Elvis Vs. The Beatles

K and I have on occassion had some interesting arguements as to who was more influential in the history of rock and roll, Elvis or the Beatles. This is an interactive blog and I would like you to weigh in. Pick a side (stay off the fence) and give us some reasons. They don't have to be good reasons, just have a take.

K says that the Beatles are without a doubt more important than Elvis. She argues that every band since exhibits some Beatle-like traits. I agree that the beatles have influenced countless others but I also say that Elvis was the strongest influence on the beatles and there would be no beatles if not for the influence of the King.

OK, you can take it from here. What's your take?

Insomnia? Probably not.

So, I was laying in bed trying to fall asleep but it just wasn't happening so I figure instead of keeping Kristi(and Sadie) awake with my moving around I would come piddle on the Internet until I get really tired. I read a comment on a friends blog dealing with the Saints releasing kick returner Michael Lewis. What my dear friend said (in essence) was that it was good to get rid of Lewis because he was a throwback to the "old" Saints. "Old" meaning "losers". This hit a sore spot with me. It is true that the Saints haven't been the most successful team in NFL history and it is true that we, as Saints fans, haven't always had a lot to cheer about. But I think it is very unfair to suggest that everything from 1967-2005 was all crap. Michael Lewis, prior to blowing out his knee was one of the best and most feared return men in the league (and yes, it was a fumble). But, his release has nothing to do with him weighing down the team with past failure. The fact is that it frees up a roster spot. Reggie will return the kicks (there are others guys chomping at the bit to help in this role as well). Lewis was a returner only who never turned into a great or reliable receiver. Thus, he became a one trick pony, a great kick returning pony, but a one trick pony nonetheless. Reggie on the other hand is able to do several jobs which means the Lewis' roster spot can be used to fill a need, and yes we do have needs.
What aggravates me is that Saints fans are acting as if our history started last year. It was a great year and the future looks bright but let us not forget that we looked like crap in Chicago. Our savior of a coach called a terrible game and our anointed players dropped the ball, repeatedly.
Saints history is filled with some great players and great moments. football in New Orleans did not start with the arrival of Reggie and Drew.
John Gilliam returned the Saints 1st kickoff for a touchdown. Dempsey-record breaking kick-to win the game. Manning-do I need say anything. The dome patrol. The only time the entire linebacker corp from a team started in the prow-bowl together. We have had some great players and some not so great, but all of those guys had one thing in common-they played to win. They came up on the short end more often than not, but they still played to win. To suggest that what those men worked for means nothing is a slap in the face to a fan like me who has shared in the victories and felt the sting of defeat that Saints alums have felt. I will miss Michael Lewis, Just like I miss Dalton Hilliard and Vaughn Johnson. They were great Saints who Played Hard, who played to win. I hope we go to and win the super bowl. And part of me hopes that Fred Thomas has an interception return for a touchdown to win the game. O.k., its a very small part of me. To say that "the saints are smart to disassociate themselves people who remember the bad times" is a slap in the face to Michael Lewis, who busted his ass on every play and it is a slap in the face to every saints fan who cheered for the black and gold(see 1965-2005).

Don't hassle me, I'm on Precation

It's getting close. I don't have to go back to work until next monday (a week from today), thus I dub this my precation. The vacation doesn't start until after my final on Wednesday morning. But, at least I don't have to go to work, YEA! Wenesday we are heading up to Gatlinburg for a few days. We're gonna do some hiking and white water rafting. I love the mountains, probably even more than I like the beach. I like the fact that I don't get sand in my unmentionable places, Ha!
So, I think the fun of Myspace has worn off. It was fun and exciting for a couple of weeks but now it seems to have lost it's luster. I'm considering deleting it, the one good thing about it is that I have talked to my sister more, and since we hardly ever talk that may be reason enough to keep it. I suppose that if I contacted more people then more people would probably contact me. but let's face it, I'm a little lazy and typing on this keyboard requires work. I've also been in a funk lately and haven't felt like being social so I really have made no effort to communicate with people. But I feel better today. It's good to know that my plate has much less on it today than it has in quite awhile and it will be nearly empty after wednesdays final. Imagine that, I'll have free time. I won't know what to do with myself. Maybe I should get a hobby like spearfishing or archery or mastering the blow gun, any thing that has me doing something with a pointy projectile. Or, I can become a conspiracy theorist. I can uncover the truth that Ringo was the mastermind behind the beatles and prove that he, in fact, was both the eggman and the walrus (koo koo ka choo). Well, I can feel myself begining to ramble so I will sign off. Rambling, isn't that something people with free time do? Yea for rambling! Precation Rulz!

I heard the news today, oh boy...

I was at school yesterday and while walking down the hall I saw the coordinator of field experiences. She is the lady who assigns us to the place where we will do our student teaching. I asked a question and in answering it she told me that my placement was done. So, the winner of my services next semester (for student teaching) is Hahnvile High School in beautiful Boutte, La. Boutte is prononunced Boo-tee. So now your asking yourself, where the hell is that? Truthfully, I don't know. What I can tell you is that its across (south of) the river in St. Charles Parish. It's also nowhere close to Baton Rouge.

With all of that said, let's look at the pro's and con's of the situation.
Con's: 1. It's way far from Baton Rouge, 2. Gas is freakin' expensive.
Pro's: 1. St. Charles is the best paying parish (county) in the state. 2. St. Charles is known to hire its student teachers, particularly UNO grads. 3. It is a large school (1400 students) with excellent facilities, funding, and faculty.

But what does all this mean? I don't know. I suppose if I really wanted to teach in La. then this would be great, but I would like to move elsewhere shortly after graduation. I love La., but I love experiencing new places and after all we've been through the last few years I really want to get away and make a new beginning. On the otherhand, If we do end up staying down here for a while then this will be a great situation for me to be in. True, I'm not garunteed a job in St. Charles but it is safe to say that my being a student teacher there will certainly move me to the top of the list come hiring time. It also helps that I am a guy (makes it easier to write my name in the snow too), that I am a teacher first but willing and eager to coach and participate in other extra-curricuar activites (I mean, how often do you find someone who is diverse enough to work as a coach and head the drama department, I am a hot commodity, so I like to believe).

The one other question that we should explore is the question of relocation. Well, K and I have talked some about the idea and we are not opposed to moving closer to the metro area, especially if there is a job for her in the area. I don't mind the drive, I just don't like the fact that its an hour plus change each way, which is time I could be using to sleep, play with Sadie, Play with Kristi, go running, or work on the following days lesson plan.

At least I know where I will be now and we can start making a plan of action to survive the rest of this year. But, I'm not really gonna even think about it until we get back from Gatlinburg in two weeks. Until then I gotta survive this history class! Apparently if I don't learn it I'll be destined to repeat it!

The title of this post, as the cool people who read this blog can tell you, is a line from the Beatles song "a day in the life". It's a great song because you get three songs in one-genius. And yes, I do realize that the line in the song is I READ the news today, but the news I got was spoken so I edited it for personal use. It is my blog after all.
P.S. JB, I know I just stole your idea about lyrics as titles with the explanation in italics, but I couldn't help it. You are my blogging hero and i worship the ground you blog on.

It's Friday...

...and for most people that means the beginning of the weekend. For me, it means the beginning of the workend. You see, I work Friday-Monday nights. Not only that but I typically have nothing to do on Friday and monday mornings. This week however I have school in New Orleans on Friday, Saturday, and Monday (which happens to be Memorial day). So, I will go to class from 9-12, then drive back to BR and be at work from 4-12. It's gonna be a long-not fun-weekend. I have a book review due on monday morning and a midterm on tuesday morning. With that said, I don't have a lot of extra hours to prepare for these two events (with work and the commute) but I'm sure I'll get it done, I usually do. Then I'll repeat the pattern next weekend. The one thing that keeps me going right now is that K and I are gonna take a little vacation in two weeks. It'll be nice to get away for a while. Were going to Gatlinburg, gonna do some hiking and whitewater rafting, and of course eat lots of pancakes (it seems that Gatlinburg is like Mecca for pancake lovers). The only downside to the trip is that we're not taking Sadie. She is gonna stay with my mom and Tom, or with our neighbors, I haven't decided yet. We're talking about being away from that sweet baby for 4 1/2 days, I don't know if we can do it. We'll probably talk about her the whole time we're gone.
Someof you may know that I am on "myspace" now. I swore I'd never do it but I have. You can find me as www.myspace.com/scottgw1 My opinion of myspace hasn't been finalized yet but my rough impression is that its a good and easy way to stay in touch with friends and family and to catch up with people you haven't seen in a while. It's also good if you like independent musicians or are trying to get your namen out there(musically). But, I also think it is making or revealling how, what's the word? illiterate our young people are. Now for those of you who are freinds of mine on myspace I am probably not talking about you. I am very selective of who I let into my friends. But I have browsed through friends of friends and read some of the comments that people write and all I can say is where did we, and the educational system go wrong? That's all I'll say about hat for now, though I'm sure that there will be more on this topic in the future.
At any rate, K and I are doing fine. She's enjoying some time off right now. She's even reading for fun-some srt of novel, i can't tell if its trashy romance or not, there's no Fabio on the cover. We are trying to watch less TV and get out of the house more. I'm trying to get back into running shape but don't seem to have the time or energy to really commit to it. I won't have that excuse once this class ends. But overall things are pretty good. I just thought I would let you know what I've been up to. so, there it is. Later.

For those who may be interested

So I got all my grades in for the semester. 4 A's, 1 B, 2 C's. All I have left is one class this summer and student teaching in the fall.
I must say that I am a little suprised and sad that only two people post comments on my previous post to let me know that they read my blog. I really thought more peopled viewed it. Well, at least I have a 2 person audience, that's better than none. However, if you hadn't noticed that post then please go to the comments section and let me know that you've been checking it out.
I know there was something I wanted to write about but now I'm drawing a blank. We are gonna take Sadie to the beach tommorrow so I'm sure I'll have a good post with pictures up in the next day or two. Till then I'll try to remember what it was I wanted to write. Oh, and for those who may not have noticed, there are now 2 Sadie videos on the side bar. hte first one was just a test run but the second one has a little action to it.

Just Out Of Curiosity

So, sometimes when I'm writing in this here blog I think to myself "self, who actually reads this incessant dribble"? So I thought I would do a little test to find out. If you could do me a favor and go to the comments section below and let me know who you are I would greatly appreciate it. This is mainly for family and friends, after all, if I don't know you then what would be the point of telling me who you are, I still wouldn't know you.

Running with Kenyans, and Greyhounds

Kenya. I love running. I love the sport of running. I love watching it, doing it, talking about it. Sure, I haven't been doing it much lately, damn these busy lives we live that keep us from what we love. I love the simplicity of the sport. You just put one foot in front of the other, then you try to do it faster or longer. that's it, anyone can do it. Most people run for fitness and exercise, others run to earn a living. Some of those who do the best at it are from Kenya. This is especially true in the distance events (my particular favorites). It seems that they win every event they enter in, although occasionally an Ethiopian will win). I wish I could run as the Kenyans do. smooth stride, wicked fast pace. They make it look so easy. In 2006 I ran in the Crescent City Classic (CCC). I finished the 6.2 miles in 57:19 (57 minutes, 19 seconds). I was super excited because my goal was to do it in under an hour. My months of training paid off. While running that day I felt invincible, I swore I was catching up to the leaders. I was flying past people, I refused to be passed by anyone. But, reality is a kick in the head. The winner, a Kenyan, finished the race in 25 minutes (and some change). Yes, even though I was running wide open, he still ran it twice as fast. He was getting a deep tissue massage while I was at the half way point. He was probably on a plane back to Kenya by the time I got to mile 5 and was on his second pack of peanuts when I crossed the finish. I stand amazed at the ability of these elite athletes. I know I will never be one, but the "Battle That I love" is chasing the dream that though many may finish ahead of me, I will be able to cross the finish line with at least one Kenyan behind me.



Lofty? yes, but why dream any other way.
What is the Kenyan in your life?






Sadie has Kenyans in her life, she calls them Greyhounds (she is pictured with one below). She can't run as fast as them, as we found out Sunday on her first visit to the dog park. She just enjoys the chase and loves the dream that maybe once, just once, she'll catch one, just one. Oh Sadie, how wise you are.



This last picture is of Sadie playing with a boxer. Sadie is part boxer, part lab so she felt like she was with her people.

Sunrise, in your old hometown

When you think of being a tourist what do you think of? An exotic destination, somewhere you've never been. Well, that's what I usually think of as well. But, I found something new last week. Let me set up the scene for you. I commute from Baton Rouge to New Orleans on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I have an 8am class. So, to avoid the peak of traffic through metairie I leave the house at by 5:30am. I usually get to new Orleans a little before or a little after 7 (as long as there are no wrecks on the spillway). Last week, instead of coming straight to campus I got off the interstate(I-610) at canal blvd(as usual) but instead of taking a left towards the lake I took a right into the heart of the city. I went up canal to the river(at this point it was about 6:55), made a u-turn at canal place and then a right on N. Peters and headed into the quarter. Typically I only find myself in this part of town in the afternoon or evening and usually on a weekend. This of course means there are lots of people and activity. This is not the case at 7am on a weekday. It was quiet, the roads were still wet from the street sweepers(which according to the signs pass between 5 and 8am). I had the windows down and van-halen(or was I listening to jim croce) turned up as I finished off my bacon egg and cheese bagel. It actually smelled good as I drove around. the only sign of life were the downtown clean up crew in their bright yellow jackets and john deer carts as the power washed the side walks with a mixture of cleaner that is infused with some type of scented stuff (for lack of a better word) that has a very pleasant smell. There was no traffic, no pedestrians stepping in front of the car. If needed, i could have actually parked in the quarter. The coffee shops were open, they were pulling the chairs off the tables at cafe dumonde. Even bourbon street was clean. yes, even bourbon street was clean. it was a beautiful morning. I saw several runners making their way through the streets and down esplanade ave and assumed there must be more along woldenburg park & the moonwalk. Children with backpacks and sleep in their eyes made their way to the bus stop and street car lines.
It was as If I was being allowed to watch the city wake up. As I drove around for about 40 or so minutes I began to see a few more people, then a few more. A little more action, a few more shops open. But it was good to watch New Orleans come to life. So often we see the hustle and bustle, the traffic and the headaches that go along with living in the big city that many of us head for the burbs and we use the city as a playground. But, for most of us it's where our history begins. It's where Louis met Annie. Its where Gerard met Ruth. It's where Mom met Dad. It's Popp fountain on marconi drive. It was Saint Roch park and Melba's Ice cream, Colton and Cohn, Nicholls and Abramson. It wasn't just Mardi Gras weekend. It was birthday parties in city park and thinking storybook land was the cooler than Disney world and of course it was the "tickle bridge".
I am not so naive to say we should move back to the city, but if you ever have the chance to be there as the sun comes up, slow down, take in a deep breath, look around and see the unique treasure and beauty that is your old home town.

up to date

Hello all, I am doing well-busy-but well. I have 2 weeks left of the semster and have much work to do before it is over. Once again I let myself get behind on a few things and it snowballed into this huge mess I am now in. But, don't worry, I'll survive it. I won't be much fun the next couple weeks but fun isn't the issue-passing these classes is. After this semester I will take one class this summer and student teach this fall. I am almost done.

So, I did something I swore I'd never do. I joined MySpace. You can find me there at myspace.com/scottgw1
It's not as bad as I thought. There many pages that are young punks and hoochies that clutter my beloved internet, but it is also a good way to stay intouch with your friends and family and to reconnect with old friends. chances are that if you are reading this then I searched for you, I what what you are doing, and you should be ashamed.

I really want to go eat pizza buffet and take a nap right now but since I don't want to be in school forever, I guess I'll get back to work.
I still have a couple ideas I want to blog about so stay tuned.

p.s. I will not spellcheck here or there, i will not spellcheck anywhere.
If you don't like it heckle as you may, but I will not spellcheck anyway!

I Want the Best of Both Worlds

SO, the question has come up regarding my Van-Halen preference. As many of you mayor may not know, I am a big VH fan and have been since the 5th grade (1983/84ish). One of my most vivid elementary school memories is the day we were to go to music class and it was my turn to bring in some music for the class to listen to. I brought in the album 1984. My classmates and teacher wanted to hear "Jump", and we did. Then I told them that there was another song they HAD to hear and I played "Panama" for them. They totally loved it. 2 weeks later it was on the radio and MTV, I looked like a genius.

But back to the question at hand, which VH is better? Of course that has a lot to do with personal tastes, but I will do my best to give you my side of the argument. I tend to lean towards the original version of things as the better. Often reincarnations lack the heart of the original. Yes Kristi, I know that Garth's "shameless is better than Billy Joel's, but that's a rare case. In the case of VH I would suggest that we have are two distinctly different bands that should be judged each on the merit of their body of work.

David Lee Roth Van-Halen gave us such hits as:

1.Jump 2.Panama. 3. Hot for teacher 4. Ain't talkin' bout love 5. running with the devil 6. Unchained 7. beautiful girls 8. jamie's crying 9. and the cradle will rock. 10. You really got me now(that is a Kinks cover but is smoking hot as a VH version)

Van-Hagar (the sammy hagar years) gave us hits like:

1.Right now 2.Best of both worlds 3.finish what ya started. 4. top of the world 5. dreams 6. why can't this be love 7.love walks in 8. runaround 9. when it's love 10.poundcake.

Above are 20 songs that are all great songs in there own right that comprise one hell of a catalog, and there are many others as well.

Let me be straightforward. I prefer the old van-halen. Not because of Diamaond Dave or because I dislike Sammy. Rather it is because I like the sound, the tone of the music. It is more hard edge, more raw. That's how I like my rock and roll. The Hagar material is a lot cleaner, a lot less abrasive. It is as if the early stuff is intended for guys but with enough sex appeal in it to attract the ladies whereas the later stuff is targeting the ladies but with enough of an edge to it to keep the fellas listening.

What is most important to hardcore fans is that there is a basic VH sound that exists in both versions of the band. The voice and the message may be different but the heart remains unchanged. Most would suggest that that sound emanates from Eddie's guitar. I would suggest that The VH sound is built on the foundation of Alex VanHalens drums. Eddie has a distinct guitar sound but many have duplicated his style and to some extent it can be hard to pick him out of a crowd, but when you hear Al's drums you know your hearing VH magic. He is the Heartbeat of that sound. Now with that said, you can not understate the importance of Eddie's sound and techniques. His guitar is what separates VH from any other past or present. There is only one Eddie. Let's consider why he may the greatest of all time.

1. listen to the body of work, especially "eruption" This one solo changed the sound of rock guitar.

2. Listen to the sound of those who have come since, Eddie lives in their music.

3.When the king of pop needed a guitar solo in "beat it" who did he turn to? Eddie

4. When Marty, in back to the future, needed something to scare his dad with (in the scene where his 50's dad was asleep and he came to him as if in a dream) He put an EVH tape in his Walkman and turned it up.

5. Do you not remember the discussion between bill and ted that went; bill:"we're never gonna get Eddie van halen with out a video" ted:"we're never gonna get a video without Eddie vanhalen". and as we all know "Wild Stalyns" eventually brought peace and harmony to the world. Party on dudes!!!

So what we have learned here is that VH, in both of its forms provides us with some great rock and roll tunes. would I want to see the original lineup together again? maybe, but I'm good with two versions. i DO want the best of both worlds!

My Baby

Thursday is Sadies birthday. She will be one year old. We didn't adopt her until May 5th(Cinco de Mayo, Yes Sadie is huge in Mexico). This is her baby picture, before we adopted her.










This Is shortly after we adopted her. She is helping Kristi work on her masters thesis. She has been a blessing in our lives. We know she's a dog. But, she's our dog and is 1/3 of our family. Everyone in the family has a role to play. Sadie has made family security her job. Here she is on front porch patrol making sure the perimeter is secure. We haven't had any cats or squirrels in our yard in months.



She is wearing her "Kiss Me I'm Irish" collar in anticipation of St. Patricks day.

When we got her she weighed 8 pounds and had rickets. She is now 72 and is in prime physical condition. She has brought us more happiness and laughs than we ever dreamed. If we ever have kids they'll have a tough act to follow. Happy Birthday to my baby girl!

Better Late Than Never

Well, Mardi Gras was a couple of weeks ago. It was a great weekend, Mainly because I was off work for a whole week. Also because we got to spend time with family and friends. Tom & Jeri (seriously) Got a hotel room on St. Charles Ave which we used as headquarters for the festivities. Steve, Mary and the girls came down from Baton Rouge. Patricia, Thornton and the kids came in from Seattle AND Steve and Jeanine(Sorry J, I'm not sure which spelling you use) came in from the "Emerald City" as well. So yes, there were lots of people coming in and out. BUT, it doesn't stop there. Aunt Wanda & her posse had a room in the same hotel. This, of course means I got to see many beautiful faces from multiple sides of the family.

Speaking of Birthdays

Last wednesday I took Sadie to the vet for her 6 month check-up. Dr. Diaz said she looks GREAT. Sadie is in perfect health and is a beautiful dog (those were the words of the trained professional, but I already knew it). Sadie has been on Science Diets large breed puppy food since we got her and I swear by it. But her birthday is on the 15th and I was wondering how long I should keep her on it. The Doc said I could start switching her over to adult formula now. I almost cried when she told me that. My baby is growing up so fast. I haven't started the switch yet. I want her to stay daddy's baby a little longer.

The Piano Man

So, monday was Kristi's birthday. She turned 27. Seeing as how I am 32 I guess that makes me a bit of a stud. But, that's not the point of this post. One of her presents was tickets to see Billy Joel in concert the day after her birthday. Now, you may not know it but Billy's music has a special place in our relationship second only to the Beatles. As many of you may recall, she walked down the aisle to "She's got a way", the words of which are all true. We spent many evenings listening to Billy and talking, getting to know each other in the first few months of our relationship. His music is a major part of the soundtack of our love.

She was very excited to go, which is good because it wasn't cheap. Our seats were great. on side of the stage but very close. It didn't hurt that we could see Drew Brees on the opposite side of the stage (Kristi has a mild crush, but it helps me watch more football so I don't complain). At any rate, It was Awsome. If you get the chance to see him take advantage of it. I know he's getting a little older now and the hair is gone, but the energy is there, the piano skills are there and thank God the vocal skills are still there. It was one of the, no, the best concert I've been to. He sang all of the hits you wanna hear and some of his rarities that hardcore Billy fans would love.

It was a great present for Kristi. She smiled alot and that made it all worth it to me. But it should also be said that I am a bigger fan than she is so it was a great present for me too. I should also thank my mom. She landed us the tickets (to aid in the suprise) and with a friend of hers from work, came with us. Jeri is a crazy woman and she had a blast as well. We were happy to have her and Mrs. Cathy with us. All in all it was an amazing night. we were all in the mood for a melody...and billy had us feelin' alright.

Happy Sadie Gras!

So, last Sunday we took Sadie to the "Krewe of Mutts" parade here in Baton Rouge. These are some of the pictures we took while we were there (there are several more pictures on Kristi's blog, just click her link). It was alot of fun. There were lots of families, lots of kids and yes, lots of dogs. Sadie-head wanted to play with them all. She was really excited, probably overwhelmed, when we first arrived. She settled down after a while. She did great until a little brass band passed by, then she tried to climb on top of me. she calmed down once she saw that instead of throwing bead many people were throwing dog treats. We found a nice place to watch the parade in between to yellow labs and a yellow lab mix. It looked like we were one big yellow lab group. Sadie made several friends, we met a lot of nice people and their dogs. It was comforting to know that we are not the only ones who are obsessed with their dog. Did I mention that my beautiful wife, once a cat person, is now suggesting that we rescue a second dog. We'll talk about that after Mardi Gras passes. For privacy reasons I'm not going to say who got to know the police at the parade. Sadie and i have an understanding that what happens at Mardi Gras-stays at Mardi Gras.

We are probably gonna enter Sadie in the parade next year. she'll be the one with the "show your teets" sign. Sorry, I just couldn't pass up that joke.

HAPPY MARDI GRAS!!!!

School Dazed and Confused

Well, School has been back in session for two and a half weeks now. Last semester I got off to a really slow start and had to catch up on a half semesters work in the last two weeks. I fared well but those two weeks were rough for everyone here at the house. I told myself that I wasn't going to to that again this semester but it I am close to falling into that rut again. I think that this post will actually help me to get motivated and get off to a good start. One of the main problems is the cost of text books. I have 5 classes that require me to spend at least $100.00 each for books. Now, it is possible to by used books off the internet for much lower but I'm still figuring between $250 and $350 all totaled. As you know we don't exactly have a lot of dough to be throwing around so I am reluctant to order these books which means I am not doing all the reading I'm supposed to. You can see where this causes a problem. so, tonight I will force myself to sit here at the computer for a while and order the damned books.

I need to suck it up and spend the money. Don't misunderstand me, we're not broke or in debt, we just don't have much extra money. We can afford the books, but if I have the books then I can't use that as an excuse to not read. Those who know me are well aware that I have spent a lot of time in school. I am burned out. I am tired of it. I don't feel like it is benefiting me anymore. It was a benefit and i have learned alot, but i feel like their is nothing else they can do to prepare me for my career as an educator. But, there are requirements I must meet so off I go twice a week from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. I am taking 16 hours this semester. that's actually the fewest i have taken since the spring of 2005 (15). I can handle the classes, they are not hard by any means. I just don't have the motivation I need right now to get the work done.

What I have mentioned so far seems a little negative so let me assure you that I will not fail these classes ( I know that's what you were thinking). I am scheduled to do my student teaching in the fall. After this semester I have 2 classes to take this summer. I have already complted my education classes and all of my upper level social studies classes (minus 1 history class that I'll take this summer, I've made an A in every college history class I have ever taken<>

The problem here is that I am ready to start teaching. It is my passion and I am excited abouted it. So much so that I can't focus on what I am doing now because I am looking past now and into the future. I need to focus on the task at hand and take care of this semester. I'm just ready to be done. Don't worry, I'll get it done. I feel better already. maybe i could send Sadie to school for me, she likes books. She's even eaten several of them!

The Saints go marching in and we will go marching on!

So, I just wrote this really nice blog entry about he Saints season and the great effect it had on the city and the region. But, when i went to spellcheck it all went away. I am too aggravated to recompose it It would lack the emotion that the original had so let me just sum it up.
the Saints had a great season and have inspired all of us in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region. It may just be a football team to others around the country but down here the team isn't just the guys you see on the field, its the grandmother at home yelling at the TV, it's the little kid who wears his Deuce jersey to school and breaks the uniform code, It's the college professor who won't count students absent the day after the big monday night game. Its a team of thousands who live and fight for each other. If your not apart of it you will not understand what I am writing. But for those of you who are near to it you know that as go the Saints, so got the weather, finding money in the dryer and the crime rate.
This season manythings were changed and the saints were winners. That "never say die" attitude (thank you Walter Payton) has carried over to the citizens of the region and those currently displaced. The Saints have built a soild foundation on which to build for next year and we will continue to rebuild our homes, our schools, our business, our lives. But not the way it was. Like the Saints we will clean house, work hard, and build a winning city and region.
If you know what it means to miss New Orleans, then get to work and bulid the home of your dreams.

In the above post i used the word bulid instead of rebuild because the slate is clean and to rebuild implies i return to what was. I favor a return to what should have been and now can be. If at first you don't succeed, tear the damn thing down and build a better one.

Christmas and the Saints

I was one of the lucky ones who got to go to the Saints playoff game against the Eagles. The catch was that I had to sit with my mom. She is actually pretty cool to sit with. She knows a good bit about the game and will voice her opinion when she feels the need. It was a very enjoyable evening. But you can tell that 40 years of losing takes a toll on a person. The Saints were leading by 7 with about 9 minutes left in the 4th and the Eagles were driving. Our seats were in the upperdeck in the endzone. the Eagles had the ball third and one at the 5 yard line. Everyone in the dome is standing and screaming in support of the defense. I turned to my left only to see my mom sitting down watching the game on the jumbo screen. I asked what she was doing and she said she didn't want to see the Eagles score. "This is the playoffs woman, get up and support your team" was my reply. she did and Scott Fujita made a great stop forcing the Eagles to kick a feild goal. As we all know the saints won the game. Maybe it was that one extra voice. Everyone down here in the New Orleans area is buzzing about our boys, even Sadie is showing her spirit.

We went to Oklahoma for a couple days after Christmas to see my Dad, Janet, Stephanie "Q", and Poppy. It was fun. Tulsa may not be Vegas or any thing but it is a nice town-and clean. We were there during a warm spell between two blizzards. we only had to wear coats one day. Its a long drive and was Sadies first experience with long distance travel-11 hours. Prior to this her long was only an hour and a half. She did great. She only got fidgety when were delayed by a wreck outside of Norman Ok. I think they flipped over the "Sooner Schooner" and it took some "Cowboys" (OU/OSU joke) to get it rolling again. Every one was doing well. Dad and Janet took a liking to Sadie, they were probably sadder to see her go than Kristi and I. My dad (57) even got down on the floor to play with her. I had to take a picture because i am not even sure if there is a picture of him playing on the floor with one of his kids (kidding).

What I have learned over the last few weeks is two things.
1. There is nothing as important as family. Even if you don't see them or talk to them as often as you should, they are still a part of you. Love them, tell them you love them,show them you love them. try to see them more and be a part of each others lives. This goes for parents, siblings, children, grandparents, cousins, aunts& uncles, steps, halves, in-laws and outlaws. and with all of that said.........

2. All you can do is be you and do what you can with what you have. You can't make other people do anything or feel a certain way. you can't please everyone.

My very own Cujo!

Here are some pictures of Sadie and her play date with the dog next door. His name is Osiris "The Virus". Usually they run up and down the fence chasing each other. But, we occasionally like to let them play together. Osiris is about 15-20 pounds larger than Sadie but as you can see from the pictures, Sadie is the boss. The first picture is my favorite, like a shark attacking with her eyes rolled back in her head. They are actually very friendly. Both dogs are as sweet as could be. But, as you can see from the last picture (Osiris is leaning against the fence) Sadie is the undisputed ruler of the neighborhood, and daddy couldn't be prouder.