My classmate Rachel is part of Barrel of Monkeys, an arts education theater ensemble in Chicago. Among other things, they teach creative writing to under-served students, and adapt students’ stories for the stage.

And now, thanks to Rach [who (whom??) is also singing background], I can’t get one of the songs out of my head. The actual title of the song is My First Girlfriend, but like all good 90’s styled R&B grooves, it needs to have an alternate name.

Thus, Shidai.

It was written by Tyberius W., who (whom??…dammit, where’s a copy-editor when you need one) despite being in only 4th grade has already found himself on the loosing side of love.

Check out Tyberius’s original story. Then listen to the podcast. And while you’re at it, check out what else Barrel of Monkeys have to offer.

I’m pretty sure I’m late on this, but for a while there the 25 Random Things About Me Meme was all the rage on Facebook. And I kinda sorta ignored all those tags I got. But never fear — now that my Vermont College of Fine Arts packet is out the door, I’m happy to present my 25 random things.

1. When I was growing up, my brother and I shared a car. Jenny, the Mighty Topaz — a dirty red, ’87 Mercury Topaz. She was like a lot a women I knew in my younger days; temperamental, prone to overheating, always wanting me to give her money. But just like any good woman, whenever I need her, she was there…except for that time she broke down in Chunky, Mississippi in the middle of the night.

2. When I was in the first grade, I had a dream that the Cat in the Hat was trying to kill me. Except he was wearing a lampshade instead of a hat. And he was firing invisible bullets.

3. I’ll be on a panel with John Green and Wendy Litchman at TLA this April. The good news — people will come because they want to hear John Green. The bad news — people may come because they ONLY want to hear John Green.

4. I have the preliminary cover for Saving Maddie. I’ll probably post it sometime next month.

5. My pants size in high school was 29” / 30” waist by 34” inseam. My pants size now is 30” / 31” waist by 34” inseam.

6. Mrs. V hates when I bring up my clothing size.

7. When I was in college, a girl thought it was sexy to insert her tongue in my ear. The entire time, I kept wondering if I had remembered to clean my ears that morning.

8. I like meat. I hate it when people steal meat from my plate (you know who you are).

9. If I go too long without writing, I’m not a nice person to be around.

10. I worry that I worry about the wrong things.

11. I have a love / hate relationship with all of my jobs.

12. I once worked as a fundraiser for the University of Oklahoma. I would call people and ask them to donate money to the school. Some people were nice. Others hung up on me. And some people cursed me out. Either way, I had to end my call with a “thank you.”

13. I probably curse more than I should.

14. The idea of having a baby thrills me.

15. The idea of having a baby terrifies me. (FYI, we are not pregnant)

16. Supposedly, white men can’t jump. Neither can black, 6’-0”, 150 pound writers / engineers.

17. I suck at sending out thank you cards. I also suck at buying birthday / wedding / holiday presents. So if you didn’t get something from me, don’t feel bad.

18. However, if you do feel bad about not receiving a card / gift / invitation / whatever, blame Mrs. V. That’s what I always do.

19. I am in love with the Number 9 sandwich from Jimmy John’s.

20. I love cheesy 80’s cartoons.

21. I almost cried when Mufasa died in The Lion King. Almost.

22. Some people say that I laugh like a hyena.

23. Gummi Bears are my kryptonite.

24. I’ve broken both of my ankles, though not at the same time.

25. A lot of people still call me Chad. A lot of people call me Chadwick. A lot call me Varian. And a lot call me V. I answer to just about anything.