Friday, December 28, 2012

In a nutshell X 12

My micro version run-down of 2012

Jan: back to chandler, subbing, coaching (hamilton), kindle fire purchase

Feb: giants win super bowl, AZ turns 100, more subbing & coaching

Mar: more sub jobs, ‘hunger games’ hits theaters, march madness

Apr: conference, back home, kentucky wins ncaa tourney, volunteer Pat’s Run

May: subbing continues, coaching resumes (chandler-summer league), ‘avengers’ movie

June: pool guy training (2 wks), heat win nba finals, new calling-EQ counselor

July: another spiderman flick, AC goes out!, ‘dark knight rises’, retired sweetJ plate

Aug: Olympics in London, harry potter marathon (8 films in 3 days)

Sep: teaching-school, teaching-church, a little coaching thrown in, changed wards

Oct: conference, job interview, @ pier1(holiday help), mom…cancer : ( , cali sis. visits

Nov: giants win world series, hurricane sandy hits NE, obama wins election again, date w/ kelly, quit gym membership, ‘skyfall’ released, ran a 6:49 mile on a whim, new calling-webelos leader

Dec: mom starts chemo, ‘hobbit’ comes out big, sandy hook shooting, Vegas sis. visits

2013...you're next!
- JL

Saturday, December 15, 2012

An Unexpected Surprise

8 yrs
waiting for the arrival of this film on the big screen
my man, Pete Jackson, does it again


I sat there the whole 2 hrs. 36 min. realizing that this was an artful piece of movie-making at it's finest.
The story was well-told. The scenes were well-shot. The music was well-scored. The effects were top notch. There were a few slower scenes, but the action parts compensated nicely. The characters were well-acted. In short, all the elements of a great rendition. I won't like waiting another year, but I know part 2 will be another amazing event.
* did not see 3D, or HFR, but feel like it would be more incredible to witness.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

the 2 worst days in United States history

#1: the night of November 4, 2008.  Barack Obama won the Presidential election, beating out John McCain not with the popular votes, but with the all-important electoral ones.  The following morning brought mass amounts of confusion about the future of the country...

#2: the night of November 6, 2012.  Barack Obama is re-elected, after multpile failures to prove his value and his worth to this nation, by once again gaining more electoral votes, over his opponent Mitt Romney.  The morning after brings a generous supply of anger about the character of not only the politicians in the race, but the extreme lack of morals and principles of the majority of the voting public.

* It's like waking up from a bad dream...and then realizing it's not a dream at all.  How can a person with a background like barack obama ascend to the post of 'leader of the free world'.  The first time he won, he didn't seem to have as much competition (sorry John and Sarah). 
But then the next 4 years go by, and there is literally more chaos in the unstable government and less economic progress than ever before. 
The second time he runs, he faces a formidable foe in a highly successful former governor.  Then a hurricane hits the upper eastern coastal states just days before the ballots get counted. 
The relevance?  An act of God?  A divine warning to the citizenry? 
There is one thing that is sure to be true: the next four years will see more 'chutes' than 'ladders'.  I am personally ashamed and embarrassed by the populace of the U.S., and can barely fathom the intelligence level of those deemed 'responsible' enough to cast a vote.
In fact I am going to call B.S., simple as that. 

Sunday, October 21, 2012

List - of - Truths

(in no particular order)

1) Jesus Christ is at the center of all things, such as the sun with objects revolving around it.

2) All living things have a spirit.

3) Right now the earth is moving, and you are moving with it.

4) What happens when we die? We will all find out! But something does happen.

5) If you can see, if you can hear, if you can walk - you are greatly blessed.

6) The most important things in this life are not things - they are people, and feelings, memories, and ideas.

7) You are not here by accident, no matter what is said, we all have a purpose.

8) With every rise comes a fall; with every success comes a setback; with every win there is a loss.

9) The world was different 5 years ago, it will be different in 5 more years.

9.5) This list is actually semi-intriguing.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

and then the REALITY sets in

I never met the man.  I really don't know him.  But I'm thinking that I like Mr. Tony Danza.  He seems like he has a good heart.  I just read his book, "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had".  The book is a brief chronicle of the year he spent as a Sophomore English teacher at Northeast High in Philadelphia.  He even got the A & E channel to film some of it-in which they showed several episodes on cable TV a couple years ago (called "TEACH").

Having been in the midst of the education field for the past 8 years I found this to be a quality look, and a realistic one, into the state of our current education system.  Danza tries to open our eyes to urban education to show what it's like trying to bring about some good in a constant battle for the education of today's youth.  There are plenty of highs, lows, and in-betweens, and it certainly appeals to the emotions quite often.

Here is a man, who is not only multi-talented, but even has a number of 'connections', which basically enhances his students' chances to enjoy learning.  His boxing career was mentioned, but all his former toughness can't keep him from breaking down on occassion.  He learns how much stress and pressure is placed on everyone involved in education.  I'm not sure I was ever that close to any of my students, but I understand it nonetheless.

Teaching is not fun, not easy, and not for everybody.  But the kids need good teachers, now more than ever.  The future of our society is depending on their learning what it takes to be a good citizen and human.  The task is great.  Just one year of having one class was almost too great for the likes of Tony 'the boss' Danza.
- JL

Sunday, August 19, 2012

secular/spiritual

I spoke in church today.  My talk was about "God's Love for us".  I found a good quote from C.S. Lewis:
" God loves us; not because we are loveable but because He is love; not because He needs to receive but because He delights to give."

Last weekend was the Harry Potter Marathon.  3 days. 8 movies. 9 people. 2 houses. Food, fun, friends.  Here is a pic of the poster to sign name and add favorite quotes. Oh! and long live Dobby...

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Summer good, summer not

12,531

The number of days I've been alive on Earth.  Those days have all been in the western and northern part of the planet.  I was born a white male, and I still am white and male.  I entered a family unit and they remain a part of my life to this day.  I've never left the country I was born in.  I've only left the terrestrial level a small number of times.  I have not yet married, nor started my own family.  I am driving the fourth car I ever owned.  I've never owned a home, or rented an apartment for myself.  I graduated from high school, community college, and a university.  My religion has been the same my whole life, and probably will be for the remainder.  I've been employed about two dozen times in total.  As I write this, the dog is sleeping, the sun is shining, the AC is blowing, the government is sucking, education is struggling, the economy is weakening, people are living, dying, and wondering, the internet is thriving, God is watching, the world is changing, and you had no idea that you would ever realize how much you really matter to me...

- JL

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Hero - ical

oh, beautiful for heroes proved

in liberating strife,

who more than self their country loved,

and mercy more than life!

"may God thy gold refine"

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Commemorating Colon Conundrums in Carolina



It was on this very day, last summer, in a Charlotte Metro area clinic, where I was...
Well, let's just say I had a procedure done to inspect a certain area (this is almost TMI)...
Yes, it was intrusive - but I was knocked out, thank goodness...
And so this post is in honor of all those who can relate, or even some of you who have yet to experience it...
I chose not to post any images of the ordeal on purpose (your welcome)...

enjoy the rest of your summer folks!
- sweet J

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Coach Long Cleans Pools--->fun summer fun

Yes, I now have a new job (finally)
I get to learn the trade of being 'the pool guy'
You can bet that I will shortly become a pro (haha) maybe

*the reality: job only lasted 2 weeks - JL

The other fun summer fun thing I got going on now is my 12 or 13 freshmen boys basketball players in the fun summer fun league in Mesa
I will post our results, not that it matters too much
5/31 - big loss
6/5 - close loss/near win
6/7 - oh so close to winning
6/12 - not close, still winless
6/14 - V-I-C-T-O-R-Y
6/19 - snap!   lost barely
6/21 - wow   can't beat the refs AND the other team
6/25 - the big L
6/26 - ugh!   maybe next time
6/27 - cha-ching,   win

*on another note, I really miss all my bloggers
you guys know who you are ... slackers!

Sunday, May 6, 2012

winners vs. losers

brandon sanderson novels...
so far, winner

cinco de mayo...
meh - loser

birthday dinners at Joe's...
winner!

the Avengers...
winner!

midnite screenings...
'loser'

phoenix coyotes...
winner

payday...
winner

paying bills...
loser

subbing/coaching...
both ?

Friday, April 6, 2012

what's good? friday!

Just took dog for walk, and we conversated.
Not really. But you can imagine if we did. How would that go I wonder?
I know what I would say if I was a dog - I'd just tell it like it is, and take my chances.
haha

Easter's in 2 days, and yes, I've already had 2 boxes of Peeps (yea for birthdays).

This week:
Kentucky beat Kansas by 8, I had them winning by 9 in my bracket.
I subbed twice, once for P.E., and watched kids murder each other in dodgeball (hilarious).
Went to the gym 5 straight days. Went to the library 3 of those days.
Oh, and I went broke putting gas in my car...practically true!

So I hope we can be ready for this summer coming up (spring here is so short). Better make sure the pool is all ready to go.
Bye for now.
-J

Friday, March 2, 2012

just too c - double o - l



Today was my 367th (unofficially) sub job. Sophomore english - Much Ado About Nothing, Junior english - Great Gatsby. Teacher out for pet dog's medical procedure. My procedure was keeping the status quo in the classroom. And coach had a nice bonus check for me, from helping out during the season with the gamebook, etc.

Still going to the gym regularly. Not a schwarzenegger yet, by any means, but I like it. My roommates head to San Fran for 4 days, in about 48 hrs. or so. Looks like the 'domestic creature' stays with a relative for that duration. Nice!

I was on a Peter O'Toole kick this week. One night I did "Beckett" (w/ him and Richard Burton, 1964?). Then I did "The Lion in Winter" (w/ him and Katherine Hepburn, 1968?). No more for me, thanks anyway.

Yes, we had a confirmed kill of our first scorpion, on the front porch, one of these past nights. It seems the lack of cool weather is leading to their early arrival. Needless to say Bug-Man was scheduled right away (he found a few more).

I know not so many details of you, my fellow readers, though I extend my best wishes as we head into what I like to call the best time of the year...2012 version.

- J.L.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

a little Lonesome Dove, on 'fire'

Yes, so,
scooped me up one of those Kindle Fire tablets...and...
felt inclined to put up an edition of the Larry McMurtry classic novel.
I just got done with the dvd version and have to say I really needed a hanky. I was curious to see if the actual book itself could produce the same effects or not.
movie=good 6 hr. investment
book=???

*(the tablet=so far so good)

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Are you kidding me right now?!

wow

another year

oh my

Well, I moved again - back to Chandler. My friend let me use a room in his new house. I like that I'm a little closer to the "DC" (new nickname for downtown chandler) and Hamilton High. My own room is a definite perk, too. I 'dog-sat' the last 2 days for a little yorkie...goodness.

So, I hope 2012 is more of a smooth road and not so much a bumpy trail.
Good luck to you!

- JL