Memphis, TN

The Memphis Skyline

My laziness is astounding to me. There is always a tremendous letdown effect after I return from a long trip, overseas or domestic. I guess I am not going to get many people who will support a pity party for someone who spent their summer traveling around the US and China while he was on a paid vacation. Alas. Don’t get me wrong I am happy to be back in Memphis. Family, Friends, Memphis eats, and of course the girlfriend. I do miss the buzz you get from travel. Each day is a new discovery and adventure. What makes it worse is that you can’t turn on the TV or pick a newspaper without reading about China and all that does is make me miss the whole experience there that much more.

Oh well get over myself. I have been very busy the last few days doing nothing. I am catching up with everyone. That means hanging out, eating, and a beer or two. So I have been going out a lot. The way I figure it the late nights help me get over jet lag and in-service starts next week at the “H” so there is a finite end to the craziness. Has any teacher ever had an in-service that was actually productive? I have had many that were not awful or fine, but never one that made me salivate to get back to the classroom. I guess this pessimism stems from the fact that I would rather stick a red hot poker in my eye than go to a meeting. The best part of teaching is the kids in the classroom. They are ridiculous and nuts, like me. Soon enough.

I voted today. I love voting. The big race in Memphis is the for the Tennessee 9th congressional district. The main competitors are Steve Cohen, who won the seat two years ago, and Nikki Tinker. There is no republican running in the general election so the democratic primary will decide who will represent Memphis in Congress. There have only been two Republicans for this seat, ever. The race has gotten ugly, do they ever get pretty? Here was a great editorial in the Commercial Appeal. (Editorial) Tinker’s platform is pretty much, I am black his is note vote for me. The final straw was a TV ad that intimates that Cohen, who is Jewish, is pro-Klan. Nothing like a political strategy that panders to the base fears of the electorate. I have met Tinker on several occasions and she struck as a solid person which is why this strategy is even more deplorable. Steve Cohen has a long history of service to Tennessee. It’s a shame all the way around.

The race is drawing national attention. Here is a story from the Washington Post.

Another note entirely I just bought gas for the first time since early June. That makes me smile. Cost of the fill up, $39.41. My old Honda still gets pretty good gas mileage so no complaints here.

If you live in Memphis, GO VOTE! I don’t care who you vote for, that’s your business but at least participate in the electoral process. Here is a link to voting places and general voting questions in Shelby County.

I felt like I had to include a picture so here is where I live in Memphis. (Link)