Post #125

This is my 125th post on "The Battle I Love" and it will be my last. This blog has served me well for several years but now it is time to make a change and move in a different direction. I have enjoyed sharing my life with you and I hope you all enjoyed the ride.

Now we sing farewell

The Pirate Song
(Namesake of this blog)

To the mast nail our flag it is dark as the grave,
Or the death which it bears while it sweeps o'er the wave;
Let our deck clear for action, our guns be prepared;
Be the boarding-axe sharpened, the scimetar bared:
Set the canisters ready, and then bring to me,
For the last of my duties, the powder-room key.

It shall never be lowered, the black flag we bear;
If the sea be denied us, we sweep through the air.
Unshared have we left our last victory's prey;
It is mine to divide it, and yours to obey:
There are shawls that might suit a sultana's white neck,
And pearls that are fair as the arms they will deck.

There are flasks which, unseal them, the air will disclose
Diametta's fair summers, the home of the rose.
I claim not a portion: I ask but as mine
'Tis to drink to our victory - one cup of red wine.
Some fight, 'tis for riches - some fight, 'tis for fame:
The first I despise, and the last is a name.

I fight, 'tis for vengeance! I love to see flow,
At the stroke of my sabre, the life of my foe.
I strike for the memory of long-vanished years;
I only shed blood where another shed tears,
I come, as the lightning comes red from above,
O'er the race that I loathe, to the battle I love.

Fight on Friends!

Lily and Clark (a Lewis and Clark style adventure) featuring Sadiejawea

Wow! What a weekend. I ran the gamut of emotions, from relaxation, to frustration, to excitement, to anger, to relief and joy. Most of that was all thanks to my beloved football teams.

Alabama escaped a close one thanks to 2 blocked field goals, one occurring as time ran out. Bama defeats Tennessee 12-10. As we used to say at Northwestern state, ant win is a (Sam) Goodwin.

The New Orleans Saints are FOR REAL! But Sunday looked to be a remnant of the "aints" glory days of the past. in the second quarter the Saints trailed the Dolphins 24-3. But they never quit, for its "The Battle They Love"(a shameless plug for the old blog). The Saints fought back and overtook the Dolphins 46-34 in one of the greatest comebacks in team history, and who knew that Drew Brees could dunk? I do believe this is the year. I get the feeling we will be playing one more game in Miami this year (for those who don't keep up with the NFL, the Super Bowl is in Miami this year).

As nice as those two victories were, the highlight of the weekend came far far away from any football field or television set. The highlight of the weekend took place way out in the woods on the Louisiana/Mississippi border.

The 1st exploratory expedition of Sadie and Lily into the woods of the American south took place on Saturday morning. The expedition began as we load the Jeep, which has been nicknamed "the Sack", which fits perfectly in this story. Kelley suggested I call the jeep Betsy Ross as it is a Jeep Liberty Sport and Betsy represents liberty to many (particularly women). However, I thought the name was a little lengthy and thought calling the jeep Sacajawea would be more appropriate as she travelled with Lewis and Clark's expedition across the American west after the Louisiana purchase in the early 1800's. But, Sacajawea is lengthy as well, thus the name "The Sack" was born. It's also nice because I get to say things like, "hey baby, wanna take a ride in the Sack?" Pimp, I know.

So my fuzzy explorers and I head north from capital city to Clark Creek Natural Area which is located on the MS/LA border, about 55 miles north of the house. When I put it in the GPS a message popped up to alert me that the route would take me on unpaved roads and asked me if I wanted it to re plan a route the used only paved roads. Whats the point of 4 wheel drive if you ain't gonna use it. So away we went. We were on an unpaved road only for about 2.5 miles. But, the point is, we fear no road paved or otherwise.


This was Sadie and Lily's first time out on the trail so i was a bit concerned about how they would act. Would they run off never to be seen again? Would they cower by my feet? The result is exactly what I hoped for. The stayed near but often ran ahead or ran into the woods chasing critters and smelling all there is to smell(and there's a lot to smell). they chased each other. Often, the would run over the crest of a hill, disappear for a minute, then come running back over the hill full of excitement as if they hadn't seen me in a week.



We spent about 2 hours hiking. As it turns out, Lily is an off road machine, jumping on and off of boulders, leaping fallen trees, wading, or jumping into, deep parts of the creek. Meanwhile, Sadie was a bit more hesitant. Though very athletic and agile, she is a bit more cautious and deliberate when choosing a way around or over obstacles.

It was a beautiful morning. We arrived around 9am and it was in the low to mid sixties, clear skies and a nice breeze. The weather was perfect and the leaves had begun to change colors. Very beautiful.

Clark creek has 6-7 waterfalls. I was a little nervous when approaching the falls from above(i get that from my mom, stop holding my shirt) but from the bottom we went all the way under falls #5.

We were all alone on the trip in to the woods, didn't see a soul. Had the entire place to ourselves. That's one reason i want ed to go early, i figured most people would get out there closer to lunch time. On the way out of the woods we began to see people. 1st we scared a man and a lady, I don't think the lady liked dogs and the barking didn't help. Then we passed a Boy Scout troop(in think troop 348) from Slidell. All the boys wanted to pet Sadie, Lily would have none of it. Then we met Jake, a large, thick frame boxer and the two ladies he was with. I think Lily liked Jake, which is rare. Sadie was more interested in having the people pet her. We passed a couple more families before reaching "the sack". We loaded up and headed home, as it was getting close to kickoff time for the bama/Tn game. The mighty explorers had conquered Clark Creek, Lewis was nowhere to be found. The conquistadors of dogdom slept all the way home and for most of the rest of the day.

I am glad we went. These dogs are awesome. Even more so, it was nice to get outside and get some fresh air, to feel the dirt up under my feet. It was nice to not be bombarded by city noise and the feeling that there is always someone there. It was nice to be able to think uninterrupted and to go for intervals without thinking at all. It was nice to walk around with a clear head and the headache i had for 3 days before vanished(only to return Sunday night while doing lesson plans). It was great to watch the dogs run and play. I know they are dogs, but i get a joy out of watching them run, jump, romp, and chase things or each other. Very few things make me smile as much as Sadie's ears and jowls flopping when she runs.

It was quite an adventure for the wolf pack 3. I can't wait to do it again.

It's good to be the King!

The Saints are 5-0 and just kicked the crap out of the Giants. Our defensive backs did NOT get beat by the long ball. we actually ran the ball and created turnovers. we opened holes and protected Brees.



Alabama ran the ball all over the old ball coach and is playing dominate defense. Ranked #2 in the BCS and # 1 in the AP. Sophomore Mark Ingram, 24 carries, 246 yards. Dominance.



LSU is in turmoil, the natives are restless. The masses are calling for Les Miles' head.

It's good to be me today.

I'm Prepared to Handle Lifes Bumpy Roads

I bought a Jeep today. Sorry the picture quality isn't great but I took it with my phone(wouldn't Alexander Graham Bell be proud).

The Jeep is a 2008. Excellent condition. 4x4. And at a great price. Its hard to tell in this picture but it is a dark metallic blue. I am super excited. I know what you are thinking, "but Scott, what about your beloved Malibu"? She will be missed. But we must press ever onward. The Bu lived a long and reliable life. She will always have a soft spot in my heart. But her time has passed and I must now put her out to pasture to graze with others that have paid their dues.

I look forward to many miles and many adventures in the Jeep. I look forward to many trips to the dog park and levee in the Jeep. I look forward to cleaning Sadie's drool off the pristine windows for years to come.

At any rate, I bought a new car today. Hopefully it'll get me where I'm going. If only I knew where that was.

CleVelaNd RocKs

I hope you are all enjoying your weekend. I am excited because one of my podnas came to town from Florida this weekend. We, along with the room-dog rolled down to New Orleans last night to see one of our friends whom is in a band based of Atlanta. The band is called "All the Saints". They play a pshycadellic metal sound like a cross between early Black Sabbath and Hendrix but with vocals that are hard to hear. The show was good and it was fun to hang out with the rockstar. The band has a show in Dallas tonight so we let them crash here at the house and use the facilites. If they get really big I'll be super cool for letting them stay here. Today, My Podna, room-dog, and I have been watching football non-stop. We have used many choice words and have threatened to dismantle the tv, but, Bama won the game so the tv lives to see another day.

Last weekend I took a trip to Cleveland. I have never been there and have always assumed that it was an ugly town. I was wrong. It was actually vert pretty. Hilly and the leaves were changing. Their was a nice coolness in the air, stayed in the 60's.

I never actually made it to Cleveland but spent my time on the outskirts of the city. I got to visit several of the small towns around Cleveland and have become a big fan of a small town calles Peninsula. Very quaint, on the shores of the Cuyahoga river. Very picturesque.

One thing I really liked is that there are a lot state parks around Cleveland. In fact, they call it the emerald necklace because the parks surround the city. I had the oppurtunity to spend some time in the parks and absolutuely loved it. Now, I'm not saying that I'm ready to move yet (after all, I've never been there in the winter)but the thought did cross my mind while I was there.

Here is a picture of Brandywine Falls, Southeast of Cleveland. it is a very pretty place. If you ever make it to Cleveland check it out.




I hope to visit more places in this great nation soon. Cleveland was a great place and there is so much I didn't get to see. I think I will make a rturn trip soon.

To make a long story short, Cleveland Rocks!!!!!!!

Teaching the Law?

This year I am happy to be teaching American history. I absolutely love it. But, I also find myself teaching a constitutional law class. I like this class as well. The class focuses on court cases related mainly to the 1st amendment and towards cases affecting teens. The students are great and I am lucky to have 3 law students from one of the local universities who do most of the teaching.

The law students found us some local attorney's that were willing to come speak to the class. I like speakers. Well, I usually like speakers. The speakers we had yesterday and today have me confused.

The goal was to have the speakers talk about what they do and talk about how they help protect their clients rights(as we deal mainly with issues affecting peoples rights in our class). But, that's not exactly how the conversations have gone. For the last 2 days I have been listening to these local attorneys explain to the class how to beat the law, or have the best chance of beating the law, faced with a drinking and driving or drug possession charge.

Now, I will give them credit that they are talking about the rights of the accused but I'm not pleased with the the fact that we are teaching the kids how to beat the system. Of course, the kids are all interested, awake, and engaged.

Listening to these speakers makes me like attorneys a little less. It makes me feel like lawyers are less intersted in upholding the law and are more interested in defeating the law.

I'm aggravated by this, but at least I know how to beat the charges now.

Hit the road Jack-O-Lantern

this is the pumpkin that i carved this past weekend. I'm no Leonardo or Donatello, but I think It'll do.

It's all histroy now

And I'm teaching it! I really enjoyed teaching civics last year. I love the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, articles of confederation, how a bill becomes a law, Levels of government, responsibilities of citizen, supreme court cases. I love teaching all that stuff. But, I really love teaching American history. I think the part I really like are the stories. There are so many of them. Some are funny, some are sad. Some are just plain crazy. But it's these stories that,woven together, creates the fabric of America. I wish I was better at telling the stories. That will come in time as I get more familiar with the stories and their details. I had several history teachers over the years who were master story tellers. They were able to keep students engaged in the story by the way the told the tale. No one could spin a yarn like Dr. Caz at UNO. True, I couldn't always understand some of the words because of his very thick accent, but the stories were great.

I also like being able to show the students how we got here. Our history is not always a pretty one, but we try to learn from those mistakes in order to create a "more perfect union". Sometimes we succeed, sometimes we fail. But America, and Americans, keep moving forward beleiving in the hope of porsperity and progress. And I think that's why I like history. Because I can look at my own personal history and see the mistakes I have made and learn from them. I can overcome my own bad decisions, make progress and become prosperous. Everyday I tell stories about people who weren't afraid to try. Our founding fathers tried. They knew if they failed they would pay with their lives. I can learn from that. I will never know what I am capable of if I don't try.

Dress shoes continued

I don't like the way the feel. I don't like the way they look. I hate dress socks. they are uncomfortable. The don't make dress socks for people with a size 13 shoe. Thus, all of the socks are too tight. and they are all too thin, then they have extra tight elastic around the top to keep them up. It's like a heroin band around your ankle all day(from what I hear). But, my current employer does not allow us to wear running shoes except on Fridays. So, I'm trapped. I bought a new pair of rockport slip-ons, which in general are pretty comforatble. But the opening is a little tight. So, when i slide my foot in the shoe it puls the sock even tighter. I've gotten into the habit of leaving the socks buhed up by my toes because i know they will be pulled when I slide the shoes on.

I guess this is just a rant because I miss the comfort of my running shoes. I do look more professional in dress shoes. I guess I will just suck it up and deal with it. I just don't like it

Shoes and socks

I've decided that I don't like slip-on dress shoes. And I really hate dress socks.
I'll tell you more in an hour or two

Summer Recap and New School Update

And so, my summer has drawn to a close. It was a good summer all in all, but just didn't seem quite long enough. I spent 7 weeks working at a summer camp working with about 20 thirteen year olds. It was fun most of the time, sucked occasionally, and did help the checking account, which was really the point of it all. I went for almost 2 months without knowing when or where I would be teaching this year. I parted ways with my previous employer without having anything lined up. That made the summer a bit stressful, but the income from the summer camp kept my spirits up.

I played in a beach volleyball league with some friends and we lost every game. We were the Detroit Lions of the league. In fact, I think I will suggest that as our new team name. We had fun at first, but the toll of not winning was heavy and the last couple weeks weren't the blast we were hoping to have. We have started a new season and have improved but We are already 0-1 in the new season. But, I think we will be competitive and put some wins on the board this year. If not, I suggest we aim for the most beer consumed award. We did beat another team in a practice game last week, unfortunately it was just for practice.

I did travel some. I started the summer with a trip to Orlando. My nieces were a blast, the small fry was hilarious. Big Red was a true sweet-heart, M-Mo was a bag of craziness and ready to do everything, and #3 was the boss(of paw paw at least). Tom & Jeri were a great team to travel with, I actually didn't do ALL the driving this time. And I really enjoyed hanging out with big brother, I even enjoyed hanging out with "quite contrary".

I took several road trips as well, including, but not limited to, trips to Memphis where I found some of the best damned bbq I've ever had, made some new friends, and discovered the joys of bingo, midtown, and the beauty of Lamar ave(the 11th most dangerous neighborhood in America).

I also spent some time in the Pacific Northwest a couple weeks ago. I always enjoy travelling to Seattle to escape the oppressive summer heat and humidity of South Louisiana. This year I left 90 degree New Orleans for the pleasantness of 103 degree Seattle. And did I mention that my peeps in the northwest don't have an AC in their house. It was quite warm, but i was very comfortable sleeping on the futon in the basement. With the windows open it probably got into the low 70's or upper 60's while I slept. I also set a record as I attended the hottest Seattle Mariners game ever(103 degrees), I can add that to attending the largest crowd for an NBA game when the bulls played the Atlanta Hawks during Jordan's final year.

We escaped from Seattle and headed north to the San Juan Islands in Puget Sound. Did some Sea Kayaking, whick was awesome, and some white water rafting in the Cascade Mountains. We ate alot of food on this trip. I ate way to much, and loved it.

I made a stop in Vegas on the way home. My eldest uncle just turned 60 and some family and friends surprised him in Vegas. I was glad to be there for his birthday dinner. I really do appreciate my Uncle because he is the closest link to my grandfather, who I never got to know. I know they are not the same, but he sort of puts a voice and face to the person that I wish I could have met. It was important to me to be thereto honor both he and his father, and I hope he knew that. It didn't take me long to realize that Vegas is not one of my places. It was nice to see it, but at no point did I really feel comfortable there. I would probably return if the right situation presented itself, but don't really have a desire to do so. But, I did come up with a good slogan for Vegas to use. Vegas; a naughty Disney World for rich folks.

And now summer is over. and it's back to work. I landed a job 2 days before leaving for Seattle, Which allowed me to enjoy the trip. I am teaching American History, World Geography(though that might go away), and a constitutional law class. I will miss my old coworkers but am excited about the challenges and possibilities at my new school. The school is only 12 minutes from the house so this should help lower the gas bill. It is a very urban school with a large at risk population. I've been with these kids for a week and already love them. And no, I am not worried about my safety. I haven't had any problems with the kids but I can see that some subjects that we will cover they will find extremely pointless and boring. it will be a challenge to keep them engaged all year. But I can also see that there are gonna be a lot of fun moments and a lot of breakthrough moments. I am sure I will have stories to tell. Finally, I love the way I have been treated by the administration. I know that they are committed to building a better school and I am excited that I have chosen to be on their team. The only motive I can see that this administration has is to make this school a pillar in this community and help these students achieve success in life. I certainly do appreciate that.

That should bring you about up to speed. I know I left things out, such as the adventures of mountain mike, but my little fingers are tired and I have to go teach now.

Chips Ahoy, Matey!

I think I would like to build my own wooden canoe. However, I have zero experience with such things. I know nothing about boats, woodworking, or the tools of the trade. Yet, I have been feeling the desire to build my own canoe for sometime now. There are plans for such things on the internet. It seems that if I just go step by step I should be able to do it. But, it doesn't look as easy as putting together a bookshelf out of a box from Wal-Mart. So, the question then becomes, "to build, or not to build". The other question on my mind is what would I name my pirate ship, I mean canoe? Perhaps the "Bayou Barnacle" or "Scotts Yacht" or "The Chicken of the Sea". Names are very important for this type of thing. What would Speed Racer be without he Mach 5, or Hans Solo without the "millennium Falcon", or Scooby Doo without the "Mystery Machine". As you can see I have a lot of serious questions to ponder. Any suggestions on both questions would be appreciated, that's what the comment section below is there for.

Am I UnAmerican?

I've been sitting back relaxing tonight, enjoying the MLB All-Star Game. Which makes me feel like a good American taking part in the national past time. You see, I really love baseball. I don't watch it much, but I love it. I love the game, the personalities, the ball parks, the smell of a glove, the history of the game. But I've gotten away from the sport in the last 10 years. Maybe it was the strike a few years back. Maybe it was the steroid controversies. Maybe it was not having a local team. What ever it was, I drifted away. A couple weeks ago I went to a New Orleans Zephyrs AAA game. I loved it. I had a seat about 5 rows behind the visiting dug out with a buddy of mine, enjoying a summer evening, making small talk with with the nice people around me. It was a good night, and a good game. the Z's won in the bottom of the 9th. Since then I've been watching the grand old game a little more on the television.

But there is one thing that bothers me, and I feel a little guilty admitting it, but I don't like it when they sing "God Bless America" during the 7th inning stretch. I loves me some God and I hope he blesses America. But there is nothing as American as several thousand people from all walks of life coming together to sing a song about baseball. Baseball is part of our shared American heritage. "Take me out to the Ball Game" is part of that heritage and is part of baseball tradition. Tradition is why we love baseball. What would the Yankees be with out pinstripes? What would Fenway be with out The Green Monster? What would the cubs be without another losing season? You see, those things are tradition, just as Harry Carray Always sang "take me out to the Ball Game" during the seventh inning stretch. I, for one, love it when the camera pans around the crowd and shows people who don't know each other with arms around each other swaying side to side and singing "ONE! TWO! THREE STRIKES YOUR OUT!" to me, that's proof that God has blessed America, and it's not found in a church or cathedral, but at the "Old, Ball, Game"!

Here we go again

It's time.

Time to make it happen, because it won't do it on its own.

I haven't done any real workouts in 7 weeks. Yesterday that changed. The dogs and I did a 3 mile run at the levee in 92 degree heat and lived to tell about it. The goal was just to get out the door and run a bit. Goal accomplished. As most of you can probably guess, that one run is eventually gonna lead to something. You are right. I have been making some tentative plans for some upcoming races. I'm looking at the New Orleans "Jazz" half-marathon in September and the Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa the weekend before Thanksgiving. Then possibly the St. Jude Marathon in Memphis in December and my return to the Mardi Gras Marathon in New Orleans in February or March. The only one that I might not do is the one in Memphis as it is 3 weeks after Tulsa, and I may need more time to recover, we'll see.

The important thing is that I got out and got started. When I talk to people about running, swimming, or cycling I often get the comment that they don't see how i run that far. I always tell them that the hardest part is just getting out the door. If you can get your shoes on and step into the street then you will at least walk around the block. That's better than nothing. The next day you might walk 2 blocks. eventually you will be running(or walking briskly)for 10 or 15 miles. It all starts with just getting out the door.

The problem is that we want immediate results without the work. Or as I call it, "instification" meaning we want things instantly, like rice and coffee. But some things take time, like a fine wine or Scotch. that's the way running is. First you just get moving, then you build a foundation, then you train for a goal. Yesterday I started moving, in a couple weeks I will have a foundation, and by Thanksgiving I will be achieving a goal. Feel free to put your shoes on and go for a walk, who knows, maybe I'll be trying to catch up to you soon.

2 stories for you

It's been over a month since my last post. Sorry for the delay as I know you have been checking this thing at least twice a day drooling like Pavlov's dog in anticipation of the next savory morsel I would feed you. Well, the bell is ringing and it's time to eat rover(or tralfaz, what ever your name may be).

There has been a lot going on the past month or so and there were lots of things I wanted to tell you about, but seeing as how i neglected to write them down, I don't remember all of the tales I wanted to tell. But here's one I do recall. Perhaps you remember me telling you about Lily bringing socks and stuff out into the yard and how she even brought some twigs onto the bed. Well, I knew the day was coming and it finally arrived. A few weeks ago I walked into my bed room only to find a dead bird on my bed. Lily was so proud of it that she jumped up on the bed, picked it up, and jumped around a bit with it in her mouth. I didn't know what to say, and since Lily is a dog I didn't say anything. I just went in the garage, got the shovel and scooped the dead bird off the bed. I gave it a beautiful memorial service as I tossed it over the back fence. Don't worry friends, i washed the sheets.

On a more serious note, I'm sure you all heard that Michael Jackson passed away. I know you have been overwhelmed with the media coverage so don't worry, what I am about to say isn't really about MJ. Let me begin by saying that I am a MJ fan. I think he is a musical genius and one of the greatest performers ever, but I gotta admit, dude was freakin' weird.
MJ was a major part of my childhood. The Thriller album was released when I was in the 4th grade and yes, I did have one of the pleather jackets with the studs and zippers on it. At my 5th grade graduation we sang "We are the World" which was co-written by MJ.and for years after that MJ released hit after hit that found their way into the soundtrack of my life. The day after the story of his passing was released I was driving to work work and listening to the radio. One of he morning shows was doing a tribute and at one point I did get a little misty-eyed. Then the thought crossed my mind(and the point of this post), is this what my parents felt when Elvis or John Lennon passed away. I have heard people from their generation talk of remembering exactly where the were when they heard the news(also true of Kennedy)and how they will never forget that moment. It made me wonder if I will ever forget how I get text messages from 6 different people in less than 10 minutes breaking the news to me. I don't think I was nearly as big of an MJ fan as people were of Elvis(my mom comes to mind) but I think that a piece of me died that day as well. A piece of the innocence of my childhood was erased and painted over with the reality the world we live in. We are not kids anymore and heroes do fall. Some leave behind golden legacies and others leave behind questions and accusations. good morning real world thanks for stopping by.

I suppose what got to me the most was a question that popped into my head. Is this the time where the heroes of my childhood begin to pass away? Will my heroes create new memories for me or have I reached the point where the work of my heroes is done and all that's left are the memories that have given me? MJ is gone, Nolan Ryan hasn't pitched in nearly 20 years, Van-Halen is not Van-Halen anymore, Evel Knievel is gone, John Candy is gone, Jam Master Jay is dead, The Junkyard Dog is dead, and it all makes me wonder whats next?

I guess the lesson to be learned is that it is important to leave a legacy behind. The people I mentioned above all did just that, just as Elvis and Lennon did a generation before. And just as my mothers memories of Elvis will never be taken from her, neither will the memories that my heroes and I shared. But it doesn't take being famous or breaking records to leave a legacy, it only takes a passion and love. My mothers Father passed away a year after I was born. His name is my middle name. We met, but I never knew him. However, he left behind a legacy and is as much a role model to me and example to me as anyone. I wear his name proudly just as I wear the name of my Father proudly. Because I know these men to be great men who were not perfect, but did the best they could with what they had to make sure that their families were provided for. My Grandfather was passionate about his wife and kids and none of them ever doubted that they were loved. What greater legacy is there than that. None.

I guess what I am trying to say is that while we are here we should make the most of our time and build a legacy for those who we love. A legacy they can cherish should they find themselves without us. Be passionate about what and who you love. leave this place a little better than it was when you got hear.

Do what you need to to make it happen. As for me, I'm starting with the man in the mirror.

I Was Walking in Memphis

What a great weekend! I went to Memphis this past weekend and got to got to the annual "Memphis in May" BBQ-Fest. It was fantastic. I don't know how many bbq teams there were but it was well over 300 and they were competing in various BBQ cook-offs(ex. ribs, pork shoulder, brisket, etc.) It's one of the "Superbowls" of the BBQ world and it smelled like heaven. What I did not know is that it is also a huge 3 day party. Every team has a tent set up and many of them come complete with a real bar and real bartenders. There were several 3 strory scaffolds set up complete with dance floor on the bottom, lounge area on the 2nd floor and who knows what on top. One of the highlights of my trip was watching a girl fall off while dancing on a bar. She was ok, which is why it was funny. The only down side was that I didn't get to sample as much of the BBQ as I would have liked, but that gives me a reason to go back.

I did have some very good BBQ at a place called "the Rendezvous". You know it's gonna be good when the place is in an alley. The ribs were good, the brisket was great.

*one thing to note, Memphis is a dry rub town so for those of you who are used to the wet stuff, go to Memphis with an open mind and a jar of your favorite sauce in hand.

Saturday night I decided it was time to really live it up so i went to bingo, that's right, bingo. Now, I've played some small time bingo before but this time I was in the majors. The hall was huge, the action was fast, and I was always one number from winning. But the concession stand was selling fried bologna so I'm pretty sure I'll be back. The speed round is my personal favorite. They don't call letters just numbers and it's one after the other with no pauses, ya gotta be quick on this one. It caused me to think that bingo is probably the perfect thing for old people because you really have to be thinking all the time. So it seems like a good activity to keep those elderly neurons fring and sharp. I don't know if there has ever been a study conducted but there should be.

Sunday I had a veggie pizza with canned corn on it. I've never been big on corn, as a child I hated it, but I have to admit that canned corn(not creamed corn) actually works well on pizza.

Then I drove home just in time for my housemates birthday party, which was at my house. Some one else did the grilling, I did the eating, and thanks Bern for the ice cream cake. Oh, and Sadie thanks everyone for the "this and that" that y'all gave her.

So, that was my weekend. Special thanks to my peeps in Memphis for your kindness and hospitality, I had a blast and look forward to coming back real soon.

Pleasnant Surprises

So when I Pulled up in the driveway to day I noticed a pleasant surprise in one of the gardens in front of the house. I don't know what they are but they are pretty. a pleasant surprise indeed. I moved into this house about 11 months ago. I guess these flowers had already bloomed by then. So now, 11 months into living here I found out something new about the place. Interesting, eh?

I never thought I'd say this....

.....But I am honestly bummed out right now because my yoga class was canceled tonight.

I've been looking forward to it all day(something else I never thought I'd say).

I came home from work. Took a nap so that I would be well rested, left early to make sure I didn't get stuck in traffic. Walked in and there was the sign on the door. Instant deflation. I've only done yoga twice so I really don't know why I'm so upset. I guess I see it as kind of an escape, and hour for me where nothing and no one else matters, me time, for lack of a better expression.

So I did what any down-trodden man would do. I came home and made my self a spinach salad. Leaf spinach, Baby Bella Mushroom, and dressing. A very sparse salad, but surely you didn't think it would have all the fixin's, I'm depressed remember? I wish BR had a dairy queen, that would make me feel better(Thibodaux had a DQ, that might be the only advantage it had over BR).

Alls I can say is that if pilates is canceled tomorrow I might have to burn down the"Y".

Thoughts on a Sunday Evening

I like my family, as crazy as they may be.

I think my dogs are 2 of the best things that ever happened to me. I have learned a lot about myself while taking care of these 2.

I like to run, but I don't like to run away from things, anymore.

I think Sunday night is often worse than Monday morning. It's hard to enjoy Sunday night when you are counting down to Monday morning.

I think that honesty really is the best policy.

I think that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone.

I think that Jazz Fest is freakin' awesome but is way over priced.

I think i can, I think I can, I think I can.......

I that teaching is the right career choice for me.

I think I need a vacation from teaching. just a week or so.

I would love to travel more, no destinations in mind, just see where I end up.

I would also like to travel to specific destinations like Sicily, Scotland, Germany, Spain, Machu Pichu (sp?), Japan, China, and a few others.

I wish I was more comfortable in my own skin.

I wish my skin was less fuzzy, sometimes.

I think the guy/gal that 1st mixed chocolate and milk was a genius.

I think I will keep what makes me smile the most a secret.

I think I will keep what makes me most unhappy a secret too.

I think that caller ID is killing the art of conversation. A possible future blog post?

I think that life is a series of highs and lows, twists and turns, hello's and good-bye's.

I think that life is too short and we should tell the people we love that we love them.

I think I share too much of my personal business sometimes, which is completely new as in the past I kept everything inside.

I think it's good to let things out, but not to just anyone.

I think I should do less thinking and do more doing. Don't think, just do.

I think we focus too much on our stuff. Uncle Tommy was right Friday night when he told me that all the money in the world could never buy him the happiness he had while spending a few days with his grand kids, and that no possession would ever be as important to those kids as the memory of the time he spent with them.

I think I'm gonna go sit on the porch now and watch it rain. feel free to stop by and join me. I'll save a chair for you.

"Come on Sadie and Lily, Let's go outside".
"Good girls".

Pain, pain, and more pain

Pilates ain't no Joke!

Tuesday night I went to a pilates class at the "Y" and I'm here to tell you that pilates is the real deal. I am sore in places that I never knew could be sore.

I got there about 5 minutes before the class started and found a large group waiting for the aerobics class to end. When it did they all rushed in the room to get a spot. I, however, trying to be a nice guy let the ladies go in 1st. The room was packed. I had hoped to get a spot in the back corner but because the place filled up so fast I ended up right next to the instructor. I wasn't so concerned with being next to the instructor, I was more concerned that I was now in front of the class and everyone would be watching what I was doing. It turned out to be excellent motivation. everytime I wanted to stop and rest I would remember that everyone was watching.
Truth be told, no one was watching, but I still used the motivation. I was also right in fornt of the mirror. After about ten minutes I was sweating like a beast. I glanced around the room and noticed that no one else was sweating, I tried to convince myself that it was because they were ladies and just don't sweat as much as guys. I'm gonna keep telling myself that.
My pilates partner(who was also my yoga partner)once again looked bored, but after class she admitted that she had to take a couple breaks, just as I had. That made me feel better. After class I talked to the instructor and told her it was my first time. She said I did awesome. She probably says that to everyone.
Overall it was a good experience and judging by the soreness I am feeling it seems to work. I think I'll try it a few more times to see how well ot fits into the new training plan.
I have learned a few lessons though.
1. No body cares what I'm doing(they are all trying to survive the workout themselves).
2.Arrive early and push the ladies out the way (other wise they'll do it to you).
3. Invest in a thick mat(thin yoga mats are worthless when you put them on hard wood floors).

I'll let you know how spin class turns out tonight.

Pilates=no joke