Elsie the Sheltie

A few years back my niece was celebrating her 14th bday at an outdoor party at her mother's. Ash and her gaggle of friends were spread out in the yard into little groups chatting and giggling as young girls are wont to do. Elsie was finally released from the house and tore into the yard. Usually a sweet and calm creature, Elsie suddenly seemed to go berserk. She began to race around the outside circles of the guests and as I watched from the patio, the girls began to scream in terror and run, much like frightened sheep, to the corner of the yard. Elsie, a sheep herding dog who spent her entire life in Northeast Philly, instinctively knew how to wrangle a herd of teenage girls into complete submission.

Our Love of The OC

Back in 2006 I stopped over my parents house to find them watching the Tijuana episode from season 1 of The OC. Stupefied by this sight, I asked why the hell they were watching a lame TV show designed for kids. "Your brothers recommended it to us," my mother said, "We really like it. Seth is my favourite." Astonishing.
The next time I saw my brothers I questioned their motives for watching the series and they convinced me to Netflix season one. I did and instantly fell in love. Then I saw season two and fell completely out of love. But season one still holds a special place in my little heart.
In 2008 Marina overheard Xavier and myself referencing something and she inquired as to what. We replied, "THE OC!" She, like I did once, scoffed and snickered at the very idea that we would watch such drivel. Then she saw season one.
Anyway, Marina is now in VT visiting with her sister, who is also a fan of the show. I spoke to Marina this morning and she is officially caught up on every episode of the series. She was telling me of the season where - spoiler - Marisa dies. I burst out laughing when she actually spoke the words, "Ryan moved out and is living behind a bar earning money as a cage fighter." Once the words left her mouth she immediately saw the absurdity. Then it dawned on me. Benjamin McKenzie shirtless, sweating, bloody...and incredibly hot. That's the allure of The OC. That and Sandy Cohen, awesome music, Anna Stern's wardrobe, and Summer Roberts in a Wonder Woman costume.

Deep Thoughts

If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting.
~Jack Handey SNL

Fr. Michael's Run-In w/the Law

Never one to hold his tongue for any reason, Fr. Michael was sitting in his car with his bf last week outside of his home. They'd just gotten back from the movies and wanted to finish their conversation when Johnny Law pulls up behind their car, flashes his lights and gets out. Michael, now annoyed at this bullshit excuse for the local rollers to act big and bad, kills the engine and goes to open his door. "Get back in the fuckin' car, now! Put your hands where I can see 'em! Stay in the fuckin' car!!" Apparently this officer had become confused and thought he was at an audition for Southland. This ain't fuckin' South Central, so I don't know what that reaction was all about. Anyhow, Michael shuts the door and rolls the window down. The cop comes up to the driver's side and before he can say a word, Michael asks him, "Officer, are you concerned because there's a Latino in the neighborhood? Is that what this is all about?" Johnny Law suddenly gets all flustered and apologetic when he discovers that he completely overreacted. Take that, punk.

Marina Straightens Out Her Class

Marina's Spanish class was discussing the air pollution problem in Mexico. They didn't understand why it should be primarily blamed on Texas and California. Marina raised her hands, palms out, and explained," The air knows no boundaries."

Step Brothers

Thursday night I was at my brothers' place hanging out with Xavier and Fr. Michael. We were discussing movies, ones we love, and I said, "Xave, ya know what Michael's fave movie is? Step Brothers." Michael let out a groan and Xave said, "Aw, ya didn't like it? I thought it was hilarious." However, Fr. Michael disagreed, "I went to see that in the theatre with some friends from rehab and by the time it was over we were all using again."

Amy On Her Ability to Unwind w/Ease

"It's actually worrisome...the lack of thinking..."