Dec 31
2005
Tony| Category: General, Entertainment Tonight |
No, that’s not scientific progress in my title… it was just the sound that came into my head, as I realized I needed one last post for ‘05.
Here are my goals for the New Year’s Party, hosted by the Hoosier transplants for the fourth? fifth? year in a row. These are just warmups for my New Year’s resolutions, debuting on Monday or Tuesday…
Goals:
1) Do not have to take drunk crazy girl to hospital for broken ankle.**
2) Make it past 12:30.
3) Make sure TLEMK has a terrific time.
4) Try not to lose too much money at poker, etc.
5) Keep my motto of “Puke free since 2004!”
6) Enjoy myself, and try not to reflect on the past too much.
7) Ring in the New Year with a modicum of sobriety.
8) P-A-R-T- WHY? BECAUSE I GOTTA!
Be safe, and happy. Not that anyone’ll read this until after the ‘Eve. See you on the flipside!
** At one of the parties, a cousin of the host fell off the workbench, broke her ankle, and her high/drunk self complained the whole way to the hospital, and back. And she never said thank you.
Dec 29
2005
Tony| Category: General, Entertainment Tonight |
Faithful 12.6 readers,
The lazy writer of this site (me) has decided to make with the ebjournalistic point of this site, namely journalling about my life. Introspection will return shortly with a discussion about family (currently on the drafting board).
So, without further fanfare, I present to you, the holiday recap, previewed in full Haiku, brought to you by NCTE (motto: why aren’t you learning?)
Dec. 24th:
We wait eagerly
For the arrival of kin
Customs make us wait
My mother, and my sister Aurora had been in Ethiopia for the past 10 days, working to adopt our newest member of our family, our sister Tsigereda. T is around 11 years old, and has a smile that lights up the room, when she chooses to show it. I can’t imagine why she might be a little shy, the following reasons nonwithstanding:
A) She’s been transported to a faraway country on an airplane, which she had never ridden before.
B) English is not her first language, and no one around her has been speaking Amharic since she boarded the plane.
C) She’s surrounded by five less-than-calm siblings, all of who want to show off as much as possible.
D) It’s Christmas Eve, and so there are cousins, presents, and food (most of which she doesn’t want to eat) everywhere.
After we got back from the airport, we showed T her new house, and her room, which she’ll be sharing with Aurora. (Mom, way smart on your part to bring Aurora with to acclimate the two of them so that sharing a room will be way easier. And yes, my mom reads this.)
And then we threw T into the fire by going to the annual Christmas Eve party, which involves approximately 40 people. Good times, lots of people, food, and gift opening.
TLEMK and I bowed out early, because we knew the 25th would be a busy day.
Dec. 25: (aka Christmas)
Alarms rang early
I got some really good stuff
and ate way too much
5:30, My subconciousness….
“What is that insane buzzing sound? Am I dreaming? It’s still dark? Am I late for school? Oh, wait…”
It’s Christmas morning.
In our insane attempt to make everyone happy, TLEMK and I are now in the habit of getting up early (5:30 early) on Christmas, and exchanging our gifts. By 8:00, we were showered and over at my parent’s house, where the 6 little sibs were starting to riot. It’s much more fun to be on the torturing, slow motion side of things rather than the impatient side.
And then the frenzy ensued. Sharks smelling blood have nothing on a swarm of grade school children approaching a present feast. Actually, five out of my six little siblings did a nice job with appreciating their gifts. One was definitely a little more, um, greedy? selfish? counting how many presents they had and not paying attention to anyone else? He/she shall remain nameless. The other thought wandering through my head: “I wonder if Tsigereda thinks every morning is going to be like this…”
What about me, you ask? (Like I care if you didn’t)
I got some good stuff:
Auto-laser-level from Black & Decker (thanks TLEMK)
Calvin and Hobbes complete set (In Napoleon voice: “Sweet, yessssss….”)
Gift Cards to Best Buy– with which we bought a printer
Clothes– three shirts, socks, and boxers.
Kanye West’s College Dropout
some more stuff
assorted gift cards and tchotchkes from my students.
Good haul. Not that I’m keeping track. I would have been happy with smiles and hugs. And gift cards.
After cooking four pounds of bacon for the family (four pounds! That’s a lot of bacon…mmm, bacon…), and having a tremendous breakfast, we headed over to TLEMK’s parent’s house for more opening of presents, more eating of food, and more watching of football. All in all, good times.
Dec. 26th
More to celebrate?
To Oswego we traveled
They fed us a lot too.
Arriving at noon at our last present opening, official Christmas festival, my father and family greeted us with food, and the offer for a drink. No, not that kind, but the real kind. I declined, but only for a short while (You don’t say no to Jack Daniels more than once in a day.)
We chatted for awhile, which is a little unnerving, because it’s just chatting, no TV or children to distract us. So you get a lot discussed during this time. We also managed to yet again stuff ourselves full of appetizers and chicken.
And then we chatted some more and opened some wonderful gifts. (see above)
That’s the bulk of the holiday celebrations. This weekend, we’re going to the annual Pav./Alp./G./Waj/K. family holiday party, in which the magical punch will be present, and I will try desperately to avoid drinking so much of, since I also have the ROCKIN’ New Year’s Eve party to go to in Indiana on Saturday night.
See you on the other side of the hangover(z)…
Dec 29
2005
Tony| Category: General, Music and Movies |
So it’s break, and being a self-respecting teacher, I took this time to catch up on movies I hadn’t had a chance to see. Here is my quick, (ha!), shortwinded (HA!), and funny (HA! HA!) movie review:
Movies I Saw During Winter Break 2005 (currently in progress)
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
True, I saw this movie before break came, but what you may NOT know, gentle readers, is that I went and saw it again, with my sibs, whilst my mom was off cavorting ( cavort, cavort! Anyone?) in Africa. It was still good. You can read more about it here.
Grade: A- because it’s geared more for kids, and I’d seen it once. But dang if Lucy Pevensie ain’t the cutest thing I done ever seen.
The Family Stone:
Okay, this movie is not what the commercials advertise. You’re supposed to believe that it’s a light-hearted romantic comedy about meeting the family at Christmas time. Guess what? It’s not. It certainly has its light moments, but it’s a lot more of a drama about a family and sounding crazy cliche-like, finding yourself. It was good, especially the performances by Diane Keaton, whichever Wilson brother was in there, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Rachel McAdams, (just for being hot). I recommend you rent it.
Grade: B+ for false adverstising, but saving itself by being good. (And Rachel McAdams)
Serenity: If you’re familiar with the Joss Whedon/Buffyverse, you’ll know that this movie would be witty, fast-paced, and skip and blend genres like nobody’s business. Having never seen Firefly, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to follow the plot or be as invested as those who are die-hard Whedonites.
Friends, this was an entertaining space western. Good points for sci-fi/western blend, using good and evil forces, and leaving it wide open for a sequel. It’s rapidly becoming a cult-classic for those who follow Whedon’s work, but it was really pretty good for all. Even the Zigzag’s enjoyed it.
Grade: B+ (It would be better, I think, if I had watched the show. Kind of like the Harry Potter books, or the Star Trek movies… much better if you are vested in the characters.
Murderball:
Oooh! A documentary! And it won the audience award at the Sundance Film Festival! It must be good. And it was.
Good. But only that. It was produced by MTV, who, though the brought us Napoleon Dynamite, and the MOJO! of Friday Night Lights, they tried a little too hard to be edgy. Murderball follows the story of the US Paralympic Rugby team, all wheelchair parapalegics of various degrees. It was a terrific story that gave great backgrounds of the athletes, and the scenes with one of the athletes talking with kids on what it is like to be paralyzed, and the ending montage were terrific. People rave about this movie, and it was very good. My opinion: I think it would have been better if they didn’t do so much with rock song transitions, and kept the focus on the players involved.
Grade: B+ for being a good documentary that tried a little too hard to be MTV.
And finally (for now…)
The Producers:
The Mel Brooks Musical comes to life! (or fades to screen?) starring the Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick. It was a little surreal to watch this movie, because you have to go into it thinking it’s a musical, and enjoy it as a musical, but remember not to clap at the end of every number. Very tricksy, watching the musical in the theater. Though the theater wasn’t crowded, people laughed pretty much throughout the entire thing, myself and TLEMK included. It was funny, and you really had to pay attention to make sure you didn’t miss anything. Let me try this again. It was funny because it was a musical where you could actually see the attention paid to detail, instead of my usual musical seats, 2nd balconey, stage right. Just go see it. Will Ferrell, funny. Lane and Broderick, funny. Cameos, funny. Here is my only spoiler: if you don’t stay ALL THE WAY to the very, very, VERY end (after the credits) you will miss more funny stuff. And you know you hate missing stuff. I’m back to giggling about Will Ferrell. (at Borders! and Barnes and Noble!, and Amazon.com!)
Grade: A. It would get an A+, but you might think me stranger than usual, unless of course, you’ve seen it, and then you would completely understand. Oh, and Uma/Oola! She did a great job too— it’s hard to sing while using a fake Svedish accent.
You’d think I’d be done, and I am. (FOR NOW!!! HAHAHAHA!!!)
But I’ll have more before break is over.
Now, if I could only get SOMEone to go watch King Kong with me. Any takers?
Dec 29
2005
Tony| Category: General, Entertainment Tonight |
ABOUT FREAKIN’ TIME
Click here if you want to be sucked in too… thanks Kenny.
Dec 24
2005
Tony| Category: General, Music and Movies |
Many blessings to all, safe travel during the holidays… I’ll be back to discuss the arrival of my new sister, Tsigereda! She’s adorable and she knows it. I *might* even have a picture, too. Ho Ho Ho! For now, just think about the song below and Remember Two Things*
1) Dave Matthews used to be a MUCH better song writer
2) Christmas loses it’s focus way too easily.
Love you all!
~T~
Christmas Song
She was his girl, he was her boyfriend
She’d be his wife, and make him her husband.
A surprise on the way any day any day
One healthy little giggling, dribbling baby boy
The wisemen came, three made their way
To shower him with love while he lay in the hay
Shower him with love, love, love
Love,love,love
Love,love was all around.
Not very much of his childhood was known
Kept his mother mary worried always out on his own
He met another mary, who for a reasonable fee,
Less than reputable was known to be
His heart was full of love, love, love
Love, love, love
Love, love was all around.
When Jesus Christ was nailed to his tree
Said oh daddy-o, I can see how it all soon will be
I came to shed a little light on this darkening sea
Instead I fear I’ve spilled the blood of my children all around
The blood of my children all around
The blood of my children’s all around.
So I’m told, so the story goes
The people he knew were less than golden-hearted
Gamblers and robbers,
Drinkers and jokers, all soul searchers
Like you and me, like you and me
Rumors insisted that he soon would be
For his deveations taken into custody
By the authorities, less informed than he
Drinkers and jokers, all soul searchers
Searching for love, love, love
Love, love, love
Love, love was all around.
Preparations were made for a celebration day
He said eat this bread but think of it as me
Drink this wine and dream it will be the blood of our children all around
The blood of our children all around
The blood of our children all around
Father up above
Why in all this hatred do you fill me up with love, love, love
Love, love, love
Love, love is all around
Father up above
Why in all this hatred do you fill me up with love, fill me love, love, yeah
Love, love, love
Love, love, and the blood of our children all around.
Copyright, DMB, 1992ish.
Dec 22
2005
Tony| Category: General, School Daze |
In continuing with my famous “Blah” segment, here are somethings that some female teachers should learn, when dealing with male teachers in your building.
1. I am not trying to hit on you, no matter how attractive you may be. I am simply being friendly. Contrary to When Harry Met Sally, boys and girls can be friends. And since it’s hard to make friends when you’re the only one who understands the complexities of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, just believe that I am simply reaching out, and interested in how the other 95% lives.
2. Please do not stereotype me as “the male”, and extrapolate your husband’s/S.O’s poor quirks on me. Just because they don’t cook, doesn’t me I don’t. It just means you should have gotten to know him better. (oooh, Suh NAP!)
3. Conversely, just because I’m “unusual”, “rare”, “handsome”, because I do things your husband/S.O doesn’t do, does not give you the right to use me as a weapon against them. “Well, HE cooks dinner and reads poetry to me” is only going to get ME in trouble at the next happy hour/teacher gathering. Besides, there are plenty of things I don’t do, like clean out the litter box.
4. Just because I compliment you on your sweater does not mean I’m trying to hit on you. Still. It just means that I have a good sense of fashion that has been beaten into me by my lovely! and wonderful! wife. And also, I’m just trying to be nice.
5. Do NOT involve me with your gossip about who is slighting who. I cannot afford to pick sides, and I would like to remain as positive as possible. I would much rather judge you on your ability to teach, instead of how freakin’ popular you think you are in the teacher’s lounge.
6. Stop being fake. Pretending to be interested in my life gets you nowhere.
7. Stop treating me like a pet, son, used car buyer, husband, or plaything. I’m none. I’m a teacher, and though I’ve only been there for a little while does not give you the right to put your bias on me. Instead, try this NEW idea; get to know me. Ask me about my teaching philosophy. Understand that I really want what’s best for students, and that I really mean it when I say I will miss them. I’m vested. Deal with it.
8. I’m not messy because I’m male. I’m messy because I’m me. There are plenty of messy female teachers, so back off. 
That’s all for now. More to come as my venting/annoyance continues.
Dec 21
2005
Tony| Category: General, Music and Movies, Entertainment Tonight |
CustomChannels.net ::: Holiday Channel Launch Page
Looking for some good holiday music? I know Soma FM has a good streaming page, as well as a few others you can find on Winamp’s or iTunes lists. But, WXRT is also offering a streaming basket of good cheer. Some songs you’ll know, some you wont’, some you like, and some you’ll hate. Currently there’s a song from “A New Wave Christmas” on. I’ve also heard Jack Johnson, Death Cab for Cutie, the Blind Boys of Alabama, and David Bowie, so it can’t all be bad, right?
It also destroys Mariah, and many of the other poppy, smooth jazzy krunk that WLIT slips in between the classics.
Check it out, or don’t. I just like to post.
Dec 21
2005
Tony| Category: General |
MSN Lifestyle - Relationships - Article
Tell Everyone you do nothing to help for the holidays, and then complain about having to shop for your wife.
Granted, the man in this article blames himself to a point, but yikes, he takes a very narrow viewpoint (especiallly since I remember *most* of the issues in both families, as well as who everyone is…)
***
I love vacation.
Dec 20
2005
Tony| Category: General, Music and Movies, Entertainment Tonight |
Local radio station Q101 (WKQX) is doing a thing to honor the 13 years that they’ve been an “alternative” radio station. Each day, starting last Monday, they play the top 101 alternative songs from that year. It goes all the way to 2005 on New Year’s Eve. What have I discovered?
That I really know a lot of songs from the early-mid ’90s. Stupid high school. Anyway, if you’re a lokel yokel, consider this free advertising for Q101, and feel free to listen to your past. Don’t say you don’t love hearing Counting Crows’, Round Here, ‘cuz you know you do.
As a side note, I’ve heard two Toad the Wet Sprocket songs in the last two days. Rock.
Dec 19
2005
Tony| Category: General, Music and Movies, Site-Based Management, Chomping on Books |
So, um, I made a wishlist.
I like books and music, and stuff. People keep asking me what I want for special occasions. I don’t really want anything. But, I figured I might as well build this so that I can remember stuff for down the road. Besides, Amazon makes it so easy. I’ll try to keep it updated. It’s in the links over on the side too. Happy perusing!
My Amazon wishlist (beginning of it, anyway)
I’m feeling icky and happy at the same time. Stupid coroporate world making my life so easy, yet making me feel like a greedy little pig. (ooh, is the song in your head?)
Dec 19
2005
Tony| Category: General, School Daze, Unfortunately Serious |
So, when we left off, I was about to start spewing complaints about my teaching and learning environment, particularly in the area of my co-workers and fellow grad students. (See this post to catch up.)
Off we go… presented to you in pseudo-outline form…
1) Being a Male Teacher in a Female Teacher School.
a) This is a challenge on so, so, so, so, SO many levels. As you may or may not know, I am the only male classroom teacher in my school, with the other XY representative in the school being our brand-new, baby-faced PE teacher. (A quick note about our PE teacher– he’s awesome at what he does, and the staff and students love him, myself included. Sadly, this reduces me to #2 male. I don’t know how I feel about this.) This means that most of the chatter revolves around complaining about their husbands, ex-husbands, or hottie, but lazy, (and) uncommitted boyfriends. Even if I ever had a complaint about TLEMK (Love you, baby!) I would not be able to voice it for fear of all womanhood turning their Fury-like rage upon me as a single voice.
b) Things run so hot and cold around here. From my liason to the other side (TLEMK), I’ve learned that apparently there’s a pecking order that exists with large groups of women. Zigzag, if you’re getting bored, think Aes Sedai. Cliques exist, from intermediate teachers, to specialist teachers, to young, unmarried teachers, to first grade teachers, and they ALL have an opinion about everyone else. They may not let you know it at first, but body language, and snide asides (which I’m finally, after what, a year and a half? picking up on.) exist after almost every meeting or interaction. According to my principal, staff climate is much better now than it was when she got here, but I secretly suspect that it’s just better hidden, or that she’s ignorning the powerful snide grenades that are launched behind closed doors. I realize that I have been guilty of it too, but I’m working on changing it. It’s so easy to get sucked into the negativity that you may not even realize it’s happening. And then, we when do “holiday” plays (Christmas, through and through) everyone is one big, fake-happy family. One day everyone is friendly, the next I could actually be a part of the wall. Truthfully, I’m sick of it. Or maybe it reminds me of other parts of my life too much.
2) On Being the Only Male in our Graduate School Cohort:
a) This is tricky. I’m the only guy there, and there’s only seven of us total, plus the professor. I feel like I bring a lot of it on myself because I rarely shut up. So I like to discuss things that we’re being lectured on. I like to share my knowledge. I SWEAR I AM NOT TRYING TO SHOW OFF. (I’m Fat Hermione, remember?) But. I’m sure it comes off like that. Rowdy R (fellow cohort member) and I have discussed this; we really are interested in what we’re doing, so we want to talk about it. And since it’s rare that all seven of us do our assigned reading, and I do it 90% of the time, I get to talk more than some other people in our group. Especially in our tech classes, because I love discussing technology and it’s applications into the classroom, and how it affects us in the real world. You know, what I do with my friends. It doesn’t fly well all the time in class. (So maybe this means that I need to develop some code switching in my head– school and friends are separate personalities…)
But then there are things that are out of my control, and even though they shouldn’t, really piss me off. To wit:
Last week in our group, we were finishing up an in-class assignment, and I was still working. My newest professor was talking about sharing a room (she’s a high school reading specialist) and how high school teachers never have things on their walls. And she found out she had to share the room with a *gasp* male social studies teacher. (because they would never have anything good on their walls!) She made it sound like a bad thing, and when she caught me looking at her after that comment, she quickly backtracked and said something like “I didn’t mean sharing it with a male teacher would be bad, they just tend to (stereotyical male stuff here) …” To which I responded, “Did he have any posters on his walls?” She then of course, said, “Well, yeah a few…”
Uh-huh. What makes me mad about that exchange is that if I hadn’t been sitting right there, and made a point to look over at the conversation, she would not have backtracked and tried to CYA.
b) The professor learns my name first. It can’t be helped. One of these things is not like the other, and it’s ME. And it’s noticeable when in week 7 of your 9-week course the professor calls a person’s name out to hand back an essay, and gives it to the WRONG WOMAN. Really? Seven people, can’t learn their names? Criminy. This also means that I get called on, and sniped on. Do I defend myself? Do I learn how to take a joke? (I promise I’m trying!) Or do I just rant about it into the blogonethersphere?
3) My defense mechanisms.
I make jokes. A lot. People usually laugh (seven out of ten of my jokes are funny. Eat that, Albert Pujols.) and so I feel like I’m bonding. It’s my attempt to establish myself as part of the collective. However, when combined with passionate discussions on education, it means you hear my voice a lot. Unfortunately, the more I talk, the more isolated I feel because there are teachers out there that are comfortable with what they’re doing, and don’t want to learn anything new. So, quit stirring the pot, Mr. Man.
4) I like teaching. I chose it as a profession, and there are some days when I feel as if I was called to it. There are plenty of other things I could be doing, but this one feels right. So when I speak glowingly of my students, why do I have to get looks of disdain from teachers who would rather be somewhere else? It’s not my fault that I actually see these students as a treasure, and want to talk about them, and not just a way to get another paycheck and have summers off. I’ve become better at being a professional, and not taking the students’ quirks so personally, but when I say that I want to wait to open their Christmas presents until Christmas morning, because I actually want to think about my students, I shouldn’t have to get looks of incredulity from my fellow coworkers. I love teaching. Get used to it. I’ll complain sometimes, but I’ll give out the joy of it too. If that’s not cool, fine.
*****
TLEMK tells me that I need to decide: do I want to be popular, or be interested in what I’m doing, to the degree which I need to engage and try to convince others that a shifting paradigm in educdation is NOT A BAD thing. At this point, one cannot co-exist with another. Either I keep my mouth shut, and people probably like me more for not being so freakin’ involved all the time, or I choose to voice my opinions, and feel better for trying to make people in my school/cohort be more flexible to learning. I am by NO MEANS saying that my thoughts are the right ones, or that I know the best way to educate children, but I don’t think I should be socially penalized for having a voice, (and hearing dead silence after I speak.)
I know I’m not alone in this, because I have a few teacher friends that are like me, and have had to sacrifice camaraderie for being professionals. (Rowdy? Mrs. Frank the Tank? Are you listening?) And I do have a couple people that I’ll hang out with for a happy hour, and feel like I might belong with at school. But what does it say when there is not ONE person I completely trust at my school, after a year and a half of working with them everyday during the school year? It’s not a good thing. At all.
So WTF am I supposed to do? Change who I am? Decide to grin and bear it, even though my sensitive metro-sexual inside feels slighted? Or should I just keep ranting here, and turn off my readership? I hate having to censor myself, and I don’t think I should have to, especially when it means I focusing on improving myself as a teacher. Or maybe I should just shut up and enjoy working with children… who are the Hallmark reason why I’m doing all of this. Especially when they give me hugs and tell me that they will miss me over Winter Break…
It’s not easy being green; new teacher, male, professional jealousy. (Whichever metaphor you want to use color symbolism for today.)
It’s not easy being green.
Dec 17
2005
Tony| Category: General, Techie, not Geekie, Site-Based Management |
Well, then, average 12.2 readers, have I got a new blog for you. Frank the Tank, is a smart, talented writer who shared a bed….room with me for two years, and an apartment for another year. He’s very smart, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll have to read the post twice to even understand what he’s talking about. But it’s good. Real. Good.
Welcome to the blogosphere, buddy. Enjoy your fade to anonymity and white noise like the rest of us.
Winter Break is here, so I will be catching up on my posts. Until I do, go read Frank. He’s got plenty to say for both of us.
Dec 09
2005
Tony| Category: General, Music and Movies, Chomping on Books |
Believe what you want.
Know this.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion Witch, and the Wardrobe was an 85 page book written nearly three score years ago. PBS did a version of the first three in the late ’80’s. And now, the first serious attempt has been made to recreate a story that enchanted me since the late ’80’s.
The attempt worked. TLMEK has been VERY excited to see this movie since the first trailers started making their way out at the end of summer. She has read the books 6.02214 x 10 ^23 times, and I warned her:
“Please don’t be disappointed if the movie doesn’t live up to your gianormous expectations.”
Boy, do I feel silly. This movie was excellent. Maybe it’s the nostalgia, but the story was told well. True, Clive can be a little dry at times, and the movie took awhile to take off, but as soon as we got all four children through the wardrobe, I was enchanted. Here’s why…
1) The actress playing Lucy was adorable. I wanted to take her home in a very baby-fever sort of way. Of course, TLMEK and I would have to move to the UK, so our little Maggie ( 
) would grow up British.
2) The CG was MUCH better than I thought it would be. Talking animals are talking animals, but it didn’t feel as clunky as I was expecting. They were not over the top; nor did they did not take away from the movie. I hope this means that we’re turning the corner of just-having-special-effects-for-special-effect’s-sake and learning how to integrate them more.
3) The story stayed close to the oringinal, and resident archivist TLEMK said the changes were neglible enough that she didn’t feel slighted. (ARE YOU LISTENING HARRY POTTER FRANCHISE? Stop, I know 85 pages versuses 700 pages is a lot different.)
4) Have a I mentioned how cute Lucy was? It hurt my heart. It may have grown three times its regular size.
Walden Media has optioned all seven movies, and most reviews expect the movies to get better as Narnia establishes itself, just as the ‘Arry Pottery Barn movies have.
So, go out and watch this movie.
Believe a little.
Have some faith in myth, and suspend reality for a bit.
We could all use a little of that every now again.
Dec 08
2005
Tony| Category: General, School Daze, Unfortunately Serious |
Friends,
I’m about to enter into a touchy subject. It’s been 6 years in the making, and although it’s been referred to in passing, I feel it’s time to address a few things.
1) No, it is NOT easy being a male teacher.
2) No, it is NOT easy being the only male in my graduate cohort.
3) No, it is NOT my intention to talk so much at meetings, and to crack wise. It is what I call a “defence mechanism.” (I prefer the British spelling.)
Though I try to keep this blog anonymous to those of you that do not know me (hence the anonymous), you may have been able to deduce that I’m white. And because I’m a teacher in a great school district, I am middle class. So what h-e- double hockey sticks do I have to complain about?
Really, nothing, and though my stress is not at threat level orange,(that is SO 2002) a few things have been creeping up on me lately. So, I’m going to use the Interweb to get it off my chest…
First and foremost, I blame myself. I’m not the easiest person in the world to get to know. I’ll shake your hand, smile, and make chitchat with the best of them. I’ll remember your significant other’s name, and some other random thing about you that will probably surprise you that I remember, and quite possibly creep you out a little. (and makes Kenny cheer.) I don’t do this on purpose; it’s what my brain latches on to. But after the surface, it takes people a long time to understand who I am, and what I’m about. I’m still wondering. Build the wall higher and thicker with the fact that I’m a delicioius combination of paranoid and insecure. “Overactive imagination” is what they called it when I was a kid. So I always assume people think about me, when I’m not even a blip on their radar, and that the thoughts are negative. I’ve learned to deal with that a bit, but the insecurity still lingers.
So what does this all mean when you put it into context of working in an elmentary school, and participate in a grad school class of exactly SEVEN people? That answer comes tomorrow, or later today, whichever comes last.
(I’ve decided to release this in bits and pieces; otherwise Stuck gets annoyed that it’s so long)
Dec 01
2005
Tony| Category: General, School Daze |
This is the stuff that breaks my heart.
There is so much wrong with the public education system. My problem? I’m not smart enough to know what it takes to fix it. I hate politics. I should rephrase that. I spend too much time focusing on educating, and trying to keep up with the 26 baubled bangled holiday-dreaming dervishes that are my wonderful students doesn’t leave a lot of time for paying attention to spin-meister head games on both sides of the table.
I can’t pretend to know the answers, but I do know that teaching is not easy. I honestly don’t know what I would do with my life if I weren’t involved in the education process. I love it. Not as much as TLEMK (and my current and future family), but I have always known that I was in the right place.
Someday, I’m going to figure out how to be a better teacher, improve my lesson plans so that I reach my goal of being one of “those teachers” — you know, the ones that inspire, and always have those lesson plans that you remember until you are talking to your grandchildren.
I want to be there someday. I worry because I’m not there yet, and then I read stuff like this, and it makes me wonder if it’s worth it.
(pause)
Yeah, it’s worth it.
