"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
"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
I've struggled with what this blog is supposed to be. It's been too serious, dealing with problems our country and humanity faces, the fate of education, and occasionally my colon. At other times it's been uplifting and light-hearted, dealing with my family, teaching and somehow, also my colon. Throughout it all, it's been a catharsis … Continue reading It’s Time for The Purge – 306
Yesterday I attended the March for Our Lives in Washington DC. This is the second large rally or march I've attended in as many years. Last year I attended the Women's March in January. Together, literally millions of people marched or gathered all over the world to end violence and abuse. In the wake of … Continue reading The March for Our Lives: As I Come to Grips With My Whiteness, It is Time For White People to Own Theirs.
