February 21: Naked Truth

Yes, I am going to cater to the prurient disciples of blogs again with my title.  I've noticed a definite increase in pageviews for my afternoon/evening posts since I've been using words like "raw" and "naked" and "blow."  As I've said many times before, I am not above playing dirty to get readers.  Anything that will get me the Blog of Note recognition from the people at Blogger.

I actually have to teach this afternoon.  It will be the first time I've stepped into a classroom since Monday.  It's going to be an easy day.  I'm giving a quiz, and I'm screening Singin' in the Rain.  If I get done early with that film, I've also got 2001:  A Space Odyssey to begin.  That's it.

The naked truth of this day is that I'm ready for it to be over.  Tonight at church, I have to play a mini-concert with Underground Praise, my band.  I'm a little anxious about the gig.  I'm not sure who's going to show up to listen.  I'm not sure who's going to show up to play (besides myself and our lead singer/guitar player).  I don't even know what I'm going to play.  I will eventually go home and relax, after 8 p.m.  That's about an 18-hour day.

If Saint Marty's tired now, he's going to be freakin' exhausted in a little while.

This is as naked as the truth gets

February 14: Red Lobster and Chocolate

It has been a good Valentine's Day.  My wife came down to the medical office where I work for lunch, and she brought take-out from Red Lobster.  We didn't even have to pay for it.  A friend gave us a $25 gift certificate for Christmas, so I got my lobster pizza for free.

And, of course, I've had my share of chocolate.  My coworker bought some Valentine M&Ms, and she shared.  Pieces of pink and white, chocolate-filled love.  Oh, yeah, we also worked, but it was really all about the candy for me.  Another coworker shared her chocolate-dipped pretzels.  All I need now is a bowl of Parmesan artichoke dip, and my day will be complete.

I'm about ready to head off to class to teach.  We're finishing off Pulp Fiction and starting Singin' in the Rain.  I truly love teaching this film class.  Who else, besides critics like Roger Ebert and David Ansen, gets paid to talk about movies?  This year of teaching has been great.  Movies and more movies.  I even had an excuse to show It's a Wonderful Life to my students.  These two semesters have been like Valentines from the English Department Head.

Yes, Saint Marty is feeling very loved right now.

Happy Valentine's Day!

September 24: Keeping Ahead of Things

Yes, that title pretty much says it all.  I have been running a race all day long, trying to keep up with all my work in the medical office.  My coworker is officially on maternity leave, so, for the next three months, I am the only show in town.  If I fall behind in scheduling or charging or anything, I am sunk.  Thus, today, I have been a slave to the FAX machine and my computer.  It has kind of sucked, but it has also made the day pretty much fly by.

The other element of my day that has helped my disposition has been Singin' in the Rain.  While sitting at my desk, putting together charts and answering phones, I have been re-watching that great musical, preparing for my film classes this week.  Yes, I am the master of multi-tasking.  I defy anyone to watch that movie and not be in a good mood.  I just finished the scene where Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds sing "Good Mornin'."  I was literally smiling through the entire song.

Perhaps I'm off-balanced.  Perhaps I'm tired from watching the Emmy Awards last night.  Perhaps I'm being nostalgic for my childhood, when MGM movie musicals were a staple in my home. 

Whatever the reason, Saint Marty's toes are tapping, and he's whistling away.  Life is good.

September 20: Singin' In the Rain Finally

I was finally able to lay my hands on a copy of the movie Singin' in the Rain for my film class next week.  I thought about buying it, but I couldn't find a DVD for sale that was less than $80.  I was unwilling to spend that much money, so I decided to rent it.  The only place that had a copy of the DVD was the local library, and it has been checked out until today.  I now have Singin' in the Rain in my possession.  I will watch it this weekend to prepare for class next week.  I'm looking forward to seeing it.  The last time I recall watching it was when I was a kid.  A long time ago.

I haven't done a whole lot of anything but work and teach today.  I haven't even had a chance to think of more gifts for my birthday list.  I will therefore just present the next five items:

6.  Movie passes to GKC

7.  One-week trip to London

8.  Help, Thanks, Wow:  The Three Essential Prayers by Anne Lamott

9.  Axe body wash

10.  The Best American Poetry 2012 by David Lehman

So, there you go.  Five more items to purchase in honor of Saint Marty's Day.  I hope everyone is well on their way to preparing for the big day.  Only fifteen more shopping days left.

Don't be caught empty-handed on October 5.  You don't want to disappoint Saint Marty.

Time to do a little splasing