Brief Update...(101 in 1001)

Hey everyone!

Let's get right to it...

First, JNo, a peace wreath is a festive holiday wreath, made into a peace sign. (Garland strung down and through it, rather artfully to create a beautiful--and timely!--peace sign.) It's awesome.

Second, as my title alluded to, I am thinking about participating in what I think is quite possibly one of the coolest internet memes I've ever seen: 101 in 1001. You can check it out here. The idea, in a nut shell, is that you make 101 achievable, measurable, challenging goals that you will accomplish in 1001 days. If I start it on January 1, 2008, I would have until September 28, 2010 to complete all of my tasks.

So, while this is a highly personal and introspective task, I would like to solicite suggestions from all of you as to goals that I can set for myself. Between now and 1/1/08, I plan on coming up with the actual master list, and setting it down in stone (figuratively--that's not going to be one of my goals!!) here on my blog.

So....suggestions?!

thanks!

Tommy

...it's beginning to look....

a lot like Christmas!

Bibi, Grace, and I had an unbelievably productive--and busy!!--weekend. We got started Friday by hanging out with my sister, which was a lot of fun.

Saturday we got a kind of a late start, but ended up getting almost all of our Christmas shopping done, including a wreath project that Bibi has undertaken (it's a gorgeous "peace wreath", and it's awesome) and our new family Christmas tree. Which, is a bit big. Actually, it's HUGE. We had no idea how tall 7 and a half feet tall is, but I'm now aware that 7 1/2 feet is actually 19 feet. Did you know that? I didn't.

Anyway, last night, when we were done shopping, we watched "Knocked Up" which was great. The last scene was SO damn true. I seriously drove home at 12 miles an hour. Good times.

Then, last night, Bibi cut my hair. And, while cutting my hair, we found out I have ringworm. On my damn head.

What the hell?!

Anyway, so this morning I got up and went to do some grocery shopping, pick up the tree we had purchased yesterday, (which wouldn't fit in the car with Bibi, Grace, and me) and get a hair cut at the barber shop to fix what Bibi had done. (She did really well, but she's never cut hair before, so it needed a little "finishing.") This afternoon we watched "Sicko" (which was FANTASTIC--we're moving to either Canada, Britain, or France, by the way) and then we got going with the Christmas.


We made some hot cocoa, got out a plate of cookies, and put on my Christmas music. We lit a bunch of candles. We then put together the 19 foot tree, the lights, the decorations, and my Nativity Scene.

It now looks--and smells!-- like Christmas.

Welcome, I say.

How are you all getting ready for the season?

Thanks for stopping by!

Tommy

NaBloPoMo--Rest in Peace.

Ah, the best laid plans, the road to....well, you get the idea. Posting every day in November? Shyeah, right.

So, something kind of amazing just happened.

But first, back story.

I've mentioned once or twice how night time can be challenging in our house, as Grace really loves her mama, (I know she loves me) and can often times only be consoled by Bibi. Well, while it is silly, and pointless, this stings. It stings--a lot. However, over Thanksgiving--which was wonderful--I got to spend lots of time with my daughter (boy, is that still weird, or what!?) and it was fantastic. I really felt like she was getting more comfortable around me, more used to me, and that I was really growing closer to her. It was great!

Then, yesterday, after a really hard day at work, I came home and Grace pratically screamed every time I came near her. I know it doesn't signify some great and permanent change, like she'll never be held by me again, but it was hard. And, last night, as I was trying to get Grace calmed down, things just weren't clicking. So, Bibi suggested that we read "Goodnight Moon", which is Gracie's "Favorite Book." (I'm thinking to myself, yeah, how can a kid who isn't even six months old have a favorite book?!) So, we lie down in bed, Bibi nursing Gracie, and me propped up against the wall, and I begin reading. About page 2, Grace pulls away from Bibi and stops nursing to...get this...look at the pictures as I read them. She stared intently at the pages as I read them, and then, when the book was done, she went right back to nursing.

It was awesome--my daughter takes after me!! She's a reader!!! (c;

Well, now to the amazing part.

Today, after a slightly better day at work, Grace was a lot more comfortable around me. She didn't flail her arms about in an attempt to get me to pass her to Bibi. I was feeling good; 'til the end of the night. Bibi and I had put Gracie down on the bed, and she was asleep. We were getting some things done, and Bibi was working. Gracie started crying, so I went to get her, and I picked her up. Not only did she continue crying, she literally was pushing herself away from me, and looking around for Bibi.

That sucked.

However, after just a few minutes, Bibi suggested we try reading to her again. I quickly agreed, having seen some degree of success with that last night.

We got into our positions, but I was laying next to Gracie, while she was nursing with Bibi. I began reading, and not two pages in, Gracie stopped nursing, looked at me, and smiled at me, really big. It felt really good. But!!! It doesn't end there; no, you see, Gracie kept looking back and forth between Bibi and I, smiling at each of us, for just a few more pages. And then she rolled towards me, sort of grabbed onto my arm, and began switching back and forthe between the pages of the book and me, smiling the whole time.

After the book was over, I kind of jokingly asked Gracie, "Gracie, do you like it when Daddy reads to you?" and...to both Bibi's and my surprise, Gracie quickly nodded her head 3 or 4 times, as if she was responding to my question.

Constantly, completely, and thoroughly, I am amazed by Grace.

Thanks for stopping by...

Tommy

This moment brought to you by Joe Firstman...

So, earlier this evening, while Bibi and I were attempting to enjoy a relaxing evening watching episodes of the Sopranos, and just "chillin' out", as the kids say, something really cool happened.

Gracie had been a bit fussy, throughout the evening; she had not really napped at all during the day, so she was kind of feeling the effects of that this evening. (It should be stated that Grace responds MUCH better to Bibi's attempts to un-fussify her than to mine.) Bibi had been putting forth a valiant effort, but to very little success. Bibi has also been feeling a bit under the weather, and had had a REALLY busy day trying to get the word out about our new (and TEMPORARY!!) dog, so she was feeling kind of beat after trying to calm Grace's nerves. She asked me if I wouldn't mind taking a shot. I said of course not, and I took Grace. We started walking up and down the hall and through the living room, while Bibi started a load of dishes; I decided to put on some music, and attached my iPod to the stereo; and chose, after some deliberation, Grace's soundtrack, which, if you don't remember, Bibi and I put together shortly after Grace was born. We were walking, I was swaying, and I was kind of singing to Grace as we went, when our (Bibi and I) song came on. It's a song by Joe Firstman, called, "Car Door (Dancing in the Aisles)" and we used to listen to it driving down to Kansas City together shortly after we got married. It's, on a very basic level, about a couple who is unblelievably happy together, and about how special little moments together are. Well, it just kind of struck me, as songs are wont to do, how amazingly blessed I am, as I stood their dancing with my beautiful daughter, watching my wife, and I started to get a little choked up (ok, I started bawling) and as the tears began (gushed) Gracie put her hand on my neck and started to pull herself to me, in a sweet little hug.

Nothing--nothing!--could ever compare to that feeling. It is, in a word, amazing. The title of this blog could not BE more appropriate.

God bless everyone, and have a wonderful weekend....

Thanks for stopping by.

Tommy

Thursday Night Lights

So, I have to concur with JNo about the media portrayal of the presidential election; although, I would have to go on to say that it's not just the media, but the whole election process. At first I was excited about this election being between the rock stars of the political realm (Guiliani, Clinton, Obama, Edwards, and eventually Fred Thompson. However, I'm now seeing the error of my hopes; I no longer want some rock star to be running; I want someone who really has something to say, and isn't afraid to say it. There are things I like a whole lot about Obama, but he's really just not getting where he needs to be...I think my dad is right, and he probably should have waited til 2012; he would have had more experience, and I think he would have just been a whole lot more savy all around.

At this point, I really want somebody unexpected to jump out there and WOW us with depth and content, as well as poise and dignity. (It seems to me that the Repub's have "calm and collected" down, and the Dem's have "passionate and whiny" down. Gotta change that.)

So, we are less than a year away...and only a few weeks (well, 7 0r 8 til the first primaries, anyway) from the primaries...should we stop talking/thinking/hearing about next year's election, or should we get all into a frenzy?

You tell me...

Thanks!

Tommy

Just a quickie...

So, as I posted the other day, there are certain things that I don't really feel I can post about; my job, mainly, is one of them. Today was a prime reason why I don't post as often as I should.

There were things that happened at work that I WANT to post about, but I just can't post about them.

So, there.

I voted today. One year from now is the presidential election. I wonder when the news sites are going to start talking about that....

Rufus, our new dog, is doing quite well. Leo loves having a playmate, and he's very well behaved. Well, he's well behaved for the most part. Leo knows not to beg for food; he knows not to chew; and he is AMAZINGon the leash. Rufus? Not so much.

We took him to the vet to see if he has a microchip; no such luck. So, now we're going to make up signs to post around the neighborhood to try to find his owner. I REALLY hope we find them soon, because our house? DEFINITELY not big enough for this many people/pets.

Tomorrow is hump day...got any plans?

(Somebody PLEASE send topic suggestions SOON!!!!)

Thanks for stopping by...

Tommy

RANT ALERT!! (with self-disparaging realization near the end...)

So, last night when Bibi and I were watching tv, I saw what is, in my opinion, the WORST thing that tv, and corporate America, does....start Christmas adverts TOO early.

No! No! No!!! I mean it here, I'm not kidding around! The rule is, and I take this VERY seriously...NO Christmas advertising until AFTER Thanksgiving!!! There is a REASON that the Thanksgiving Day parade ENDS with Santa Claus...THAT is the official start of the CHristmas Season, and not a damn day before, ok!? Are you listening out there?

So, today, after having all of those angry thoughts run through my head, I decided that I would start making a list of books that I want for Christmas.

Readers Everywhere--A hypocritesayswhat?!

Me--What?

Readers Everywhere--Exactly.

Thanks for stopping by...

Tommy

Mulligan for Tommy

Yeah, that's what I call yesterday. I get a do-over. For those of you who don't know, NaBloPoMo is National Blog Posting Month, in which people who are overly optimistic and have no realistic sense of their own schedule, commit to posting once a day, every day, for the whole month of November.

Me?

I last two days.

So, I call Mulligan. I get to start over. It's pretty neat when you make up your own rules.

Anyway, so yesterday was the first Saturday in a long time that Bibi and I didn't have anything pressing we had to do...we were going to have dinner with some friends, but he got sick (which was good, b/c I wasn't feeling all that well, either) and so we ended up getting tons of stuff done around the house, and still finding time to watch lots of Soprano's on DVD. (Bibi loves the show, and I'm learning to love it; it's quite good, actually.)

And today we got up and had breakfast with Bibi's parents after I watched Fred Thompson look like a deer in the headlights on Meet the Press. Dave, I know you think he's going to get the nomination, but...seriously, what the hell, man? I honestly don't think he evern knew what Tim Russert was asking half the time, let alone what the answers should have been. But that's just me.

This afternoon Bibi and I made chilli and cornbread, and had my sister over for an early dinner. I don't want to sound arrogant, but I do make a damn good chilli, if I do say so myself. (And, incidently, I do.) Actually, the only thing better than my chilli, is Bibi's cornbread. So, yeah, it's a pretty darn good meal. (I have no idea why I decided to censor myself there, and nowhere else....strange, isn't it?)

Anyway, the last thing I want to comment on here is that tonight while walking Leo, we got ourselves another dog. Well, atleast for now. This beautiful brindle dog came flying out of nowhere, about half way through our route. At first, I'll admit, I was afraid...I was petrified...sorry, anyway, it was kind of scary, this brindle boxer/pit-bull animal came flying at me, and it started jumping around Leo. Now, my neighborhood is notorious for allowing their dogs to run free and loose. It pisses me off, to be honest. I live about half a block from a MAJOR thoroughfare, and we see TOO many dead animals along it to let our dog roam free. So, as I was saying, this dog runs at Leo and me, starts jumping around, and I got mad. I looked at the houses around where I was, and practically shouted "what the hell is wrong with this neighborhood?!" (My sister volunteers for animal cops and tells us horror stories about people mistreating--to put it mildly--their pets, and allowing your pet to run free this close to Sterling, really got me riled up). Well, I looked at him, and I realized that he was really playful, and quite sweet. So, I said to him, "Sit", and he did! So, I started walking back towards our house, and I said one time, "come!" and he followed me all the way home. I showed him to Bibi, and she agreed that it would be horrible to let him just run loose, so we put Leo's kennel in the garage, (we don't know if he has fleas or not) and tomorrow after work I'll take him to a vet to see if he has been microchipped. In the meantime, he's cute as a bug in a run, and very well-mannered. (I'm going to try and convince Bibi we should be able to keep him...shh! Don't tell her!! Oh, and, Bibi...if you're reading this...ignore that last part!!!)

All right, well, that's how our weekend was...how was yours?

Tommy

Just under the wire...

Hey ya'll!

So, how's it going?

Today was the end of another work week...had some interesting experiences at school today, which brings me to the topic of tonight's post....no, it's not the interesting things that happened today, or this week, for that matter. I want to write about strangeness of not being able to talk to all of you about something that takes up a good third of every day. The vagueness that that kind of post would require would render the post nearly meaningless, and that is something I would kind of like to avoid. You know, meaninglessness. (I think I'm just going to add a suffix to that word in every sentence of this post, in a meaninglessnessly kind of way....nope, that one didn't work--damn.)

Anyway. My point is, that I can't really write about the thing that takes up MOST of my time, the thing that is the most eventful of all the things in my day.

Of course, there is Grace....but, well, it's weird. She's wonderful, and amazing, and I'm constantly in awe of how much she is changing and growing...but, I don't know how to put in to words what I am thinking when it comes to her....while I am fairly satisfied with my skills as a writer, and I think I have a decent vocabulary and grasp of the English language, when it comes to writing about Grace, everything I write seems so flat, so static, so....lackluster that it really isn't worthy of the subject.

And, books? Well, happily, I no longer have the time I once did to read. Whereas I used to read at least one book a week, now it is taking me multiple weeks to slowly get through one. (I say happily, not because I don't WANT to read anymore, but I certainly do enjoy that which is now taking up my time.)

So. There we have it....the point of this post is....I want very much to keep posting, but I don't know what exactly to post about....

Any suggestions?

Anybody else think that Kucinich and his alien encounters STILL make him a better candidate that most of the others?

Talk amongst yourselves....

Thanks for stopping by...

Tommy

NaBloPoMo

At my better half's request, I am participating in National Blog Post Month, along with her. We'll see how well that goes. Stay tuned, to see how quickly this best laid plan falls apart. (c;

Two things: One, an update on one of my recent posts. I was listening to NPR today, and there was a story about Juvenile offenders, and how they are treated througough the country. An interesting article, in light of my recent musings on the justice system and correctional system. Apparently, two states can easily demonstrate the differing ways to view young adults and children in "the system". Do we treat them like the hardened criminals they appear to be, or do we treat them like children and young adults who they also appear to be.

In Missouri, which this NPR segment was about, the recidivism rate was 7.something, while in Texas, the rate was topping 50%. Take a WILD guess as to how the different states treat their offenders.

What was cool about this segment, though, was that the program that I've been getting trained in was very similar to the one being described. (So, I've got SOME reason to believe--other than my own personal experience--that this plan is going to work!)

And, second, I'm reading a really interesting book right now, that I wanted to share with you all. I'm not done yet, so I can't quite say that it's going to be up there with, say, the Bible, Blue Highways, or Lamb, but it's pretty interesting so far; it's called "Last Night I Dreamed of Peace". It is the diary of a North Viet Nam civilian doctor assigned to work in a clinic in southern Viet Nam during the Viet Nam war. It's just really interesting to see her point of view and to learn about what some of the "enemy" were thinking about us during that confusing and controversial time. (And, as I always find is true, there are some poignant and pointed connections to be made with what is going on in the world today.)


The thing that is so interesting, is the way this woman viewed the Americans; to her, we were this horrible country that was trying to do some horrible things to her countrymen and family. The language she uses, the way she describes her hopes and fears; I've never heard or read a member of a communist party, and it is truly different. I feel very naive and very ethnocentric when I read about how she puts the welfare of her fellow citizens above that of her own. (Our soldiers most certainly do that, and should be shown our gratitude and thanks on a regular basis for all that they do; however, she was a CIVILIAN, not a soldier; how many of us who are NOT in the army adhere to that kind of "greater good/interconnectivity mindset?) It makes me a little more aware of how selfish I can be, and how selfish our society can be.

What are you all's thoughts? Anyone scared I'm reading a communist text? Is this going to get the Dept. of Homeland Security buzzing around on me?

If anyone has thoughts...drop 'em off here...

Thanks for stopping by...

Tommy

I had this really thought-provoking and intriguing post that I had planned on putting up tonight; it was a post that was sure to inspire and anger, to irritate and fluster; a post that would cut you all to the quick, and make you all write responses that were both insightful and honest, responses that would fully address the state of the human condition.

But, instead I thought I'd put this...




There she is...my little blessing from above. Grace: Unmerited Favor.

Yup.

Thanks for stopping by...

Tommy

A seemingly random post...

So, through a seemingly connected string of events, I've had something odd on my mind lately. And, with an explanation as prologue, I have a question for all of you. Perhaps this will repeat my hit post of last season on education, perhaps not.

Here it is.

Over the summer, Bibi and I watched the show Deadwood, which was about a town with no law and no order. Well, no LEGAL order.

Now we're watching the show "Oz" on DVD. It's about prisoners, guards, and the entire correctional system.

A couple of years ago, I read a book, the title completely escapes me, but it was a collection of essays written by prisoners, many of whom were jailed for political reasons, but not all.

When I was in college I did prison ministry with my college religous organization, CCF. We went to a maximum security prison in Iowa a couple of times to meet with prisoners in a new religiously-affiliated prison rehabiliation program.

And, the most randomly connected experience, I have been in training for two weeks for the discipline system at my school.

All of these things call to mind the question that I put forth to you, my faithful readers, now...
What, in your opinion, should the goal or purpose of the Prison System in the United States be? Should our goal be punishent? Should our goal be entirely punitive? Or should we focus our energies on rehabilitation? And, if, as I suspect many of you will feel, it should be a mixture of these two goals, how in the world do you suggest we do that?

A couple of stats to start us off:
1 in 27 people in the United States is either in prison right now, or has spent time in prison. The recidivism rate for offenders is 75%. (Incidently, the rate is identical for students who have been suspended in the public school system; 75% of those who have been suspended are suspended more than once.)

So...there you go. What say you, blog-readers?

Thanks for stopping by, and I look forward to your responses...

Tommy

Procrasti-what now?

EDITED: With Pictures!!!

So, I must confess, loyal reader, that the reason I haven't posted in almost three weeks is not entirely due to my hectic schedule and the ninety five meetings I have to go to each day....er, uh...week. I've been avoiding posting because I set the expectation during my last post that I was going to post about books this time around.

Note: I just checked my last blog, and I actually didn't mention anything about books, so apparently that was just an internal expectation, so...uh, I guess I have no decent excuse. My bad.

Anywho, for those who know me, or who have read the beginnings of this blog, you will know that I am somewhat of a reader...I like to read a bit. Ok, well, a lot. So, the idea of making an informal list called my "must list" of books, is a bit like John Cusack's character in High Fidelity making the ultimate mix tape. It can't be done. However, I'm going to try and suck it up here and put down at least the outline, or preliminary sketch of what my 'must-list' of books would be.

So, with that priviso in place, here we go...:

First, we're going to go with "Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal" by Christopher Moore. I know I've mentioned this author, and this book on this blog before, but it bears mentioning again. He's good. More to the point, that book cannot be described as good, because that would be like saying that Frank Lloyd Wright liked to tinker around with building stuff. Saying that "Lamb" is good is like saying that Jesse Owens was fast. It's like saying that I occasionally drink coffee. It just doesn't even come close to the level the book actually achieves. I'm not using hyperbole here, I'm just trying to speak truth. In fact, while this book does not replace the Bible, I would say that any Christian who wants to come to a clearer understanding of who Christ could have been, should read this book. Period.

Second, we're going with Blue Highways, by William Least Heat-Moon. This is the book that inspired my road trip a few years ago. It is the book that Jack Kerouac was TRYING to write, and didn't. The way I usually describe it is this: Heat-Moon was a professor at Missou in the 70's, and got laid off. So, he got in his little bus, and drove all around the country on the "blue highways" (non-major roads). Along the way he meets people, sees the country, and goes through his own internal journey. Heat-moon was a professor of English, so he brings a myriad literary illusions to his work, and he is Native American, and he brings to his work a certain level of natural spirituality that connects the mundane (driving all around the country) to the spiritual. (Put another way, he connects the profane--that which is NOT holy--to the sacred--that which is holy.) Go...read it. (And, John...if you still read this blog...you actually have my copy, so seriously, you have no excuse not to read this book, ok?)

Third, and lastly for this post, Watership Down, by Richard Adams. This is ostensibly a book about bunnies. However, unless you're as dense as a post, you'll understand that this is more of a retelling of the exodus than an rabbit tale.

Ok. I'm tired...it's late, and I have work in the morning. So, I'm going to go to bed. I promise you that I will update again, and I will have more books that you should read at that time. In the meantime, though, if you would like to add to my list of musts, be it must listens, must sees, or must reads, please do so in the comments. I'd love to hear 'em.

Til then...here are some pictures of Grace, courtesy of Bibi's blog...














Thanks for stopping by.



Tommy

The (Un)Official List....uh, continued.

So, yesterday we discussed movies and tv shows. Today, we're switching to songs, artists, and records.

SONGS:

A little song called Silver Sword, by a little band named Huckleberry. Unfortunately, you all are at a loss here. The band broke up when I was in college, and it was relatively unknown college band, but a friend of mine's older brother was in the band, and the lead female singer went on to join the Christian band Waterdeep. However, should you ever stumble on someone who has the song Silver Sword, you should definitely check it out.


You Can't Always Get What You Want--the Rolling Stones. I learned this lesson once while driving with a girl that I really liked, who didn't really like me. She was telling me all about her new boyfriend (who she is now married to, by the way) and this left me feeling pretty damn bad about myself. (Oh, woe is me, etc.) Then, I noticed a little ditty playing on my car radio, and I kind of tuned her out, and listened to the lyrics. I realized, in a fairly profound way, that it was very true...while I may have "wanted" her at that time, it really wasn't what I needed. (And, as both she and I are wonderfully happily married to VERY different people, we both got EXACTLY what we needed....thank God.)

I'm Alright--Jeffrey Foucault. I've mentioned this guy numerous times here, but it bears repeating. This just happens to be my favorite song by him.

Feelin' Good Again--Robert Earl Keene. Yes, it's country. Yes, it's a country slowish song. And, yes, it just so happens to sum up every single emotion you can possible feel when going "back" to a place you love to visit.

Ok, in all honesty, this is an EXTREMELY introductory list, and is in NO way exhaustive. (Clearly, as I've only put four songs down.) So, we'll return to this list later.

ARTISTS

Jeffrey Foucault--again, I ask. Why haven't you gotten his CD's yet? SERIOUSLY!

Frank Sinatra--if you didn't like him while he was alive, check his stuff out now. I particularly like his fast stuff, but his slow songs were great, too.

The Racounteurs--Jack White's "other" band.

Colin Hays--he was originally one of the "men at work" from the 80's, and he's made some great stuff recently.

And, finally (for now!), The Who. I was, embarrassingly enough, turned on to the Who when there was a Simpson's episode about the Who coming to Springfield. When I was in college. LATE in college. Maybe even grad school. (D'oh!) I ran out after the episode and bought the Who's greatest hits album, and Whoa! It's freakin' Great!

Which leads me to....
ALBUMS/RECORDS/CD's

The Garden State Soundtrack--if you don't have it by now you should be ashamed of yourself and your entire music collection. Period.

Scrubs Sountrack--oddly enough, most of the music in this show was compiled by Zach Braff, just like on The Garden State Sountrack. So, guy's got taste.

Jimi Hendrix: The Jimi Hendrix Experience--great, just great.

The Beatles "Love" Album--this record was put to gether by Cirque de Solei (don't everyone write me to complain about my spelling of that freakishly weird Circus group's name) for one of their shows. All of the songs are just tweaked a LITTLE bit, and man does it make a difference.

Ok, I actually have to go run to get ready for work, but now its your turn again....

What did I miss, where did I TOTALLY screw up?

Thanks for stopping by...

Tommy

The (Un)Official Tommy Must List...

After receiving no requests whatsoever, other than that of my own inner narcisist, I thought I would write down for you all, my semi-capitive audience (no, please! Don't navigate away from this page!!!) my very own "Must List". (Author reserves the right to modify, amend, delete, and edit without prior notice.)

So, without further adieu....
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MOVIES:

Joe vs. the Volcano--This is an extremely underated little film, which just so happens to be the first time that America's sweethearts were paired together. (Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.) Yes, it does happen to contain a lot of silly humor, (although not bathroom humor) and yes, it does happen to be "about" a guy who decides to jump into a volcano. But, that's not REALLY what the movies about. It's about the path that we all must choose when we make our way through life. And, it's about how accepting we are of the path that we see in front of us. It's about making conscious choices about our lives.

And it's got a ukulele!

The Last Time I Committed Suicide--This is a strange pick for me. It's a movie based on the letters from Neal Cassidy to Jack Kerouac, both of whom were "beat poets". You see, I personally think that Jack Kerouac was one of the most overrated authors of all time, and his "masterpiece" On the Road was a horribly overrated book. While it did capture the frenzy of Jack's lifestyle, it was not, for me, this moving and poignant story of dreams and desires, pain, and heartache. It was about a bunch of guys who drive around with only one thing on their minds: Drugs.
And, I have nothing against drug use IN BOOKS, but it has to be important to the story, and the story has to be worthwhile. This one? In my opinion, not so much.
However, TLTICS, is not about all of that. It is about how the choices we make effect all future choices in a very profound way, and that when you make a life altering choice, it can, basically, "kill" the self you wanted to become, and force you to become someone different. Hence, the line, "It wasn't the last time I committed suicide."
Plus, it has the great quote "And so life goes. And so love goes. And so I go. Carry on my brother. Carry on." which was used by some of my friends as the closing to all of our e-mails back when I was in college.


The Journey of Natty Gann--Great little Disney movie about the Depression. John Cusack (you can't go wrong) and Meridith Salinger (whatever happened to her?!) and a wolf. There you go.

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TV SHOWS


Sporst Night--Without a doubt, the finest half-hour television show that has ever been produced, and in my opinion, the finest that WILL ever be produced. Funny, smart, emotionally intelligent, this half hour show that survived for all of two-Emmy-Winning-Seasons was written by Aaron Sorkin, and covered much more than the inner-workings of a Sports Center-esque television show. This show brought up many issues that we face in life, and I STILL get choked up watching about 6 of the 40-some episodes. (E.g.: The Apology, The Six Southern Gentlemen, The Christmas Episode, Isaac's Comeback episode, just to name a few.) The show also brought about the most satisfying conclusion of any show I've ever seen, when it found that it was going to be cancelled during the second season. I still get goosebumps.

Plus, it's one of the most quotable tv shows ever.

"Oh, and if you're driving to the stadium this weekend for the big game, please...don't forget to take your car."

My Boys--I've already mentioned this in this blog, but seriously....if TBS doesn't put this show on DVD, then I'm going to...uh, write them a strongly worded letter suggesting that they do so. Quickly.

And, of course: Lost, Scrubs, The Office, Heroes, How I Met Your Mother, and probably a BUNCH more, but as the title says...this is the (un)official list.

Now, I didn't realize that this was going to be so extensive....so, more to follow, including Books, CDs, magazines, records, and more.

But for now....what movies and shows have I aggregiously forgotten to place on my list....?

Now, it's your turn!

Leave me your musts....

(And, thanks for stopping by....)

Tommy

Just another manic Mond....uh, Tuesday. (Or, Question: Does baby puke sting?)

So, the weekend was great. Went back to Iowa, saw the folks, and had some time with good friends back in good ol CR of I.

School was good today, although the first tuesday of every month is going to suck donkey...um, snot....as I start the morning with a 7:30 (AM!!) meeting, have a full day of school, a faculty meeting til 5, and a PTA board meeting, which I am required to attend, at 6:15. Now, you don't really know how much you love holding your daughter and seeing your wife's beautiful face until those days when you don't actually get to do either one of those.

Ughs.

Tonight, after my 6:15 meeting, I was changing Grace's grotesquely large poo-y diaper, and was loving it, as she looked up at me with that gorgeous toothless grin on her face. I finished snapping the onesie, and picked her up. I held her up to my face, giggled with her, and gave her eskimo kisses (rubbed noses) and then lifted her slightly higher to kiss her tummy.

That's when she puked in my eye.

And, if you were wondering, yes. Yes it does.

I cried out in surprise, Grace started crying, as I startled her, and Bibi laughed.

Good times....good times.

Thanks for stopping....have a freakin' great week ya'll. (Mom, that "ya'll" was just for you.)

Tommy

Bi-monthly update...

just under the wire, too, eh?

Well, school has started. And, when I get a hang of things, I'll let you all know how things are going. (Should be in just a few months. June at the very latest.)

Grace is WONDERFUL. She's so cute. I'm not going to lie. When I got home today....I started to cry...I missed her so much while I was at work. She's so sweet.

Anywho, just wanted to drop you all a line to let you know that I am indeed still alive and well.

And, for those of you who don't know about it, there's a show called "My Boys" on TBS. On the show tonight, there was a "douchebag intervention" to get one of the guys to stop being such a major league, free range, grade A douche. It was awesome.

Any thoughts from those of you out there? (I'm thinking that would be mom, sarah, maybe amy, and my in-laws at most. Anyone else still checking this sorry excuse for a blog?)

(c;

God bless ya....and, thanks for stopping by...

Tommy

Einstein's Theory of Relativity Explained....

Tonight it occurred to me that I have learned something recently.

When a baby is crying...and, I mean REALLY crying, cheeks all red, eye's squinched up, tears streaming down the cheeks, and that long, long cry that takes up all the little one's air, so that the cry is actually a quiet one, which makes it all the worse...that kind of crying....well, five minutes of that stuff can seem like an absolute LIFETIME of impotence and helplessness.

And the 5 and a half hours between when she finally falls asleep and you wake up to change her in the wee hours of the morning? Yeah, that seems like about 8 seconds.

See? Einstein's Theory of Relativity explained. Not too tough, if I do say so myself. (c;

Thanks for stopping by...

Tommy

The dog days of summer....

If any of you have not read the first page of Tuck Everlasting, you really should; reason being is that the first page has this unbelievably descriptive depiction of the oppresive and stifling heat that usually arrives around this time of year. So....there ya go. Thought it was appropriate. Oh, and if you can't handle the heat (hardy har har) you should read Brian's Winter, by Gary Paulsen, as it it the same thing, 'cept about cold.

So, last time I posted was a while ago. I had just passed a kidney stone, and was leaving for family vacation the next day.

I have had not more kidney related issues, thank goodness, and so no more needs to be said about that. And, I'll thank you to mind your own business. (c;

Vacation was a lot of fun. Bibi, Grace and I drove south to Table Rock Lake, where we were meeting my mom, step-dad, my sister and her boyfriend, and my other sister and her girlfriend.

The drive down was mostly uneventful. Gracie was wonderful in the car, and did not cry excpet for the last half hour, (we got lost, otherwise, it would have been even less eventful.) I have to say, southern Missouri is definitely a beautiful area. The bluffs and hills, or...ahem, 'mountains', were all absolutely gorgeous. It was a wonderful drive.

We were staying at a really nice resort, and were pretty much able to enjoy ourselves the whole time and do whatever we wanted to. (You know, how vacactions SHOULD be.) I read, relaxed, and even played some putt-putt.

Good times, good times.

We came back last Thursday, and got lost again. Different part of the trip, but for about the same length of time. I'm a very good driver....yeah. Charlie Babbit.

Fast forward through to Monday, the 6th. Bibi dropped me off at work, and I got the opportunity to meet some of my new co-workers, and work on my classroom a little bit. Registration was Tuesday, so our principal had asked if any of the staff wanted to come in and help spruce things up a bit. It was fun. Didn't meet everyone, but enough so that I don't feel like a complete newbie anymore.

My classroom is AWESOME. It's HUGE. I have: two teacher's desks, a couch, two comfortable and relaxing reading chairs, a table for conferencing, extra desks arranged for partner reading, a sink and drinking fountain, desks and room for 30 students (although I only have 25) and, as was previously mentioned, two windows. Legen....(wait for it)...dary.

Tuesday we had our first day of New Teacher Orientation. It was during this day that we covered all of the necessary legal stuff: professional expectations, sexual harrassment, confidentiality, substitute teacher requests, sick days, personal days, etc. We also went on a "Raytown Scavenger Hunt to acclimate ourselves to the community. Met some new people during that, which was cool. (I have such a hard time meeting people....heh heh heh.)

Today we had day TWO of our four-day New Teacher Orientation. We spent the entire day getting prepped for the districts Communication Arts curriculum. (How the district expects you to teach reading, writing, etc.) We were able to plan the first month of one subject, and the first week to second week of another subject. We're going to be given already prepared lesson suggestions and helpful tips as well. Tomorrow we work on Math curriculum.

I will say this....the Raytown Quality School District has impressed me a great deal in my short time working here. They are thorough, and the provide a seemingly endless supply of supports to their teachers in order for the teachers to provide a seemingly endless supply of supports to their students. (You know, like they should!)

All right, kiddo's; I'm tired, and my bed is singing the siren song of comfort....

thanks for stopping by....

Tommy

Warning: NOT for those easily squeamish....

Two funny stories.

One: Around father's day I started having severe back pains that were reminiscent of what I've heard it's like when you have a kidney stone. I watched it for a little bit, drank water like it was wine, and watched my body carefully.

About a week ago, I started having painful urination, little to no urine and a CONSTANT urge to urinate. It was really uncomfortable, and VERY frustrating. Tonight, while brushing my teeth, I realized I was about to pop. I quickly put the toilet seat up and WHAM! The sharpest pain I've ever felt (in that location) was followed by the joyful and wonderous release of a VAST amount of backed up pee that was being blocked by a kidney stone the size of an elongated mung bean.

I feel much better now. Whew. (c;

Oh, the second story?

Tonight, while Bibi was nursing Grace, Bibi chuckled to herself and started speaking like the Crocodile Hunter. "Ah, there she is....she's a beauty! She's the Nipple Hunter! Argh!"

I dropped what I was doing and stared, jaw slackened, at my wife. Grace does this thing where she will open her mouth, take aim, and then shake her head vigorously from side to side like she's not sure where her prey is going. So, now...my daughter is known as, "The Nipple Hunter"

Heh heh heh...fatherhood. (c;

Thanks for stopping by...

Just a PSA: I'm going on vacation until Wednesday or Thursday, so I'll be away from the computer. Drop a note to let me know how ya'll are doing!!!

Tommy