My TV top 5.

While I am waiting for Thursday's SNL to download (since I missed it the first time... thanks, TiVo Season Pass) I thought I would share a top 5 list with you. Below, in my humble opinion, are the 5 most attractive male characters on TV at the moment.

Now ladies, before you freak out because no one named "McDream-whatever" is on this list, listen... a) We're talking characters here, NOT actors, and b) I don't watch Grey's Anatomy because Grey's Anatomy is stupid.

5. Det. Charlie Crews, Life
Yes, I realize I am adding Crews to my list based solely off the fact that I loved Band of Brothers, but I could care less. Besides, we all know I'm a sucker for a redhead in uniform.

4. Det. Robert Goren, Law and Order: Criminal Intent
That's right, I skipped over Mr. Big and went right for Private Pyle. For all Logan has in the looks department, Goren scoreboards him in brains... and crazy.

3. Det. Elliot Stabler, Law and Order: SVU
Wait, three detectives in a row? Is it just the suit and badge that I like? Nope, I think what I find most attractive about Stabler is that he's passionate about helping kids... passionate enough to want to kill people.

2. Tommy Gavin, Rescue Me
This pains me... Tommy was my number one for a very long time. But because I don't get FX (I hate you, Addison) and because it's difficult for me to separate Gavin and Leary, I'll let him sit at 2. Maybe if he can stay away from Sheila I'll bump him back up.

and introducing...
1. Dr. Gregory House, House
Arrogance.
Intelligence.
Sarcasm.
Tenure.
What else could a girl need?

Alright... who'd I leave off? Mention 'Dreamy' and die.

My last name earns me street cred.

And of course because this is Texas...


If you can sing the theme music to Reading Rainbow or attended a public school in the state of Texas between 1980-2000, chances are you've heard of the "Miss Nelson" book series. Written by Harry Allard and illustrated by James Marshall, these books follow the students of Room 207... the 'worst behaved kids in school.' (a.k.a., the 5th graders in my music class today.)

Well, it never fails... when I mutter the words, "My name is Ms. Nelson and I am your substitute teacher today," at least one kids says (or more likely, yells) "Miss Nelson is Missing!"

The first time this happened I said, "Yes, like the book," and moved on. But since then I have learned to use my last name to my advantage.

For example, I never say that I am Miss Nelson (because, really, I am waaaaay past the point of 'Miss.') Instead I pin it on my mother. Sorry mom.

[me:] "No, I am not Miss Nelson. My mother is the real Miss Nelson. She has been a teacher for almost 40 years!"
[class:] "Woooooooooooooow."
[student 1] "My dad is 40."
[student 2] "Does your mom have a sister?"

See, the kids want to know if my mom has a sister because they think the mean substitute teacher, Viola Swamp, is Miss Nelson's sister.

Who's been teaching these kids? Us HEB ISD kids know that Nelson and Swamp are one in the same:

viola swamp / miss nelson

Still, when it comes to the little ones, I will take anything I can get... even if means I have to fib about my momma.

Oh, and if you need a refresher:

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Dear Elementary School,
No matter how many pictures you draw for me, I am afraid my heart belongs to someone else. His name is High School, and we are planning a Fall 2009 engagement. I hope you understand. And Middle School? It was good while it lasted, but seriously, drop the attitude.
Love,
Ms. Nelson

Well, I've decided. After observing middle school art and teaching elementary and high school art, I'm right back where I started. Sure, I flirted with middle school for a while. (It's not uncommon to flirt with the first thing that pops up after ending a long relationship.) But I left my career as a graphic designer to teach in a high school, and here are some reasons why:

• energy
There is something about a school full of "almost adults" who know they have their lives ahead of them and anything is possible.

• attitude
High school attitude is different than middle school attitude. These kids get attitude with teachers when they think they have been wronged in some way, and they usually are mature enough to tell you why. Middle school kids get attitude because their bodies can't figure out what this "puberty" thing is all about.

• emotion
Whether it be about science or math or football or cheerleading or band or ART or even their little fake emo/goth wardrobe, these kids are passionate. I can't help but be inspired.

Of course, there are other reasons.

• sense of humor

[student to student]
"Grow some maturity."
"What are you talking about? I'm a friggin' maturity tree."

• single male coaches
Do I have to explain this one? I prefer baseball.

and last but not least...
• spirit days

It's good to know where you belong.

A Day in the Life of a Die-Hard Cowboy Fan

I have been a Cowboy fan since birth.

I knew Gary Hogeboom decades before he was on Survivor. Better yet, I can spell Hogeboom without Google.

My grandfather kept his sermons short on the Sundays with noon games, and I will never forgive Jerry for what he did to Landry.

So with that being said, when my dear, sweet, most-wonderful friend Tara offered me a ticket for today's game - one of the last games my 'Boys will play at Texas Stadium - I accepted. If I remember correctly, my text read something like this:

"YyyyyyyyyYyyyyyYYyYYYYyyyyyyyyYyy!!!"

Please enjoy the show.

Our daily Igby.

I love the fact that the captain of the morality team invites his chick to the same party as his wife, who let's face it, isn't the sharpest tool in the shed anymore. And what's more, none of their supposed mutual friends protects her. None of them bats an eyelash at his hypocrisy. I love that, I really do. Embrace your moral hypocrisy, D.H., go for it.

The Piercing Truth

Earlier I was feeling sorry for myself, but now I know it's my own fault. My sin has backed me into a wall. I didn't fully realize this until I picked up my Portals of Prayer (LCMS Lutherans, what-what?) and read today's entry.

All our sin is hostility aimed at our Lord. (Romans 8:7)

Some verses just jolt you out of your seat, don't they?

In case you missed it...

Click 'play' below to hear The Hardline discuss Corby's visit to the Junior League... and read from my blog!!!