More Craft.

Over Christmas, I made a belt for my sister-in-law (and, like most years, still owe a present to my brother--which was also supposed to be a belt). Here she is:








I will admit to not knowing the best way to photograph something so long and skinny--so you get three views: centered, right side, and left side.

Proficiency Exam

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of administering the State Proficiency Exam in Reading, Mathematics, and Science. My favorite part of any standardized testing scenario is going to the "training" where they read to us directly from a handout that has all the instructions written on it. This year, there were some special instructions that I thought I would share:

After testing, we were to "Place the TA Manuel on top of [our] test booklets" and then "Clip together the 'Do Not Disturb,' 'Need Assistance,' and Restroom Pass and place them inside the TA Manuel."

I did not ask Manuel how he felt about this.

For my dear wife.

Say goodbye to the last two years:





And I know you'll totally miss the great white hope:






But can it really be all that bad? Look what you have to look forward to:




HEEEEEEYYYYY!!!

Happy Birthday, snookums.

More Adventures in Studio Photography

A co-worker persuaded me to come shoot pictures of a giant list of people from her congregation--two families signed up every five minutes from 6:00-8:00. It wasn't booked solid, but we were plenty busy.

I am moderately pleased with the results, but still don't like the idea of "portraiture" in this sense. People have certain expectations of a "sitting"--moms were giving directions ("put your hand on his shoulder--yes, like that") and lo and behold, I turned into Olan Mills. There must be a better way to do this. I need to work more with studio lights.

Archibald, Archibald, and Archibald.

I'm thinking of starting my own law firm. I think these pictures pretty much prove I'm ready. I may have to rename this the "Archiblog Law blog".





"Injured in a car accident? You know who to call."



After seeing these, you know you'd hire me.

Most important ingredient.

"HIGH FRUIT!" the girl shouted from atop the toilet.
"HIGH FRUIT!"
"HIGH FRUIT!"

"WHAT?!?" shouted the boy from the other bathroom.

"I SHOUT 'HIGH FRUIT' AND YOU SHOUT 'TOAST CORN SYRUP!'" she responded.

I wonder if we've been talking about it too much....or if this could be a Family Circus cartoon. Oh boy.

Silver Beaver Award

I awarded Isaac Wesley Ayre with Scouting's most-interesting-sounding honor, The Silver Beaver Award, in a private ceremony in our home sometime this past summer for his "impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council." According to a random internet source, "The Silver Beaver is an award given to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service. It is given to those who do not actively seek it." He was so excited.





Any resemblance in this post to persons living, dead, or otherwise is completely coincidental. And, for the record, this blog, its author, and most of the blog's contents are almost entirely unconnected with the Boy Scouts of America, however intentionally or unintentionally.