equalibrium

So... life goals change.  I joke among my friends that the key to happiness in all areas is, "LOWERED EXPECTATIONS."

Jarod and I's real life goal at this point is to be those people whose life is so organized that they clean out their gutters BEFORE their basement is flooding and they are screaming at each other from either ends of a half broken ladder in a downpour and 40 mile an hour wind.

That's all.

Also, my new definition of equilibrium is when my schedule is so rhythmic and predictable that neither my house nor Bethesda runs out of bread or milk at an inconvenient time - nor do I find surprises molded and spoiled surplus.

That's it.

Today, bread molded at Bethesda and I ran out of bread at my house.  That is my definition of still adjusting. We won't call it poor planning. Ok?

Halloween Ritual

On Halloween day I began to get emails from previous students around the world asking... what the "theme" of the 703 Fort Halloween was going to be this year.  I think that means we have a tradition. A ritual.
I used to think that the value of ritual was security and sameness. A warm fuzzy feeling.  But I am beginning to see ritual as a framework for 'other'.  The starting place. For unexpected things like front yard Saudi Martial arts and haunted house melt downs and zippers breaking at the most memorable moments.
Like those dumb habits that they ingrain in you during drivers ed. Check three mirrors, two blind spots, and always use your blinker.  These things become so expected that they no longer occupy a space in your mind.  Instead your mind can drive.  So third year in of costuming more than a dozen people at 703 Fort - we have a ritual.  And it makes room for - one unforgettable night.
It begins in April.  In April Jude schemes  his costume - for the one day of the year that the rest of the nation joins us in his daily hobby of dress up.  By May, he and Grandma Joan have had a few powwows - and I am confident that her very skilled fingers, perfectionistic mind, and trusty side-kick Bob - have the kids completely under control (this year she even took on Jarod).
The rest could be a visa card commercial.  Thrift store finds:$50 - time lost: 5 hours - household condition: disaster - Memories made.  PRICELESS.

Grandma Joan's Sonic Themed master piece.  And two awesome dads to play along.

Maybe the only photo I have of Michael actually smiling.

P.S.  Jarod was prescribed the egg man costume because the children call him FAT every single day of his poor life.

The rest of the anime crew.

Me and my "roomies"

The whole family  (- Alice)

Kingson thought he was Neo

Then he found an afro on the dance floor right before "gangnam style".

These Saudi boys and I... for all of our differences... one thing is true - we all like to have a good time.

...but one thing we know... the Haunted House will NOT become part of the Halloween Ritual ever again. Right Seonjin??