Thursday, February 5, 2009

Not happening

Deep sigh......

I'm not blogging. I don't feel anything pressing to share. The pressure of RL is all too consuming. This would probably be the time were it would be in my best interest to blog but..............nothing.

The stupidity of people is truly appalling. I include myself in that not too exclusive club. This blog is stupid.

My kids are like forces of nature that require taxing amounts of energy to just maintain. We all need to take a collective winters nap.......

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Today

Today is a day that many, including myself, did not believe would happen for a long time. Many felt that an Anglo woman would be sworn in as President of the United States prior to the inauguration of an African-American. It makes me really proud to call myself an American when you look back a mere 50 years to the gathering momentum of the Civil Rights movement.

President Obama. Sounds new and refreshing. What this country needs and deserves. However, I must caution myself, and all others reading, that he is but one man.

In so many ways, the ball is in our court. Yes, all of us Americans. Hard times continue to lurk on the horizon. Many of us who call ourselves Americans have grown up with a sense of entitlement. A feeling that we are owed something because of our age, education, marital circumstance, what have you.

The real challenge that faces America, and its citizens, is not threats from around the world, which are undeniably real, but the entrenched belief that it is someone else's responsibility to make our country better.

Despite our current challenges, we need to emerse ourselves in an attitude of gratitude. Doesn't matter your particular set of circumstances, get it. We all need to make sacrifices for one another in the years ahead. We need to look out for each other on a daily basis, not December 23 to December 25th.

This country arose from the Depression of the 1930's not from the skilled leadership of one man, but from the sense that American can do it, can sacrifice and can collectively help all that call America home.

Our country could use another Roosevelt type leader in these times. But more than that, we could really use some Americans who sacrifice, work and persevere to see a successful outcome to our current challenges. Will it be easy? No, not really. But can it be done? It can and will.

Godspeed to you President Obama and to the country you lead. But please remember, he is but one man and we are hundreds of millions.

January 21, 2009 the parties and balls will be over. Now its time to get to work. What are you going to work on that day?

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Word for the Day....

Is Mopery

It means exposing yourself to a blind person. Thanks to Revenge of The Nerds through the new eyes of my 13 and 11 year old boys. Funnier than the first time.

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Happy New Year

I hope that the coming year is one filled with prosperity and joy. I think that this country is taking a turn in the right direction and I am excited to witness that. More than that, I am excited to be part of that.

I have hopes, you could even say borderline resolutions for 2009. Mine are:

1. Be more organized :)

2. In some ways, not give a fuck.

3. In some ways, care more.

4. Look for the best in people despite my own misgivings.

So thats it. Short and sweet. What are yours? Happy New year once again...

Friday, December 26, 2008

Reflection Inspection




You Feel Humbled By Your Family



You are very quick to forgive your family for wrongdoings. You don't expect them to be perfect, and you try to help them out whenever it's possible.



You believe that your family is truly happy, even if there are minor disagreements and squabbles.



You've improved your family relationships through introspection. You always look at your own behavior first, and you've made changes to how you act.



You are honest and very outspoken with your family. You sometimes hurt feelings by saying things they don't want to hear.



Thats pretty spot on. I do need to shut it and zip my lip more often. That could be a New Years Resolution baby.

The next one.....




You Spread a Lot of Holiday Cheer



During the holidays, you represent the true spirit of Christmas.

You give freely, and you enjoy this special time of the year.



There's a good chance that you spread cheer every time of the year... not just during the holidays.

You're kind, upbeat, and generous. Anyone who crosses your path is lucky.



This one I like. You have to teach the value of being charitable. Whenever we are together and see a red kettle, I give them the money to put in themselves. My folks did that with me and it has stuck. You got to look out for those less fortunate. You just have to.

Christmas was fab. I think after all these years in the kid business, we have figured out the path is less is more. Everyone did so well. I will always cherish the 2008 holiday season:)

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Everyone deserves a bit.......

Of Beach time!! Wish we could all celebrate it together at the beach. One of my fondest Christmas memories does not involve snow, presents or any of that stuff. Waking up before dawn, getting the beach prior to sunrise and being out in the surf as the sun rose on a Christmas morning always connected with me. Of course, if the waves were good, there is your present!!

Merry Christmas to you all. You've already given me so many presents this past year. Thanks!!

Monday, December 22, 2008

So Long

End of the semester are times of transitions. You get used to one group of students in a class and poof, they are gone. I was/am so fortunate in the kids I see and the two guys I team-teach with. Like I've said, I really like my job. Mr. D and I collaborated, of course, on the following letter to our 10th grade World History class. Good kids, I'll miss them.

Friday, December 19, 2008… our last “World History class” but an ending is really only the beginning of something new. However, before we go our separate ways, there are a few things I would like to share. Although, this is Mr. D's my third year as a teacher, and Mr. F's 15th … watching you learn, helping you find pieces of yourself, watching your world expanding before my vary eyes .. And still we are filled with awe.

As it was in the beginning, at the end of the school year we write for our students. It is a time to reflect on where we have been and where we are headed next. As we reflect on our semester with you, We really realized that we truly belong in this practice. Reflecting through writing is a powerful experience that changes both the writer and those who read the words. And now, from us to you, here are a few rambling thoughts …

This is what we want to share with you now --- in these final moments together --- the power each of us has to influence other and the world. Remember this, “you are a shaker, a mover and a builder of society” all you must do is be engaged. Do not stand in the side lines of life. We think about the last few weeks and what we hope you have learned and experienced, that you have gained something of value by the time we have “used” on each other.

Here are a few secrets we can share: (a). There is no substitute for hard work and if you will commit yourself to doing whatever is necessary, regardless of whether you receive a momentary payment or even a positive recognition, then you will do what’s right. (b). Know that the joy is in the doing, in the getting there, in the process. Everything is a process – learning, doing, living … it is all a process. (c) Embrace the in-betweens, the unknowns, the letting go, and good fortune will guide you through those moments of darkness. Listen within and you will find your way and know what to do next. Be personal. Be true to yourself.

It is time for you to move on. This piece of excerpts summarizes what I, Mr. D, feels about my role in your education and the role I have played in your lives:

The teacher said, “Come to the edge.”
The students replied, “We are afraid.”
The teacher said, “Come to the edge.”
The students replied, “But we are afraid.”
The teacher said, “Come to the edge.”
They came. He pushed them, And they flew.

You are my little eagles. It is time for you to fly and you are ready to take the next step. Be fearless and embrace life – everything is possible. And remember, take nothing for granted and know in your hearts that you once had a teacher who cared about you, who wanted the best for you, who believed in you, who was proud of you, and who respected you.

Enjoy life.
Laugh often.

So that was it. It took about 3 minutes. Some parts of the farewell message were his and some were mine. Part of their final was a reflective essay on what they had learned in World History. Many of the kids wrote the nicest things. Not fluffy things like you are my fav teacher but cool things that they learned this and they looked at things differently know that they knew this.

Like I said, I really like my job.....