Jan 15 2009
The Mad Scientist
Last week was spirit week at the school. The kids had 5 different days to wear something according to the theme of the day. Whenever days that require costumes approach, I always think…I wish my Mother was here. They all wore pajamas (pyjamas) and bath robes (dressing gowns) to kick off the week. Gabe was ready for crazy hat day thanks to a gag Christmas gift from my Father, a giant Uncle Sam hat. Josiah wore his Kurdish cap and Abby wore her pink Jackaroo hat from Australia. On sports fan day, Josiah had layers and layers of Cowboys gear thanks to his Papaw. Gabe wore his Giants shirt and Abby donned my new Bears Jersey. They went above and beyond on the two other days, however. For career day, Abby decided she wanted to be a secret agent, so she wore my black pants, black turtleneck, black boots, and black coat. She wore sunglasses that have mirrors on the edges so that you can see behind you. Gabe had bought them at the spy museum. Josiah dressed as a professional runner complete with race number and water bottle. Gabe won the day, however with his mad scientist outfit. He had everyone laughing including the principal. He wore a white dress shirt, dress slacks, dress shoes, a bow tie, rubber gloves, Dale’s peshmerga coat and goggles from Iraq. I spiked his hair up with pomade. He pulled it off and was the best costume of the day. The pressure was on then and we tried to match it on flashback day. Josiah was dressed in 50s cool with a white tshirt, jeans, a black leather jacket and sunglasses. I tried to fix his hair in a ducktail, but could have used my Dad’s help. Next, Gabe dressed like Mr T complete with vest, camouflage pants, gold chain, and mohawk. I then dressed Abby like she was one of my best friends in highschool. She had the sweater falling off one shoulder, the wide belt, the tight jeans tucked into boots, and the pony tail on the side of her head. When she walked into the office, all the ladies started laughing. Ah, the 80s, such style.
Career Day
Flashback Day
Ahh…yes…the eighties! Love the hair Abby!
She looks like any starlet today in a magazine. Awesome how the styles come back. I have some parachute pants that are screaming to be worn again!
To Gabe: great outfit, Fool. To Abby: Don’t turn around; Der Kommisar’s in town. To Josiah: if you would like advice from a real former professional runner, call (316) 264-5500 and ask to talk to Gary Gregory. Gary was a steeplechaser and teammate of Carl Lewis and Johnny Gray on the Santa Monica Track Club during Carl’s heyday in the 80′s. I ran High School Cross Country and track with his brother Clint, and I’ll let Gary know to expect your call.
Josiah will have a chance to test his current fitness level at the end of March. He and I are going to run a 5K together. At least we’re going to start together!
I can picture Rick strolling down the halls of his high school with his gold chains around his neck.
Sarah should keep the parachute pants, they’ll definitely be back in style soon.
Good luck to both of you on the 5-K. The H.S. gold chains belonged to Woo Poo teammate James Orrange, not myself, though. Funny how these things reoccur. Friends had dinner this week with 2 Atlanta attorneys that were ’86 grad tracksters, who had the same track coach as James and myself.
It occured to me that James Orrange’s wife Diana was a ’96 Olympian in the Triple Jump, and may be able to shed some light on what it takes for Josiah to reach the elite ranks of the sport europeans call Athletics.