Your humble narrator had the very distinct honor of being invited to the Seattle area to be the Best Man at Claypatch's and the Girlygirl's nupts this past weekend, and a finer or more fun ceremony couldn't have been possible. Never having been a BM before, I was a tad nervous, not knowing all that was to be under my jurisdiction. Imagine my relief when I found that it was essentially keeping the groom from getting plowed that day and the night before. Twenty years ago, that woulda been impossible---but we are all much older and presumably wiser and such things don't hold the sway over us that they once did. Right? Right? Anyway, I was also asked to sing a Magnetic Fields song, "Book of Love," and was joined by Bridgette on harmonies and Claypatch's step-bro Hill on violin. A lovely impromptu session, if'n I do say so my own bad se'f!

 

Once Debs, Bridgette and I returned to the Santa-Ana besieged Los Angeles Basin, however, we were slammed to the ground with simultaneous headcolds, which we are only now feeling like we are recovering from. Yay.

 

The month of September has been a pretty spartan one,  thanks to the monetary-minded machinations of the ex. So, for the time being, movies, dinners out, and other discrete expenditures are place on the proverbial back-burner. One day soon, though, all will be right with the world...I just hope it happens by Xmas.

 

Happiest of birthdays to pal o' mine Tim Widowfield all the way out there in Ohio (aka DEVOland).....  

 

Well, to begin with, the end has finally arrived of nearly five years of classes, essays, homework and student loans*. As of today, Friday, September 3, 2004, I wrap up my student teaching in a third grade class at a local Highland Park elementary school (see me in action giving a lesson on *gasp!* poetry)... so, even after a round of "graduation parties" in June (isn't that when most people grad?), I still had this process to go through, and I have to say it all went very well. I was placed with a master teacher whose unflappability should be legendary, if it's not already. He has taught me much, Grasshopper. I only hope I take enough away to manage on my own. The kids were very sweet and tossed me a little party in the afternoon with chocolate cake, Sunny D. and little pictures that each one drew for me! *sniff* Aw gawrsh, now I'm all verklempt.

 

*YES, I know I'm going into teaching,  fer crying out loud. I ain't dumb.

 

In other news... This week has been a bright spot in a number of ways. Mainly, I have somehow achieved full custody of my beloved offspring, thanks to the flaky stylings of her mother. No matter. Debs and I couldn't be happier to have the lovely Ms. B under our roof once and for all. Some adjustment is inevitable, but thus far, smooth sailing. Please, wish us well.

 

And on the topic of said offspring: She started High School (!!!!) yesterday and apparently she isn't feeling the desperate desire to kill something---I think some progress is being made here!

 

Much much more soon....