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A warm smile is the
universal language
of kindness.

~ Willian Arthur Ward

The car-free life...

A rather odd woman talked to me for ten minutes before realized we were having a conversation. She didn't seem to mind that I had contributioned absolutely nothing to the conversation.  And people say you have to move to the big city to have people this odd.

And yes I do realize how much I fit into this crown of bus passengers.

There's a woman which could be Dolly Parton's older sister praying for the souls of the seat mates and speaking in tongues. Oh my buttered biscuits! I'm surprised she didn't break out a hymnal.

But her deep faith I must respect despite how the next election cycle will probably go.

If Obama is C arter in the sequel, the next President (a Republican -- because there's no way Obama's getting another shot) will be Reagan's clone

and I wouldn't want to go down that road again.

When the poop hits the fan...

....I think the minions will be fine.

I admit to being a new fisherman.  I've pulled up exactly one fish in the year I've come to the pond. This is exactly four less than my kids who have reeled in five.

(Mine still weighed more all together.

It's important to me that kids develop a connection to the world around them.  They need to feel where their world meets with the world at large.

The classroom is no different. In the 21st century

in the 21st century we as educators can no longer afford to keep kids locked in the classroom all day we can't afford to distance them from the world around them. Current tensions in the world are being dictated by ethnic and nationalistic strife. Isn't it time to just let it go? Go find your fishing pole and pull up a few...

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The ideas are already flowing swiftly! NICE! :)

I'm thinking ramen for our impending anime club.

It's Friday; I've got a job; and I've got stuff to do.

It's amazing how much more I get out of inservices when I actually want to be here. This is just amazingly fun!

Halcyon thoughts

I have to admit something.

I turn 40 in a few months.

Now this doesn't mean that somehow I'm getting ready to buy a really inexpensive sports car to overshadow a growing comb-over I've recently constructed.

1. I have way to much hair.
2. I can't afford a sports car.
3. I'm more of the vintage VW van type.

But as my 41st year of life quickly approaches, I am forced to take stock in the many yesterdays I've enjoyed. I do have only one regret.

I've played it too safe. As an educator, part of my mission is to take students out of their comfort zones and show them they can do anything if they just believed in themselves. It's been my mission since becoming an educator.

I didn't have that person in my life, but my life has still been worthy of story. Closing in on a decade in education, I'm still adding to my toolbox and try not to throw any tools at the kiddos. (I've mostly been successful...thank you very much. :o) )



Youth should be taught that reality is what they make of it. They should know that the can morph into their heart's desire. They should think; they should dream; and they should feel.

...not only for themselves but for the Universe at large.

That is how they will change the world and not fall back into a previous generation's destructive pattern. Somehow as we age, we lose sight of the goal.

But who defines the goal?

Sheer potential...

I can see it and am glad I'm part of the journey.

The Mass Transit Authority

I ride to work this morning armed with a nice smile and my mighty ukulele. The sun shines brightly. Its blessing omnipresent.

Riding public transport affords me the opportunity to have my cushion time on the road.  I can practice some chords and read Chaucer. We are an eclectic group: the affluent and downtrodden, blue and white collar, younger and older. I'm fortunate to be part of this community.

How is it I'm fortunate enough to be at exactly the right place and time to witness this beauty? The Universe is set up for this abundance. Trees don't strain against their lives. Fish don't take Prosac. They simply accept their Universal road and exist fully in life.

But humanity has the capacity to adapt.

We can choose whether we will simply exist or whether we will prosper. We can place one foot in front of the other down the Path.

Let's go!

Japanese Alphabet Song 五十音の歌

A new direction....

Summer vacation has arrived, and with it another week of inservice. The faculty has come together to share information and plan for the new year. This **ahem** infrequently updated blog has a new purpose!!!

Well...it's actually the same purpose, but now I'll slant it towards education more often. :o)

My school has decided that the students should become more internet aware. The students can do this by blogging. Sweet, eh! Perhaps they can generate a few internet awards. Awesome it would be!!

It's going to be an exciting school year!