Improv Comedy 2017

I performed in the Improv Comedy Show on Friday night. This was the first show where teachers also served as improv comedians. We had two teams of four teachers for each half of the show, during which we played the student improv teams. It was completely out of my comfort zone. I practiced the games and learned the rules with talented improv students during a couple of afternoons. I was lucky to be on a team with three other talented teachers. We played "What are you doing?", "Good, Bad, Worst", "Superheroes", and "World's Worst". I survived. There were over 150 people in the audience. We all had a great time.

Cool pocket protectors

The teacher teams - we formed two teams of four for each half.

I don't know why I was the captain. I'm lucky to have talented teammates.

There were over 150 audience members.

Add improv comedy to my job description

Thank you, Mrs. Cockrell, for the video clips:

Dodgeball 2017

I participated in our annual Dodgeball Tournament. Due to traditional beyond any reasonable logic, the teacher team (without ever practicing) plays the season's champions. We entertained our students during lunch on Thursday. I survived with my head still intact.

ASAP - Mile 47

A Shoe Adoption Project Update - We delivered the two pairs of shoes that will go to two teenagers battling cancer. Carolyn and Tyrone are leading the charge to help give two families a warmer holiday season through the Ronald McDonald House Charities. I thank them for their kindness.  Carolyn and Ty's passion and dedication to give to others reminds me of this: https://goo.gl/dd2X6X  
“If you're not drowning, you're a lifeguard.”

Donating our 61st and 62nd pair of new shoes!

A very fitting message for two teens fighting cancer.

I just happened to have a bag to match the brand of shoes.

Charity Softball Game 2017

Four teams (La Verne Police, La Verne Fire, Bonita Staff, and Bonita Students) competed, rised money, and collected toys tonight for children in need. It is my fourth year participating in this year. While I played during my first two years, I have been happy to cheer on our talented staff team from the side. Tonight, the staff team won 7-5 over the student team.

Popsicle Delivery - Thanks, Aaron

Thank you, ASB Class Council, for delivering a tasty popsicle to me this morning. Aaron, who is on the water polo and swim team, delivered a strawberry cream popsicle for me. I had the pleasure of having Aaron in Geometry two years ago and again this year for Pre-Calculus. Thanks, Aaron.

ASAP - Mile 46

We delivered our 11th batch of shoes

A Shoe Adoption Project Update - I am happy to share that we delivered three pairs of new shoes to three teenage boys at the David and Margaret Youth and Family Services in La Verne. Again, thanks to Dinna and Marie for their help. Dinna was exceptional, I have extended the offer to provide more shoes to other children under their care. In all, they have 48 youth at their site at this time. More to follow soon. To date, we have donated 60 pairs of new shoes! Thank you to all of the donors, supporters, and friends of this project.

Bill Gates: https://goo.gl/nQ5S2G
“You may have heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. There's another day you might want to know about: Giving Tuesday. The idea is pretty straightforward. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, shoppers take a break from their gift-buying and donate what they can to charity.”

My dropoff site earlier today (Mon 11/27/2017)

Nike Revolution 3 (Size 7) for a 13 year-old

Asics Stormer (Size 7.5) for a 14 year-old

New Balance Course M570 (Size 8) for a 16 year-old

ASAP - Mile 45

A Shoe Adoption Project Update - On Wednesday, I received a lead to donate to three young boys (ages 13, 14, and 16) at a group home in La Verne. I went to search for the shoes on Thanksgiving Eve and was able to purchase two of the three pairs. By early next week, I strive to make the delivery. A special thank you goes to Dinna of the David and Margaret Youth and Family Services who helped gathered the shoe sizes from her staff. Also, thank you to my social worker friend Marie, for connecting me with Dinna.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. This holiday season, I am especially grateful to be in a position to give to others. I sincerely thank all of the donors, supporters, and friends of this shoe charity project.

ASICS Stormers (Sizes 7.5 and 8)

ASAP - Mile 44

A Shoe Adoption Project Update - Thank you to my running buddy Eleanor for her kind donation to this shoe project. Eleanor is a strong runner and cyclist with a great sense of humor. Everyone is happier when she's around. Also, I just received a lead to possibly make donations to Orange County. I've contacted several social workers this morning in an attempt to make donations by the Christmas season. More to follow soon.

Up Close: Sistine Chapel

After racing a trail half marathon in La Canada on Sunday, I visited a travelling exhibit of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel called Up Close. In a quiet area of a mall, panels of full size replicas of fresco paintings of the Sistine Ceiling were on display. Along with an audio commentary, visitors can learn more about figures and the stories from the Book of Genesis. The exhibit reminded me of the arts course that I took when I was studying aboard in Cambridge, England back in 2004.

Fall Play 2017

Congratulations to Mr. Frederick and the Drama Program for another successful show. I attended the Saturday evening closing show and I had a great time. The students were excellent on and off stage. Thank you for an entertaining show.

Alzheimer's Awareness Volleyball Tournament 2017

Thank you, Luke, for leading this wonderful cause. The students made the staff these fun uniforms. I was given the Imaginary Number and was nicknamed "The Functionator". We had a great time and helped raise close to $3,000 dollars to Alzheimer's Awareness.

Thank you, Sophia & Gia

Thank you, Sophia and Gia, for bringing me these delicious chocolate brownies on your birthdays. 

Thank you, Gage & Aaron

Thank you, Gage and Aaron, for those encouraging cards. It's a great way to kick off Thanksgiving break. "Don't get too fat!" Hahahaa.

Academic Excellence

Thank you ASB for taking the time to honor students who earned high GPAs. This week, our campus classroom windows were decorated with colorful name tags. Congratulations to all of those who earned academic honors this quarter.

Murder's in the Heir - BHS Drama Fall Play 2017

This is going to be a fun show, see you there.