Movies & Dogs

My wife and I just watched a DVD of a French film with subtitles. The English title is To Be and To Have. The film is a documentary about a teacher in France who bucks the typical French school system by being deeply interested in, and involved with, his students' learning. He has 13 students, mixed between very young and middle-school age. He's deeply committed to serving them. The first 15-20 minutes were excruciatingly dull, but it improved dramatically thereafter. By the end of the film, I was deeply moved by the teacher and by teachers in general. Generally, I am pissed by movies that make me cry, but I will give this one a pass. It is worth seeing.

Our other option was to watch Capote. We have it, courtesy of Netflix, but I wasn't in the mood tonight. Maybe tomorrow. We need to watch it this week, because on Saturday, we both fly to Boston. Then, on Sunday, I fly to Amersterdam, then to Frankfort, then to Dubrovnik. My wife returns home that Monday. I return home on the 16th or thereabouts. I've lost my interest in going, but have no good way of backing out. When I return, though, I will immediately plan time to take a few days off. God, I need them. I could become psychotic and dangerous, if given enough stress and time; I need to take some time to decompress.

We had a late lunch today at Mai's, a Vietnamese restaurant near downtown Dallas. For years, several publications have called it the best in Dallas. Well, the first time we went there a few years ago, it was one of the only Vietnamese places in Dallas. Since then, it has spawned many, many competitors. After lunch today, I can only say it has an uphill battle. It was OK, but nothing to write home about. Most of the Vietnamese places we've visited in the past year or two have outpaced it.

My brother in Falba, Texas, tells me he may have found a new home for his dog...or his son's dog. I am disappointed, because I really like the dog, named Callie. On the other hand, I understand why he would want to be out from under the responsibilities and expenses of keeping the dog. I just hope her new home is good for her.

Speaking of dogs, we went to the bank this afternoon to deposit some checks and saw some beautiful Boxers. The animal clinic across the parking lot from our bank had several dogs out for exercise, etc. and two of them were gorgeous brindle boxers. I want one! My wife would love a dog, but she doesn't know it. Her concern is taking care of a beast when I travel. She would enjoy it!