I love technology. I don't always have the newest and greatest in all areas but I get by okay I think. I am here to formally protest all of you "Blue Tooth" users who are abusing their creation. When these things were created I thought the reasoning centered on cell phone use in cars so that you could keep your hands on the wheel.
I have a question. What the hell makes you think I or anyone within a 15 yard radius want to hear you talking on the phone? Half the time you look retarded because you appear to be talking to yourself. And this is not scientifically proven but it appears that you talk LOUDER with the blue tooth which in turns make people look at you. You of course are oblivious to this. And someone please tell me why you feel the need to wear the "ear thingy" when you are visiting a friends house or are at a birthday party on a Saturday night. Last weekend was my mother-in-law's birthday. Her husband put on a GREAT birthday party and there were A LOT of people at this party. WHY WOULD YOU WEAR THAT THING TO THE PARTY? Are you kidding me??? You are that important??? Last I checked NO ONE at this party was a transplant doctor on call. But you...Mr. Blue Tooth....there you are mingling at the party with that thing sticking out of your ear.
DUFUSS
P.S. Am I alone in this? Does this bother anyone else? Are there things about technology that bug you?
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Everything And The Kitchen Sink!
This weekend I had the opportunity to donate some money in the casino's in Shreveport. This morning as I was returning home to the great State Of Texas I noticed the large amount of traffic heading out of the state of Louisiana from hurricane Gustav. I noticed there were FOUR distinct types of people who were leaving the state.
1. Guy and Girl are in the car and they have a clothes rod across the back with a few outfits in dry
dry cleaner bags. Their dog (usually of the small type) is sitting in the front seat in the
passengers lap.
2. Large truck pulling some type of RV. Might be towing another car. Usually a very nice car at
that. You would never know they are running for the hills. These families appear to be on
vacation.
3. Small car jammed packed with 5 people. Usually pillows are jammed against the windows.
I found myself reflecting on my travels on American Eagle. Check previous blog to get that
joke.
4. This last group my heart went out to. Their car looked like they literally threw stuff in their
car with no thought. Just to get out of New Orleans. Generally when you pack a car there is
some sort of organization. Not these cars. Stuff is just jammed in there from floorboard to
hood. I found myself wondering why they decided to take some of the stuff they did. One car
had FOUR OZARKA bottles jammed up against the back windshield. You know the big kind
that you see in office break rooms. I thought that was very odd. When getting my crap in the
car to get away from a hurricane my first thought would not be......HONEY...DON"T FORGET
THE OZARKA BOTTLES!!!! Obviously, these things are valuable because they were put in
first. How else did they get jammed in the back right? Usually these cars were way
overloaded and they were "struggling" on the highway. Many breakdowns were witnessed.
I felt sorry for these and their situation. Most of the breakdowns were because of blown tires.
All I have to say is this. I know anywhere you live you have mother nature to deal with. But I have a huge problem with boarding up my house and leaving it HOPING it is there when I get back.
1. Guy and Girl are in the car and they have a clothes rod across the back with a few outfits in dry
dry cleaner bags. Their dog (usually of the small type) is sitting in the front seat in the
passengers lap.
2. Large truck pulling some type of RV. Might be towing another car. Usually a very nice car at
that. You would never know they are running for the hills. These families appear to be on
vacation.
3. Small car jammed packed with 5 people. Usually pillows are jammed against the windows.
I found myself reflecting on my travels on American Eagle. Check previous blog to get that
joke.
4. This last group my heart went out to. Their car looked like they literally threw stuff in their
car with no thought. Just to get out of New Orleans. Generally when you pack a car there is
some sort of organization. Not these cars. Stuff is just jammed in there from floorboard to
hood. I found myself wondering why they decided to take some of the stuff they did. One car
had FOUR OZARKA bottles jammed up against the back windshield. You know the big kind
that you see in office break rooms. I thought that was very odd. When getting my crap in the
car to get away from a hurricane my first thought would not be......HONEY...DON"T FORGET
THE OZARKA BOTTLES!!!! Obviously, these things are valuable because they were put in
first. How else did they get jammed in the back right? Usually these cars were way
overloaded and they were "struggling" on the highway. Many breakdowns were witnessed.
I felt sorry for these and their situation. Most of the breakdowns were because of blown tires.
All I have to say is this. I know anywhere you live you have mother nature to deal with. But I have a huge problem with boarding up my house and leaving it HOPING it is there when I get back.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
What Song Is That?......Oh the PAIN!!!!
I was on my way home today when on the radio came on one of the classic "Rock Ballads" of the late 80's. Love Bites by Deff Leppard. I of course know this song by heart and was singing away when all the sudden in a flash I remembered what was going on in my life at the time. I was a junior in high school and the first girl I actually dated broke up with me......on my birthday! That's right...on my birthday....AND I was at Disney World with the high school band at the time. The end of the world as I knew it was over. I had never experienced those feelings before so I had no way of knowing what to do.
I really don't remember a whole lot of what I did except I remember crying on MJP's shoulder on the bus ride to the airport and I got pissed ...A LOT. I rebounded and in one month was dating a new girl. As I look back on it even though I moved on and started dating another girl I never forgave her for the emotional damage she did to my ego. So what did I do. Looking back on it I was a total ass to her and her friends the next year. To make matters worse she started dating a guy in the high school band that played the same instrument as me....THAT was awkward. I was a total ass to her that whole year. She retaliated of course but looking back on that I could have handled that WAY better. The worst of it was at the end of the year the next year the Seniors wrote notes to their classmates and underclassmen. I of course grilled her! After all did I mention that she broke up with me ON MY BIRTH DAY!! AT DISNEYWORLD!!!! SHE MADE ME CRY DANG IT!!!! okay....I am better now...anyway her note to me was actually....kind.....she apologized for how our friendship soured and hoped that I would remember her fondly.......
Now you talk about feeling like an ASS!!!! Of course my ego would not let me admit to my mistakes and apologize for my assness. After graduation from high school I have not seen this girl. If I ever do run into her at a high school reunion I am going to BEG for forgiveness. For now all I can do is type....I am sorry Sena for how I acted.
These feelings or memories do not come up every time I hear this song but for some reason they popped up today....and I have not even thought about all of this in probably at least 10 years.
What I want to know is this:
What songs are out there that bring back memories for you? Good or bad?
I really don't remember a whole lot of what I did except I remember crying on MJP's shoulder on the bus ride to the airport and I got pissed ...A LOT. I rebounded and in one month was dating a new girl. As I look back on it even though I moved on and started dating another girl I never forgave her for the emotional damage she did to my ego. So what did I do. Looking back on it I was a total ass to her and her friends the next year. To make matters worse she started dating a guy in the high school band that played the same instrument as me....THAT was awkward. I was a total ass to her that whole year. She retaliated of course but looking back on that I could have handled that WAY better. The worst of it was at the end of the year the next year the Seniors wrote notes to their classmates and underclassmen. I of course grilled her! After all did I mention that she broke up with me ON MY BIRTH DAY!! AT DISNEYWORLD!!!! SHE MADE ME CRY DANG IT!!!! okay....I am better now...anyway her note to me was actually....kind.....she apologized for how our friendship soured and hoped that I would remember her fondly.......
Now you talk about feeling like an ASS!!!! Of course my ego would not let me admit to my mistakes and apologize for my assness. After graduation from high school I have not seen this girl. If I ever do run into her at a high school reunion I am going to BEG for forgiveness. For now all I can do is type....I am sorry Sena for how I acted.
These feelings or memories do not come up every time I hear this song but for some reason they popped up today....and I have not even thought about all of this in probably at least 10 years.
What I want to know is this:
What songs are out there that bring back memories for you? Good or bad?
Monday, August 25, 2008
I Am Sorry You Did Not Do Your Job As A Parent
Well today was the first day of school. As first day's go this was one was pretty smooth. My AP and Counselor are new in their positions so their eyes were widened a bit today.
A while back I blogged about some conversations I had with parents regarding the possibility of retention due to the fact that they did not pass the state test and the parents were not responding to my repeated attempts to get them up to a meeting.
Just a reminder.
If a child does not pass the state mandated test they are automatically retained unless the parent repeals the retention. Then a Grade Placement Committee (which the parent is on) reviews the case and makes a decision to either retain or promote with an Accelerated Instruction Plan created for the student by yours truly.
I had a parent approach me this morning and they were upset that their child had a 5th grade schedule and their child was in supposed to be in 6th grade.
At this time I told them that the reason their child was in the 5th grade was for the following reasons.
1. They did not pass the math portion of the state test.
2. It was explained to you at the GPC meeting in May which you attended -showed her her signature on the meeting minutes that the child would need to take the test a third time this summer and that if he did not pass another GPC meeting would be set up to discuss grade placement as long as you appealed the automatic retention from the state.
3. Here is a copy of the letter and testing results that were sent to you on July 28th.
4. You did not attend this meeting.
5. You did not call this school to explain why you chose to not attend.
6. You did not return any of the three phone calls placed to you home trying get you to attend a make up meeting.
7. You were notified by mail that there would be another meeting scheduled.
8. In said letter it is noted in bold italic letters that failure to attend the meeting or appeal the automatic retention would result in the retention of your child.
9. You signed that you received the letter- I sent it certified..HA!
10. You did not attend the meeting AGAIN and did not return any of my calls.
11. The timeline from the state has passed therefore there is nothing I can do. And quite frankly Mrs........ to this point even if I could I would not at this point. We have gone over and beyond trying to get a response from you and we have received nothing on your end. There is nothing I can do to help you. I wish there was. Unfortunately, now your child will be in 5th grade again.
Sucks to be you. Now you have to look at your kid and say...because I did not do my job as a parent you have to suffer. I feel no remorse for this parent all. Cold...maybe but at some point you have to be held accountable.
A while back I blogged about some conversations I had with parents regarding the possibility of retention due to the fact that they did not pass the state test and the parents were not responding to my repeated attempts to get them up to a meeting.
Just a reminder.
If a child does not pass the state mandated test they are automatically retained unless the parent repeals the retention. Then a Grade Placement Committee (which the parent is on) reviews the case and makes a decision to either retain or promote with an Accelerated Instruction Plan created for the student by yours truly.
I had a parent approach me this morning and they were upset that their child had a 5th grade schedule and their child was in supposed to be in 6th grade.
At this time I told them that the reason their child was in the 5th grade was for the following reasons.
1. They did not pass the math portion of the state test.
2. It was explained to you at the GPC meeting in May which you attended -showed her her signature on the meeting minutes that the child would need to take the test a third time this summer and that if he did not pass another GPC meeting would be set up to discuss grade placement as long as you appealed the automatic retention from the state.
3. Here is a copy of the letter and testing results that were sent to you on July 28th.
4. You did not attend this meeting.
5. You did not call this school to explain why you chose to not attend.
6. You did not return any of the three phone calls placed to you home trying get you to attend a make up meeting.
7. You were notified by mail that there would be another meeting scheduled.
8. In said letter it is noted in bold italic letters that failure to attend the meeting or appeal the automatic retention would result in the retention of your child.
9. You signed that you received the letter- I sent it certified..HA!
10. You did not attend the meeting AGAIN and did not return any of my calls.
11. The timeline from the state has passed therefore there is nothing I can do. And quite frankly Mrs........ to this point even if I could I would not at this point. We have gone over and beyond trying to get a response from you and we have received nothing on your end. There is nothing I can do to help you. I wish there was. Unfortunately, now your child will be in 5th grade again.
Sucks to be you. Now you have to look at your kid and say...because I did not do my job as a parent you have to suffer. I feel no remorse for this parent all. Cold...maybe but at some point you have to be held accountable.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
I Am Upset
My wife has been having some issues with her thyroid for about 6 months now. She has been taking medications and they have worked to some extent. However, there are some further test that need to be conducted and a biopsy needs to be done. They want to see if the thyroid is possibly cancerous.
Believe it or not THAT is not what I am upset about. We did some research on the Internet and it is possible that the medication we were on does not address what is wrong with Tracey. If it is cancerous it is HIGHLY treatable.
What made me so mad I could not see straight was they chose to tell her this in a LETTER! She got a letter that says "your condition is one that could be cancerous" I cannot believe this doctor would notify one of their patients in this manner. To me it is inexcusable. Dear Mrs. JDHTEACH you could have cancer. Give us a call. WTH!!!!
I am at work in my 14th hour of work for the day getting ready for the start of school and I get a phone call from my wife crying and scared. If I saw that doctor at that moment I would have beat the living hell out of him.
What I want to know is am I the only one that feels this way?
Believe it or not THAT is not what I am upset about. We did some research on the Internet and it is possible that the medication we were on does not address what is wrong with Tracey. If it is cancerous it is HIGHLY treatable.
What made me so mad I could not see straight was they chose to tell her this in a LETTER! She got a letter that says "your condition is one that could be cancerous" I cannot believe this doctor would notify one of their patients in this manner. To me it is inexcusable. Dear Mrs. JDHTEACH you could have cancer. Give us a call. WTH!!!!
I am at work in my 14th hour of work for the day getting ready for the start of school and I get a phone call from my wife crying and scared. If I saw that doctor at that moment I would have beat the living hell out of him.
What I want to know is am I the only one that feels this way?
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Best Music EVER
MJP and SJP posted on their blog about a certain type of music that is on their IPOD. Be sure and check out their blogg Throwing Peanuts....link to the left.
Anyway, this got me to thinking about all of the music that is on my IPOD and the type of music I have been listening to lately. I listen to pretty much all types of music and I can appreciate the greatness that each type brings to the table. Some greatness I appreciate more often than others but I still give every type a listen every now and then.
I listen to a lot of current music but her lately I have been kicking it OLD SCHOOL! I have been listening to a lot of the following bands here lately....
Hendrix...Pink Floyd...Metallica...Guns N Roses...Scorpions...70's disco ...Motley Crue....Queen...and my favorite band of all time Queensryche.
As you can tell I was in high school during the "metal band" or "hair band" era but I also recognize the greatness of Hendrix and Pink Floyd.
This brings me to the point of this blog. Like I mentioned earlier Queensryche is my favorite band. My favorite album of theirs is EMPIRE. This came out in lat 89 or early 90. I listened to this album so much that between 90 and 94 I wore out two cassette tapes and one CD. I think the CD got scratched some how. I bought another cd in 94 and I have it to this day. This album as far as I am concerned does not have one bad song on it and I know the words and backup parts to EVERY SONG on the album. To me it is the best album made. One particular song Silent Lucidity I turn up EVERY TIME on the radio. My wife just shakes her head. How many times have you heard this song? It does not matter to me. It is a beautiful song. You Tube it and watch the video. It's beautiful.
My question is what is your Empire album or Silent Lucidity song? Please post I would like to know. Maybe you will broaden my musical horizons.
My second question- What album did you buy that looking back you can't believe you bought that junk? Mine was WINGER....I told you I grew up with hair bands.
I will answer this for MJP- MC HAMMER- In fairness to MJP he was in one of those CD clubs at the time and that was their CD of the month. It was mailed to you at full price unless you mailed in the I DON"T WANT THIS card. We were at college at the time and he missed the memo mailed to his home. We still laugh about it because I think he still has it. He tried to unload it many times to CD warehouses who did a "we buy your cd's" for store credit for about 5 years. All through out our college years and a few years after that. NOT ONE STORE WOULD TAKE THE CD. They all had like 10 or 20 copies and were not taking anymore. I think he finally just gave up. He might have thrown it away who knows.
Anyway, this got me to thinking about all of the music that is on my IPOD and the type of music I have been listening to lately. I listen to pretty much all types of music and I can appreciate the greatness that each type brings to the table. Some greatness I appreciate more often than others but I still give every type a listen every now and then.
I listen to a lot of current music but her lately I have been kicking it OLD SCHOOL! I have been listening to a lot of the following bands here lately....
Hendrix...Pink Floyd...Metallica...Guns N Roses...Scorpions...70's disco ...Motley Crue....Queen...and my favorite band of all time Queensryche.
As you can tell I was in high school during the "metal band" or "hair band" era but I also recognize the greatness of Hendrix and Pink Floyd.
This brings me to the point of this blog. Like I mentioned earlier Queensryche is my favorite band. My favorite album of theirs is EMPIRE. This came out in lat 89 or early 90. I listened to this album so much that between 90 and 94 I wore out two cassette tapes and one CD. I think the CD got scratched some how. I bought another cd in 94 and I have it to this day. This album as far as I am concerned does not have one bad song on it and I know the words and backup parts to EVERY SONG on the album. To me it is the best album made. One particular song Silent Lucidity I turn up EVERY TIME on the radio. My wife just shakes her head. How many times have you heard this song? It does not matter to me. It is a beautiful song. You Tube it and watch the video. It's beautiful.
My question is what is your Empire album or Silent Lucidity song? Please post I would like to know. Maybe you will broaden my musical horizons.
My second question- What album did you buy that looking back you can't believe you bought that junk? Mine was WINGER....I told you I grew up with hair bands.
I will answer this for MJP- MC HAMMER- In fairness to MJP he was in one of those CD clubs at the time and that was their CD of the month. It was mailed to you at full price unless you mailed in the I DON"T WANT THIS card. We were at college at the time and he missed the memo mailed to his home. We still laugh about it because I think he still has it. He tried to unload it many times to CD warehouses who did a "we buy your cd's" for store credit for about 5 years. All through out our college years and a few years after that. NOT ONE STORE WOULD TAKE THE CD. They all had like 10 or 20 copies and were not taking anymore. I think he finally just gave up. He might have thrown it away who knows.
Mr. Groov E Shooz
Well we kicked off our new school year with the staff on Monday. Our theme this year is Moovin' and Groovin' for Success. To go with this theme we will be studying the decade of the 70's. The music, the culture, the economics...you get the point. Anyway, besides all of this we thought it would be great if the leadership team dress up in 70's garb and we had disco music playing throughout the day.
THIS WAS A HUGE SUCCESS! More than I ever dreamed. The staff LOVED IT!
The staff came in and we had disco music playing in the library. They were not real sure why we chose that type of music other than it is upbeat. I along with the leadership team mingled with the staff as they ate breakfast. Once most of the staff showed up I along with the leadership team disappeared and we changed into our 70's garb.
My Alter Ego is Mr. Groov E Shooz- Mr. Groov E Shooz has a very authentic 70's suit that is so out there you can't do it justice describing it. I will post a picture when I get one. Basically it is a maroon suit. An Orange shirt with ruffles and the HUGE collar. Some Silver Glitter platform shoes and to finish it off I have I HUGE PEACE necklace and some maroon shaded Elvis sun glasses. With the shoes I am about 6'6 inches tall.
We I entered the library as Mr. Groov E Shooz the staff just started laughing. They loved it! I then led the first activity we did as Mr. Groov E Shooz.
Throughout the year Mr. Groov E Shooz will make appearances at school activities and help motivate the kids.
Throughout the day as I presented to the staff each part of my presentation was named after a 70's song. Example- Meet The Teacher Night= Le Freak....thinking the teachers might be freaking out about what they have to get done between now and then. Get it? Anyway, they seemed to enjoy the time I put in to connect the two.
During breaks and transition of activities we had 70's disco music playing and I noticed that while walking to their stations the teachers would be doing little dance moves or during breaks some would get together and start dancing in the library in line dances. Evidently MANY of these disco songs have line dances now. WHO KNEW ?!?!?
It should be a fun year!
THIS WAS A HUGE SUCCESS! More than I ever dreamed. The staff LOVED IT!
The staff came in and we had disco music playing in the library. They were not real sure why we chose that type of music other than it is upbeat. I along with the leadership team mingled with the staff as they ate breakfast. Once most of the staff showed up I along with the leadership team disappeared and we changed into our 70's garb.
My Alter Ego is Mr. Groov E Shooz- Mr. Groov E Shooz has a very authentic 70's suit that is so out there you can't do it justice describing it. I will post a picture when I get one. Basically it is a maroon suit. An Orange shirt with ruffles and the HUGE collar. Some Silver Glitter platform shoes and to finish it off I have I HUGE PEACE necklace and some maroon shaded Elvis sun glasses. With the shoes I am about 6'6 inches tall.
We I entered the library as Mr. Groov E Shooz the staff just started laughing. They loved it! I then led the first activity we did as Mr. Groov E Shooz.
Throughout the year Mr. Groov E Shooz will make appearances at school activities and help motivate the kids.
Throughout the day as I presented to the staff each part of my presentation was named after a 70's song. Example- Meet The Teacher Night= Le Freak....thinking the teachers might be freaking out about what they have to get done between now and then. Get it? Anyway, they seemed to enjoy the time I put in to connect the two.
During breaks and transition of activities we had 70's disco music playing and I noticed that while walking to their stations the teachers would be doing little dance moves or during breaks some would get together and start dancing in the library in line dances. Evidently MANY of these disco songs have line dances now. WHO KNEW ?!?!?
It should be a fun year!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Caroline Are You Okay?...Uh yeah Daddy
Sunday night is "Dance and Sing Night" in my household. What this means is that we play some music over the stereo and the kids take turns dancing to the music. Some times they choose to sing along with the music but for the most part it's dancing. Jack is more of a hip hop dancer while Caroline prefers to mix classical ballet with modern dance.
The kids really enjoy doing this and it is something we kind of stumbled on but they have been asking ..."When is Dance night?" The kids have really been creative. They have started bringing props to enhance their performance.
I knew we were in for something special when Caroline moved Jacks recliner to the middle of the floor. So she starts dancing and throwing down some serious moves. She goes over to the chair and stands in it. My thought was...umm what is she thinking here? Well I soon learned what she was going to do.
She LEAPED from Jacks chair with the intention of landing on our couch. I would have nixed that immediately but I don't think I will have to. The couch took care of that for me. You see She miss judged the distance and landed on the side of the couch. The side of the couch absorbed Caroline and the SHOT HER BACKWARDS right into my foot stool. Caroline then bounced off of the foot stool and back toward the coach. The couch absorbed Caroline a SECOND TIME and spit her out on the floor. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED IN 2 SECONDS. She looked like a pin ball bouncing between the bumpers.
She immediately shot up...after shaking her head a bit.. and looked over at me.
Caroline, are you okay ? Um Yeah Daddy
She then shot back up and continued her dancing. I did notice that she no longer used the chair as a prop for the rest of her dance.
You have to give her credit for finishing the song. THE SHOW MUCH GO ON!
The kids really enjoy doing this and it is something we kind of stumbled on but they have been asking ..."When is Dance night?" The kids have really been creative. They have started bringing props to enhance their performance.
I knew we were in for something special when Caroline moved Jacks recliner to the middle of the floor. So she starts dancing and throwing down some serious moves. She goes over to the chair and stands in it. My thought was...umm what is she thinking here? Well I soon learned what she was going to do.
She LEAPED from Jacks chair with the intention of landing on our couch. I would have nixed that immediately but I don't think I will have to. The couch took care of that for me. You see She miss judged the distance and landed on the side of the couch. The side of the couch absorbed Caroline and the SHOT HER BACKWARDS right into my foot stool. Caroline then bounced off of the foot stool and back toward the coach. The couch absorbed Caroline a SECOND TIME and spit her out on the floor. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED IN 2 SECONDS. She looked like a pin ball bouncing between the bumpers.
She immediately shot up...after shaking her head a bit.. and looked over at me.
Caroline, are you okay ? Um Yeah Daddy
She then shot back up and continued her dancing. I did notice that she no longer used the chair as a prop for the rest of her dance.
You have to give her credit for finishing the song. THE SHOW MUCH GO ON!
Please Welcome Mr. MJP and SJP to BLOGGER WORLD
I want to welcome by best friend and his wife to the world of blogging. They are tag teaming and blogging together. Please check their blog out and throw them some love. They just started and have already blogged on quite a few things. Their blog is....
http://throwingshells.blogspot.com
I love it!!
PS. Their link is to the left!
http://throwingshells.blogspot.com
I love it!!
PS. Their link is to the left!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
I am a "Trend Setter"
Well this week my wife started blogging and I must say she is doing quite well. Her link is over to the left. "The Musings of T-Lady" Be sure and check her out. My sister in law Sara also started blogging after Tracey started. Her link is to the left as well. Be sure and check out Hollywood Girl.
Of course you have to keep up with the musings of THE MAN CLUB and TONY'S Tidbits.
Of course you have to keep up with the musings of THE MAN CLUB and TONY'S Tidbits.
Be Careful What You Say To Your Kids
Okay you have read before about Jack and his attitude. He is very loving. We have noticed however there is another side to Jack. One that can be demanding, rude, and hateful. We have noticed this attitude change when he gets hungry. He can be rude right before dinner or lunch but after he eats he is peaches and cream.
Lately, we have noticed that when Jack comes back from a few of his friends houses he is very aggressive toward Caroline and he talks back to his mother and me. This often results is consequences for him that he does not like and unwanted or needed stress to his mother and me. The only thing we can think of is we know he probably plays video games over at one boy's house that we wished he would not. They are rated M or T for blood and gore. We need to talk to his parents about not letting Jack play those types of games. The other house the boy's are twins. We figure the twins act this way toward their parents because they are often grounded for "yelling at mommy" as they put it.
None of the boys are disrespectful when they are in our home. Quite the opposite. They are all little charmers. They love Tracey's cooking so they often hang around and eat dinner with us. Today we told Jack that the boys can come over to our home but Jack will not be going into their homes for a while.
I don't know if you remember from a past blog but two of the boys we have caught hanging out in Jacks room just looking around while Jack is in another room getting a drink. It was like they were casing out the joint or something. We have since caught them with some of Jack's things in their pockets. We talked to Jack about today and that he needed to make sure his things were put away. We are currently "missing" one of Jack's Nintendo DS machines. Another boy we talked to Jack about we have seen him act very spoiled as he is an only child. Well Tracey told Jack that we did not like him hanging out to much with this child because then Jack acts like a spoiled brat.
Fast forward to this afternoon. All the boys come over and all is well. They walk down the hall and Jack shuts his door and locks it as they pass by. One of the boys asks Jack what he was doing.
Jack says, My MOM told me you have been stealing from me and I am keeping my stuff safe.
Kids reaction....WWWWHHHHAAATTTTTTT??????
Then a few minutes later the little boy who can be "spoiled" starts to whine about something and Caroline says..."My mom thinks you are a spoiled little brat."
Be careful what you say...because kids will tell on you.
Lately, we have noticed that when Jack comes back from a few of his friends houses he is very aggressive toward Caroline and he talks back to his mother and me. This often results is consequences for him that he does not like and unwanted or needed stress to his mother and me. The only thing we can think of is we know he probably plays video games over at one boy's house that we wished he would not. They are rated M or T for blood and gore. We need to talk to his parents about not letting Jack play those types of games. The other house the boy's are twins. We figure the twins act this way toward their parents because they are often grounded for "yelling at mommy" as they put it.
None of the boys are disrespectful when they are in our home. Quite the opposite. They are all little charmers. They love Tracey's cooking so they often hang around and eat dinner with us. Today we told Jack that the boys can come over to our home but Jack will not be going into their homes for a while.
I don't know if you remember from a past blog but two of the boys we have caught hanging out in Jacks room just looking around while Jack is in another room getting a drink. It was like they were casing out the joint or something. We have since caught them with some of Jack's things in their pockets. We talked to Jack about today and that he needed to make sure his things were put away. We are currently "missing" one of Jack's Nintendo DS machines. Another boy we talked to Jack about we have seen him act very spoiled as he is an only child. Well Tracey told Jack that we did not like him hanging out to much with this child because then Jack acts like a spoiled brat.
Fast forward to this afternoon. All the boys come over and all is well. They walk down the hall and Jack shuts his door and locks it as they pass by. One of the boys asks Jack what he was doing.
Jack says, My MOM told me you have been stealing from me and I am keeping my stuff safe.
Kids reaction....WWWWHHHHAAATTTTTTT??????
Then a few minutes later the little boy who can be "spoiled" starts to whine about something and Caroline says..."My mom thinks you are a spoiled little brat."
Be careful what you say...because kids will tell on you.
Beauty and the Beast
Jack is a VERY LOVING boy. He loves his home...his toys...his sister....and his mommy and daddy. Jack is a homebody. Given a choice he would rather be in his home. One thing that Jack adores more than anything is his sister Caroline. He looks after her. He makes sure she is taken care of at all times. Having said that there are times he just wants to be with his friends or "be with the guys" and Caroline has a hard time understanding that. There are no little girls in our neighborhood so she often tags along with "brother" and his friends. They are nice to her but sometimes they get a little mean toward her...nothing bad just stuff that kids do..."your just a little girl"..that sort of thing. What is ironic about it is the little boy that says that to her is shorter than she is even though he is 7 and she is 4. He needs to be careful because one day she is going to grow up. I am not saying this just because I am her daddy but she is going to be unbelievably gorgeous. And that little boy....not so much. Beside the fact he is going to be about 5'7 and Caroline will be anywhere between 5'10 and 6'0. She will be able to kick the crap out of him. Nothing more humiliating than getting your butt handed to you by BARBIE.
We are so ready for school to start so Caroline can see some girls her age every day! Whoohoo!
We are so ready for school to start so Caroline can see some girls her age every day! Whoohoo!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Some "Daddy" Time
With the start of school approaching I am been having some long days at work. I either am in extra early or stay late. Last week Jack asked me if I would take him to see the new Star Wars animated film when it came out. I told him I would. Well he has talked about it all week. I thought it was just going to be a father and son activity but Thursday night Caroline said she wanted to go. No problem! So finally the night was here.
We ate as a family at a restaurant that was close to the theater and then I walked with the kids to the theater and my wife was off for some very well deserved "Me Time".
I was not sure what to expect of the movie but that was not important. The important thing was I was getting to spend time with the kids. Just me.
They put the squeeze on me to get them a drink and popcorn but I had in mind that we would go get ice cream after the movie. I told them I had money but only enough for treats now or after the movie. When they heard ice cream they voted to pass on a drink and popcorn.
Next stop restrooms- Does anybody need to go? Response? DAAAADDDDYYYY we just went at the restaurant. Oh yeah that's right...Daddy forgot. Okay, let's go get our seats. We get in the theater and find our seats. I did my best to entertain them until the previews started.
Movie starts and about 10 minutes into it there is a pretty good battle scene. Jack is TOTALLY GLUED to the screen. Caroline looks up at me and whispers.....Daddy, maybe I should not have come with you and Jack. This is a bit scary.
Would you feel safer if you sat with Daddy? Uh Huh! So that is where she spent most of the movie.
The movie itself was not all that bad. I would not have seen it in the movie theater if Jack was not such a big fan and 90% of the theater was dad's with their son's or daughters but it was not that bad. It was right at 90 minutes.
About midway both kids had to go to the bathroom so we did that but we only missed a few minutes. We were able to keep up.
At the conclusion of the movie we met mom outside the theater and as a family we walked to the ice cream store. It was a very nice evening for August in Texas.
I really had a great evening. I hope the kids liked it as well.
We ate as a family at a restaurant that was close to the theater and then I walked with the kids to the theater and my wife was off for some very well deserved "Me Time".
I was not sure what to expect of the movie but that was not important. The important thing was I was getting to spend time with the kids. Just me.
They put the squeeze on me to get them a drink and popcorn but I had in mind that we would go get ice cream after the movie. I told them I had money but only enough for treats now or after the movie. When they heard ice cream they voted to pass on a drink and popcorn.
Next stop restrooms- Does anybody need to go? Response? DAAAADDDDYYYY we just went at the restaurant. Oh yeah that's right...Daddy forgot. Okay, let's go get our seats. We get in the theater and find our seats. I did my best to entertain them until the previews started.
Movie starts and about 10 minutes into it there is a pretty good battle scene. Jack is TOTALLY GLUED to the screen. Caroline looks up at me and whispers.....Daddy, maybe I should not have come with you and Jack. This is a bit scary.
Would you feel safer if you sat with Daddy? Uh Huh! So that is where she spent most of the movie.
The movie itself was not all that bad. I would not have seen it in the movie theater if Jack was not such a big fan and 90% of the theater was dad's with their son's or daughters but it was not that bad. It was right at 90 minutes.
About midway both kids had to go to the bathroom so we did that but we only missed a few minutes. We were able to keep up.
At the conclusion of the movie we met mom outside the theater and as a family we walked to the ice cream store. It was a very nice evening for August in Texas.
I really had a great evening. I hope the kids liked it as well.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Hey What Do You Expect? I am just his parent!
I am the principal of a school that has an SSI (School Success Initiative) grade level in it. I don't want to go into all of the details but there are certain test the kids must pass to go on to the next grade level according to the state. Now the state puts in certain loop holes that allows us as educators to consider promotion if a child does not pass the test. First the state gives the kid 3times to take the test to pass. If they can't pass they are automatically retained.
UNLESS
The parent fills out an appeal form, provided by me, so that the grade placement committee can decide if we need to retain or promote. Well if the parent appeals we already know their vote...duh
But we consider many things
Grades- Some kids do well on grades but freak out on standardized test.
History- Has the kid been retained before?
Age- I promoted one last week because if I did not he would be driving ...yes DRIVING to 7th grade. I swear I am not making that up.
Size-Development of the child.
Did the kid pass the other test?
All the parent has to do is check a box...sign the form and return it to me.
I set up meetings and notified parents July 28th. Considering I got the information from the state Friday afternoon the 25th I thought that was good....I worked all weekend but I got it done. I set the meeting up for August 4th....this gives time for the mail to run and parents to plan.
I had a few not show up....no phone call to the school...no return phone call when I left messages...NOTHING.
Now I COULD have said....SCREW IT....KID RETAINED....but that would be punishing the kid for a deadbeat parent.
So I rescheduled the meetings. I sent out letters last week (August 5th) telling these parents that their meeting had been rescheduled and that their new meeting would be August 20th. AND I sent them ANOTHER copy of the appeal form for them to sign. In bold letters on the bottom of my letter I put. ...Failure to complete the parental appeal and attend this meeting will result in the retention of your child. If you cannot attend in person but wish to participate by phone please call me at ..######.
It sound harsh but if you don't appeal it I CAN'T DO ANYTHING TO HELP YOU. STATE LAW KID MUST BE RETAINED.
Here is two phone calls I took today.
Parent- yeah I need to talk to you about you retaining my kid.
Yes Sir
Parent- I want to appeal it but I can't be at that meeting.
Yes Sir I understand all I need from you is the parent appeal letter and we can hold the meeting. Would you like to participate by phone?
Parent- Naw I can't do that my phone is disconnected.
I just paused and let that statement soak in for a moment. Anyone see a problem with that statement?
Ummm Okay sir if you would write on there you give us permission to hold the meeting without you we are good to go.
Okay...that one was pretty good. Wants to appeal but can't seem to find a way to be at a meeting that determines their kids PLACEMENT. I understand some parents are in jobs that if they don't work they don't get paid.
Here is a good one.
Parent- I would like to reschedule my kids grade placement meeting.
I am sorry but your child's meeting has already been rescheduled due to the fact that you were unable to attend the first meeting and were not able to return any of the previous attempts to contact you by mail and phone.
Parent- Yeah I got those messages but I did not have any transportation.
Umm OKAY I am thinking....At what point did you think you might want to contact the school and let them know this. Were you hoping this would just go away?
My real answer- I totally understand Mrs. ....... that is why I rescheduled your meeting for...... because I realize that things come up...cars break down. All I need is for you to fill out that appeal form and you can bring it to the meeting.
Parent- I can't come.
Okay if you would just fax it to me at ##### or you can drop it off at the school office.
Parent: I can't drop it off I have my nephew with me and he is little.
Well I guess you could mail it to us here and we can hope the mail gets to us by the 20th.
Parent-Can you stand out on the curb and I can drive by and hand it off to you so I don't have to get out of the car?
No I am sorry I can't do that. I stepped out of a meeting to take this call and I will be returning at the conclusion of this call.
Parent- SLAMS THE PHONE DOWN.
10 minutes later parent walked into our office with NO KIDS and handed the appeal letter to my secretary.
Look I am sorry you are having to go through this but holy crap! I am not standing out on a curb because you are too lazy to get out of a car! Really, it is amazing the thought process of some people! It does not have to deal with IQ. It's their sense that they are all starring in their own movie and the rest of us or playing bit parts in THEIR MOVIE!!
It's stuff like this that makes me repeat to my self...I love my job...I love my job....I love my job.
UNLESS
The parent fills out an appeal form, provided by me, so that the grade placement committee can decide if we need to retain or promote. Well if the parent appeals we already know their vote...duh
But we consider many things
Grades- Some kids do well on grades but freak out on standardized test.
History- Has the kid been retained before?
Age- I promoted one last week because if I did not he would be driving ...yes DRIVING to 7th grade. I swear I am not making that up.
Size-Development of the child.
Did the kid pass the other test?
All the parent has to do is check a box...sign the form and return it to me.
I set up meetings and notified parents July 28th. Considering I got the information from the state Friday afternoon the 25th I thought that was good....I worked all weekend but I got it done. I set the meeting up for August 4th....this gives time for the mail to run and parents to plan.
I had a few not show up....no phone call to the school...no return phone call when I left messages...NOTHING.
Now I COULD have said....SCREW IT....KID RETAINED....but that would be punishing the kid for a deadbeat parent.
So I rescheduled the meetings. I sent out letters last week (August 5th) telling these parents that their meeting had been rescheduled and that their new meeting would be August 20th. AND I sent them ANOTHER copy of the appeal form for them to sign. In bold letters on the bottom of my letter I put. ...Failure to complete the parental appeal and attend this meeting will result in the retention of your child. If you cannot attend in person but wish to participate by phone please call me at ..######.
It sound harsh but if you don't appeal it I CAN'T DO ANYTHING TO HELP YOU. STATE LAW KID MUST BE RETAINED.
Here is two phone calls I took today.
Parent- yeah I need to talk to you about you retaining my kid.
Yes Sir
Parent- I want to appeal it but I can't be at that meeting.
Yes Sir I understand all I need from you is the parent appeal letter and we can hold the meeting. Would you like to participate by phone?
Parent- Naw I can't do that my phone is disconnected.
I just paused and let that statement soak in for a moment. Anyone see a problem with that statement?
Ummm Okay sir if you would write on there you give us permission to hold the meeting without you we are good to go.
Okay...that one was pretty good. Wants to appeal but can't seem to find a way to be at a meeting that determines their kids PLACEMENT. I understand some parents are in jobs that if they don't work they don't get paid.
Here is a good one.
Parent- I would like to reschedule my kids grade placement meeting.
I am sorry but your child's meeting has already been rescheduled due to the fact that you were unable to attend the first meeting and were not able to return any of the previous attempts to contact you by mail and phone.
Parent- Yeah I got those messages but I did not have any transportation.
Umm OKAY I am thinking....At what point did you think you might want to contact the school and let them know this. Were you hoping this would just go away?
My real answer- I totally understand Mrs. ....... that is why I rescheduled your meeting for...... because I realize that things come up...cars break down. All I need is for you to fill out that appeal form and you can bring it to the meeting.
Parent- I can't come.
Okay if you would just fax it to me at ##### or you can drop it off at the school office.
Parent: I can't drop it off I have my nephew with me and he is little.
Well I guess you could mail it to us here and we can hope the mail gets to us by the 20th.
Parent-Can you stand out on the curb and I can drive by and hand it off to you so I don't have to get out of the car?
No I am sorry I can't do that. I stepped out of a meeting to take this call and I will be returning at the conclusion of this call.
Parent- SLAMS THE PHONE DOWN.
10 minutes later parent walked into our office with NO KIDS and handed the appeal letter to my secretary.
Look I am sorry you are having to go through this but holy crap! I am not standing out on a curb because you are too lazy to get out of a car! Really, it is amazing the thought process of some people! It does not have to deal with IQ. It's their sense that they are all starring in their own movie and the rest of us or playing bit parts in THEIR MOVIE!!
It's stuff like this that makes me repeat to my self...I love my job...I love my job....I love my job.
Oh Boy...This Is Going To Be Fun!
I met one of my new students today. As an administrator I try to meet all of my new parents as they register not only during the registration but throughout the year. Well today I met a young boy who is going into the 6th grade. He seems like a very nice kid but he was obviously a bit scared. So I pulled out the ol' Huffdaddy charm that 9 out of 10 times pulls kids out of their shells. This was the 10th kid....DID NOT WORK....as a matter of fact he stepped BACK towards his mother. Through the interview I learned that this will be Young Boy's FIRST year in public school. He has been HOME SCHOOLED since birth!
OH BOY!!!!
I see this quite often at this level. Each year we get SEVERAL home school's whose parents have decided that the curriculum is getting a bit over their head and decide to put their kids in public school.
So what are these kids usually like. Smart? Yes!!! But they S-T-R-U-G-G-L-E big time when it comes to socialization. They are missing the skill taught in kindergarten on how to deal with large groups. Usually the start of school we as educators field MANY phone calls from these parents listening to their "concerns" regarding their child fitting in.
WHAT DID YOU EXPECT? YOU HAVE KEPT THE KID WITH YOU FOR 11 YEARS !!!!!!
Many home schools have kids who are in a Co-op! Those I think are great! If I were homeschooling that is what I would do. Many times these kids get together and learn from other parents and are in large groups! I have a couple of friends that do this and you cannot argue how well rounded their child is.
Unfortunately Young Boy was not in a Co-Op so I can tell he is going to have issues. ....heck I was nice to him and he had problems....Anyone here want to guess what a group of 6th graders who are feeling goofy are going to do? It's like a bleeding fish in a tank of sharks!
Then again....maybe he will fine.........maybe
OH BOY!!!!
I see this quite often at this level. Each year we get SEVERAL home school's whose parents have decided that the curriculum is getting a bit over their head and decide to put their kids in public school.
So what are these kids usually like. Smart? Yes!!! But they S-T-R-U-G-G-L-E big time when it comes to socialization. They are missing the skill taught in kindergarten on how to deal with large groups. Usually the start of school we as educators field MANY phone calls from these parents listening to their "concerns" regarding their child fitting in.
WHAT DID YOU EXPECT? YOU HAVE KEPT THE KID WITH YOU FOR 11 YEARS !!!!!!
Many home schools have kids who are in a Co-op! Those I think are great! If I were homeschooling that is what I would do. Many times these kids get together and learn from other parents and are in large groups! I have a couple of friends that do this and you cannot argue how well rounded their child is.
Unfortunately Young Boy was not in a Co-Op so I can tell he is going to have issues. ....heck I was nice to him and he had problems....Anyone here want to guess what a group of 6th graders who are feeling goofy are going to do? It's like a bleeding fish in a tank of sharks!
Then again....maybe he will fine.........maybe
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
My Wife the Blogger
My wife has entered the blogging world. http://t-lady.blogspot.com/.
Check out her link on the left. The Musings Of T-Lady
Check out her link on the left. The Musings Of T-Lady
Ballet Or Tap
Well we went to get Caroline signed up for year number 3 of dance class. We found out at the ripe ol' age of 5 we can either sign Caroline up for two hours straight of dance class...one of tap and one of ballet with each class costing a small fortune OOOORRRR we can start to concentrate on just one of those skills.
At the age of FIVE we have to decide where to go? We don't do any combo classes anymore?
Personally, I think this is a money getting scheme. You should see what we paid for for Carolines dance costume for her recital in June. Some girls were in 4 or more numbers These parents were out a $1,000 easy!
Maybe we should look into other dance studios.
At the age of FIVE we have to decide where to go? We don't do any combo classes anymore?
Personally, I think this is a money getting scheme. You should see what we paid for for Carolines dance costume for her recital in June. Some girls were in 4 or more numbers These parents were out a $1,000 easy!
Maybe we should look into other dance studios.
Flag Football
Well Jack is about to start playing flag football. He went and had a skills assessment done a couple of weeks ago. He had his first of a three day football camp today. Tracey told me he absolutely loved it. She does not know a whole lot about football drills so she could not tell me a whole lot of what they did (which is okay...I don't know anything about volleyball drills- a sport she played in HS) but she said he was pumped up and talking big at the conclusion of practice....all the while holding his mommy's hand.
Because of Jack's size many people who see him in person think he would make a great football player. The thing is football is not just about size. I remember playing against guys much bigger than me and I kicked their hind end. Was I better than them? No....It is all in the mind...I did not care if I got hurt the big guy always did.
Jack has the size there is no doubt. We have plenty of time to see if he has the heart for it. My thing is I want him to try as many sports as he wants to now. When he gets older we can concentrate on something he really loves and wants to pursue.
Right Now Here are Jacks True Love's when it comes to Sports
1. Golf- No question- loves golf lessons- the golf team he is on.- and any time he can spend with
his Aunt Dana on the course is a great day.
2. Basketball- The only sport that he has not complained about ONE time. He is the Baby Shaq
of the team at church.
3. Karate- Goes in spurts. He was real gung ho about it and then it just stopped.
4. Soccer- Dead and Buried for Now- He told a kid who was on the team that he was "retiring"
from soccer. It is okay, we have his reinstatement papers and will file with the
commissioner if he decides to pick the sport up.
Football for now is probably right after Basketball. We shall see. He saw some scenes from Friday Night Lights the movie and he said, "Daddy, when can I do THAT!?"
Later Jack....much later.
Because of Jack's size many people who see him in person think he would make a great football player. The thing is football is not just about size. I remember playing against guys much bigger than me and I kicked their hind end. Was I better than them? No....It is all in the mind...I did not care if I got hurt the big guy always did.
Jack has the size there is no doubt. We have plenty of time to see if he has the heart for it. My thing is I want him to try as many sports as he wants to now. When he gets older we can concentrate on something he really loves and wants to pursue.
Right Now Here are Jacks True Love's when it comes to Sports
1. Golf- No question- loves golf lessons- the golf team he is on.- and any time he can spend with
his Aunt Dana on the course is a great day.
2. Basketball- The only sport that he has not complained about ONE time. He is the Baby Shaq
of the team at church.
3. Karate- Goes in spurts. He was real gung ho about it and then it just stopped.
4. Soccer- Dead and Buried for Now- He told a kid who was on the team that he was "retiring"
from soccer. It is okay, we have his reinstatement papers and will file with the
commissioner if he decides to pick the sport up.
Football for now is probably right after Basketball. We shall see. He saw some scenes from Friday Night Lights the movie and he said, "Daddy, when can I do THAT!?"
Later Jack....much later.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
You want to WHAT?
Tracey has made it pretty clear that she did not want to ride scooter since the day I got it. While I was a bit bummed by that I respected the decision. She was a bit afraid of it so I was not going to push the idea.
Well last night Tracey and I went to a wedding of a friend of ours. We were on our way home when we decided to stop and get some ice cream. Tracey made this comment:
If you want we can go home and change clothes and ride the scooter to the ice cream store. I was so excited. So last night we road the the scooter to the store and then we rode it around a bit. It was a great ride! It was nice and cool last night. When we got home Tracey felt like she enjoyed the ride and would actually not mind doing it again. YEAH!!!!
Thanks sweat heart for going out on the scooter with me. I had a BLAST.
Well last night Tracey and I went to a wedding of a friend of ours. We were on our way home when we decided to stop and get some ice cream. Tracey made this comment:
If you want we can go home and change clothes and ride the scooter to the ice cream store. I was so excited. So last night we road the the scooter to the store and then we rode it around a bit. It was a great ride! It was nice and cool last night. When we got home Tracey felt like she enjoyed the ride and would actually not mind doing it again. YEAH!!!!
Thanks sweat heart for going out on the scooter with me. I had a BLAST.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
BACK TO WORK!!
Well I am officially back at work full time. It has been extremely busy at work this week. So far this week the shortest work day I have had has been 12 hours. I am not complaining though. It is good to be back doing what I do. Today was fun. I had staff development with all of my teachers who are either new to teaching or new to the district. I love working with these people because they are so excited about the start of the school year. It keeps your batteries charged as an administrator.
I can't wait for next week. The whole staff shows up and we are introducing our new theme for the year. Moving and Grooving to Success- We are going with the 70's theme. My leadership team and myself will be dressed in 70's garb.
I have my suit ready along with my silver glitter platform shoes. It is a GREAT LOOK!! I have given my alter ego a name. His name is Mr. Groov E. Shooz. So Mr. Groov E. Shooz will be leading the staff development next week. I got my 70's music cd ready from ITunes I am ready to go.
Mr. Groov E. Shooz will be making appearances throughout the year working with the kids. It should be REALLY FUN!!!!
I have dressed as a woman for the kids....held a guitar hero concert for the kids but this is the first time I have pulled an alter ego to take my place at events.
I cant wait.
I can't wait for next week. The whole staff shows up and we are introducing our new theme for the year. Moving and Grooving to Success- We are going with the 70's theme. My leadership team and myself will be dressed in 70's garb.
I have my suit ready along with my silver glitter platform shoes. It is a GREAT LOOK!! I have given my alter ego a name. His name is Mr. Groov E. Shooz. So Mr. Groov E. Shooz will be leading the staff development next week. I got my 70's music cd ready from ITunes I am ready to go.
Mr. Groov E. Shooz will be making appearances throughout the year working with the kids. It should be REALLY FUN!!!!
I have dressed as a woman for the kids....held a guitar hero concert for the kids but this is the first time I have pulled an alter ego to take my place at events.
I cant wait.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Wow...It's Like Looking In A Mirror
The family went to church today. It was my first time in probably a month. I know...bad me. But our pastor has been on vacation and I am not crazy about the "substitutes" they bring in. So usually if he is on vacation I am on vacation.
ANYWAY-
In our church we have a HUGE pipe organ. Today we had a guest organist since our regular organist is recovering from surgery. The guy was an UNBELIEVABLE organist. Not only that but he is a member of our church and he just graduated from college in May with his degree in physics and has already started his doctorate degree in Physics.
Are you impressed? Maybe? What if I told you he just turned 16!!! That's right SIXTEEN!!! Let's see by the age of sixteen I was ... oh yeah I just kissed a girl for the first time and I might have been able to SPELL physics...that is a big MAYBE!!
What I really like was he was going to town on this organ. Every song he played today you could feel you chest cavity vibrate. The paper bulletin vibrated in my hands. He was getting into as well. His head was going back and forth...at times he would almost stand to get the peddles and keys that he needed. I thought...THIS IS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!!!
At the end of the service we stayed to listen to him play one more song. It happened to be the song that my wife and I marched out of the church to when we got married. Totally cool!
I can't remember the last time I went to church and felt like I entered to let Jesus into my heart and left feeling like I went to a concert!! I almost tried to find a lighter to put in the air and sway back in forth.
ROCK ON!! I mean AMEN!!
ANYWAY-
In our church we have a HUGE pipe organ. Today we had a guest organist since our regular organist is recovering from surgery. The guy was an UNBELIEVABLE organist. Not only that but he is a member of our church and he just graduated from college in May with his degree in physics and has already started his doctorate degree in Physics.
Are you impressed? Maybe? What if I told you he just turned 16!!! That's right SIXTEEN!!! Let's see by the age of sixteen I was ... oh yeah I just kissed a girl for the first time and I might have been able to SPELL physics...that is a big MAYBE!!
What I really like was he was going to town on this organ. Every song he played today you could feel you chest cavity vibrate. The paper bulletin vibrated in my hands. He was getting into as well. His head was going back and forth...at times he would almost stand to get the peddles and keys that he needed. I thought...THIS IS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!!!
At the end of the service we stayed to listen to him play one more song. It happened to be the song that my wife and I marched out of the church to when we got married. Totally cool!
I can't remember the last time I went to church and felt like I entered to let Jesus into my heart and left feeling like I went to a concert!! I almost tried to find a lighter to put in the air and sway back in forth.
ROCK ON!! I mean AMEN!!
Friday, August 1, 2008
I Am Blessed
About six years ago I moved to work in my current school district. I grew up in a large district and worked in that same district for almost 10 years. I moved my family a little bit up the road and worked in another large district for one year. I really enjoyed working in these districts and thought I knew how districts did their business.
Then I moved to this smaller 2A district 6 years ago as I accepted my first administrative position. I have grown to principal in those six years and the district has grown to a 4A district. I can honestly say that I have worked in no place like this. The feeling in this district among all of central administration and campus administration is unlike anywhere I have seen or been a part of. This change happened when our current Superentindant came to be here. I will follow this man into any battle. The support that I have received as a young administrator both personally and professionally is amazing. He has looked after my family during my sickness and school.
We spent over 12 hours together yesterday at an administrative retreat and it was AWESOME. All of the new administrators (mostly promoted from within) have made mention that our team is something special. They have never seen anything like this. I know my wife who is a teacher in a large district is impressed with how we do things. I have heard on more than one occassion that she wishes her administrator would think like the administrators in our district.
This carries over to our new teachers as well. I have already heard from some of my new teachers how excited they are to get going based on the staff development they have attended so far with the district. They can't put their finger on it but they realize they are in a special situation.
Don't get me wrong. I have friends who work in large districts and they are very happy with where they are because they have strong working relationships with their co-workers and administrators. But they have also gone through times where they were actively searching for a new home.
I am blessed to be where I am. I am happy to see that others are seeing what I have been seeing for quite a while.
Then I moved to this smaller 2A district 6 years ago as I accepted my first administrative position. I have grown to principal in those six years and the district has grown to a 4A district. I can honestly say that I have worked in no place like this. The feeling in this district among all of central administration and campus administration is unlike anywhere I have seen or been a part of. This change happened when our current Superentindant came to be here. I will follow this man into any battle. The support that I have received as a young administrator both personally and professionally is amazing. He has looked after my family during my sickness and school.
We spent over 12 hours together yesterday at an administrative retreat and it was AWESOME. All of the new administrators (mostly promoted from within) have made mention that our team is something special. They have never seen anything like this. I know my wife who is a teacher in a large district is impressed with how we do things. I have heard on more than one occassion that she wishes her administrator would think like the administrators in our district.
This carries over to our new teachers as well. I have already heard from some of my new teachers how excited they are to get going based on the staff development they have attended so far with the district. They can't put their finger on it but they realize they are in a special situation.
Don't get me wrong. I have friends who work in large districts and they are very happy with where they are because they have strong working relationships with their co-workers and administrators. But they have also gone through times where they were actively searching for a new home.
I am blessed to be where I am. I am happy to see that others are seeing what I have been seeing for quite a while.
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