Life According to Dro

Day Four (Monday)

2014-04-21T09:13:00.001-07:00

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I had one more day that I needed to spend with the baseball team and that day was today. I got up early and met up with the team for some snorkeling. One of the dads had rented a boat that was going to take us out to a good spot to see fish and turtles. It was awesome! The captain took us out to a local spot in the middle of the ocean where we were able to swim around and snorkel in the crystal clear blue water. I saw tons of fish and about 8 large turtles. It was cool to swim in the 75 degree water in February amongst the Hawaiian sealife. One of the boys decided to do what we were explicitly told not to do: Touch the turtles. What he didn’t realize was that one of the guides was actually swimming nearby and therefore he got an ear full. I guess he was lucky that the turtle didn’t reach back and bite one of his fingers off, which is what the guides told us might happen.

When I got home, I met up with the family and we went to the nearby Waikiki Beach after first stopping for some Hawaiian Subway. It was a nice beach and the kids had a fun time swimming out to the short wall that separated the waves from the “kiddie pool.” They all got on the wall and walked across and seemed to really enjoy the atmosphere. The “kiddie pool” got a little sketchy as I found myself coming across some UFOs (Unidentified Floating Objects). That got me out of the ocean quickly and made me pine for some time outside the walled enclosure.

After hanging and swimming at the beach, Greg and I went to my last baseball game and everyone else went to the Marriott pool. During the baseball game around the 3^rd inning, it started pouring and didn’t stop. The game was called. We got in our car and drove to the hotel only a few miles away—ironically, we experienced sunny skies and warm weather. Supposedly, according to Greg, that is Hawaii in a nutshell. If it is pouring rain in one area, just drive a few miles and you will find clear skies.

That night, we got a movie for the kids on demand, and went out to eat…just the four of us. It was great to get out, walk the boardwalk, enjoy the people watching, and take a leisure stroll. Cheesecake Factory was our choice (not exactly Hawaiian delicacy) but we enjoyed it nonetheless. It was a great night catching up with Greg and Becky and spending time together.

Day Three (Sunday)

2011-08-10T11:00:00.000-07:00

We got up early, put on our Sunday best, and headed for the nearest LDS chapel. It was an amazing structure with its own version of “Touchdown Jesus.”

We attended Sacrament Meeting and it was just like any other which speaks to the stability and organization of the Church. No matter where you attend, the Sacrament will be blessed and passed by someone with the priesthood and a few people from the congregation will give a planned talk. Afterwards we took some pictures and headed back to the hotel.

After making some peanut butter and honey sandwiches (our staple this week), we put on some comfortable clothing and headed out for a leisure Sunday hike. According to “Oahu Revealed,” there was a nearby hike that ended with a spectacular view of a 125 foot waterfall. We thought this would be ideal for a Sunday afternoon.

Turns out, we were right. The hike was about a mile long through a luscious rainforest. We stopped on occasion for some good photo ops and some needed rest. Our shoes were muddy and a few of us got bit by mosquitoes but in the end, I think we all were glad when we got to the top and saw the waterfall cascading off the rocks.

That afternoon, we hung out in our hotel room, played some games and basically just enjoyed one another’s company. It was a great way to cap off a relaxing Sabbath Day.

Day Two (Saturday)

2011-08-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

I don’t think I mentioned it but there was another reason we chose Hawaii during February. First we get a week off of school which the Laguna Beach School District likes to call “Ski Week.” Second, the baseball team had raised enough money to come as a team and of course the coaches (one of them being me) were invited. I asked about bringing my family and was answered in the affirmative…so the research began as far as price goes. We decided to get our own flights and hotel (it ended up being a little cheaper) but I still felt like I needed to attend the games and help coach. Which brings me to Saturday’s doubleheader…

We were playing two games today and I knew that we wouldn’t be doing much sightseeing but it was still fun to see the baseball fields that the local Hawaiian’s high schools had to offer. The first field was set up high on a hill and therefore had a beautiful view of the ocean. I could see why sports teams from the mainland have trouble winning in Hawaii: They get mesmerized by tranquil scenery while the local teams kick their butt. Needless-to-say, this happened to us. We made silly mistakes both physically and mentally and lost both games that day. My family and Greg’s attended the first game and endured the sun as they supported the Breakers. I was happy to see them and talk a little in between innings. Not sure that Luke liked sitting in the heat or if he was just upset that we were losing but it looked like Lou Ann had to take him for a walk in order to kill some time. I don’t blame him; I was a little upset too with the product on the field.

Anyway, the afternoon game wasn’t much better but luckily Greg and Becky agreed to take the kids to the pool while only Lou Ann endured the errors and blunders. The good news was that the parents of the local baseball team had a huge BBQ going with all kinds of food. I had a teriyaki burger that was to die for. Maybe all was not lost on this my first day in Hawaii.

Hawaiian Vacation 2011

2011-08-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

Day One (Friday)

It’s amazing that this trip is even happening. Lou Ann and I had talked back in the summer when we were in Europe that we needed to desperately go on a family vacation. We were feeling a little selfish as we cruised the Mediterranean for 3 weeks and knew that it would probably be our last vacation without our children; however, we didn’t think that come February, (only a few months later), we would find ourselves on a plane flying to Hawaii. Somehow, someway we made it happen and we are all stoked to say the least. Lou Ann and the kids flew out on Wednesday and now it’s my turn.

I got to the airport a little early eager to get on my way…also because I knew that Lou Ann wouldn’t have it any other way. Just because I’m flying solo doesn’t mean she is still not with me in spirit. I can hear her organized voice in my head, “Jon, you never know? There might be traffic or long lines. You might get lost or have trouble checking baggage, etc.” So here I am, 3 hours early. At least I’m not going to miss my flight. :)

Flying is kinda fun…for the first 10 minutes, then you just want to get there. I feel the same way right now. I would watch a movie but for some reason, they now charge you $15. I am not a frequent flyer so I’m not sure when that change happened but it’s not very fair in my mind. It already cost us our life savings and a few credit card charges to get here and now they want $15 dollars more? I don’t think so. Luckily I have my book…not sure that will keep my attention for the next 5 hours though?

Finally we are arriving into Honolulu. My brother Greg (resident local of the Big Island in Hawaii) is meeting me at the airport to pick me up. It will be nice to have someone who knows the streets of Oahu. I’m sure I would get lost trying to find our hotel in downtown Waikiki. Greg and his family were kind enough to fly over for the week so the cousins could get together and we could spend some good family bonding time. It will be great having them here.

I got in pretty late so Greg just drops me off and after hugs and kisses with the family, we hit the sack. Sounds like the fam has been having fun without me though. They went snorkeling, shopped at the local mall, swam in Ko’Olina Bay, and ate at Bubba Gump Shrimp. We are officially in Hawaii! Boo ya!

Last Post

2009-01-04T15:58:00.000-08:00

After a year (to the date) of blogging, I have finally decided that I have wasted enough of my and your time. It's been a fun experience and has allowed me to unleash a little of my writing bug. Thank you for your comments and for your time spent reading my drivel. It's been fun, rewarding, and awkward all at the same time....which is usually a good sign that something is enjoyable. Thanks again for reading.

Dro

Benjamin Button

2008-12-28T13:42:00.000-08:00

Lou Ann and I decided to use part of our Christmas present the other night given to us by my brother Jeff and his wife Jen: Movie tickets! (note: we also got 2 restaurant gift cards that we will be using at a later date). :)

We both settled on The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. If you haven't heard what the premise is, it's basically about a man being born old in appearance yet physically looks like a baby....if that makes any sense. He of course grows younger as the movie goes on and is able to experience life in a reverse sort of way.

There is no violence, no nudity, no swearing, no big explosions. The movie is almost 3 hours long. Sounds like a really winner huh?

However, it's heartfelt, it's romantic, it's mind-boggling, it's thought-provoking, it's interesting, it's engaging, it's awesome!!!

I didn't look at my watch one time (that's probably because I don't have a watch but still....you get the point). I was thoroughly impressed and came out of the movie claiming it to be, "One of my top 5 of all time."

Now, you will find many that will laugh at this absurdity. You will find many that will absolutely hate it. You will find many that will be bored to tears.

Maybe I was in the type of mood one needs to be in to enjoy this sort of movie. Maybe I like romantic-dramas. Maybe I have too many "girly" emotions.

Who knows? All I know is that this movie is Academy Award worthy. It spans the 20th century in an interesting way ala Forrest Gump and curiously both were written by the same screenwriter: Eric Roth. I'm guessing that if you like Forrest Gump, then you will like this movie. Not nearly as funny but in my mind, more intriguing and not as simplistic.

If you're looking for a movie to go to with your loved one, I obviously would recommend The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Life altering movies (or people) don't come along that often and as Benjamin says so eloquently near the end of the movie, "Along the way you bump into people (or movies) who make a dent on your life. Some people get struck by lightning. Some are born to sit by a river. Some have an ear for music. Some are artists. Some swim the English Channel. Some know buttons. Some know Shakespeare. Some are mothers. And some people can dance."

And I would add, "Some movies are just special and need to be seen." This is one of those movies.

10 Reasons to Love Christmas

2008-12-24T10:37:00.000-08:00

I realize that there are many more reasons to love Christmas and most people would probably say that this is their favorite time of year; however, in keeping with my tradition, I will break down MY top 10 reasons for loving Christmas. (FYI...of course I am happy to be celebrating Jesus' birth so just because that doesn't appear on my list doesn't mean I'm an Atheist or Agnostic or whatever the term is these days).

Here goes:

#10 A Christmas Carol

(I read this every year with my freshman. If you haven't read the original Charles Dickens novel, I would suggest it to everyone. It's about 75 pages long and you can finish in a few hours. Go for it. I think you will be pleasantly surprised).

#9 The Movies

(Who doesn't use Christmas vacation as a time to watch movies? Cozy up in your jammies on the couch with a bowl full of ice cream and watch the classics: Christmas Vacation is always a must. Elf has also made its way into must-see-TV. What is your family's must-see classic?)

#8 The Presents

(Who doesn't love to open presents......even now 36 years old and I'm still a little giddy. Of course, I am at the point that I love watching my kids' reactions more than my own but it's still a little fun to peal off that tape and see what your loved ones picked out especially for you. Only problem is that spontaneous reaction that sometimes feels a little forced even if you like the present).

#7 The Weather

(The only thing good about living in a cold place is the snow during the Christmas season. I don't get to enjoy it but the brisk air is enough for me. I actually hate the cold but sometimes it's fun just to get bundled up and feel that phenomena of being warm yet cold at the same time).

#6 NFL Football

(Isn't football on TV one of the best sports to watch. It's not even my favorite sport and yet, for some reason, watching it on TV is entertaining. I am a big believer of the MUTE button. Everyone can still gather around and talk and do whatever and I can watch football with no sound. It doesn't affect anyone and I can still enjoy my game. NICE!!!)

#5 The Food

(Who doesn't like to gorge themselves at this time of year? Eat, eat, and eat some more. No one cares and everyone knows they shouldn't but we all still do. Come January 5th, we wonder what happened but dang, it's worth it....isn't it? See below what I feel like after the holidays).

#4 College Football Bowl Season

(Most would disagree but for some reason, I enjoy watching the bowl games. I don't watch them all but it's always fun to root for the MWC teams and unfortunately watch BYU get pummelled. A college football playoff though would be unreal. Please President Obama....do something????).

#3 Two weeks off!

(That's right, one of the times of year that it is good to be the teacher. Gotta love 2 weeks to just chill and hang out with the fam and friends. Of course, I have a stack of Frankenstein essays I need to grade but.....just like my students, my backpack stays in the corner most of the vacation).

#2 Family Reunion

(We always get together with family this time of year. The cousins all get together and of course are entertained 24/7. This is the best treat of all. I never have to hear, "I'm bored" or "There's nothing to do" which is a beautiful thing).

And my #1 reason.......

(note: Lou Ann said I couldn't do anymore innuendo jokes...sorry to disappoint).

#1 The Spirit of Christmas

(Of course, this has to be #1. The generosity that everyone feels during this time of year is awesome. Just when you think you are spending too much time or money, BAM, you get back ten-fold what you put in. I call it the tithing phenomena. We shouldn't, we can't, we don't....Dang, I'm glad we did!)

Merit vs. Experience

2008-12-17T10:15:00.000-08:00

I am currently in the middle of grading 100 (4-6 page) essays from my seniors. It is absolutely horrible. The stack never seems to shrink and it takes me about 10-15 minutes per essay. Why so long you ask? Well, the students don't just want their scores, they want and need to know why? Why did I get an 88 and not a 90? Why did you take off 4 points and not just 2? Why is my conclusion not good enough or my thesis not concise enough? Why, why, why?

Knowing these questions will inevitably come, I am forced to write the answers on each essay.....thus the extra time. It was during these past few days that I seriously began to wonder if teachers should be paid on merit instead of experience. Did you know that PE teachers and English teachers get paid the same thing depending on how long they've been teaching? Not that PE teachers are a bad breed but they are done when the 2:45 bell rings. There are no essays to grade or paperwork to sift through; therefore, if they are not putting as much time as the English teacher, why should they get paid the same?

I don't know. Maybe I'm just bitter and in a bad mood lately. This week has been a loooong one and it's only Wednesday. I started Seminary this week which has been a highlight for me. It's the only thing that keeps me going. I love it! (note: I've only been doing it 3 days so perhaps if you ask me in a few months, maybe my opinion will have changed). Anyway, I've also had games these past 2 days (we lost both: one by 10 and one by 2 in overtime). As the losses accumulate so does the parental pressure and the "know-it-all dads" who are more annoying than anything else.

So I've left home at 6 am and gotten home around 9 pm...only to dig the essays out of my bag and continue grading. This routine gets very frustrating and has led me to this post. I know, I know.....I chose this profession and knew what I was getting into; however, today is unload on life day (unload on wife day was yesterday...sorry babe).

Back to my original question: Should teachers be paid on merit rather than experience?

Today I answer emphatically YES!!!!

I Need Some Female Advice....

2008-12-11T07:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers and/or Emily Post:

The Lady Breakers are a new team this year (see a few posts below). We lost not only 3 of our best players but 3 of our most competitive, which I believe is worse. How many times have you been a part of a team where some of the other players on your team just "want to have fun" rather than win. How frustrating is that? Therefore, this attitude breeds contempt on both sides. We have 2 returners from last year who realize that "fun" is had in winning. And in order to win, you have to be committed, dedicated, and have a competitive streak. When they see the other girls not trying or not coming to practice or saying it's "that time of the month" and not suiting out....it pisses them off.

I have one girl on my team who is our star player. She is a sophomore and hasn't missed a practice or a game in 2 years. I wonder as a coach, how come it's never "that time of the month" for her? How come she never "gets sick?" How come she never has to "go study with her tutor?" How come she doesn't have "family emergencies?"

Obviously this girl gets frustrated during the games because she not only gets double and triple teamed but when she makes the appropriate pass, the other girls drop it or when they do catch it, they give it right back. It's more of a mental grind for her all game. She has to bring the ball up against pressure, finally gets it past half-court, and passes it to the open girl. Not 2 seconds later, that girl gives it right back because she freaks out when she has the ball and doesn't know what to do.

Well, this makes for a long game for this one girl so sometimes she yells at them or tells them to pull their heads out. This of course, makes either the other girl cry or yell back at her saying, "Don't disrespect me like that?"

We actually had a verbal fight the other day on the bus between almost every girl on the team and this one girl. They teamed up against her saying, "she is too intense" and "doesn't say nice things on the court" and "is too critical of their play." I actually had to intervene as a coach before it came to blows.

Of course, (internally), I side with this one player but I have to be PC and not choose a side. I wanted to say, "Look, she comes to every practice and every game and you guys don't so she has every right to yell at you and tell you that you suck." But I didn't say that. Instead, I said, "We are all competitive in our own way and what is said on the court shouldn't affect your relationships off the court."

We are 0-5. We've lost games by: 55, 45, 1, 12, and 5. Yes, we lost our first two games by 55 and 45. That is not good. However, as the scores indicate, we are getting better. We have 3 more games next week. I actually thought we had ironed out the wrinkles and were ready to go but even after all that, on Monday (our first practice after these 5 games), we only had 7 girls dress out and we have 12 on the team.

And yes, a few of the girls that didn't come or dress out where the same girls who were yelling at this one dedicated player. Go figure.

Advice?

Signed,
Confused in Laguna

Seminary

2008-12-07T15:25:00.017-08:00

Today I was given a new calling. I'm sure you have already guessed considering the name of this post and yes, you are right....I have been called as a Seminary teacher. Needless-to-say I am stoked! Why would one be stoked to receive such a calling you ask?

My top 5 reasons:

#5 No Sunday calling
#4 Church is located across the street from my school
#3 Teaching is what I love to do
#2 No boss
#1 Mandatory scripture study (this one I need the most).

Of course there are negatives such as: getting up an hour earlier and trying to motivate some kids who don't want to be there but I believe the positive far outweighs the negative.

In my mind, there might be only one cause of concern. I am team-teaching with another teacher who was called at the beginning of the year. We are going to teach 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off. (I forgot to include that in my top 5 reasons....how sweet is that!?!?)

Anyway, I am concerned because I don't want to either be the teacher that all the kids hate and/or the teacher that all the kids like. I think in either scenario it could get dicey. I'm sure we will both have different teaching styles and I just don't want things to get uncomfortable for the kids and for us: the teachers.

Advice?

Alert: Sports Post.....Read Only if Bored.

2008-12-03T14:43:00.000-08:00

So it's that time of year again. The time of year where college football is on the biggest stage. Where people far and wide "have a beef" with the system that has been in place since time began. People argue and cry about the BCS every year. "So and so got screwed. Why did so and so get in and why did so and so get left out. My team deserves a chance. Your team sucks. My team beat so and so. Your team lost to so and so. We won by 30. You won by 20. We lost only one game and it was on the last play to so and so. You lost one game and it was by 10 points to so and so."

Blah, blah, blah.

It's so annoying. Sometimes you can't help but get caught up in the hype. Sometimes I hear myself saying, "Yea. And yea. And that's right. And you're wrong. And let's settle it on the field." However, it's that last statement that gets me. It has been settled on the field......all year long. 12 games have decided people's fate.

I know...I hear you...."But Dro, what about a team like Utah. They haven't lost all year. Why not them?" Because Utah's fate was decided already BEFORE the season began. They don't play in a major conference and therefore get no chance at the big piece of the pie. That's the system and that's what everyone agreed to when the BCS was formed.

It's actually very metaphoric. This type of thing happens in games and in life all the time. Let's take Monopoly for an example. Before the first roll of the dice, everyone agrees to the rules. If there's a question in the rules, you go with what is written. If there is a change in rules, those changes must be made before the first roll. In the beginning, no one has a problem.....you know why? Because the "problem" hasn't happened to you yet; therefore, there is no problem.

Then, the first time that someone lands on "Free Parking" he/she says, "Give me my $500 bucks."

Response: Why?
Answer: Because those are the rules.
Response: Show me.
Answer: That's how I always play.
Response: That's a house rule but not in this house.
Answer: You suck....cheater.

Play continues. Someone goes to jail and while in jail someone else lands on his/her property.

Response: Pay up.
Answer: Nope. You're in jail.
Response: The rules say you must pay while I'm in jail.
Answer: Show me.
Response: I can't. We lost the rules 2 years ago when our dog ate them.
Answer: Then, I'm not paying.
Response: You suck...cheater.

Anyway, you understand the point. This happens all the time but not just in Monopoly but real life. We love the rules that are in place until they work against us. Then we cry, rant, rave, and complain to anyone that will listen that "we got screwed." Then when the rules aren't changed, we claim that people "suck" and "cheat."

I've said those very words to cops that have pulled me over for speeding. "But officer...this isn't my car. I didn't know I was going this fast. Everyone else is doing it."

Response: Were you going over the speed limit?
Answer: Yes
Response: Here is your ticket.
Answer: You suck....cheater.

Then on the way home, I blast every cop and call them every obscenity....for doing what? Applying the rules that I agreed to when I got my license.

Ironic, isn't it.

And now we have that very same thing happening in college football. Everyone knows the rules and agrees. Then when the system works against them, they get pissed and claim the system is broken and must be changed.

Response: Those are the rules. We can't change them now.
Answer: You suck....cheaters.

The Lady Breakers are back!

2008-12-01T12:20:00.001-08:00

Yep, that's right...the Laguna Beach Lady Breakers start their season tonight. In the next 6 days, we will play 5 games and I will know (as their coach) what our season has in store. Our first game we face off against one of the better teams in Southern California (Edison). They lost 4 games last year and will absolutely destroy us. I know....a coach is supposed to be confident in his players' abilities; however, this coach (me) is a realist.

"Show me the heart unfettered by foolish dreams, and I'll show you a better man."

After tonight, we square off against University (best known for having a very famous alum: Cort Green). They are also (like us) known for their academics and not necessarily their athletics. That game should be much closer.

As, I did last year, I will document our ups and downs throughout the season. We reached the 2nd round of CIF last season for only the 2nd time in school history. I hope we repeat that performance. We did graduate our 3 best players so we are in sort of a rebuilding stage. Our 2 best players and returning starters are now Sophomores. Our team will be built around them, on them, and through them. If one of those 2 go down...we are escrewed!

We have the same 3 goals we had last year:

1. Be competitive in every game
2. Win our league
3. Reach the CIF playoffs

We got blown out in only one game last year and came within 8 points of winning our league.....this year: We'll see?

Twilight

2008-11-23T14:45:00.000-08:00

The new Harry Potter has arrived and is in full bloom. I don't know if I can comment on this phenomena due to the fact that I have yet to read even the cover title of a Twilight book; however, with its initial movie release a few days ago, I figure why not find out more information? Why not see what the fuss is all about?

So I went online on read some reviews. Apparently according to Roger Ebert, "Twilight's about a teenage boy trying to practice abstinence, and how, in the heat of the moment, it's really, really hard ("that's what she....nevermind"). And about a girl who wants to go all the way with him, and doesn't care what might happen."

I didn't have to read any further. I understood the "fuss." I knew why high school and even junior high adolescents are so engrossed in what has become a cult following. Stephanie Meyer hit a chord with her audience: forbidden love. A modern day Romeo and Juliet with a twist. The storyline never gets old and any human being from adolescent to those past their prime knows or can appreciate the storyline. ("Whoever knew the forbidden fruit could taste so sweet?") I mean, who hasn't heard that before?

I must admit, it seems so simple and juvenile; yet, aren't the most appealing creations and/or inventions "simple." (ie post-its, paperclips, bumps on the side of the road to wake up a sleepy traveler, etc..)

Roger Ebert says it best, "Why do girls always prefer the distant, aloof, handsome, dangerous dudes instead of cheerful chaps like me?" I always wondered the same thing in high school and in college for that matter. I considered myself a "cheerful chap" and yet you could find me on Friday nights playing cards with the tards. (I told myself that I'd rather be playing cards than on a date but deep down I knew better). It wasn't until I found a girl willing to be a "tard" and play some cards that I knew I had struck gold....(6 months later we were engaged).

Anyway, back to Twilight. Will I see it? Probably not. Will I read it? Probably not. But I can and will appreciate the hype. I had a girl on my basketball team not practice the other day because and I quote, "I stayed up late watching the midnight showing of Twilight." For some reason, I can't imagine telling my coach that in high school but at the same time she said it with such conviction and honesty that I just shrugged and kept on coaching . I also saw 4 girls go "ga ga" over a Twilight poster in the library with Edward front on center. ("He's soooooo hot!")

Yes, they were freshman but I'm sure 40 year old mad moms in minivans have and will react the same way.

Kudos to Stephanie Meyer (author) and Catherine Hardwicke (director). They didn't reinvent the wheel, they just created a new tread....vampire style.

My Brother Greg

2008-11-19T20:09:00.001-08:00

To those who don't know (probably not very many of you), I have a brother Greg who lives in Hawaii. (He and his family are shown above with my mom).

Some of you probably don't read comments on blogs and so I wanted to post his comment in regards to "judging and the alternative lifestyle" especially with what has come down today in the Supreme Court.

I think it is spot-on.

Here it is:

"We judge people everyday and must for our own safety and the safety of others. When the guy in the car swerves in and out of your lane, you give him plenty of space and try to get away from him. When you see someone who looks dangerous on the streets you walk a different direction. When someone asks you for a loan you have to evaluate whether that person is going to pay you back.

It is critical that we make these decisions. Perhaps we over generalize. Maybe the guy in the car ahead of you just spilled coffee in his lap and isn't drunk or a bad driver. I, however, am not going to give him the benefit of the doubt and risk getting killed. I have made the wrong decision on the scary guy on the street and got mugged at gun point (yes he was black and when I see other black guys early in the morning with hoodies and dirty jeans I run - guess I racially prejudice). And I have made the unpaid loan. It is impossible for us to live life without judging and make reasonable decisions based on limited exposure and, to some degree, stereotype. If you don't you are no better then Lenny Small from "Of Mice and Men" - tell me about the rabbits George.

So - on Prop 8. I have been around many homosexuals in my life. Whether through my time in musical theater, living in San Francisco for 12 years, going to a highly progressive law school in San Francisco (Hastings), or having two lesbian bosses for a year and a half (and listening to them argue about doing the dishes in staff meeting - btw as and aside: This couple was planning on adopting a child. When a child became available they were just leaving on vacation. They asked their dog sitter if she would be willing to pick up the baby and watch him until they got home. Thankfully the dog sitter said no, they decided to go on vacation and not get the baby.). Many gays and lesbians are friends whom I think are great people.

Most, however, are highly promiscuous with multiple partners, are predatory sexually, tend to be highly self-centered pre madonnas, and are quite materialistic. Gays have also been significantly responsible for the spread of a major public health epidemic because of their behavior (AIDS) which has cost society and taxpayers billions of dollars. They are neither apologetic not looking to provide compensation. Instead the seek the help and pity of non-gays to help them with their "burden".

I don't mean this to be hurtful or hateful. I am just trying to be honest. Its look in the mirror time. I recognize that I as a Mormon will initially be judged as self-righteous, close-minded, and as having a persecution complex. These judgments of us as a people are probably not far off. I don't get mad about it, I look at myself and try to recognize those poisonous qualities in me, amend them and help people amend their initial stereotypes of me.

The gays and their fellow crusaders are so focused on their failure to appropriate a word (they have all of the rights of married couples under California law) that they are driving people out of their jobs, vandalizing property and spending countless hours protesting during one of the most painful times in our nation's history (economy, war). This is very myopic and self-centered and only serves to reinforce the stereotypes I have of them. It's time to stop the rhetoric and get a grip!"

Holidays

2008-11-17T21:17:00.000-08:00

I was thinking the other day about holidays in general and the difference in feeling a child gets compared to an adult when the holidays approach. For the most (I would say), the child is excited: full of anticipation eagerly awaiting that holiday that will either gain them candy, food, presents, colored eggs, chocolates, or at the very least, a day off (or more) from school. There is usually nothing negative associated with the holidays for a child.

The adult/parent on the other hand is usually not very excited: shopping, spending, finding, hiding, deciding, or at the very least, frustrated at one point or another.

Do I sound like a Scrooge? Probably.

But I'm finding as my kids get older, my frustration rises with each approaching holiday.

1. What do to that is exciting and new for New Year's Eve? (note: I always wait until that day to decide and then we usually just play games til 9:00 pm, turn on the TV and watch the ball drop in New York City).

2. What to buy for 36 x 4 other kids so that each student in my kids' classes aren't left without a Valentine? (note: this can get annoying when Target doesn't have SpongeBob Valentines or whatever the choice is that year).

3. Make sure each of my kids have enough green on for St. Patrick's Day so they don't get pinched too hard at school? (note: I always tell them just mark your hand with a green marker but they never go for my suggestion).

4. Where should I hide all my Easter Egg candy and how do I make sure that each kid gets the same amount of candy/eggs in his/her basket? (note: No matter how many precautions are made, the hunt usually ends with someone in tears).

5. Should I buy costumes so that my kids look cool enough or should I find stuff around the house thus letting everyone know that I am a lazy and cash-strapped parent? (note: Halloween is my LEAST favorite holiday of the year from a parent's perspective due to the costume problem, the candy issues, and the job of the parent to either walk with the children door to door or stay at home and hand out candy. There's only so many times I can say, "Oh it's Spiderman...how cool").

6. And then there's Christmas. Should I buy a lot of little things so my kids have more to open on Christmas day? Should I buy a few expensive things but then they think, "That's all I get?" Should I spend my savings only to see them either break that remote control car on the first day or not even play with it at all after they open a much "cooler" present? (note: How many times have you thought, "I bought the perfect gifts this year" only to see your kids searching for more presents and then breaking into tears when they realize that Christmas is over?)

Notice how I skipped Thanksgiving. That's right....that was on purpose. My favorite holiday of the year as a parent. I love my Thanksgiving. It is so simple and yet so rewarding. The kids know what to expect. Every kid gets the exact same thing. There are no presents on Thanksgiving. There is no hidden agenda. There is no shopping at the mall. There is no guessing. There are no tears. Put a turkey on the table. Throw in some mashed potatoes, stuffing, and maybe even a pumpkin pie. Mom cooks, Dad watches football. Maybe even get up early and play a little football with the neighbors. Kids run around, get tired, come home dirty, eat turkey with some ingredient that makes you go to sleep, and WHAM the day is done. Mom is a little tired from cooking but usually gets to take a nap in the late afternoon while a football game is buzzing and Grandpa is snoring in the background.

Kids are happy, parents are happy. Oh yea. There's nothing like Thanksgiving!!!!

Does Judging Others = HATE

2008-11-13T15:52:00.000-08:00

Obviously with what has happened lately on this blog and in our society, I have been pondering over a certain question:

Does judging others lead to hate?

Most people believe that we "shouldn't judge others, lest we be judged." I think that works in many instances but I also think there are times when we need to judge others, especially as parents. It has been said, (and I for one am a big believer of this) that our children's friends are HUGE contributors to how our children will turn out. Therefore, is it not our right and duty as parents to judge others and help our children make right choices when it comes to friends? But then as we make that judgment, are we not then showing "hate" towards a particular family and/or lifestyle?

It gets into a little gray area, doesn't it? Some like "Anonymous" would have us believe that very thing. If I don't allow my daughter to be friends with a group of people that practices what I deem immoral behavior, then I am being hateful....which in turn makes me a bigot or a racist or a hater. When in reality, I believe that I am (as a parent) helping her not put herself in situations where peer pressure might make her do things that she doesn't want to do.

Example #1: My daughter wants to hang out with a group of people who like to smoke. I don't want my daughter to smoke. So I say, "You can't hang out with those people." Does this reaction make me a bigot towards smokers or just a good parent?

Example #2: My daughter wants to go to parties where underage kids drink alcohol. I don't want her to drink alcohol so I tell her she can't go and hang out with those kids. Does this make me a bigot towards drinkers or just a good parent?

I would bet that anyone with a rational mind would say, "I was just being a good parent."

So, my question is this: Why can't Christians put their foot down when the very core of their belief and structure is being challenged? Why can't they say, "We don't want our children and our grandchildren exposed any more than they need to be?"

No one complains when they put advisory labels on CDs. No one holds rallies and yells profanities when they label TV shows as G rated or TV 14. No one cries "bigot" when they tell cigarette companies not to angle their advertisements towards teenagers. And no one should blame Christians for finally sticking up for themselves and saying enough is enough.

This same-sex marriage issue has turned into one of hate. One side claiming that the other side is hateful when in reality, it is the exact opposite. The Christians are showing love towards future generations. They are putting the advisory labels on certain behavior and rating them as MA (mature audiences only).

Anybody has the free agency to watch an MA show but what they don't have the free agency to do is show it to everyone on the big screen of life.

This is where I stand on this issue. I will stand up, wave signs, go door to door, and send out mailers when I believe my children and their children are in danger of being put into situations where someone or some group is forcing their way into mainstream.

I'm glad that someone stood up against 2 Live Crew and said, "We are putting an advisory label on your CD."

I'm glad that someone stood up to the TV networks and said, "You need to rate every one of your TV shows."

And I'm hoping that in 20 years, someone will say to all of us Christians, "I'm glad that you stood up for marriage and protected our families."

Utah vs. Laguna Beach

2008-11-10T12:47:00.000-08:00

Our friends (Ben and Rachel from Arizona) visited us this weekend. We got to talking about Prop 8 and how Laguna Beach residents voted 68% No and only 32% Yes. Also, there happened to be, (on Friday night) in downtown Laguna, over 300 angry Laguna Beach residents loudly protesting the passage of Prop 8.

So the question was asked: Where would you rather raise your kids: Laguna Beach or Utah? I'm guessing the question was raised because these two places are viewed as the extremes (when talking about levels of goodness) and if given the choice, which extreme would one choose?

It actually made for a good debate.

Utah on one hand has a majority of Mormons. Your kids are surrounded by others who know your values and where you stand. When surrounded by "goodness" does one not tend to be good?

Laguna Beach on the other hand has a majority of "free-thinkers." The high school is documented as the most common drug and alcohol use in Orange County. Therefore, your kids are surrounded by others who don't share your values and don't know where you stand. When surrounded by not such "goodness" does one tend not to be good?

That's the question. Can you raise your kids with the appropriate values and then let them govern themselves accordingly in both environments? I would think I would feel secure in either place. However, regardless of where I lived, I would pray fervently that my child make good choices. In both places, (I believe) my child would be tempted to be either different from the mold (Utah) or go along with the group (Laguna Beach).

Peer pressure is a HUGE thing. Peer pressure to be good or peer pressure to be bad. Will my child choose the "forbidden fruit" or be happy with the surrounding fruit?

Free-agency is such a tricky thing. We want our children to be able to make choices but we crave the ability to force them to make good choices.

The question is: Does living in a certain state or town create a better opportunity for our children to make those good choices? I personally believe the answer is YES and it does matter.

I'm just not sure what place that is so I'm choosing the one with the ocean view. :)

America the Beautiful

2008-11-05T11:30:00.000-08:00

Today, I woke up a happy man. Happy in one sense that something I truly and passionately believe in was supported by 52% of Californians (thank you to all who helped Prop 8 pass), and happy in the other sense that although the person I voted for didn't win, America showed that race is no longer a factor when determining a person's merits. That should be reason to celebrate in and of itself.

I believe Barack Obama when he says that America is a better place today then it was only 15 years ago. I believe him when he says he will do the best he can for our country. I believe him when he says that through hope, we can and will have a better tomorrow.

Are there some issues we (as a country) should be concerned about? Sure. Does his party stand for things that I do not. Sure. However, I am excited today. I am excited that our country is now being led by a leader of men. A leader who can bring together both old and young, rich and poor, right wing and left wing. A leader who "hopefully" will deliver all that he has promised and that 4 years from now, our country will have turned the tide, our economic woes in the distant past and our religious freedoms still in tact.

As John McCain said in his concession speech, "It's time to put aside our differences and unite the country and do all we can to support our new leader."

I plan on doing that......(or at least until he demands that same-sex marriage is now OK).

ps I did cry myself to sleep last night....not at the overall election but upon hearing that Jesse and Deanna had broken up. Supposedly it was because they couldn't agree on Prop 8.

Teacher Demonstration A Success!

2008-10-31T15:04:00.000-07:00

Over 100 teachers and parents came out Thursday afternoon in Support of Prop 8 and to also let the teacher union know that they can't speak for all of us teachers. Most teachers (whether they are for Prop 8 or not) disagree with the expenditure of funds (over 1.2 million) towards a proposition that has "nothing to do with schools."

Here is the article that came out today.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/teachers-prop-union-2212836-cta-state

Not anti-gay...pro-family.

2008-10-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

I recently came up with this term to describe my feelings in a short concise way. I figured that "no and 8s" have heard all the arguments out there already and have countered with their own bias and opinions. This one, I believe, has no counter-argument. A fellow teacher at my high school has started the ball rolling and we will be having a rally Thursday afternoon at Crown Valley Elementary School at 4 pm. The rally is called Teachers Vote Yes on Prop 8 and the Orange County Register is coming to take pictures and comments.

If you know any teachers in the surrounding area who you think would like to attend, please let them know. Here is an email I just sent to a bunch of teachers at my school (hopefully I don't get fired for doing so). But even if I do, I'm going down with a FIGHT!!!! (BTW, do any of you have a decent paying job that would like to hire an ex-teacher who got fired for doing what he believed in?)

Anyway, here is the letter:

Fellow colleagues, This is Jon Hendrickson, English teacher at the high school. I had heard through the grapevine that you were supportive of Prop 8 and wanted to protect our family structure and believed that marriage was intended to be between a man and a woman. If I am wrong, then I apologize in advance for this email.

I am not anti-gay, I am pro-family. I believe that children raised in a home with a loving father and mother are more likely to be well rounded and successful in today's amoral society. I believe we are dangerously close to Aldous Huxley's Brave New World where "everyone belonged to everyone else" and where "mother" and "father" were considered taboo.

I do not want to accelerate our society into becoming this way so I am voting Yes on Prop 8. If you feel the same way I do, then I encourage you to come to the rally for Teachers for Yes on 8 tomorrow afternoon at 4 pm. We are meeting at Crown Valley Elementary School and the Register will be on hand to take pictures and comments.

I hope you can make it. The more teachers we have attending the better. There will be other supportive teachers from different districts who will be there as well. If you plan on attending (or even if you can't make it) and know others who think the same way you and I do then please forward this email on to them. Thank you for your support.

UPDATE: (I was calling people here in Laguna Beach last night to urge them to vote. I kept using my "pro family" approach. It worked until I called a lawyer......(guess how that went?)

We talked for 25 minutes. He kept calling me a "bigot." He yelled at me. I yelled at him. I was spewing facts that countered his arguments and he was trying to do the same. He kept saying that this proposition would have no effect on me and my children.

My counter: My church losing its tax exempt status affects me. Schools taking their classes to lesbian weddings affects me. Small businesses trying to uphold their own morals and then getting sued for it, affects me. My kids learning about this behavior before they are ready affects me. Using 1.2 million of teacher union fees to defeat this proposition affects me.

His next question, why do you care what people are doing in their own bedroom?

My counter: If it doesn't matter what people do in their own bedroom then why is necrophilia against the law especially if the spouse gives written consent before he or she dies? Would you care if a porno was being conducted next door to you? Also, what is the difference between polygamy and same-sex marriage? If Prop 8 doesn't pass, don't you think that polygamists have a real gripe. They also are a minority group who is supposedly "getting shafted."

He kept bringing up the blacks and how our country tried to keep them from their civil rights as well. I'm so sick of that argument. I think blacks should be offended everytime it is used.

Anyway, I know I am preaching to the choir but at this point, this is the only real issue that matters. The Presidential race is secondary right now to many here in California and probably to the brethren as well. I am fearful right now that Prop 8 will not pass. I think we are trailing at this point and like McCain, probably need a miracle.

California Teacher's Union...(update)

2008-10-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, I am a teacher and therefore I am part of a union. As others of you know, I have told you in the past that the reason education isn't what it should be is because of THE UNION. When you sign up to be a teacher, they FORCE you to pay union fees with the caveat "you don't have to be part of the union, but you do have to pay the fees." The Union keeps bad teachers in the classroom teaching yours and my kids. The Union has a contract with administrators that after two years, a teacher cannot be fired. If you want to have a secure job....go into teaching and be great for two years. After that....do whatever you want. The Union will protect you.

This past week, I've never been more disappointed to be part of a union and to be called a teacher.

The CTA has pledged over 1 million dollars of MY union fees to help stop Proposition 8 from passing. They are taking an active role. If you watched The Office last night, then you saw the commercial with CTA President David Sanchez blasting those who supported Prop 8 for using lies and scare tactics. (I wonder how much he got paid to appear in this 30 second bit).

Right now, I'm fired up. Yesterday at my lunch break I called the CTA. I expressed my concerns. I emailed my union representative (Walt) and demanded my union fees back. He checked into it for me and forwarded to me the following response:

HI Walt,

You're not the only one who has been getting letters and calls. We logged in about 50 calls yesterday alone. I'm not trying to pass the buck, but you might want to forward these letters and yours, to Mike Stone, you CTA Board member. I will tell you that in June, the State Council voted to take an oppose to Prop. 4,6, 8, 9. They also voted to expend up to $5 million on these Propositions. To date, they have spent $ 600, 00 on 4, $1 million on 6 and 9 combined, and $ 1 million on prop 8. Mike can give you the rationale.

His e-mail is : MStone@cta.org . Be sure to identify yourself as the chapter Pres. of Laguna.

As for getting the money back, I'm still checking in to it. CTA members can have the ABC $ diverted back into the CTA general fund. The voluntary dues, $20 of which $10 for scholarships and $10 is for advocacy (which may include initiatives) can be refunded or diverted so that all of the money is for scholarships. The form for this is on the "My CTA web site"

It's time to take a stand. If you are a teacher or you know a teacher, cut and paste this response and urge them to contact their union rep. Urge them to call the CTA. Urge them to email dsanchez@cta.org (CTA President). Even if they are on the other side....how can you justify 1 million dollars on a proposition that has nothing to do with teachers.

Afterall (according to CTA President David Sanchez), we won't be teaching gay marriage in the schools anyway, right?

UPDATE: (I just sent the following email to President Sanchez)

President Sanchez:

I'm sure this won't be the first or last email you get from a teacher who has dutifully paid his union fees throughout the last 12 years and is disgusted by your actions. I'm sure you have decided to take a stand on Proposition 8 for your own reasons. I'm sure you believe in "equality for all."

However, to spend over 1 million dollars in union fees to defeat Proposition 8 is unbelievable. We are in budget crisis. The CTA has forced districts to lay off good teachers this past year due to budget costs and apparently now I know why.

Can you please explain to me the rationale behind spending over 5 million dollars of teacher union fees on propositions?

What does Prop 8 have to do with teachers? Equality for all, you will respond and yet, in your commercial you claim that this will NOT be taught in schools. If that's the case, why are my union fees being used?

I used to be proud of being a union member and thought being a teacher was a noble calling. No longer. Your political agenda disgusts me. I am going to do all I can to flood your email box, your phone messages, and your mailbox in order to let you know that this has been a horrible decision on your part and that of the CTA's. I know plenty of teachers throughout California who feel the same way and will support me in these actions.

You may take my union fees but you will not take away my morals nor will you speak for me as I am withdrawing my name from the union.

Sincerely yours,
Jon Hendrickson

Equality for All???

2008-10-23T07:56:00.001-07:00

My brother-in-law sent me this story yesterday (thank you Eric) about the Mormon family that placed the YES on 8 banner on their house, only to wake up the next morning and find this SUV parked near their driveway with the "endearing" phrase "BIGOTS LIVE HERE."

Immediately, my own thoughts turned ugly. I thought, "Who would do something like this? Why the outward show of hate? I thought there was freedom of speech in America?" I then signed up to be a member of the Mercury News. I was going to show them. I was going to post my comments about this article. I was going to blast those who parked that SUV. I was going to convince everyone to vote YES on Prop 8.

However, I started to read everyone else's comments: some supporting the Mormon family but most supporting the SUV owners. I started to get sucked in to the hype and the hatred. And I started to get a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. Needless-to-say, I didn't post my comments. I realized that I was getting the same feeling I got on my mission when people were hating on me for being a missionary. In the first year of my mission, I would confront these people and try and convince them that the church was true......I didn't realize until my 2nd year that I was doing exactly what they wanted me to do. Those type of people love confrontation. They love controversy. They love contention.

And so, here we are again. Prop 8 has brought me full circle. It's been 15 years since I came home from the Canary Islands and yet, those feelings of contention have risen again. Are we going to convince people to vote YES by being angry and reacting in a malicious or hate-spewed manner? No. Just like we aren't going to change our minds, just because someone parks an SUV in front of our house and calls us "Bigots."

My plea to all you supporters of Prop 8: Be better than our opposition. Be better colleagues. Be better neighbors. Be better people. Wave signs with smiles on your faces even as many drive by with their middle fingers out the window. Put bumper stickers on your cars and replace them happily when they get ripped off. Send letters to people informing them of the truths and realities of Prop 8. Go door to door in your neighborhood and when the hate starts to spew from some of your neighbors' mouths, thank them for their time and move on.

I can hardly wait when Prop 8 passes because at that time, only one word will be necessary:

SCOREBOARD!

Sharon Lynn Hendrickson

2008-10-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

My mom passed away on Sunday and no blog post can do her justice. I don't even want to try. But because this is sort of an online journal for me, I wanted to remind myself over and over again what she meant to me. Her favorite movie was The Wizard of Oz. In my mind, she personified each character.....

She was Dorothy: skipping along the yellow brick road, happy at all times, even though many obstacles came her way.

She was the Scarecrow: thinking at times she didn't have a brain and yet having the biggest one of all.

She was the Tinman: reaching out to others in time of need, going above and beyond in church callings, and proving to have the biggest heart of anyone I've ever met.

She was the Lion: throughout her life and especially this past year, I've never seen a more courageous person.

She was the Wizard: the person behind the curtain who touched everyone's life. She made you feel special. She made you feel loved. She made the pain go away. She made the world a better place.

I'm so happy for her. Her journey is complete. Her fight is finished. Her final lesson taught. I know what she is saying right now in her Heavenly Father's presence:

"There's no place like home."

I LOVE YOU MOM!

Should Parents "Spy" On Their Children?

2008-10-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

We are currently reading Hamlet in my 12th grade classes and I developed a few journal topics surrounding the themes in the play. One of the topics: "To what extent do parents have the right to "spy" or check up on their children?"

As you might have guessed, this generated a very good classroom discussion. Immediate response from most seniors: "Our parents have the right to 'spy' but they shouldn't."

I asked them if their parents should be able to go into their room at anytime? Or if their parents should be able to check their email? Or if their parents should be able to read their text messages?

Answers: No, No, No.

I then asked them how many of them had computers in their room. 95% of the class raised their hand. I asked them if they thought there was danger there? They looked at me with furrowed brows and questioning looks. (Obviously they hadn't yet been ingrained with the "dangers of pornography" from Mormon Church leaders).

So I asked them flat out: "If you were a parent, would you be concerned that your teenagers were looking at pornography on the internet?"

(I was thinking of posting a picture here but that probably wouldn't be very appropriate).

Student 1: Why not?
Student 2: What's the harm?
Student 3: At least they are exposed to it.

After getting over my initial shock....I then asked, "Wouldn't you fear them becoming addicted?"

Their replies: Nope. By making it not forbidden, they won't become obsessed.

I know this is a crazy take...but on some level, I almost agree with them. I know what you are thinking and I know you are immediately coming up with arguments to combat their point but sometimes, (in our culture) do we try and shelter so much that it becomes counter-productive? Do we make something so bad that all of a sudden, it becomes the "forbidden fruit" that MUST taste so good?

Example: My parents "forbade" me to watch Three's Company. That was the one show I couldn't watch. So, whenever my parents were gone, what did I do?

Turned on Three's Company. (Wasn't Janet hot?)

Pedestrian example, maybe. But I think you get the point.

Should parents "spy" on their kids? Maybe, maybe not. But as most of my seniors said, "When a parent is open with their child and exposes them to the dangers that are out there, most of the time, the child will make the right decision and there will be no reason to spy."

Today, the teacher became the student.

ps Yes, I was talking about "porn" with high school seniors....hopefully, I'm still around next year.

pps Sorry Chad. My class is full.

October 6th...Not a good day for Dro.

2008-10-07T16:47:00.000-07:00

As many of you probably know by now, I am a big Angel fan. I'm not going to profess that I am THE biggest fan out there but I usually either watch, listen to, or attend all 162 games every year. This year, for the first time in franchise history, they won 100 games. They looked good all year. They pitched well and played great defense. They even traded for one of the biggest studs in the Majors in Mark Teixeira. This was a good year to be an Angel fan.....until last night.

Last night, the Angels lost for the 3rd time to the Boston Red Sox in the past week and were eliminated from the playoffs leaving me with an empty void that will not be filled until next April when they try and do it again.

My emotions were as high last night as they were on Sunday. Every pitch meaning more than the next and the pressure was intense (and I'm only talking about me....sitting on my couch at home). This is the passion I feel for my beloved Halos.

I'm 36 years old and I found myself sitting at home, screaming at my television, the three words many other Angel fans said at the exact same time, "Aybar....YOU SUCK!!!!"

Of course, it was at that moment that my wife emerged from the kids' bedrooms and "not so politely" reminded me that I was a father of 4 children who (at times) look up to me as their role model. She wasn't impressed when I recounted to her how Aybar missed a bunt attempt while Willits was stealing home and that if you call yourself a Major League Baseball Player and you can't make contact on a bunt attempt then you do, in fact SUCK!!!!

Anyway, it was only about 10 minutes later that the Angels suffered an ignominious death. As the final run was tallied and the Red Sox poured out of the dugout to celebrate....what did I do?

Did I yell at the TV? No.
Did I throw anything? No.
Did I curse to the heavens? No.
Did I backhand my wife? No. (sidenote: that was just a joke...meant to get a laugh. My wife would work me in any physical encounter).

Instead of doing any of these things (like I would've in the past), I calmly turned off the TV, went downstairs and did some ironing. I needed a little alone time and figured by ironing a few shirts, I would get more in touch with my feminine side and leave the yelling to other manly men.

It worked. I calmed down and was fine and was ready to move on. However, the wife came downstairs and made my night much worse. She delivered even more devastating news:

Misty May had injured herself in Dancing with the Stars and would no longer be able to participate.

My reaction: Lou Ann, YOU SUCK!!!!!