Six things to know:
- You can buy steer manure at Cal Ranch for $1.59.
- I'm deathly scared of riding motorcycles.
- Onions are the worst culinary idea of all time.
- Shadowlands is an amazing movie. I think it has officially reached "favorite movie of all-time" status.
- I'm pretty sure 96.3 percent of my students are addicted to their cellular devices. Really.
- Go Cougars
Friday, March 19, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Boldly going . . .
Today is March 15th. As my good friend once said, "Beware . . . the Ides of March." That about sums up today.
So, this is what I have to say:
- The "I need to set up Andrew Wright with someone" craze has spun completely out of control (which is funny, since I don't go on blind dates at all). I had at least 567.45 million people try and set me up last week. I don't mind, because as one of my many mentor's once said, "Andrew, you should take being set up as a compliment because at least they don't think you're a shmuck." However, moderation in all things please. I'm currently feeling a bit overwhelmed.
- I need a haircut.
- I hate this timezone switchy thing.
- I also hate soccer tryouts. They were two weeks ago and I felt like a jerk. Actually, I take that back; during tryouts I don't just feel like a jerk, I am officially a jerk and I hate it (you see, contrary to popular belief, although sometimes I enjoy acting like a jerk, I don't actually enjoy the state of being a jerk). Life shouldn't consist of moments where I have to tell wide-eyed young 'ens that they aren't good enough. It just doesn't seem right. Breaks my heart actually.
- I ran a mile in six and one half minutes today. Good huh? It's my own personal best. However, this girl named Mary Allphin still beat me. And she's only a sophomore. But I'm not ashamed.
- I started my Star Trek marathon. I'm on movie four and I love them. In fact, I've enjoyed them so much, I was going to write a weblog about that, but I think I'll wait. Let me just say that Spock has definitely entered my top three fictional characters of all time. He's certainly right up there with Dumbledore and Eyore,
- Pray for my Cougars this Thursday; they'll need it.
- I had a student tell me at least 34.56 times today that the assignment I was giving out was stupid. Do you have any idea how badly I wanted to throw something at that student? Don't worry though, I resisted. But he'd better watch out next time . . .
- I'm tired and going to bed.
Live Long and Prosper
So, this is what I have to say:
- The "I need to set up Andrew Wright with someone" craze has spun completely out of control (which is funny, since I don't go on blind dates at all). I had at least 567.45 million people try and set me up last week. I don't mind, because as one of my many mentor's once said, "Andrew, you should take being set up as a compliment because at least they don't think you're a shmuck." However, moderation in all things please. I'm currently feeling a bit overwhelmed.
- I need a haircut.
- I hate this timezone switchy thing.
- I also hate soccer tryouts. They were two weeks ago and I felt like a jerk. Actually, I take that back; during tryouts I don't just feel like a jerk, I am officially a jerk and I hate it (you see, contrary to popular belief, although sometimes I enjoy acting like a jerk, I don't actually enjoy the state of being a jerk). Life shouldn't consist of moments where I have to tell wide-eyed young 'ens that they aren't good enough. It just doesn't seem right. Breaks my heart actually.
- I ran a mile in six and one half minutes today. Good huh? It's my own personal best. However, this girl named Mary Allphin still beat me. And she's only a sophomore. But I'm not ashamed.
- I started my Star Trek marathon. I'm on movie four and I love them. In fact, I've enjoyed them so much, I was going to write a weblog about that, but I think I'll wait. Let me just say that Spock has definitely entered my top three fictional characters of all time. He's certainly right up there with Dumbledore and Eyore,
- Pray for my Cougars this Thursday; they'll need it.
- I had a student tell me at least 34.56 times today that the assignment I was giving out was stupid. Do you have any idea how badly I wanted to throw something at that student? Don't worry though, I resisted. But he'd better watch out next time . . .
- I'm tired and going to bed.
Live Long and Prosper
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Likes vs. Dislikes
I here list my current likes and dislikes.
Likes:
1 - Major League Baseball. I can't wait for it to start. I think this is the year my Braves return to glory.
2 - The fact that my brother Big Stew went on a date. But don't you dare ask him about it. If he wants you to know how it went, he'll tell you. If not, he won't, so mind your own dad-gum business.
3 - Payson Boys Basketball. My man, the Ry-Masta, led them to a sweet, sweet victory over the Mighty Dons on Friday (actually, I don't know if Ry-Masta had anything to do with it, but he was there so . . .). Next up, the Skyhawks.
4 - The fact that the Payson is going to have a temple. Sweet.
5 - The Olympic Games. I love it. I haven't really gotten into the winter olympics since '92 and oh how I've been missing out. My favorites thus far: Figure skating (those people are amazing), short track skating, S. White, Simon Ahmann, Miller and Vonn, and the U.S. Hockey team.
6 - McDonalds number four value menu without onions.
Dislikes:
1 - Trying to grow a beard (I actually gave up this morning since I disliked it so much).
2 - The University of Utah (this should be an accepted fact, but just in case you were wondering . . .).
3 - The fact that some people think that an increase in faith is all that is needed to achieve a desired outcome. For example, "Andrew, if you want to get married all you need is to have more faith and be more righteous." To which I respond, "So I guess slashing your tires since you're so ridiculous probably won't help my cause right." I'm sure Sheri Dew is just thinking, "Man, if I just had more faith I'm sure I'd be married right now."
. . . whoa, sorry for that outburst . . .
4 - The current political situation. And just so you know, I don't really blame the politicians (well, not completely). I blame those crazy talk show people, the special interests groups, the 24 hour news media, and ridiculous citizens who are have no idea what's going on but choose a position based solely on party affiliation.
. . . and that one . . .
5 - The fact that they still haven't put Lay-Z-Boys in the overflow of my church.
6 - Salem Hills High School (it's like my mentor Jake Ford said the other day, "Every time I walk in here I just feel sick inside." Amen).
7. The IRS.
And with that, welcome to a new week.
Likes:
1 - Major League Baseball. I can't wait for it to start. I think this is the year my Braves return to glory.
2 - The fact that my brother Big Stew went on a date. But don't you dare ask him about it. If he wants you to know how it went, he'll tell you. If not, he won't, so mind your own dad-gum business.
3 - Payson Boys Basketball. My man, the Ry-Masta, led them to a sweet, sweet victory over the Mighty Dons on Friday (actually, I don't know if Ry-Masta had anything to do with it, but he was there so . . .). Next up, the Skyhawks.
4 - The fact that the Payson is going to have a temple. Sweet.
5 - The Olympic Games. I love it. I haven't really gotten into the winter olympics since '92 and oh how I've been missing out. My favorites thus far: Figure skating (those people are amazing), short track skating, S. White, Simon Ahmann, Miller and Vonn, and the U.S. Hockey team.
6 - McDonalds number four value menu without onions.
Dislikes:
1 - Trying to grow a beard (I actually gave up this morning since I disliked it so much).
2 - The University of Utah (this should be an accepted fact, but just in case you were wondering . . .).
3 - The fact that some people think that an increase in faith is all that is needed to achieve a desired outcome. For example, "Andrew, if you want to get married all you need is to have more faith and be more righteous." To which I respond, "So I guess slashing your tires since you're so ridiculous probably won't help my cause right." I'm sure Sheri Dew is just thinking, "Man, if I just had more faith I'm sure I'd be married right now."
. . . whoa, sorry for that outburst . . .
4 - The current political situation. And just so you know, I don't really blame the politicians (well, not completely). I blame those crazy talk show people, the special interests groups, the 24 hour news media, and ridiculous citizens who are have no idea what's going on but choose a position based solely on party affiliation.
. . . and that one . . .
5 - The fact that they still haven't put Lay-Z-Boys in the overflow of my church.
6 - Salem Hills High School (it's like my mentor Jake Ford said the other day, "Every time I walk in here I just feel sick inside." Amen).
7. The IRS.
And with that, welcome to a new week.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Die Ziele
Before I begin, let’s just have a moment of silence for my brethren the Colts . . .
. . .
Okay, now let’s start for real. So, when I was a young high schooler I remember that my dream was to someday become a high school history teacher and a high school soccer coach. Seeing as I have reached that goal and am currently living the dream, some of you might think my life’s work is over. It is not, and after much thought and meditation, I have come up with the following list of things I want to achieve in life to ensure that my life does not become stagnant.
The Skinny Goals
1. Not lose all of my hair (Rogaine is working by the way, thank goodness).
2. Learn how to ride a horse (I’m scared to death of them though which presents a problem).
3. Go to Africa (the coolest people I met on my mission were Africans)
4. Go to the Oakland Temple (ain’t it puurty in the pictures).
5. Write a song (I’ll be honest, I think this is the least likely of all my goals, but I can dream right).
6. Learn how to play the bagpipes (my favorite part of Payson High School–the bagpipes)
7. Not just be a teacher but actually learn how to teach (easier said than done).
8. Beat up my brother J-Skee (we’ve had some close calls, but he always comes out winner somehow, but I’m catching up I think).
9. Go through a whole day of teaching without my voice cracking even once.
10. Watch the whole Star Trek series (no I haven’t started, but I will soon).
11. Learn how to cook at least one real meal (no really, I can’t . . . yet).
12. Live in England . . . again (it is the land of the angels after all, or is it anglos?)
13. Not hate people.
14. Write a book (I’ve started about five, one of these days I’ll get past page two).
15. Get a technical foul as a basketball coach (I’ve already gotten several as a player, but think how cool it would be to get one as a coach).
16. Learn how to speak Spanish and French (I used to be opposed to the Frenchies, but they’re sort of growing on me).
17. Beat my brother Big Stew at chess (actually, I think this is even less likely than five).
18. Find a way to never, ever have to iron again (besides just always wearing sweaters over my long sleeve shirts).
19. Learn how to do a backflip (I'm currently at a front hand-spring).
20. Publish my favorite people list.
And that’s all.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Das Spiel
This last week I was once again reminded how much I don't understand the female gender. I mean, I'll be honest, I thought that after coaching girls for three years I was starting to be unconfusified, but no, I'm not. Just as confused as ever. And just so you know, this confusion has caused an inordinate amount of frustration the last couple of days.
In fact, last nite I got so frustrated concerning my confusification that I almost decided to have an "anti-female" week at school. However, I decided against that for two reasons. 1) I'm pretty sure my noble employer Nebo School District would probably fire me if I did that and 2) I'm not really "anti-female." It would probably be more accurate to say that I'm actually "anti-not understanding females" which is quite different altogether and that sentiment is way too long to have as a slogan.
So here I remain, but one of these days I'm going to figure it all out, I promise.
In fact, last nite I got so frustrated concerning my confusification that I almost decided to have an "anti-female" week at school. However, I decided against that for two reasons. 1) I'm pretty sure my noble employer Nebo School District would probably fire me if I did that and 2) I'm not really "anti-female." It would probably be more accurate to say that I'm actually "anti-not understanding females" which is quite different altogether and that sentiment is way too long to have as a slogan.
So here I remain, but one of these days I'm going to figure it all out, I promise.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
A couple of things to note:
- My new goal in life: watch all the Star Trek movies. I'm determined. I can't be stopped. Trekkie marathons, here I come.
- The other day I ran two miles, it nearly killed me. The next day I did thirty pushups. That was even worse. The whole day I could barely write on the white board. No more physical exercise for me.
- You know, until I started coaching girls I never really realized how much girls cry. They don't whine nearly as much as guys, but they sure do cry a lot (which isn't a bad thing, it's just kind of overwhelming sometimes).
- Continuing the coaching note, I told a girl on the team that she had the same number as Larry Bird. Her response: "Who's that?"
- On another coaching note, I really, really want to a get a technical foul. I'm just not really sure how to go about it. Maybe I should pull a Coach Dale in "Hoosiers" or maybe I should just stand up when it's really quiet and start cursing up a storm . . . don't worry, I'll think of something.
- I went on a date last week. I have thus satisfied my quarterly quota. Please don't bug me about it again until April.
- I watched two fantastic movies this month, "Sabrina" (old and new version) and "The Magic of Ordinary Days." They both are so good. I would recommend them to all. A movie I wouldn't recommend though is "The Mayor of Casterbridge." It has to be one of the most depressing movies ever made.
- Little Chad was ordained a deacon today. If you see him walking around Salem Elementary be sure to give him a high five.
- Lately I've been missing Europe. Sometimes I really wonder why I was born in the North America. I swear deep down I'm European.
- Four years ago this week I skipped elders' quorum to watch the Colts play (in my defense I was in Brigham City where the elders' quorums are probably apostate anyway). Anyway, the Colts lost to the Steelers in one of the most depressing games I've ever watched. I learned my lesson. This week I stayed at church. Colts won. My testimony is strengthened. And I hope the Colts know they have me to thank.
- Now let's just hope for the Colts' sake that I can resist watching the Super Bowl.
- And finally, let me give you a quote. I never watch late nite shows, ever. However, I read this quote from Conan and I really liked it. Here it is: "All I ask is one thing, and I'm asking this particularly of young people that watch: Please do not be cynical. I hate cynicism. For the record, it's my least favorite quality. It doesn't lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, I'm telling you, amazing things will happen."
Good bye
- My new goal in life: watch all the Star Trek movies. I'm determined. I can't be stopped. Trekkie marathons, here I come.
- The other day I ran two miles, it nearly killed me. The next day I did thirty pushups. That was even worse. The whole day I could barely write on the white board. No more physical exercise for me.
- You know, until I started coaching girls I never really realized how much girls cry. They don't whine nearly as much as guys, but they sure do cry a lot (which isn't a bad thing, it's just kind of overwhelming sometimes).
- Continuing the coaching note, I told a girl on the team that she had the same number as Larry Bird. Her response: "Who's that?"
- On another coaching note, I really, really want to a get a technical foul. I'm just not really sure how to go about it. Maybe I should pull a Coach Dale in "Hoosiers" or maybe I should just stand up when it's really quiet and start cursing up a storm . . . don't worry, I'll think of something.
- I went on a date last week. I have thus satisfied my quarterly quota. Please don't bug me about it again until April.
- I watched two fantastic movies this month, "Sabrina" (old and new version) and "The Magic of Ordinary Days." They both are so good. I would recommend them to all. A movie I wouldn't recommend though is "The Mayor of Casterbridge." It has to be one of the most depressing movies ever made.
- Little Chad was ordained a deacon today. If you see him walking around Salem Elementary be sure to give him a high five.
- Lately I've been missing Europe. Sometimes I really wonder why I was born in the North America. I swear deep down I'm European.
- Four years ago this week I skipped elders' quorum to watch the Colts play (in my defense I was in Brigham City where the elders' quorums are probably apostate anyway). Anyway, the Colts lost to the Steelers in one of the most depressing games I've ever watched. I learned my lesson. This week I stayed at church. Colts won. My testimony is strengthened. And I hope the Colts know they have me to thank.
- Now let's just hope for the Colts' sake that I can resist watching the Super Bowl.
- And finally, let me give you a quote. I never watch late nite shows, ever. However, I read this quote from Conan and I really liked it. Here it is: "All I ask is one thing, and I'm asking this particularly of young people that watch: Please do not be cynical. I hate cynicism. For the record, it's my least favorite quality. It doesn't lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, I'm telling you, amazing things will happen."
Good bye
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Achtung, Achtung
Some of you kids might wake up tomorrow morning and think to yourself, "I wonder what Mr. Wright's (a.k.a. Andrew T., Skinny, Squints, etc.) students think about him." Well, the opinions definitely span a wide range from "Mr. Wright's crazy" to "Mr. Wright is the most boring teacher in the world" to "Please, please, I'm going to stab myself in the neck if I have to go to Mr. Wright's class again".
However, I think the following exerpt will give you a little insight into the general mindset of those whom I bore to tears on a daily basis.
This was published, unbeknownst to me, in the December edition of our school newspaper.
A student (to remain unnamed) wrote: “I wish, I wish, with all my heart, for Mr. Wright to have a lady friend, in a land apart” (Dragon Tales). Tis the season to give the gift of happiness and love, and my gift for Mr. Wright is to find a woman whom he can love an cherish forever and ever and ever… hopefully this Christmas, my wish will be granted for this young man. Maybe someone can love him and his gorgeous green van enough. Go get ‘em Mr. Wright, you tiger you!"
Yes, this was published in the school newspaper and yes, I did fail said student because of it (although they do deserve credit for mentioning the sweet green minivan).
Thankfully, the following picture was NOT published:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
