Case Closed

I found out yesterday that I have been judging people without knowing all the facts. It wasn't a nice thing to learn. As a teacher, and a parent, I feel it is my responsibility to try to figure out what people are like, especially those who would like to be friends (or more) with my children (particularly my daughters).
   
What disturbs me, is the fact that although I see sides of some people that others don't see, I have blinded myself to the fact that I don't see the whole picture either. I just assume that if a kid is a jerk in my class that they are just a jerk. But I don't want to turn into a monster either.

    
I don't want my kids to be seduced to the dark side by unworthy friends--something I have witnessed before. And I definitely don't want some guy taking my daughters out who is doing things in his life that could end up hurting them. But now I feel that I need to reassess some of my opinions.
   
I don't know if any of you have had similar experiences, but I always welcome outside opinions. Okay, no I don't, but right now, I'm open to them.

Puttin' on the Ritz

Yesterday I went north in the hopes of completing my tuxedo ensemble. The day turned into a nice day with my wife. We went to the thrift store, then out to lunch at a sushi restaurant with our oldest son, then to the tux place, and finally to a movie before heading home.

     

A couple of months ago, I found a rather nice jacket at a northern thrift store. It is double- breasted, which is my preferred style in suit coats. The only problem with it was that there were no pants with it in my size. I thought I could just wear a pair of black pants and I would be fine. That's what I did with the last tux jacket I had (also a DB style). After doing this, I was informed by my lovely wife that my pants looked brown by comparison. Oops.

      

Hence, the trip north. I found a tux store that was selling used pieces, and bought a pair of pants that match my jacket, and a new tux shirt, though I was taken back by the sizes needed in both (time to start exercising!). The result is that this Tues., when we travel south for Choir festival, I will have a full tux for the first time since I was in college.

   

That tux was used also. In fact, it had been brown, and they dyed it black. I used it in my University Choir. It cost $50 complete. It would now probably fit around one of my legs. I was quite a bit skinnier back then (that was over 20 years ago). 

    

I still want a set of tails some day, but this tux will do just fine in the mean time. And the pants are adjustable if my weight changes in either direction. Let's hope I have to adjust them INWARD!

Do You Love Me, Now That I Can Dance?

I just LOVED Delirious' and Nene's postings...

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Twice the Man I Used to Be

I was looking through an old yearbook and came across some pictures of a skinny kid who looked familiar...can't put a name to the face, though, since he's skinnier than anyone he looks like.

You can't see me in the last one, because I am in the mascot suit! THAT was school spirit!

The Magic Word

I've realized something that I forgot. There is one word that I need to use more often. It's a simple word, yet SO much is conveyed in that little message. And I can't help but wonder how much simpler my life would be right now if I could say it.
 
Now I finally am putting another post on my blog, but not a very big one. I have been SO busy lately, that I just don't have very much time on the computer. Oh well, at least I'm not bored. But if you have some special project that can only be complete if I will take my next Saturday off, or yet another evening to come over and present some story, song, or flaming-chainsaw juggling act, then I just have that one little word for you . . . .