Come Home, Yes?

Life is like a shadow 

It never stays in one place 

I'm standing here anyway 

However long it takes to steal your heart 

--Augustana, "Steal Your Heart"

 So much to say about the past two weeks. Some, I think, needs to be presented in the form of poetry, so let me gloss over the boring stuff and get right to that of poetical import.

It was Homecoming for the high school students in my classes.  Thus, this week was Spirit week. I always try to dress up and show some semblance of pride in the school. This week, one of the days was "red carpet day", and so I decided to wear a bow tie. Not one of these wrap-around-your-neck-and-clip-on bow ties. I actually spent the time to learn how to tie a real bow tie. My students loved it. To the right you'll see a low-quality photo of the three high-quality people in the class who actually dressed up.

So, I found myself Friday night working the gate at the Homecoming game. The home team lost miserably in the second half.  But, I got to go on a nice motorcycle ride at half-time.

Saturday night, somehow I found myself a chaperon at the Homecoming dance. This time I dressed down wearing a regular necktie and slacks, not wanting to, you know, show anyone up, as they say.  Fortunately, all that practice tying bow ties came in handy, because twice I had students (whom I have never met before) ask me to help them with their bow ties.  I was impressed they actually went with real bow ties, but wondered at the fact that they believed someone at the dance would actually know how to tie it for them.  Risky. Tragically, only a handful of attendees were dressed better than I was. The girls were good about dressing up, but many of the boys showed up in jeans and t-shirts.  Jeans and t-shirts!  They were even allowed to wear their baseball caps.  I was in shock and awe that they were allowed to enter the dance.

And, I feel compelled to point out that a few of the chaperons were wearing jeans, including the principal.  When did "semi-formal" become synonymous with "casual Friday"?  More importantly, why was this not in the memo?

I received good news today.  The triathlon I was previously not going to compete in because the date conflicted with my first drill with my new unit--well, the date was changed to October 8.  So, perhaps in two weeks I will post a post-race picture of myself.

Alright, let's get to what you've all been waiting for.  The poems.

Love, M.D.

I'm ailing,

     is my heart failing?

  as I search for a remedy I am led to you

          Doctor, doctor what can I do?



Blast...Now the poetical magic's gone...

And that's my homecoming week in a Nutshell,
Hop

I can see that I can't see

Everything you do
Is super-duper cute
and I can't stand it.
--Never Shout Never, "Can't Stand It"


As you may or may not know, I had Lasik eye surgery just over three weeks ago. Now...this may seem like a grand occasion for celebration, but let me tell you what I lost three weeks ago.

First, I lost one basic source of protection from violence. I have never been punched in the face. Who would punch a guy with glasses? But now, I don't wear glasses. I'm scared. So, as a precaution, I purchased a pair of non-prescrip spectacles to wear at times when I am in potentially hostile environments--like my classroom.

Second, I lost the ability to see more clearly. Three weeks ago when I woke up in the morning, I could see. Sure it was a bit blurry at first, but still, I could get around. And then, when I put my contacts in, or my glasses on, my world became so much clearer. Now, when I wake up in the morning, what I see is as good as it gets. That's an analogy. I think.

Finally, my beautiful blue eyes.  My blue eyes used to be my best feature.  I mean, they were my one redeeming quality.  When everything else in my life was going to ruin, when I was fat, or sick, or ugly, I could at least look in the mirror and see my eyes and think, "I'm beautiful."  But, now, my eyes are constantly bloodshot, and bruised, and I may even have a permanent red scar on my right iris.  Though my eyes still function, it hurts to lose the most beautiful thing about me.  Imagine how J-Lo would feel if she lost her beautiful behind, or how Einstein would feel if they shaved his hair. Or picture, if you can, Julia Roberts without those luscious lips.  Yes, I can identify with these people, because they all have one feature that makes them truly beautiful, except, now I have lost it.  My eyes, my eyes!

Moving on.

My mother pinning me.

So, today I commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army National Guard.  I will be assigned to a military police unit here in Henderson, Nevada.  Following are some photos from the ceremony.

The ceremony was...well, I want to say it was awesome, and flawless, and that a good time was had by all.  But, this morning I took an oath that I would not lie, cheat or steal...so I will say that the ceremony served its purpose, and we are all glad it's over, so we get down to the business of conducting business as usual.

Me and SGT Krizmanich, who rendered my first salute.

Anyway, I think my new assignment will be a lot of fun.  I hear that many of the soldiers in my unit are police officers in the civilian world as well, and that there are perks to working with so many police officers, such as dropping a name when I get pulled over, so as to be given a warning, instead of a ticket.

Well, I think it is now time for me to get back to the business of being a school teacher on the weekend, and maybe grade some essays or something.

And that's my visually impaired week in a Nutshell,
Hop

A Crushed Crush

Oh what I wouldn't do,
If I had you babe, I had you.
So lace your hands round the small of my back and I will kiss you like a [queen]
I will be your [light], I'll keep you warm at night. 
I will sing, I will sing
--A Fine Frenzy, "What I Wouldn't Do" (edited to fit the circumstances)

My Darling (MD),


So, it can't work, you say, and I reply, in the words of the Flight of the Conchords: you can't break my heart. It's liquid--it melted when I met you.

Yes, you melted my heart.  Something I didn't think would happen for a while yet. And it stunned me when you did.

I was taken, so quickly, by your smile.  Your smile, that tickles my heart and makes it smile.  Makes it flutter and fly.  Makes it beat faster, faster.

I couldn't help falling for you, really, and certainly not after seeing you in those glasses.  Just that you were willing to buy them so we could have our nerdy glasses day--wow.

And that sunrise morning, how you shivered, and I used that as an excuse to put my arms around you.  Cheesy?  Yes.  Worth it?  Definitely.

Oh, how it feels to hold your hand.  Two words: so good.  I write this here, because I don't want to forget, that long Harley ride, and me holding your hand, our fingers intertwined as we sped through the night...and sitting across from you over dinner, and watching your eyes as we talked.

MD, you see, the mountain of obstacles in our path, you think would keep this from working, that it would hinder us from happiness.  That mountain is not the obstacle, that mountain is the path.  And just like climbing a mountain, there are two real rewards: the view from the top, and the journey you take to see it.

That' such a romantic idea, eh. It's true, you bring all this romance out of me. I'm a sucker for you; what I wouldn't do for you.  Is that the best part of having a crush on you?  Who knows.  Probably.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know how I feel when I'm with you.  That all's right in the world.  That I can do anything.  That you're the brightest star, the beautifulest flower, the wonderfulest person.  (And so many other cliches I don't need to mention).

And that's my twitterpated week in a Nutshell,
Hop