before we begin, i gotta say i’m somewhat in love with this video that Madonna put out for “Hung Up”. Wanna check it? Go to www.madonna.com, find her new album, click on “Hung Up” and you can see a post-it size version yerself! You know, I got no shame pimping for Madonna, especially with this video, which brings up the NYC club-kid in all of us. When I grow old, I wanna still rock like her, you know? Still be able to bring it with street cred and style. (plus the song’s got that addictive ABBA sample. what’s not to love, huh?)

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Yeah, I know it’s a little uncharacteristic of me. First throwin up The Pixies, now pushin Madonna. This from the little boy who used to say, “if it ain’t hip-hop, i can’t hear it.”

Sorry folks, guess I’m just moltin old skins, you know?

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Interesting week, all around.

1) Good friend of mine who I care about very much laid up in the hospital for 10 days. Not cool to see someone usually so strong in pain with tubes running into skin and nose. I felt for her, horribly. But all’s good now, thanks to surgery and drugs and her strong will to recover. It’s tough watching someone close to you get sick, makes you feel helpless and awkward. Also made me pray a lot more and really talk to God.

2) Back in the classroom on Friday. I got a chance to teach 3 periods of 8th grade at a local middle school, which really made me happy. Such a rush to be in front of the kids again, my stomach felt nervous, anxious, excited, scared, all those wonderful heebie-jeebie feelings that I forgot all about. (plus, these were supposed to be the ‘bad’ kids too, you know, the kind that cause all sorts of problems, the kind that teachers hate, the kind that curse you out in class and then slash your tires. you know, the kind of kid i love to teach.) And you know what? I knocked it outta the park. Man, I taught a gangbuster of a lesson, really some magic going on. Sometimes, when I teach, I wish there was a soundtrack, so at the end of the lesson, like Coolio’s Dangerous Mind comes on and the kids all come up and we hug each other and they all go off into college and change the world and stuff. Yeah. Well, that don’t make no sense, but you know, that’s how it felt in that classroom.

I’d forgotten the high from teaching a great lesson, I felt like a million bucks all weekend from that. I really did. And the best part is knowing that I can still teach middle schoolers ice cold without freaking out. You know, I try not to pride myself in many things, but I’m very proud of my teaching skills. I’ve worked hard to become a better teacher and I continue to try, so it really made me happy to know that I can still bring it when it counts, dig?

3) Work’s kicking my butt. You might be wondering to youself, teddy, why are you sending me emails at 4AM in the morning? And I’ll have to answer. Well, that’s because I was checking my email during one of my homework breaks. Man, I’m reading and writing so much, and I still got a bunch to read. I’ll say it again, the PhD ain’t no joke.

4) Did I tell you what a fun time I had in Seattle? I did, well, shut up, cuz I’ll tell you again. I love hanging with my grandpa, and seeing the great lives that he’s touched. Here’s a tidbit I learned from this trip. It turns out that my gradpa’s grandpa was the 1st Lutheran Minister ordained in China! Wow, I didn’t know that.

Oh, here’s another interesting tidbit. I have a bunch of chinky cousins! I didn’t know that either. Seriously, I use that word in jest. Don’t come at me saying it or I’ll have to break your neck. (And you know that’s hard core, cuz I’ve taken the vow of ahimsa, non-violence. So, I’d have to break your neck in a non-violent way, which, I’m sure will hurt a whole lot more. Yeah!)

And . . . Belluvue, Washington has a heady FOB population! I didn’t know that either, but now I do! If I were into gettin with FOB’s, I’d say, man, screw LA or San Fran. And Queens is played out too. I’m heading to Belluvue, Washington. Them FOB’s up there just itchin for some teddy action. (but of course, why the heck would i ever say that. that’s just silly.)

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Oh, so, I’m about to lose two of my old tattoos and it’s making me a little sentimental. I wonder if I should document them or something. Hmm, anyone out there wanna come over to help me take pictures of my back? (that sounds silly too.)

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word to homegirl S, who’s heart I broke yet still talks to me and treats me like a friend. Thanks for making sure I stay straight, even when I say ridiculous things that make no sense, and push buttons that I shouldn’t push. I’ve learned more from you than you’ll ever know.

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stay true, playa.

so, i’ve decided, only 2 bands get it.

The Roots.

and

The Pixies.

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I saw the new documentary loudQUIETloud at SXSW the other day. Man, packed show on a Tuesday night. A slow, sad journey about the 2004 Pixies reunion tour, and it just brought back so so so many memories. I remembered, wow, the pixies are like the greatest band ever!

Since the flick, I’ve started downloading all the old albums again (and yes, even paying for them on iTunes). Man, I can’t believe I’ve lost almost all my pixies stuff. I remember buying Trompe le Monde on cassette tape in 8th grade! I actually got a chance to listen to the Pixies before they broke up!

But, it’s been a sad, sad journey for them, and that’s just kind of, you know, fitting. Ain’t it?

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I went to mexico for lunch on Tuesday too.
That was a blast, stopped into Progreso, Mexico because I had some time to kill and had some delicous avocado sandwhiches, watching all these old Americans from all over the US descend on this border town to load up on prescription drugs and cheap dental care. I swear, I always thought border towns were about liquor, loose women, tatoos, and drugs.

Nope, in 2006, a Mexican border town makes the cash through cheap prescription drugs (and not the fun kind either, they were pushing a lot of blood pressure and heart drugs. where’s the pain killers, the anti-depressants, the sexy drugs, huh?) and cut-rate dentistry. I couldn’t find any decent bottles of tequila anywhere!

Oh well.

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Much love to my homegirl who’s in the hospital right now. S, I’m praying for ya, I wish I could be there.

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Hope you had a great Pi day, everyone. I sure did!

teds

Whoo-hoo, grab your bikinis and tequila, cuz we’re hittin the beach, baby!

Or, actually, I’m going on a biz trip to check out a school in southern texas. Then trying to write a paper or two and catch up on reading for school. Then groovin to Seattle to wish my grandpa a happy birthday.

Darn it. I always wanted to have a real college spring break, kinda like the ones they show on MTV, with all the drunken undergrads partying too hard and acting like the world revolves around taking shots and screaming for free t-shirts. Ahh, maybe one day, I’ll hit South Padre as a balding, creepy, middle-aged man, trying to desperately fit in and be cool.

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So I talked on the phone for a long time with a good pal from the past. I love talking to people from back then, kids who’ve known me for so long, they can talk real and aren’t caught up in the silly web of half-truths and double-speak and witty sarcasm that I spit. Many people are, and it’s really a private joke on my part, that I like to say things that I don’t mean, or imply things that can’t possible be true, and only if you know me, if you really really really know that I’m actually a good person inside, then you’ll know I’m joking around.

But I love watching pals grow too, becoming the great adults that they’re meant to be. MJ, good talking to ya, little buddy. Maybe one day I’ll finally grow out of talkin down to you like a kid and listen for a change. Ha ha!

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A good pal’s kicking it in NYC for a week. Mega-jealous, I still think about my city every single day.

Here’s some excerpts of an email I sent off with a quick hit of my favorite restaurants in the city. (NOTE: This was written for people who are new to the city, so it’s the places that are easy to find and not too pricey. I know, I know, there’s a whole lot of better places out there. C’mon, who do you think you’re talkin to here, huh? I live and die by the outta the way, hole in the wall, serving authentic food joints, baby.)

Ray’s Pizza - West Village, 10th St. & 6th Ave. The best street pizza in the whole world.
If you want a hot dog too, cross the street to Gray’s Papaya. 8th St. (St. Mark’s Ave) & 6th Ave. I haven’t eaten hot dogs in years, but I remember this was the best. Plus, it’s down the block from Murray’s Bagels, which I love.
John’s Pizza - 228 Bleeker St and 7th Ave - One of my favorite restaurants. Just really good pizza and a funky place to chill.
Plus, go down the block to Cones - 272 Bleeker, for the best artisinal ice cream. Mmm.

Natural Tofu - 4 W. 32nd St. 2nd Floor, my favorite Korean dive in K-town. Not too far, and close to the subway. It’s always a great place to go, and even though it’s called Natural Tofu, they serve a whole lot of meat.
Hangawi - 12 East 32nd St. (between 5th/Madison) - my favorite Korean vegetarian restaurant in the whole world. Not cheap, but really really good. They make you take off your shoes.

East Village (this is where Max’s and Little Louie’s are too)
Brick Lane Curry - 306-308 E. 6th St. (between 1st and 2nd Ave) - British Style Indian restaurant, on a street called Curry Row in the East Village. A great street full of cheap little Indian restaurants, but this one’s the best.
Odessa - 9th St. and Ave. A - A cheesy old Diner I love, because they specialize in all the Ukranian things, like blintzes and Pierogies.
Pommes Frites 123 2nd Ave (between 7th and 8th St.)- feeling like some authentic Belgian Fries? My favorite take out stand, they’ve got amazing french fries.
The Takoyaki stand (9th St. between 1st Ave. and Cooper Union) - I forgot the name of this place, but it’s an authentic Japanese Takoyaki and Okonaki stand, the fried Octopus balls (they also make them without Octopus) and Japanese pancake. Ooh, so good. But it’s take-out only.

La Bonne Soup - 48 West 55th St. (between 5th and 6th Ave) - One of my favorite joints in mid-town, based on an old French movie. They specialize in Fondue and Soups! Not too pricey for the area.
Serendipity 3 - 60th St. and 3rd Ave - I think this place was in a movie. Great place for ice cream and desserts, but watch out, they close early. And sometimes there’s a wait.
Carmine’s - 43rd St. and 7th Ave. - A classic NYC Italian restaurant, kinda like the Hard Rock Cafe of NY Italian. Not the best food, but still better than anything here in Texas. Always a fun joint, especially for lots of people.
Carnegie deli - 854 7th Ave (between 54th and 55th) - a classic deli, in every way. Not cheap, but worth the price. Watch out, 1 sandwich here can feed you for a week. I dream of this place, even if I don’t eat pastrami anymore.
Patsy’s Pizza - 200 E 60th St. (between 2nd and 3rd Ave) Probably the best restaurant pizza you can easily get in NYC. Try it with red roasted peppers.

Oh, and watch out for little places to grab a quick bite. I love the Hot & Crusty Bakeries (all over the city), delicious croissants. Oh, and Ciao Bella for delicious Gelato.
If you’re in Soho, stop by the Sullivan St. Bakery (73 Sullivan St., between Spring & Broome).
And in Chinatown, my haunts are always Buddha Bodhai,(Mott St. & Chatham Square/Park Row), Thai Son for Vietnamese, the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, and eating all the crap they’re selling in the windows on East Broadway.

Oh, I totally forgot to tell you about the places in the Lower East Side! Whoops. Here’s some names to remember if you get down there. Grilled Cheese (168 Ludlow St. between Houston and Stanton) - specialized in gourmet Grilled Cheese sandwiches, a great pizza place on Orchard and Stanton that I can’t remember the name of, and Inoteca for some good wine. Oh, and Bereket, Orchard and Houston, stays open 24/7 if you want your falafel fix after drinks.

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Yeah, yeah. I’ve gotten more than enough emails joking about my obsessive writing habits when it comes to food. I know why you’re here, you wanna hear the dirt that’s going on in my life. Fine, here you go, chumps.
I’m closing on the apartment this Wednesday. Hope it goes well.
I am ridiculously in love with the phrase, “Here’s a thou.” I’d love to say it, while throwing around $1000 wads of cash. Ahh, to dream of money so I can waste it.

Oh, and the phrase, “Respect My Gangsta.” What does it mean? Why does it sound so cool? I’m saying it after everything I say, but under my breath so only I get the joke.

• “Yes, I’d love another glass or water, ma’am. (respect my gangsta).”
• “Sorry, I’ve very happy with my car insurance provider right now. (respect my gangsta).”
• “Fool, you best bring Kryptonite next time, you wanna phase me! (respect my gangsta).”
• “Um, so, you know I really like you a lot, but, uh, maybe, I think we should like, um, see other people and stuff. Is that cool? (respect my gangsta.)”

South by southwest is in town, while I’m gone, which ain’t that cool. I’m gonna miss a plethora of dope shows. GZA, Inspectah Deck, Blackalicious, Cut Chemist, Jean Grae, Talib Kweli. Heck, even Chamillionaire! Oh well, I’ve gotten used to missing great shows. No big loss.

I might be single still, but I’m trying hard to not hit on girls or even look their way. It’s been cool so far, but reigning in my flirty side’s been a little difficult. It’s a struggle that I’m glad to fight, but ever so personal, so I won’t talk about it here.

My new ink is shaping together very very nicely.

The rockets & UT lost today. But I didn’t care, because I, hey, there’s more to life than basketball, right?

Oh, and soon soon, I found out, in about 2 months, I’ll have a wonderful announcement to make. One that involves a party of somesorts that I’ve been waiting too long to have.

Happy Pi Day, kids.

teds

P.S. Oh, and to celebrate Pi Day, I’ve just thrown my old Pi Day site back online. Check check check it out. http://www.madteds.com/pi

keep my friends close

but my enemies closer

think you’re my friend?

maybe i hate you.

i love it. I gotta install that google stats things that breaks down your stats by country and site, but for now, I love checking the stats for this blog. 198 unique hits since i posted! Wha? I’m still flabbergasted. I mean, I know webrobots and all sorts of other stupid thangs hit up blogs all the time, but people combing through the site from all over the country, checking out my silly writing? Thank you, thank you. You flatter me.

So, it’s March. My favorite month when I was a teacher, if only for one thing. March 14. Known to math teachers worldwide as Pi Day. (3/14, kinda like 3.14, get it? Pi?)

I’m gonna be a little sad, not being in the classroom anymore and not being with my kids. And especially, not being able to order fresh backed FreshDirect pies and serving them to all my students. Oh nuts.

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I’ve been thinking a lot about 2 things this week:

Incarceration. How people in prison, especially all the people that are locked-up unfairly. I’m talking about the people that are truly innocent or victims of circumstance. And, honestly, with the current rate of 1 in 8 black American men behind bars, I’m sure there’s a whole lot of people serving time that really shouldn’t be. What’s up with this? Why have we let the prison industry spiral out of control like this? God bless the innocent people behind bars, and give them the perserverance to survive and remember that the truth will set them free.

Adoption. With my training in education, especially in dealing with at-risk youth, special needs, and adolescent psychology, I feel God is telling me that it’s my responsibility to eventually adopt at least one at-risk or disabled child and raise them as my own. It’s the least I can do for all the blessings he’s given me.

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What the heck it up with basketball? First, the rockets lose to Philly? Wha? Then, UT loses to A&M? Huh? By 3 points, to an unranked team? Then, my team loses with me scoring 0 points. Yep. (at least I got a rebound or two and tried to play good defense.)

It burns, baby, it burns.

But, at least I have tickets to this Sunday’s UT vs. Oklahoma game, which might decide the Big 12 conference championship! Whoo-hoo, I love going to a sports-heavy school! This sure beats that crappy university in Maryland I worked so hard for.

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Hip-hop.

You the love of my life.

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And one last thing. I had a long talk with my new ink artist today, and I’m really digging that we’re on the same vibe. The newest piece, which is definately gonna be the biggest and boldest I’ve ever done, is looking good so far. I love it.

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peace to some good kids out there.

my lil sis, RK, for making me feel big and being such a cool gal.

the one and only MJ, who hit me up with a fantabulous postcard from Sicily. Homeboy for life, even if he does have coolness complex issues.

SL, for being the best text-messager and emailer backer in the world. i’ll always love you, even if you’re not sun-faced.

To LM, who keeps rocking it and working hard on her exams, giving me inspiration to put my all into my work.

And to all the people who work so hard every day of every week, trying to make the world a better place by sharing God’s grace. You inspire me to be a better person.

teds

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Oh, just to live up some marathon glory, since I’m in the post-marathon cheese-eating, beer-drinking blues right now. Check out my pathetic finishing time.