas concert. The concert was beautiful.  The music was classical. Most of the music was in Italian, German, Hungarian, etc. Listening to them gave me goosebumps and almost brought me to tears.

Saturday
I chose to be rather lazy on Saturday. Those that are close to me will tell you that is something I never do. However, I wanted to slow down for a bit and just relax. I lounged around the house for several house on Saturday morning and afternoon. Around 2:00, I got out of the house. I did a bit of shopping around town. It was insane out there. It seemed that everyone and their mother was out and about.

I finally decided to go see a movie. I chose Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader in 3-D. I get to the theater and run into a fellow teacher from my school. Her husband and two sons were there, too. One of her sons is a former student of mine, and the other is a student at my school but on another team. The movie was pretty good. I won’t say it was as great as the previous two movies in the series. However, I did enjoy it. I don’t really think the 3-D effect added anything to the movie.

Sunday
I was looking forward to Sunday all weekend long. My friends Mikeal and Mandi were in my part of the state for the weekend. We decided to meet up for brunch in Knoxville. I was super-excited to see them. I had not seen them in soooooo long!

We decided to eat at a restaurant called the Tomato Head. The food was incredible. Mandi ended up getting some form of huevos rancheros. Mikeal got these awesome biscuits with bacon and eggs smothered in gravy. Munchkin 1 ordered a ham-n-cheese omelet that came with cheesy grits and a biscuit. Munchkins 2 and 3 split two gigantic belgian waffles. I ended up with an egg sandwich that was locally produced scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, Andouille sausage, and locally smoked-cheddar.   Mine also came with a variety of fruit (grapes, apple, and orange). The spread of food was insane.

Did I mention the cinnamon roll that was ordered as an appetizer…yes, and appetizer for breakfast! It was flaky, soft, and smothered in icing. We all dug into that huge pastry like starving orphans in a third-world country. It was delicious.

The food was great, but the company was what made my day. I love Mikeal and Mandi so much. They are just wonderful people, and I love to be around them. Of course, they gave me a hard time saying that I really am not Southern. I took it as a compliment. My entire family is southern, redneck, backwoods, etc. I take pride in moving beyond that. So, I am not so Southern. THANK YOU MANDI!

After our meal, we went into this quirky shop in Market Square. All of the items in that shop are just fun. The munchkins picked out Corndog flavored mints. Let’s just say Mandi didn’t go for those. I ended up purchasing some rubber duck soap for my classroom. It had a berry scent, so I could tolerate that. The fact that it was a rubber duck meant I had to get it for the classroom.

After our brief shopping stint, we parted ways so we could each get home safely before the impending snow storm. We only got to spend a few hours together. However, it made my weekend…perhaps my month!

Monday
Yes, I am counting Monday as part of my weekend! We ended up getting the day off because of the snow storm. I measured 4-6 inches of snow in my yard…depending on where you measured it. All the roads were covered this morning. Everything was pristine white! I love that look of cleanliness that can only come with a fresh snow storm. It is beautiful!

Around noon I was finally able to get out of the house for a bit. I ended up at the school cleaning cabinets, bookshelves, recycling papers, etc. I cleaned for 3 hours. BUT IT IS CLEAN!

So the weekend was perfect! I wish more weekends were this wonderful. Now my week will begin tomorrow morning. We are on a 2-hour delay  tomorrow then it is benchmark testing for our kids. Oh the fun that will entail!

The best part about this week is that as of Friday I will be on a two-week WINTER BREAK!

Take care, my friends!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Winter is certainly making its entrance a bit early this year. We have seen snow all day long. I am loving it. The only question that remains is "Will we have a delay or a cancellation of school tomorrow?"

Some of the surrounding school systems have already called off school for tomorrow. Others have already issued delays. Of course, there are surrounding school systems that are higher up in the mountains, and they cancel at every mention of SNOW!

I have been in contact with our Director of Schools today via Facebook. (Yes, my Director of Schools is "hip" enough to be on Facebook.) His last update said:

Fingers crossed for a regular schedule tomorrow. Would like avoid this until at least January!


I wrote back to him and said I knew he was anxious to try our new messenger system out tomorrow. Recently, our "techno-forward" system FINALLY got a text messaging, robo-call, and email alert system. It took a two-year study for them to finally choose one. Over the past two weeks parents have been signing up for the new system. The director told me that it would not be ready to go until mid-week. I laughed!

It is on days like these that I do not envy his job.

What's worse is that I have two meetings tomorrow at Central Office, and I am speaking in front of the School Board tomorrow night. I certainly hope the snow lays off this week so we can get through the week until Winter Break (December 17!!!!!!!!).

Last year was an awful winter. Some of the surrounding school systems had so much snow that they only went to school a total of 12 days between December and January. I pray it won't be as bad this year.

But I LOVE THE SNOW!

What Would You Do

Will post some comments about this later, but I definitely found this interesting.

What would you do?

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Happy Hanukkah

Wait a sec...I'm not Jewish!

However, to my Jewish brethren, I thought I would post a Happy Hanukkah wish for each of you.

Today I have been rummaging the net looking for and listening to various types of music. Somehow I stumbled onto an A Capella group called the Maccabeats. They are a Jewish A Capella group from Yeshiva University. I don't know what it is about A Capella music, but I love it. I was amazed at how much I loved the music of the Maccabeats.

The video of their's that has gone viral recently is called Candlelight. It is a play on Taio Cruz's Dynamite.

As I researched them some more, I found some of their other music that I kept listening to for about an hour or two.

If you get a chance, check out CD Baby or iTunes.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

Has anyone else seen this incredible piece of cinematography? It is such a wonderful masterpiece!

Side note: I am a Katharine Hepburn fanatic. I think that everything she does is phenomenal. 

This movie was ground-breaking for 1967. The movie's plot centers around an interracial couple coming home to meet the parents before they prepare to get married. Think about it...this movie comes during a time of great racial unrest. The movie is so well put together and makes a very clear statement that everyone should be accepted for whom they love.

Below is the absolute best speech in this movie. It says a great deal, and no one could deliver it quite like Spencer Tracy.

This speech rings as true today as it did 43 years ago.

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It's Back to Work I Go

Realizing today that I have to return to work tomorrow after being on Thanksgiving break. In truth, I have not had a full day at work since Friday, November 19. On Monday, November 22 I had a meeting at Central Office which allowed me to take the full day off of work. On Tuesday, November 23, I ended up getting sick and vomiting within the first two hours of work. I got sent home. We had the rest of the week off for break. It has been a nice break and most relaxing.

Here is the problem...today I have found myself having anxiety attacks throughout the day as I thought about returning to work. Why? I have no idea. I just don't want to go back to work. It is a feeling that has happened more and more this year. However, I am also not one to ever give up. I will go back to work tomorrow with a smile on my face and a positive attitude for the kids to see. It is what my students need.

There is hope. We only have three more weeks of school before we are on Winter Break. (Yes, that is the official title of break. It is no longer called Christmas Break. We have to be politically correct for everyone.) The students have to give me three more weeks of hard work and we will be half-way through the school year. That means two solid weeks of instruction time, then we will use the last week for review and benchmark testing. It will be a marathon sprint to the end, but we will make it. LOL.


In other news...


Tonight I turned on some Netflix (I love that I can now get Netflix through my Wii.) and started selecting movies to add to my queue. One of the movies I selected was Pedro. It is a biographical movie about Pedro Zamora from the Real World : San Francisco.

I remember watching The Real World : San Francisco when it premiered on MTV in 1994. I was sucked in to it. I couldn't help but watch it week after week. Pedro made that show more real than any other since then. What courage he had to have to (1) be openly gay on American television and (2) be the first openly AIDS infected individual on television. For once in this world, there was a human face and voice for AIDS...It was Pedro.

Tonight was not the first time I had watched this movie. I sat on my couch when it premiered on MTV last year. Something hit me tonight and drove me to tears. There is a scene near the end of the movie when Sean (Pedro's partner) brings over the tape of the Real World episode in which Pedro and Sean hold a commitment ceremony while in San Francisco. Pedro's eyes were fixed on his dad who had previously not accepted Pedro's relationship with Sean. As his father watched the episode his eyes filled with tears. It was the first time that he understood the love Pedro had for Sean. Then Pedro's father looks over at him, crying, smiles, and nods his head as though he finally gets it. Something about that scene was so powerful.

The scene I mentioned starts around 6:10 in the clip below. 

Who knows? Maybe I am just becoming an emotional sap. Maybe I am just becoming overly-emotional. Believe me when I tell you that is a huge leap in progression for someone who hides his emotions most days.

I am off to grade more papers and get ready for another week of school. Hope everyone is doing well.

Take care!

Start the Holiday Season Off Right–Swingle Style

I make it no secret that I love the Swingle Singers. Something about A capella music just makes me smile. The Swingles are some of the best.

This video was posted this morning by the Swingle Singers. Just thought it a great way to start off the holiday season. Enjoy!

Love and Other Drugs

On Wednesday afternoon I went to the theater to see Love and Other Drugs, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway. Having seen the previews several times I was dying to see it, but I had no real idea what to expect in this movie.

Gyllenhaal plays a pharmaceutical sales rep for Pfizer, and Hathaway plays a free spirit that won’t really let anyone get close to her. They end up in a relationship that surprises both of them.

My initial reaction to the beginning of the movie was not great. Yes, there were lots of funny scenes, but it lacked cohesion for me. About half way through the movie is the point when the I started to enjoy the movie. It was then we made the leap from comedy to romantic comedy. (If I could be more specific without giving away parts of the movie, I would.)

All in all, I loved the movie. What made the movie for me was the chemistry between Gyllenhaal and Hathaway. Their on-screen relationship made the movie believable. They drew me in to the plot. I think if some other couple made this move then I would have hated this movie.

The one biggest surprise in this movie was the amount of skin being shown by both actors. I will say that Hathaway was much more daring in her role. There were many scenes that had her breasts out and proud! Jake was daring as well, but Anne took the cake! It was a shock to see both of them in their birthday suits. Good grief!

Be warned: This is NOT a movie safe for kids. It is rated R for a reason.

I Survived Thanksgiving With the Fam!

Thanksgiving turned out somewhat better than I was expecting.

First, I decided to visit the gravecsite of Bradley, an 18-year old young man who died of cancer this past September. He taught me so much about life and love in the very short time I knew him. So I wanted to stop by to say hello and thanks.

Next, I drove over two hours to get home to meet up with my dad and the family for Thanksgiving lunch. I got to Dad's house and there was already drama happening there. (Big shock to my system...not so much!) Seems my sister is still causing my dad great amounts of grief. What I discovered was that my sister had stolen my paternal grandfather's ring which belonged to my dad. My grandfather passed away in 2006. His ring was the only piece of jewelry I believed he owned. My grandfather lived rather simply. So this ring was something that meant quite a lot to my father. Sister rolled out of bed around 12:30 and never said a word to me. She strolled through the house into the bathroom for a shower. We finally left Dad's house around 12:45.

What makes this Thanksgiving different from all other ones before is that we decided to eat out this year instead of my poor Aunt Sue slaving over a stove and killing herself. She has not been in excellent health this year, so it was time to give her a break. Admittedly, I had mixed feelings about not going to Sue's house for Thanksgiving dinner. It is all I have ever known in my 33 years. I always loved getting there earlier than everyone else, helping Sue in the kitchen (which was our time to just talk about life), set the table, and get everything ready for the family to arrive. I didn't know what it would be like this year. Dinner was good. We went to a Thanksgiving buffet so much of it felt and tasted like the line we always formed at Sue's house. The conversation at the restaurant was a bit more tame that I am accustomed. Everyone was almost on their best behavior. (I love my family, but they can be vulgar at times. They don't always strive for those blessed table manners. It eats away at my OCD nature, but I kept my thoughts held back.)

All in all, dinner was better than I had expected. My only disappointment was that the family did not hang around as long as we normally did. At Sue's house, we would all take some time to go into the living room, turn on the ballgame, then sit around and talk for a few hours. This time we all said our goodbyes as we left the restaurant. The best thing to report is that there really was no family drama going on at dinner.

I definitely forgot to mention that my sister did not come to dinner with us. She went to Thanksgiving dinner with her paternal grandfather, he mother (my ex-stepmom), and family.

After dinner, dad and I went to look at a few cars at the local dealerships. I am gearing up to buy a new car in the next months, so I took him along to get his opinion. All I care to say is "Holy Cow! The car prices are getting out of control!"

Finally, I took dad to Knoxville to go see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. I have been wanting to go to the theater in Knoxville because they have an IMAX screen there. I was shocked that my dad wanted to go see Harry Potter. My dad is much like my grandfather...they both have lived very simple lives. Dad is someone who would consider anything over $5 at dinner to be expensive. Imagine his shock when he figured out that the tickets to the IMAX theater was $17 a piece. It was more shell shock for him when we ordered a medium popcorn, medium coke, and a large bottle of water and the cost was another $17. That's right, it was $51 for just the two of us. After he caught his breath, he was shocked again by the size of the IMAX theater. Lot's of firsts for Dad today.

Harry Potter was awesome. I loved every minute of it. The movie was much different that all those in the past. There was no time at Hogwarts. We didn't get to see much of many characters we have come to know and love. The incredible surround sound in the IMAX theater made the movie. I cannot wait until the next comes out next SUMMER!

After the movie, Dad and I went back to our homes. I got home around 9:00 last night and settled in for the evening.

I did NOT get up this morning to hit the stores for Black Friday. I spent 7 years working in retail and remember all the Black Fridays that I had to work in those crowds. I have not been shopping on a Black Friday since those days.

I hope everyone had an awesome Thanksgiving!
Take care!

Being Thankful

Since Thursday is Thanksgiving, I wanted to take some time to look back at this year and realize I have so much for which to be thankful!

I am thankful for my dad.
My dad is my hero. There is not much more I can say about that. When my parents divorced he fought like hell in court to insure he got custody of my brother and me. He is the best father a son could ever ask for in life. My dad has always been supportive of me in whatever I do in life. His only goals in life has been the happiness of his children. I have always said if I could be half the dad mine was to me then my (future) kids will be some lucky children. I only wish my dad would realize how awesome he really is.

I am thankful for my Aunt Sue.
Sue is my one and only paternal aunt. She is a truly amazing woman. She is a force to be reckoned with in this life. (She is definitely a solid mixture of her mother and her father.) Sue has become the matriarch of our family. She looks after my father, my brother, and my uncle. I shudder to think what my family would be like if it were not for the guidance of “the warden.”

I am thankful for two awesome teammates.
Being a teacher is never easy, but having my two teammates make my life much easier. Tammy (TRG as we all call her) is the voice of our team. Heck, she is the voice of all teachers. She is never one to shy away from expressing her opinions. She always has the best interests of our students and her teammates in mind. These past 18 months would have been unbearable without her. She is my rock! Mandy is the calming force on our team. I love how she is so very laid back. Together we are seen as the strongest team in the school…well, we are definitely the strictest team in the building. We get results. I love my teammates. They are a blast!

I am thankful for my best friend…Dr. Jenny
Jenny and I have been friends since we were 11, however we became best friends during our undergraduate years in college. We have seen each other through most of life’s ups and downs. Through it all we have strengthened our friendship. I love this woman more than I could ever tell you. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for her.  

I am thankful for being a teacher.
As much as I may sometimes complain about the hard aspects of my job, I absolutely love being a teacher. I love being part of a profession that changes the lives of countless numbers of people. I love watching as a student FINALLY comes to understand a concept or when he/she realizes just how smart they are. The joys of teaching definitely outweigh all the hardships we encounter.

I am thankful for Mikeal and Mandi.
I have had the honor of their friendship since last year. It has been an interesting ride getting to know them. Everytime I get to see or talk with them it makes me smile. Mikeal is not afraid to be himself, and I have such respect for that. Also, he has the love of three of the most beautiful kids in the world. That lets me know he is a great father. Mandi is fabulous in her own right. She is not afraid to speak her mind. I love her wit, her compassion for others, and her selflessness. Oh, and I LURV her ricotta cookies! Also, I know that she is an incredible mother. The munchkins hang on her every word! Love you guys!

I am thankful for Milo.
Getting to know Miles over the past months has been a blast. He always brings a smile to my face. What a brilliant wit and creativeness in this young guy. (Good grief…he is only 20, but I have learned so much from him.) Watching him grow and discover who he is in this life makes me honored to know him. I cannot wait to see just how far he will go in this life.

I am thankful for Mikey.
Mikey is one of the first friends I made through this blog. Although he lives on the other end of this country, I consider him a great friend. He is someone I can talk to about teaching as he  has prepared to become on himself. I look forward to showing him around east Tennessee and Dollywood. LOL!

I am thankful for Dean.
Dean is someone who is such a loving and caring individual. He has spent so much of the past years helping care for his ailing uncle that I believe he lost who he really is in life. I love talking with him and listening to just how wonderful he is. I just wish he could see it for himself. And, oh the talent…Dean is such a wonderful artist. I hope that he can go far in life as an artist.

I am thankful for David B.
Another young man who continually inspires me. David shares my love of Broadway musicals and politics. Even now, he is living in the Washington DC…one of the places where I want to live. No doubt that he will be setting the world on fire in the future. He’s got my vote! 

I am thankful for Aaron.
Aaron is one of the first bloggers to reach out to me across the blogosphere. I was instantly taken back by the sheer awesomeness of this young man. At only 23 years of age, he has accomplished so much in this world. I feel inspired by him and the work he does. I cannot wait to see just how he will change the world in the future.

I am thankful for Nabil.
Nabil is my friend on the other side of the world…literally. He is someone who has been around since I first began blogging. He has taught me a great deal about how others in the world view Americans. I loved going back and forth with him when he made his first visit to New York City this year. His observations about our country and NYC were awesome. I am thankful to call him “friend” and I look forward to a growing friendship.

I am thankful for Ian.
My Irish connection…Ian is this ball of energy I cannot totally describe. I will say that I have not met anyone who I can compare him to in my life. He is a complete enigma. (Yes, in a good way.) Ian has this fearlessness that I wish I sometimes had.

There are so many more of you for whom I am thankful, but this post could go on forever. Just know I feel very thankful and blessed to have you all in my life. Each friend brings a new piece of adventure and perspective into my life. I could never say thank you enough

As a final thought, below is a random list of things for which I am thankful:

-  The time (28 years) that I had with my grandmother.
-  Music (all kinds)
-  Freedom
-  My students
-  Warm spring days laying in the park
-  The Smoky Mountains in fall and winter…true beauty
-  The diversity of my friends
-  Movies
-  Broadway musicals
-  The ability to travel
-  The youth organization to which I volunteer my time
-  My cute nieces and nephews (all 10 of them)
-  College football (yes, I am still 100% a Tennessee VOLS fan)

While it is not an all-inclusive list, it is what is in my head at the moment.  Thanks to all of you who read this and take the time to respond. I love getting to know so many of you.

Take the time this Thanksgiving holiday to enjoy the love of your friends and family.

Love to you all!

If I Were to Marry…

I would marry Reba McEntire!

Yes, I have been in love with her since I was 16 years old and say my first Reba concert. I remember that concert well. It was John Berry, John Michael Montgomery, and Reba. I drove our group of 7 to the concert. We had a blast. Reba is simply amazing in concert. The number of costume changes alone was mind-boggling. I have seen her another 7 or 8 times in concert since that time.

Last night I watched an online concert Reba gave to preview her newly-released CD. It was only 30 minutes, but I was in heaven. I don’t know what it is about her, but she bring such emotion to a song. I get completely lost in her voice.

Here are some of my favorite Reba songs!

Holiday Shopping

This holiday season I am choosing not to do very much holiday shopping for friends and family. I have come to the conclusion that we all really have everything we need. Honestly, if there is anything we all really want will just cause us to go out and buy it anyway.

No, I am not putting aside my act of giving this holiday season. I am choosing an alternative to giving frivolous gifts.

This season I am giving the money I would have spent on my friends and family to charity. In particular, I have decided to give to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in Memphis, TN.  St. Jude is a research hospital whose mission to to find cures for pediatric cancers and other catastrophic illnesses.

I am not sure I have ever discussed this before, but I have always dreamed of working at St. Jude. As a freshman in college I had planned on being a pediatric oncologist, but that plan fell through. Later I applied for a job as the volunteer coordinator of the hospital, but I was one semester from graduating with my bachelors degree. Obviously I was not hired.

St. Jude has played a big role in my life over the past few years. First, one of my former students was sent to St. Jude for a very low platelet count. A normal platelet count was 150,000-400,000. My student, Storm, had a platelet count of 3000. 20,000 was considered dangerous. 3000 was life-threatening. I am happy to say that the wonderful doctors at St. Jude were able to cure Storm’s illness.

Over the past two years I have known three children/teenagers who have been afflicted with various types of childhood cancers. Two of them were treated or are currently being treated at St. Jude.

One young man I knew was Luke. He was the nephew of a friend from high school. Luke was only 8 when he lost his battle with cancer…specifically, he had a brain tumor. Luke was a young man who my students and school embraced, even though he was over 700 miles from us. My school adopted Luke. We sent him hundreds of cards, gifts, t-shirts, blankets, etc. I had never seen our students rally like they did around Luke. It brought a great deal of pride for my school. Luke was not treated at St. Jude. He was a patient at John Hopkins Hospital.

More recently, I knew of a young man named Bradley. He was diagnosed with bone cancer December 2008. He was 16 at the time. Bradley was a fighter and someone who had the best outlook on life. He was an inspiration to fellow students, teachers, parents, and members of the community. Sadly, Bradley lost his battle on September 3, which was also his 18th birthday.

Suffice it to say, I have been affected by childhood cancers, even if not directly in my family. I believe in the work that is done at St. Jude. The give such a great amount of hope for children and families stricken with cancer and other catastrophic illnesses. The only way that St. Jude can keep up their mission to end childhood cancer is to financially support them.

This Christmas I am giving donations in the memory of Bradley and Luke in the name of my friends and family. St. Jude will send them each a card letting them know a donation was made in their name.

Just thought I would pass that one along.

It is more blessed to give than to receive. – Acts 20:35

Do All Mormons Look Like This?

Disclaimer:  No, I don’t think all Mormons looks alike. It just seems that three of my Mormon friends looks eerily alike! Love you guys!

The beautiful and incomparable Madame Hawtness (aka Mandi)

The intuitive and witty Miles
(Did I mention Miles would probably give his left arm to be adopted by Mandi?)

The unapologetic Konrad

So here is the question for you…if I converted to Mormonism would I instantly become pencil thin, have awesome bone structure, and watch my hair turn blonde?

Just a random thought.

Amazing Student

Bigotry and Discrimination is Still Alive in the South!

Like many of my friends, I have given up hard copies of local newspapers in exchange for the electronic versions. Call it me being Earth-friendly or economical. Whatever!

This morning I logged on to the Knoxville News Sentinel…just one of several papers to which I have a subscription. I waded through a barrage of articles about Vol football, education reform, fires, obituaries, etc. Finally, my eyes were caught by an article titled I’m Proud of My Gay Son.

While I agree it was not the most compelling article from the mother of a gay son. It was something that brightened my day and gave me hope of acceptance that may one day come from my mother.

What I love about reading the paper online is that it also allows for readers to make comments about the articles. The comments are usually rather comical given the area of the country in which I live.

I live in the true south of the United States. I live in an area where farming is still a way of life. Friday nights are still football game nights. Everyone knows your business. My hometown high schools are still rather segregated. (My high school only had 3 black students and no black teachers. The rival high school is 85% black.) The largest building in our town is the First Baptist Church. It is larger than our county courthouse. There is a large percentage of citizens in our county who never received a full high school education.

I bring this up because of the comments made in response to Mrs. Griffo’s article. As suspected, there were many disparaging remarks about homosexuality. One in particular made the following reference:

I would conjecture that this boy’s mom is probably divorced and did not know how to raise a boy to become a man. In all likelihood the boy was sexually traumatized when he was young by either a male or female and it opened up a window in his soul to homosexuality…

It was at that point that I logged in and posted a reply to this fool! Below is what I wrote:

Everyone is entitled to their opinions...I get that. We live in this blessed country known as the United States where it is legal to express our thoughts at free will. I have no problem with that.

What I do have a problem with is your sickening conjecture about Mrs. Griffo's marital status and her ability to raise sons. Since it is obvious that you don't know this woman, I am angered that you believe that single women cannot properly raise their sons to become your definition of a "man." The fact is that many single moms raise their sons to be great men in our society.

My question to you concerns your definition of "men." Are you suggesting that a homosexual male is any less of a man that a heterosexual male?

I also have concerns about your conjecture that Mrs. Griffo's son was likely "sexually traumatized when he was young...and it opened up a window in his soul to homosexuality." How can you even suggest something so disgusting?! Now you are saying that boys who are sexually traumatized grow up to be gay men? According to the American Medical Association, this just is not so.

Here is some evidence against your hypotheses:

1) I grew up in a single-parent household. However, I grew up living with the greatest male role model I know...my father.

2) Even though I grew up without a mother, I had some wonderful female figures in my life...my paternal grandmother and a paternal aunt. (I throw this point in just in case you decide to make an argument of a lack of female figures in my life, too.)

3) I was raised in a wonderfully loving and supportive family that would do anything to protect me.

4) I grew up in a fantastic Southern Baptist church family where I accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Savior when I was a teenager. For the record, He and I talk daily. Thank you!

5) I was NEVER sexually traumatized as a child, teenager, or as an adult.

And here is the last bit for you...I happen to be gay.

That doesn't make me a sexual deviant or promiscuous.
It doesn't make me any less of a man that your definition might suggest.
I am a man who is a productive contributing citizen to this beautiful state of Tennessee.
I am the uncle to 8 beautiful nieces and nephews.
I am a brother.
I am a son.
I am a Christian.
I am an educator.
I am a community volunteer.
I am a Vol fanatic.

I will continue to be me no matter how much discrimination and bigotry I will face in this life. It is not a life I would ever have chosen for myself. This is just me.

My Dad and His Mortality

Tonight I got a phone call from my dad. He still calls me almost every day of the week. Yes, even after 33 years of life he considers me a kid. That will never change…I accept that.

As the conversation went on about his extended stay out in Las Vegas (darned him), he proceeded to tell me he had been talking with my brother about plans for the future. I figured he was talking about selling his current house and finding a smaller house for him and my brother. Maybe he was talking about making vacation plans. Who knew he was talking about plans if he were to pass away?

I never did like these types of talks with my dad. I have lived with my father in my life for 33 years, and I cannot imagine my life without him here in it. My family members that have passed have set a nice precedence for longevity. Everyone seems to live into their seventies, eighties, and a few in their nineties. I am certainly hoping the same hold true for my dad. Realistically, he is 61. If he lives to the age my grandparents lived to be, then he will make it into his mid- to late seventies. That would mean only about 15 more years with my father in my life. Ugh, now I am depressing myself!

My dad has always been a super father. I could not have asked for a more caring and compassionate dad. There is no man that I respect more than him. He is my true hero in life. Dad’s only concern in life has been the welfare of his kids. So it comes as no surprise that he continues to think about what will happen to his kids once he has passed away.

I proceeded to let my dad tell me his plans for when he passes. The short-and-sweet version is that my brother would get to keep dad’s house (which is what needs to happen for my brother) and I am to get dad’s brand new Harley Davidson. I cracked up at him telling my brother to make sure I get the Harley Davidson.

Let’s be frank for a moment…I have not ridden or driven a motorcycle in at least 15 years. Dad told me that my brother, Jason, could give me a refresher course on how to ride a motorcycle. I don’t think I would have any problem. This all just made me smile.

On a side note, being the eldest child, I am the one who will be making all medical and financial decisions for my dad when the need arises. I already have power of attorney over his medical needs and finances. I have had that since I was 18. Dad and I have had the medical discussions since I was young. I know my father does not want to be put on life support and that he wants to be cremated. I have always told him “Not to worry…I will be sure to pull the plug and strike the match.” (We are a sick family, and I like it that way!)

Kids Say the Darndest Things

My students are always making me laugh with their observations and sayings. Believe me when I tell you that every teacher could write a book and make people roll in the floor with what they hear.

Today on the way out to the track one of my boys, Jacob, told me I needed to go to YouTube and search for Double Rainbow. I asked him what it was about and he said the following:

It is a video of this guy who was taping a double rainbow, and he wasn’t high or anything, but he was crying at the sight of this double rainbow.

I was just perplexed by the comment about this guy not being high. I had to ask him “What does being high have to do with this video?” Jacob was quick to point out that he didn’t think it was normal for a guy to cry at the sight of a rainbow, but he knew the guy just wasn’t high when watching this rainbow. (Evidently he thinks people who get high are overly emotional.)

I loved the rationale behind this, and it just made my day. Kids really do say the darndest things!

The Pope Has Been a Bad Boy…

I was reading the online version of our local newspaper when I read the following headline, and I was shocked.

Honestly, sometimes these reporters and editors need to think about what they write as the title of an article. I couldn’t imagine that the pontiff had been stealing around here in my part of the world. I really was picturing Pope Benedict XVI in jail for stealing something.

Just food for thought today!

Saying Goodbye to Aaron

This morning we learned that our brother in the blogosphere, Aaron @ A Beautiful Chaos has decided to leave us. It is difficult to believe that it has been a year since Aaron arrived on the scene. He is such a remarkable young man, and I am constantly in awe of all he has accomplished in such a short life. What I love most about Aaron is that he has never been afraid to speak his mind or let us into his life. He has documented (very well, I might add) his life this past year and his struggle coming out and coming to terms with who he is in this world. It is obvious he knows who he is and what he wants in life. We all could take a lesson or two from him.

Aaron, I sincerely hope that your life continues to thrive and that you get all that this world has to offer you. I have no doubt that you will continue to be a leader, but I predict that your leadership will take on a more worldwide audience. I look forward to the day when you are on that world stage and everyone is watching!

Take care and keep in touch!

As a gesture to Aaron, I am leaving this song from the Muppets. It is one of my favorites and the one I look to when saying goodbye to someone.

Saying Goodbye–The Muppets Take Manhattan

Glee's "Teenage Dream"

I am such a gLeek! Today I found the video below. It is from the upcoming episode of Glee titled "Never Been Kissed." The song...Katy Perry's Teenage Dream. I LOVE THIS SHOW!

What About Love…I’m Here

No, this posting is NOT about my love life. (That non-existent portion of my life at the moment…No worries!) This post is about my love of Broadway!

Last night I ordered my tickets to see 9 to 5 : The Musical. I have loved the movie for years. I love Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda. They were hilarious in the movie. When the show opened on Broadway I wanted so badly to go see it, but I never got the opportunity to make it to New York. Alas, it closed, and I was sad. Then I learned it would be opening a nation-wide tour. My hopes were raised.

My joy increased as I ordered my tickets and got FRONT ROW SEATS! I am now more excited than ever. I have to wait until January 7 to see it in Greenville, SC…I will wait.

Here is a snippet from the show.

January will be a great month. I am also going with best friend, Jenny to see the national tour of The Lion King in Durham, NC. I cannot wait. Also coming up this year are the national tours of Spring Awakening (yes…again!), Wicked, and others.

I did want to leave some music from one of my favorite musicals…The Color Purple. I have been listening to that soundtrack today.

“Hell No” & “The Color Purple” on the Tony Awards

“What About Love” from Best of the West End 2009