Random thoughts...or are they?

Now that I teach statistics, I'm much more aware of how people use and misuse words like random, data, and statistic. Unfortunately, it's becoming a pet peeve... I admit that I don't like being corrected when I use the incorrect tense of a word (thanks dad), but I do like sounding like I had an education. So just to be clear:

• Data is plural. So really, data ARE plural. If you're looking at a single piece of information, then it's called a datum.
• A statistic is the conclusion reached from the gathering of data. If you've ever heard the phrase "Don't be a statistic!" (think drunk driving commercials or anti-drug), it should be "Don't be a datum!"
• In order for something to truly be random, it must be fair. In order to be fair, it has to be unpredictable and each outcome must be equally likely to occur. Be careful when you say, "That was random," because it probably wasn't. (or at least as random as you might think) The title of this post is "Random thoughts..." and in it I discuss statistics and Christmas. So really I'm narrowing down all of my possible thoughts to thoughts about math and Christmas. Not exactly random.

And just as a bonus for you: If the probability of you winning something is 1:4, and the odds of you winning something is 1:4, then you're better off with the probability. There's a difference of 5% between the two.

I feel like I've said this before...

My Christmas list this year is spendy! Here's a short list for any of you rich folk who are feeling generous:

1. I want a shotgun. (with a compass on the stock!...anyone?) I got it picked out. $300.
2. I want a Sony 2.1 surround unit with blu-ray, or a Bose 3.1 surround unit. $500
3. I want my basement insulated. $5000
4. I want a Navy blue Deron Williams authentic Jazz jersey. $260
5. I want a Navy blue Greg Jennings throwback jersey. $100

Not too much to ask is it? Oh, and an iPad would be cool. You've still got 3 weeks to get these for me!

All Hallows Eve

Ok, because you reaaalllly wanted to see it, here's who Dash, Kaed and I were for Halloween.

Kaed was Rick(we blew back and feathered his hair), Dash was Higgins (see the small mustache? Or musDash?) This was one of the best costume ideas I've ever had. So if you're keeping track at home, I've been MagnumPI, Sonny Crockett, and Ren McCormak (Kevin Bacon in Footloose) over the last few years. I sense a pattern emerging. And, yes, my stache' is real.

Now, I realize I've blogged about the acting skills of the characters in Twilight before, but I had a revelation this weekend that I'd like to share with you. No, it's not that the cast of Twilight couldn't act their way out of a paper sack. I've always thought there was something vaguely familiar about Kristin Stewart, but I couldn't quite put my finger on where or why??? Then I watched Scream last weekend and I had a "lightbulb" moment that hit me like a ton of bricks. Kristen Stewart is a modern Neve Campbell. Go with me here: both were in a successful series of movies that I didn't like, both make odd facial expressions (and call it acting), both will never win an Oscar. Since Neve came first, I'll give her a little credit and say that Kristin Stewart is a "poor man's Neve Campbell".

So which guy is the poor man's David Arquette - Lautner or Pattison?

I've come to another realization as well, and I'm less proud of this one. Most AC/DC songs really pump me up. They were big at KHS when I was a student there (Shook Me All Night Long was played at EVERY dance). Even though I wouldn't let Dash listen to them for another 20 years, I contend that playing Thunderstruck before you are about to do anything will make it about 950% more exciting and fun. Think about it - you're about to make an important decision on whether or not you want to refinance your mortgage...should you or shouldn't you... weighing the pros and cons... then a crecendoing guitar riff begins playing ... badabeedabadabeedabadabeedabadabeedabadabeedabadabeedabadabeedabadabeedabadabeeda(THUN-DA!)badabeedabadabeedabadabeedabadabeedaAND HEEEERE WEEEE GOOOO! I'm pumped just thinking about it. Think of all the applications this could have in our daily lives. We should all have Thuderstruck on our phones/ipods with an external speaker for any occasion that could use a little spicing up. I listened to it right before I got out of the truck for my men's league bball game and I was ready to rock...which promptly ended when I got into the gym and realized we were playing a bunch of young athletic kids. (yah, we won, but I was hoping to not work that hard last night)

This also reminds me of the evening before the first football game of my senior year. We had dinner at Shane Dyer's house (a group of us seniors) and then watched The Program right after. The movie ended and we were pretty fired up to get our senior campaign underway. Nervous anticipation mixed with extreme excitement. I gave Dave Sneddon a ride home that night (in the orange truck) and just before we pulled out of Shane's driveway he told me to stop - and he puked! Yes, we were that excited to play. It was funny, and awesome.

Speaking of being ready to rock.... Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis Costello...? Buddy Holly?

Alright, I'm off to make a couple parent phone calls. 1st quarter is about to end and some kids need a kick in the rear.

.......badabeedabadabeedabadabeeda...(thun-DAH!)

I'm sorry....

Life is busy. It always seems to be. Right now seems to be as busy of a time for me as I've had. There's a lot of pressure at work right now too- more than I've ever experienced before. Anyway, I haven't been blogging much and I fear it will get less before it gets more. So, to the 3 or 4 of you that follow this, I'm taking the rest of the month off.

Around Veteran's Day I'll be heading down to Ft.Stevens for some crabbing with the fellas. Until then, "Keep your stick on the ice, and remember, we're all in this together."

Hit him on his 2-way

I texted Kaed (yep, he's got his own cell phone - and it's nicer than mine) this morning saying 'have a great day' and 'maybe we can carve pumpkins this weekend' and 'i love you buddy' and his response was...


"Ausume"

James 1: 2-6, 12

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he that doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. . . (verse 12) Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those that love him.

Really? Pure joy? C'mon!
Those verses were spoken at church yesterday. They've had meaning to me going back to college (simpler times) but hearing them in the morning and then going through a crummy afternoon/evening . . . it was like He knew. Imagine that.
Thanks Jesus, for being exactly who you said you are. For never leaving my side. For giving me strength. For preparing me ahead of time for things I'll face later. For Loving me. For Dash, and Kaed. For everything I have that a dollar sign cannot measure. I truly am a rich man.

And keep me safe for another season of men's league basketball, which is about to start up.

Finally, last Thursday the Butler Acres playground claimed another victim. Kaed tripped and fell and may have broken his arm. Initial x-rays were negative, but more conclusive x-rays will be taken today. Good luck Kaedster Backman! (that's what Dash calls him)

And finally, finally, a math joke: What do you call 2 standing fishermen?

Answer: vertical anglers

.25, .35 or something else?

When was the last time you saw or used a payphone?

Harv vs Dash

Dash met Harvey (Eric and Amber's new Great Dane puppy) a bit ago and they hit it off. But at some point, things went sideways....

Andy: Look at Dash and Harv. They seem to be getting along famously.

Eric: Havey No! Don't jump up on people!

Andy: It's ok Eric, Dash needs to learn how to defend himself a little . . . oh my, he knocked Dash over . . .

(*ackward silence*)

...

...

...

Andy and Eric (screaming): HARRRRVEYYYY NOOOOOOO!!!!

Hmmm...

• So, when you're home alone, do you shut the bathroom door when you use it (#1,#2, shower/bath)?
• Have you ever tried putting your pants on opposite leg first? Or tried putting your keys/wallet in the opposite pocket?
• Why do I bend over when I brush my teeth?
• Why do I find it abhorrently disgusting to share deoderant?

Lately I've been into trying to figure out why I do some of the things I do. It leads to larger questions like "why do I believe what I believe?" but I'm not looking too deeply here at this moment. Let's keep it light for now. Why do you do the voodoo that you do so well?

Yo Adrian!

Dash took quite a fall this weekend... ugh. He was running downhill on our blacktop and just got a little too far out in front of himself. I was just going to shout at him, "You better slow down buddy!" and wham-o. Face-brakes. I felt so bad for him. I mean, little kids, especially boys are always getting scrapes, bruises, cuts, etc. and Dash is certainly no different. But I was a little suprised how bad it made me feel. He's ok though. Took it like a big-boy. That's all I can ask for.

A reflection on church this weekend: We can be blessed by our past (cursed too!) but our blessing lies in our present and future. As the saying goes, "we can't live off of yesterday's blessing". It's right, we can't. There are times when I long for yesterday, but it's gone. Good or bad, it's gone. I can't get so wrapped up in things that have already happened at the expense of missing out on what is happening. Since we know what the past was, it's easier to visualize it than what our future could be. But God wants us now and tomorrow, and really cares little about how you were. If He has me now, in the now, then he's got me. And for as long as he has me (or rather, I have Him) He's got control of my tomorrow. Though I never know what tomorrow has, or even today, I take comfort in that He is with me until the end...and then some.

My Students

Some comments on my students this year...

• I love it when I see kids get dropped off in the morning, but because they have just gotten their driver's permit/license they get to drive the minivan. It takes me back to our old brown wood-paneled Oldsmobile station-wagon that was totalled twice while I was at the wheel.
• I have a freshman girl who has a huuuuge lisp. It'th ridiculouth. She's a real sweet girl.
• I have a freshman boy named Jack Hunter and whenever I can I call him "Jack Hunter: Man's Man" in my deepest announcer voice ("Here's to you..."). Or I insert his name in Chuck Norris jokes.
• I have a set of twins (but in different periods) and they are IDENTICAL. I'm sure they could switch and swap at any time and I'd never know it.
• I love (for now) teaching seniors. They're starting to get comfortable, a little, with who they are. They're cool. And they're definitely not as ackward or uncool as Freshmen(but I love that about them).
• I am overwhelmed by the number of students whose parent(s) went to school with me! I COULD BE THEIR DAD'S! NOOOOOO..... I am way too young for that. I'm not sure when or how people like Kim Pfal, Keith Dyer, Cherokee Groat, Sarah Johnston, Chad Osborn, etc. got so old so quickly, yet I have remained... (who am I fooling)

On my way home last night, an old familiar Blues Traveler song came on the radio that I hadn't heard in years. It was "Hook". And guess what? I still knew 98% of the lyrics. Remember that part where it goes into "Suck it in - Suck it in - Suck it in if you're Rin Tin Tin or Ann Boylen..."? I nailed it. It was almost as though someone was speaking it for me because I didn't know what lyric was next but it kept flowing out. Like I was speaking in tongues in the language of John Popper. Now I know what Bunny Rabbit feels like.

FB = Pandora's Box

I went on a Men's retreat with some Shekinah guys this weekend down to Bend. We golfed. The highlight was shooting a 39 on the back at Black Butte's Big Meadow course. I love Black Butte. A good time was had by all.

I also, on a whim, signed up on Facebook. Now, I don't have internet at home so I will tell everybody right now that I'll be a horrible Fb'er. But I succombed... or succame... I folded to the pressure. I'm not even sure how it works. All I know is that I will be VERY selective about who my friends are. Very. I've heard horror stories . . .

My brother Eric (and Amber) got a dog this weekend. A blue/gray great Dane named Harvard, or Harvey for short.

"Might I have a drink of your tasty beverage?" (what movie?)

I had my monthly visit to the grocery store yesterday and racked up a larger than usual bill. Thankfully I am a Safeway Club Card member and was able to save over $50! Anyway, I had a larger than usual bill but my cart didn't seem like it was overly packed. I didn't realize why until I got home....

I've always been a "drink junkie". I love juices and tasty flavored beverages. I'm a sucker for the drink aisle every time. And that doesn't include what I already have in my fridge and freezer. I don't even like soda that much! And what the heck is vanilla rice milk doing in there? (It sounded good at the time....)

Some women I find strangly attractive...

Mel B (Scary Spice)

Kat Von D

Chelsae Handler

Danielle from American Pickers

I am just as suprised as you are. I should note that this is not based on personality or character.

(Pulp Fiction)

Getting too big for his britches.

Dash was wearing Kaed's boxer-briefs the other day and he showed my mom. "Gramma look at my new boxer shorts!"

My mom: "Oh wow. They look a little big for ya."

Dash: "That's because I got a big wiener."

How do you respond to that?! He wasn't even joking! He was dead serious!

Nick and Dash

I'm getting Kaed a fishing pole and tackle box for his birthday this weekend. Don't tell him. We're gonna fish too. I can't wait. Man, he's turning 9. Doesn't seem possible that I've been around him for 8.5 years. It doesn't seem possible that my dogs are older than he is either. Here's a song from my youth that has new meaning for me:

God loves to talk to boys, while they're fishin'.

That seems to be the time boys listen best.

It's the only quiet time there is for wishin'.

It's the only time God and boys can rest.

Fish ON!

Kaed and Dash both caught their first fish in the last week. Dash caught his at Silver Lake (poles provided by the Webb family). I believe it to be a dinky little Perch. We (me and boys) camped up there overnight with some friends. It was great. Both Kaed and Dash are hooked on camping and fishing. Kaed caught 5 bullfrogs with his buddy Josh too. I love doing boy stuff with my boys!

Kaed caught 4 fish last weekend up at Summit Lake (poles provided by the Oskey family). They too were not of significant size, but the joy of the catch far exceeded thier size. He literally fished for hours. Dash took another try with fishing too but was far more intrigued with casting. (he didn't cast in our previous outing) Suprisingly, Dash got the hang of casting pretty quickly, however, throughout the afternoon/evening he just about caught each of us on the dock with him. As is the case with small children, you gotta keep an eye on him all the time. Watch out for a wormed-hook flying by your face!

FYI, Kaed turns 9 in a couple weeks and says he either wants to go fishing for his birthday or have "all his parents" take him to the beach.

A friend of mine was chatting with my grandparents the other day and my Grandpa Duane was telling her about a college he went to long, long ago - Montana School of Mines (now Montana Tech in Butte, Montana). My friend mis-heard him and thought he said the "School of Mimes" and proceeded to speak with him about it for the next few minutes. She even repeated it back to him "School of Mimes?" Gramps said "Yah," clearly not thinking for a moment that my friend thought he was a Mimer. She was intrigued, impressed and filled with wonder at the prospect that my 80 yr old gramps went to college to be a Mime, or was majoring in Mime Theatre Education (actual course). I saw what was happening right away and let it play out. I don't know what was more funny: picturing my gramps wearing stripes, beret, with a painted face, OR if there were an actual school for Mimes...what the heck would it be doing in Butte, Montana?!? I told my friend that I'd keep her name anonymous to save her from the tens of people who might poke some fun at her after reading this.

Her name rhymes with Shmarlianne Felton.

Now, for the 12 or so people that follow this blog, this will probably appeal to 2 of you. I shot the best round of golf in my life this week. An 82 at 3 Rivers. 44-38. It felt so good! I can't believe I was actually sniffing at 79. I had a 3-putt on a par 5 for Par that I'd like to have back, and I hit into water twice on the same hole for a triple that I also would like to have over. But I also hit a few shots that were out of my mind so you bet your Butte I'm pumped about it. Sadly, work starts this week for me and I doubt if I'll get a chance to get out again this year. But I ended on a high.

Quick movie review based on a 5 smiley face system:

• From Paris With Love - I liked it, not kid friendly though, good rent :):):).5


• The Bounty Hunter - Ok if you've seen every other movie, good natured romantic comedy, good looking leading roles :):)


• She's Out of My League - I love the premise (bc I'm a nerd), thought it was funny, wouldn't recommend watching it with anyone's parents :):):).5


• Hot Tub Time Machine - What a piece of crap. Mildly amusing in parts, but fairly atrocious. :(


• Clash of the Titans - modern technology made parts of this really cool, but i actually liked the original better. :):)


• The Wolfman - another remake that benefits current technology, but the story is a bit played out and I didn't like the ending. :)


• Legion - yep, I rented a scary movie. I'm a sucker for movies with angels that play key roles. For what it is, I actually liked it, but don't expect it to line up with your theology. :):).5


• Edge of Darkness - Really liked it. This is right in Mel Gibson's wheelhouse - a cheesed off dude looking for retribution. Say what you want about the guy but he makes good movies. :):):):)


• The Red Baron - loosely based on the actual guy, was ok. I don't remember a single cool part in it. :)


• Defiance - good movie, amazingly true story, needed more guns a blazing. :):):)


• Zombieland - funny/odd movie, brutal killing of zombies but that's ok bc they're already dead. I liked it. :):):).5

Next in my Queue: Date Night, When In Rome

Here's the newest member of the Mt. Brynion family. He lives just down the road a bit from us. Yes, it's an actual photo. A little lengthy on this blog but it's been a bit. Later.

Uh.... WHAT?!

This week I'm at AP Statistics training in Vancouver. This is because I'm teaching it next year for the first time. I'm sort of pumped, although I haven't done any official stats since college - which is now 11 years ago (gulp). So I get training from stat pros, and other math teachers from all over the place sit with me.

Ever feel like the dumbest person in the room?

I did yesterday. Bunch of math nerds. Today, however, I am king nerd! We talked about things right in my wheelhouse... We'll see how tomorrow goes.

Us Lemiere boys have done pretty well in math to this point. It is a source of pride to me. There is a positive correlation between level of math taken and overall academic achievement (how's that for a statistical statement - it's true btw). Of the 3 of us kids, I probably am the weakest in math, though I teach it. Nick and Eric are exceptional at it, if I may boast. I think it's like diarhea for us - it runs in our genes. Hey-O! Good luck Dash and Levi.

A lot of the math I know is not applicable to everyday life (trivial pursuit knowledge I like to call it) but I've been happily suprised at what I have been able to use. A lot more than I would have thought. I like knowing stuff even if it's "useless" bc sometimes it has use.

I am not/was not good at English in school. Reading and writing...ugh. I think my english teachers looked at me and said, "Well. . . he works pretty hard and his papers make me laugh (either because they're creative or their sooo bad). Here's a B." And if that's the case, then thanks Mrs. Delong, Mrs. Dearing, Mr. Waite, Ms. Miner, Ms. Cooper, Mr. Wheeler (jr/hi school), Mr. Clark, Mr. Alkazin (LCC), and that cute-in-a-liberal-arts-kind-of-way teacher from Texas I had twice at Concordia.

In an unrelated story, I finally felt like I got good at English while at Concordia. I don't know what I'm trying to say, but that's a fact Jack.

Wasn't that good at art either. Or penmanship, back in the day.

Have a good day.

2 quick things:

rabbits and impala.

Just kidding.

1. Do you remember high school (or middle school or grade school) as fondly as I do? I loved all of it. I don't know if I'd do it all over given the opportunity, but I definitely look back on it, college too, and love it. The friends, the teachers, the classes, the times . . . ahh the times. Probably why I teach.

2. One thing that really cracks me up, every single time, are guys who use the "no hands" approach to urinals. Excuse me for a moment lady readers of this blog. There are guys who, once they get their business out, just kind of let nature take over and go. Which is totally fine if you're outdoors, but less fine if you're trying to hit a target. That in and of itself is not so funny. What is hilarious is what the gentlemen do with their hands. One hand on the wall, with a slight body lean forward? Hands on hips like he's a Three Amigo who's about to Jump On It? Hand(s) in pocket - obvious no pool is being played. Text? I mean the options are endless and each is funnier than the next. Your thoughts?

this summer is FRESH!

At the behest of my youngest brother, a quick recap of the last month:
*a new phone (thanks Jon and Amber) - but I still haven't figured out how to send pictures to my email with it yet.... dumb me dummy.
*a new driveway (thanks folks and grandfolks)
*a new laptop (thanks me for being a teacher)
*a new, and first, nephew - Levi Nicholas Lemiere (my middle brother's first). He will henceforth be referred to as "Leviculas" (kind of like the book in the Pentateuch). He was born about 12 days ago, is very cute, and will be donning the Little Slugger outfit very soon (inside joke for the fam).
*a new half-brother for Dash
*a new 6-week tour with the band THEFT, playing lead guitar, opening for CREED - for Eric.
*back to Mayfield with Calvary Community Church's Summer Camp. I loved being back up there. Haven't done it since before Dash was born. Missed it. There will be youtube videos I will share with you as soon as they're up. This is what I'd do for a living if it were possible.
*a new sport for Kaed - football
*and lastly, a new saying of Dash's: "Howy Cow" (holy cow). For example, "Howy cow dad! That wuth totawee cool!"

That's the real quick version of what's up. Stay tuned for youtube keyword search ideas. For now, here's a couple you should see: double rainbow, death metal rooster.

#1

The new rankings just came in, and I don't know if you guys knew this but . . .

Thanks Dash.

If you haven't seen The Book of Eli yet, go do it. Or come up to my house tonight at 7:00. Very good and even a little thought-provoking.

Dash, Kaed and I ate at Stuffy's for breakfast the other day and they're having a contest for new kid's menu items. If they like your idea, they'll name it after you. I made 2 submissions: DashHash - scrambled eggs mixed with hashbrowns, topped with country gravy; The Kaedster - waffles and peanutbutter (tastes like a maple bar!) topped with fresh strawberries. We'll see... This was the quickest I've ever seen Dash fall asleep after doing some sort of activity. We'd woken up just about an hour and a half prior to the shower too. Amazing.

Up around the house there are many wild bunnies. Last weekend Kaed and I were walking in the field above my house and I saw a couple rabbits playing a very spirited game of what looked like "tag". I said, "Oh Kaed, look at those rabbits playing over there!" and sure enough, as soon as Kaed looked, the bigger rabbit mounted the smaller one and started going to town... Thanks nature.

School's out today and I've just completed my 10.3rd year. Crazy.

Don't Think I Don't Think About It

Dash had his 3 year old wellness check-up last week and he got 2 shots. He was cracking me up the whole time saying things like, "Dr. Wu where are youuuuu?" He cried for a second on the second shot but stopped as soon as saw the stickers. When the nurse left he rubbed his thighs and said, "Ugh, I hate that shot doctor." At age 3, young Dashal appears to be just under average height and weight compared to his demographic. No suprise there. Kaed is the same way.

We've got a guest speaker at church Sun-Wed this week. I really like him (Jay LaRue). Here's a couple of points in his message last night worth sharing (with my paraphrasing):

1. Dash has my DNA in him which means if we were seperated for the next 20 years, he'd still do some things like me (or look like me) because we have a lot of the same blueprints. We will be alike in a number of ways because we're the same family - I'm his dad. Now, I'm not Kaed's dad, but even by spending time with me he'll pick up on some of the things I do and choose to do them in a similar way - not everything, just some things. In short, Dash will be known to some people as "Andy's son" because he'll look and act a little (or a lot) like me (kind of scary). Kaed could as well - to a lesser extent - because of the time he has spent with me.

When will we, as Christians, be known to others as sons and daughters of Christ because of how we look to them? Just like we look like our biological fathers, when will be identified by looking like our Spiritual Father? Do our traits resemble the traits of Jesus? That's tough...but good.

2. "Don't go to church. You'll feel better about yourself. I didn't think I was a bad husband until I went to a marriage retreat. I didn't think I needed to hear about forgiveness until I found out how many offenses I was carrying. I thought I did a couple of things pretty well until I realized it was just when I was by myself. . . But I go to church because I'm not interested in the things of myself. I want the things of Christ. It's ok to let go of our flesh because we should not be self-centered or self-absorbed; rather Christ-centered and Heavenly-minded."

Nothing to revealing, but very good to hear and meditate on. Chew on it.

Class and Culture

Last night I thought I'd expose Kaed to something new and took him to Kelso High School's band/orchestra Spring concert. It went well. Parts of it were long, but overall he says he liked it and maybe will want to do it someday. I'm glad. Music has always been pretty important to me and I'm thankful for learning the violin and cello early on in life. Eric and Nick played the violin too. Let me throw a shout out to Mr. Simonsen, out orchestra teacher, who from 4th grade thru high school, had me convinced that he actually went fishing with Larry Bird.

(as soon as we walked out to the truck both of us let out huge farts we'd been holding throughout the concert....)

Ever try pulling off a "that's what she said" joke that's "clean"? They're not nearly as funny. But I did it a week ago. In one of my classes. The looks on the faces of my students was priceless. And I didn't jeopardize my career.

The last 2 nights I've woken up in the exact same position as when I fell asleep. That's some good sleep right there! It might be the first time that's ever happend back to back.

Ponderings of Great to Gross

LOST came to an end this week. I've seen every episode of all 6 seasons, and I'm sad to see it go. For the record, I loved the finale'. Did it answer every question? No. Did it ever need to? Nah. Not every one. It answered enough to satiate my curiosity, yet allow me to think in-depth about each episode - and my life. Thanks for the last 6 years LOST. I love you Jack. You did have what it takes. Locke, thank you for letting go. Kate, forget Sawyer and Jack. Pick Andy. And Desmond, "see you in another life brothah".

I watched Twilight's New Moon yesterday. . . It. Was. Awful. And I knew it going in. I'm glad I didn't attempt to read the books. The acting is below average - if you can't look sallow and drawn or mutter your lines without moving your lips, you can't have a part in the movies. Yes I saw Twilight too. It's getting worse. How can this be edifying to young people (or old people for that matter)? Edward: "I love you Bella but we can't be together so I'm going to kill myself because I don't have a soul anyway." Bella: "Edward, I'm a worthless actress who is better off dead because my soul is totally lame and I refuse to smile. Watch me flutter my eyelashes and look away . . ." Jacob: "Bella, I would never do the things Edward did to you. Unless I'm a werewolf. Oops. Look at my abs!" I'll never go for the I love you therefore I'll kill myself stories. They're too easy, too done, too unhealthy. Will I see the 3rd movie? Yep. Just to finish what I started. I'm not a quitter. (Eric has his take on Twilight on his blog - link at bottom of this page)

For someone like me who hates my fee getting touched or someone touching me with their feet, can you think of a worse idea?! I bristle thinking about it.

Apparently last night Dash was eating tacos when he stated that he had to go poop. Upon the toilet he had some loose stool and claimed, "I think the tacos gave me quesadillas."

(he meant diarrhea)

This is Dash (above) having a flex-off with Jeff Walters at Nicole's graduation party.

I have a theory that I need your help with. I believe that you can tell a lot about a guy by the length of his sideburns. Here's my theory: The longer the the sideburns, the more self-confident (bordering on arrogant) the man is. I realize that I've been sporting side-burns since my junior year in high school (off and on, but mostly on) so I am not exempt in the data collection process. My burns were longer in high school (ear length) than they are now (mid-ear length). I can't tell if I prove or disprove my theory, but I seem to see it in others. You have to be pretty self-confident to rock big burns. Now, this doesn't take into consideration guys who don't wear them or can't grow them, but just look on tv and observe the charaters who have longer sideburns. What do you think? Does it apply to tv? Real-life?

Hey man nice shot.

K-Black about to head to the dish.

Me on my deck looking out over Lexington.

Off the deck, on a sunny morning looking at Longview/Kelso and lower Mt. Brynion.

On the deck again. I get a lot of these...

Big D at one of Kaed's baseball games.

Dash likes his hair spiked up these days and asks for it.

Kickin it in my living room.

An addendum to the previous post:

Speaking of the class of 95', I've finally run out of my Cool Water cologne. I got that bottle for my birthday my senior year from Nikki Ralston. I don't wear cologne very much, obviously, but wherever you are Nikki, thank you. I will never be able to think of The Crow and not think of you. I don't think anyone has ever made me feel so instantly excited and terrified at the same time the way you did. Thanks . . . ?
Here's to High School ackwardness...

So much to say, so much to say, so much to say - B-B-Baby!

Dash has turned 3 as of May 7th. Treedemption! Terrible two's? HA! I laugh at them. He is the 3-Amigo. He's the Threeamble to His Constitution. The Tri-Tip. The little Tryke. Coincidentally, he wears 3T. Throughout history, there has always been significance attatched to the number 3. Blind Melon believes 3 to be a magic number. Significant things happen in 3's in many walks of life: Biblically, naturally, mystically, etc. I predict a big year for the 3-D. Myself too. Afterall, he's 3 and I'm 33 - that's 3 threes! Think of all the things involving 3 that are important to you (the Trinity, Jesus's death at age 33, resurrection 3 days later, body/mind/spirit, Andy/Nick/Eric, June 3rd is my anniversar...nevermind, Kaed/Andy/Dash, 3-day weekends, 3-pointers, trilogies, 3-horsemen of the apocolypse, 3 signs of the zodiac, 3 days of Hanahkah, etc. Then think of all the significant numbers that are divisible by 3 . . . Man, I could go on and on with this stuff! Look up "the number 3" on Wikipedia - sooooo coooool.
He's loving legos of the STARWARS variety these days. Which is great because I'm loving them too. I'm having a party for him this Saturday and it's going to be a zoo! Lots of people with kids around the same age as little Dashal. I can't wait. Pics and vids forthcoming...

From the middle to the end of May, seniors at Kelso High School present their senior projects. They are to last about ten minutes, include some sort of visual display and tell about themselves, their community project and their future plans. Of the 5-6 I observe every year, here's the main observation I've concluded about our future adults coming out of KHS over the last 10 years: We will never be short on veternarians or coaches.

Track season is starting to wrap up. We have 3 meets left and I've got to say that I've loved track this year. Was it because I didn't coach football this year? Was it the kids? Was it because our team was good? Was it because my role was different this season? Probably all of those things. But track was a breath of fresh air and a real pick-me up this Spring. I wasn't expecting it to be this good - not that it's ever bad. We've even had some nice weather this week . . . Gotta love sunshine.

An old friend of mine from high school came back into town for the first time in 14 years. It was great seeing you Fox. And a tip of the cap to the rest of the class of 95'.

Christian Music

Last night I went to a Night of Worship featuring Phil Wickham, Leeland, and Matt Maher. It was excellent. All three bands were excellent. Lyrics were excellent. I was very impressed. I'd heard some Phil Wickham prior to the evening (we do some of his songs at church) but I hadn't heard the other 2. I think Matt Maher was my favorite, though his set was the shortest. Come to find out, he wrote Your Grace Is Enough and As Is It In Heaven. I bought 2 of his cd's and i personally think that his album Alive Again is outstanding. Again, nice work by all three groups.

The lyrics to PW's True Love have always moved my heart and will continue to do so. It simply speaks of God's sacrifice for our sake broke His heart "the day that True Love died". It's awesome to me that instead of calling His son Jesus, he uses the term True Love. Appropriate. Kind of like the way Don McLean uses "the day the music died" in American Pie, but not nearly as meaningful. The day the music died was a sad day. The day that True Love died was sad, and beautiful and gives reason to hope. He came back you know.

The Earth was shaking in the dark
All Creation felt the Father's broken heart

Tears were filling Heaven's eyes

The day that True Love died, the day that True Love died

When blood and water hit the ground

Walls we couldn't move came crashing down

We were free and made alive

The day that True Love died, the day that True Love died

Which reminds me: when I picked up Dash from Sunday school this weekend he came running up to me and yelled, "hey daddy, Jeethuth ith awive!" (Jesus is alive - the boy lisps sometimes). He's been telling people that ever since. In fact, he asked me if we could call unlce Eric and uncle Nick to tell them that. I love Sunday school. I swear he has an innocent understanding of who Christ is that makes more sense to people than anything I could come up with.

The bridge to PW's Beautiful is pretty cool too - musically and lyrically:

When we arrive on Eternity's shore

Where death is just a memory and tears are no more

We'll enter in as the wedding bells ring

Your Bride will enter in and we'll sing

You're beautiful

I look forward to learning the lyrics to some Leeland and Matt Maher songs. I already love Christ Is Risen and Hold Us Together! I wish I was a writer. I'd be a lot cooler I think.

For your viewing pleasure...

The Ides of April

So I got my taxes done and mailed in yesterday . . .

What? Don't judge me.

And if you have to pin your stocking caps to your head (ladies) then you're doing it wrong. Hairpinning your hat to your head so it stays on?????? Really??????

Banned at School!

Once again, this blog has been blocked at KHS so I won't be posting much until becomes available again, or I have access to a computer elsewhere.

Spring Break was last week and the weather was awful! Rain, wind, and even snow. I know this because I stood out in it for track practice all week. Dash, Kaed and I did manage to sneak down to the beach for a day though and have ourselves a little "manly" excursion. We hit good ole' Ft. Stevens. The boys really liked this place because of the old Army forts and cannons. There were many finger guns being fired. I hope to go camping there this summer with them. We also saw the Peter Iredale shipwreck. Dash only needed one look to surmise that "that ship is broken".

Easter was nice. Eggs were dyed, even tye-dyed. Much food, many family, much rejoicing. I even wore a tie to church - my formal Lutheran upbringing along with my Penecostal background gets hold of me sometimes and won't let go.

I've seen a lot of movies lately. 2012 - ehhh. The Brother's Bloom - good. Underworld III - dumb. Angels & Demons - excellent. Transformers II - loved it. Ice Age 3 - awesome. District 9 - odd, but ok. The Ugly Truth - raunchy/predictible/dumb. Couple's Retreat - love Vince Vaughn. Year One - a couple laughs, but dumb. Definitely, Maybe - loved it. Inglorious Bastards - loved it. Ninja Assassin - quite possibly the bloodiest movie I've ever seen, and liked. I Love You Beth Cooper - always root for the nerds. Knowing - liked it. State of Play - good, but had it figured out early. Four Christmas's - funny (Eric and I agree that when the baby barfs on Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn starts dry-heaving... that will be Nick in a few months -"I love you but you gotta go. [heave]I can't be around it! [cough] I'm gonna do it too!").

I have a girl in one of my classes who wears glasses without lenses. Anyone else find this weird?

Quick, name five songs dealing with Easter/resurrection: . . . . Above All - Michael W Smith, Watch the Lamb - Ray Boltz, He's Alive Again - Phil Driscoll, He's Alive - Don Francisco, I've Just Seen Jesus - Larnell Harris and Sandy Patty. You cannot make a better 5.

Bored at work

Raise your hand if you think the last inch of a Tillamook Baby Loaf is a sufficient breakfast? With a glass of juice. (*raising hand*)

In high school, we're knee deep into the Age of the Ipod, which by in large, I'm ok with. But there is one trend that has me a little mixed up inside. It's when 2 guys share an ipod. One earbud apiece. The image I keep getting is when couples get 2 straws for one milkshake. I can't seem to separate them.

The Hilander Bowl and Family Fun Center is no longer, but a new bowling business has taken it's spot. It's called Splits. The resturant part of it is called Grinders. The backdoor bar is called The Tailgate. A student of mine, who has a horizontal lisp btw, made the comment, "It sounds like 3 pretty sweet strip joints."

Dash is going to his first birthday party on Saturday. It's for Colby Knudsen - who is about a month older. I don't know how he feels about it, but I'm pumped.

Spring break is next week and I'm not doing anything for it, yet anyway.

This blog is getting stale so I'm going to liven up this post with a fond recollection: In 3rd grade, Mrs. Soderman's class, Jason Roe and I brought a snake to class. I can't remember who caught it, either of us were capable, but we kept it in a big mayonaisse jar. Long story short, it escaped into the classroom when we were out at recess and Mrs. Soderman freaked! We got into big trouble - Sandlot style. Never did find that snake either. I hold to this explaination - Mrs. Soderman did end up finding it and tossed it out the window, never to be brought back again. Boys and their snakes...

Last weekend

I played in a bball tourney in Kalama (from left to right: me, Sunday, Webb, Tack, Oskey, Knudsen, Deitz, Hight, Edwards) and our team won. It was great. Played some good ball too. I shot really well but my free-throws were baaaaad. Someone suggested I see my optomitrist (I didn't spell that right did I...) but it's Jeff Tack and he was worse than me. We were the "old" guys - only one guy in his 20's.

The team we beat in the finals supposedly had some guys who played professionally overseas. They were good too....but they had 3 girls on their team?! Sometimes they played 2 at once. Granted, the gals played college ball, but still... A girl wanted to guard me right off the get-go and I promptly hit 2 3's in her face. 6-0. Sorry lady. Then she switched. I vowed to score every time I girl was guarding me - just to treat her like an equal - because that's what she wanted. Later on, I got fouled pretty hard and landed on top of a different girl and hurt her. I sort of felt bad. When I was younger, I felt ackward playing competative co-ed sports. It doesn't feel right. Not that I'm afraid to lose to a girl. But, it's . . . well, girls should play with girls and guys with guys. I don't know if the team we played thought the girls were good enough to carry their weight vs. guys or if they believed they were good enough to win despite having a few girls on the team. Either way, it was sure fun beating them. Don't get me wrong, girls can play with guys all they want, but I'm not going to give them anything or feel bad if I thump em'.

It reminds me of a joke I heard recently: "My girlfriend just wrote a paper on Post-modern Feminism. It was pretty good . . . for a girl." I can't wait to get the texts from this post...

March 14th is known as Pi day in the Math world: 3-14. Mom made pies. They were consumed (not by me). Happy Pi day.

I received a lot of texts about stocking caps from my last post. This is how you're supposed to wear them. This . . . is not: Dork.

High School Fashionista

Allow me a mini-rant on high school fashion. I already know that this will make me sound old so save the remarks.
Every generation of students has their own "cool" things they'd wear or do to make themselves look good - that would probably get you laughed out of your friend's house if you tried to pull it off today. For people my age you can probably relate to pegged jeans, Hammer pants, mesh football jerseys, neon, hyercolor, and wearing your baseball hat half-way atop your head (but still styling your hair). Totally sweet at the time, but now . . .
Today's youth is no different. I see kids all the time trying to take today's fashion trends and make them their own. But in trying to look unique and original (they try so hard sometimes) they end up looking like everybody else. Too bad they won't realize this for another 15 years. Here's a few examples of some odd fashion statements I've seen walking the halls at KHS:
1. guys and girls have taken the "high-rise baseball hat" look from my era and morphed it into stocking hats. They fix their hair and then loosely attatch the cap on the back-half of their heads. I find this very funny. They looke like one of the 7 dwarves - Dopey to be exact.
2. I've mostly seen this with guys - scarves are all the rage these days, but some fellas want to wear them around their necks like a Christmas wreath. It doesn't even touch their necks! This usually cancels out their v-neck shirts. Also very funny.
3. Tight pants are back. Which is good for some, and a very bad idea for others. I'm afraid for some folks wearing tight pants has a "muffin-top" affect.

I know there's more but those are the blatant ones that stick out to my eyes.

Living Room Photo Shoot

Dash is starting to like getting his picture taken less lately so I thought I'd snap a few just in case... The hair in the front of Dash's head still has not been cut. It simply does not grow.


He enjoys a good silly picture too.

And this is his new Dino-Sour shirt....

What word do you think he's saying when this picture was taken?