It's Been a Slow Newsday

To my very small, but hopefully faithful, group of readers, I offer a heartfelt apology for not keeping the blog as up to date as I had intended to when I started this lil' hobby back in the day.

Just in case you're curious......a couple of major problems have recently slowed me down.

#1 an enormously busy work schedule has resulted in an almost a complete lack of content to write/photo about
#2 my 8 year old laptop has recently gone into its final stages of life.

As a result of the latter, I've been spending a lot of weekend time frantically transferring photos, music, and anything else of value to the external hard drive hoping to protect my stuff and to buy some time. And, while I am lucky to have a sweet school district Mac that I can use in the mean time, it's ultimately not mine so I'll have to stop (mis)appropriating it at some point.

Okay, I guess it's clear, since I'm writing, that I feel the need to provide an update even though I have no pictures. In a nutshell this: Willa turned 4, we enjoyed the holidays, we survived a barrage of children's birthday parties (Willa's present of choice? A Barbie, naturally!), had fun with a few snow days, went to The Rep for a few more shows, went to the Symphony for a few more shows, planned our two week summer vacation to Yellowstone and the Tetons, saw Seinfield at the Fox (thanks Monica!), and went to Bloomington, IL for my niece's birthday party. Not too shabby!

Snowy Day in St Louis

When I was growing up, my sister and I went to private school so a day off school due to weather was a very, very, very rare thing. And, when it did happen, we were inclined to believe that a miracle of great proportions had just occurred. Now I know better. The district where I now teach, a public school district, had also prided itself on very rarely closing for weather. In fact, one crazy snowy slippery day last year we were the only school in St Louis that remained opened. Maybe the super thought that we would win a prize. We didn't. So, imagine my surprise when I got the phone call last night that school was canceled for today. Even Willa, who now goes to private school, got the day off too. I wish that I could say that we packed the day with fun-filled activities but it ended up being a lazy, trying to stay warm kinda day. Which, in my book, is good every now and then. But, by three p.m., I needed to get out. So, I packed up the car with long put off returns from Christmas and headed around town. I made my way to Crestwood, to Sunset Hills, to Brentwood, to Richmond Heights, to Kingshighway & Arsenal, and then back home. A three hour tour. Not exactly fun, but just what I needed. The good news is that I get a chance to do it all again tomorrow. Looks like I get another day off.

Making History

This is a day that we will all remember.

In the last few days, I've listened so many times to Dr King giving his "I Have a Dream" speech. I cannot remember a time when hearing his speech hasn't caused me to tear up. It's one of the most moving speeches in history because of its sentiment, its eloquence, and its power imagery. Naturally, Dr King's speech is even more powerful this year. Especially on this day. Inauguration Day.

I woke up this morning very exciting about what is about to happen today. And the tears came again. I wasn't alive to watch when man walked the moon or when Kennedy was shot or when Civil Rights protesters had food thrown on them at while protesting (peacefully) at lunch counters in Greensboro. But I am alive today to watch this moment and it makes me feel full of energy, full of hope, full of possibilities, and full of pride. It's a moment that somehow I knew I would watch, I just wasn't sure what it would look like or when it might happen. But I knew that it would.

So as emotional and powerful and historical this day has been for me, I started thinking about what it would feel like to be President Obama - Waking up, knowing that you are about to become the President of the United States, the first Black President of the United States. I cannot even image what he felt this morning.

This is a day that we all will remember.

Happy 50th Revolution Anniversary Cubans! Happy 2009 Yanks!

Cubans: Happy 50th Anniversary Revolution! You're still communist, admittedly not as bad ass and scary as you once were under Fidel. But your access to free and decent health care does put some of the rest of us to shame. And, while we're shaming--kudos to your high literacy rate and access to higher education. But, what's with the twenty dollars a month and censorship? I just can't get on board that flotilla. Come on Raul, keep those freedoms and liberties a comin'!

2008. Where to start?

Family: Glad to report that there were very few unhealthy and unhappy moments in 2008. In regard to the nuclear family.....Bill and I celebrated anniversary number eight in March and seem poised to make it, happily, to anniversary number nine. Great guy, great person, grateful everyday that I met him. Willa started the year as a quasi-independent, inquisitive, sweet-natured three year old. Mostly still is. She ended her stint in day care at Kindercare in July (so sad.... especially because Kinderecare had been part of our lives since Willa was seven months old!). Took her first two summer camps at COCA (without knowing anyone) and loved them (*have you ever seen a penguin come to tea, take a look at me, a penguin you will see.....penguins attack! penguins begin* thanks for the quirky summer tune COCA!). And, in August, began her first official year in pre-k at SMOS.

Work: I finished my first full year at my now no-longer-new job. Glad that I survived but wished that I didn't have to go back. Now, I'm glad that I did. May not be the best building admin but I have great colleagues, great kids, and great professional opportunities.

The Rest: Didn't win the lottery but can't say that my life is any less rich. In fact, its pretty decent. I've had fun blogging more this year (even if I'm the only person reading this thing!). Gotten reacquainted with some old lost pals from as far back as elementary school. Have my health (or at least I think so!). Have my sanity (on most days). Can't complain. Well, unless I give it some thought.....

St Louis Symphony Orchestra Presents The Wizard of Oz

In the last year or so, the St Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) has been designing new programs and series in an effort to attract new audiences into Powell Hall to support the musical endeavors of the SLSO. If you haven't checked out what they're doing this season, please click here. I guarantee that you'll find something that fits your style.

One of these new SLSO series is called SLSO Presents. As part of this series, the SLSO was performing the The Wizard of Oz score live while simultaneously showing the movie. I immediately bought tickets since my kid LOVES Dorothy Gale and all of the Oz characters. She's only recently turned 4 yet we've already spent two Halloweens, two birthday parties, and countless other unofficial opportunities dressed as Dorothy.

On Sunday, Oz day arrived. We brought along the grandmas and headed to Powell hall on North Grand. Here are some highlights.

Theatre for the Kids

In some ways, teaching and acting are one in the same: you get into character, learn your script, and perform, sometimes to an appreciative crowd, sometimes not. It's precisely for that reason that I thought I could never love teaching and, now, that I do.

Don't get me wrong. Acting, as in the real art of acting, is not in my blood. But, I do love going to the theatre. Bill and I have had season tickets at the St. Louis Rep for almost 10 years now. At least once a season, we'll see something at the Fox or the Stray Dog Theatre or the Muny too. While we mostly see productions intended for older audiences, we started attending children's theatre and kid-friendly productions too when Wee Willa was about 18 months old. In case you're wondering, Willa's first show was The Wizard of Oz.

Last year, we bought season tickets for the Piwacket Theatre for Children which performs at the Black Cat Theatre in Maplewood. Piwacket is professional theatre that is informal and family-friendly. Each Piwacket production brings to life a classic, yet popular tale that everyone remembers from childhood (with a strong character education make-over). You and your kids will both give Piwacket a thumbs up because fidgeting, walking around, talking, and bathroom breaks during the production are not just acceptable, they're the norm.

If polished is more your style, then I would recommend the Imaginary Theatre Company. The Imaginary is the Rep's traveling theatre company for kids and they come home to perform a few times during the year. Like Piwacket, the Imaginary brings to life classic children's tales using simple sets, a few props, and great acting. Unlike Piwacket, the Imaginary's story selections, adaptations, and productions are a bit more sophisicated (think Robin Hood rather than Jack and the Bean Stalk). And, unlike Piwacket, the productions are not interactive, you have to sit in a real theatre seat, and talking, coughing, bathroom breaks, and the like are discouraged. But, did I mention that it's more polished? Previously, we've seen The Velveteen Rabbit and The Ant and the Grasshopper. Yesterday, we saw The Little Fir Tree. In addition to the polish, the Imaginary offers an opportunity to create art and crafts before the show and a chance to meet the actors/characters for photo ops and autographs afterward.

The only company that we haven't had a chance to see yet is the Metro Theatre Company but we've heard great things about them. In fact, I think that a wife of colleague of mine is an actor with this company. Any others that I've omitted?

Movies and the Mall

The Henske Three has officially started Winter Break! Yes, that was a resounding woo hoo that you just heard. Friday night and Saturday were filled with parties, wedding, and other activities but yesterday was wide open--but it was ~10 degrees! Good day to see a movie.

We picked The Tale of Despereaux, which was not showing nearby but was playing at the AMC in Crestwood Mall. I'm not a big fan of malls in general but I especially hate Crestwood Mall. Sorry, but it's true. Too many turns to get to it. Too poorly designed (how long is that mall?). Too boring: no unique stores; no reason to go.

Which brings me to the point of this entry. Have ya been to Crestwood Mall lately? Obviously, I'm no regular but, in the last year or two, I've had to go to there a couple of times. Business was really creeping along back then but nothing like yesterday. Seriously, not even a small crowd on one of the three last shopping days of the season! And, it was a weekend day! I'm guessing, aside from employees, there were maybe 30 people in the entire mall. No lie. And it was cold in there. I'd wager that the management company, whoever that is now--Crestwood is no longer a "Westfield Shoppingtown"--quit heating the mall to save a few bucks. Probably a good decision considering that there are only about 20 mall stores left.

Oh yeah, The Tale of Despereaux was a great little film!

Book Review: Mapping Human History: Genes, Race, and Our Common Origins by Steve Olson

The main point of Olson's research can be summarized into one simple but enormously important sentence: Race is a social construct. If you'd like to know why or you disagree then I urge you to read Olson's book. Its well researched, well written, and well worth the time.

Winter Break Art from the Dutch and Reflections from the Grind

Hendrick Avercamp, Winter Landscape, late 16th century, Oil on wood

Pieter Bruegel the Elder, The Hunters in the Snow 1565; Oil on panel

Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Winter Landscape with a Bird Trap 1565; Oil

From Pieter to Rubens to Rembrandt, I love the art of the Dutch. At the end of every first semester, as I embark a short, but necessary, reprieve from the grind, I'm always reminded of the lovely 16th and 17th century winter scenes done most exquisitely by the Dutch. Aside from the evocative appeal of the Dutch landscape, I'm not sure what else it is that beckons me back each winter.

So, here I sit tonight, on the eve of the eve of the winter solstice, studying those Dutch Masters. And, I realize that sometimes it's difficult not to get caught up in the past. That, sometimes, reflection must occur, even if you don't like to go there. And, I rarely do.

That said, this is what I think:
I eliminated the complaining and the whining and got right to the heart of that meat, which is where I realized that I've had a really great year so far. Minimal stress (unless you count arguing with Welker about religion...the guy self-admitted knows nothing), minimal frustration (well, kids are still children even if they stand taller and bark louder than you), and minimal regret (as in I'm glad that I took this job). Not perfect, but what ever is?

I can also say that, thus far, these things have made me extremely happy, appreciative, and bowled over with tears, joy, and pride: helping Dando cast 2 plays, spending another 1/2 year with the kids in my Lunch Crew (go Class of 2009! Good Luck Brandon!), working diligently, writing some of the best damn curriculum that I've ever seen (yeah, I'm boasting), being able to moderate real, thought provoking debate from "underprivileged" kids who can *surprise* use words like globalization, unilateralism, and coup d'etat and know what they mean (well, at least most of them), having the respect of my colleagues (the ones that matter), and forcing myself to rise above the shit so that I can admire the beauty and artistry of what the kids do and I do everyday (sometimes tough to do). And, trust me, this is the short list.

Bloggin' Blah's

Since starting this blog in 06', I've never been at a loss of an adventure, an opinion, a photo, or any other reason to blog. But lately, I find myself with a serious case of the bloggin' blah's. I have suspicions why this is so, but I'll keep them to myself for now. In the mean time, here is a photo of two of my three favorite mammals.

Pony Cake and Presents

12:04 pm, December 08, 2004. Willa Katherine Henske was born. 4 years ago today. Happy Birthday Willa!

Prop 8, The Musical (Funny, Funny Stuff)

I removed the video because it's all over the internet now. But if you haven't seen Jack Black and his Hollywood crew doing Prop 8, The Musical it is very entertaining. To watch it, click here.

World Bird Santuary

About 10 years ago, Bill's brother asked if we would keep their pet conure, Bob, for an extended period of time. He and his wife had recently had a baby and didn't have the time to properly socialize Bob. Bob was attractive, smart, and came with interesting skill set so we agreed.

The honeymoon period with Bob was great. His squawking was lovable, his tricks were funny and novel, and his obsessive pacing along on his perch was mesmerizing. Eventually, though, I got frustrated with the poop, the feathers, the seeds, and the countless number of Bill's shirts that were in need of repair (Bob could unbutton and button your shirt but he, unfortunately, would create new "button holes" with his beak creating a shirt that looked liked it had been visited by some hungry moths). And as much as those things bothered me, I might have been able to tolerate them had Bob not turned on me.

Bob would appear in rooms that he wasn't in when I walked in. He would chase me around the house, wings fully extended, trying to land on my head, shoulder, or wherever. Bob even bit me, drawing blood, when I routinely went to offer him a finger off the perch. But, the incident that sent Bob packing was when he decided to not to back off of cleaning the tartar/foodstuff off of my teeth. Bob did this activity a lot. He'd force his head into your mouth and begin to scrape your teeth with his beak. It was an intimatidating skill at first but most of our friends got used to it and thought it was funny. I never did. Well, on this day, Bob pushed his head in my mouth and wouldn't budge. I had that odd feeling that this was going to end badly. When I finally had the courage to try and remove him, Bob bit me on the lip, held fast, and tugged and pulled my lip away from my mouth. Then blood. Lots of blood. Goodbye Bob.

While things didn't work out between Bob and I, I still do consider myself to be somewhat of a bird enthusiast. As the seasons change, I enjoy birdwatching and bird-listening, whether it's on a trail or in my backyard. Seeing the beauty of a common bird or one that is harder to spot like a kestrel can be an amazing thing. Which is why I totally respect what the folks at the World Bird Sanctuary are doing in trying to rehabilitate injured birds and provide homes for those that cannot go back in the wild. I go there as often as I can to view the birds and give my support to the birds because, let's face it, we owe them. Afterall, we've destroyed a lot of their natural habitats for our own perogatives. Anyway, you should go. It's a quite drive. Plus, you can drive through Lone Elk Park and see the bison and elk herds.

Autumn at the St Louis Zoo

Late fall and winter are my favorite seasons to visit most of the outdoor attractions here in St. Louis. No crowds! I especially love going to the St. Louis Zoo, which is where we ended up today. My dad, who has lived in Austin, TX for the last 25 years, was a good sport about braving the cold to go with us.

I also love finding winter berries. What's the attraction? Quite simply, I think it's the spots of bright color juxtaposed against such enormous grayness. They just pop, pop, pop (to quote my principal) when you stumble upon them.

Weird Neighborhood Sign #2

This weird neighborhood sign was spotted on my street, about two houses south of me. It's been affixed to a No Parking/Street Cleaning Schedule sign.

Happy Harvest Festival

It's the official beginning of the holiday season. Up first? Thanksgiving. Yep, time for family, friends, and feast. After you've eaten too much, watched too much of the football game, had one too many cocktails, you know, generally overindulged yourself, why don't you head on over to Heifer International and share the wealth. You'll feel good that you did!

Lovely Day for a Walk

Today was our first day of Thanksgiving Break. What a gorgeous day! So, after lunch at The Royale, we took my Dad, who is visiting from Texas, to the Botanical Garden. Normally, we're at the garden a couple of times a month but for whatever reason we just haven't gone much since the spring. I'm so glad that we decided to go today; we practically had the place to ourselves. No crowds, no human noise -- just the sound of nature. Ain't it grand?

Another Cool Sunset , November 16, 2008

I'm a camera nerd. I have lots of different models for different kinds of jobs. But, for an everyday camera I carry a compact, very light-weight camera, a Sony Cybershot, with me where ever I go. It takes okay-to-decent indoor photos where the natural light is sufficient enough to require little to no flash. And, it takes decent-to-good outdoor photos (again natural lighting works best). I also like that the battery stays charged for an super long time. But, that said, it's not really a great camera (i.e. don't buy it if you're a picky photographer like me). Which brings me to my photos below. Bill and I were driving to a dinner party and saw one of the most beautiful sunsets. I decided to try and photograph it under these conditions: bumpy roads, moving vehicle, shooting through a windshield, a so-so camera, and a 3-year old in the back yelling about something that I've tried to tune out. So, I guess that you'll have to trust me when I tell you that this was an awesome sunset!

Date: November 16, 2008
Time: 4:50 pm
Location: In Bill's car, driving west on Hwy 40 near Kingshighway Boulevard.

Jib Jab Time

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

The Situation: Recently, A.I. and I were having dinner at Pho Grand and we started grumbling about our illnesses and pains. Then, A.I asked if I had ever used a netipot. Talk about a surreal moment.

The Netipot Skinny: Two years ago my ENT doc recommended using a netipot sinus cleansing system to help relieve some of the sinus/allergies congestion that I get regularly. By coincidence, I had just watched a video of someone demonstrating the neti online. It looked absolutely torturous! My answer? No. Not now, not ever. Yet, the hope of long-lasting sinus relief kept me intrigued. So, I agreed to take home the doc's version of the netipot, the NeilMed sinus cleansing system. Unfortunately, I couldn't bring myself to use it, even after doc after doc after doc said I should (yeah, I've been to a lot of docs in the last two years). But, for some reason, when A.I. mentioned it, I finally decided that I would dust off the NeilMed, read the directions, and maybe even give it a try.

The Conclusion: When I got home, I did follow through. In fact, I even used the NeilMed. To my relief, it wasn't too bad. The solution was noticeably salty and, at first, a little easy to choke on as you squeezed the solution to your nostril (but easy to stop the choking too). The weirdest part was the very strange feeling of the mucus and sinus slime draining out of your nostril while, at the same time, also creating a blockage of that same said nostril. I didn't feel any immediate relief but did feel a little clearer and less congested the next morning.