Saturday Photoshoot Continued

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I finally had some time with the onset of the weekend so I went through the remaining photos from the shoot with my cousins. There are a few other shots I liked as well, however, I don’t want to overwhelm anyone or have them think that I only talk about photography…

…I only do that most of the time.

Kenyan Night

Pin It Two weekends ago, I was up at my uncle and aunt’s house. While I was there on a photoshoot, they invited me to attend a “Kenyan Children’s Night.” This was a group of kids from Kenya who’d come to the United States and were performing at various events - several of whom are orphans.








(To hear a song the students performed and see photos taken by the Salt Lake Tribune, click HERE).

I had the opportunity to spend many hours with these children (mostly the boys as they wanted to hang at my uncle’s house because of my two older cousins whom they all thought were ‘beautiful.’).

I really enjoyed my time listening to these kids talk with their thick, rich accents and their friendly nature. One boy, Washington, would walk up to someone, put his arm around them, and steer them wherever he wanted. I watched him do this with my 17 year-old cousin who did not want to be at the event in the first place. Washington simply put his arm around my cousin, and led him off to a group which was playing a drum. Then, a few minutes later, he was getting my cousin to show him how to ride his skateboard. My cousin had no reservations about taking part in these activities and was soon having a great time, all from the gentle lead of a 13 year-old boy.

Washington also did this with me. When the singing was done and the kids had changed back into their regular clothes, he walked up to me, gently slid his arm around my shoulder and began to lead me away from the group. I had no idea what this boy was doing, but to be honest—I felt powerless. When we were a good distance from everyone else he said only two words with his rich, soothing voice.

“LaFona…Chalupa.” (by the way, those aren't their real names).

These were my two cousins. Still I had no idea what he wanted, so I asked him.

In response he pointed to the camera which hung around my neck. Again he repeated his request, “LaFona…Chalupa.”

“You want a picture of them?”

Washington smiled as broadly as Christmas morning. He then pointed at himself.

“You want a picture of them with you?”

He nodded and gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze, steering me back to the group.

“Just you and my cousins, or do you want someone else in the photo with you? Maybe one of your friends?” I indicated the other boys nearby.

Washington patted his chest with the palm of his hand. “Just me.” He said.

This kid was sure persuasive. If he’d have led me to a store and pointed out an mp3 player, I probably would have bought it for him.

We had a great night with these kids back at my uncle’s house. I’ll tell you all about the chicken incident later though…that is a story in itself.

Chilled morning

Pin It I awoke this morning feeling a distinct chill in the air of my bedroom. I’d left the window open the night before in order to capitalize on the coolness of the evening, and to give the AC system a break.

It was so cold this morning I had trouble getting out of bed. Climbing into a warm shower was like a blessing from heaven itself.

When I was ready to leave, I emerged from my home, and the bite of the morning air greeted my nostrils with more intensity than it had while I’d been inside. I fully expected to see frost covering the long blades of grass of the front yard, like carpeting shards of broken glass. It made me think reminiscently of Halloween, and felt that I should have seen decorations festooning the neighborhood and people emerging from their homes shrouded in costume.

They weren’t.

It was at this moment that I was reminded just how much I love Halloween. It is, I would have to say, one of my absolute favorite holidays.

That, and National Corn-Fritter Week.

Neighbors

Pin It The crickets chirp tonight in perfect orchestra. Their sounds are intermingled with the wind as it courses its way through the branches of the trees in the park. It’s a soothing sound as I get ready for sleep.

As I opened my window, I heard voices coming from the yard next door.

It was only a few weeks ago that my friends who’d lived there moved. Someone new must have moved in.

As the voices silent themselves, the crickets continue their song and I wonder…are these new friends yet waiting to be made?

I don’t hear a barking dog yet…so far, the outlook is good.

Saturday’s Photoshoot

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A few weeks ago, I headed for the land northward to do a photoshoot for my aunt and uncle. Here are a few of the shots I took. Granted, these are only a small sampling; just know that I do plan to post a few others when I get the chance...perhaps this weekend.

Goodnight, my fellow bloggers.

Adventures and Misadventures of What?

Pin It So, Teachinfourth…the name of your blog is “Adventures & Misadventures of Daily Living” yet you don’t post every day. Why is that? Can it really be daily adventures if you don’t blog about these experiences?

Ah, quite the astute observation my friend.

Whist I admit that I don’t blog every day, I am trying to do something a little bit different…every day I am trying to live my life. There are adventures to be had and I can’t recall how many of these I have let pass me up; usually because of something which seemed so pressing, or because of my very innate nature which causes me to hold back at times.

When I was walking up to my place of work a day or four ago, I caught my eye in the glass entry doors. I gazed back at the young man standing before me, laden down with his laptop, camera case, and a bag full of school books. I stood there for very nearly a minute…it was as if I could see beyond my reflection…into something much deeper.

As I looked back into the eyes of my unmoving reflection, I was taken with this thought, “You only have one life, and you’re only young once. You need to be living that life for all it’s worth.”

I won’t say that it was a voice which spoke, because it wasn’t…however, it was something which struck me with a harsh realization, like a gust of icy-cold wind in the middle of August. That realization was that I have not always been living the adventure known as life.

Maybe these thoughts were the result of my witnessing some of the terrible things to people around me, or maybe it was because of the feeling of my own mortality, but regardless of the reason, it hit me all the same.

You, like me, only have one life…are you living yours?

Pin It I am always on the lookout for a good song. One which I can add to my collection of favorite music. Every once and again though, I ‘rediscover’ a song I hadn’t heard in awhile. This is one of those songs which will always be up there on the list of timeless classics.



Fitting tribute as well to those who lost their lives on the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Two Tickets to Paradise...

Pin It Alright, perhaps not tickets to the paradise which Eddie Money sings about in his popular hit from the eighties; however, I do have two tickets for the show at ComedySportz on Saturday for whoever would like them. Just be the first to respond saying that you want them, and they’re yours. The show you can attend is either at 8:00 or 10:15.

I will be doing ‘Mr. Voice’ if that sweetens up the deal at all...

Good attitude from middle school

Pin It When I was in middle school I remember seeing a saying on the wall. It was right as you reached the main level of the buildings through the front doors. It read: “Life is 10% what happens to us, and 90% how we react to it.”

Those words have come back to me recently…I’m not sure why after so many years have passed from the time I walked those hallways in my youth. However, came back to me they did.

As I thought about them yesterday before I went to bed, and again this morning when I awoke, I decided to do a little investigative research. I found that this particular quote is very similar to a part of a quote by Charles R. Swindoll, an American author and minister. An expanded version of his quote reads thus:

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”

Words of wisdom to live by.

Wednesday

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You could always have acne, or fungus on your toes.

So in reality I guess today wasn’t that bad after all...

Blogs—Serials of Society

Pin It Why do I like to read blogs? Interesting question…really.

I guess you could say that I relate blogs as serials of a society. Blogs, like syndicated programs I love to watch, allow me to know more about certain characters, about their interests, quirks, and even moments of frustration and achievement in their day-to-day living. Like favorite programs, I have my favorite blogs as well. However, I look forward to reading all of the blogs on my subscription list (currently at an undisclosed number). Some of these ‘shows’ are on more frequently, while others only have a special which comes on every once and great while (ex; Yancy’s Christmas Special).

In the words of Will from the movie, About a Boy: “The thing is, a person’s life is like a TV show. I was the star of The Will Show. And The Will Show wasn't an ensemble drama. Guests came and went, but I was the regular. It came down to me and me alone…”

Blogs, like shows, have their major and minor characters…those whom we’ve become endeared to—though perhaps we’ve never before met them. They are the characters we laugh with at the good times, mourn with when there’s tragedy, and stand up and cheer for when they rise up against the odds.

You know what though? The ‘show’ would not be worth watching if it weren’t for the good times, as well as the bad. We need both to recognize the other—and to appreciate them. I never feel so good about feeling well as I do right after I’ve just been sick.

There have been times over the pasts few years when some my favorite ‘characters’ have taken a turn for the worst, are met up with insurmountable odds and trials, or quite simply, jumped in the lineup for a cancellation.

I guess I write this because I need to remind myself that a serial does not have a happy ending…at least, not yet. Sure, there are those episodes which make us feel good at the end when the credits start to roll, but there are others which leave us feeling frustrated or upset.

Just know that the writers will eventually get past that particular hurtful episode, and will get it right. But in the meantime, don’t cancel your show just yet.

You only have one first day...

Pin It One of the best parts about school today was a comment I got from a fellow blogger who said, “Those fifth graders only have one first day of fifth grade. You only have one first day of your 8th year of teaching....how cool is that?”

It got me to thinking.

I thought about it all the way to school.

When the kids came in and the day began, I said something like this; “I want to know if any of you are like me. I don’t want you to raise your hand. I don’t want you to shout out if it is the same. I just want you to think about this, and decide if we’re a little bit the same…

"Yesterday, my sister and I had dinner and I thought about school.
We watched a few episodes of “Smallville” and I thought about school.
I went to bed, thinking about school.
I stared at the ceiling for a long time thinking about school.
I think I had a nightmare about school.
When I woke up and took a shower, I was thinking about school.
I went down for breakfast and thought about school.
I brushed my teeth and made my lunch thinking about school.
As I got into my car I sat there with the engine running. I thought to myself, once you pull out of your parking space, summer will officially be over and you’ll be back at school.
I took a deep breath, I smiled, and drove to school.”

Several of the kids nodded.

“I also felt just a little bit scared and excited at the same time. Scared because today is not only your first day of fifth grade…it’s my first day of fifth grade too. I’ve taught 3rd, 4th, and 6th grades, but I’ve never taught 5th before…we’re all in 5th grade for the first time together.

“I also think that some of you are a bit scared because you are at a brand-new school with new kids you still haven’t made friends with yet.

“Some of you are scared because you don’t know where the drinking fountains or bathrooms are…or if you got lost, could your find your way back to room 18? There’s something which scares us all with not knowing where we could find a bathroom if we really needed it, after all, what if you were about to explode? I just want you to know that I know what you’re feeling because I had those same feelings too…but you know what? I know where the bathroom is now, and that makes me feel a lot safer here. We’re going to take a little tour of the school to find out where these things are, so you’ll feel better too…those of you who have been at this school for years, I’m asking you to be patient as we show the new students to the school these places—after all—you’d want to know where they were in a new place as well.”

I could go on for pages about the first day, but I won’t. There’s no need to bore you with the various and sundry details which make up an entire school day.

Suffice it to say, a comment by one of the kids summed up the day, “Whoa! It’s already lunchtime? This day has flown by!”

Time flies when you’re having fun.

'Twas the Night Before the First Day of School—Part II

Pin It It’s 9:00.

Before I know it, it will be 6:00 and I will not have slept for most of the night.

I remember last year on the night before school started; and how I was not able to find that particular place where dreams met reality.

I don’t want a repeat of that again…ever.

One would think that hitting the eight year mark would take care of before-school insomnia, and perhaps this year will be different—but to be honest, I don’t want to take that chance.

I started to look through my house to find some sleeping pills. I can’t remember the last time I used one, but I figured that tonight would be a god night to make a little preemptive strike with a little NyQuil P.M.

Still waiting for the troops to kick in.

Foreign visits

Pin It I sat in a world which was foreign to me. This was a land where the natives moved about with strange rituals—engaged in conversations which I could not understand. I simply did not know the language.

I was only a stranger here.

I would only be here for a short time.

I would not stay for long.

Welcome to Macy’s—the women’s shoe department.

My friend, Melanie, went with me ‘school shopping’ for clothes. I had to take her along—mostly because I have no objectivity and nearly always pick the absolute worst color combinations I possibly could. But, I’m a guy…one with no color sense so this is only to be expected.

As I sat waiting for Melanie to make her selections, I was taken back to a place in time going with my mother to fabric and craft stores. I remember wandering aimlessly around the said stores as a kid feeling bored out of my skull. I would rather have been dead…

Really.

I gazed about me at the other patrons. There were many others, like me, who were having just as much fun as I was. One man, sitting in a near comatose state, could have been dead. Only the shallow breathing lent to the impression that he was really still alive.

As I gazed around the department, I overhead the conversation between two girls whom I’ll surname as Marika & Shaniqua. These two girls were in the midst of a dilemma…which of two pairs of shoes would be the best. It was obvious that neither could quite make the decision as to what would be better…a shoe which was more comfortable, or one which had ‘the look.’

Finally, Shaniqua had the answer, “I’ve got it! You close your eyes and I’ll put one of each of the shoes on either of your feet. You stand up without looking at them and walk around. The shoe which feels the best, you can have that one.”

Marika agreed and they immediately set about putting this plan into action. I watched out of the corner of my eye, listening to snatches of their conversation:

Make sure you mix them up well so I don’t know which one is on what foot...
Now, no peeking...
Oh, I hope I pick the right ones…

Marika stood as the shoes were put onto her feet, and like Cinderella trying her new glass slippers before the ball, began to walk tentatively around the store. True to her word, she did not look down.

As she came back I waited to hear the verdict. It was but obvious that Marika was having quite the difficult time trying to decide which of the two really felt better. Finally, she drew out a long, belabored breath, “I think I like this one better.” She pointed down to one of her feet.

Her friend broke out laughing. “You’re wearing the same shoes!”

Marika looked down at the matching pair of shoes on her feet.

I couldn’t help but laugh at this joke which so easily fit into my own culture. It was like a breath of air which reminds you of home. It’s good to know that even when we travel to distant lands, there are universal threads which are common to us all.

But I’ll never go back.

Thanks for the help

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The past few days have been busy; much busier than usual. I have one person that I really need to thank right now and that’s Jacs.

I couldn’t have had my classroom up and ready without her.

There were several others who helped out too (Nettle, Gerb, etc.,) who all made a big difference and I wanted to share with the world their willingness to come in and help out...as well as bring free slave labor. This is not to mention all those who helped me pack up and move in the first place (I won't mention names because I'll undoubtedly forget someone and offend) Tara, Cari & the gang, Veronica, Olivasusus, Nettle, Gerb & Co., all of my past (and, at the time, present students, and all of the others who help out as well to whom I am eternally grateful... I Now watch, I probably forgot someone and now they hate me.

I just feel so fortunate to have so many people out there whom I can refer to as friends and that'll pitch in when needed. To those who helped I offer a heartfelt and sincere thanks.

And to you Jacs, thanks a million

I owe you a diet coke.

…with lime.

It wasn't funny

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I read over a blog entry this morning my cousin made about the song, “Don’t Laugh at Me” originally performed by Peter, Paul, & Mary. It reminded me of another version of this song I shared with my class last year as part of a song lyric study we do.

I listened to the song about thirty times and I still question all of the lyrics I was able to get down because of how quickly the artist sings them. However, the main point is that the message is clear…to not get our feelings of superiority or to laugh at the expense of others.

As I was looking for the video to this song to post, I came across several videos on YouTube where someone had convinced an overweight boy to dance crazily or someone was recorded doing a face-plant at the beach. Labels on these videos included things like, “Funniest Video Ever” or “This one will make you laugh!”

Sadly, they all came up when I typed in the search string of words, “Don’t Laugh.”

I remember feeling sickened as a roommate I had when I went to college was laughing hysterically at a video online, and called us all over to see what was so great. Curious, I walked over to his computer and he showed me a video of a man who decided to jaywalk. A car hit him and the man must have flown twenty feet down the street, landing in a crumpled heap on the asphalt. My roommate broke into fits of laughter saying, “Isn’t that the funniest thing ever!?”

I felt sick to my stomach. I couldn’t believe what I’d just seen and how someone could trivialize it; shrugging it all off with, “Oh, they planned to hit him like that and the guy probably knew about it.”

It didn’t matter. It was not funny.

Sometimes it shocks me because of the things we view in society today as being ‘funny,’ or the photo we have to forward because it’s just so great.

I apologize about the lyrics if you read over them and discover that they are incorrect…like I said, he sings pretty fast.

Thanks, 'J' for reminding me.

Don’t Laugh at Me
Baby Jay

I’m the one they laughing at ‘cause my glasses on
Getting’ called a geek, never show my teeth, got braces on
And I know how it is to have to cry myself to sleep
What can I do, I guess I’ll just sit here myself and I weep

Is it just me, or do the others see flaws in my appearance?
It’s good to see they always find something to laugh hysteric
Or is it ‘cause I’m last there to get chosen this round
The out-of-dated playground’s clown when this was his time

Well I guess it is the truth ‘cause you choose who you want to mess with
You want to make fun of me? Then stand in my shoes for a second
Well is it too much to ask? ‘cause I’m here to listen: don’t pass me up
Don’t have to be my friend

(Don’t laugh at me)
Don’t call me names
Don’t get your pleasure from my pain
In God’s eyes we all the same
Someday we all have perfect wings
Don’t laugh at me (uh, uh)
Don’t laugh at me

(In God’s eyes, we’re all the same)
In God’s eyes we all the same
(Someday we’ll all have perfect wings)
Someday we’ll all have perfect wings

The cost of livin’ that’s risen slapped me in criticism prison
It isn’t ‘bout who you are, or more but ‘bout what one is driven
Everyone’s lust for material riches is what really eats me up
A moment to say hello, Billy will on these streets we flow

People stare at handicapped; they kept looking for Bi-C
Had we ever met and spend when you pass out eyes never meet
I guess it’s not surprising, I’m never, it’s just like in the street
Last night I caught this bruise ‘cause I wouldn’t give up my bicycle

Because there was the fight for no reason,
I fight against the peer pressure
No beggars stealing chicken want you living for the street
Well is it too much to ask, ‘cause I’m here to listen: don’t pass me up
Don’t have to be my friend

(Don’t laugh at me)
Don’t call me names
Don’t get your pleasure from my pain
In God’s eyes we all the same
Someday we all have perfect wings
Don’t laugh at me (uh, uh)
Don’t laugh at me

(In God’s eyes, we’re all the same)
In God’s eyes we’re all the same
(Someday we’ll all have perfect wings)
Someday we’ll all have perfect wings

If we’re fat, thin, deaf, blind, short or tall
Well aren’t we all? Well aren’t we all?
So, if we’re fat, thin, deaf, blind, short or tall
Then aren’t we all? Then aren’t we all?
Even if we’re fat, thin, deaf, blind, short or tall
Well aren’t we all? Well aren’t we all?
So if we’re fat, thin, deaf, blind, short or tall
Then aren’t we all? Then aren’t we all?

Since we all have in common, don’t get your pleasure from my pain
In His eyes we all the same
Someday we’ll all have perfect wings
Someday we’ll all have perfect wings

(Don’t laugh at me)
Don’t call me names
Don’t get your pleasure from my pain
In God’s eyes we all the same
Someday we all have perfect wings
Don’t laugh at me (uh, uh)
Don’t laugh at me

(In God’s eyes we’re all the same)
In God’s eyes we’re all the same
(Someday we’ll all have perfect wings)
Someday we’ll all have perfect wings

(Don’t laugh at me)

Don’t laugh

I wanted to blog...

Pin It I want to write tonight.

I want to write about photography.

I want to tell about my classroom and how it’s coming along.

I had a nightmare last night from which I thankfully awoke.

I would tell how my alarm clock went off, but my body did not want to rise.

I’d talk about how I really wanted a Dunford Bakery maple bar this morning, but the gas station was clean out.

I would have written that my classroom is nearly finished with the help of my friend, Jaqs.

I would let you all know that Back to School Night is tomorrow, and I still have a few students’ names to memorize so I know them all on sight.

I’d tell you about two students who emailed, one of which I’ve been worried about for years but who stayed in school and is now getting into web programming; and the other who wrote just to say he missed being in my class. I’d also talk about how he’d written that he’d have surrendered his whole summer vacation to just be back in my sixth grade classroom.

I would tell of my neighbor who came over tonight for help who nearly called 911—but didn’t and was okay. After all, she didn’t fall off the ladder.

I would talk about the slideshow and DVD I made for a friend of mine.

I would talk about how I didn’t have time to work on my website.

I’d write about how I was too tired to write.

Devotion

Pin It I had seen this on billboards, but I had no idea of the real story behind the message...until now.



That is love.

I missed my own anniversary

Pin It It’s been one year, four days, and two hundred seven posts since I started blogging. It doesn’t seem like a year to be honest with you.

I didn’t even think to get myself a gift.

I’m such a jerk.

The first day...for a teacher

Pin It Today was the first day for teacher meetings. Back to school orientations. Schedules and headaches.

Really.

I went to the school today and thinking that the meetings would all start at 8:30 because that’s the time school will start. I arrived at 8:30 to find a parking lot full of vehicles and a meeting already 30 minutes into progress.

What a fabulous way to make an entrance to a new faculty and principal. I could not have planned a better introduction.

As the meeting progressed, I was feeling a tad overwhelmed. The schedule was not what I anticipated and I would need to rearrange times for a lot of my teaching…ah well, such is life.

At a break, the computer lab teacher pulled me aside and introduced herself as “Joey’s Mom.” “Joey” I’ll choose to call this student, is in my class this year.

“He’s here right now…do you want to meet him?”

I admitted that I would, as they were on a camping trip when I made home visits last week. We walked to the computer lab and Joey met me at the door.

“Hello, Joey. I’m Mr. Z. I’m going to be your fifth grade teacher.”

He shook my hand. “I know. I’m excited.”

“That’s great. We’re going to have a fun, challenging year.”

Joey looked at me, cocked his head to one side, and asked, “Are you a tough teacher?”

I looked back. “Why do you ask?”

“Well, my teacher last year was…well…” he rotated his hand in a flip-flop motion. “He just wasn’t.”

“My old students would probably agree that I’m a pretty strict teacher.” I paused. “Does that worry you?”

Joey shook his head, smiled, and rubbed his hands together. “I can’t wait!”

So tell me…should I be worried?

I got a text message today

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For those of you who know me…I don’t usually text. In fact, I hate it. It takes far too long to compose a message when you could just simply call someone and say it all in a few seconds.

Not everybody agrees with me.

As I was going about my business for the day a number came up I didn’t recognize with a text message:

Hey, it’s Mark. You up for a movie sometime this week?

Now, I’d just met a neighbor who lives three doors down about a month ago. In fact, I’d had him and his wife over for dinner on Sunday. I liked them both…they were really nice people. We had planned on meeting Sunday for a dinner group again; I was surprised that he was texting about a different day during the week. Since my weeks are starting to get busy and this was going to be a problem. Maybe I could allot some time aside during the week instead of on Sunday evening.

I texted back: Sure, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights I’m busy though.

About a minute later I got this text: How’s Friday night?

I replied: Sure. I’ll catch up with you on a time when I see you later this week for details, okay?

I was working on my photography stuff when I got yet another text from Mark: Hey, I have an extra motorcycle leather jacket that I’m giving away for free. You interested?

Okay, this guy was starting to get on my nerves. After all…we’d just met each other and already he was texting me like we were best buddies…actually, my best buddies would realize that I hate texting. I was getting a bit miffed. Each time I responded to him I was being charged $ .10 and another $ .02 for every one of his messages I read. This may not sound like much, but it does add up in the end. No, I don’t have free texting with my cell plan…don’t ask why, okay? After all, I made it clear…I hate texting.

I didn’t respond. I’d see the guy when I got home sometime…he was only three doors down…sheesh.

A few minutes later I got another text from him: Hey, let’s plan on Friday then and going to eat and then a movie.

Couldn’t this guy and his wife wait? I was really starting to get perturbed. I had a ton of stuff to do and he kept on texting. Just come over…I mean really.

About an hour later Marc came by. He came in as I was making fruit shakes, but I handed him one saying, “Hey try this” (trying to be polite). I must admit that I was feeling just a tad bit of resentment for this guy who just couldn’t wait to talk to me when both of us were home. Actually, it wasn’t a tad bit if resentment…it was a full out disliking of him.

I started to wonder if I’d made a bad decision on striking up this friendship; it was becoming alarmingly clear that I’d just made a friend with someone who was very needy and I didn’t have the time or energy to give him what he needed.

And the funny thing was that he’d seemed so normal when I’d talked to him before…

After a few minutes I said, “Friday would be fine.”

Marc looked at me, puzzled. “What?”

“Friday,” I repeated. “From your text…Friday is fine.”

“What are you talking about? I haven’t been texting you.”

I paused. “You haven’t? Isn’t this your number?”

Marc shook his head. “That’s not even the way I spell my name. I spell it with a ‘c’.

Suddenly relief washed over me like tidal waves of warmth.

Marc wasn’t psycho.

Marc wasn’t needy.

Marc was normal.

I liked Marc.

Marc was a good guy.

Now, who the heck is Mark?

UPDATE: I discovered who Mark was. You can read (and listen) here.

Friday Photoshoot - Continued

Pin It These are a few more images from my photoshoot on Friday. I still need to wait on one of the parties to finalize the proofs, but these are a few I thought they would like.

Friday’s Photoshoot

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Life has been busy for me lately. With the onslaught of the new school year as well as various other ‘items’ it has been a bit hectic. I am sure that a few of you have probably noticed how I don’t have quite as much free time as I once did.

It’s only going to get worse.

On a lighter note, I went out on a couple of photoshoots this past week. I won’t go into detail on how I know/met these people or anything else, but will instead just let the images speak for themselves.

These are a few of my favorites...

School website photo

Pin It I had to have an image on my school-housed website. The technology guru suggested a 5 x 7 photograph of yours truly; however, I couldn’t bring myself to do that. Perhaps if I were just a bit more narcissistic I would.

Instead, I designed a little photo to welcome folks to the site.

I sure do like it.

And no, I didn’t take the original photos…I don’t have any letters quite that big…