Random pre-school (not preschool) thoughts.

Hello, internet.

It's the last evening before school begins, and I'm cooking dinner. (The "last supper"? Ha.) It's in the oven right now, and I'm pretty excited about it. It's a vegetarian recipe out of that classic tome every home should own (pretty nice assonance in that last phrase, BTW), Where's Mom When I Need Her? It's actually more than just a cookbook; it's basically a manual for how to live on your own and not die.

Anyway, the recipe is called "Little Italy Tomatoes," and it's essentially tomato halves stuffed with tomato guts, cooked rice, and Italian seasonings, then topped with breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes and broil for 2, then watch your kitchen transform into your own very little Italy. I'll try to post later with pictures and a review of the finished product.

In other news, I've got my room at school basically set up. I finally tracked down a projector today, so I spent a good amount of time setting up my podium/projector/bully pulpit area at the front of the class. I scavenged a sweet drafting-type table from another English classroom to use in lieu of a lectern. To quote one of the Social Studies teachers (who I worked with last year): "You look like you're teaching science in here, man." I like it. Pictures to come.

Also, one last thing: if you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you may have seen an update from me yesterday while I was at the doctor saying that I just about cracked up in the waiting room. It was due to the video below. This is one of the funniest commercials I have seen in some time; I'd like to shake the writer's hand.

My favorite parts (go back and watch again for these):

- The appraiser's brief but impeccable hesitation before delivering the punchline;

- The woman's genuinely astounded delivery of her only two lines, as well as her facial expression;

- The sound effect used when the "price" is displayed on the screen.

Literalism is hilarious.

Hope your week is going well.

-- its

A summer Friday (and a Scrabble match).

A quick post about my day:

1. Went to a workshop at the high school about creating wikis for use in the classroom. I think I was the youngest one there. The workshop leader said she was glad to have some "digital natives" there; as one such native, I ended up teaching a few things myself (e.g. using Google Docs to upload and embed PowerPoint slideshows). Overall: fun, informative, and worthwhile.

2. Came home, ate a sandwich, and took a nap. Also played a little Guitar Hero.

3. Went downtown with Jewel and played Scrabble outside the Cow Cafe. A couple items of note regarding the game:

• She didn't really want to play to begin with, so she was slacking off for most of the game. This is probably why I was able to win -- for most of the game. With defeat nearing on the horizon, however, Jewel's competitive edge quickly return. This, combined with poor playing of "H" and "I" tiles on my part, allowed her to surge ahead for the win.
• Jewel's victory is forever marred, however, by the fact that I challenged one of her words, found it to be invalid, and allowed it to be played anyway in order to keep her interested in the game. Perhaps this was a subtle psychological tactic on her part...wouldn't put it past her. Anyway, I'm putting an asterisk next to this win in the books -- she can think of it as her 61*.
• The best part of the game was people's various reactions to us playing outdoors in public. From a trio of high school teens: "Scrabble, for the win!" (Translation: "Cool, Scrabble!") From a middle-aged guy carrying a camera case: "That's awesome...awesome." From an older mom/possible grandma: "No one plays board games anymore." (She proceeded to go into detail about her sons penchant for the "Nintendo 56" and how there was no way she was buying him a Wii for "Two-ninety-nine -- and not two dollars and ninety-nine cents.")

4. Went to Harris Teeter and bought groceries for dinner. We had hot dog buns lying around the house from a party last weekend, so we got hot dogs and fixins. I had sauerkraut and Emeril's Horseradish Mustard on mine. Also I made salt potatoes (thanks to Mom for telling me how long to cook them, and to Dad for informing me that "it's not rocket science").

All in all, a pretty good summer day. Tomorrow's docket includes the dry cleaner, mopping, and possibly washing the car. We'll see what happens.

Back again soon --

its

PS: While digging through my iPhone for the Hipstamatics I took of the Scrabble game, I also found a couple others of note:

The Mermule, which still sits in front of my home.

My empty classroom.

Summer is truly here.