In the last five years, on approximately four separate occasions, I’ve been asked in total earnestness by both family members and colleagues, “Why isn’t there a national, average, tax-paying, white guy day?” The authors of this question are positing this notion in response to attempts throughout the United States to be more diverse, to shine … Continue reading Average White Guy (AWG)
Basement Missives
“She Fills Gaps”
With the release of Creed this holiday season, one podcast I listen to on a regular basis, Fatman on Batman with Kevin Smith and Marc Bernardin, has plugged and lauded the film on a regular basis. The two hosts have discussed the merits of the film as a stand-alone picture, but also how well it … Continue reading “She Fills Gaps”
Writing Workshops and NaNoWriMo 2015
It’s a late fall evening and I’ve just returned from my weekly Wednesday night sojourn to Minneapolis for the Minneapolis Writer’s Workshop. I first caught wind of this workshop while googling local writing groups. I needed to find a writing group, because up until now I’ve bombarded family, friends, and colleagues with samples of my … Continue reading Writing Workshops and NaNoWriMo 2015
Wolf in Disguise
I know that I should probably be walking my dog twice each day. He’s a 70+ pound, lab mutt, with high anxiety and copious amounts of energy to burn. Unfortunately, I don’t always get him two walks a day. I wake up at quarter after five to get ready for work. I know that I … Continue reading Wolf in Disguise
Sending a story called “Sandwiches” to The New Yorker
I probably should have been in bed about an hour ago. I'd have read (currently Marlon James' A Brief History of Seven Killings), lulling myself ever closer to a well-deserved slumber. But of course I didn't do that. Would've been too damn responsible. Instead I sapped on scotch and tried to figure out how to submit … Continue reading Sending a story called “Sandwiches” to The New Yorker
By the Power Vested in Me
At the tail-end of my summer I flew out to California to officiate the wedding of two of my closest friends, Lauren and Matt. I met Lauren in high school and we became fast friends, bonding almost immediately, I think, through a fondness, nay a passion for the TV shows Saturday Night Live and Friends, … Continue reading By the Power Vested in Me
Weepy
Last night, before turning in, I watched "Teacher of the Year," on Netflix (as a high school English teacher, I'm a sucker for teacher movies). I don't recall the main actor, but the flick did feature Key (from Key & Peele) as the high school principal and the Sklar brothers as inept guidance counsellors. The … Continue reading Weepy
Summer Reading List
The end of summer draws nigh, but the heat shows no sign of slowing down. Coming off a string of 90 degree days which push closer to 100 with the humidity. Longing for the colors and temperatures of autumn, but now quite ready to say so long to vacation. Today it’s another hot one, though … Continue reading Summer Reading List
“Gym? What’s a gym?”
Two days ago we joined a gym, and I realize that this next part might not seem entirely truthful, but I couldn’t be happier. My wife’s wanted to join a gym for quite some time, but it never felt like a good idea. Conditions were not ideal and I had my own hangups. Growing up … Continue reading “Gym? What’s a gym?”
Praise
For most of my childhood and adolescence, I attended St. John’s Lutheran church in Napa, CA. I also went to the attached school which provided me with a quality, private education, but this information doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with my point. Just some background information to indicate the level of church saturation I … Continue reading Praise
Purdy Good 