Had to post it

Im not sure how I feel about this whole bailout, but I had to share this:

Feliz Navidad.

Listening to Blind Pilot (and its awesome)

Graphic Design

I am Finally starting the Christmas break, and I wanted to share some beer labels that i have developed in the past. (I, of course cant show this years Christmas label, because it may spoil the surprise). Ive been learning a lot about photoshop and how to use it to design. Its a lot of fun, but somewhat time-consuming.

This is Winter 2007
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This is for our neighbors' wedding beer.
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???? This year's Xmas label will be posted after the holidays.

A little recognition

So I was published in two local publications. Its kind of exciting even if they are just letters to the editor.
Santa Cruz Sentinel letter
Metro Santa Cruz letter

Nice to know my voice is heard, even if it is just a little bit.

Yesterday, I saw Milk with Meghan and my friend Scott. What an inspiring look at not just a man's life, but at how powerful individual activism can be, when someone cares enough to make change.

I highly recommend it.

...like a setting winter sun

In an effort to slide down the last post, to push it out of my life; its time for a little reflection:

I love this time of year. When the air gets cold and the it hurts a little to get out of bed. Its been a little strange this year, with winter just on the edge--not quite ready to commit. But with this weekend, and this last week I've really felt winter in the air.

As much as Meghan will deny it, I kinda like Christmas time. I don't like the commercial side of it, but I like the warm feeling it brings, and the anticipation. And walking through union square in SF even makes me like the commercial side of it (just a little bit)

Winter moves slowly, like a poem, gently leaving its imprint on you. Its not an easy season, but it is absolutely necessary.

One of the main reasons I moved from San Diego back to northern California was a desire for change in season. I know Santa Cruz is no snowy mountain retreat, but the chill is beautiful and it make me feel more alive. Change is important to us all.

Even the ocean feels different in the winter, it has a cool glow. Meghan and I walked along it this morning and tasted the cool fog and salty air on our breath, and it tasted different. The winter waves can be monstrous, but the ocean itself is just changing colors, like the leaves. The redwoods feel different too, they bring in the darkness and the cold quicker. On my afternoon bike ride, my fingers started to freeze, and even though I was a little upset to end early; I could hear the winter trees belly-laughing at me.

In winter, it is ok to stay inside and read; and melancholy music really feels perfect; beer tastes a little bit better and warm cup of tea can solve all of your problems. I think I am a winter person, and I think the change it brings is good for us all.






Listening to Damien Jurado Ohio

A bit perturbed

I don't want to post too much information about this because its still in the works, that being said, here's why today kinda sucks:

Last week on one of the days I rode my bike to school, I forgot my classroom keys. While in Yearbook I sent two trustworthy students to the office to get the keys to my camera closet. They came back and opened the closet and brought the key to me. They opened it without my permission, so I just mentioned to them not to do it again. Then I locked it (probably 3 minutes after they opened it). They then checked out the camera and took pictures around campus.

That night I had a midnight vision, in which the school video camera was missing from the closet. I went to school the next day and found it to be gone. I talked to the one student who was there and of course he knew nothing about it.

So I let my principal know, and he was visibly upset, as was I.

So my first dilemma arises, why cant I trust students? I want to be able to and I feel that earning trust is an important step in growing up. So once again, students break Mr. Zs trust. Ugh

So this week gets going and the camera was not found. Both students denied any knowledge, as did all studetns in the class. So another piece of equipment (that I dont even use) has been stolen.

Today, I recieved a demerit letter of unsatisfactory job performance. It was because I wasnt taking care of the school's equipment well enough. I am frusterated in myself for trusting students, but really? unsatisfactory performance? How does that have anything to do with my teaching?

I am tired of getting taken advantage of by students, and by administration. I am not a bad person, nor am I a bad teacher; I believe this is a little bit unfair.

What do you think?


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Now playing: Dar Williams - The One Who Knows
via FoxyTunes

A video you really must see

Not only is this video hilarious, its relevant and Jack Black playing Jesus... priceless.

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die