23rd student. Burno--- you know her.
As is anything with Ms. Burno, dinner was business. She had myself and her friend Tom over for supper. I don't actually ever call it supper, I was just sick of saying dinner so much.
Tom is Day 21. I have met Tom on a number of occasions now. Here is why Tom is cool: 1. He went to Illinois State. 2. He has good stories. 3. Knowledgeable guy. So knowledgeable, I bet he wouldn't have to double check how to spell knowledgeable like someone I know. Can't forget the e before the a. I swear that just doesn't look right. 4. Not afraid to utilize Texas' firearm policy.
Back to point 3. Tom is a principal here in San Antonio. The purpose of this business meal was to give me some pointers on my phone interview. Tom's down to earth and gave me some real good advice. We'll see just how good it was on Friday when I found out the results of the interview.
Seriously though, it was a cool night. Good people, a homecooked mean, real living room furniture and cable television--- they had to drag me out of the place.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Day 20: Spalding Tennis
Day 20. We're half way home. I need to confess I've eaten meat every Friday.
I feel better already.
I need to tell you about a group of basketball fans we met Saturday night at Howl at the Moon. Yes, I understand I'm using the same day as two separate days, but please re-read my opening. I'm not perfect.
Going to a nice bar with a group of six good looking girls, I only had one thing on my mind--- meet some guys to talk basketball with.
That I did. Enter Spalding. Yes, Spalding. He, his son, and his son's friends traveled from near Topeka to go to the games. His son's name was Matt. His friends were Kyle and Ryan. The three of them went to Kansas. Here's how you remember names: associate them with people you already know by that name. I.e./e.g/Latin abbreviation Matt (Clark: my brother's name) Kyle (Singler: Duke basketball player, fitting for March Madness talk) Ryan (Singler: not actually a real person any of us knew, we were just having a hard time coming up with one). And Spalding Tennis. Easy enough.
Cool, cool guys. Basketball smart. We discussed how if the Morris twins of Kansas could control the game in the post, Kansas would walk by VCU. We agreed if VCU stayed hot shooting 3's, it would be a different story. As we later found out the next day, it was indeed the different story they feared.
Sorry Kansas didn't get past the Rams, fellas. However, I hope you enjoyed San Antonio and had a safe trip back to Kansas--the Sunshine State.
I feel better already.
I need to tell you about a group of basketball fans we met Saturday night at Howl at the Moon. Yes, I understand I'm using the same day as two separate days, but please re-read my opening. I'm not perfect.
Going to a nice bar with a group of six good looking girls, I only had one thing on my mind--- meet some guys to talk basketball with.
That I did. Enter Spalding. Yes, Spalding. He, his son, and his son's friends traveled from near Topeka to go to the games. His son's name was Matt. His friends were Kyle and Ryan. The three of them went to Kansas. Here's how you remember names: associate them with people you already know by that name. I.e./e.g/Latin abbreviation Matt (Clark: my brother's name) Kyle (Singler: Duke basketball player, fitting for March Madness talk) Ryan (Singler: not actually a real person any of us knew, we were just having a hard time coming up with one). And Spalding Tennis. Easy enough.
Cool, cool guys. Basketball smart. We discussed how if the Morris twins of Kansas could control the game in the post, Kansas would walk by VCU. We agreed if VCU stayed hot shooting 3's, it would be a different story. As we later found out the next day, it was indeed the different story they feared.
Sorry Kansas didn't get past the Rams, fellas. However, I hope you enjoyed San Antonio and had a safe trip back to Kansas--the Sunshine State.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Update
Also on Sunday, the dancers were back.
Again, ridiculously similar to my weekend dance, but still not the same.
I got the scoop on their names. I took a picture because I knew I wouldn't remember.
Also, I wanted to apologize for being behind these past couple of days. I have some more stuff to post, but need to go get ready for my first ever real job interview in the morning. Should be exciting. Hopefully my next post will be about my new boss.
Again, ridiculously similar to my weekend dance, but still not the same.
I got the scoop on their names. I took a picture because I knew I wouldn't remember.
Also, I wanted to apologize for being behind these past couple of days. I have some more stuff to post, but need to go get ready for my first ever real job interview in the morning. Should be exciting. Hopefully my next post will be about my new boss.
Day 19: Madness Part 2
So about these markers I needed to borrow from Katie....
I will admit two things: 1. I had Katie draw the letters in pencil for me. (Thank you). I colored at least. 2. Even after both of our hard works, I forgot the sign in my car on Friday night.
It was out in full force for Sunday afternoon. However, CBS is apparently against catchy signs and they didn't make it on the tube. Hi anyways Mom. Sorry it's not national television. And dad... seriously.
For those of you with a television, you know how great the game was. VCU upset Kansas. Ridiculous. Awesome, but ridiculous. I totally had Butler and VCU playing each other in the Final Four. Not.
I will admit two things: 1. I had Katie draw the letters in pencil for me. (Thank you). I colored at least. 2. Even after both of our hard works, I forgot the sign in my car on Friday night.
It was out in full force for Sunday afternoon. However, CBS is apparently against catchy signs and they didn't make it on the tube. Hi anyways Mom. Sorry it's not national television. And dad... seriously.
For those of you with a television, you know how great the game was. VCU upset Kansas. Ridiculous. Awesome, but ridiculous. I totally had Butler and VCU playing each other in the Final Four. Not. Besides the great game, I again had the opportunity to meet a lot of cool people. I met--you guessed it-- an older couple who were also shopping for some seat upgrades. They sat and discussed the games from Friday for a bit and asked what I was doing and where my mother was. I dropped the student teaching spiel on them and how I was from Illinois. The woman was from Des Moines and I told her how my brother had gone to Drake. Small, small world sometimes.
Next I met a younger couple. The boyfriend and I were shooting the breeze about the game and life. He too asked what was with the sign. Again, the world is small. His girlfriend actually taught and lived in Chicago for 4 years.
If you ever have a chance to go to any NCAA March Madness games, please do so. It is an unbelievable experience. Even more exciting than the game is the atmosphere. With bands and fans going absolutely nuts for 2+ straight hours, it is something you will not soon forget.
Also, if you ever get the chance to meet new people, do that also. It is enjoyable to hear people's stories and why they are in San Antonio/wherever they are in their lives. People have a lot in common, and often skip the chance of finding it out.
Don't skip your chance.
Day 18: Don't Call Her Kim
Kimberly, Katie's friend, came in town for her spring break. You remember her--Chicago Bar that wasn't so Chicago. I made the early mistake of calling her Kim. That didn't fly.
Kimberly also teaches, so she'll be super rich someday, too. Booya!
While she was here, a group of us decided to head to Howl At The Moon. It's a cool piano bar down on the RiverWalk. This past weekend was a great time to be in San Antonio. It's a cool city as is, but when you add in thousands of basketball fans from around the country, it's even better.
Kimberly also teaches, so she'll be super rich someday, too. Booya!
While she was here, a group of us decided to head to Howl At The Moon. It's a cool piano bar down on the RiverWalk. This past weekend was a great time to be in San Antonio. It's a cool city as is, but when you add in thousands of basketball fans from around the country, it's even better.
Left to right: myself, Katie, Kimberly, Laura, Ashley, Kim, Mrs. Joe
It took awhile to train the camera how to take a picture with no one holding it, but we got it. I'm just now noticing the floral theme. Well done, girls.
Anyways, Kimberly was cool, as all of our guests have been during our time in Texas. She even put up with me when I needed to borrow some markers from Katie at 1:30 in the afternoon and she had to wake up early. Thanks, Kimbo.
Floral clothings, howling at the moon, college basketball.
Big weekend.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Day 17: Madness
The Southwest Regional of the NCAA men's tournament is here in San Antonio. I decided I'd buy a ticket to the two Sweet 16 games and the Elite 8 game as well. I had big aspirations of the high seeds making it here (I'm looking at you Notre Dame, Purdue, and Louiville). As we all know, Cinderella is most busy in March and upsets do occur. Thus, I found myself preparing for a Kansas/Richmond, VCU/Florida State game. I realized I had never been to a Division I basketball game before. (This is only half true: I have been to a few Illinois State games, which technically is Division I, but.... well, let's be serious). The excitement of all of this culminating into one big day of basketball had me downtown 4 hours before the game started. Minor mistake, but I'm glad I made it.
I parked near La Villita, which is a cool little 'village' of Mexican shops. I have been here before, but this trip I bumped into some Mexican dancers. I watched mostly in confusion at the nimble moves of this man in the hat. I wasn't sure what it was for, but I assumed it had something to do with it being Friday. That's when I met Katie. She worked at the shop we were outside of and she told me these people live in Mexico and are the ones who make a lot of the stuff in the shop. They had driven here to perform for the weekend. The name of the city they are from is eluding me right now, so I will get back to you. She said the dances are spiritual things, similar to rain dances or sun dances.
Close on the Friday thing.
After roaming around the city for a bit, I headed to the Alamodome to wait for the doors to open. While waiting, I met two very nice older couples. They were very nice looking people--very put together, not in jerseys and t-shirts like everyone else. I wouldn't have labeled them basketball fans. After talking with them, I found out they weren't really. Ironically though, they traveled to two cities each year to watch college basketball games during the tourney. They said it was mostly just an excuse to travel with friends and enjoyed the people watching. One of them women used to live in Champaign, Illinois, when she was young. One of the couples was from San Antonio, and the other from North Carolina. While chatting with them, two older men sat down on the other side of me. I began thinking I was not at the game at all, but at a Bishop's Buffet.
The gentlemen proudly wore Richmond Spider t-shirts. I asked if they had traveled from Virgina and they indeed had. One of the men had worked at the University of Richmond for 20 years and 2 of his children graduated from there. His other son graduated from VCU. I learned the Richmond and VCU campuses are only about 5 minutes away from each other. (Sidenote: my favorite thing about Richmond was when the cheerleaders would shout "We are!" and the fans would respond "U R!" Get it? We are. You are. But it's also the abbreviation for their school? Genius).
The doors finally opened and we all began walking away-- some faster than others. I wished all of them luck and they did the same.
Inside the game was AWESOME. It was a very small crowd for the number of seats they had. This, of course, due to the fact small, underdog schools from very far away had made it here. An entire section of seats was emply right next to the tunnel from which the players came and left the court. I decided to hop over there and have a seat. I was not disappointed. I felt 8 years old again slapping the hands of college students-- all of which were younger than me. Also exciting was the scuffle between Kansas and Richmond before their game. Another sidenote: Richmond had originally asked me to dance in their huddle, but for security reasons, I had to stay in my seat. (I have a video of this, but it won't let me upload it? Try again later).
Besides just the players and coaches, a lot of cool media people walked feet away from me. The names included people like Kansas and NBA great Danny Manning. Steve Kerr called the game with Marv Albert. I had the chance to shake Steve's hand at the end of the night. Pretty nice guy. Craig Sager was also there. Craig is a sideline reporter known for his crazy dress antics. My first impression of Craig was "Wow, what a jerk." He was literally standing right below me and I yelled his name to say hello. He didn't even give me the time of day to turn around. Later in the evening I met another fan at the game and we talked about Craig's purple suitcoat. The fan said to me, "Hey did see Craig Sager and his coat? That guy's crazy!". That's when it hit me. Earlier when I thought I was yelling his name, I was actually calling him Marv Albert. I had gotten the two mixed up and was calling Craig by the wrong name. It all made sense now. I wouldn't respond to someone yelling "Hey Marv Albert" either. Later, I said hi to Craig again and he happily greeted me. Now the impression was, "Wow, I'm an idiot."
Anyways, sitting by this now infamous scuffle tunnel, I caught a lot of TV time. Thanks to my new pal Craig "Don't call me Marv" Sagert, I was able to be in the background of a couple of his interviews. After the game I found this website that was ragging on Craig's tie selection of the night. Thankfully they didn't say anything about the good looking guy wearing the yellow tank top in the background (me).
All in all, the day was awesome. I met a ton of great people and had a blast watching basketball. The best part is, I get to do it all over again Sunday for the Elite 8. This time I will be fully prepared with correct names.
Day 16: Chicago, Texas
So Katie's friend, Kimberly, came in town. The three of us decided to head out to start the weekend.
Three people from Illinois hanging out in Texas, there was only one place to go to: Chicago Bar. I know, super creative.
This place was actually pretty cool. According to the two Chicagoans, the place was actually nothing like the real Chicago, but whatever. It was your typical bar-like setting, with mostly rock and rap music playing. People were hanging out, conversing, and watching basketball. All super cool things.
Suddenly the mood changes with the song. Somewhere between watching basketball and having a good time, I hear a John Mayer song come on. Don't get me wrong, I really like John Mayer, but I was confused as to why I was hearing him at this junture in my life. The answer became more-than-clear when I looked towards the juke box. A couple had selected the song and were now slow dancing in the middle of the place.
This was by no means the place I would expect to see a John Mayer slow dance break out.
I looked on with a wrinkled brow wondering if this was actually happening. I thought surely I was dreaming and was the only person witnessing this. Katie then told me the people next to us were also enjoying this show of romance. Indeed they were. I went and sat with these fellow onlookers and asked if any of them would like the next dance. We laughed and talked for a minute to forget about the awful movie scene that was unfolding before our eyes.
Their names were Michelle, Rock (yes, his parents did that), and Anna. We only chatted for a minute and I didn't have my camera. Katie and Kimberly can vouch for all of this happening though.
I am glad they were there to meet. But I am most glad there were there to share in this awkward moment of public affection.
Keep being normal, Michelle, Rock, and Anna.
Three people from Illinois hanging out in Texas, there was only one place to go to: Chicago Bar. I know, super creative.
This place was actually pretty cool. According to the two Chicagoans, the place was actually nothing like the real Chicago, but whatever. It was your typical bar-like setting, with mostly rock and rap music playing. People were hanging out, conversing, and watching basketball. All super cool things.
Suddenly the mood changes with the song. Somewhere between watching basketball and having a good time, I hear a John Mayer song come on. Don't get me wrong, I really like John Mayer, but I was confused as to why I was hearing him at this junture in my life. The answer became more-than-clear when I looked towards the juke box. A couple had selected the song and were now slow dancing in the middle of the place.
This was by no means the place I would expect to see a John Mayer slow dance break out.
I looked on with a wrinkled brow wondering if this was actually happening. I thought surely I was dreaming and was the only person witnessing this. Katie then told me the people next to us were also enjoying this show of romance. Indeed they were. I went and sat with these fellow onlookers and asked if any of them would like the next dance. We laughed and talked for a minute to forget about the awful movie scene that was unfolding before our eyes.
Their names were Michelle, Rock (yes, his parents did that), and Anna. We only chatted for a minute and I didn't have my camera. Katie and Kimberly can vouch for all of this happening though.
I am glad they were there to meet. But I am most glad there were there to share in this awkward moment of public affection.
Keep being normal, Michelle, Rock, and Anna.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Important Note
Two very good men that I know, Grandpa Faust and Roger VanDeheede, are both battling with their health.
Grandpa Faust has been taken to Peoria, Illinois, to further examine bleeding on his brain. From what I've heard, preliminary diagnosis is good, and it may not take surgery to repair.
The Fausts, Brickners, and other extended family are great people. I have been friends with Mike Faust and Doug Brickner my entire life. Their families are all awesome. I have been to many family gatherings and holiday parties with them. If the world had more Fausts and Brickners, it would be a much better place. Grandpa Faust espeically is a great guy. He is always quick with a handshake and asks how my family is doing.
Roger VanDeheede is the grandfather of another childhood friend, Jacob VanDeheede. Roger is in the process of recovering from gullain barre which is a disorder that attacks one's nervous system. I remember Roger always bringing all of us kids Whitey's Ice Cream malts at Seton School. He, too, is an outstanding guy. One of Roger's sons, Jim, and his wife Lynn, were teachers at my high school. Jim was my health teacher and Mrs. V was my guidence counselor--both very awesome people as well.
It is sad that bad things happen to such good people. Undoubtedly, the strength of both families with pull them through these trying times. I wish both of you a very speedy recovery. You are in the thoughts and prayers of many.
A handshake and Whitey's malt to the both of you!
Grandpa Faust has been taken to Peoria, Illinois, to further examine bleeding on his brain. From what I've heard, preliminary diagnosis is good, and it may not take surgery to repair.
The Fausts, Brickners, and other extended family are great people. I have been friends with Mike Faust and Doug Brickner my entire life. Their families are all awesome. I have been to many family gatherings and holiday parties with them. If the world had more Fausts and Brickners, it would be a much better place. Grandpa Faust espeically is a great guy. He is always quick with a handshake and asks how my family is doing.
Roger VanDeheede is the grandfather of another childhood friend, Jacob VanDeheede. Roger is in the process of recovering from gullain barre which is a disorder that attacks one's nervous system. I remember Roger always bringing all of us kids Whitey's Ice Cream malts at Seton School. He, too, is an outstanding guy. One of Roger's sons, Jim, and his wife Lynn, were teachers at my high school. Jim was my health teacher and Mrs. V was my guidence counselor--both very awesome people as well.
It is sad that bad things happen to such good people. Undoubtedly, the strength of both families with pull them through these trying times. I wish both of you a very speedy recovery. You are in the thoughts and prayers of many.
A handshake and Whitey's malt to the both of you!
Day 15: My 23rd Student
This is Ms. Burno. She is my cooperating teacher here in San Antonio. According to sources, she is the one "in charge" of the classroom.
When I began in San Antonio, there were 22 students in the class. Since my arrival, two have left. There is no direct correlation between my arriving and their leaving per se. Per se I just found out is also Latin, meaning "in itself." These Latin people made up a lot of catchy phrases or abbreviations that I love to misuse.
Anyways, Burno here has been both a teacher/example for me, and also my 23rd student. It seems anytime I am teaching and finally get the kids settled down, she strolls in and riles them all up again. She is a kind lady but God, I would have to call her parents every day if I had their contact information. This picture was taken after she was done harassing me with countless questions and repeatedly raising her hand and shouting out. Even when you raise your hand, you have to wait to be called on. Come on.
In all seriousness, I would be dead without her. The only things keeping me alive here in San Antonio are care packages from my parents and Kristyn, the weather, the pool, and having Burno to vent to about the class. They are one of a kind and somewhere deep, deep down I will miss them when I am gone. But Sweet Lou, they are a handful.
Besides being the most patient lady I've ever met, she has also been a ton of help in the job search. She's been giving me a lot of tips for my phone interview on Wednesday. She even recorded a lesson for me to send to the school. I am confident that her shaky camera work will be a great help in landing a job.
So to Ms. Burno--- you have greatly sped up my balding process, but I sincerely thank you for taking me under your wing. It has been a great experience so far and I am glad to have the opportunity to work with you. Thanks again, and can I have next Monday off?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Day 14: Ryan van Gogh
Usually when I meet people for the blog, it is spur (San Antonio pun intended) of the moment and I find myself having to explain why I'm asking the questions I am. The worst part of all is the picture. If I were these new strangers, I'd probably say no and run far, far away. And as I've learned, even when they agree to a picture, it can turn into an awkward video that makes us both look foolish. Struggles aside, the blog is a lot of fun.
Occasionally, I have had "blog opportunities" fall into place. I.e. Joe Joe Huff. I.e. today's blog-- Ryan.
For the record, I couldn't even tell you what i.e. is an abbreviation for. I'm fairly sure it's something along the lines of "example for."
Literally just looked that up. Wow. I.e. is Latin for id est which means 'that is' or 'in other words.' E.g. is Latin for exempli gratia which means 'for example.'
One could argue they're almost interchangable. I'll stand by my previous i.e. usage.
Ryan is Liz's cousin. (Liz the accepted Packer fan from Wisconsin). Stick with me here. Ryan flew down for a visit--quite the theme as of late. Ryan is also from Wisconsin and originally went to school in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is now going to a UW affiliate in Wisconsin. Fact about UW schools he told me: They are soon-to-be out of existence. He told me of all the hoopla with the current name change and the effects of it. Effects with an e is a noun. Affects with an a is a verb.
Ryan was a laid back dude. He asked me how exactly the blog worked. I told him I usually just harass people at work or offer them donuts on their way home. He was doing neither, so I was pretty much out of ideas. I told him I liked to ask the person what the most interesting thing about them is. He was quick to answer to this--in a unique way. He pulled back his hair and fiddled with his ear. That reminds me---Ryan was also big into music and possibly religion/philisophy studies as he continued with college.
Back to the deal. He literally takes off his ear! I would never openly admit to accidentally using the bathroom in my pants even if I did, but I will say I came pretty darn close at the sight of this. The fun rolls on.... Ryan tosses me the ear. I catch it. What else was I going to do? Drop it? That's his ear!
My face asked all the questions I was pondering in my head. And Ryan swiftly answered what I didn't know how to ask. He told me how he was born without one ear. He has this (still-in-my-hand-at-the-time) prosthetic ear instead. To be fair, I've never seen a prosthetic ear before, but this was definitely the most realistic one ever.
My mind was blown. Ryan was cool. He showed me something I didn't know about. And he was nice enough to fly all the way down to visit his family. That's what I'm talking about.
Occasionally, I have had "blog opportunities" fall into place. I.e. Joe Joe Huff. I.e. today's blog-- Ryan.
For the record, I couldn't even tell you what i.e. is an abbreviation for. I'm fairly sure it's something along the lines of "example for."
Literally just looked that up. Wow. I.e. is Latin for id est which means 'that is' or 'in other words.' E.g. is Latin for exempli gratia which means 'for example.'
One could argue they're almost interchangable. I'll stand by my previous i.e. usage.
Ryan is Liz's cousin. (Liz the accepted Packer fan from Wisconsin). Stick with me here. Ryan flew down for a visit--quite the theme as of late. Ryan is also from Wisconsin and originally went to school in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is now going to a UW affiliate in Wisconsin. Fact about UW schools he told me: They are soon-to-be out of existence. He told me of all the hoopla with the current name change and the effects of it. Effects with an e is a noun. Affects with an a is a verb.
Ryan was a laid back dude. He asked me how exactly the blog worked. I told him I usually just harass people at work or offer them donuts on their way home. He was doing neither, so I was pretty much out of ideas. I told him I liked to ask the person what the most interesting thing about them is. He was quick to answer to this--in a unique way. He pulled back his hair and fiddled with his ear. That reminds me---Ryan was also big into music and possibly religion/philisophy studies as he continued with college.
Back to the deal. He literally takes off his ear! I would never openly admit to accidentally using the bathroom in my pants even if I did, but I will say I came pretty darn close at the sight of this. The fun rolls on.... Ryan tosses me the ear. I catch it. What else was I going to do? Drop it? That's his ear!
My face asked all the questions I was pondering in my head. And Ryan swiftly answered what I didn't know how to ask. He told me how he was born without one ear. He has this (still-in-my-hand-at-the-time) prosthetic ear instead. To be fair, I've never seen a prosthetic ear before, but this was definitely the most realistic one ever.
My mind was blown. Ryan was cool. He showed me something I didn't know about. And he was nice enough to fly all the way down to visit his family. That's what I'm talking about.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Day 13: Donut Feel Nice To Meet New People?
Oh my gosh, what a corny title. I was struggling for ideas.
Today was not actually a rockin' day. Seldom things get me down in this world. Angry people are one of them. I have unfortunately encountered a couple of them the past couple of days. I just can't understand how people can go through life living such grumpy, unfriendly lives. Especially when we are constantly seeing images of disaster like that in Japan or tragedies of our soldiers begin sent away from their homes. We're incredibly lucky to even live in such a country and have a lifestyle in which we are able to complain about gas prices rising or a struggling job market. It is unfortunate to take things for granted. But that is all I will say about that.
Because....
It's people like this that erase the negativity of others.
First of all, I went to HEB Grocery for some essentials. And when I say essentials, I mean orange juice, cheese, pork chops, and another dozen glazed donuts. I'm strolling into the place and who do I see? You guessed it: Jose! We shook hands like the friends we've been for a week and half and talked for a minute. He had just gotten off work and was gearing up for a 10k in Austin this weekend. He also told me about how his friend had updated his entire website. Even cooler than before, check it out [again]. http://www.josemunozrunning.com/ Awesome.
Anyways, I am stoked about these donuts, and I was due for one of those Tommy Boy days at the girls' place. So I headed there after properly putting away the OJ, cheese, and chops. My spirits are back up because I have a donut in one hand, and a box of eleven more in the other.
Problem: Gate ahead is locked, requiring at least one--if not both-- of my hands. As I begin to put down the box of donuts, a friendly fellow apartment goer enters stage right. Or possibly left. Where are you sitting?
He punches in the gate code and the donuts stay fully entact. I thanked the guy for opening the gate for me and he nodded. I then realized I probably didn't need all remaining eleven donuts for myself and offered him one. He declined and I kept walking---a few steps ahead of him.
Then suddenly I heard, "Maybe... I try." I was pumped to see the guy had changed his mind. I opened the box and then told him about the blog and the quest to meet new people. I asked him his name. He had a very heavy accent and told me he was from Italy. His name was Andrei. Andrei was a helpful dude who was enjoyable to talk to. My favorite part of the conversation was when I asked him how long he had been in San Antonio.
"8 months.... I think." It was nice to finally meet someone as lost as I was.
Another enjoyable part of this brief run-in was trying to take a picture. My hands were covered in glazed and no one was around to take it for us. I thought it was on photo-mode when this took place...
It also captures the donuts which was the key to any of this happening. You're the man, Andrei. Enjoy the States and I wish you many more glazed donuts.
Today was not actually a rockin' day. Seldom things get me down in this world. Angry people are one of them. I have unfortunately encountered a couple of them the past couple of days. I just can't understand how people can go through life living such grumpy, unfriendly lives. Especially when we are constantly seeing images of disaster like that in Japan or tragedies of our soldiers begin sent away from their homes. We're incredibly lucky to even live in such a country and have a lifestyle in which we are able to complain about gas prices rising or a struggling job market. It is unfortunate to take things for granted. But that is all I will say about that.
Because....
It's people like this that erase the negativity of others.
First of all, I went to HEB Grocery for some essentials. And when I say essentials, I mean orange juice, cheese, pork chops, and another dozen glazed donuts. I'm strolling into the place and who do I see? You guessed it: Jose! We shook hands like the friends we've been for a week and half and talked for a minute. He had just gotten off work and was gearing up for a 10k in Austin this weekend. He also told me about how his friend had updated his entire website. Even cooler than before, check it out [again]. http://www.josemunozrunning.com/ Awesome.
Anyways, I am stoked about these donuts, and I was due for one of those Tommy Boy days at the girls' place. So I headed there after properly putting away the OJ, cheese, and chops. My spirits are back up because I have a donut in one hand, and a box of eleven more in the other.
Problem: Gate ahead is locked, requiring at least one--if not both-- of my hands. As I begin to put down the box of donuts, a friendly fellow apartment goer enters stage right. Or possibly left. Where are you sitting?
He punches in the gate code and the donuts stay fully entact. I thanked the guy for opening the gate for me and he nodded. I then realized I probably didn't need all remaining eleven donuts for myself and offered him one. He declined and I kept walking---a few steps ahead of him.
Then suddenly I heard, "Maybe... I try." I was pumped to see the guy had changed his mind. I opened the box and then told him about the blog and the quest to meet new people. I asked him his name. He had a very heavy accent and told me he was from Italy. His name was Andrei. Andrei was a helpful dude who was enjoyable to talk to. My favorite part of the conversation was when I asked him how long he had been in San Antonio.
"8 months.... I think." It was nice to finally meet someone as lost as I was.
Another enjoyable part of this brief run-in was trying to take a picture. My hands were covered in glazed and no one was around to take it for us. I thought it was on photo-mode when this took place...
It also captures the donuts which was the key to any of this happening. You're the man, Andrei. Enjoy the States and I wish you many more glazed donuts.
Day 12: The Roots
San Antonio really has been a great time. I have indeed met a lot of people since I've been down here through school, and now have met a lot of people because of this goofy blog. I feel it truly necessary to have my next post be about the people I came here with. As a whole, I did not know them that well--if at all-- to begin. But now through our teaching trials, have all grown a bit closer.
I also went to my first ever Spurs game awhile back with some of them. And who would ever forget their first Spurs game?
Whether is be first time NBA games, reminding me of assignments minutes before they're due, or just letting me watch Tommy Boy at their apartment due to the complete lack of furniture and cable television at mine, they are a great group of people. I am glad I have had to chance to bond with them over these first 10 weeks, and I look forward to the memories that come in the last 6.
From left to right: Ashley, Tony, Laura, Liz, Kim, Katie. (not pictured: Alana, or as I just decided to begin calling her-- Mrs. Joe).
I like all of them for a lot of reasons, but the easiness of spelling their names is top 2.
Liz and Ashley are both from Winona State in Minnesota. Ashley is a Vikings fan so I knew she was in from the start. Liz likes the Packers which left me skeptical, but she really came around.
Tony is from Michigan. But he's a bro so he was a lock. He also does cool things like play musical instruments, grow facial hair, and lease nice automobiles. Someday, I would like to try all three of those things.
Laura, Kim, Alana Mrs. Joe, and Katie are all from Illinois State. I had classes with both Kim and Alana before coming to San Antonio. I think we all enjoyed the mind-boggling instruction of a Dr. Clements. He hails from Australia. I'll get back to you on his first name. You gotta Google him. Awesome guy.
Laura turns outs to be friends with, or at least acknowledge the presence of , my 9 roommates from last semester. Thus, we had hung out a few times before coming down. Classy lady, has a cool cowboy hat.
I had never met Katie at school, but she is the only one at Leon Valley with me here in San Antonio. I can say without doubt she has been the sole reason I have known about upcoming observations or homework assignments. I will forever be in her debt.
Whether is be first time NBA games, reminding me of assignments minutes before they're due, or just letting me watch Tommy Boy at their apartment due to the complete lack of furniture and cable television at mine, they are a great group of people. I am glad I have had to chance to bond with them over these first 10 weeks, and I look forward to the memories that come in the last 6.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Days 10-11: Mad Dog
The excitement didn't end in Houston.
A couple of my best friends from home called and told me they were considering making a trip to San Antonio. I reminded them that San Antonio was in Texas and it may take them quite awhile to make this planned trip. They paid no attention to the 17 hours that separated us and departed. Along with them they brought a couple of their friends.
A couple of my best friends from home called and told me they were considering making a trip to San Antonio. I reminded them that San Antonio was in Texas and it may take them quite awhile to make this planned trip. They paid no attention to the 17 hours that separated us and departed. Along with them they brought a couple of their friends.
From left to right: Shawn, myself, Mad Dog, Tommy, Thomas
Thinking back on their visit, I wish I would have taken an 'after' picture of all of us. This was Thursday, the day they arrived. Two and a half straight days of hanging at the pool later, we were all fried. Instead of buying practical things like sun screen, we opted to spend our money on fast food, ice, and sodas to keep our cooler full. We weren't complete pool bums, as we did mix in a lunch on the River Walk and an educational trip to the Alamo. But yes, the other 97% of the time was spent by the pool watching basketball and quoting the movie "Tommy Boy." It. Was. Awesome.
Keeping with the overall trend of the blog, Mad Dog was the key to meeting a new person. All of the guys go to Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. I had never met Mad Dog before. He is a year younger than us and plays soccer with Tommy and Thomas. I found out later Mad Dog wasn't his real name, it was Jonathan. But that doesn't roll off the tongue as well as Mad Dog, so let's stick with that. Mad Dog is a cool kid and it was awesome to be hanging with home friends in Texas.
I awarded the boys 2 days worth of blog for a couple of reasons. First of all, they spent nearly two days in drive time to and from. The least I could do is give them two days in the blog. Secondly, I did meet Mad Dog. That's a real, new person.
The guys just left tonight-- Saturday. We packed up their car and said our goodyes. I felt like a proud parent sending my four boys off into the big world. Upon returning inside my apartment and actually being able to once again see the carpet, I was glad to know they weren't my sons, just friends. No offense guys.
And get this---
A few hours after they left here to head home, I get a call from Shawn. While they were driving, a truck in front of them lost control and rolled over. The guys pulled over and ran to help. In what looked like a pretty awful crash, they were relieved to see a man climb from the window (the car came to a stop tipped over on the passenger side). However, the man said his wife and daughter were still inside. Again, they were relieved to see a young girl pop her head out the windown too. They then went to help the wife out of the car who was in passenger's seat. She, too, was unharmed and they successfully got her out of the car. By this time EMT and firefighters had arrive and the boys took off.
In a world that often pegs young people as inconsiderate and immature, here is a great example of four young men that are the complete opposite. They spent over 34 hours in a car (probably a really, really smelly car by the end of it) just to visit a friend in Texas. Then they stop and run to the aid of a family who has just been in an accident, never asking for acknowledgment. As I'm sure that family is too, I am thankful to have these guys in my life.
Thanks for coming, keep driving safe, and I'll see you in the Land of Lincoln in a few weeks.
Days 7-9: Houston Hiatus
Are you kidding me?!
March is an awesome month. Few reasons: 1. The weather starts warming up (irrelevant when you're in Texas, but you reading this know what I'm talking about). 2. March Madness. 3. Spring Break.
Let's touch on point 3 a little more. As a student, I have always loved Spring Break. You get an entire week off school to hang out with no stresses of work. Now that I am student teaching, I see how much more teachers look forward to it than their students. The idea of sleeping in for an entire week straight was mind blowing to me.
So let's take it back to Day 7-- Tuesday. I drove from San Antonio to Houston to visit some of my family. My mom's cousin, Mike, lives in Houston with his family. The last time I had seen my cousin Mike was 4 years ago at my Great Grandma Mert's funeral (Yes, the same Grandma Mert whose TV trays now serve as living room and dining room tables in my apartment). Mike has two sons, Nick and Matt. I hadn't seen them since I was 11 at a family reunion. It was awesome to hang out with everyone and catch up on things. Besides catching up with my family, I also had a chance to meet a few new people. My cousin Matt and I played basketball with some of his friends and other people at the park. It was around the point when some of the kids started talking about their prom plans that I realized how old and incredibly sore I was. I also met my cousin Nick's girlfriend, Kate, who is actually from San Antonio. Kate and Nick told me about a lot of great places to check out while I'm in the area. They are frequent visitors of San Antonio and we have plans of a play date at Six Flags. Boom shock a locka.
Day 8-- Mike's mom, my Great Aunt Sharon, lives about 45 minutes from Mike in some place known as the "Woodlands." She told me one of George Bush's daughters lives there, if that does anything for you. Anyways, Sharon is great. She came by and took me downtown Houston. She hadn't been there herself in over 10 years. It made for an interesting trip. I spent most of it trying to figure out how to work Mike's GPS system while Sharon just kept saying "Well this is new" and "I think we go this way." A bit of traffic and confusion later, we were fully exploring the city. We checked out a lot of cool things like Minute Maid Ballpark where the Astros play, Reliant Stadium where the Texans play, the huge Medical Center, and other great places downtown.
Sharon then took me to the Galleria. It's a huge, huge, huge mall downtown. We ate lunch and talked about odds and ends of things. Sharon was telling me her and her late husband, Don, used to run a coffee shop in the mall. She told me how she met a few famous people that came in the store throughout the years. She said the likes of Sly Stalone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and even some of the L.A. Dodgers were customers of the store. With customers like Sly, Arnold, and some baseball players, I began to question of they were really selling steroids and coffee was just a cover. She swore she was clean. She's family--I'll take her word for it.
March is an awesome month. Few reasons: 1. The weather starts warming up (irrelevant when you're in Texas, but you reading this know what I'm talking about). 2. March Madness. 3. Spring Break.
Let's touch on point 3 a little more. As a student, I have always loved Spring Break. You get an entire week off school to hang out with no stresses of work. Now that I am student teaching, I see how much more teachers look forward to it than their students. The idea of sleeping in for an entire week straight was mind blowing to me.
So let's take it back to Day 7-- Tuesday. I drove from San Antonio to Houston to visit some of my family. My mom's cousin, Mike, lives in Houston with his family. The last time I had seen my cousin Mike was 4 years ago at my Great Grandma Mert's funeral (Yes, the same Grandma Mert whose TV trays now serve as living room and dining room tables in my apartment). Mike has two sons, Nick and Matt. I hadn't seen them since I was 11 at a family reunion. It was awesome to hang out with everyone and catch up on things. Besides catching up with my family, I also had a chance to meet a few new people. My cousin Matt and I played basketball with some of his friends and other people at the park. It was around the point when some of the kids started talking about their prom plans that I realized how old and incredibly sore I was. I also met my cousin Nick's girlfriend, Kate, who is actually from San Antonio. Kate and Nick told me about a lot of great places to check out while I'm in the area. They are frequent visitors of San Antonio and we have plans of a play date at Six Flags. Boom shock a locka.
Day 8-- Mike's mom, my Great Aunt Sharon, lives about 45 minutes from Mike in some place known as the "Woodlands." She told me one of George Bush's daughters lives there, if that does anything for you. Anyways, Sharon is great. She came by and took me downtown Houston. She hadn't been there herself in over 10 years. It made for an interesting trip. I spent most of it trying to figure out how to work Mike's GPS system while Sharon just kept saying "Well this is new" and "I think we go this way." A bit of traffic and confusion later, we were fully exploring the city. We checked out a lot of cool things like Minute Maid Ballpark where the Astros play, Reliant Stadium where the Texans play, the huge Medical Center, and other great places downtown.
Sharon then took me to the Galleria. It's a huge, huge, huge mall downtown. We ate lunch and talked about odds and ends of things. Sharon was telling me her and her late husband, Don, used to run a coffee shop in the mall. She told me how she met a few famous people that came in the store throughout the years. She said the likes of Sly Stalone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and even some of the L.A. Dodgers were customers of the store. With customers like Sly, Arnold, and some baseball players, I began to question of they were really selling steroids and coffee was just a cover. She swore she was clean. She's family--I'll take her word for it. Day 9-- It was my last day in Houston. Mike, Nick and myself had an 8:30 AM tee time. For those of you not familiar with bowling, tee time means when you start. So, it was an early morning. Not very Spring Break-like, but definitely worth it. They are members at a super nice country club, so I found myself in a pair of khakis at a location not called "work." It was an odd feeling, but I played through the distractions. It had been awhile since I played a game of golf and had completely forgotten the goal was to stay below 100. After our round, we had lunch. I did much better at lunch than I had out on the course.
It was an awesome trip to Houston. It's always nice to be with family and catch up. Thanks for the southern hospitality and I'll see you at Six Flags.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Work Stoppage
The talking heads of the NFL have inspired me to have a blog-lockout over the next couple of days. I just realized I have been posting my blog for free to anyone who wants to view it. Until we can agree that I should be receiving billions upon billions of dollars for this job in which I only sit behind a computer and occasionally put together a few coherant sentences, I can no longer agree to writing it.
Just kidding.
I am actually on a 3 day hiatus in Houston visiting some family. My great aunt Sharon lives here along with my second cousin Mike and his family. It has been a relaxing couple of days which have already included time by the pool (which I hadn't had in over a day), visiting downtown Houston, and Texas-sized BBQ dinners. Tomorrow I am golfing with Mike and his oldest son, Nick, and then heading back to San Antonio. Full Day 7 and 8 posts will be made.
Before I leave, I'd like to take a minute to acknowledge an amazing feat that isn't seen often enough in today's world. My beautiful parents, Buster and Kelly, just celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary on Tuesday. I have barely been able to tolerate my own self for 22 years-- how they were able to put up with another person for longer than that is beyond me. They have done it with patience, class, honesty, and above all love. They are a fine example of what marriage and life should be about-- happiness. So here's to you Mom and Dad. May you enjoy 26 more years after this, and 26 more after that. Remember though, at some point those years will be in a nursing home, so don't say I didn't warn you.
Just kidding.
I am actually on a 3 day hiatus in Houston visiting some family. My great aunt Sharon lives here along with my second cousin Mike and his family. It has been a relaxing couple of days which have already included time by the pool (which I hadn't had in over a day), visiting downtown Houston, and Texas-sized BBQ dinners. Tomorrow I am golfing with Mike and his oldest son, Nick, and then heading back to San Antonio. Full Day 7 and 8 posts will be made.
Before I leave, I'd like to take a minute to acknowledge an amazing feat that isn't seen often enough in today's world. My beautiful parents, Buster and Kelly, just celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary on Tuesday. I have barely been able to tolerate my own self for 22 years-- how they were able to put up with another person for longer than that is beyond me. They have done it with patience, class, honesty, and above all love. They are a fine example of what marriage and life should be about-- happiness. So here's to you Mom and Dad. May you enjoy 26 more years after this, and 26 more after that. Remember though, at some point those years will be in a nursing home, so don't say I didn't warn you.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Day 6: Running Into Jose Munoz
Last May I ran the Illinois Half Marathon in Champaign, Illinois. Besides days of soreness, I also got a t-shirt out of the deal. It's one of those really awesome not-cotton t-shirts. I wish I had the name for it, but I don't know what they're called. It's somewhere between cotton and silk. For blog's sake, we'll call it an athletic shirt. Well anyways, I wear this athletic shirt a lot. It makes cotton feel like wool. Athletic shirts give you the comfort of feeling topless while still allowing you to enter gas stations and other places of business.
Back to the story. I was wearing this shirt at the grocery store today. The cashier asked me if I was doing the race again this year. I asked him if he was referring to the one in Champaign, thinking perhaps he was mistaking it for another race. He then told me he finished third in the marathon race last year. The joke was on me. We then started talking more about it and he introduced himself-- Jose Munoz. He began telling me about how he ran for Team World Vision and how he had also just received a sponsorship from Mizuno. He was super friendly and told me about his website, http://www.josemunozrunning.com/. I had forgotten my camera at home and asked if I could come back and get a picutre with him and talk more about things. He agreed and I raced (no pun intended) home with my dozen glazed donuts to get my camera. I imagine the lifestyles of a college student and a professional runner are much different, and I bet glazed donuts are one of those differences.
I got back with my camera just in time to bother Jose on his break. I had checked out his website while I was at home, which I highly recommend you also do. His story is unbelievable. I admire Jose for 3 BIG reasons. 1. He remembers God in all that he does and has amazing faith. 2. He sets big goals. 3. He doesn't wait for his goals to come to him, he works for them.
Upon talking to him some more and snapping a photo, he told me about the Olympic Trials he would be running in January 2012. I wish Jose nothing but luck as he continues to strive towards his dream of the Olympics. Once again, please checkout Jose's website, it is absolutely awesome. And check out the amazing work that Team World Vision does. If you're looking for a cause and some motivation to ever do a race--or anything for that matter-- Jose and Team World Vision are great examples.
Here's to you, Jose. Maybe someday when we're old and you've finished your gold medal-winning career, we can sit back and split a dozen.
Back to the story. I was wearing this shirt at the grocery store today. The cashier asked me if I was doing the race again this year. I asked him if he was referring to the one in Champaign, thinking perhaps he was mistaking it for another race. He then told me he finished third in the marathon race last year. The joke was on me. We then started talking more about it and he introduced himself-- Jose Munoz. He began telling me about how he ran for Team World Vision and how he had also just received a sponsorship from Mizuno. He was super friendly and told me about his website, http://www.josemunozrunning.com/. I had forgotten my camera at home and asked if I could come back and get a picutre with him and talk more about things. He agreed and I raced (no pun intended) home with my dozen glazed donuts to get my camera. I imagine the lifestyles of a college student and a professional runner are much different, and I bet glazed donuts are one of those differences.
I got back with my camera just in time to bother Jose on his break. I had checked out his website while I was at home, which I highly recommend you also do. His story is unbelievable. I admire Jose for 3 BIG reasons. 1. He remembers God in all that he does and has amazing faith. 2. He sets big goals. 3. He doesn't wait for his goals to come to him, he works for them.
Upon talking to him some more and snapping a photo, he told me about the Olympic Trials he would be running in January 2012. I wish Jose nothing but luck as he continues to strive towards his dream of the Olympics. Once again, please checkout Jose's website, it is absolutely awesome. And check out the amazing work that Team World Vision does. If you're looking for a cause and some motivation to ever do a race--or anything for that matter-- Jose and Team World Vision are great examples.
Here's to you, Jose. Maybe someday when we're old and you've finished your gold medal-winning career, we can sit back and split a dozen.
Day 5: The Yard House
The streak continues.
Laura, Alana, Joe and I went out for dinner/drinks to The Yard House. The Yard house is a cool restaurant that is part of The Shops at La Cantera. The Shops at La Cantera is an outdoor mall-type place with a lot of restaurants and shops to go to. It is also conveniently located next to Six Flags Fiesta Texas-- just in case anyone decides to use this as a travel guide someday. It was a nice night to walk around and check things out. 
Besides offering chip and guacamole baskets that only feature 4-6 chips-- as Joe and Alana found out the hard way-- The Yard House has over 130 beers from around the world on tap. They also have really cool coasters that look just like Alfred Hitchcock. However, I bet it's not the real Alfred Hitchcock, but instead only a doppelganger. Is anything real in this world anymore?
The most important element of The Yard House on this night though, was yielding us our next person to blog about. That person was sent to us in waiter-form, and he went by the name of Victor. Victor was a key component in helping all of us make selections from our 130 options. He kept Alana away from the "glass of cough syrup" and he introduced me to Victory Golden Monkey. It was a "beer drinker's beer" from Belgium. My only real experience with Belgium up to this point has been waffles, but I wasn't going to pass up a drink called Victory Golden Monkey. In hindsight, I probably could have bought all the ingredients to brew my own moonshine in my bathtub for cheaper, but hey, when in Rome...
Here are a couple cool facts about Victor. 1. He goes to UTSA. UTSA, or University of Texas San Antonio, is just minutes down the road. I mention this fact because March Madness starts in just a couple of days. For those really big Madness junkies who even pay attention to these first, now four "play-in" games, you will notice UTSA is playing Alabama State for the chance to get their pants beat off by Ohio State in what is now considered the second round. As my friend and Ohio State correspondent, Beef, put it, "Thankfully we won't have to run the gauntlet of both back to back." Well said.
Next cool thing about Victor is his love of cars. He actually started the FIRST ever car club at UTSA. (Now you know). He also built his own car from scratch. Unfortunately a driver, we won't mention which gender, pulled out in front of Victor not long ago and messed up his car pretty bad, so he is in the process of rebuilding it once again.
After doing some dishes to pay my tab, we left The Yard House to enjoy the rest of the evening. Thanks to Victor we are now are all now more cultured. We have tried drinks from around the world and met the creator of UTSA's aboriginal car club. So to Victor we say thank you, and may your car be back on the road again soon.
Laura, Alana, Joe and I went out for dinner/drinks to The Yard House. The Yard house is a cool restaurant that is part of The Shops at La Cantera. The Shops at La Cantera is an outdoor mall-type place with a lot of restaurants and shops to go to. It is also conveniently located next to Six Flags Fiesta Texas-- just in case anyone decides to use this as a travel guide someday. It was a nice night to walk around and check things out. 
Besides offering chip and guacamole baskets that only feature 4-6 chips-- as Joe and Alana found out the hard way-- The Yard House has over 130 beers from around the world on tap. They also have really cool coasters that look just like Alfred Hitchcock. However, I bet it's not the real Alfred Hitchcock, but instead only a doppelganger. Is anything real in this world anymore?
Next cool thing about Victor is his love of cars. He actually started the FIRST ever car club at UTSA. (Now you know). He also built his own car from scratch. Unfortunately a driver, we won't mention which gender, pulled out in front of Victor not long ago and messed up his car pretty bad, so he is in the process of rebuilding it once again.
After doing some dishes to pay my tab, we left The Yard House to enjoy the rest of the evening. Thanks to Victor we are now are all now more cultured. We have tried drinks from around the world and met the creator of UTSA's aboriginal car club. So to Victor we say thank you, and may your car be back on the road again soon.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Day 4: Celebrity Edition
More visitors have arrived. Kim's brother came in town from Chicago to experience the life of a Texan. Though I'm not really sure any of us are solid examples of a Texan lifestyle.
Kim told us her brother's name was Kevin. I was surprised to find out that wasn't the truth at all. Her brother is actually Justin Long. You may know him better as the actor from the movie Accepted, or the Mac computer commercials. "Kevin" is just his alias to avoid paparazzi and try to lead a normal life. It's a very modest thing for such a celebrity to do.
Anyways, "Kevin" is a cool dude. He lives in Chicago making films for weddings. In his spare time, he is working on getting his pilote licence. After too many hours of sitting outdoors without sunscreen, soaking in millions of harmful diseases from the sun, all of us decided it would be a nice night for a cookout. While grilling out by the pool, Kevin was trying to explain to me the meaning of the word 'doppelganger.' I was totally blown away by his celebrity lingo and began thinking about how cool it must be to live in Hollywood. Everyone was trying to tell me this was a real word (not falling for that one), and that it meant to have someone, often a celebrity, look exactly like you. He explained it was merely a coincidence that he looked exactly like Justin Long. I wasn't believing it for a second, until Liz's friend James showed up. He looked eerily similar to Bruce Lee and also claimed to know about this made-up word.
I don't know what to believe in all of this. Regardless of his real identity, I will probably ask him for an autograph before he leaves. Whatever your real name is, sir, I thank you for being so humble, and enjoy your visit in the Lone Star State.
Kim told us her brother's name was Kevin. I was surprised to find out that wasn't the truth at all. Her brother is actually Justin Long. You may know him better as the actor from the movie Accepted, or the Mac computer commercials. "Kevin" is just his alias to avoid paparazzi and try to lead a normal life. It's a very modest thing for such a celebrity to do.
Anyways, "Kevin" is a cool dude. He lives in Chicago making films for weddings. In his spare time, he is working on getting his pilote licence. After too many hours of sitting outdoors without sunscreen, soaking in millions of harmful diseases from the sun, all of us decided it would be a nice night for a cookout. While grilling out by the pool, Kevin was trying to explain to me the meaning of the word 'doppelganger.' I was totally blown away by his celebrity lingo and began thinking about how cool it must be to live in Hollywood. Everyone was trying to tell me this was a real word (not falling for that one), and that it meant to have someone, often a celebrity, look exactly like you. He explained it was merely a coincidence that he looked exactly like Justin Long. I wasn't believing it for a second, until Liz's friend James showed up. He looked eerily similar to Bruce Lee and also claimed to know about this made-up word.
I don't know what to believe in all of this. Regardless of his real identity, I will probably ask him for an autograph before he leaves. Whatever your real name is, sir, I thank you for being so humble, and enjoy your visit in the Lone Star State.
From left to right: Mac, PC
Are you kidding me?!?! Don't pee on my leg and tell me it's raining!!!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Day 3: Meet Joe Huff
For the record, I am keeping up with meeting a new person each day. If you look at the dates, it may appear I haven't, but it's only because I didn't find time to blog that day. So, yesterday (Friday) I met Joe Huff. Joe is Alana's fiance. I believe fiance is a Spanish word meaning 'person of interest,' though I've yet to comfirm that with any of the Spanish speaking acquaintances. Anyways, Alana is one of my friends who is also student teaching here in San Antonio. Joe, who hails from Michigan, came to visit her for the week.
As a male in the teaching world, it's not every day I get to "hang with the guys." Most of the people in my classes throughout college, and now most of my colleagues at school are women. Trust me, that's not a complaint, it's just nice to be free of women-related issues and discussions every once in awhile. So, when I heard Joe was coming to visit, I was secretly a little excited. Yes, that is weird. And making it even weirder is the fact I've never even met this dude. But just go with it.
So, Joe-Joe arrived and all of us went downtown for dinner. It was acutually a really sweet night. It was the first time in awhile that all 7 of the student teachers had been out together. We just began Spring Break and it was nice way to start a week of relaxation.
Here's to a week of rest, no children, and evening the ratio... one "bro" at a time.
As a male in the teaching world, it's not every day I get to "hang with the guys." Most of the people in my classes throughout college, and now most of my colleagues at school are women. Trust me, that's not a complaint, it's just nice to be free of women-related issues and discussions every once in awhile. So, when I heard Joe was coming to visit, I was secretly a little excited. Yes, that is weird. And making it even weirder is the fact I've never even met this dude. But just go with it.
So, Joe-Joe arrived and all of us went downtown for dinner. It was acutually a really sweet night. It was the first time in awhile that all 7 of the student teachers had been out together. We just began Spring Break and it was nice way to start a week of relaxation.
Here's to a week of rest, no children, and evening the ratio... one "bro" at a time.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Day 2: My Saving Grace
Let me tell you about some of the best people in the world...
While I was at Illinois State, I did a 3 week clinical observation with Karen Walker's 5th grade class at Durfee. Durfee is in Decatur, Illinois, about 50 minutes south of Bloomington/Normal. I'll be totally honest when I tell you my first thoughts of a "3 week clinical." I was living a cushioned, senior-in-college lifestyle with class Monday-Thursday, getting done by noon everyday. I enjoyed naps, sleeping in on Fridays, and three day weekends. I dreaded the thought of ever waking up pre-6 AM. That was, of course, until I met my class. I still remember my first day at Durfee. My carpool of classmates decided it would be a good idea to arrive roughly 7 hours before school started. I remeber sitting outside of the office reading some newsletter until the sun rose. As soon as I met Mrs. Walker and her students, I felt right at home. They made me look forward to "pre 6 AM" everyday. If I could, I think I would just commute the 17 hours from San Antonio each day.
Since leaving Durfee, I've kept in contact with Mrs. Walker's class. I e-mail them pretty regularly and they send me letters in the mail. Their letters always seem to arrive on days in which I have left my new school feeling unmotivated and frustrated. Nothing is more refreshing and uplifting than to read their letters and hear about things happening in their lives. They are a bright group of kids with big hearts. They, too, are the type of people this blog is meant to find.
To say this box of goodies made my day would be a grave understatement. And they weren't done there. (If you're reading this, kids, never start sentences with 'and'). Also included in the box was some serious Durfee gear including pencils for my new class, a smencil (which I'm totally keeping for myself), a Durfee pen and post-its, a book on how to be an effective teacher (hint? I think so), and some letters from everyone.
The fun continues... During the clinical, I became well acquainted with-- as Mrs. Younger called them--'copy machines.' They are an ingenious technology some scientists must have invented. Mrs. Walker would occasionally send me to make basic copies of things. After 30 minutes of self-failure and a trip to see Mrs. Younger, the copies were returned. (I always lied and said there was a line for the machines.) In the box, Mrs. Younger sent a copy-friendly sorting packet of post-its and other goodies. They will undoubtably be put to good use.
So to everyone at Durfee, I thank you. For the life lessons, the Swiss Cake Rolls, and many, many, many other things.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Day 1: Freddy
My weekdays consist of going to school all day, teaching, eating lunch, enjoying a 70-some degree recess, and more teaching. After that I try to mix in a visit to the gym and then usually hang out at home. In the day, there's not a whole lot of time to meet new people. I was actually starting to think I was going to fail on day one of "the trip". I saw my mail man again. And the old lady who tries to hang out with him even more than I do. We all said our usual hello's, but I didn't ask either of them because they were busy in conversation. I didn't have any mail. In case you were wondering.
On this Wednesday, I did indeed make it to the gym. I'm not really trying to ask anyone there. The gym is a weird place to have a conversation with someone. All of the guys are at least 75 pounds heavier than me who take dumbbells way too seriously and I'm guessing any lady would just think I was trying to flirt with them. Plus, how do you initiate a conversation with someone on a treadmill? Gym conversation should never be anything more than head nodding, pointing, and the occasional loud speaking due to iPod headphones being in.
On this Wednesday, I did indeed make it to the gym. I'm not really trying to ask anyone there. The gym is a weird place to have a conversation with someone. All of the guys are at least 75 pounds heavier than me who take dumbbells way too seriously and I'm guessing any lady would just think I was trying to flirt with them. Plus, how do you initiate a conversation with someone on a treadmill? Gym conversation should never be anything more than head nodding, pointing, and the occasional loud speaking due to iPod headphones being in.
Anyways, after my usual 45 minute gym time consisting mostly of water drinking and Tootsi Roll eating (why would they even offer those at a gym?), I headed home. Or so I thought. I decided I would go to Fallas Paredes, which is a family clothing store right next to my gym.
I have been meaning to go there for quite sometime but never have, so I thought I would today. I was on the phone with Kristyn trying to tell her where I was. I found the store sign and began to say "I'm at...." before realizing I had no idea how to pronounce either word. This is where Freddy comes into play. He was standing there re-stocking a shelf and turned around to tell me how to pronounce it. He told me, I butchered it, thanked him, and then we went on with our lives. I bought my swim trunks and left the store. As I got in my car, I noticed my camera on my passenger seat. I had brought it to school in hopes of photographing my first interviewee. That's when I decided it had to be Freddy. He was a nice guy who had helped me without even being asked to--a perfect person for "the trip". I grabbed the camera and went back in. I told him I was doing a project and I needed to interview people for it. He was again incredibly friendly and told me a little bit about himself. He explained how he was from "The Valley" which is southern Texas and more specifically Brownsville. His father was in the military so they traveled a lot when he was younger, including living in San Antonio, El Paso, Orlando, Juarez, and many other cities in the US and Mexico. He said he was back in San Antonio on his own just "keeping his head above water" and working at the store. We snapped a picture together and then I left for good.
In the span of about 5 minutes, Freddy did several things for me: helped me prounounce the name of the store, taught me something new about Texas, and helped me get my 40 day plan started. In the end, he probably thought I was just a really creepy tourist. However, the moral of the story is that taking 5 minutes out of your day can make someone else's a lot better. And Freddy definitely made mine better.
So to the Freddys of this world, here's a salute to you.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Day 0: Copyright Disclaimers
As I begin this new journey in the blogging world, I would first like to explain a few things. First of all, the title of my blog: The Other Clark. Many moons ago, my older brother--we'll call him Matt-- started a blog entitled Roaming Bulldog. You see, my brother is a much more traveled, cultured, worldly fellow than myself. He's been to the likes of Europe, Asia, Australia, and other far away lands I am unfamiliar with. He is a graduate of Drake University, hence the traveling mascot "Bulldog" reference. Are you with me so far? I figured since I was now the next in line for a blog, I would just go by The Other Clark. And, to be totally honest, I am coincidentally wearing one of Matt's Drake Bulldogs t-shirts I swiped from him when he moved to Japan, which reminded me of his blog when I was trying to think of a name. So, Matt, if you're out there reading this in the futuristic world you call home, I thank you for the naming idea, and I apologize about the shirt incident.
Moving on from that probably-over-comma'd paragraph, I will get to my next order of business. I would like to thank my kind girlfriend, Kristyn, for the idea of the blog. On this lovely Fat Tuesday evening, we were discussing possible things to give up for Lent. She suggested I give up ice cream and that I begin working out every day. I'm not entirely sure what she was getting at, but I'm sure she meant well. Upon swiftly shooting down that idea, we talked about other "typical" broken Lenten promises-- giving up candy, pop, chocolate, desserts, etc etc. We've all been there before. Then we began talking about things we could DO, as opposed to things we could NOT do.We've probably all tried this one, too. I suggested perhaps bringing my neighbor Luana a gift for all of her help. I have recently moved to San Antonio, Texas, for a semester of student teaching. I haven't met any of my neighbors except Luana. She is a kind lady who gets stuck watching my UPS boxes my parents send me when I am not home to recieve them.
Kristyn added to this with the possibility of meeting more neighbors. I was interested in the idea at first, but then began thinking... "I'll have to tell them I student teach. Then they'll know I'm gone all day. They'll break in and take all my valuables. But wait, I don't have any valuables. How much are lawn chairs? Are these Grandma Mert's TV trays? That's a new microwave!" Needless to say, this idea was not happening either. Anyways, the final idea was to meet someone new everyday, for all 40 days of Lent. I figured since the mail man, who's name I don't even know, is on my Top 5 Best Friends in San Antonio list, I could use the opportunity to both make new friends and get to know people I otherwise wouldn't. It's a super cool idea, and I'll admit I wish I had come up with it myself. But you know what they say, "Behind every great man is a girlfriend who comes up with all of their Lenten ideas."
So tomorrow marks Day 1. I will meet one new person and learn new things about him or her. I will then report back to you, the loyal viewers (AKA probably just my parents) of this blog.
As crazy and sometimes sad as this world can be, it's important to remember how many enjoyable, genuine people there are in it. Even more important is not letting them go unnoticed in your life. I have been blessed to have many wonderful people in my life, and I look forward to meeting even more. I hope all of you have a wonderful Lent and do something you really enjoy. If you don't want to give up candy, maybe you could just make a new friend instead. And who knows, maybe they will even have some candy?
Moving on from that probably-over-comma'd paragraph, I will get to my next order of business. I would like to thank my kind girlfriend, Kristyn, for the idea of the blog. On this lovely Fat Tuesday evening, we were discussing possible things to give up for Lent. She suggested I give up ice cream and that I begin working out every day. I'm not entirely sure what she was getting at, but I'm sure she meant well. Upon swiftly shooting down that idea, we talked about other "typical" broken Lenten promises-- giving up candy, pop, chocolate, desserts, etc etc. We've all been there before. Then we began talking about things we could DO, as opposed to things we could NOT do.We've probably all tried this one, too. I suggested perhaps bringing my neighbor Luana a gift for all of her help. I have recently moved to San Antonio, Texas, for a semester of student teaching. I haven't met any of my neighbors except Luana. She is a kind lady who gets stuck watching my UPS boxes my parents send me when I am not home to recieve them.
Kristyn added to this with the possibility of meeting more neighbors. I was interested in the idea at first, but then began thinking... "I'll have to tell them I student teach. Then they'll know I'm gone all day. They'll break in and take all my valuables. But wait, I don't have any valuables. How much are lawn chairs? Are these Grandma Mert's TV trays? That's a new microwave!" Needless to say, this idea was not happening either. Anyways, the final idea was to meet someone new everyday, for all 40 days of Lent. I figured since the mail man, who's name I don't even know, is on my Top 5 Best Friends in San Antonio list, I could use the opportunity to both make new friends and get to know people I otherwise wouldn't. It's a super cool idea, and I'll admit I wish I had come up with it myself. But you know what they say, "Behind every great man is a girlfriend who comes up with all of their Lenten ideas."
So tomorrow marks Day 1. I will meet one new person and learn new things about him or her. I will then report back to you, the loyal viewers (AKA probably just my parents) of this blog.
As crazy and sometimes sad as this world can be, it's important to remember how many enjoyable, genuine people there are in it. Even more important is not letting them go unnoticed in your life. I have been blessed to have many wonderful people in my life, and I look forward to meeting even more. I hope all of you have a wonderful Lent and do something you really enjoy. If you don't want to give up candy, maybe you could just make a new friend instead. And who knows, maybe they will even have some candy?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)