tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76161426537715564722024-03-05T03:12:33.338-05:00DadocityA community of Dads, sharing life's best experiences and lessons.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03683246525076214400noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-22973520818383293182015-02-22T06:20:00.000-05:002015-02-22T06:33:55.252-05:00Leggo my Lego<div class="MsoNormal">
How do you sort out a bucket of the miscellaneous? <br />
<br />
Teaching children to sort Legos is quite the
challenge. Information architecture is
not easy such as is an orange a fruit or a color or both? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Zh7LPdWWt2-92Jm0ehwAP_Su5fMfSShyphenhyphenxIsx0I7DGSCaW4yVk3iZA0ZA2HlyfL2UjQrFm4Ty0E7nhHYx3P8-FAUnJvONea_EEfaxrVccVnF_u7RbhaVe5ibN6pg5poOSCMRDALrKPPO7/s1600/20150221_173045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Zh7LPdWWt2-92Jm0ehwAP_Su5fMfSShyphenhyphenxIsx0I7DGSCaW4yVk3iZA0ZA2HlyfL2UjQrFm4Ty0E7nhHYx3P8-FAUnJvONea_EEfaxrVccVnF_u7RbhaVe5ibN6pg5poOSCMRDALrKPPO7/s1600/20150221_173045.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Out of context a six dot block is also brown and a rectangle
is not round but how it is used makes one question what bin it goes in.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What cup do you put an eight spot green block or a one dot
yellow block? Is it one level, two or three?
Is it one row wide and tall or a flat 3x3 to plant a tree? How can we create a city?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZnRBYqnvBwcmwKmOz5NoI6FmMr5Pk5s26YHvB-yuETy2PqOS74sumTyLV0E34SwbQJJWYW3oNQL8UMJBfo7VhouLRrIW4bt_Ftg_G9Z-3WAOKKkgx6lfuSz9LbYRHhd5thjbyDc-_JLJ/s1600/20150221_172939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZnRBYqnvBwcmwKmOz5NoI6FmMr5Pk5s26YHvB-yuETy2PqOS74sumTyLV0E34SwbQJJWYW3oNQL8UMJBfo7VhouLRrIW4bt_Ftg_G9Z-3WAOKKkgx6lfuSz9LbYRHhd5thjbyDc-_JLJ/s1600/20150221_172939.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>What do we do with the firemen, tires, horses and
waterslides? What happens when the
instructions ask for a missing piece? Can we work as a team to be at peace?</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can Dad create an XML vocabulary for Lego parts from which
he could use an XSLT process to make perceptions align? In this context that might be benign. No schema to be found here. It would be too rigid and the lego room in the basement is too
frigid for me to create and relate. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinohngc8bmKsJCrx91L43yBsrV0aKN3KqJtfTlQ8gKURZj8tY2DdXC3onY0OcF38nQvGGlEmgLO1tJTWwr6yMktxv89m4kguQROe9cOBP84QzgeVUOvZCaavJ_bybyV9psGecVlHywT4MJ/s1600/220px-Impossible_staircase.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinohngc8bmKsJCrx91L43yBsrV0aKN3KqJtfTlQ8gKURZj8tY2DdXC3onY0OcF38nQvGGlEmgLO1tJTWwr6yMktxv89m4kguQROe9cOBP84QzgeVUOvZCaavJ_bybyV9psGecVlHywT4MJ/s1600/220px-Impossible_staircase.svg.png" /></a>If I invest in a robot kit
when they can build a "Penrose Staircase" would they be at their best? Will they get any rest? Maybe we just dig in and have fun looking for
that elusive bowl shape thing that finishes off the cafe next to the castle with an outhouse nearby so the astronaut has a space to pee. That would be fine with me.<br />
<br />
Sometimes being a Dad is just about the simple things.<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-46380624449277046392015-02-03T05:55:00.000-05:002015-02-03T05:55:47.582-05:00Five steps for a single Dad to have a perfect Super Bowl Sunday.With the "Big Game" behind us Clan DeFino had a busy day:<br />
<br />
1. Church (Awesome Service) Casual dress, non-denominational, everyone is welcome. Pastor Bill is energetic, intelligent and inspiring. With a full band setup on stage as a backdrop and good energetic performance afterward, a coffee kiosk and rooms for the children to run around like a mosh pit. Church is fun when you feel better after the service than when you walked in. The name is "The Rock Church" and there may be one near you.<br /><br />In my own words; from the lesson I contemplated identity. How do we identify ourselves? Forgiveness of past mistakes and the ability to become new really is a human survival necessity. The ability to see ourselves differently allows us to grow and progress. There are many variations of this with different canvases from which to work from. In my case one is being a Dad. When I saw the crown of their heads, when I hear the sound of their soft voices just asking "Why Daddy?". That question might be an inquiry about why old strawberries grow mold or how an airplane flies. When they run across the playground waving their arms in excitement because I am picking them up the little one is like a 47 pound bowling ball being thrown at my shins at full speed ahead. I love it.<br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0w9yYeNzUCslIEhInpKJjRnTzhs71OO0kA11jw6FGrFwK23P3IenukNWj53bk6Br4K9dcMmYtNM8WLPDjPQazjQvG3pLRjPp0GIESyx0ZWlwcTWrumkVMMULBo-k0HxxDBpyn8Upuop7/s1600/20150201_125616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0w9yYeNzUCslIEhInpKJjRnTzhs71OO0kA11jw6FGrFwK23P3IenukNWj53bk6Br4K9dcMmYtNM8WLPDjPQazjQvG3pLRjPp0GIESyx0ZWlwcTWrumkVMMULBo-k0HxxDBpyn8Upuop7/s1600/20150201_125616.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
2. Discovery Gateway - Kids museum. I just sat back and watched them let their imaginations work. This is more entertaining than any show on television except maybe "The Big Bang Theory" They have mastered the puzzle exhibits by now and just like using their imagination with the foam building block room and the house with the grocery store that sells plastic pears.<br /><br />They were too much of a blur to get a good picture.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3H_TO3y4OYXuxwSgmu2043OflTMMJBKeD5FAEF03Ag3uLSXDMAkyyn7dKw3rgsbNuqBlsZKFHVO2use-nvBlpTbLS0GSmiTJaMCoFiwj7MMExVKVhb6-5ARTCmawRcuaeJizbIodcd2w/s1600/20150202_144227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3H_TO3y4OYXuxwSgmu2043OflTMMJBKeD5FAEF03Ag3uLSXDMAkyyn7dKw3rgsbNuqBlsZKFHVO2use-nvBlpTbLS0GSmiTJaMCoFiwj7MMExVKVhb6-5ARTCmawRcuaeJizbIodcd2w/s1600/20150202_144227.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>3. Lego destruction. This is clearly a work in progress but it exercises their spacial recognition, teamwork, and they enjoy it. Lots of pieces yes, but it is better than markers on the walls and cuts of paper all over the house.<br /><br />The picture is not a great example. This is more like carnage after building something by the instructions then wanting to do something else. I get to observe their abstract imaginations as they develop scenarios and talk aloud about the characters they create. Who would think that a cafe would have a flying horse visit while the prince talks to a monkey about computers? These are the beginnings of the "Hacker Ethic" which is to understand how something works then make something cool happen. They are exploring their minds through science, music and art. I enjoy this and do my best to give them the room to do so.<br /><br />
4. Not finding a kid friendly Super Bowl party, we made our own and they insisted that Olaf be invited as a guest. The kids had more fun watching me break out into a sweat from the "Diablo" mustard than the game so they kept making cracker sandwiches for me. They exceeded my limit and got their revenge for making them clean their room earlier in the day, which is like pushing waves back into the ocean. Their favorite recipe was a garlic pita bread, habanero mustard and pepper jack sandwich that had my eyes watering. As I was recovering I received "Wet Willies" and the tickle monster had to defend himself. This was our halftime show.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9t4AxiHONED3fj_5owGDb5AuHbaS6pH3w2ScZKzW1kjzIbL-TuVXXk9Lwgvq6-HQdS-3dqV-g30r_nF7pvZ6NzBsSi1OlryDouScxM7FnYT7uw12es4LV9PfabLp4LfPCmPdyl6qG1UE/s1600/20150202_142610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9t4AxiHONED3fj_5owGDb5AuHbaS6pH3w2ScZKzW1kjzIbL-TuVXXk9Lwgvq6-HQdS-3dqV-g30r_nF7pvZ6NzBsSi1OlryDouScxM7FnYT7uw12es4LV9PfabLp4LfPCmPdyl6qG1UE/s1600/20150202_142610.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>5. Then there was the end of the game where after hearing my lexicon of fake cuss words I was presented with a lecture about how I should not watch football but play legos instead. I tried to explain how "This is freaking fun for me and darn it great googly moogly that was just a very ill advised call. The sasafracken frickafracken coach should have ran Lynch and darn it to double hockey sticks the Patriots who I just do not care for would not have another ring." <br />
<br />
They were not buying it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-25300152819139767082015-01-19T14:58:00.000-05:002015-01-19T14:58:09.152-05:00Please....don’t get your kids involved in the arts.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please don’t get your kids involved in the arts. I know sometimes I can be a little sarcastic
(just like Mount Kilimanjaro is a “little” hill) but, in this case, I mean
it. Please don’t get you kids involved
in the arts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your son or daughter may have shown an affinity for singing
or dancing or play acting when they were very young. Most kids do.
And some – maybe many – want to foster those skills, to get better and
create even more beautifully and skillfully.
But, please resist.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnZb2ZkxxHuNY7L5P4flmcEm4pNCyBjV2Gfgq05mQ2NUwEblo52GtaH6RbS1CPHF_2f5OJI3zwoV0LEh3cyEIkEZ_BOmaIt7eMV7OTbnGPu56gSN_YRd-kB6LQe2qtTeWumazCJmLkp8/s1600/Kids+Performing+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnZb2ZkxxHuNY7L5P4flmcEm4pNCyBjV2Gfgq05mQ2NUwEblo52GtaH6RbS1CPHF_2f5OJI3zwoV0LEh3cyEIkEZ_BOmaIt7eMV7OTbnGPu56gSN_YRd-kB6LQe2qtTeWumazCJmLkp8/s1600/Kids+Performing+1.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is why: Unless you are as committed to your child’s
involvement in the arts as they are, the end result will be frustration. You, frustrated, at being asked to inconvenience
yourself on a Saturday morning to drive your child to an early rehearsal. You, frustrated, when being asked to run
lines or listen to a practice track or give feed back on some choreography. You, frustrated, that an entire weekend is spent
in a theater, instead of doing all the things important to you. You,
frustrated, at being asked, again, to help build a set or mend costumes or
organize props.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And your child, the child who may desperate love something
that isn’t very important to you, will know.
He or she will understand that their love of the arts is trivial. And they will know that they are the oddball
for not loving baseball or soccer or hunting or hiking or antiquing or whatever
it is that you know to be what kids should be doing. And your child will know that if they perform,
if they love the arts, that it will always be secondary to all the other
important things. And, even if you allow
them to perform, the accomplishments in front of an audience will never be
quite as significant as their siblings’ accomplishments on the playing field in
front of a roaring crowd or the like.
And they will know that while they might want to be both an athlete and
a performer, or a hunter and a performer, or statistician and a performer, that
to the people who are important to them, the “and performer” part will always
be just an add-on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please don’t allow your kids to get involved in the
arts. If not for you, then for me. I cannot see one more child, with tears in
their eyes, when they have to explain to their friends that their parents may
not be able to make it to the performance.
They had dinner plans or needed to bring the car to the shop or
something very important. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please explain to your kids how unrealistic it is to study
the arts. Please tell them it’s
impossible to get hired into any real job involving the arts. Please tell them that they need to study
business or medicine or law or engineering and that none of those professions would
ever rely upon the skills built in the arts – like creativity, public speaking
ability, confidence, discipline, work ethic, ability to think clearly under
pressure, or even the pure stamina it might take to be successful. And, please, belittle the importance of “happiness”
in your chosen field of employment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t allow your child to get involved in the arts because you’ll
feel like you need to placate them with platitudes. You’ll feel like you need to give compliments
like “how great they were” or “how well they sang” or “how wonderful the dance”
was. But it’ll just be placating. And your child will know. And you’ll both walk away disappointed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFa5p0JS3M9jKeHXlML83DWy_3WWUoXvVlu1qc0YBz5fxYJqZj0wQUdP_z44duqIO5RzK-3JoKALKvoOTwar9Z5ZiatsKT9xoVwhAt7cm0Y1Xpq9vnXUaXuWHpetgBPuL2d1C-Iixqqvk/s1600/Kids+Performin+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFa5p0JS3M9jKeHXlML83DWy_3WWUoXvVlu1qc0YBz5fxYJqZj0wQUdP_z44duqIO5RzK-3JoKALKvoOTwar9Z5ZiatsKT9xoVwhAt7cm0Y1Xpq9vnXUaXuWHpetgBPuL2d1C-Iixqqvk/s1600/Kids+Performin+3.png" height="113" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t allow your child to get involved in the arts. Because, ultimately, years from now, they’ll
find it on their own anyway. And they’ll
love it and know that it was where they should have been all along. And they’ll grow and see life in different
shades of color and, ultimately, they’ll be happy. Happy to be a part of a world that they
understand. Happy to be in a community
that supports them. Happy to have opportunities
to grow and learn and achieve and create.
Happy to not be reliant upon you for acceptance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please don’t allow your child to get involved in the
arts. You’ll be happier. And that’s what really matters, right?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03683246525076214400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-86407050260486445532014-12-20T01:12:00.000-05:002014-12-20T12:39:44.970-05:00Am I a music teacher, pupil or both?The day care center called and said my youngest daughter was sick and asked if I would come get her. I cancelled my work plans for the day and picked her up. <br />
<br />
Both of my daughters enjoy performing. On the drive home Alexa began to sing the chorus from "If you only knew" by Shinedown.<br />
<br />
It's 4:03 and I can't sleep<br />
<div>
Without you next to me I toss and turn like the sea</div>
<div>
If I drown tonight, bring me back to life<br />
Breath your breath in me the only thing I still believe in is you</div>
<div>
If you only knew</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The artist that wrote that song (Brent Smith) explained it was inspired after a phone call he received letting him know he would soon be a father and this would involve some very serious decisions regarding his travel schedule and lifestyle. This is not easy but there are times that we are reminded that every moment we have matters.<br />
<br />
We spent the afternoon having fun and she showed no signs of being sick. She requested more songs so I tried to teach her a few more and was amazed at how my four old picked up on the melodies so quickly. I must also say that both my daughters did great at their recent Christmas and song and dance programs so I think a little heavy rock is not beyond their reach.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlHb2mk2vxYorHc72TaA52zjrx9-xNbAnKAlIhfSfE7mB2YXZH6QCAoyONNoy5UAYQVhnFbbPyeBZ3A_ynENQzyGXGAjeiRiqHCGiAF49HWWXPAIH6TS_iQYEzu0N2rUUBc9RXzXWKudl/s1600/20141030_190115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlHb2mk2vxYorHc72TaA52zjrx9-xNbAnKAlIhfSfE7mB2YXZH6QCAoyONNoy5UAYQVhnFbbPyeBZ3A_ynENQzyGXGAjeiRiqHCGiAF49HWWXPAIH6TS_iQYEzu0N2rUUBc9RXzXWKudl/s1600/20141030_190115.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Later in the day my older daughter spontaneously said "You may be a teacher but don't you think we teach you also?" I don't know where that comment came from but after hearing of boyfriends and other uncomfortable subjects for a Dad I had to agree. I then negotiated that for the time being my simple mind would have to stick to the basics; not burning the popcorn before watching yet another "Monster High" movie.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-66816819139124592412014-12-01T21:16:00.000-05:002014-12-01T21:16:48.854-05:00Then I was taught a business lesson...<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While doing homework with Kyra my
youngest Alexa was managing "The store"; a service counter
of shaved ice for neighborhood friends. $.01 each was the terms of
sale.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One kid had no pennies but another
investor was willing to go into debt to pay for it and did the same
for another. He left the house and a few minutes later came back with
three pennies to pay his and theirs.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I did not get into interest or profit
because at this point his honor was impressive enough. When I (The
CEO) offered him a free one for being honest he refused because he
would not accept what he could not pay for.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Kyra then took the pennies for herself
and when I tried to take my executive bonus she said "I never
asked you to make those sales". She had taken over and is
now the true CEO and I am just middle management. After all the kids
were not there to see me, they were there for her product and while she was figuring out what 79 + 89 equals Alexa
was on the production side serving the customers. <br /><br />She did not get paid either.<br /><br />As a
consultant I suggested creating a margin. That we raise the price to
$.10 per serving but if demand falls than try $.05 per unit but if
your staff cannot be paid they will quit and you will have to do it
yourself, give in to vultures or fold. In the meanwhile cost per serving must be calculated because now
that Dad has been fired he will longer fund the supply chain without
securing his investment.<br /><br />She just looked at me and said "It
is all mine".</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Stunned I thought to do the old man
lecture of who provided the facility, the equipment and the
production line but it would have had no benefit. Dad was happy for
her confidence and spirit and just watching these kids in action was
amazing. So I let it play out.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Do I have a lot to teach her or is she
teaching me?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-57786068151402332622014-12-01T20:56:00.000-05:002014-12-01T21:04:32.229-05:00Who is really the teacher here?<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In these times Thanksgiving can be much
more than Turkey Thursday. It is a four day swirl of stress and joy.
There might be many families to visit, distant family we cannot be
with, food prep, football, and impending “Black Friday” to
prepare for Christmas before we have finished enjoying the feeling of
saying “Thank You” instead of shouting out “I want that!”.<br />
<br />
I
just completed four days with my wonderful kids and I want to say
thanks to them. We kept it modest and toned down. Including a
wonderful feast with my Nephew, Sister, and her Husband. We just
enjoyed time together and they did not complain once that it is
simple and without distractions. <br />
<br />
They got three home cooked meals a
day, we read books and of course watched hours of Spongebob
Squarepants. I tossed in a couple episodes of “Cosmos” (for me)
to mix it up a little. This works because my oldest loves science
and started a bone collection from the Cornish hen I made on
Friday.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KD3eYoqtytgmriay7mCwKgVjk4MAQ-8Xm-zGMw9kSqkNA-_gTd1mM0MUI8muEs93fQK1K-7kLU6i8pYfFUX1LWIvDds7dscLIF_Huur241t68HHGACVh8TlB3GgfehS11IDNW19G5t9A/s1600/20141130_104721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KD3eYoqtytgmriay7mCwKgVjk4MAQ-8Xm-zGMw9kSqkNA-_gTd1mM0MUI8muEs93fQK1K-7kLU6i8pYfFUX1LWIvDds7dscLIF_Huur241t68HHGACVh8TlB3GgfehS11IDNW19G5t9A/s1600/20141130_104721.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We discussed family heritage and both sides of my
family as I am proud of them both and they make great bedtime
stories. I encouraged my kids to look into Mom's side as well and
share it with me.<br />
<br />
Then the oldest told me she wants to be a
teacher when she grows up. She listed why:<br />
<br />
You teach
computers<br />
Grandpa teaches destruction (I had to correct that to
construction)<br />
Grandma teaches reading<br />
Mom teaches stuff
too...<br />
<br />
I added:<br />
<br />
“Grandpa on your Mom's side ran a
whole school district and her family is full of teachers and
coaches<br />
Uncle Bill and Uncle Less on my side taught for over
thirty years. Honorary Uncles, Larry, Tim, and John also do what I
do. But sometimes the best teacher is the person who just does a
simple good thing for a stranger. Quite often it comes at a time
when they need it most. It wakes you up and motivates you. Such a
thing has recently been done for me.”<br />
<br />
She then wrote up a
sign that she wants to hang on the front door for next weekend to
have people sign up for an art class she can teach to neighborhood
kids.<br />
<br />
I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
SD.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-27010638027160370852014-09-24T09:07:00.000-04:002014-09-24T09:07:30.993-04:00When keeping fish was a hobby I had Plecos, Oxils and $2 random stuff from sturgeons to petra. One tank was so well balanced I never had to clean it. <br />
<br />
Aquatic / Land hybrids were more challenging. Eventually I learned that creatures will eat whatever they think they can swallow. They often over extend themselves. I pulled a salamander out of the mouth of a toad. Where was that idiot going to fit that mass? How did the salamander find itself in that situation?<br />
<br />
Sad but true, the Salamander eventually ate the toad and the result was an exit to the next life. I now simplify with a betta fish in his own bowl. "Mr. Bubbles" as my kids call him. They noticed he makes bubble coverage to protect himself but will not tolerate any one else in his territory. Then my kids say "Lets give him a girlfriend".<br />
<br />
I say "If she likes him then they would be happy together. We would then have bowls all over the house to support offspring. If she doesn't like him she will pick and eat at his fins until he has nothing left.. I am not meaning to sound bitter in what I observe in nature that translates into a Dad's world. I am just calling it as I have experienced it.<br /><br />The saying goes that girls marry their Dads. That affects me. It motivates me to find truth in what I think I am doing well in times of doubt and then value every moment of hugs and kisses I can get. the simple pleasure of the sound of my children laughing is pure energy. When they show me attitude I try to guide while appreciating their spirit yet I worry if they are the salamander that will attack the toad. Avoidance is the better option and is in touch with instinct or they might marry the man who protects himself too much with emotional shelter and pretends to be something he is not because he does not understand himself. This happens in both sexes.<br />
<br />My kids have taught me more about life than any other experience I have had. After fourteen years of teaching across our country to every walk of life it amazes me how much my two young children can teach me. A Dad is a student. with Principals and Principles.<br /><br />I just hope I don't try to swallow a toad.<br />
<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-82592337323932629822014-09-13T23:19:00.001-04:002014-09-13T23:25:18.847-04:00The Third Rail of Parenting Conversation<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
Stick with me here. I want us to go through a little logic exercise together, okay?<br />
<br />
If you held an adult hostage, that would be considered a crime. Same thing, if it were a kid.<br />
If you kidnapped an adult, that would be considered a crime. Same thing, if it were a kid.<br />
If you stole money from an adult, that would be considered a crime. Same thing, if it were a kid.<br />
If your negligence caused harm to an adult, that would be considered a crime. Same thing, if it were a kid.<br />
If you hit an adult, that would be considered a crime. Same thing, if it were a kid. <i><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes</span></i>.<br />
<br />
That "sometimes" bothers me. A lot.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/1fc4317e7feb2239a5e72a25ae2a3722ca993f09/c=0-296-3280-2762&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2014/09/13/1410630833000-USP%20NFL_%20Preseason-Minnesota%20Vikings%20at%20Tennessee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="USP NFL_ Preseason-Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee" border="0" src="http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/1fc4317e7feb2239a5e72a25ae2a3722ca993f09/c=0-296-3280-2762&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2014/09/13/1410630833000-USP%20NFL_%20Preseason-Minnesota%20Vikings%20at%20Tennessee.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>Earlier this week, Adrian Peterson, a star running back for the Minnesota Vikings, was indited for child abuse for beating his son. Peterson's lawyer released a statement in which, on Peterson's behalf, he called his son's injuries "unintentional". Peterson's lawyer claimed that Peterson only dished out "the same kind of discipline he received as a child growing up in East Texas."<br />
<br />
My guess is, by now, you know where this blog entry is going. Before we embark on that journey, I'm going to excuse any of you that might be uncomfortable. What you're going to read <i>will </i>make many of you uncomfortable. I think we, as a nation, need to be a little bit more uncomfortable on this subject, frankly. Some parts of this piece may make make you reflect on past actions. My hope is that it makes you consider future ones. Time to touch the third-rail of parenting -- physical punishment for children.<br />
<br />
Before jumping into the deep end, I want to make something very clear. I do not think I have all the answers. In no way do I believe that my parenting skills are superior to most anyone else's. In fact, on a daily basis, there are countless examples of where I've fallen down in my parental duties. My views are not meant as a disparagement to anyone else's decisions. You are not only entitled to your own belief system on parenting, I would openly encourage you to not blindly follow anyone else on matter so important, let alone me.<br />
<br />
In Peterson's case, the punishment he dealt out was via a "switch" -- a bare tree branch that he beat his child with. He left horrendous scars, both physical and mental, on his own child. Most parents would never consider anything near that level of physical punishment as being acceptable. But, what is? Where is the line?<br />
<br />
I want to, very simply, give you my belief system in regards to disciplining children through anything of a physical nature: It should <u>never </u>happen. Not ever. And, yes, I'm including "just" spanking. My belief on this is pretty simple: if the action taken would be considered illegal if enacted upon an adult, then so, too, should it be for a child. Yes, even your own child.<br />
<br />
If I were a manager in an office and I had an employee talk back to me, I mean really mouth off, call me names, swear, assail my mother's virtue, whatever... no matter how angry I might become, I could not take that employee into my office and spank them. If I did -- even if I tried, several different kinds of punishment would instead would befall upon me....<br />
<br />
What if I went on vacation, only to find that my next door neighbor had decided to hold a massive party in my house while I was gone. Things broken, left and right. Valuables stolen. Cigarette burns in the carpeting. The house trashed. I couldn't march next door and hit the guy, let along "spank" him, without the police visiting my home next.<br />
<br />
But, in the U.S. today, if a kid talks back to his parent, that parent many times will use physical punishment on the kid. And if a kid trashes his room, ruins furniture or wallpaper or carpeting, we accept the parent doling out a spanking as punishment.<br />
<br />
So, why is it okay for us to do this to our own kids but not to anyone else? Does it hurt less for the kid to be beat by a relative? Doubtful. Is it because the child is the "property" of the adult? If that were the case, then I guess you could legally sell that child, too -- and you can't do that. Is it because we believe that it will really teach that kid a lesson? <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/berman/9328079-452/spanking-teaches-kids-all-the-wrong-lessons.html#.VBT0-vldXKg" target="_blank">Study </a>after study study after study tell us the exact opposite -- not only does the child not necessarily associate the punishment with the "crime" committed, it actually teaches the child that violence is an acceptable form of communication. <br />
<br />
And, really, it does far more than that to a child. Kids who are spanked tend to have lower self-esteem and lower IQs, as well as being more aggressive. Later in life, they are more likely to suffer from substance abuse and domestic abuse. The lists go on and on about to negative affects of spanking. Yet, it happens. A lot. Why?<br />
<br />
I know how we justify it. A perfect an example can be found in Adrian Peterson's response to the indictment against him: He claimed he was only doing to his son what was done to him. That sounds about right.<br />
<br />
This is the argument I hear most. "Well, I was spanked and I turned out okay." Really? With that mentality, we'd never have forward progress in life. We'd still accept stoning as a reasonable form of punishment for sinners. I mean, if we punished sinners back in the day by stoning and we're okay as a society, it must be okay, right? We'd have never progressed into traveling by motorized vehicles. If walking everywhere, or maybe using horses, was good enough for Grandad, then, by gosh, it should be good enough for all of us today, too! Sorry, folks. I can't accept the "precedence" argument -- the "I got spanked, so I spank my kids" argument -- as being sound. It may be how we justify things to ourselves, but that doesn't mean it's right.<br />
<br />
So, I ask again, why? Why do we hit our children when science has proven it to be ineffective and harmful? You know why? Because it's easy.<br />
<br />
You've heard the old line "This is going to be harder on me than on you" as a parent is about to whoop their child's behind. Bullshit.<br />
<br />
It is WAY harder on the kid. It's easy for the parent to inflict that punishment on the kid. I'm not saying the parent doesn't feel pangs of guilt but it is nowhere near that emotions going through the child, not to mention the sheer physical pain involved. To have your parent, the person who is supposed to care for you, protect you, love you unconditionally, help you, guide you through life -- to have that person betray that trust by being the executioner of the pain inflicted.... tell me again how it's harder for you....<br />
<br />
It is easy. Here is the typical thought process: See a kid do something wrong, smack their behind. The kid will never do that again out of fear of the pain. So, I ask you, is that what you want for your kids? You want them to fear you? You want them to tremble at the thought of you being angry with them? Is that really what you want?<br />
<br />
Or, do you want the behavior to stop. Because, frankly, that's two different things. See, a child who fears you will most likely not perform a behavior that will result in punishment from you if and only if they believe they will be caught by you. You haven't taught them right from wrong. You've taught them that you're right and they better not be wrong or they'll receive punishment. They don't know "why", just "how".<br />
<br />
However, if you take the time to teach the child, to show them, to demonstrate for them, to guide them, to explain to them in a way they'll understand, <i>why </i>something is wrong -- with love and patience and kindness -- you have a far greater likelihood of that child knowing not just how the action is wrong. They'll not perform it because they understand why it is wrong. They won't be doing it out of fear, but out of a moral obligation. They'll "get it". <br />
<br />
Why don't more people do this? Because it's hard.<br />
<br />
As most of you know, I have four kids. This is not meant to put myself on a pedestal, at all. I've made countless mistakes, many of which will result in my children laughing at me as adults, probably until the end of time. The one mistake I've never made, though, is even threatening to spank one of them, let alone actually doing it.<br />
<br />
My kids , generally, are not unruly. They do not have discipline issues in school. They are polite. To my knowledge, there have been no incidents larceny or vandalism in their relatively short lives. They're pretty good about following "house rules" (except for the one about not eating in your room...but we pick and choose our enforcement battles...). They don't mouth off to either Blythe or me. They are not without their shortcomings and are certainly not perfect. However, I'm proud to say, they're really good kids.<br />
<br />
Some people say that's why I can get away with not spanking my kids. They're "good" kids... I say that's backwards logic. In fact, I believe part of the reason they are good kids is because we don't spank.<br />
<br />
Our philosophy in parenting, including not ever spanking (or inflecting any other kid of corporal punishment upon our kids), does not come without a price. That price is time. Blythe and I spend many, many, many hours with our kids. Every minute that we can. We are highly involved with their every day activities. We know their friends and peers. We talk incessantly with our kids, to the point the kids are sometime sick of it. And while we love our kids, LOVE our kids a whole lot, this lifestyle is hard. It takes a lot of effort. We purposely and continuously insert ourselves into our children's lives so we can help them understand life better and help them to make good decisions. We do it with full hearts, but it is hard.<br />
<br />
I'm convinced this is why more people don't choose to not spank their kids. Because the alternative means a lot of work. And I'm not suggesting that the way that I've raised my kids is the only way to help kids through life without spanking, but I am suggesting that whatever other paths are out there are equally difficult. Parenting is hard work. It's work. WORK. It's the most satisfying work there can ever be, but it is work nonetheless.<br />
<br />
And, once again, for clarification sake, I'm not suggesting that parents who spank their kids don't work at parenting. But I am saying it is <u>more </u>work to avoid spanking than it is to spank a kid. And, from what I've observed, we, as a society, tend to seek ways to work a little less. In this particular case, I think it is to the detriment of the child to do so.<br />
<br />
A few years ago, I posted something on Facebook along these same lines. And the reaction was everything I knew it would be. Generally, I'm a pretty easygoing guy. On this subject, I feel like more people need to speak up and raise awareness. Kids don't have a real voice in this debate. They should, though. <br />
<br />
I know, again, there will be much dissent on this subject. Truthfully, I'm not very interested in debating the merits of spanking. Many of you find it acceptable. I don't. If my argument against it in this blog piece didn't sway you at all, then, likely my words in rebuttal to any comment you make won't either. And, this isn't one of those topics where writing comments to "enlighten" others who might read it would be appropriate either. If you're interested in doing that, might I suggest you start a blog... In other words, I'm not looking for a fight. I can't tell anyone else how to parent their kids. But, if you are someone who does spank their kids, I hope my words at least give you pause. Their future is in your hands.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03683246525076214400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-57755815279705019332014-08-22T16:30:00.003-04:002014-08-22T16:30:57.583-04:00New Beginnings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
For many people, January 1st represents a fresh start -- new year, new commitments, new opportunities. For those of us with kids, January frequently comes in August. This year, for my family, our "new year" began on August 20th at 6:00am.<br />
<br />
Alarms rang. Parents arose, forcing grogginess aside. Dog walked, lunches made, showers taken, and then the real work began. We woke the kids. Mayhem ensued.<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">This year, our new beginnings include something significantly different. Now that he's big-boy-3, Sam is starting school. He is being initiated into the early wake-up/get dressed/eat breakfast/hit the road routine. I'm proud to say, although he did have the deer-in-headlights look about him, he did great. Only roughly 5,972 more days like that until high school graduation. We're on our way!</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTQMHZDJR2StaHJtT56pj4y3oLmnM8RXLcin-of5wWQOIroJkVJcQ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTQMHZDJR2StaHJtT56pj4y3oLmnM8RXLcin-of5wWQOIroJkVJcQ" width="200" /></a>The other kids have new beginnings, too. Emma has made the transition from "little girl second grade" to "big girl third grade". Will took the gigantic leap to middle school...all the way across the street at our school. And Jack has made the somewhat easier transition to King of the School as a reigning 8th grader. He's seen all; he knows all. We're luckily he's benevolent.<br />
<br />
But the kids aren't the only ones who get new beginnings. Parents sometimes do, too. Since my last blog post, back at the end of the school year, there has been a "new beginning" bubbling. This is really the first time I've spoken of it. Keep reading and you'll understand why.<br />
<br />
Sometime last Spring, the writing bug hit me, as it does often. This blog is a Godsend to me -- as a guy who feels the need to write like other people feel the need to sleep, I get a public outlet for whenever the urge arises. However, the blog has its limitations, and there are times when the writing bug is compounded with the creativity bug and, in those moments, nonfiction, semi-autobiographical prose simply will not do. It's then that I knowingly hit the "new" option in Word, stare at the glaring white page, and start to shape ideas. Sometimes I know where it's headed; most times I don't. <br />
<br />
Back in the Spring, I had an idea that needed some room to grow. I wanted to write a vehicle for my kids. As most of you know, my kids love musical theater, as do Blythe and I. The writing bug hit. The creative bug hit. The blank page stared at me. Why not write a musical for the kids?<br />
<br />
There was one problem. I can't write music. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://cdnec1.fiverrcdn.com/photos/1593706/v2_680/Screen_Shot_2013-03-24_at_6.01.05_PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://cdnec1.fiverrcdn.com/photos/1593706/v2_680/Screen_Shot_2013-03-24_at_6.01.05_PM.jpg" width="200" /></a>Never being one to allow silly little obstacles like 'not being able to write music for a musical' get in my way, I came up with a work around. I would write a story in which the characters would sing some of our favorite songs that were written for other musicals. Basically, I was going to re-purpose music. This idea really made me proud...here I was, writing something my kids would love, using music that we all love, and I was going to create and write and all was good in the world. Genius!<br />
<br />
Here's the thing. Apparently, someone long ago decided that you can't just take other people's music and use it without asking. There are laws written for this kind of thing. In my mind, it's really ridiculous. I mean, if those authors would want to use my words, I'd gladly lend them. But, it seems, nearly all professional musicians and writers want to actually be paid for their work, whether used as intended or "re-purposed". <br />
<br />
There was hope, though. My friend, Seth Travaglino, the gentleman who pointed out the potentially lawsuit-inducing flaw in my plan, suggested an alternative. Seth is a terrific guy, one of the most talented people I know (and a great dad and teacher, too -- He's a triple threat). He graciously read my script and made two suggestions.<br />
<br />
Seth is ingrained in the theater arts community in the Tampa area. He offered to bring in someone who could write original music to fit the script. I jumped at the offer.<br />
<br />
Seth also suggested something else. Every year, our Junior Thespians troupe at school (I've written about Thespians before, but in a nutshell, think Competitive Theater for kids) performs a One Act at competition. Seth asked if, perhaps, we could edit my script, add music and have the kids perform this original piece for the One Act competition.<br />
<br />
Butterflies. No, butterflies doesn't describe the feeling correctly. Adrenaline? Anxiety? Not quite right either. I'm sure there is a more accurate word. I'm just not sure what it is.<br />
<br />
Time for some truth about writing and me. I love writing. Since you're reading this, I'm guessing you kind of figured that on your own (but it is still very meta to mention, right?) Sometimes when I write about writing, it generates some very reassuring responses, which are all very kind, but it makes me feel like I'm pandering for response. I'm not. That's not to say the responses aren't incredibly appreciated -- more than you'll ever know, really. But, again, that feels like pandering which is what I'm trying to avoid in the first place.<br />
<br />
I mention the butterflies/anxiety/adrenaline/neurosis and my response to response because when Seth suggested we take this to competition, I was flooded with two contradictory feelings: overwhelming excitement and overwhelming fear.<br />
<br />
When I'm done writing this blog post and I hit "publish", my heart will race. "Going Public" with thoughts, feelings, memories, emotions creates the same feeling in me as if I'd ingested 15 cans of Red Bull. I'm excited and tingly and nervous and edgy. I imagine this must be what my kids feel like on stage. The vulnerability of it is exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. And I get like that for a simple, mundane blog post. Now, put yourself in my shoes and extrapolate that feeling -- knowing the words you write are going to be performed, publicly on stage by people you know and love, along with extraordinary music (thank you, Blake Conley -- your art is as inspiring as it is masterful) in front of an audience of strangers. A thousand thoughts and feeling crisscross all at the same time. Great big huge, hairy, fang-bearing, blood-sucking butterflies. <br />
<br />
Yes, this is a kids' show. Yes, I understand some of you will accuse me of being overly dramatic (not the first time I've been accused of that. Probably won't be the last.) The incredibly high quality work that Seth creates on stage would change your mind, I promise. Kids show? Yes. But it is not trivial or trite by any means.<br />
<br />
In my show, one of the story lines has a boy coaching his friend on how to ask out a girl. The boy being coached is concerned because he's never admitted to this girl his feelings for her. He's afraid of her response. He is having a hard time being vulnerable. His friend gives him this advice:<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"C<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">lose your fist. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">When your hand is in a fist, nothing can hurt the inside.
But nothing can get in, either.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Now open
it up.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Sure, it’s
vulnerable now.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">But it doesn’t keep
everything out, either. (Puts a piece of candy in his hand) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s one or the other.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Have an open hand.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">You
won’t regret it." </span></i><br />
<br />
I took my character's advice. Here I am with an open hand. It's exhilarating and terrifying. I can't wait to see this thing on stage. It's exhilarating and terrifying and it's exactly as it's supposed to be.<br />
<br />
But let's back-up a little bit. Before we get to the point where this story could be performed as a one act, it had to actually be <u>one </u>act. When I wrote the original script, pilfering other people's music and bending it to my will, I wanted to fit in as many amazing (and apparently illicit) songs as I possibly could. So, the script was a traditional two act show. Okay -- not exactly a "traditionally" two act....it was a long-ass, jam-packed two act show.<br />
<br />
You might think, well, it shouldn't be that hard to edit a two act show down to one. Cut some story threads here and there. Take a major character or two and push them to the background. Make sure you hit the themes harder and faster. No big whup. Right? Right.<br />
<br />
And you'd be absolutely correct. If you weren't the writer of the piece. And if you were, you'd stress. You ask, "How can I take out a single perfect word?" Then, you make deals with yourself. You find ways to turn three sentences into one. You condense descriptive words into a single describer. You find less important themes and untangle them from the story. You make it work. And with every cut, with every reduction, you agonize. It's analogous to pulling out every hair on your head, one hair at a time.<br />
<br />
And after the multiple surgeries, you prepare to take off the bandages -- a read-through without editing. A read-through to ensure the spirit of the piece lived through the process. To ensure your characters were still who they were supposed to be. To see if the retold story is the story you want to tell.<br />
<br />
So, I did all of that. And when I was done, I realized, the process was the best thing to ever happen to my writing. If necessity is the mother of invention, she must also be the aunt to creativity. This process forced me to find an economy of words. To ensure each word had impact. To ensure each word had necessity. To make the very best story as tightly wound as possible without extraneous thoughts or notions or verbiage. It helped me make something better than what I had made before.<br />
<br />
And so, it was then, when I handed over this new one-act creation of beauty to Seth and we started to discuss time restrictions (One Acts can be no longer than 40 minutes, from set-up to strike) that the realization struck me -- my beautiful, finely tuned, dare I say 'perfect' editorial effort was, well, at least twice as long as could be allowed. Crap.<br />
<br />
Long (long...LONG!) story shorten....this happened a few times. The script needed further edits for time. And each time I edited it, I thought I could find no further way of cutting it without losing the integrity of the story. And yet, with each round, somehow, I felt like it became more pure and really what it should have been to start. Through this process, I learned to write a better story (none of those skills are on display in this particular blog piece, though. So sorry.)<br />
<br />
There is another really important part to the story of the short but eventful life of this one act, and that is the collaborative process that helped it become a real show. Our partnership deserves a blog post all of its own -- it was magical and reassuring and awesome in so many ways. Seth Travaglino brought in Blake Conley, our uber-talented composer and lyricist. This is not an exaggeration -- the first time I listened to a song Blake wrote for the show, my jaw went slack and I was speechless. As you all know, for me, that's a true rarity.Last night, I played a song for the kids that Blake recorded recently -- Will, by far my most discriminating child and harshest critic, very seriously told me that Les Miserables has been replaced as his favorite musical by this show. It wasn't my writing that affected him. It was these amazing, addictive songs. Blake, my friend, your talent astounds me.<br />
<br />
And the driving force through this process was Seth himself. Every team needs a rock, someone to give vision, keep focus, and lead. Seth is so good at all those things, it's hardly noticeable when huge leaps of progress are achieved. Working with both Seth and Blake, I am humbled by their enormous artistic and humanistic abilities. And I'm grateful to have been a part of this group effort. As I wrote earlier, this topic really deserves an entire blog post, but until I can make that happen, it would have been criminal not to give them the utmost credit I possibly can. From the depths of my soul, thank you, Seth and Blake. <br />
<br />
So, onward this little show goes -- today, kids received the script and music to start the learning process. By November 8th, it'll be a full fledged one act production, brought to life via the talents of co-directors extraordinaire Seth Travaglino and Micheal Vokoun. This should be an amazing ride. On occasion, I'll post an update or two. <br />
<br />
Welcome to life, "Understudies". You're in good hands. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkpYL34SJiuGVJFiQ2KEsVuS0V_jbXlu8oCzO9ogKKECupu6-LKDREAtB1aHJlOE9dPxgfkLq6NTm4lPbFGnIwWly6fK951QvM8vS4F2wO-dFqSY8bWSNIt_9P7OO6fNny0RpPlRKTl8/s1600/Understudies+w+credits.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkpYL34SJiuGVJFiQ2KEsVuS0V_jbXlu8oCzO9ogKKECupu6-LKDREAtB1aHJlOE9dPxgfkLq6NTm4lPbFGnIwWly6fK951QvM8vS4F2wO-dFqSY8bWSNIt_9P7OO6fNny0RpPlRKTl8/s1600/Understudies+w+credits.png" height="320" width="274" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03683246525076214400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-30047239750541998702014-06-03T09:48:00.001-04:002014-06-03T14:08:31.648-04:00The Auld Lang Sine, Corbett Prep School Year 2013-2014<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">The last day of school, to me, has always felt a little bit like the end of the holiday season in December. So much to to grateful for, so much to look forward to, and a little hint of sadness to see the previous year go. So, as we look back, and look forward, and are a little sad, let's take a moment to take it all in.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyl_n3xAe9U2hVeG9H5-8Qd1OIOH6Ixgdnjrt8iOLFWN1BiAlbcdd-tF4pE9sHuaH-dST0nxwWeOVS5Ch7ydwKt5c4cXsKIsXso4HEYh1sGYuip1ykW9TwnAyKY88G23qmZxk-uPI_lbo/s1600/Sam+-+Moving+Up+Ceremony+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyl_n3xAe9U2hVeG9H5-8Qd1OIOH6Ixgdnjrt8iOLFWN1BiAlbcdd-tF4pE9sHuaH-dST0nxwWeOVS5Ch7ydwKt5c4cXsKIsXso4HEYh1sGYuip1ykW9TwnAyKY88G23qmZxk-uPI_lbo/s1600/Sam+-+Moving+Up+Ceremony+2014.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Congratulations to all our Corbett Prep friends on another terrific school year. We're so grateful for this wonderful school community -- the learning and experiences our kids have taken part in. 2013-2014 was an amazing school year in so many ways.</span><br />
<div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;">
As we enter 2014-2015 with an 8th grader -- only one year from high school!!!, a 6th grader, a 3rd grader, and (gulp) the littlest guy entering Corbett as a PreK 3 student, the expectations are high for an amazing ride!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTD_c27SMDazKF35NVGnCcVDYLUBNnJ383lahtw3rvccMl6lfGt3v0z_Z91E-bgrY91vvAPLnS51H18RjNp_SjuOR6M1SN13BlbXQYgdVqJdO6J9aaTgvht5Y8DtX5wM91CmrQwJF6j0/s1600/Emma+-+Dance+Competition+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTD_c27SMDazKF35NVGnCcVDYLUBNnJ383lahtw3rvccMl6lfGt3v0z_Z91E-bgrY91vvAPLnS51H18RjNp_SjuOR6M1SN13BlbXQYgdVqJdO6J9aaTgvht5Y8DtX5wM91CmrQwJF6j0/s1600/Emma+-+Dance+Competition+2014.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;">
Beyond the classroom, beyond the lunches and car rides to/from school, beyond the homework battles and last minute touches on seemingly every major project, beyond the memorization of lines and living room dance recitals, beyond complaints of the restrictions imposed by the dress code and constant battle to figure out where one of the kids might have left their lunchbox.... Beyond all the craziness, all the endless, frenetic, constant, "wouldn't have it any other way" craziness... This year wouldn't have been so special without our tightly woven net of Corbett Prep friends, both child and adult.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIG0szS4QjjKrTbPC-1F_ZWJUXD6aCwjgbv3fmtJMzQzwa8AWgZIOd6AgFYQd5MYMVwz3Rv5uuQmXXDzMY5Fw_aHs_uChesPW0moJoMWmahOHKjQVcwBFA8TK6ZGwzAt82PiYNf-PKneM/s1600/Will+-+On+the+Lake+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIG0szS4QjjKrTbPC-1F_ZWJUXD6aCwjgbv3fmtJMzQzwa8AWgZIOd6AgFYQd5MYMVwz3Rv5uuQmXXDzMY5Fw_aHs_uChesPW0moJoMWmahOHKjQVcwBFA8TK6ZGwzAt82PiYNf-PKneM/s1600/Will+-+On+the+Lake+2014.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>Years from now, when we look back on these days as fond memories of simpler times (they're </div>
always simpler in retrospect, right?), it won't be the homework nor projects nor lunches nor dress code that will be featured. It will be the times we laughed about the homework, and the times we commiserated about the challenges creating the picky child lunch", and the moments we debated amongst ourselves whether a logo was or wasn't dress code compliant, and the memory of discussing creative ways to ensure a project was up to snuff. Homework, projects, lunches, dress code, grades, field trips -- they are the framework of where our memories will live, but it is our friends who we will always remember bringing beauty to that framework.<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDRGSDONqWjdXBrnT8404uXCUAjfGLOTGGaZt3E6EDK5EW7vsEW53e9w4xl5W9jLI_XANoUvJb65gcTbjLGs2thdWuoW-G8otQsfV6mkfSQ5kB0ZNXWpYuQvzJb4ozKZolfaUVwu46K0/s1600/Jack+-+Egg+Drop+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDRGSDONqWjdXBrnT8404uXCUAjfGLOTGGaZt3E6EDK5EW7vsEW53e9w4xl5W9jLI_XANoUvJb65gcTbjLGs2thdWuoW-G8otQsfV6mkfSQ5kB0ZNXWpYuQvzJb4ozKZolfaUVwu46K0/s1600/Jack+-+Egg+Drop+2014.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;">
Thank you all for being a part of our family's school experience this year, for allowing us to be a part of yours, for being there in moments great and not-so-great, for laughing with us, for helping us through moments when we were on the brink of tears, for having our back so many times and allowing us to return the favor on occasion. Thank you for sharing your kids with us, and for the loving way you have accepted ours in your life. Thank you for your friendship and so much more. </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;">
Saying goodbye to this year is tough and exciting at the same time. It was an amazing year of growth. But just like the inevitable turn of the seasons, the end of the school year is followed by a joyous summer break, followed by the start of the next adventure. And we go into it knowing we have each other, not simply our Corbett Prep friends, but, really, more accurately, our Corbett Prep family.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03683246525076214400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-39532441660879811432014-04-10T15:43:00.001-04:002014-04-10T16:11:07.429-04:00How I Fell in Love with Fiddler<div class="MsoNormal">
A father was saying goodbye to his daughter at the train
station. She was going away, going away
to be a grown up, but her father would always see her as his little girl. She was going far away, into difficult circumstances,
facing many unknowns. Her father had responsibilities
at home to the rest of his family, so she had to go alone. Their goodbye ran chills up my spine and
filled my eyes with tears.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It could have been me on that train platform, in the
uncomfortable quiet before the inevitable goodbye. It could have been a grown Emma, naively
comforting me and assuring me it would all be okay. That’s what I saw in my mind’s eye. It was an incredible emotional connection I
made at that train station.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFx6fcpT8AsFDPuM5TrH3Kc7xVJN-E2lYkMNSUs7WMEWkXhkZWFHgDZe4Zl7Gho2IPu4jkesGQu0axnYUdoAV6QGUQ2jAlkUDcPAsOe7q13WhUgjjKRMPKcMA6FEI8XIFup6boItTrMDw/s1600/Fiddler+cast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFx6fcpT8AsFDPuM5TrH3Kc7xVJN-E2lYkMNSUs7WMEWkXhkZWFHgDZe4Zl7Gho2IPu4jkesGQu0axnYUdoAV6QGUQ2jAlkUDcPAsOe7q13WhUgjjKRMPKcMA6FEI8XIFup6boItTrMDw/s1600/Fiddler+cast.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>But it wasn’t me. In
fact, it wasn’t really a father and daughter.
More than that, the train station was three feet off the ground, on a
stage in front of me. I was watching 12,
13 and 14 year olds transform into adults.
This emotionally effective moment came from a middle school performance
of <i>Fiddler on the Roof</i>. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, as I sat there, mesmerized and half-considering yelling
out to Tevye to <u>not</u> let her go – as I sat there, in that moment, I
realized that I had to admit how very wrong I was. Not for the consideration of giving Tevye
very public parenting advice…had I seen this show one more time, I don’t know
if I could hold that in. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was wrong because when the middle school musical was
announced, the majority of people involved were uber-excited. Jack, my middle
schooler who this affected the most in our family, couldn’t wait. The director, a good friend of mine, told me <i>Fiddler</i> was one of his favorite shows
and I later came to understand that he would only produce it with just the
right group of kids. The excitement level
among our friends who are parents of middle-schoolers seemed sky high. I’m now embarrassed to admit, my reaction
could most accurately be described as “meh”.
But that, you see, was my own fault, my own doing. I didn’t get it. I do now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For many of you, the thought of <u>any</u> emotion at the
unveiling of a school musical selection is whimsical, at best. However, I know many others of you live in a
household similar to mine… the school musical isn’t just some light and airy “oh,
isn’t that fun” kind of thing. In my
home, the school musical takes over – we’ll be reading lines, listening to
music, practicing choreography, diving into background material, searching for
costuming pieces – for months and months.
That’s to say nothing of the emotional investment in the rehearsal
process – the time the kids spend together, the (hopefully) lifelong bonds they
form, and the stories they tell us. So,
the unveiling of the musical is not just some flighty and fun passing moment in
our house. In our house, it’s an EVENT
in capital letters.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When <i>Fiddler</i> was
announced, my brain sunk deep into its recesses (not to suggest my brain is too
deep, just that as shallow as it may be, it sunk to its deepest parts) and
dusted off some memories and deep seated emotions… The memory that jumped to mind was watching <i>Fiddler on the Roof</i> on TV as a child, at
maybe seven years old or so. I remember
it as boring, frankly. I remember it all
looked old. I remember people with funny
accents and jokes that the adults laughed at but didn’t seem funny to me at
all. I remember being bored…. And I remember my parents explaining how this
was a movie about our people. My family’s
ancestry – both sides -- is a direct line from Eastern European Judaism. I think they thought this fact would make me
love the movie more when, in fact, it drove me further away. I didn’t want to be associated with this
movie or the people in it or the stories they lived… (I may need to see Woody Allen’s therapist to
really dig deep into this counter-intuitive reaction. But, I’m fairly sure, I’m not the lone Jew in
modern day who felt this way. Maybe we could
get a group session…)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjxA96xZu-1zkH3qC5n77BfwPXct-sIH90UtCWrRn1P6glzpyPySbJ9H7bXjo-ms0U1nyc2HeYGROduN8RRurVe9uz5aT1uNTKGIcWQ6fJEmTd7cTLd2UDI0WEyJpR0onzuI5PXDyLms/s1600/Fiddler+Boys+Lazar+and+Tevye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjxA96xZu-1zkH3qC5n77BfwPXct-sIH90UtCWrRn1P6glzpyPySbJ9H7bXjo-ms0U1nyc2HeYGROduN8RRurVe9uz5aT1uNTKGIcWQ6fJEmTd7cTLd2UDI0WEyJpR0onzuI5PXDyLms/s1600/Fiddler+Boys+Lazar+and+Tevye.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>When Fiddler was announced, I tried to get past my apathy
and tried to get excited for Jack and all the other kids. I knew – in my heart, I knew – this is a show
that people love. I have complete trust
in the gentleman directing the show. He
is an amazingly talented and caring guy, and his standards for what goes on
that stage are incredibly high. I trust
him... So, I knew there had to be
redeeming value in this show. I just had
to get past my own head trash. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We watched the movie with Jack. So, okay, it was much better than I
remembered. I secretly cursed my parents
for making me watch it as a seven year old – and then realized that Emma just
watched it with us. She’s seven. Oops.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the next couple months, Jack came home with stories and
tidbits from his rehearsals. It was
clear that he had fallen in love with his part (Motel the Tailor) and the
show. He’d regale me with the things he’d
learned about Judaism in the early 1900’s.
He’d retell stories of character development and symbolism and authentic
dances. His excitement was
palatable. And that helped me. But it didn’t get me over the hump.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the weeks before the show, I happened upon IMDB’s <i>Fiddler on the Roof</i> page. As I commonly
do, I wandered over to the “Quotes” section and started perusing. <i>Tevye: As
the good book says, when a poor man eats a chicken, one of them is sick.
</i>Hey – that really is clever. And I
read more. Tevye: <span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: #FCFAE7; color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><i>I know, I know. We are Your chosen people.
But, once in a while, can't You choose someone else?</i> As I read more
and more, I came to appreciate how finessed this writing really was. How had I missed that before? Well, it is a
classic, right? This brought on the much
deserved self-imposed head slap as I uttered “duh” to myself. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the show opened, I came to the theater with a much more
open mind. And what I experienced watching
this show, I still have a difficult time putting into words. I mean that literally. After the first show, I found my friend who
had directed the show and I could not form the words to tell him what a
profound impact the show had on me.
Wordless. Me! Mark the time and
date, as that was a first and might be the last time that happens to me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4p53HWqg_hwhKiQfnV_1QHXsUMEShEfN5meoyfO9U4A4Rz8beLciaCWD_ZZLFOHUeU9iz5s1QlvUJXOaG2icc_YA0qB6LBDYyFZ5yr6P-gevZx6xgfRR6BsWC0rTEcNBnv_26Mn7_aI/s1600/Fiddler+cast+circle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4p53HWqg_hwhKiQfnV_1QHXsUMEShEfN5meoyfO9U4A4Rz8beLciaCWD_ZZLFOHUeU9iz5s1QlvUJXOaG2icc_YA0qB6LBDYyFZ5yr6P-gevZx6xgfRR6BsWC0rTEcNBnv_26Mn7_aI/s1600/Fiddler+cast+circle.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>The show opens in darkness, with the sound of live
instruments tuning. Our show had musicians
– live musicians! – who volunteered their time to play. We had teachers and teachers’ spouses and
alumni and friends who volunteered their time – lots of their time – to come
play for this show. And these people
were no mere amateurs. They played
beautifully and added an element of warmth to the production. How incredibly fortunate we are to have folks
of this quality play for our kids’ show.
It was magical.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first vision on the stage was of the cast forming a semi-circle
at the back, all dressed as Russian peasants from 1905 The Fiddler, perched on the roof of the
little stage house, played the familiar <i>Fiddler</i>
tune, and on walked Tevye. Our shows are
all double cast, meaning there are two kids who play each role – when one is “on
cast” (meaning playing the casted role), the other is in the ensemble in their “off
cast” role. The first performance I
attended was for Jack’s “on cast”. In this cast, Tevye was played by an eighth
grader named Eli. I’ve known Eli for a
number of years, and he’s a wonderful kid, always a smile on face. I’ve seen him act and even do some improvisation
work. I knew he was talented. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But when Eli walked on that stage, he wasn’t Eli the smiling
eighth grader playing Tevye. He <u>was</u>
Tevye. The costume helped, but something
inside Eli made that character come alive. His mannerisms, his accent, his relationship
with the other characters, his relationship with God – he was Tevye. I lost myself watching his performance. Had you told me this was a professional
production with kids who had been on stage since birth, I would not have blinked. Eli started the show – and then the rest of
the cast came in – Golde, Tzeidel, Hodel, Chava, Perchik, Yente, Feyedka, Lazar
and, yes, Motel came to life, too. We
were transported back in time in a way I’ve never experienced. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It wasn’t just the lines that were spoken, although they
were spoken well. It was the little
moments. It was the reaction to the dialog. It was the very real relationships these kids
had with each other, being given to us, the audience, as a gift. I watched Jack and one of the female cast members,
a friend of his in real life, react to the news that their characters were
being forced out of their town. Devastation. And I watched as they tried to silently
comfort each other. The looks on their faces.
The trust they had in each other. It was a small moment, hidden behind
the main action happening at the front of the stage – but that little moment
was so powerful for me. I felt what they
felt. I was hurting because of their
pain. And, yes, they are 12, 13 and 14
year olds on that stage. Think what you
will, but it was a moment that will last in my memories forever.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The music became electric.
This “old” show, in my mind at least, infected me with its musical
charms. Jack performance of “Miracle of
Miracles” became an earworm for me (here is the video if you’d like to see for
yourself: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXBftynKOLw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXBftynKOLw</a>),
but <u>all</u> of the music was unbelievably fantastic. I recognize that isn’t very descriptive for a
writer to write “unbelievably fantastic” but I’ll remind you that I am at a
loss for words…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That loss for words extends to what may amount to be my favorite moment ever that I've watched Jack on stage. If you think of musical theater as "compartments" -- the big three are "acting", "singing", and "dancing". Of those three, Jack has always felt least comfortable with the last one -- dancing. However, knowing that he wanted to be on that stage and not limited, he worked to overcome his lack of natural dance ability. He was so serious about it that he asked us to enroll him in ballet classes, which, by the way, helped him immensely! In <i>Fiddler</i>, Model and Tzeidel get married at a very traditional Eastern European Jewish wedding. And at this wedding, the men do a very traditional "Bottle Dance" where they balance an empty bottle of wine on their heads and dance until it falls. The dance they do is intricate and difficult. I thought, surely, we'd cut this from the staged version of the show. Nope. I watched Jack and some of his closest friends perform a stunning bottle dance, live, for seven performances of this show. The nauced performance they give gives me chills. To know the love this group of boys have for each other and to see their breathtaking achievement -- no words. This was the jaw-dropping, audience frenzy-inducing moment of the show. (Here is one performance, if you are interested in seeing it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEL4J8bIu_Q)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After seeing the show for the first time, my head was
spinning. How would a group of kids, not
even in high school, give a performance like that? The answer is clearly – they bought into it,
too. They fell in love with this
show. I was starting to understand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had the pleasure of seeing the show again the next day,
with the other cast. After what I had
experienced the first night, I wasn’t sure what my expectations should have
been, but, no surprise, the other cast knocked it out of the ball in the same
way Jack’s cast had. It was different –
but so engrossing and beautiful and tangible…. And again, my head was
spun. These kids, most of whom I’ve
known for years and seen do fine work in other shows – beyond “fine” actually…I’ve
seen them do phenomenal work in other
shows…. but in this show, they took it to a level beyond anything I could have
comprehended before seeing it. Maybe the
right word is “enchanting”. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After three shows from each cast, we were blessed with the
opportunity to watch the staff and alumni of our school perform in one
performance, with the kids providing the ensemble. It, too, was magical – and not just because Blythe
performed the role of Grandma Tzeidel to perfection! I walked out of that last show as a
convert. I had become a <i>Fiddler</i> fan!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNh5ct3gTu6YntJGpdmkqF2Mq3y7crD5_Rxr-7w7lfSswBwBzaF3Pib4Imt-PFbHZ35hoCuAi2_jrlTznQfT3xfoHG5ZoEoTkLMQ6e5nwhTrrDIHLXrKoLjeD12CH-ti2-_DJX-YOjadI/s1600/Jack+and+the+Fiddler+Cast+post+show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNh5ct3gTu6YntJGpdmkqF2Mq3y7crD5_Rxr-7w7lfSswBwBzaF3Pib4Imt-PFbHZ35hoCuAi2_jrlTznQfT3xfoHG5ZoEoTkLMQ6e5nwhTrrDIHLXrKoLjeD12CH-ti2-_DJX-YOjadI/s1600/Jack+and+the+Fiddler+Cast+post+show.jpg" height="172" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As with all shows, the kids get incredibly close. However, there was something about the magic
of this show that made even that different.
When the shows were over, the emotions ran high. For our eighth graders, this was their last
hurrah as a middle school performers.
Seventh graders were being handed the leadership mantle. There were lots of tears and lots of laughs…and
lots of hugs. They were a family, saying
goodbye….like Tevye at the train station.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve been so fortunate to have such an amazing “theater
family” around us in all the shows the kids have been a part of the past few
years. It shapes Blythe and I as much as
it shapes them. We, too, have formed bonds that will, hopefully, last a
lifetime. These shows are really special
moments in our lives. I was worried that
<i>Fiddler</i> wouldn’t be <i>as</i> special. Wow – how wrong I was… With that new mindset, I say “L’Chiam”!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03683246525076214400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-46690951556562509372014-03-28T23:15:00.001-04:002014-03-28T23:30:35.761-04:00The Better Half<div>Most of the time, my blog posts center on my kids and some of the experience and lessons I've learned from them. This post is a little different. This one is about my partner in parenting, my partner in life.</div><div><br></div>As many of you know, my job has me on the road a lot. I've been on the road roughly half a month for each of the past four months. I love my job and I think I'm fairly good at it. The one part that's so tough is knowing, even after I come home from one trip, there is a date in the near future where I will have to say goodbye again for for the next one.<div><br></div><div>But, frankly, I probably have the easy part.</div><div><br></div><div>When I leave, my headaches are composed of uncooperative airlines and weather not designed for speedy travel. However, at home, life goes on. Early morning wake ups for band, a little boy who needs the attention of a parent from the moment his eyes open, a little girl who doesn't want to open her eyes (but school beckons anyway), lunches that need to be assembled, breakfasts for all, rides to school in traffic (and sometimes rain -- and we all know what happens to Tampa traffic when it rains...), permission slips to be signed, goodbye kisses to be delivered -- and that only he first two hours in the morning. It's hard enough when there are two of us, but when I leave town, somehow, Blythe manages on her own.</div><div><br></div><div>She manages the laundry. She manages the meals. She manages the rehearsals and the dance practices and after school activities and the homework and the dog and bedtime routines... And she does it with grace.</div><div><br></div><div>I know the term survivor guilt is usually applied to a situation where two people experience similar circumstances and only one survives, but I going to take some liberty here and explain that I feel "survivor" guilt when I'm on the road.</div><div><br></div><div>Blythe rarely complains, but I know when she has had a bad day. And a bad day isn't comprised of those activities I listed above -- that's a normal day. A bad day is all those responsibilities while dealing with a cell phone that refuses to work properly and realizing that my travel schedule means that she can't be at a Girl Scout sleep over for Emma and having the kids catch colds and not feeling so hot herself and having one of the animals get sick in the house....</div><div><br></div><div>Survivor guilt because I want to help -- all I want to do is my part to help -- but I can't because I'm not there.</div><div><br></div><div>Blythe is a trooper. She's been down this road with me before. She knows the trials of the traveling husband. She doesn't complain. And sometimes, that makes me feel worse.</div><div><br></div><div>I don't think this public sentiment of appreciation can aptly demonstrate my most sincere appreciation for all Blythe does for our family.... She's our glue and our rock. Not just when I travel. Always. I'm very lucky. </div><div><br></div><div>But tonight, when I only got to speak with her for twenty minutes between all the plates she was spinning and her desperate need for sleep after having a tough night with Sam last night -- and getting up at the crack of dawn for Emma's field trip this morning...and still dealing with the other wake ups, and lunch preps, and breakfast needs, etc... I feel selfish for wanting more of her time tonight when she needed it for recovery. So, instead, I'm just going appreciate her a little more, hope she is sleeping well, and look forward to my trip home on Monday when the team is reunited again. I love you, Blythe. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03683246525076214400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-73591159438450922722014-03-15T16:41:00.001-04:002014-03-16T04:11:43.100-04:00Hiking.I took my daughters to the mountains today and after a gentle hike the weather seemed likely to change so we headed back down. We did not make it to the waterfalls but one day we will. My "Dad moment" was when we were halfway along the trial, sitting on a rock looking out across the landscape and we just talked. I wanted them to stop and pay attention to the journey and not just the prize.<br />
<br />
The landscape of Utah is beautiful but the time with my kids was my gift. I required them to walk ahead of me and the youngest wanted to take the lead. She lead us up the hill. She wanted the responsibility, stayed on the path and learned to step aside for others. Just like her Dad does on escalators in airports. My kids were courteous to every person and I am so very proud of them.<br />
<br />
Having experiences with my kids allows me to know who they are and I cannot get to know them without allowing them to have some room to breath. The same goes with adult relationships and they will one day be adults also. I am in no hurry for that.<br />
<br />
While we were sitting on that rock I tried to instill in them the benefits of just sitting still. Take moments to pause and appreciate life and just enjoy it. I am still working on that concept with them and just as I saw the beauty of the mountains we were looking at was the beauty in their eyes and how me needing to teach them is teaching me the same lesson.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-77947600460024993312014-03-07T13:15:00.001-05:002014-03-07T13:15:26.784-05:00The WHY of Me<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
I was a quirky kid. Those of you who know me now probably
find that shocking. Or, maybe not. But, yes, it’s true -- I was a quirky
kid. One of the defining moments of my
childhood was the result of a quirk. To this day, I remember the moment vividly
-- probably because I received a fairly severe admonishment from my fourth grade teacher. I was accused of looking at someone else’s paper while taking a spelling test. But.... well. The truth? I <i>was</i> looking at my neighbor’s paper.
Just not for the reasons you might think. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tE5Gm00zsaBZBGzsN5YRN3LDBp-7iic9PuCzOjvyMyjRwLXGHr1I2uhcYMP-2LDgtmU-4qIGlnAlGxg6IYkddPhnZLZL_cFdIOCmSz0lcW95UO3neK1T56a4m-2Es-QjlfFWnqhe6CU/s1600/spelling+test+flickr+elginwx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tE5Gm00zsaBZBGzsN5YRN3LDBp-7iic9PuCzOjvyMyjRwLXGHr1I2uhcYMP-2LDgtmU-4qIGlnAlGxg6IYkddPhnZLZL_cFdIOCmSz0lcW95UO3neK1T56a4m-2Es-QjlfFWnqhe6CU/s200/spelling+test+flickr+elginwx.jpg" width="200" /></a>You see, the first instruction the class was given for that particular
test was to “write your name on the upper right hand side of the paper”. Simple as that instruction was, it caused me great consternation. No, I knew my right from my left. (When I was in
the second grade, every morning after we said the Pledge of Allegiance, I would
push my right sleeve up over my elbow, having just used that right hand to
place over my heart which gave me confirmation I had the “right” right, and I left
the “left” sleeve down to help me remember my R’s and L’s throughout the
day. When it was warm and I wore only
t-shirts, I’d use the same mnemonic device, but with my socks instead. By the fourth grade, though, I had right and
left memorized. Quirky, I know.) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This simple instruction -- "write your name on the upper right hand side of the paper" -- made me sweat every time, regardless. Serious confusion engulfed my brain and a battle inside
it ensued. Did the teacher intend for me
to write my name on <i><u>my</u></i> right
hand side of the paper or the right hand side of the paper <i><u>as if I were the paper</u></i>? If she had simply said “right”
instead of “right hand” I believe I would have understood more clearly, but “right
hand” implied <u>ownership</u> of the handedness – and even though the paper itself
had no hand <i>per se</i>, if it had had a hand, it would have been, in fact, on my
<i>left</i> hand side. So, I did what I thought
I had to do – I looked for confirmation on my neighbor’s paper. I just needed to see where he wrote his name….
and I got caught. Being nine years old,
I was fairly inept at explaining why my eyes wandered, so I accepted the
consequences. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See what I mean?
Quirky.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I mention this because of another quirky childhood story
which was recently unearthed from the crevices of my brain. This one stems from back in second grade as my
class was putting on a “Mother’s Day” event.
All our mom’s were invited into our (kinda) beautifully decorated classroom. My classmates and I had made cakes and other
barely recognizable pastries that looked exactly like they were made by seven
year olds. For this event, each student stood
in the front of the room, held up their hand-drawn picture,
and pontificated about the greatness of their mom. There I was, in the front of the room (my
right hand sleeve pushed up; the left one down), and I read off my reasoning for why <i>my</i>
mom was so great – “She takes care of me when I’m sick”. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLHaMbZO2VbgwPw7Amy-CjjWF2rZJw9jaeYMyi775VxYGr6g12-vWFptbZ79X-ImmzMHjsM1LwYptyVh5mT9jGqTfT20cemcO8k5wypJzcuibWDmHA7tpQfzdgYV9flpwPIaV4svsVlo/s1600/mother's+day+clip+art+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLHaMbZO2VbgwPw7Amy-CjjWF2rZJw9jaeYMyi775VxYGr6g12-vWFptbZ79X-ImmzMHjsM1LwYptyVh5mT9jGqTfT20cemcO8k5wypJzcuibWDmHA7tpQfzdgYV9flpwPIaV4svsVlo/s200/mother's+day+clip+art+2013.jpg" width="200" /></a>On our ride home, my mom asked me why I had chosen that particular
idea to illustrate why I loved her so much.
She seemed disappointed. And I understood. My proclamation of love for my mom was kind of crappy. But the truth was, I had had a really, really
hard time trying to put into words why I loved my mom. I mean, not only did my seven year old
vocabulary have some severe limitations, but the complexity of explaining
why my mom was the greatest, best, most awesome mom in the whole world in one
or two sentences was paralyzing. So, I
looked at what my neighbors were doing (are you sensing a theme here?) and kind
of went with the general consensus of “mom’s take care of us”. If it was good enough for Bobby and Kim, who
sat at my table, it was good enough for me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The problem was that it really wasn’t good enough. And I knew it. I knew it, but I couldn’t do anything about
it. I didn’t have the words. I was incapable of explaining what I felt
inside. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve come to find that the game was rigged from the
start. It wasn’t my answer that was the
issue; it was the question being asked. “Why
do you love your mother?” Biologically,
the human brain is not wired to answer this question.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/caveman-7124416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/caveman-7124416.jpg" width="185" /></a>Long story short, our caveman ancestors had different
everyday concerns than does modern man.
Whereas we bitch and complain about work, never having enough money,
laundry piling up and the neighbor being a drunk, the first humans on earth had to deal
with other life issues like defending themselves from tigers, how to get some
sleep and not be some bear’s breakfast, carrying things around before we figured
out the whole “wheel” thing and having a love/hate relationship with fire. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Talking was not the strong suit of the caveman. Grunting worked just fine to express their
needs. They had very real emotions, just
like their modern day brethren: fear and love being two of the strongest, but
they did not have the capacity or need to communicate those emotions in words. Emotions existed to help them survive.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Brain_limbicsystem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Brain_limbicsystem.jpg" width="152" /></a>As we developed into our more modern form, circumstances in
our lives have changed considerably. Our brains have developed more abilities – the ability
to communicate developed out of a need to form more complex communities. We still had the “caveman” core – the Limbic
brain – which controls things like emotion, motivation, long-term memory, but
we also added an outer region which allowed us more communication and reasoning
skills.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, the Limbic brain, where emotions form, has no language
functions itself. It wasn’t designed for
that. Has anyone ever asked you why you love
your spouse, and while you know you do, you have a difficult time coming up
with the words to describe why? Your
Limbic brain knows you’re in love but it isn’t real good at using the more complex
and developed communication centers of the “outer” brain. (For anyone with actual medical knowledge reading
this, please forgive my simplification in this explanation. My outer brain is not nearly developed enough
to adequately explain brain function.)
So, literally, there is a biological reason that the seven year old me
couldn’t put into works why I loved my mom so much. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This limitation of the Limbic brain was brought to my
attention in a book I’m reading called <u>Start with Why </u>by Simon
Sinek. It’s about how certain leaders
and companies achieve great things while others, who seemingly are more capable,
fail. Mr. Sinek’s premise is that it is not
WHAT you do, but WHY you do it that determines your success.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For example, Mr. Sinek discusses how Apple has dominated in a
technologically saturated world. Ask
yourself this – What does Apple do that Dell or HP couldn’t? They are all “technology” companies,
right? Yet Apple dominates, innovates,
and leads the space while Dell and HP simply follow. Why?
Mr. Sinek’s explanation is that Apple has a very strong WHY while the
other two focus on their WHAT.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dell and HP think of themselves as computer or technology manufacturers.
They build very good machines which help people in their everyday life. That’s WHAT they do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apple is a company that from day one wanted to challenge the
status quo and make people’s lives better through the use of technology. Everything they do is built around that
notion. It empowers them to break the
rules. Consumers love the results because
it is designed with their exact wants and needs in mind. Because Apple has that
strong WHY, they can innovate and have built a cult like following who loves
them for it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://archiveteam.org/images/1/15/Apple-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://archiveteam.org/images/1/15/Apple-logo.jpg" width="170" /></a>Having a WHAT can be explained in words – WHAT's live in that
outer core of brain. Having a WHY is emotional. WHY's live in the Limbic brain. And when you get an entire organization with
that same emotional belief system, you get amazing results.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is certainly a lot more to this explanation that those
few paragraphs above, and I don’t think my brief explanation does the book
justice. If you’re interested, here is a link to a TED talk from Mr. Sinek on this subject.
Trust me, he does a FAR better job of explaining this concept than do I.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sioZd3AxmnE">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sioZd3AxmnE</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reading the book lead me to thinking about my parenting
skills. It occurred to me that these same concepts are
very relateable to raising a child or children.
When I first applied this concept to parenting, I almost
dismissed it, thinking, “my WHY is that I want to be the best parent I can
possibly be to my kids.” But that isn’t
a WHY. That’s a WHAT.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To get to my WHY, I needed much more introspection – and maybe
some therapy, but that’s yet to be determined!
Communicating WHY's doesn’t come easy.
Did I even have a WHY or was I just going through parenting my kids because
that’s WHAT I thought I was supposed to do?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After much thought, I do have a WHY. I’m not sure I have an easy-to-communicate, boiled-down WHY that I could print on t-shirts or coffee
mugs, but I’ll try. My WHY involves
doing everything in my power to ready my children to be successful and happy adults.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Again, this gets very complicated because there are so many
limbs on the tree that grows out of my WHY. Thinking it over, painfully, I’m fairly
certain my parenting WHY stems from my own failures to be ready for life as an
adult. I don’t blame anyone but myself for
that, and I eventually did grow up and figure some things out, but to say I was
a “late-bloomer” would be a kinder description
than one I would likely give. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.artsjournal.com/audience/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/report-card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://www.artsjournal.com/audience/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/report-card.jpg" width="200" /></a>Here is how my WHY affects my parenting. I’m very big on applauding not simply achievements
but just as equally (sometimes deliberately more predominantly) focusing on and
accentuating the work involved to create the achievement. For example, we recently received our kids’
second trimester report cards. Jack,
again, received straight A’s. As I’ve
discussed in previous blog posts, Jack is dyslexic. Back in third grade, Jack struggled and struggled
with every school assignment. Spelling
tests were torture. It frequently took
us four or five hours a night to complete homework. But, Jack persevered and adapted. He was the hardest worker I’ve ever
seen. I’m telling you honestly, I could
not have done with he did – he worked and worked and worked. He never complained. He put his head down and just worked. And he started to see the results. Eventually, he fully adapted to the point
that most people are unaware of his reading issues, but that work ethic stuck
with him. He knows what it takes and he
earns those A’s.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Will, life has been easier on the school work front. He started reading young and it has never
been a challenge for him. In fact,
school, in general, has never been overly challenging for Will. Sure, there have been assignments here and
reports there that tested him, but for the most part, Will has always been able
to get by on his wits. Then, fifth grade
happened.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fifth grade has been the first time Will has been truly challenged. The work has been harder and more
complex. And there is more of it. A lot more.
All of a sudden, things didn’t come quite so easily for Will. Now, he didn’t do poorly, but on his first
report card, there were a few B’s – something Will has never seen before. He
was upset. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, we had a talk and I told him the truth. This was one of the best opportunities that
he had in life. He had a choice. He could keep doing things the way he was,
using his natural skills, and he’d likely still get A’s and B’s – a maybe an
occasional C. Or, he could push himself. He could learn to work through issues. He could learn to never accept “good enough”. He could focus on his effort rather than taking
things easy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will accepted the challenge.
This wasn’t easy for Will. He had
to admit he had an issue – Will has a pretty high opinion of Will, so to admit
there was an issue was a great leap. And
over the next few months, we (Blythe, Will and I) worked together a lot on his
homework – more than we had ever done before.
In the past, Will would get home, cruise through his homework and jump
onto whatever Xbox game was en vogue at the time. Now, he would bring his homework to me, I’d
show him where he needed more effort, I’d give him examples of how to improve his
work, and I’d push him, sometimes to his frustration point, to not accept mediocre. There were several times when he was angry at
me for calling him out, but he always did the work, ultimately. And he admitted to me that he really didn’t
know what “complete” assignments looked like before we started this. It started to gel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, when Will’s 2nd Trimester report card also had straight-A’s,
we were beyond thrilled. And I made sure
to celebrate Will’s hard work that led to these results.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a part of my WHY.
When I was young, my report card was also celebrated – but generally for
the results on the paper, not the work involved in getting them. I took away that “being smart” was a real
attribute. I had no idea that “being
smart” alone got you nowhere in life.
Only combined with hard work does your brain capacity help you in any
way. My work ethic was lacking when I
was a young adult. I just “got by” because
I thought “being smart” would ultimately be my meal ticket (literally). It was a hard lesson for me to learn…and now,
as a part of my WHY, I try to ensure my kids understand, when it’s easier to
instill, rather than later in life when the lessons hurt a lot more. I can proudly say that Jack, Emma and, now
Will are well on their way to having a significantly developed work ethic that
could rival an adult’s. When Sam is old
enough, he, too will hear my message. It’s
a part of my WHY so he’ll have no choice but to hear it in everything I do…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is, of course, a lot more to this WHY. It is my desire to expose the kids to as many
facets of the realities of life as I can.
Another example – no one’s fault but mine, but I was not prepared to
understand money issues as a young adult.
Money issues – salaries, bills, mortgages, credit, etc. – were never discussed
around my house, and I never asked. It
took me a long, long time to understand the realities of money and how it affects
your life. I feel fortunate to have been
employed in positions that have allowed us to have a lifestyle we truly enjoy,
but in my younger years, there was a lot of hard knocks I wish I could have
avoided.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I spend as much time with my kids as I possibly can. It’s easy because I love being around them
and being with them is as much for me as it if for them.
But it also comes from my WHY. I
want them to know they have value and they should never feel devalued in their
worth. I spend time to help them understand
just how valued they are and to be proud of it.
Of course, I don’t just “tell” them over and over and over how valuable
they are. I try to show them – having real conversations
with them, inviting them to spend time with me, going places together, asking their
opinions and truly engaging their thoughts.
Having real interaction about things that are important to them. That’s how they can come to understand their
value.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are plenty of other examples of how I live my WHY, but
I won’t bore you with them here. The great
thing about a WHY is it comes out in everything I do… even writing a silly blog
about being a dad. Or posting on
Facebook some funny family interactions.
Or playing with my kids. Even jokingly embarrassing my kids in public because
I’m, you know…quirky.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I challenge you today.
Parent or not, think about yourself and the things you do. Think about what drives you to make decisions
and take action. Sit down and put into
words, the best you can, your WHY. I can
promise you, going forward, it’ll help bring clarity to your life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03683246525076214400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-89121686676309274692014-03-01T05:36:00.000-05:002014-03-01T05:36:57.709-05:00When the child raises the parentHere is a teaching exercise I never thought about until confronted with.<br />
<br />
How to teach a child to eat a sunflower seed? <br />
<br />
It isn't really that easy until it is easy. When I pay attention the whole process having been repeated thousands of times is quite involved. I got all philosophical on my kids which annoys them but they are getting used to it.<br /><br />"Crack the problem open gently enough to achieve the goal without obliterating it. Use precise skill to get the reward then spit out what is useless. But pay attention to what you are doing or you can choke on it. Did I ever learn or just realize I already knew?"<br />
<br />
My daughter says "Silly Dad, it is just a sunflower seed and I don't like this flavor."<br />
<br />
I enjoy how she just gets to the point. I remember when my oldest was just a bit over a year old she found a banana and noticed it was food. She figured out how to peel it and was about halfway through it before I found her. I just stood back at a distance and marveled at the miracle she is. It is a simple thing but in the context of a one year old there is no such thing as simple. Every action following each breath is a learning experience. I was happy to see she could figure things out and had instincts.<br />
<br />
Parenting was still new to me at the time and the shine had not worn off. I like to think it still hasn't and hope that it never will. Everyday they impress me and the lesson plan they create for me develops into something I don't expect.<br /><br />Of course now their intuition and instinct manifests itself in using my iPad, Android tablet, and cell phone to the degree that I feel they are no longer my possessions. Neither of my kids had to be taught how to use any of these gadgets. I still often wonder when I will get the excuse to teach them how to use a Thomas guide in case the battery runs out. There are no pay telephones I can teach them to use. I feel like a relic sometimes.<br /><br />I appreciate more and more what my parenting generation went through and they likely felt the same way raising me. I do insist on my kids knowing what a record player is but so much is available to them that I also hope the simple pleasure of eating one sunflower seed is noticed. <br /><br />I have made the mistake of not noticing simple things and it has cost me. They are now teaching me to pay more attention. I love them for this.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-59865572705508409852014-01-10T12:33:00.001-05:002014-01-11T07:57:37.682-05:00Breakfast at TrumanHaving my kids for a weekday overnight I decided to celebrate by hanging out for awhile at my 1st grader's school. They allow parents to come anytime and eat with their children. What an amazing morning it turned out to be.<br />
<br />
We arrived early. My 3 and 6 year old met a 5th grader named Jasmine who seemed to be a community greeter. She helped us find restrooms and instructed me on school policy regarding visitors. She explained that she is almost always the first child at the school each day, arriving before most of the faculty. She gets bored and waits in the school lobby to talk to people. <br />
<br />
It made me think of my elementary school and how on Thursday half days all of the latch key kids gathered at the school to play kick ball because parents were working and we had nowhere else to be. A janitor broke the rules and gave us the ball and other equipment then stayed late to collect it. He seemed to understand.<br />
<br />
Jasmine explained to me a complicated mess of Dad and Mom schedules, visitation and just simply far more than she should have to be dealing with. On the positive, she has an ipod shuffle and I asked for her to list her songs. One was from "Hollywood Undead" which I actually recognized. She then proceeded to help other kids and parents as the day was taking form.<br />
<br />
When the faculty arrived I paid $1.75 each for myself and my youngest as guests and the three of us went into the breakfast room. Given a choice between cereal or pizza, I learned most kids prefer chocolate milk with their cereal even more than pizza for breakfast. It was explained to me that government regulations also required them to also take either a slice of wheat bread or a pear.<br />
<br />
We sat down to eat and I learned that a boy named Bryce is in love with my daughter. He had the confidence to tell me himself but as a Dad I am not ready to deal with this. I showed him respect. Then an ex-boyfriend of hers came to the bench and to break the tension luckily my younger distracted be with a need to go potty. When we returned another girl offered to teach me how to do braids. I don't do hair. Every six months I pay $20 for a number four buzz that takes five minutes. Professionally speaking I like 15 minutes from shower to elevator to classroom. I now have a volunteer tutor in the art of annoying little rubber bands and I am grateful for that.<br />
<br />
After breakfast we went outside and the first thing I noticed was that if a soccer ball is available it does not matter if it is snowing, or who given race, creed, religion, or any economic circumstance that is present, kids and adults will play. The bell rang and I watched as my daughter followed protocol. She stood in line at the correct door, then shouted "Dad stay with me and meet my teacher!!"<br />
<br />
It is one thing to be proud of our children. When they are proud of us and express wanting us in their lives it brings us secretly to tears of joy. I encourage my friends to take a morning if you can to walk through their experience and anything else that shows you their perspective. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-89022874317719987302013-12-07T09:08:00.001-05:002013-12-07T09:50:27.689-05:00I'm coming homeWhile waiting for my flight last night I monitor the "upgrade list". I was 10th so I had no chance. In the tournament of customer preferences I managed to get as high as six. I am still trying to guess the algorithm Delta uses for this. Oh well. I wasn't looking for the free snacks anyway and at 6' 3" I have still managed to find ways of making legroom.<br />
<br />
When boarding commenced the announcement came "Sky Priority" which normally makes me feel privileged as I look forward to first dibs on overhead and getting to my window seat without asking two other people to stand back up and get out of my way.<br />
<br />
That was until it seemed 2/3rds of the entire airplane were just as special. "I haven't flown hundreds of thousands of miles to just end up like everyone else! Sky Priority is being handed out like candy!" I thought.<br />
<br />
Then I had a vision of a (insert nightmare here) freeway with commuters spending 4hrs+ a day logging substantial miles of their own and get nothing but horns honking, flat tires and toll roads in return. I was grateful for being scrunched up in my middle seat with a TV in front of me. My commute each day of last week was two flights of stairs. I could not complain.<br />
<br />
I thought of past generations of fathers who took to traveling on the road in beat up cars and facing risk of being stranded in the desert with an overheated radiator and having to choose how to use his water. I could go back farther into the past but I would rather think about how the times we live in have not changed the base instinct that we have to both explore and provide for our families.<br />
<br />
My daughters were already prepared for bed and it is 20 degrees outside. It was better to take a cab home than be picked up. On arrival I tipped the driver and carried my things through the snow and made the door.<br />
<br />
I was finally home and there was only one thing on my mind. Upon the sound of my keys turning the lock my children rushing down the stairs to greet me. I couldn't get my luggage into the foyer before having to rush to the base of the stairs to catch my now 60lb oldest leaping from the height of five stair steps into my arms. Her youngest sister chose the third step and I had to catch her with one hand.<br />
<br />
It was late so I agreed to one game of "Chutes and Ladders" before tucking them in as "Snug as a bug in a rug". I had been also been assigned the task of making pancakes in the morning even though I am not very good at it.<br />
<br />
I am home.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-10966691244290642452013-11-25T11:43:00.000-05:002013-11-25T11:43:11.271-05:00Be Thankful, Because You Can<div class="MsoNormal">
I cried at my kid’s school today. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not tears of joy. Tears of
overwhelming sadness. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was in the back of
the auditorium as the entire school gathered for a Monday Morning Meeting. On the
large screen behind our Headmaster, a <a href="http://vimeo.com/78879314" target="_blank">terrific video</a> played, revealing that <u>our</u> school had won the Project New Hope
Challenge. The kids went nuts – cheering, bells ringing, feet stamping – pure joy
and pride in their community. Tears ran down my face. My heart was
breaking. All I could think about was
the mom who wasn’t there to see her children celebrate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two days ago, the awful news starting to seep through the
school community. The worst kind of news
– the kind you hope to never get. A
parent at our school had succumbed to Cystic Fibrosis, leaving behind two beautiful
children – her fourth grade daughter and fifth grade son. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I didn’t know Felice well.
We said hello at school events. My parents know her parents. My wife was just on a field trip with her
ex-husband last week. We ran in the same circles, but were never more than acquaintances.
Yet, I’m heartbroken over her loss.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I stood in the back of that auditorium, watching my
children stomp their feet, wave their hands in the air, high five the kids
around them, smiling ear-to-ear, I cried. Felice is never going to get another chance
to stand in the back of the auditorium to see her kids. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRxyM_gHmm8aX0pT4rmBYXod0-VeVh0kclrGDh-ip5-lf9UpCQuSA" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRxyM_gHmm8aX0pT4rmBYXod0-VeVh0kclrGDh-ip5-lf9UpCQuSA" width="200" /></a>Giving thanks around this time of year is a national
tradition. Being honest, I think some
people seem to take the “thanks” part of Thanksgiving for granted. They are “thankful” to be away from the
office. They are “thankful” for their football team getting a win. They are ”thankful”
to ingest both pumpkin and apple pie. But who am I to judge what one should be
thankful for? Maybe – probably -- I’ve been guilty of these same misgivings in
the past. But not this year. Not me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I woke up today. I
hugged my children. And for that, I’m
thankful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I spent the weekend with my kids. I saw my oldest son perform. I spent time
singing and joking around on a car ride with my soon-to-be 11 year old
son. My daughter and I worked on some of
her homework together, and she told me stories about her classmates. My youngest, just two and a half, took me on
a walk around our neighborhood – a walk he didn’t want to end…and, truthfully, neither
did I. My wife and I, exhausted, still managed to eat dinner together, watch a show
or two and enjoy each other’s company. For
all those things, I’m thankful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I get to do those sorts of things everyday. Everyday.
Everyday, I spend time with my family. How could I not be thankful for
that?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ4wkxDuae-v6hRsrD7NAM_IFnDbLNpWaVOnCg1WCK_0U70xY4xxw" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ4wkxDuae-v6hRsrD7NAM_IFnDbLNpWaVOnCg1WCK_0U70xY4xxw" width="200" /></a>I see people who allow outside conditions to adversely affect
their lives. Money issues, stress from
work, family strife, unemployment, another day with the flu or a broken arm or
an upset stomach. I’ve been there. I know how awful circumstance likes that can be
-- how mind-numbingly terrible it is to wake up each day and have to deal with that
type of stress. It can take over your
every waking thought.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I know now is that as long as I get to wake up every
day and hug my children and spend time with my wife and experience life with
them all – the highs, the lows, everything in between—what I know is that I’ll
be thankful for that. Those times will still be difficult. There will be adversity and disappointments,
but, ultimately, I will be thankful to have the day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your loved ones. Be thankful, because you can. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03683246525076214400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-29282281512877731242013-11-07T10:40:00.000-05:002013-11-07T10:40:28.426-05:00You Might Be The Parent of Theater Kids If....With apologies to Jeff Foxworthy --<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">You Might Be The Parent of Theater Kids If....</span></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">If you have no issue
helping your sons apply their makeup.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTVsPV0HeFjPBcpxQPB71ZCtOyGIOSDpd2jbav3dFjjeS-dWOoJ4c_EqdHK9hCdxH7t_zCJkvEwp0-2dTDkNMwas9Qsk74nAnlnyXb37bflg6S3b_dmPnlpbI9KIOf3uq2bFVsRJBJdA/s1600/von+trapp+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTVsPV0HeFjPBcpxQPB71ZCtOyGIOSDpd2jbav3dFjjeS-dWOoJ4c_EqdHK9hCdxH7t_zCJkvEwp0-2dTDkNMwas9Qsk74nAnlnyXb37bflg6S3b_dmPnlpbI9KIOf3uq2bFVsRJBJdA/s200/von+trapp+kids.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">If people in your
neighborhood often refer to your kids as the Von Trapps.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">If when watching
sporting events, you need to remind your kids the players wear uniforms, not
costumes.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">If on your satellite
radio, you have a preset button for the Broadway channel.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">If you never use that button
because the radio pretty much stays on that station anyway.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">If your kids know what
NPH stands for.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">If some other people refer
to your kids solely by their characters’ names.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">If when that happens, you’re
okay with it.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">If after hearing that
another kid is really talented, your kids make a snarky comment like "yeah, but
can she sing?"</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">If your kids fight over
who gets to sing the harmony.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">If after seeing any new
movie, your kids ask when the stage version will come out.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">If you complain about
the damn Yankees and your kids defend a fine show.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">If your kids giggle after
just meeting a girl named Maria.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span>
<a href="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">If your kids are still
mad about Russell Crow's Javert.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">If your kids know which bathrooms
are unlocked at school on the weekends.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">If when you say the word
“cat”, your kids start singing about what jellicles are and jelicles do.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">If
you get an annual personalized Christmas card from the shoe department of your
local dance shop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">If
the majority of your kids’ wardrobe consists of t-shirts from past shows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">If
your kids refuse to ever mention that Scottish King’s name, no matter where
they are, just in case.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">If
your kids know how many minutes are in a year, but prefer to measure it in
daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, and cups of coffee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">If
when dropping your kids off at school in the morning, you request they break a
leg.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">If
you have a pet named Iago or Deuteronomy or Veruca or Nicely Nicely…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTa4_mivYIHB1W_Z5uyEWPMdU5Bjo_Ud8E7lqvoHddT2g-3elDpsg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTa4_mivYIHB1W_Z5uyEWPMdU5Bjo_Ud8E7lqvoHddT2g-3elDpsg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">If
you need to dissuade your daughter from submitting a Science Fair project
entitled ”Why Sondheim Kicks Webber’s Ass”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">If
your kids consider “A Chorus Line” a reality show.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">If
your kids insist on calling the logo at Wendy’s "Annie".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">If
you love every minute of it and wouldn't have it any other way.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<a href="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03683246525076214400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-52919304143731214632013-11-06T13:57:00.000-05:002013-11-06T13:58:12.379-05:00Choose to be Right, Not Popular<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<a href="data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAkGBxQTEhUUExQVFRUXGBkZFhgWGBUYFxcYFRgWGBcYHBgdHSggGBolHBcXITEhJSkrLi4uFx8zODMsNygtLisBCgoKDg0OGxAQGywkHyUsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwsLCwvLCwsLDgsNSw4LCwsLCwsLCw3LCwsLC8sLCw1LCwsLP/AABEIALcBEwMBIgACEQEDEQH/xAAcAAABBQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAFAAMEBgcCAQj/xABHEAACAQIEAwYDBQUFBwIHAAABAhEAAwQSITEFQVEGEyJhcYEykaEHQlJisRSCksHwI3Ki0eEVFoOjssLxQ5MkM1Njs8Pj/8QAGgEAAgMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgMAAQQFBv/EAC8RAAICAQMCBQMDBAMAAAAAAAABAhEDEiExBEETIlFh8JGhsTJxgULB4fEUUtH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/ALBdwcGDIPmIpl8DV7tY/DXTAdSfwtofkda9fgdtp0j+6Y+m1YvDT4NWv1M8fCmIpsIRsNetXi92fMSCD5EfzFQL/BmA1T3Gv+tA8bQWop128QecczRp7zJbtkExEn5D/OnH4VEj9acx9gkKANAKHS0XZCtcUzfEtTsKiMwP9aUMu2IbpU/hjh7gUGABzqlyQdx3GWkqnhA003og0i0kk7UsPw2zbOZvG0zrtXuPxatoOWwFPUXW4FjSnSkUpu2+gmnAZoWi7Jli1pU+wYG9R7C6VIJAGpimRSRTJIakTTJvqBuKiXuKqNtaNtFE+a4e7G5j3oJf4q520ofdvM25JoXMlB7EcWRec+lA+K8QN0Zdh9ajkVxloHIuiC/er8LsR0JNNftP4wR58qn3Lijciol3EqdApb2oGQ9gHY1yUplcG5MgZRXdvhdwk53MdBULGb15BuaiNjRPgUtRG5wlROmoqXh8IABpUolgILebkFpf7MY/ExNWLuK5NqpRAInDFHL5605+zgcqMDBk8jXX+zjzIFXTJYDa1TTWqOvhrY3afSo93E2l2Ue9SiWBv2cnYGkeHOfL1p7FceRdiB6ULv8AGWb4VY/SroqyeOGfnFKg4v3z9wUqlELNj+Ik3DKg1KwHGbi/A7r5TI+R0oVifjb1onw3u0TO4knYUgMNYTtreXRwjj3U/wCX0ozhe2uHcgOrIesSvzH+VVzFW1aDlAkVAv8ABVYaEj0pinNdwXGLNHTG4a7s6N5SJ+W9ReIYawilmYL01/lWbNwBwZDT670VwHCXJBdiQOpJonkb7FKNdzzHXu8uQgJ9KIcP4O0hiYovg8MqjQAVMWpGG9sKyIeFqR4iTUW7wiPhNGajuzAyQCKZSBArYW4OU11asNz09a74hxbkunWoPfltzQ7ECoxIX7xNM4nFlxHKoINcXMUq7mpqJQ41roTXJdhuJ9KaTFM3wofU04LFxtyB6VVl0djEL1iuTeUAsT4RzAmfIdact8LX4iJ8zt/rVf45xJHlVJyLuwgLA3AO0/Qc4pc5tBRj6gjj3Gb7XAlpjbDHwqkFoGuZmOgEawPrtQbE9o3TQ3Q5HJok+jDSmuL4jxPcghYZbQEguBAZhOuU5mg7wp60Bt4cM+a91AY9GYwIH4QdI6L5VIRtXIGUt9jRODcbtXlzhNtwTz9pqy8Kxdq5ouh6aajqCNxWZIe5YxEECQOnP3BEfI11gOMNacPMAEmfPn7H+ZqK7tF9tzW7oVQWYhVAkkkAADmSdhVD4/8AaPatkphk71h/6jGLftGr/QedVLtp2wuYxgolLKxCT8TD779fIcvWqoz1qjj9RMp+ge4r2txV4eK6VEgwgyDTbbU+5pnDdo8TbJK3nkxJmZyiBv5fpQaaRamaUBbLbwrt5irR8TC8OlwTI9RBB+laBwLt5YviMvdXI1Q6z/dbn+tYhmru1dKsGUkEGQRuCNqF412LUzer/Hp+EMfQVDuYu+/wpHmajdguPLi7UOoF1NHgQGHJo5T+oNWo2wKQ0+45FYbA32+J49KaucCB+JmPqaI8P4ujtdDMBkaBPMVzxHjVm18Tb7edVRCHY4VbGwBinzhANgKqHBe1JtvdDozm5cJtgfKKsPFcViltC5btLtLKTqBVuLRVjOL4vbtuUO43+U0qzvHubtxrjHVjJr2meGBrNh4rwju5LaHfemsIbfdqW1jlQzGcQuXmm4xJ+legxbNZR4Vv8XB0A9qk2OIqd9Kq4EbVFxOPZGAouSi/W7wOxothPhqkWri6eLlrFT7fFCBCk+9RELauJAHi0rm7xa2v3qp2Ix7N8TVGS8W+FSaLWVRbL3aH8K/Oh1/ibt8TQKHWMLcO5iplnhQ+8Saq2yxoYxeUt6V3kdtly+ZonYwirsBUtbdSmVYIt8NYxmY+1TrPD1HKh3FO2GCw5K3L6lhuqAuR65QYofZ+0zh5MF7i+bW3j6TRqBTki1rZrvJApcOxlu8ge06uh2KkEf6VH4/jhaRZ1zE6eSgsf5fOpLZWWt2ccVueCNDpMMQFjmWJ0CfOehmqF2iuyYWHI2BGk7Dw7aHr9INFW493pAEFmOpM5UA+ETuTz02kncRTStaz8mCmDtqYAHyljA0rM1qdjPYrlrhbLau3rpzvCBc34TJJHTU/T0oLxZwzFRABaR6jxD6k0e7TcUMkLsRMdP60PtVKu3df6FPxq2KnsO4nFmf696i4zEE6CYpWmzN06jy3r27Y8VaIxSFNtkA14RRFcNzj+v6FNYq3A2plg0QjXlOZKRtxUKG68o9a7KYhravFtMwBRLl1EuODsQhOk8s0TQO7aKsVYFWBIIIggjcEdaiknwyShJcoNdjsZdt4lRabK1zwSdtda2HjWCZcOXN1gyLJI2NYlwFit+2w+62b5VoXFe1d68mTKADE+1KyK2HGaityLwi0XxFrvrbKj7E7E8pqz9t0QYfKFUuSFTbQmqhi+MX7gALAAbQNoqJj71x28TsY21odLK8WKJvDeGHCYizcuOjqZDD8JPOjfabtLa7l0tOC7CBHKdzVKa3O8muDaHSi03yD4y7BHCNgVRVZGZgNT1NKhuSlV6fcrxfYu4Spbr4BTapUm8vhFYzYiFloPjxNyjoWguKE3DRIpk3gy60dXDg0K4OlHrK1XcnYZw+AUGd/WiVmyBSRKk20q0iHtu3UhFpvvkXdlHqRUa/2gwyb3F9qNIqwoiVl/wBoHbEszWLLEIpKsV3YjfUfd5Rzirxi+0lr9kv4hDIto0ebbKPckCsBS6W6knfqTzpsI3yLlKtht7lNk+f0qRdwzQDBg6jz8/SmFsmnKhbTCXZ7jd/CXM9hys/EuuVvUc60HH9rzi8F3kRctNlcD8NwaMP3lA8p51lgMVZfs2yvjksXRmtYhXtuPVSysOhDKINLyQ1IKEqYrGPcbHRRCjkDI19tfkOgorwFmYSSef1P+poj2m7CvhFzls9uTLiAQNPiBO+4kaSaFI7Czms/ATGZdTm3y+Rg/Ksc74SNUF3JvF8GIk6Hl1qs4nAtMxRC1iLm+QjqzZmb+X0qw2+GMqA3Yzfh6evVv05dTE3jCcVMz/CIQ5gGVBMfyo12a4d+05uTKYI5wRofmD8qnLwzLeNyRBG3nUrhuOGEKkq39o8MRGmc6Nr0Me1NllclUQIYadyLHw3sfaCgOwzEfD/n0qRe7F2ChWPRhuDTb8QODCqbV2/cvN4WQE5yYIknRf8AQ1crdhhaUuAGIBIBmCeU86Q5Sqx1Lgw7tTwI4e5G4IEGOhp3stwIXpe4JQH4fxR18uVaRxbDJcPiUNG01DwoCE5QB0q31LcaB8BarA/DrgOJuLdt3LrXGgEd3CA7GJnTY9Iqs/aXggmKVgIz21Lf3llD9AtaNwzhK95dxdzKC7ZkIHwiACVnTOSCSeXLnWf/AGk+K4jAQsZR5Aba9aLA/Oi+o3x7gLs0s3D5Kf1FWPLQPsmviuei/qasLLW18nGyfqGCtc4pfEafyVzi08RqgbIZWm2WpWWm2WoXYwFpU6BSoiy8qlSMSm3pXlpZNO40eKsR0iGVoC2rt61Ym2NV+2NSfOokUwzwdNKPWEoXwi34RUjGccsWHCXHCk7USVksMW0qF2kLLh2ykg9RRPBkOoZTIOxod2quZbMfiMVbVKyLd0UYYWfiZ29SalWcIg2UV6iVY7HZi4beckARNYl4k+NzZ5Y8gTimFzcExRA2ZW06LdUn6A1TuzfBVCJfuuEV82WVbL95BLRA11rZOyWDVsHkdQyvmDKdmDSCPQiarvFOyuJsYMWMMQcjXAJUksjuzpHiEEKwBmRI5Vvk2oUY4q52ALPCbNm0puXFYBQARqsDQRVdxt60+YW1bL+KIFWfi/Z+5Z4ZbF7S73nls0mNNKry9nsS9sFCcm/3BHvM/Ss6at2x7TpJIp2ItFTBo32AuZeJYM//AH0H8Rj+decXwUJ+YVafsg4F3mNV3QMtpTcncBvhSfPMZH93yrZDKpRMssLjI11eGE3MQMQBet3CGtErORYCtZgTABUMG0nMeYqp3uxi28PftoSo77PbIBDW1CJ4Y3ILBtDyI20rSYqudtMITZNwXWtqsd5ljUEhQduRI05jpVZI0rQeF3Kip2ruWUa2iuohnOUsQQdZjSdeVDOIYvMY09tqELxBcOzG4Lt+6evhWOXh3jUcudN4PEu8u6KuY6Kv3Ry9TWJxb3NipOiYy0O4ndXKcwBABOuvKnsViso/Sq9xHFSCOtFjg2wckkkbhwPhrWsHhrd4zcVFzEmTniSJ5xMe1T+IXYETWd9gONLctm7jMTDq2VA7kLAX4iNpObymJq1f7Vt3VLI6uASCVIIkctKrJabLgtkiJi95oXcPSpWNxgiBQ4XqyoYzu9oAJMbxy+VRMbgkurDgEUnxIJgV2bsCmK0xctyjXSLF24tvTWND0rxcc8znY+5/SnsVhWu4lkto7s3i8MbaSdRoJ0kmNqXHuEPhLxtXN8qsOWjDpyIMg+lbKfJv6fLjcVBVt7D1niB+8J+hqwf7Je6ouWirqwkCYb0g6Ty3qjM8mrh2S4gRaynk5j3g/rNDOcoK0Zes6Xp8nmjGn7dyNiMMyGHUqehEf+ajuKumLUXUKt+6eh5GqfcWDB5U/DkWRHCz4PCfsMAUqcy0qaIsv2GXxe9e4v4jTmBHipi+fEfWstbHUGb58J9KBYcUbxh8DelBbVwKAWMCpRAzcxws2vzEaeXnWYXs2LxYWSxZwPadasXaHEOLRuHRW0UnQt0gdK9+yjhXeX2vMNE0HqadFUrFvd0a1wzDi3bVB90AUI7XglbagSc3KjGKulUJA1oFwLEvfxeeP7NVgg/ipc3/AE+ocXvYDsJ4gDpqN/WtAx3E7S4dgHE5NB7U/ewlpt1FVbtHwMZ7fdkIrGHPlQRxzwp1vYyc1koc4D2hFmzbDqQsfF51J7TccutY7zD6TAJPIc29prK+2D37Nzu7dwm0Ph9fWjGB7e3rtpbFvDC60ANE/qBC+9FJScOQMbccm4f7c8TJsWrYXvEADMwMzAG8bVS8Lx24oNtTAY6LzWelXji2HN20O7S2zLCuDGYEDQEzyms+xWF7ljMAzr/5rJaZ0dLR0iB2hnVAdC7SVWTGY8yBM+1bp2P4PYw2Dtrh2NxXhzdPxXSfvHp0C8hXzrdxGYydh9TWp/Z52mvW0FrEg90sd3oO8tgyfFr8OsgRI+g1YpLGvMZ82KWR3Df2/ualFBe2uIFvA4gkAyhWDzLwo99Z9qM2LquoZSGU7EbVn32t8TgWsONo71vPdUH/AFH5VpySqNi+hxPJ1EY+/wCDPsLxHNFq5cKJOjHUL5H8vQ8p6bP4nE2raHx5zzjy6etV2+/L5VHt4iFIiTyFY1E7/VYMTyW3XP1ImO4s7vJ0H3V6D/OvcDZfEPlWAAJdj8KKN2Y9B9abUE6x9NPQjpVhHEkOGFm3aFqTN1hs0aiOcevSK13GKOBj6bJlmkuH3BmEKq4kFk5g8xykbHlp61ofAMb31kwQFQwBoCNNoGw8hpWYWg7sFXMzMYAUEkk7AAak1p3Zb7OLtpe/xWIbDhoHdWsrXGk6KcwK5t9AGPpSpYXPY05M8KpKiJfuQTrpQLHcc1y29dYJ8+grYrnZ+wLDhbIzlGCNcyuxMEZxpAMldRA1FZuv2bXf2oB7q21uN8Ko7uD4t9kUNl3LbnaqXSUtzLLNfBA4fcyrmY6mrLg+C3bgDODZtkbuDnYEwMqb68pieU61bMD2fwuAAIXvb+ylodl/uiAA3OQBpuQATT9q09x5bVum+WfPTMxHpp+Fdyh0y7lPJ6cfn56kTg3DksCLaQxg66t0DOw3bcADQahRuap32u8KcdziDGk22/EB8STGgE5h5SNSSa01U7s5LaZ7mpLE/wBnbgaktuzbDTXWPCNK6w+BU5jcOZypzlgpTLtlybBdDpvoZPTS4LTSBhlcZKXz57nzMtFezuJ8cch/5rRe232brcBuYJVt3B8VsGLbid1GyHy0BjkZrOmwZw+JZCCsQYMgjrIPOQayZYeRmjJ1Clpii8W7kigvF7cXCfxAN89/qDU3B3ZFM8aXwq3qP5j+dZ+llUqM/WRvHfoCKVdClXROUWte02HtAs7ED+6Tzjbc6kU7bxa3AHUyraqRzB2NZ9Zw5xmIFra1b8V1h5bieuuUeZY8qndpuLG3lW0QschsANh6UmUOEjoKXcuHEXi2aGYfDi7ltH7zLPkieJ58iFC/vis/v8fvtoXMVceyOIZMPdxN0yYKJ5KNWj1MD9ypocd2XrTBv2jcT7y+La/CmnlNROzXam7hCEtgFSwzTvrvQLEXy7s55kmiGCwNvR2uidwtNpJULttmr4vtRNslYmBp5mp/ZHFrJzFV6yQJJ10nesW4tjTnEGCI2JjyovaxveAMCdY0k7jf6/rWaWNqSkzT08Fkk42brcx9of8Aq2/41/zoZxXF23Ai5bPlmGtY/wB5z39zT2IxQZQAiLGsrmk6basRHtRSm2qNkejSkty443hVm5cV7pS4oMC2PgHmx+95DbWn3xNu2bdsPasWywzP4VVATso2zRWfZqi8STMhrP4Wpq2a2vDi3BKzRMVwsDGPdDeB0KupMQRqjg8zGnv51VeK8DLXCVJyDUtcPhHnVu4HxctggzZSLttQ5IkzakGPcGh2V7jZAB4TmynbPpAPVbYIJ6selJbcZbD8GKM46mufca4bwZLYi3HewC9xwC1sHoNlaOXLnOxnYy+li2Mu0woO7E7nqx6k1HbF5B3doZ2GrMdRmO7MeZ8hp5mhGIs5pu3XMc2O7flQdPSlOVvceoKK24Lf9m/G3GK7hjKXQxAmQHAzadNAR8qF/alj0vYv+zaRbQW2MGMwZywHWJAnqDVe7J8QCY6y48Ki4vsGOUk+xqJxC5qZJJk69fOPPetkG1DQL6TFGXUyyrsgRiiTUQkgzsefrTuIua/Eaaw2HZ3CoJJBMf3QWP0BrRGOxh6vOlk/yTkAmRsaZxjSNGGhjLz9TSwlzSPlVi7F9mv23GLbIPd/HdIn4Bus8ixgeUk8qGO0jTnevp7Tpdy5fZb2S7m0uNuLmv3BGHSJCI4/+YR+JlPUAK3UwL/ibQe6iXCXygSo+GdyDAGb08tudEknYFdOY0A00AHIAf6Ryj4Qf2hyLAAhnO5j9PT6DetijR5/V3RE47imtWLzoua8YW0m8u0i0kDkCQx8gSetDsJwR+8lrguFFXxMTm7xQEzQBqSUcyTpmERRw4BGurcYE91nySdMzjKzxzcglZPWBGtc44+AIph77QCNwp1ZvKBLDoSoon7lR5pAuxg5JYNnJgZxEQxBCrO3I6zyJk6UUwwgkKNACHuajxTAt2+e+7fq05e2tqCQMqouVdBr4YCKDy1O41gjmZDWLxYSyHfwgmQPKSR8lE+xqJVyU23wJMUttCyjfRR5D4B5TIP79eYW0RbOYxJ8TH8I006ljJ/e9JEftPd2u+uQGJLKv5tCB5AEoJ/LT9m74Fe80ZiAOuvQddz6n8pqXtuHW7r9voES+Y5gAFXST5HUeemYeXmZig/aHwNbyG/ahrtjU5YJeyYJB6lJBHlm6ij9/i5u3wlrS1bBkciRKD/qbT8hqHg7nPlnJjqBakT7wKVOpbESrf5yUThzaCpHEVm0fIg/y/nXl7Cizde2NgZX+60MvyBj1BpzE6239J+Wv8q5mNacg/KtWN/sAaVdLbJE17XT2OJR7wjDnD4R8sC43ic+fJfQD+Z51UMYWdszb1cMS7NaKorMT+EFv0odZ7O4hhIsv7jL+sUqM1yzoOLeyAOCwoLGRMbDqdgPcwKs3anECzhreGU7AZvM8z7mT71HwvDntXfGACozkSp2kLMExrJ/doJxXFNfvepgUS8zvsVwq7j3DOHk2zdb4RoJ5moYuKTqCD5Vex2VvPhktoEB3OZgB9Jpux9mNwmbmItr5KrN9SRS4dRCm5MZPBLZRRUsNhFuGJYcyT0FS+G2CFZlk28wAn319/5VdbH2eqAVGIbXci2Jj+KpHGsGtrCNhrawFHP4iVIaSeZMfWhydTjrbc1dH0s3kt9imE14DTeavZqmdNHdcOJFeqa8Y0JbDvYbEM6NY3NtyyA8g+oHpnBb51YL+AW2sXLsD70GM25OYjxNJJMCBrVL7LYw2cYIBPeqUgGJJgr9RHvV2v8AAsTe1dcq8lEfzrN1C89+u5OkyVj0t1Tr/wABGI4xaQZbNvP5kQny3PvVc4jiXuNmuGT9B5AcqsHG+FXbAk2ny/iiR7kTHvVXWxcuGFVmPRQSfkKmFd2Fnybbbll+zPgf7Ti5YTasw79CZORfcifRDV97WdlcEVZu77tuto5f8Pw/SpnYrhK4HCKpjvH8d0/mIHh9FAA9j1qvdsuM7iac2uxzY5Jxdp0UDC9l+/xlrD23JFxwCSBKoNXbpooY+tanxPsXg8BhmaxbPeZcpuuzM5BifyrMfdAoZ9jmHtvexF4sDdUKirzVX1Z/QlQo/ut1q3dv7VxsPltjMZEieVbILybmDNJykzGcV2be5iUFkaXSZ3hCFLMdNYhSY66cxWrdl+H2MFZFu0S169GZn8LMBoIH3V8UwJgE6kgE1zsQl79qbvLRRVtOwY7ZgVUD6n5VesfhFa8qkApbXUH8o/8A6If3KZGKbtExZcvheHPj81uFkEaTyUE7SCJY6bbClGoJ0X7qjn/kP6HSomBY92hiNAI/4Y09pA9qfw+Ig6/gXL5SIP1imUUS0GynXct5TMAn+tYqHaOa413ZVGRPOD4mHQGI8woPosXehFWQM+rE8hBY+ugC+9dW1Fy2wIIUyoH3suoOvUiDU5K4VnAdVtSBsT8xoB57AetV/Hv399Lc/wBmpAY+Q1JPsI/4tE+L62lglQCWgD4soZh8zkNVritwoO5tk5mfxPHJs6iBOyqB66UMuKGxVO/3+xIZTjMXmOmGsaeTsNco66lZ9POuBd7+87j4EmOgEaAfugH/AIprxSWtFU8Nv4Eg/dEgv5knvHn0ohatCxhwSILTcI57ghfn3a1XP7ckqtlzx9QfZsC1buRvogPmNGP8bufavOHpFsN+NtP7om4f+1a5x1tm7uwurNAP70gn/wDK37tS+K+E5BsuW2PV4Z/n4R7UL4+dy/n02RR+0hy3kIGjWxr+aWJ94I0pYSHBHUEfMVP7T2y6GJgXF06DKwB8tvqKFYSwRzrn5VWQfB3EsnZjs4Hw1tmGpzT/ABtSq89nbUYaz5oD/Fr/ADpVsW5z/DSMBvdtr3OVHSIoff7S3rg+Mx61X1vMNmI9CYrtcQTuFPnlWfnG9TwIrsN8dvuWa8CuE77Pma4YYc1Gy+0D/FUXsTgRdxSl9VXUzQrF4klQoJI86Odm8SLQVVAz3Dqx+6tDNOON0XCpTRryY+0q6Kg9lFRm7Q2gPu+wrP8AHccklUiOtQkxLtJALAbxsPeuesbZt1pGm2+N2jrAHoIqJxCxaxBkuynqIqj2+LgQphT5mptniWkg1TxPuHDJTuLAPEcP3V25bmcjQD1G6n5EUypqXx27muB+og+q/wCkfKoCmti3RphIeU169NzXpNUMbI2LcqVdd0YEeoMj61q3Ce0XfKMgZtBOUExIkTG1ZZiFkEUe7P8AE7n7IljDgd7nfNsNAQc5PoQJPlUnHVAwZPLl/dfgv+Ka+R4UY/L+dB7PHbttirFlI5GQR7VC4fxXcXb794NGyxlG+gkSTrv5UY4lbtYlRBhwNH0+R6is3GzL7bELF8dbcNVT43xEsSSdBTnES1pilwQw+RHUHmKrfF78iOu9acOLczZcmxrP2C4abWKxB3e4tseltc363PpWpuVO8e9Yx9n/AGTxb4K3dtY65h1uFmFtVBHxFc2vMhQasF/sJjH+Lil4/ur/ACrZbMhoFyyumWNSBp0J1oPxjiip35nUgJp1fn/CyH2oDwDD3eGi5+0X2vh2HdswJyFVbLI31JJ06VzjMCSiEtnD3NSswQzd2P8AAwP7ook63Gwja3+fKLdwm8XtWSwglS7D8O+ntAHvXa2vnkaPKG0/SonDMVNkudIzIZ5Q7Zx8hNEbaEb6wgX1JiY/rnRrYpsE4u0z38JI8IzyOpCfoI+oovibmS0WJjWZPrJ+gJpOQ1xtpQZNBzuZTE+QCnTrQ3tFdlUtj70/ySf+ZVLZNl8tL5vuROM3Sq2rY5hAf4rcj5K1Vq3cL4loOqLm92Pdr/jT6mjnH739sq9Nfkt0/wDctBOyam4924BpcvHIetuz8Pt3lxv4KCS3+gcXsv5fz6Fow9gEqg+FBH6j/pV/4hULHXmvYgIo0UzHkn+dxh/7VE1VoYIJI0nlMD/JB86Ysm1hbRZmBZhvzIUFp9ySf3xRv5/AKv8An+7HuG4AIzXW1ImCdhIyr/h1/wCJQW+8srH81w+rnwg+kj+Gi+NxpZMqiFIILcySYMfu94flQPFPJY8p+iDX6mgmTt8+dwLj2Upc5Rln1zL/AOPah37SqrJ2PzpY64f2O+TzDEH0Cuf8TN8qzXGcWclQjFcpBBUkGQZEEbQdazyxa5WF4mhUfU3CkK2LSxEW0BB3BCgEHzpV812u2/EFAUY3EQNpcsfmZJpU+jPqJvGOwZs2rbi8rsyqXSAIYiSFaSHA25bVWnwuSZmZjWiuJ4w6EZmZhG2nlQ3FYnMCTuTQxcnyXLT2IyLmaKlnDNO/0r3g9s5swVjHTL/MgVZUv3D929/yuZP5/wAx+Zock6dWMxJVugHgCFYd4M69A2WfUiTHpFWqxx5AAosKqjkp/lFR0z75b3ztDofx+vyXpp0q3PwXf4rcbD835V+UVmlUu5rjKK20/knu+EugZsgPRwQR7gVA/wBg4ViRbvWrZPS8QT6BgRTq27m2S5/GnmOvQ/U9adtpdJAKXIJ1/tV5kTA5+noNquLS/q+4L0f9fn0BfEeAd1aNzv8AvIIGXwncgfEPWg9WvjNtzaYW7OIloE3b1spBYEyo1mZ94naKrN3BXUEssD1U/SaJST7jYZEtqo4DV0DTKXfenQwqmjVGaZ4xoc11rbkoSD1HQ0RdagYwQQaZie9GTrI3HV6Db4tjMkz60U4Jx5rRGYkihF69m35eQp3h+FV8xdwqKJP4m8h8tzTZRTW5z4ykpeVmjcN4raxTBWti6dwCoMeeug9aJWexmFvB+/sZNf7N7LlXg8mUeDfnExG+siOGsLFoAquHQgGAQbjjqx1jT8WvkKKYTjeaBYtsy82PwmfzsQD7VznOUZNw4OgoqUakXXhYXD2Ldi3OVFVFLQTA0kgAAt8talWsdcUpOV1jxESrkwdY1WJjmIqt2ccDpmSecEmPprUuxjAdmnrRR6rIuSngh2H+K8Yt5wt9UFt1070KVJmdmGhHU9dhpTfFOKWu4PcEElzkUakOIUsdYUSQNObDlrStYwO3d5Q06RuPlVitYdFtAFVIOigqCANy0e0+gWtmHM8iewmcFCiD2exQxFtjAhbrCOvgTfy8TT6UYv4rIHdtcggeZ5x5nl/eioWB4XawxPcpka54nALETsNCYBnp+EnlXuMuKQqnQA5mDgjMw+GZ+7IB9AK02JUbfsPWbht2iz6tBZvO4VmB5AaD0oRi3zYlF/CF+WYt/wDpqPicPjLz5c1pkBn4mA1Y8ss7Rv1NVDina+/a4g+HOHNxl0izmZ2BRsrDTxLDzy3OulV2Cve/d/4J3a7iUPcy6s020H5nCKPlkY1J4DxFMPhwltTcdVS2CBzIUsdNpe65oXheEXMZdDOl21luMSGWGGfNoF5kb6cj871wzhVu0oVBFsHc7sYjlvt9AOtRLeyXtXsBcmMvWklu5DktljxS5OWemrg+iGpo4GhZELM8ADXmBlJ+iKP36KIGZix0WNOpJkaei6ermlhmhXunpAj5tHXWB/w6ukS3f3/l8Ib4hcAzNHhQGB1O5+egHqaq2Jb+yInVgwJ828IPuSDRrjblbSqPiMfxEwvtnM+iVXsfqoVdpyj0XwA/xBTQze5VbfYr/bC5lwLRzWf/AHnH+dZWBWmfaDdH7M8bEoB6B9Ppbn3rMgaqK2FZXbOwaVczSohQTuXLeZs4nSF8jB1+cUPc0mea9tLLAUKVBXZe+y2AAtA82o6MMOlB8Bj1VFXXQUSscTFcqepybOjBxSodNiKQtV2uOU8q7GJXpSqYaaOBa8hS7r0p1sSKQxIiqtoJbkPGKQNhQPH4Yvvt0jSimMxoJpj9oFRTkuC3BPYrN/gvNZXzUxUVsLdXow89DVvLA7U21gHl8qdHqpdxXg1+l0VD9pj4gy+o0+YrjEkMsgg+lWu7w0Hp70PxHZxT+XzFPh1GO74Amsmlp7lWRjTiieY/qP8AOjv+7B5XQR5r/rXv+65/+oP4f9af/wAnF6mTwZ+gDv32YZWYkDQamKJX+1OJdQrXJgATGsDapq9lhzuf4RXX+6o5OfkKF58D5/AahlXAIw/HbytOcmjeE7ZFdwfWmj2V/MfpXh7LfmNBLJ08gorMglw7tKXvyrEeBtiR4jAUz6mr/hu1jd6qyGUAaHUx42/7bYrMsN2YIbQn10/WpK8ExCmVuGdN9dttqiy44/pYXnf6kan/AL52sxNyRJIEZp0lV6R8BMz981OwfH7bgC3fKE7B1Rhr5KdR6msgKYwQClu4ARvIMRBAPInrTlzFsCA2Hvoo/A6OBryBUfrNOjlvhot6e6ZtNl8SRpdwrDytOk/8xhNcY7AXAwvQquBFxrYlmQagHwiQJJ571kOG7X3LB8Ny8R+G7bLAfvCGHswFWHAfaKrQLhyfmADj3BAcexNM1Wt/sVt2a/lfPwaBYxtuJzuZ5mE/XLQ3B4jur7q7zYuNnUN91j8QBGhUkAx5tvJpjhOOVhnstYcHWU0M+5HymiWIe46wQBPXKB8pY0adr/YL+cEzEIbhkmE9YnllHQcidzsNKbhnIUCEUg/w8vmBpyAM7xQ6+15bOUwoX7yk6LBJ322AnlmNARxm+5KoYVdy2wjaep/IP3jyqXTJXp89w3xZ/if7qDN6wCtv6529xVT4piAgVSdcsfvMIJ/RvY1NxONLWzmclB1+8TMseug0oBxu2XuFjy3Hl/qMo9M9A3bsnZJfPlgjt/c/+Htjq9ufa3cP86oNWntljM6WvNmP8KoAfcNPvVWoo8GfI7kKlSpUQB0BRHhdnXMaVKgyPYOHIatvU601KlWJmpEu25qSj0qVLYaHC1ctfgUqVIycDYMH3Hk60lrylQDEOia7VppUqFhDsSK5gjSlSqkVLg8C/wBGnbSk0qVWxaHmwlJsLFKlS9TD0o6tYY/0alWcPXlKonZKJWGwmp06frUxMH4tv60pUq0QSoFjb4E8vpTNzDH+opUqt7EQxd4eW3APyqHe7Pq26L8hSpUSbKaR7huymRsyO9tuttivzg61YsE2IRcpxDOPzKuYfvAD6zSpVphOS7inFehK4jjZtEKpBMBiWLeHnA2J9hVdxuJypAHgH+KeXpO/MmlSpyyS1UBKKqyp8Z43cY5fhVSIG5JgGTy2G3rUXhnGjmIuMWV9G3nYjTkNDFe0qeZ7YI7TXwXRBqFBJ9bhzH6AUGmlSolwLlyz2lSpVYJ//9k=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" width="200" /></a>I want to tell you a story…. Imagine, if you will, a seventh
grade classroom, filled with twelve and thirteen year old students. In this school, there are three such
classrooms. Similarly, there are also three
classrooms of sixth graders and three of eighth graders in this school. Oh, and all nine classrooms are in a heated year-long competition. The “Service Hours” Honor is at
stake – a prestigious award for any classroom to win, proving their group spent
this most time giving back to the community, and, (maybe more importantly to
some) rewarded with an end-of year classroom pizza party. Competition is fierce – for every hour a
student participates in a community-related service role, the class is credited
one service point. At the end of the
year, the class with the most points wins the adoration of the school – and the
aforementioned pizza party.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Students take this competition very seriously. Yes, it is about giving back to the community
– but it is also a competition. <b>Winning
is winning. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back to our seventh grade classroom… the competition is
tight this year. This particular seventh
grade classroom is in second place, trailing by a mere 10 points. The teacher gives an inspiring pep talk. One month to go. Everyone needs to pitch in. Give back a
little more. Give of themselves. Give of their time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" width="160" /></a>After class, the teacher pulls aside one of the classroom
leaders, we’ll call him Tommy. The
teacher needs some help – there is a student, let’s call him John, who has not
added many points to the classroom total this year and his additional points
could really put their room over the top.
The teacher suggests Tommy “help” John understand how important his
participation would be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tommy approaches John later that day and suggests that he
join a group who would be painting a local childcare center that weekend. John
politely declines. Tommy explains, in
stronger terms, that John’s help is not really voluntary anymore….he is <i>expected</i> to be a part of this
“team”. John, again, declines. Not his
thing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next, things get ugly.
In an attempt to motivate John, Tommy turns up the heat. He tells John that for every day he resists “doing
his part”, there will be a consequence. Day one – John is grabbed afterschool
by Tommy and some friends and duct-taped to a flagpole. Day two – John receives threatening
voicemails using profane language and racial slurs. Day Three – Tommy explains to John that if he doesn’t plan to
help, that he “owes” his team….he needs to pay up - $100 to cover everyone’s
lunch and refreshments while they work at the child care center. And it goes on…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR2qAixWpYEW0Cssm27LRTn7O1SKrpYQRkwyMynRPZDgEwJczZtSQ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR2qAixWpYEW0Cssm27LRTn7O1SKrpYQRkwyMynRPZDgEwJczZtSQ" width="200" /></a>To make matters worse, Tommy has spread the word about John’s
turncoat ways to their classmates.
Everyone now knows that John isn’t a team player. They are going to lose this contest because
of one guy – John. So, John is shunned.
He sits down at lunch and everyone else gets up and leaves the table. The frustrations hits the brink – John throws
his food trays across the cafeteria and storms out of school.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John takes his feud public. He makes a video documenting his
ordeal. When it goes viral, John’s
classmates are furious at him. How could he throw them under the bus like
that?!?! People won’t understand that
Tommy and the rest of the class were just trying to get John to be a part of
the team, to contribute, to do his fair share – to help them win!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, take another moment – imagine again all these things
happened in the same way – the contest, the competitive nature of the group,
the leader looking for someone to guide a team member, the nature of how this
teammate was being coerced, the terrible result – imagine all of that --- but now
they're adults and in your office.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSyC6HUC24HZCgaVXJpIFgCu0AsyJXuFLin3EkAI0r2wdIu_ozBrA" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSyC6HUC24HZCgaVXJpIFgCu0AsyJXuFLin3EkAI0r2wdIu_ozBrA" width="200" /></a>Bullying is bullying is bullying. There are no excuses or exceptions. And we need to open our eyes to how often we
try to justify it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I listen to way too much sports radio. I know this seems like a digression – but
bear with me. While music has always
been so integrated into my life, oddly, I’ve never been one to put on a music
station in my car when I’m driving alone.
I like listening to conversations – and since political conversation on
the radio these days is cartoonish at best, most of my driving time is spent
listening to guys talk about sports. I
fully admit that I listen too much, too often, and there are more productive
way to be spending my time… and yet I do it anyway. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I mention this because this week, one topic has dominated
the sports radio airwaves, and it really isn’t solely a “sports story” – in
fact, I think it is a parenting story.
Richie Incognito, an offensive lineman for the Miami Dolphins has been
accused by a teammate, Jonathan Martin, of bullying. Maybe I’m downplaying the terminology here.
What has actually happened is Jonathan Martin has been the apparent victim of
workplace harassment, extortion and bigotry at the hand of Richie Incognito. I won’t dwell too much on the details, as
you can find them in countless articles published this week like this one: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/04/richie-incognito-jonathan-martin-racial-slur-threats_n_4213340.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/04/richie-incognito-jonathan-martin-racial-slur-threats_n_4213340.html</a>. In the end, fed up after yet another
incident, Martin slammed down a tray of food during a lunch break at the Miami
training facility and walked out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is the amazing part to me – there are people out there,
many in the NFL or former NFL players -- who feel like they can justify
Incognito’s actions, and some actually blame Martin, the victim, for the
problems he’s having! I’ve read and
heard comments like “he should have kept the issues internal to the team” and
“he should have manned up and just hit Incognito”. I’ve heard justifications like “every NFL
rookie has to go through this” (Martin is actually a second year player, but
this has been going on since last year) and “hazing builds a stronger team –
brotherhood!” Parts of this story actually made me sick to
my stomach: <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/11/05/bullying-jonathan-martin-richie-incognito/3449621/">http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/11/05/bullying-jonathan-martin-richie-incognito/3449621/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where to start? I
think I should be very clear here – I’m not angry at Incoginto. Some of you might find that unsettling, as there
is plenty of evidence that would logically lead to having real anger at his
actions. And I’m not here to tell you
that you shouldn’t be angry. However, I
choose not to be. As a third party
observer, what I feel is maybe not what you’d expect – I feel sympathy for
Incognito. This man is clearly broken. There
is something missing from his life. When
people act in a way that makes others feel small, they are generally doing so
to make themselves feel better. The
bully in grade school isn’t just a bully because he enjoys torturing his peers
– he tortures his peers to give himself power and that makes him feel
better. And people who need to make
themselves feel better at the expense of others clearly have issues. Bullies
become bullies because something missing from their lives. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSrTap0dbzKBkk8OugJUqyt93XByb_8i4ccJww7vSDg5INLdgv_" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSrTap0dbzKBkk8OugJUqyt93XByb_8i4ccJww7vSDg5INLdgv_" width="133" /></a>This is not to suggest that Incognito is blameless. Far from it.
He’s culpable for everything he did and should reap the
repercussions. But being angry with him is
separate from wanting there to be consequences.
To do the things he’s done (and he has a long, ugly history of being a
“bad boy”), I believe he must have a gaping hole in his soul. It is my most sincerely hope, for his sake
and those around him, he finds what he needs to repair it. My guess is that won’t happen without a lot
of professional help to guide the healing process. Let’s hope the ulcer isn’t
so far gone that Incognito won’t accept some assistance in healing it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I see in this whole awful situation is a lack of
leadership. Let’s start with the coaches
– there have been a couple of accounts of both players and coaches suggesting Martin
should have “kept this in house” rather than allowing it to become public, as
it is now. Well, friends, if the
management (i.e. “coaches”) wanted this to be an internal matter, they had
their chance. They could have created a
culture of teamwork through support rather than torture (and make no mistake
–“hazing” is torture. Stop sugar coating
it. Duct taping a person -- a human being – to a goal post…or forcibly
gang-holding a person down and covering his entire body in Icy/Hot solution… or
making someone run through a line where he is hit with bags filled with
coins…that is torture no matter what more friendly term you’d like to attach to
it). The coaching staff could have
created an environment with an ‘open door / no repercussion’ policy. They could have guided the players to select
high character guys as team leaders (ironically, Incoginto was, in fact, on the
Leadership Council for the Dolphins). They
could have done any of these things, but they didn’t.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In fact, there are
some reports that the coaches actually nudged Incognito to help”toughen up”
Martin. Want to know why? Want to know Martin’s indiscretion? Want to know what would so anger the coaching
staff that they would encourage torture?
It was a doozie – you see, Jonathan Martin chose to not attend a
non-mandatory, off-season training session.
So, instead of communicating with Martin, instead of discussing the
importance of his attendance at such sessions, instead of investigating if
there might be some reason he didn’t choose to attend….these so-called-leaders
decided Martin needed to learn a lesson and “toughen up”. Morons.
Shameful. And if this information
holds to be true, if they indeed encouraged Incognito’s behavior, they should
all be fired.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRpTNj9hLh97QRQ1GOVqSXVYIZ8wci2QMwOpz9QQLeIwGfIaX8zVg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRpTNj9hLh97QRQ1GOVqSXVYIZ8wci2QMwOpz9QQLeIwGfIaX8zVg" width="200" /></a>There is another group who is culpable, too -- the players.
Am I expected to believe they didn’t see the bullying? Of course they did. However, I have yet to see any information –
neither evidence nor even an anecdote of how Martin’s teammates came to his
support. These big, brawny guys who
pride themselves on being “brothers” and who claimed to have bonded through the
“war on the field” shamefully sit by while one of their own is humiliated,
extorted, threatened, and shunned by their peer? The excuse of “clubhouse culture” is not
acceptable – not for something like this.
Would you sit idly by if you knew a co-worker was abusing someone in
your department? Seriously think about
that – if you saw someone being extorted, being physically roughed up, being
called racial slurs, being shunned…
would you wash your hands of it?
If no one else was willing to call out this behavior, would you be okay
with the mob-mentality acceptance? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s what I know – if this was happening around my kids,
if they observed this type of behavior, I would not only want them to speak up
about it, I would fully expect them to.
I want them to lead, not follow.
And to allow such behavior to exist, even if it isn’t being done to you
– to allow it to exist and not to act is shameful. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It so happens that Jack came upon a bullying situation
earlier this year – for privacy reasons, I’m going to leave out the detail, but
needless to say, there was a group of people who were overpowering an
individual, and this individual was not the most popular person in school. Many thought the group “cool” for being able
to torment the individual as they did…. And Jack made a difficult
decision. He chose to be right rather
than be popular. He reported the
problem, and the administration of the school handled things from there.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If my thirteen year olds son gets it – if he is willing to
do what is right instead of what is popular -- surely grown men should be
expected to as well.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To Richie Incognito, please find help. Admit your mistakes,
take ownership, accept the consequences, learn from it and allow professionals
to guide you to a better, healthier place. To his coaches and teammates, take a
look in the mirror. No longer can you accept mob-mentality and allow this
abuse. You want kids to look up and
idolize to you, earn it. I know there
are players and coaches who would never have allowed this to happen – Tony
Dungy, Herm Edwards, J.J. Watts to name a few.
Be leaders, not followers. And to Jonathan Martin, thank you for having
the courage to walk out and find a non-violent solution. I’m sorry for what you’ve endured. I’m glad that you’ve given us more focus and
another opportunity to have this important national conversation.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03683246525076214400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-38610477875773671442013-11-01T11:14:00.002-04:002013-11-01T11:14:26.546-04:00Guidelines from the Sidelines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGnWK8bXxovCNH3BUbEIwKG2sp69uzfc8qnZMRnuoI6o7f8wreFIGtjnDJ3eivlycUPyLqUz_fuvhR_vBUbdAVC5iTgav_foVzLgL-iZWVucwVf3gWCkxrE8CN8v1EsiJrVijPVgI7ys/s1600/graded+paper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGnWK8bXxovCNH3BUbEIwKG2sp69uzfc8qnZMRnuoI6o7f8wreFIGtjnDJ3eivlycUPyLqUz_fuvhR_vBUbdAVC5iTgav_foVzLgL-iZWVucwVf3gWCkxrE8CN8v1EsiJrVijPVgI7ys/s200/graded+paper.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
My ten year old son, Will, was writing a science paper the
other day. In it, he had written “Today, I am researching the idea that….” When
I suggested to him that perhaps he might want to change the language to read “I’ve
researched the idea….”, he looked at me, stupefied. “But, Dad, the research isn’t done yet. I’m doing it as I write this paper.” I took a moment to try to grasp his point of
view – he wanted to accurately report on what he was actively doing – and I explained
that, to the reader, this topic and research will all have been done already,
so it is appropriate to assume the future and write the paper from that
perspective.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Assume the future. That
was a tough concept to explain. It hit
me that one of the really great things about being a kid is <u>not</u> having
to assume the future. Kids live in the
now. They know the future is out there, but, like
much in their lives, the future is not completely in their control so they manage
to cope with the idea that it’ll happen when it happens. They can make great guesses about what the
future holds, but those guesses usually aren’t rooted in reality. For example, Will is convinced, legitimately
convinced, he will be a running back in the NFL one day. He does not understand the infinitesimal odds
of that being a career option for him… the
math alone is fairly astounding: </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>There are 32
NFL teams</li>
<li>Each team carries,
roughly, 3-4 running backs on their roster</li>
<li>3.5 roster
spots times 32 teams equals 112 jobs in any given year</li>
<li>One estimate
is that roughly 1,000,000 boys play high school football every year</li>
<li>Given the 112 running back positions available, there is a
.0112% chance for any of those million boys to become a professional running
back.<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">to become a professional
running back.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6QwZ6FQJ_qQjLgk1_PyHYnjqj5IGaUsTkck_laXGgynNSxtn-ZNCv_RFqsJT81lBWqByjroPxv7K9-OTGjt3QyC1Cz2U_BdjhewEuAonVr7Lwpq8yLTk6DLOrJH69T8Weu6wrL3ydaw/s1600/kid+football+player.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6QwZ6FQJ_qQjLgk1_PyHYnjqj5IGaUsTkck_laXGgynNSxtn-ZNCv_RFqsJT81lBWqByjroPxv7K9-OTGjt3QyC1Cz2U_BdjhewEuAonVr7Lwpq8yLTk6DLOrJH69T8Weu6wrL3ydaw/s200/kid+football+player.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Add to those odds the fact that genetics did Will no favors…
he is not particularly big, nor is he particularly fast. But, let’s just say he was above average in
each of those areas – I think that may be wishful thinking but just for fun, let’s
assume that were true. Does “above
average” make it in a league where just .0112% of job applicants are accepted into
the field (Get it? Field? They’re
football players…. I digress….) No,
“above average” kids might make it one rung higher on the ladder, but to be an NFL
running back, somewhere along the way the words ”great”, ”outstanding, “top”, or “awesome” need to be the description of
one’s skills.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But here’s the beauty of youth – Will doesn’t care about the
long odds. He doesn’t care about being
shorted in this area by the workings of genetics (sorry, buddy – probably my
fault….my genes don’t have the NFL emblem embossed on them). He <u>knows</u> he’s going to be an NFL
running back. Who am I to tell him he can’t
be?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a parent, I also want him to be prepared for other life options
–you know<i>, just in case</i>. We’ve talked about journalism. We’ve
discussed opportunities in the arts.
Will has an entrepreneurial spirit, as well. But in his mind, all these options are for
when his NFL career is over. That’s the
blessing of youth. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyT3h0X5HVNF0qYv7i1egQb6MzCHxSVI3FfiYhzZuwd4u8OLShTQBbp_VaA_Op5t6SfSM2QmYL8hhH2jR9HI24BuYo8TXciL8wLeEYVFGbEeyUZTmoWVAxYhtpjZoAgir3v0SqCLVDoBs/s1600/To-DO-List.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyT3h0X5HVNF0qYv7i1egQb6MzCHxSVI3FfiYhzZuwd4u8OLShTQBbp_VaA_Op5t6SfSM2QmYL8hhH2jR9HI24BuYo8TXciL8wLeEYVFGbEeyUZTmoWVAxYhtpjZoAgir3v0SqCLVDoBs/s320/To-DO-List.png" width="320" /></a>I’m not so foolish to think I can know anything about my
children’s futures. I, too, can make
guesses – hopefully bit more educated and grounded than theirs, but guesses
nonetheless. And while I can’t <u>know</u>
what the future holds for them, I can know what I <u>want</u> the future to
hold for them… so, instead of giving them hard and fast rules, Blythe and I try
to instill some core values to help them make good decisions for their
future. I trust my kids… I feel if we can
give them some basic guidelines to follow, they will each blossom beautifully
and in their own way. So, here are some of
the ideas we try to instill:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6BMK5TQimzYqDMKElS332030n1xfphTaMbVLzg8f44EObv3vPFrnhORBUBvAu81PiJLhwZm0vtRsQzxUHLISKDQfUNzAY0YbWu5LmatP8x_jopvawP_Vs2saBdbgfqCnXbmL2g8B6V4/s1600/green+apple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6BMK5TQimzYqDMKElS332030n1xfphTaMbVLzg8f44EObv3vPFrnhORBUBvAu81PiJLhwZm0vtRsQzxUHLISKDQfUNzAY0YbWu5LmatP8x_jopvawP_Vs2saBdbgfqCnXbmL2g8B6V4/s200/green+apple.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Make Healthy Choices</b>: This is such a tough subject… everywhere you turn, there is different
advice on what is and isn’t good for you.
So, what can we do? We try to
instill some basic core concepts– sleep is good (the two year old is still
working on this one); when you’re not feeling well, sleep is even more
important; foods with fewer chemicals are probably better than those with a
lot; foods with lower sugar content are probably better than foods with a lot
(Halloween, you did not help us here!); fruits and veggies are important; fried
anything isn’t going to do you any good; moderation is key; moving your body is
important; you have one body that needs to last a long time…. We hope these building blocks help our kids
to form good decisions over the long run.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxMMEF4Q4xyCh4Yn14W3FMmGMKC5E9wMwZ_l_HYsWADFESK4DHOdsYkcAJVi99oOhnkJ3uuMILBJ50hYoCbJMshW-R01tYY2kLAmN0oFiturETN-lMiYp4qohzKbmJQAi91zH62eMw50/s1600/kids+leap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxMMEF4Q4xyCh4Yn14W3FMmGMKC5E9wMwZ_l_HYsWADFESK4DHOdsYkcAJVi99oOhnkJ3uuMILBJ50hYoCbJMshW-R01tYY2kLAmN0oFiturETN-lMiYp4qohzKbmJQAi91zH62eMw50/s200/kids+leap.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Take Risks</b>: I
guess some parents prefer to root their kids in the realities of life. There
are probably plenty of you who think me the fool for allowing Will to think he
could play in the NFL one day. (You probably
think me the fool for many more reasons than that, but let’s just use this one
example for now…) However, I never want to
clip my kids’ wings. I constantly
encourage them to dream big. There is nothing
more exciting to me than to watch them embrace the challenge and chase those
dreams. They may not achieve their
original goal, but I have a belief that they will <i>achieve</i> regardless. My
greatest desire is that my kids aren’t afraid to fail. It’s about the journey, not the destination.
Hokey? Yes…but true nonetheless.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nfaqTabXAIHH7zktFZ6ty2-5QrD4xSzEswxAHmcFyGM9R_TvntQ7Slnoq79lEjc3NWPpG-NveWOO0wSc2hx2bYSiFPd0EkktGMV-tH6MLBbvmpWzEhZYMiqXP84U587P7Cb9OsVsstg/s1600/work+hard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nfaqTabXAIHH7zktFZ6ty2-5QrD4xSzEswxAHmcFyGM9R_TvntQ7Slnoq79lEjc3NWPpG-NveWOO0wSc2hx2bYSiFPd0EkktGMV-tH6MLBbvmpWzEhZYMiqXP84U587P7Cb9OsVsstg/s200/work+hard.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Work Hard</b>: I remember my grandmother complimenting me
early in life – and boasting to anyone who’d listen about how “smart” I
was. While flattering to be described that
way, I’ve learned over time that “being smart” can be a weight around your neck.
“Smart” gets you virtually nothing in life.
What I have noted about people who have great success in life, in any field,
is they invariably are the hardest workers around. They’re the folks who don’t accept obstacles
and barriers, who barrel through the hours and the issues. They have a singular
focus on the work at hand. Malcolm
Gladwell famously theorized that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an
expert… successful people see that as the bare minimum of effort.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrq20Lfh78OJYl9Ch-idRWOiPwUS4JrbjPpaTOO5-1PUwYN58Q_lcJfII3cWYD81afK3ZE0_aqUgWUEGyFvbJzkCnLQfoopxJlwBXfHUtLkh0TD8P8gyDfTYi7KWAWxu5zm8J2ezL9M2k/s1600/kindness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrq20Lfh78OJYl9Ch-idRWOiPwUS4JrbjPpaTOO5-1PUwYN58Q_lcJfII3cWYD81afK3ZE0_aqUgWUEGyFvbJzkCnLQfoopxJlwBXfHUtLkh0TD8P8gyDfTYi7KWAWxu5zm8J2ezL9M2k/s200/kindness.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Be Kind</b>: No matter your lot in life, there are always
others who find themselves in less desirable situations. Sometimes, it is easy to forget and easier
still to judge harshly. My most sincere hope
is that my kids find ways to embrace their communities and lead through compassion. While I do my best to model this behavior, I hope
they are far better at this than am I. I’m
so fortunate that compassion is a part of their natural behavior. Blythe and I hope to stoke those fires into a
lifelong engine for them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcpZKU5gBSmVFW-F6bVs3YF7uhURVA20fbRxU747AC2QTOLIgUstglD2z66sxHhkb5xJAaQtbO15zRYI6-PKbKKB7Eph8LGEVP6XsuMSAuOd8w8UWlo3RF8J48Gb1ZKpvrfFVO6pcWMg/s1600/follow+your+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcpZKU5gBSmVFW-F6bVs3YF7uhURVA20fbRxU747AC2QTOLIgUstglD2z66sxHhkb5xJAaQtbO15zRYI6-PKbKKB7Eph8LGEVP6XsuMSAuOd8w8UWlo3RF8J48Gb1ZKpvrfFVO6pcWMg/s1600/follow+your+heart.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Follow Your Heart</b>:
There are few things as awful as waking up every day and knowing you’re going
to be miserable for the next ten hours.
I know far too many friends who would trade in their occupation in a
heartbeat if their life circumstances would allow. My hope is that my children have the intestinal
fortitude to use their hearts when choosing their life activities. I want them to wake up every day excited to
be jumping into life’s waters. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Make healthy choices, take risks, work hard, be kind, and
follow your heart.</i> Will those values help
guide my kids to lead long, healthy, fulfilled lives? I don’t know. I hope so.
What I know for sure is that Blythe and I get the honor of watching those
seeds grow. We’ll be sitting on the
sidelines, rooting them on…and who knows, for Will maybe that will be a literal
sideline rather than a figurative one.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGJTkvuEpDK9V8EINLbVx3IQmeglbxrJrkPflZjVNQKIxxSRsiXw-eIFmRjXmApCBce2YIegAPwqIfqKdYgXOvRJjiVpKCo0iRVXaknxIOd3fNzdliTgcilO3tLlhU7gaPBaGA6z8-ns/s1600/touchdown+celebration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGJTkvuEpDK9V8EINLbVx3IQmeglbxrJrkPflZjVNQKIxxSRsiXw-eIFmRjXmApCBce2YIegAPwqIfqKdYgXOvRJjiVpKCo0iRVXaknxIOd3fNzdliTgcilO3tLlhU7gaPBaGA6z8-ns/s400/touchdown+celebration.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03683246525076214400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-57868083347192501622013-11-01T10:03:00.001-04:002013-11-01T10:03:23.057-04:00Mermaids, Zombies, and Duct Tape<div>
I am not much into holidays and I tend to find the negatives in each one preferring the steadiness of making a little something of everyday rather then predesignating in advance some to be better then others. These exercises in excessive commerce tend to lose any real intended meaning and I could do without the interruptions. On this topic I am a dud.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Normally for Halloween I am on travel and miss it or just dread the cost of one time use costumes and the dreary canvasing of the neighborhood for candy I can just buy at Wal-Mart for a few bucks at any time. As I chaperon the children and make sure they are always polite and say thank you I dread the task of rationing the candy over the course of weeks until half of it is thrown away or worse, eaten by me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However one does what must be done. Children prepared in costume the drill begins.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As darkness approached our journey carried us far away to the house on the back corner of the planned community that is positioned in a way that makes it feel like the lost cabin in the woods, the mood aided by the surrounding trees that are going to sleep for winter and the dreary gray sky. My six year old informs me that she had been told the zombies all come from there.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then suddenly as if by magic curse, her plastic pumpkin candy bucket split in two. So I improvised as most fathers would and ran back to the house to grab some duct tape. I understood if that vessel completely failed and spilled her hard earned provisions on the ground then the zombies would surely come to loot.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I returned to my team of two daughters, her long time companion and three guards had combined forces into a blur of giants and little scary things. I repaired the plastic pumpkin my princess mermaid carried to collect her treasure.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Satisfied for a moment I quickly fell ill and my mind turned mad. My princess then handed me a doll to carry for her and as her loyal assistant I accepted the task without asking why she had that object in the first place. I took a six inch piece of duct tape from the role and covered my mouth and began to moan. I had become a zombie.<br /><br />I was not interested in "fun packed" candy bars. I wanted to eat kids. I growled and acted like a zombie monster. The neighborhood began to fill with that unique sound of screams mixed with laughter that only children can make as they ran from house to house until as we made short work of plundering the territory.</div>
<div>
<br />Then a pause as time suddenly stood still. My youngest spilled her ill gotten gain. I removed the tape and character as it was time for triage. An emergency of dramatic proportion had risen. We must gather the candy from the ground within five seconds before spoilage, theft, or tears ensue. Upon avoiding catastrophe my little princess looked at me and said "Dad put that back on and be a zombie".</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I continued to chase the kids around as they screamed, laughed and looted. Growling and flailing my arms, hiding behind bushes and cars, carrying a doll in one hand a role of duct tape in the other I ran up and down driveways chasing kids up to doorsteps decorated with ghosts and pumpkins. Real zombies don't act this way and I wondered what in the world other parents could be thinking not knowing how this all came to be. </div>
<div>
I tried my best to only chase my own who understood the joke but as other kids looked confused I heard both of my daughters explain to them "Don't worry, that is my Daddy". Then they wanted in the game too.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Afterward I thought my gratitude for what what my kids remind me of each day. The joy of just improvising, spontaneity and doing something silly in the moment mixed with their imagination can be enough for a great family memory. I did not mind embarrassing myself for their laughter, after all it was Halloween and I had dressed up as a Dad. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-69460475865597103052012-09-04T16:31:00.000-04:002012-09-04T16:31:27.887-04:00Always Look at Least Three Ways<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The park where some good friends of ours were helping us out
by taking family pictures also had a large playground. This is like me seeing a Fry’s Electronics
store or even a Radio Shack if I have to settle so naturally I understand when my
daughters head over there and I must give chase. The slides were made of plastic and not too
hot under the sun. Unfortunately they had puddles of water and sand somehow and in “photo
picture” clothing there was no way I could let them climb those stairs or I
would be he one in the most trouble.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
So I negotiated. “We can go to the Ice
Cream store later today.” That is
actually an Arctic Circle fast food joint that makes shakes and has an indoor
playground. So when it came time to
make good on my promise we began the long journey. <br />
<br />
Whenever we do this I resist cracking up watching the little legs of my two
year old trying to keep up. I try
to keep her focused about her surroundings.
A pet rabbit spotted through a fence catches her attention easily but I
am more worried about cars. It is only
about 1.5 blocks but it must feel like a mile to her. She doesn't care because
she knows a vanilla courtesy cone awaits her.
<br />
<br />
I won’t let them jaywalk. They have to
use the corner even if it is a bit out of the way. When we get there I teach my oldest (5
years) about the traffic sign. "Notice the red stop with the counting number and then
when it turns to a green person walking, get moving." Out of courtesy to others I also teach no “dilly dally” getting across. It is
one of my pet peeves when people stroll lazily through any crosswalk.<br />
<br />
We get to the restaurant and place our order.
I was so proud that both girls of all the kids were the only ones that took
off their shoes and placed them in the provided storage area and never taking food
into the play area and taking turns. I
thing one of the best ways to see how kids are growing is to watch them play
with others and it made my caramel cashew shake taste that much better.<br />
<br />
When it was time we head back to the same corner. The sign turned green but the younger one was
too far behind us. My reaction was to
get her and wait for the next light cycle, but the older one wanted to follow my
instructions and go with the little green man.
Here comes a car making a right hand turn. <br />
<br />
I forgot to mention that at a corner, you have to look three ways regardless of
what the sign might say.<br />
<br />I shouted “Stay there !” with a bit of
force. The driver of the car also heard
me as his windows were rolled down, screeched to a halt and gave me the
expected dirty look with a hand gesture requesting permission to continue. My oldest never left the curb but was
confused and she complied. We had a
short debate afterward about the green man on the sign means. I have to admit she had a case. I didn’t tell her to look three ways first. I also
should not have let my little Pea get so far behind us. She volunteered to hold my hand the rest of the way home, even passing
by the rabbits without pausing.<br />
<br />
Had we just jaywalked in the first place it might have been easier to just look
two ways. But I know that is not the
right way to teach them and that road also has a “suicide lane”. I am clearly not
ready yet to explain that and in either case it just isn't quite like the quiet road we live on laced with orange warning cones that are commonly laid out by neighbors.<br />
<br />
As we walked home, I was distracted by both the surroundings and my own
thoughts. If I was standing in their
shoes this whole thing could be quite overwhelming. Sometimes when our kids
just do what we say it is exactly what we want, but other times they are just
doing what we say. As adults however we
learn to look three or more ways at all times. <br /><br />How we give our children that
skill will make all the difference in their futures. For now, I am lucky just to get them back safely from the "Ice Cream Store".<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-35956638291592414512012-07-20T08:27:00.004-04:002012-07-20T08:32:07.969-04:00Each Moment of Being a Dad is a Lifetime<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kyra is my oldest.
Today she turns five and is preparing to enter Kindergarten. Just yesterday I was watching her birth. <br />
<br />
The hospital insisted that we stay the night and I couldn’t get enough of
fatherhood. I stayed with my little girl in the nursery and they trained me on
changing diapers and proper washing. I
had no clue. I gently wiped the sponge
across her like she was a ’67 Mustang knowing my long-time friends were
laughing in the background wondering how is the “Stoic Steve” going handle
having a daughter.<br />
<br />
Did I mention that Kyra is my oldest child and tomorrow she is about to
graduate from high school?<br />
<br />
One lesson that both my kids have taught me is the importance of practicing the
enjoyment of each brief moment with them. Each one is different but will never happen
again exactly the same way but for a Dad, it is hard not to see the whole story
all at once. It is how we are wired to
look at things.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />Considering that on this present day she is only five years
old and while she has developed very quickly from day one she is not ready for
the pressures of leadership. The other
day both had just finished their baths. I
got distracted for moment and heard the screen door close. I ran downstairs and gave chase to find that
Kyra had dressed herself and her sister had not but was following her to the
park. It was a moment that had I put on
camera I could use against them later in life.
One day I might be the grandparent who can humble them in front of their
own kids and this would have done the trick.<br />
<br />
In the first moment I was embarrassed that I turned my head for a minute and
this whole thing happened, then I worried if the neighbors saw this then in the
moment that followed I was proud of my daughters. It turns out that Kyra was eager to go play
with someone who from her looks and demeanor wasn’t too happy. Kyra wanted to offer her food and toys to
play with. I can’t read more into that
than I should, I really don’t know the situation well and I didn’t recognize
her new friend. Alexa just wanted to
participate. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgEeaQSZ4S0msGNdm3VXaSeZHBPNDyTDHPfwW4s-hm9WIMgw2hFbIp2iLDRKGNMw7UgyX9G5e2ibq4jH0eOFuH7xo6idTAeBbRNGgtbHBQ7CqIEcZQz3s0oiGWOu7d_EJWQqp8tgeA6Hu/s1600/Kyra+and+Alexa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgEeaQSZ4S0msGNdm3VXaSeZHBPNDyTDHPfwW4s-hm9WIMgw2hFbIp2iLDRKGNMw7UgyX9G5e2ibq4jH0eOFuH7xo6idTAeBbRNGgtbHBQ7CqIEcZQz3s0oiGWOu7d_EJWQqp8tgeA6Hu/s320/Kyra+and+Alexa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">I also know that Kyra is very quick on her feet when it comes to making
adjustments to the story. So I remained
objective and on the next to the last moment chose a positive view followed by
just laughing at the whole thing. Then I
had a talk Kyra about what happened.
It was my fault they got away from me so I was not mad, but I asked her
for help, and in the last moment we reached an understanding.</span><br />
<br />
They are still innocent and their heads are not filled with the complicated
stuff adults think about. They are free and generous spirits, Dad’s try to
teach them how to make the most of it, preferable with their clothes on.<br />
<br />
One day she might read this and understand that on her day of becoming five
years old and experiencing a real milestone, I am thinking of how all three of
my girls, my wife and two daughters, are so very strong, protective, and wise
and that as a teacher by profession I am being schooled by them and it will take
a lifetime to get this degree. However I
will not admit this until they are old enough to use Google to find this blog
post and read it. <br />
<br />
This could be
tomorrow. <o:p></o:p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7616142653771556472.post-48713295164733709722012-06-15T10:52:00.000-04:002013-10-29T11:47:46.576-04:00Your Star and My Star - Different...But The Same<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>894</o:Words>
<o:Characters>5101</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Franchise Dynamics</o:Company>
<o:Lines>42</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>11</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>5984</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMukan0rK6s_TjTFhHfQXkS6X8LocLCyKaGddHZv5nMxx9AtUnBJhJw_oQRPhEyTE55Ej01KR9-EVFDKr8nKFT8Iinzt5RuGf1U-YJeMH6XvV9d_Gp_3JoX_1MnXUVM_gDKdRjl85iegI/s1600/Football+Player+Ballet.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMukan0rK6s_TjTFhHfQXkS6X8LocLCyKaGddHZv5nMxx9AtUnBJhJw_oQRPhEyTE55Ej01KR9-EVFDKr8nKFT8Iinzt5RuGf1U-YJeMH6XvV9d_Gp_3JoX_1MnXUVM_gDKdRjl85iegI/s1600/Football+Player+Ballet.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some parents beam proudly at their child’s straight-A report
card. Others brag about their kids’
athletic prowess. Some parents focus on
class rank or their kid running the student council. All great achievements. In our house, we’ve got performing arts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Performing arts, you say?
There is no comparison between my kid scoring the winning touchdown in a
state championship game and your kid singing in a musical! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And to anyone who carries that notion, I say, pshaw (“pshaw”
being as theatrical a word as I can come up with!! Notice the extra exclamation
marks, as well. Very dramatic.) To that
person, I feel confident in guessing they’d never been in a musical production;
for if they had, they’d know that what goes into it and what comes out of it
are the same elements of that winning football team: hard work, pursuit of
excellence, personal bests, teamwork, and a shared vision of success. Add in artistry and you have a better
understanding why I beam for my kids when they’re on stage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thirty seconds left
in the basketball game, your son’s team down by two. Your son dribbles the ball down court, finds
the open man, and makes a beautiful pass.
Twenty seconds left. The ball is
passed a few more times until the star forward on the team takes a shot. He misses.
Your son grabs the rebound. He
dribbles forward. Six seconds left. The ball is tapped away by the
opposition. Rolling behind the three
point line, your son throws himself after the ball. With three seconds left, he grabs it off the
floor, and, in a single motion, shoots the ball straight into the net. Three! The buzzer goes off and screams of
elation fill the stands. And you sit
there, so proud.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my world, I watch as my son takes the stage. He moves gracefully in the opening number, as
if he were meant to dance. His voice is
strong and he leads his cast mates in a difficult song/dance routine involving
three part harmony and tap dance. As the
show moves forward, one of the actor’s microphones cuts out and my son quickly,
and in character, figures out way to grab the hand mic at the front of the
stage and deliver it to the stranded actor without causing distraction. The final number involves tumbling, lifts,
and leaps off stage, all while singing the vocal equivalent of mountain
climbing. The last note is perfect. The curtain closes and the crowd is on it
feet in appreciation. And I sit there,
so proud.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYimdJR24-1Ps7_KukiSaUWUAifvbwmxgd24GthasgNrfGeCUkpDLdQZc6v08BNJfmoTVP9MgUCll_7ID6mxF3cgMELBshQ3HNQxUdcdgSg4UgreUGCKUV2gDsCFiDs_z5Ve431cZJHnw/s1600/exhausted+dancer.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYimdJR24-1Ps7_KukiSaUWUAifvbwmxgd24GthasgNrfGeCUkpDLdQZc6v08BNJfmoTVP9MgUCll_7ID6mxF3cgMELBshQ3HNQxUdcdgSg4UgreUGCKUV2gDsCFiDs_z5Ve431cZJHnw/s1600/exhausted+dancer.jpeg" /></a>But as a parent of any athlete knows, the games are the fun
part. The real work happens at
practice. 1000 free throws. Batting practice. Running the cones. Running.
And more running. And then run
some more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my world, we have classical dance classes and performance
rehearsals which are comprised of physical and vocal reps. Stretching. Vocal scales. Dress rehearsals. Tech rehearsals. Getting the routine right. And doing it again. And again.
And again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m certain your coach is brilliant. He knows each players' strengths and areas of
growth. He game plans a strategy like a
chess master – seeing three moves ahead of the other guy. He gets in his players heads, makes them work
hard to be better. He spends individual
time with each player, teaching the basics.
He gives them encouragement and plants the seeds of faith that <i>his</i> way is the winning way. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our director performs a similar role. He casts kids into rolls that both fit them
and (maybe) stretch them. His concept is
played out on stage every performance.
He coaches the group and individuals within the group. He is critical when he needs to be, but is
gives the all-important encouragement that they need. He asks them to trust each other and to trust
him. And they do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adults who were athletes frequently speak about the gifts
they took from the game. Beyond the
physical conditioning, they relate their preparedness in further schooling and
work experiences to the structure they learned in sports. When things aren’t going as planned in life, they
have perseverance <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Similarly, performing arts give kids lifelong lessons. They, too, learn to be prepared and have the
discipline to persevere in difficult circumstance because they were able to
learn those skills while putting on a production. The phrase “the show must go on” is truly a
mantra among performers. Further, these
kids get experience speaking in front of a live audience, a skill that can
be of use in the professional world every single day. They understand teamwork, having a group
goal, and the importance of every single person’s effort in a group. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, you say, performers don’t have the competitive edge. They don’t have the “kill” instinct that
pushes athletes to charge ahead full speed.
Athletes, as is the nature of sport, compete. Performers don’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To that sentiment, I ask if you’ve ever seen an open
audition session? Have you witnessed a
dance competition? Have you been to a
choral competition? Forensics
tournament? While an athlete’s challenge
is the win the game, the performer’s challenge is to be the best….the best
ever…..every time. Please tell me again
how performers lack the competitive spirit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These thoughts are not meant to take anything away from
athletics (or academics or student government, etc.), but rather to promote the
incredible experience that is the performing arts. The next time you think to yourself how
“cute” a musical performance at the local middle school or high school might
be, please consider if you’d say the same thing about the football game the
night before. “Cute” is a wonderful term…but
not for something as tough as performing can be. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love what performing has done for my kids. And I know all the benefits will continue on
into adulthood. I’m so grateful they
fell in love with performing and will encourage them for as long as they’re
interested. I guess there is one
difference between athletes and performers... generally, there are no foam
“we’re number one” fingers sold in the theater.
Maybe there should be. <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03683246525076214400noreply@blogger.com1