MY LIFE AS SPINNER DUDE

Posted by admin at May 15th, 2008

There are events that I will always remember…9/11 (going to the Rancho Del Rey 24 hour fitness), Dad in my arms.   Today is no exception, however, it is a day of happiness for me, LD and all of our LGBT friends. It’s the day that the California Supreme Court overturned the ban on same sex marriage in the State of California. The emails from friends starting pouring in at about 10 am today and I’ve been watching news feeds with LD and Diego ever since I returned home. Got all teary eyed when I read the news and when I told colleagues today.

Happy? Yup!

I’ll have to practice my proposing technique and I need to get to the jewelry store to look things over.

Posted by admin at May 8th, 2008

I love my job.  The altruism that is so deeply imbedded in me becomes palpable when I see the faces of my wards light up when, “they get it”!

However, life in teacherland in our faire state hasn’t been pleasant as of late. 

California State Testing is this week.  LD celebrated by waking me to Don Ho singing, “Tiny Bubbles” and directing Diego in a modified dog hula.  Try opening your eyes to that.    I would hate to think that my students’ favorite memories from school was the time when, “Mr. SD taught us to bubble in the right answer!”.  Things that make you go hmmmmmm.

Next, some of you may know of my deep involvement in my teacher’s union.  Coupled with upcoming budget slashes to California’s education budg, I had the unpleasant task of telling a pregnant teacher whose husband had been laid off from his job, that she had been given the sack as well.  NICE! 

Where’s the pool of sorrows when you need to drown yourself?

Posted by admin at April 26th, 2008

Yesterday in Solana Beach, a retired veterinarian was attacked and fatally killed by an alleged great white shark.  While my sympathies go out to the family and friends of one of Solana Beach’s native sons, I think we need to remember that when we go in the water we are entering an ecosystem that, yes, has predators.  These predators eat things and if Homo Erectus is thrashing in the shark’s backyard….well….it’s just the chance you take.

The cry from observers and the ubiquitous press is “Hunt the shark down and kill it!”.  It’s just like out of “Jaws”.  The villagers with their boats take to the high seas to rid their once happy little hamlet of this intruder.  I disagree with this approach.

As one who takes to the sea quite often, I have  a very deep respect and understanding of the biome known as la mer.  I look at it this way.  The ocean is allowing me to be there.  Waiting between sets with LD,  the boards, the wet suits and flippers forces you to contemplate the vastness of its reach.  This epiphany humbles me.    I know the risks.  I know what’s out there.  Lord knows creatures have swam by my feet millions of times.

The E-Ticket ride on the great Pacific comes with a price.  Will I be out there again in June? Absoultely.

Rest well, Dr. Martin.

Posted by admin at April 21st, 2008

Can’t seem to shake this bronchial thing I’ve got going on.  Been hacking up my lungs all weekend.  LD is even getting concerned.  I’ll call the HealthRus and see if I can get an appointment.

Posted by admin at April 17th, 2008

The mythical hen was on to something. Picture this.

While driving home on 15-s, I noticed two red tailed hawks engaged in aerial combat. The focus of their battle soon became apparent as the remains of an unknown rodent splatted on my windshield. The Land of Make Believe soon turned to reality as I realized the mutilated head of Peter Cottontail did a Jackson Pollack on my car.

You don’t get this stuff on Animal Planet!

Posted by admin at April 13th, 2008

Had an outstanding experience last night. As many of you know, I sing with the SDMC and last night was our spring concert at the Balboa Theatre in Downtown San Diego.

This old boy still gets a big kick out of performing on a huge stage. When that curtain went up, it looked like the audience went up into the sky. WOW! I had so much fun performing last night. I LOVE IT!

I won’t go into any details as I’m still trying to take it all in from last night but I had a great time. LD and I attended the reception at the US Grant and had tad bit too much in the drinkie department.

Our show featured the cool stylings of one American Idol star named Frenchie Davis. She was a DIVA extraordinaire. We chatted a bit at the reception afterwards and she’s warm and funny and very charming. And….I GOT HER AUTOGRAPH! (squeal).

I’ll try and give more details later. ‘Til then, I’m going to laze around the place with LD and Diego.

Posted by admin at April 1st, 2008

This weekend I was at the WGI West Power Regional and saw the SCV. Their show this season features stark colors of red, black and white. The performers were costumed in period pieces from the 40’s with hair and make up to match. The boys were quite dashing in the “Cary Grant” style and the beautiful women looked like Hollywood glamour girls reminicent of Carol Lombard and the like.

The movement was fantastic. They use body and breath quite a bit to motivate them through phrases and the training and technique was quite sound. They were quite free in their body presence and could throw themselves around that floor with ease and agility. Their equipment book was very strong as well. But for my pick, it was SCV all the way. I’m still trying to figure out who is the singer in the soundtrack. Enjoy!

Posted by admin at March 31st, 2008

As a member of the TVEA, I get to attend CTA conferences. This weekend I was at the Equity and Diversity Conference in Irvine, CA. The Irvine Marriott was great. The speakers were good and LD even got to come along. Diego had a babysitter (my niece Nathalie) so off we went. Friday night after dinner, we rode the ferris wheel-gondolas at the Irvine Spectrum. This is a picture of LD as we take our journey around, and around, and around.   There was tons of free stuff (translated..SCHWAG!) that the different vendors put out.   Huh?  What?  Free Stuff?  Gimme..Gimme…Gimme!

Sunday was spent at the WGI West Power Regional at CSU San Bernardino. LD even sat in on the shows! WOW! SCV was my fave of the day. More later.

Posted by admin at March 28th, 2008

Diego went to Grandma Virgie’s house yesterday.  He did visit on Easter Sunday but returned for a more relaxed visit .  Grandma Virgie loves him!

Posted by admin at March 24th, 2008

Well of course I’m going to take our heir apparent to the beach. He has no choice really. He was a little hesistant but liked the sights and sounds of Del Mar’s Dog Beach. Lots of pups to sniff, however the wave action took a little getting used to. He’ll get the hang of it. Pic is of him romping in the sand. Is this a cute dog or what?