Whoah, We're Half Way There...(you know the rest)

Hey! Don't ask me why I choose to Title this blog post with a Bon Jovi rock ballad bar none. It just seemed funny and appropriate at the same time. I think that is a rule that I subconsciously live by, funny and appropriate, though funny often gives appropriate a monster wedgie in it's quest to be the center of attention. Appropriate rarely gets to be the center of attention and is usually so only due to funny's inability to remain appropriate....Now for something painfully appropriate.

Tis the beginning of the second semester and the learning machine is being cranked back up to 11 with the possibility of new expanding territory. I will remain hopeful, as always, that both the students and I are coming back with our deals "worked out" and ready to take on the challenge that is 2nd Semester.

For Freshmen that means getting your Greek armour on and traveling to battle for King Menelaus and the return of his bride Helen of Troy. Your return voyage will be with King Odysseus, Master Mariner, the Cunning Warrior. Expect delays up to 20 years.

For Juniors that means Jazz music and spending it like you got it attitude. F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is modern staple of what made the 1920's so roaring in the first place.

For Creative Writing that means looking at non-fiction writing, but through a "creative" lens. Thus Creative Nonfiction is born. Don't freak out on me, the same rules apply to nonfiction writing that apply to fiction writing. Lots of other interesting stops along the way to the end of the year.

Now for funny. Our very good friends, Let's call them, The Pac-Man's because that's how I roll. Well the Pac-Man's had a scavenger hunt in the Modesto Mall for their son's 6th and daughters 10th birthday party. I was very skeptical at first, being that most of the kids parties I have been to involved being outside so the cupcakes don't get ground into the carpet (which coincidentally is why we put in hard wood floors) so this almost qualifies in that you can make a mess and have the hired help clean up, as long as you don't mind sharing your birthday atmosphere with the rest of Post Holiday Modesto. I was pleasantly surprised. We had 1 hour to find over 50 items, and could only "buy" up to $3.00 worth of anything. We took pictures with strangers, rode small automated cars, "liberated" french fries, stole straws and napkins, and generally committed several other silly acts in the name of a good time. Here is the highlight photo from our day out. The rule was that you had to do the silliest family photo that you could do (your family gift was the photo). We though it would be great to take the picture facing the wrong direction. I love this photo!

See you in 1 week kids!
P.