MAG 3

My doctor doesn't believe that my left kidney is fully functional. He's not sure at what capacity my kidney is operating and so he ordered a MAG 3 Test. After missing my veins twice, in two different spots, an IV is finally inserted into my arm, I am pumped full of a Nuclear Isotope, and then I lie on the machine for 30 minutes as the isotope is filtered through my kidneys, and eventually pools into my bladder. I could see the display of the machine. I was able to track the progress of the isotope through my kidneys and into my bladder. Even to my untrained eye it was obvious that the right kidney, which shown brighter, was filtering more of the formula than my left, which at times was almost invisible on the screen. As more of the isotope wound up in my bladder it started to show brighter against the dark background, but the left kidney was only a dull presence on the screen, as I was soothed by the sounds of Lite 101.9FM oozing over the sound system. I wondered at the potential results of the test as Bryan Adams serenaded me with 'Everything I Do'.

There's always mixed emotions at the end of show's run. On the one hand you're glad to have your nights back; on the other you're sad about the experience ending. You've gotten to know everyone else, there was something comforting about the routine, and, hopefully, you've enjoyed your time in the production. When the show ends you walk away from all of that and toss a few flyers, programs and souvenirs into your pile of 'show stuff'. Every now and then you'll sort through the pile and you'll remember each show, which roles you liked and didn't like, and the castmates you promised to keep in touch with and haven't.

I am grateful that I was able to be a part of such a great show, meet some fabulous people, and store up a few more funny theatre tales. (All actors have funny theatre tales they exchange backstage, or afterwards at the bar. These entertaining bits about on stage pranks, audience flatulence, directors, actors, etc, are bandied about during each and every production.) I will look forward to the next show.

Damn You Spielberg! Damn You Lucas!

(* May contain a tiny spoiler.)

Just saw the latest Indiana Jones movie. Maybe my expectations were too high...

Without ruining the movie for anyone who has not seen it I will just say that just because we have the technology to do amazing special effects with CGI does not mean that we should ruin movies with it. I hate when movies have completely superfluous effects 'just because'. (EX: King Kong - There's a dinosaur stampede scene that lasts for an eternity 'just because'.) Some of the CGI in this movie was necessary I guess, but Shia LeBouf swinging through the jungle with a pack of wild monkeys 'just because' was BEYOND RIDICULOUS!

I'm not sure what Spielberg and Lucas were hoping for when they decided to bring back Indiana Jones but I sure they didn't envision audience members groaning in there seats. I groaned at least 5 times during this movie, granted, not as many groans as Temple of Doom, which has a campy appeal, but five times too many for me.

Thanks Andrew Zimmern!

It's no secret I've been a little stressed out lately.

This job, which I love, has decided to ambush me at the end of the school year. I'm running around like a headless chicken, doused in 101 Proof grain alcohol and set ablaze. I'm scrambling around trying to make sure certain things happen before the end of the year, and each time I get close to evening out something else is thrown on my plate! Today was not a good day!

When I finally left work, fought the traffic home and dragged myself through my front door I was at the end of my rope. Luckily, there was my wife... with pizza... and beer... and the Travel Channel was showing Bizarre Foods w/ Andrew Zimmern.

I LOVE THIS SHOW! The guy travels all around the world to sample exotic cuisine. You name it; bugs, brains, putrid shark, he'll try it! The man's had more testicles in his mouth than the cast of Will & Grace! Tonight he was in Ecuador! He ate roasted guinea pigs, suffered through a purification ceremony with a witch doctor and then chowed on a few piranhas!

I don't know why I it's true but sitting down on my couch and watching this pudgy, bald dude slurp down pan-fried Coconut Grubs makes my blood pressure wane and my troubles melt away, for an hour at least.

I Smell A Rat

Take a second and read the post below... Go ahead, I'll wait.

Finished? Okay... let's continue.

I suspect sabotage. I have a class that has been working on a musical to perform at the end of May, and as I've said before I realize that May is a busy time of year for teachers, but I expect a little support in my endeavors. There is a teacher who, recently, has intentionally scheduled field trips for days when he knows the show is rehearsing. Several of his students have substantial roles in the show. I even sent out an email asking for teachers to be courteous and try not to miss rehearsals. This Friday was to be our last rehearsal before the performance; what does the teacher do? They have a field trip. The last scheduled rehearsal and he's taking his students away from class for a field trip.

Maybe I'm making to much of it. Maybe... I don't think so. I have spoken to his classroom staff (they actually attend my class with the students)and each of them has told me that they fought for the rehearsal; they made sure he knew that it was important. It didn't matter. I've also been told by several sources, including my predecessor, that this particular teacher wants my job. I knew before I came to this school that he wanted the job. It's been obvious all year that he thinks he should have the job, and thinks he'd be better qualified. He's even remarked to others that I only got the position because I knew the person who previously had my job.

So the performance is scheduled for next week. The show is not ready. It just isn't. The end of the year has come too quickly. It will have to be a staged reading. The students will have to be prompted. The blocking is minimal and I'm not quite sure how well it will go.

I'm not blaming it all on this particular teacher. It's not his fault alone. Many things have interfered with the production of this show, he just happens to be one of the obstacles. The responsibilty will ultimately be mine.

I have to remind myself that it's a school performance, that it won't be perfect, and next year I will know better.

22 Days Left...

The end of the school year is fast approaching. In that time I have to schedule, and stage 6 school productions of varying sizes, have the chorus perform at graduation, film one last broadcast for class, figure out how to edit together some footage for another class, not to mention rehearse all of the above tasks, which is no easy task with teachers going on Field Trips left and right, students missing class for special events, and everyone else just coasting towards the finish line.

I think I'm busier now than I've been all year.

On top of that I have a Cat Scan Schedule for tomorrow, a follow up appointment next week, and surgery tentatively schedule for the end of June, and two more weekends of performances for Hauptmann.

I may be busier now than I've ever been!

Cinco De Mayo

Pretty low key celebration this year. A few cervezas, I made Taco Salad, and the 7th Voyage of Sinbad was on the Turner Classic Movie Channel.



Haven't seen the movie in years. I don't think Sara was as impressed with the movie as I was. Ah... nostalgia...

Flip Side

I remember when I was a student the end of the school year could never come fast enough.

Now that I am a teacher the end of the year rockets towards me like a runaway train! So much to do in only a few weeks, and I'm tied to the tracks.