"The fault... is not in our stars, but in ourselves." Cassius, Julius Caesar. The Native Hue of Resolution Happy New Year! I hope you didn't think that was the end of it. (If you followed me here from my last post, then you know what I'm talking about. And if you know me, you'd know … Continue reading This New Year, Creating More Teachable Moments (Part 2)
To Be or Not To Be A few weeks ago my students were reading the "To be or not to be..." speech in Hamlet. Virtually everyone knows a part of it, whether they are aware of it or not. It's one of those things that is so ingrained in our culture that we aren't even … Continue reading After This Year, How Many Teachable Moments Do I Have Left (Part 1)
"Excuses are monuments to nothingness. They build bridges to nowhere. Those who use these tool of incompetence are masters of nothingness." This quote hung on the wall of my fifth-grade teacher, Mr. G. Anytime a student forgot his homework, he had to stand up in front of the quote, recite it, and remain standing until … Continue reading Excuses . . . And a Compromise: Squatting in a School Parking Lot
When I was younger, I remember I went to a party with a co-worker. I don't know why, I didn't even like the guy, but nothing else was going on. He was a bit shady, and he'd gotten into trouble in the past, but I said yes. I knew I shouldn't, but I still found … Continue reading Digging Past The Point of No Return
Recently a friend of mine, someone I've known most of my 42 years on this Earth, called late one night and told me his father had unexpectedly died. I hadn't seen his father in years, and the last few times were merely in passing, but the news floored me. Honestly, it hit harder than it … Continue reading A Memory of a Father
I have no doubt that in fifty years, the current administration will appear in textbooks as a defining moment in American history. One that took all of our glaring problems in this country, and laid them out for all to see, bared to the harsh light of day like some stained shirt worn too often … Continue reading Sixteen Candles, MTV, and Brett Kavanaugh: Did I Assault Someone Too? What I Thought Was Masculinity
I had one of the most enjoyable vacations (with my children) that I've ever had. I'd like to give some love to everyone in New England, you all are some truly awesome people and your towns, countryside and cities are beautiful. We got back home to Pasadena and literally within a day everyone, kids included, … Continue reading Vacationing While Fluffy (Fat, Chunky, Overweigt, etc.) – 304
"Now hold it just like this, like a frisbee, but smaller." His large, dark, rough hands would move my chubby little fingers on the oblate river rock. "It's all in the snap. In the wrist. You have to get low and snap your hand forward, but hook the rock with your finger so it spins. … Continue reading Parenting Lessons from Skipping Rocks
My Battle with Boredom and Snacking I'm a cereal murderer, ain't nobody box me in I'd drop 100 Grand, gluttony is my favorite sin Ladies call me Mr. Goodbar, King-sized to share I'm dropping mad barz, making chedda and I don't care If I see you rollin' up, I'm finna to take my shot Of … Continue reading Drive-Bys and ADD – 303
