Hey Look . . . it's a dummy . . . no that is just J2!

On a trip to Old Navy today -- J2 found some friends! He fits right in with all of these dummies!

Seeing into the future . . .

This is the first year since the fall of 1998 and the spring of 1999 (when I was dreaming about moving to the DFW area) when I have *wondered* what I will be doing next year. I realize that there is a chance that I could be making a change in my career. I'm just not completely sure what that change will be . . . and I wish I could "see" where I will be next year and what I will be doing. I am opening up the doors to see what opportunities are out there for me . . . and I'm excited about the possibilities! Only time will tell . . .

Oscar Party at Victor's!

Big party at Victor's house tonight for the Oscars! This was his 3rd annual party - and my second time to go. The night started with plenty of food and the highlighting of our choices on the Oscar ballot. To play it was $10 per person -- and 14 people were in for the win! I just knew that I was going to do very well - as I had done a little research. It was a fun time with everyone. As it turned out - I did not win - not even really close enough. David D. won (140 bucks!) - for the SECOND year in row. I voted that he not be invited back next year. I'm not sure how he does it. Stinks! I was the ONE who needed the money the most! Heheehheeheheh . . . I'm sure everyone was thinking that. Oh, well . . . it was a fun way to spend the night watching the Oscars! It was great that Kate Winslete (for The Reader) and Sean Penn (for Milk) won for best actor and actress. Slumdog Millionaire won for best movie . . . and I hate it that I did not see that movie yet (I really need to see it).

My Murano goes in for repairs . . .

Yep, the cracked windshield and scrapes down the front hood will finally be fixed next week! I take it in on Monday and get it back on Friday. I hope it all turns out ok - always seems a little weird having repairs done on your vehicle. Just seems like it can never be the same?? It will be fine - and it will feel so much better having it fixed, finally! I have been staring at that crack for two months now -- and I'm done with that!

Evan Art

I'm famous! My photo is hanging in an art gallery! I promise I'm not mad in this photo - just my serious look! This picture was taken after getting too much sun on the beach in Cozumel (October 2005).

Abraham Lincoln - Happy 200th Birthday!

Today we celebrate the life of Abraham Lincoln. This day marks the 200th birthday of this famous American. Lincoln is one who gets a great deal of the credit for keeping the United States from breaking apart during the American Civil War.

I continue to be inspired by the Lincoln Memorial -and enjoy seeing it every year in July when I visit Washington, DC. I usually walk the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on the night of July 2nd, at the night viewing of the memorials.

I have always thought that if time travel was possible - I'd give anything to spend some time with this man. How I'd love to have a conversation with him . . . . what a legend!

Happy Birthday, President Lincoln!

Vegas here I Come!!!

Spring break trip has been booked! Yep, I'm headed back to Las Vegas for some fun and games! I'm staying at New York, New York once again. When I was there last in 2001 I stayed at New York - and was hoping to staying somewhere different - but this was the best deal that could be found. I like this hotel - and it is in a great location! I'm looking forward to the trip!

I'm hoping to see "O" - the Cirque show . . . I've always wanted to see this show. Might look into seeing Cher in concert there too - not sure - we'll see what is available. I'm hoping to check out the downtown section of Las Vegas - the old part of Vegas. J2 says he had a lot of fun and the slots were a little more loose (or is it looser??) there! I've wanted to see the ceiling/covering that encloses the whole area . . . as I've seen that on TV a time or two.

I'm still trying to coordinate more friends to go too. I can't wait to get away and to just have fun!

My Life

A Peek at My Life!

This blog entry is inspired by a blog that I saw the other day. I liked the idea of posting my response to some of the topics listed in this guy's blog. Here it goes . . .

My Name
Evan Bartley P. (still so proud to carry Grandpa Davis' name - Bartley!)

Childhood Ambition
I always remember wanting to be a teacher - a 2nd grade teacher - then later on in life a high school teacher.

Fondest Memory
Wow, I have SO many . . . my first and second trip to London, my trip to France, visiting Glorieta Baptist Conference Center for three summers while in high school, becoming an uncle, getting my first teaching job, moving to Dallas, the many trips to DC, ok -- this list can go on and on and on!

Soundtrack
I REALLY enjoy the John Adams soundtrack that I downloaded from iTunes this past summer. There are no vocals - but the music just seems to sooth me and inspire me - LOVE it!

Retreat
I love my times in Key West . . . always feel the freedom of living life when I'm in that city! I'm not sure why it makes me so happy to be there - but it is the one place that I think about revisiting ALL the TIME!! I've been there three times - and hope to go back in October (which would be a different time of the year to see Key West)! I watch the Duval Street webcam often online -- just to see people walking along the street - feeling the carefree atmosphere of the island!

Wildest Dream
I think it would be cool to be Texas Teacher of the Year! I started thinking about that back when I was Teacher of the Year for Bransford back in 2003. It is one of my wildest dreams . . . just a dream!


Proudest Moment
Graduating with my Masters Degree from Tarleton State University -- and having my parents, Wanda, Rachel, Jason, and Nicola there (Wanda and Rachel REALLY surprised me -- and that is a memory I will never forget)! It was a HUGE accomplishment that I NEVER really thought I'd actually attain!

Biggest Challenge
Finding myself and allowing me to be me - trying to find my place in this world!

Alarm Clock
During the week -- 6:10ish -- but on the weekends -- what alarm!?!?!

Perfect Day
Spending a whole day in a city that is new to me -- a city that is RICH in American History -- and discovering and learning all about actual historical events and sites that helped to create this great country of ours. I can't get enough of American History - and actually feeling and touching this history -- that is a perfect day for me! Boston this summer is an example . . . and I want more days like this!

First Job
Dishwasher at the Flaming Grill! It was an old truck stop in Portales -- but had become a restaurant. Tammie, an old high school friend, helped me to get that job. It was during my senior year - and it was nice having a little cash in my pocket and helping my parents out a little bit. I still remember those bearclaw danish things . . . loved them!

Last Purchase
I guess it was my iPhone . . . and it is one of the BEST items I've ever purchased! I'm about to purchase my spring break vacation destination . . . hmmmmmmm . . . where am I going??!!

Favorite Movie
St. Elmos Fire -- my junior year in high school. Friendships were such an important thing to me at that point in my life and I was inspired by that movie. I loved the setting of that movie - and wished I was growing up in that area. It gave me hope and dreams for my own life . . . and I'm still living those dreams! It was a quest for the "Meaning of Life" - and I'm still searching for that!

Inspiration
My parents have always been a big source of my inspiration . . . always wanted to live my life making them proud of me! I still live my life trying to be what they dreamed I could be!

My Life . . .
is an adventure that has been complicated, fullfilling, sad, exciting, challenging, and fun!

Starting over . . .

Sometimes I have this feeling that I would like to start my life over again. Starting over -- moving somewhere - somewhere unexpected - and building a new reputation in my career - making new friends -- doing new things -- just starting over . . . again! I did this when I moved to DFW nearly ten years ago (June 1999) - and it has been one of the BEST decisions I've ever made. I remember my life so vividly at that moment - and life was exciting!!! I was so happy - about everything - my new job - the new friends - everything! I just have moments in my life when I want that new happiness again!

Where would I go???? Boston (the winters would drive me back), Chicago (I've heard SO many wonderful things about it - but the winters . . . .ugh!), Washington, DC (I love this city and all that is stands for!!!!), anywhere on the East Coast! Not sure where I would go . . .

My teacher retirement sort of makes this only a dream. I think I'm pretty much tied to Texas for the rest of my education career. I'll have to retire here - as it makes things too complicated moving. I'm happy with living here in Dallas/Fort Worth! It is a great place to be . . . and I can stay here for a long time. I still feel lucky to be here, to be working in GCISD, and to have ALL of the friends that I have!!!

I will continue to dream of where I will go someday . . . what about Key West (happy times in Key West - but scary hurricanes are not fun), San Diego (beautiful city!!) . . . . hmmmmm, where else!