While some of my friends in other school districts to the south of me are currently on snow day #5 or #6, this is our third such day of the 18-19 school year. This was going to be a bit of a weird week anyway since yesterday was a Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, and at least two days this week were going to be on final exam schedule for MAP testing.
The weird thing is that tomorrow's weather doesn't look good, and Friday morning is suppose to feature ridiculous cold. Could it be we only have one day of school this week? It's definitely possible.
Today we had freezing rain and now wet snow. I thought I would jot down a little blog entry just in case our area starts to experience some power outages. This would be the type of day that tree limbs start falling on lines, especially if the wind picks up, which it is suppose to do.
A side effect of the snow days are snow nights, which means for me postponements of basketball games. I've lost nine dates now, which is equal to about $500 - not good. So I guess with the jubilation of winter weather and snow days comes a hit to the wallet.
Amber and I have gotten a few minor things done around the house, and I've taken care of a few other "someday" things that could always be put off but also needed a little attention. We are thinking about perhaps a little date night tonight, but this weather may put a kabosh to that. Nothing like a winter storm warning to hamper travel and date plans.
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Sunday, January 13, 2019
Longest Government Shutdown for U.S. in History
To be accurate, it's a partial government shut down. I think the number I heard is that roughly 800,000 federal workers are effected, but the number of other folks indirectly effected is much larger and growing larger each day.
My two cents. If border security is a "crisis", it should have and could have been a "crisis" a long time ago. I find the situation to be unreasonable to attempt to call something a "crisis" that doesn't need immediate and dire attention.
I don't think this impasse is about border security. I think the impasse is about "winning", and right now neither side can come up with a solution that they both can take and call a win, or even a winning compromise for that matter. And the facts of the impasse seem to consistently "evolve". I use that word lightly and sarcastically because it seems to be used more and more - facts evolve.
A long time ago in a marriage counseling session, the counselor informed me there are really only three options when it comes to problem solving. First, two parties commit to working together to create a solution and find ways to adhere to the solution. And it's very possible in this scenario that the solution isn't equal for both sides; it's very possible that a fair and attainable solution means one side giving in just a bit more than the other. Second, two parties can just battle - argue, debate, fight, insult, etc... In this way, one side simply attempts to overpower the other in any way it can. Eventually someone will win, but the solution is created with only one side really feeling value. Third, the two parties can avoid each other. In this fashion, no solution is reached, but no conflict exists either.
And right now, we are in the third scenario. Each side is avoiding each other and hoping pressure will mount on the other side to motivate that side to find a way to a solution. And from what I've heard on the Sunday morning news/press shows, that seems a long way off.
My two cents. If border security is a "crisis", it should have and could have been a "crisis" a long time ago. I find the situation to be unreasonable to attempt to call something a "crisis" that doesn't need immediate and dire attention.
I don't think this impasse is about border security. I think the impasse is about "winning", and right now neither side can come up with a solution that they both can take and call a win, or even a winning compromise for that matter. And the facts of the impasse seem to consistently "evolve". I use that word lightly and sarcastically because it seems to be used more and more - facts evolve.
A long time ago in a marriage counseling session, the counselor informed me there are really only three options when it comes to problem solving. First, two parties commit to working together to create a solution and find ways to adhere to the solution. And it's very possible in this scenario that the solution isn't equal for both sides; it's very possible that a fair and attainable solution means one side giving in just a bit more than the other. Second, two parties can just battle - argue, debate, fight, insult, etc... In this way, one side simply attempts to overpower the other in any way it can. Eventually someone will win, but the solution is created with only one side really feeling value. Third, the two parties can avoid each other. In this fashion, no solution is reached, but no conflict exists either.
And right now, we are in the third scenario. Each side is avoiding each other and hoping pressure will mount on the other side to motivate that side to find a way to a solution. And from what I've heard on the Sunday morning news/press shows, that seems a long way off.
Saturday, January 5, 2019
Some Days Are Just "Persevere" Days
Yesterday was an example of how some days just aren't quick, easy solution days. In fact, yesterday fell under the category of a "persevere day". I firmly believe that these types of days pop up now and then to test us a bit. These days, too, help us to better appreciate the days that go smoothly.
One part of the day involved our computer at home. We had taken it to a local company to have it cleaned of viruses and malware and all that other technological junk that I don't know about. We purchased the computer there, and the staff has always been courteous and professional. Unfortunately, on this day I was making a second trip back. It just so happened that the first "fix" didn't quite get all the troubles taken care of. Rather than blow up and get crazy angry, I called the business and explained the situation. They were very understanding and allowed me to bring the computer back before official business hours. When I arrived, they fired up the computer, found the issue, apologized, and told me they would complete the service and call me for pick up later in the day. And that's how it worked. They did, in fact, call me, and I drove back over (about a 30-minute drive) and picked up the computer. They didn't charge me any additional charges, and I was on my way. In retrospect, perseverance won out - yes, an extra trip and a little time was involved, but the problem ultimately was fixed.
Another part of the day involved taking our step-daughter's dog to the vet. We arrived prior to our 12:30 appointment, and 1:15 we were still waiting. Again, a smooth episode would have included promptly being seen by the vet at 12:30, getting the 15-minute check-up quickly, and being back on our way home. Again...patience and perseverance paid out. Eventually the veterinarian arrived, the dog got it's check-up, and we made it home.
The final part of the day involved a couple of conversations I needed to have with my son and his friend. I had hoped to meet them as expected, but obstacles got in the way. I just kept trying to figure out a time and place to meet, and eventually I was able to have the conversations I needed. And those conversations were important to work on a problem that had occurred and needed resolution. Once again, perseverance pays off!
Finally, the old dishwasher in the kitchen tested us. For days, we had a water leak problem, and my father-in-law had made attempts to correct the problem. Finally, after applying a little more plumber's tape and finding a new gasket to use, we think we were able to fix the problem. And so far (knock on wood), the leak problem appears to be fixed. Had we not kept our patience and perseverance, we probably would have been forced to hire a repairman, which would have been a lot more money. Maybe perseverance has economic benefits too.
Keep these things in mind, when you run into one of "those days". Sometimes, even the best intended plans just don't workout well. Many times those days can still be successful; just keep at the problem or look for a different angle or approach. Perhaps, asking a friend or family member might also help stay on track and work out the eventual solution. Just stick with it.
One part of the day involved our computer at home. We had taken it to a local company to have it cleaned of viruses and malware and all that other technological junk that I don't know about. We purchased the computer there, and the staff has always been courteous and professional. Unfortunately, on this day I was making a second trip back. It just so happened that the first "fix" didn't quite get all the troubles taken care of. Rather than blow up and get crazy angry, I called the business and explained the situation. They were very understanding and allowed me to bring the computer back before official business hours. When I arrived, they fired up the computer, found the issue, apologized, and told me they would complete the service and call me for pick up later in the day. And that's how it worked. They did, in fact, call me, and I drove back over (about a 30-minute drive) and picked up the computer. They didn't charge me any additional charges, and I was on my way. In retrospect, perseverance won out - yes, an extra trip and a little time was involved, but the problem ultimately was fixed.
Another part of the day involved taking our step-daughter's dog to the vet. We arrived prior to our 12:30 appointment, and 1:15 we were still waiting. Again, a smooth episode would have included promptly being seen by the vet at 12:30, getting the 15-minute check-up quickly, and being back on our way home. Again...patience and perseverance paid out. Eventually the veterinarian arrived, the dog got it's check-up, and we made it home.
The final part of the day involved a couple of conversations I needed to have with my son and his friend. I had hoped to meet them as expected, but obstacles got in the way. I just kept trying to figure out a time and place to meet, and eventually I was able to have the conversations I needed. And those conversations were important to work on a problem that had occurred and needed resolution. Once again, perseverance pays off!
Finally, the old dishwasher in the kitchen tested us. For days, we had a water leak problem, and my father-in-law had made attempts to correct the problem. Finally, after applying a little more plumber's tape and finding a new gasket to use, we think we were able to fix the problem. And so far (knock on wood), the leak problem appears to be fixed. Had we not kept our patience and perseverance, we probably would have been forced to hire a repairman, which would have been a lot more money. Maybe perseverance has economic benefits too.
Keep these things in mind, when you run into one of "those days". Sometimes, even the best intended plans just don't workout well. Many times those days can still be successful; just keep at the problem or look for a different angle or approach. Perhaps, asking a friend or family member might also help stay on track and work out the eventual solution. Just stick with it.
Thursday, January 3, 2019
Transitions Are A Challenge
When trying to help students improve their written communication skills, incorporating transitions into student's writing always seems to be challenging. Finding the right combination of words to take the reader from one talking point to the next in a smooth and articulate fashion is work.
The same problem seems to be evident in other types of transitions - transitioning to a new job, moving to a new location, starting or ending a relationship, beginning a new hobby or activity, starting a family or transitioning to an "empty nest" again. These examples cause us to make switches in our lives that essentially take us from something important in our lives to something different.
When I work with students on writing transitions, I tell them that often the best transitions only come after all the paper has been written. I tell them not to get stuck on transitions between paragraphs in the first drafts, just jump into the next talking point, and come back later to create or revise a transition.
Perhaps life transitions are similar. When going from one life event to the next, try not to get stuck attempting to find the best transition. Perhaps we need to cut ourselves a little slack, and give ourselves a little time in the new situation or event - let a little more of our lives get written before attempting to figure out how we are going to make it from one part of our lives to the next. In the moment, if we get ourselves stressed out about HOW we are going to make it, maybe that just gunks up the process of creating a transition even more.
My recent example is now having all of my children graduated from high school. No more games, banquets, events, etc., to attend. All three of them now are going different directions that don't point towards my house, my life, my care for them. They aren't going away to be hurtful; they need to find their own paths; they are experiencing their own transitions. And there are moments that I really feel the heaviness of missing them.
Rather than getting too upset in these moments, I give myself an opportunity to be a little sad, to hope the best for them, and to be proud of the good-hearted young adults they have become. And I give myself a chance to consider potential aspects of my transition that might be enjoyable for me. I now have additional time officiate more, which is fun for me and helps my income. I now have additional time to make visits with my parents, which I plan to do more in 2019, because my new empty nest can give me a chance to go hop into my parents' empty nest, which they have experienced now for a quite a few years.
And while transitions do require us to reflect on past, transitions also allow us to anticipate on future. One of my step-daughters has a beautiful healthy daughter that is about to turn one year old, and spending time with her is awesome. Plus, that same step-daughter is expecting this Spring, and her sister is now expecting her first child as well. By this time next year, three step-grand children will be in our lives!
And my own children are experiencing their own transitions. My oldest will be relocating to a new area, the middle child will be entering her final year of college, and my youngest will be making his plans on where to transfer for his next two years of college. I think in some ways my home is now going to be like an airport, with children and step-children (and step-grandchildren) flying in and out - sometimes for a brief visit when they can or on holidays, and sometimes when they need a little help with something. So in some ways, my current transition is to try to provide the best airport I can possibly provide, while also taking an occasional flight myself to visit my own parents and spend time with them.
Time doesn't stand still; it's full of transitions. Rather than allowing the awesome memories of the past fill me too much with sadness, I want to remember those with love and happiness, and look forward to making the "airport" the best it can be for others - possibly to help them with their transitions.
The same problem seems to be evident in other types of transitions - transitioning to a new job, moving to a new location, starting or ending a relationship, beginning a new hobby or activity, starting a family or transitioning to an "empty nest" again. These examples cause us to make switches in our lives that essentially take us from something important in our lives to something different.
When I work with students on writing transitions, I tell them that often the best transitions only come after all the paper has been written. I tell them not to get stuck on transitions between paragraphs in the first drafts, just jump into the next talking point, and come back later to create or revise a transition.
Perhaps life transitions are similar. When going from one life event to the next, try not to get stuck attempting to find the best transition. Perhaps we need to cut ourselves a little slack, and give ourselves a little time in the new situation or event - let a little more of our lives get written before attempting to figure out how we are going to make it from one part of our lives to the next. In the moment, if we get ourselves stressed out about HOW we are going to make it, maybe that just gunks up the process of creating a transition even more.
My recent example is now having all of my children graduated from high school. No more games, banquets, events, etc., to attend. All three of them now are going different directions that don't point towards my house, my life, my care for them. They aren't going away to be hurtful; they need to find their own paths; they are experiencing their own transitions. And there are moments that I really feel the heaviness of missing them.
Rather than getting too upset in these moments, I give myself an opportunity to be a little sad, to hope the best for them, and to be proud of the good-hearted young adults they have become. And I give myself a chance to consider potential aspects of my transition that might be enjoyable for me. I now have additional time officiate more, which is fun for me and helps my income. I now have additional time to make visits with my parents, which I plan to do more in 2019, because my new empty nest can give me a chance to go hop into my parents' empty nest, which they have experienced now for a quite a few years.
And while transitions do require us to reflect on past, transitions also allow us to anticipate on future. One of my step-daughters has a beautiful healthy daughter that is about to turn one year old, and spending time with her is awesome. Plus, that same step-daughter is expecting this Spring, and her sister is now expecting her first child as well. By this time next year, three step-grand children will be in our lives!
And my own children are experiencing their own transitions. My oldest will be relocating to a new area, the middle child will be entering her final year of college, and my youngest will be making his plans on where to transfer for his next two years of college. I think in some ways my home is now going to be like an airport, with children and step-children (and step-grandchildren) flying in and out - sometimes for a brief visit when they can or on holidays, and sometimes when they need a little help with something. So in some ways, my current transition is to try to provide the best airport I can possibly provide, while also taking an occasional flight myself to visit my own parents and spend time with them.
Time doesn't stand still; it's full of transitions. Rather than allowing the awesome memories of the past fill me too much with sadness, I want to remember those with love and happiness, and look forward to making the "airport" the best it can be for others - possibly to help them with their transitions.
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Welcome to 2019
While most of the world was ringing in the New Year on Monday night, I was in bed and sleeping by 10:00 p.m. I suppose I'm getting older, but also I've been dealing with a stubborn cold all break long. I've struggled to post new entries on this blog because want to avoid being critical of situations beyond my control. I don't want this blog to be "complaint central".
So one of my resolutions is to write more but explore topics that aren't critical. Good luck to me!
So one of my resolutions is to write more but explore topics that aren't critical. Good luck to me!
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