It’s strange to think it was exactly a year ago already that I was writing a review of the hotel I am revisiting even as I write my second review. And while my last post was mostly positive, what a difference a year makes!
My time at the hotel is a bit shorter this year, and honestly, I haven’t been here very long, so perhaps I should wait until I get home and the entire experience in in my rear- view mirror to post this. But the event has not been as good this year as last. In all honesty, I really should temper my criticism in the fact the hotel is undergoing a remodel on the inside that’s big enough to effect many of its services.

First off, they got our room wrong… twice. We are attending a seminar for my wife’s work. Originally, we were scheduled to arrive Friday night. But when, our plans changed and we decided we had to come in a day late, our room was given away despite assurances to the contrary. And when my wife stipulated an extra bed for our son, we were given one bed after being told it would not be a problem. Add to this things like amenities that didn’t work well (i.e. spotty TV and WIFI as well as poor AC in the lobby area), and staff that seemed over worked or generally unsure of themselves, well something was lost in the overall experience.

Now obviously, none of this is hardship beyond my ability to cope. I’m still a functioning adult without any kind of lasting effects. And of course, the fact of the remodel should be taken into consideration. And I’m sure that when everything is complete the difference will make up for the short- term inconvenience… but not for this trip. And I can’t shake this sense that the hotel could do a better job making it up to the customer, even in the little things like getting my room right the first time or providing television service that doesn’t look like I’m watching moon landing footage from 1969.

I wouldn’t necessarily advise potential clients to look elsewhere for accommodations in the Dallas area, but look elsewhere. At least until the renovations are complete. I still like the Embassy Suites but I hope for a better experience next time around. To compare my stays, check out last year’s post at http://www.tylertxdirectory.com/49263/embassy-suites-in-dallas-tx/ .

Tis the time of year for mixed emotions. As a teacher, the end of the school year always comes like a deep breath, and a sense of satisfaction at completing another year. As a parent, however the end of the year can come like a moment of panic. I go from being in the classroom every day and grading homework to an events planner for my nine- year- old son. And I should add that he’s a very active nine- year- old boy, even by active nine- year- old boy standards. Fortunately, this is when having (or seeking out) a solid religious community really helps.

In East Texas, church sponsored Vacation Bible School Programs are a kind of rite of passage. They provide great summer activities for the kids in a safe environment, and at the same time offer a significant opportunity for faith formation. And this point shouldn’t be down played by the way. Many young people carry away from VBS, lessons and experiences that remain with them the rest of their lives.

Over the years VBS programs have really improved, and developed so that all kinds of churches are able to put together some really first class productions. Of course, my favorite would be the one put on by the church I happen to attend, namely Christ Episcopal Church in Tyler. The theme this year is “Created by God, Built for a Purpose.” As implied, this year will investigate the child’s worth, identity and value as rooted in the divine relationship. Lessons by the way, that even adults could benefit from.

This year, the church will be running two separate sessions of their VBS program (enrollment in either is free of course). The first runs from June 19th – the 22nd from 6—8 pm (yes in the afternoon and evenings), at the church’s new South Campus on Old Jacksonville south of the loop. The second session is the annual one which runs from June 26th—the 30th from 9am—noon, at All Saints Episcopal School in Tyler. For more information or to register visit the church’s website at http://www.christchurchtyler.org/pages/childrens-ministry/vacation-bible-school .

A couple of weeks back I published an article entitled: “Selling My Home, Woods Real Estate Group in Tyler TX.” The article was both an endorsement of our realtor and an attempt to spread the word about our house. And although the article did attract some interest, we have yet to sell the home.

The home in question was built in 1954, and is about 1200 square feet, three bedrooms one large bathroom which connects to the master bedroom. It has a built in one car garage and sits on a half- acre of land. Original hardwood floors run through the living room and all three bedrooms. The kitchen and the bathroom currently have laminated flooring and are somewhat dated. The house is something of a project house. As a teacher at a private religious school I often found it financially difficult to make all the necessary repairs. Often, I would either find a “do it yourself” method of repair or I would pay a friend with know- how and a little time to help with stop gap fixes.

All this being said, it’s a really great little starter home with a lot of potential and admittedly a certain sentimentality attached to it. But at this point my family and I are looking at the prospect of two mortgages and an empty home. So, we really need to sell this one.

Any interested readers should contact Martin Marroquin and Wood Real Estate Group or (903) 445-4558. Also check out our Zillow posting at https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/9932-County-Road-1125-Tyler-TX-75709/52286566_zpid/ . A note about Martin Marroquin and Woods group: This a small but local realty with some hard- working agents. Readers interested in individual representation at reasonable rates should consider this small business.

The end of yet another school year is upon us. And as crazy as it sounds it’s a good time to take a little stock of our children’s education. What are we looking for? What is most valuable to us as parents? What do we want to avoid when it comes to how we teach our children?

Well let’s start with the last question first. As a parent, I want a school that doesn’t treat my son and my family as a mere subscriber. I want a place where the needs of my student are addressed singularly, with his individuality in mind, not merely as a rigid policy.

So, what do I want? What’s most important? Well the answer is a two pronged one. I want a place where character and faith formation are emphasized. That’s not to say I want a place that will theologically indoctrinate my student, I just want the importance of virtue and wisdom emphasized as part of daily living and in the context of the Christian faith. But here’s the other point of the fork. I want a solid, classical form of education. I believe faith and reason can and should coexist. I want my son to benefit from a traditional education. I want him to read the classics and be curious about the world around him. I want him to appreciate both the traditions of his faith as well as its historicity. And I want him to practice it in a really, authentic way.

For my family, Christian Heritage School in Tyler has fit these parameters. The school emphasizes the Ango- American traditions of literature and law, as well as the Greco- Roman themes of Latin and Logic. From a theological standpoint, the school is not tied to any particular church or denomination, but its staff represents a mosaic of traditions and backgrounds. And to that point the student body is equally diverse containing exchange students and missionary kids from nearly every continent. In my family, the impact of this fact surprised me when my son came home and expressed his love of kimchi after he exchanged lunches with a student from South Korea. The opportunity to study with students from multiple cultures has helped to give him a well, rounded experience.

Ultimately every child is different. CHS is a school that recognizes this fact and does its best to meet that child where he or she is. At the same time the school brings them along teaching them to reason critically and developing their faith. For readers who want more information visit the school’s website at http://chstyler.org/ .

It’s a somewhat embarrassing admission to say that what started as a cheap, Local, cable television show, ended up having an actual impact on my character. It helped to mold my snarky, sarcastic and at times overly analytical sense of humor. Of course, the show I’m referring to is Mystery Science Theater 3000.

Growing up, my brothers and our friends spent many a pointless hour watching the cast of this cultural classic keep up a running socio- commentary on terrible movies. And we watched so many of them so many times that even today, in our casual conversation, wise listeners could probably detect any number vailed references to classics like “Time of the Apes,” “The Pod People,” or ‘I Accuse My Parents.” But watching all these old movies had a quite unanticipated effect. It gave us something of an education on old films we would have never ever seen otherwise. And despite the fact it’s been a lot of years since the original series aired, the comedy has held up really, well.

In 1999 MST3K was cancelled for what seemed like the final time. But on the 14th, of April Netflix released the first fourteen- episode season of a series reboot. Of course the concept and general tempo of the show remain the same, the central characters are new and the commentary is contemporary. After all, since the show last premiered, we’re on our third president and we carry phones around in our pockets.

Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I’m watching episode two as I type this and this is as far as I’ve watched. Admittedly the first one opened feeling a bit forced but it picked up quickly, and very soon it was all very familiar with the added benefit of more relevant humor.

The new venue of online streamed media has really made room for a lot of creative writing and programing that doesn’t fit the carefully molded network and cable channels. It’s good to see another generation discovering the sarcastic cultural riffing of this classic series. Thanks Netflix, for taking a chance on one of our old favs. You wouldn’t be sorry.