Good Morning and, hey, is that a Cardinal out there!
So, Monday morning about 6:55 a.m., the oldest said he needed a photo of me for school. Now, I quickly noticed a few things.
First was why did the request come about 10 minutes before the bus was going to arrive ("I forgot I had homework," came the reply).
Second was most of my photos exist in digital form. I never think about getting them printed.
Third was there was very few photos of me. I take the pictures, don't need to be in them.
So, we scrambled, found one, the computer crashed and couldn't get it in time.
What do you need it for? I asked.
"It's just part of homework," came the 12-year old's reply. "It's OK. It'll be all right without one."
So, off to the bus and through the day, not thinking about it again.
Anyway, Monday was the dreaded back-to-school night. While walking through the halls, I noticed the students were tasked to make up a front-page of a newspaper (imagine that!) about themselves.
In the lower left corner, there was a spot for "Meet My Hero."
In that spot, the boy had written "My Dad."
I don't know if I've ever had a prouder moment.
Showing posts with label Back to school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Back to school. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Rise and Shine --- School days
Good Morning and welcome back to the fog!
So, the first week of school is out of the way. That means now things can really get down to business.
I warned everybody this weekend to expect homework to start, probably today.
Since they are all still in summer mode (my fault, maybe), the cold slap of the homework bug is going to be a major wake up.
Now, instead of getting off the bus, throwing down the bags and tossing around the Frisbee, it's going to mean get the sharpened pencil and get back to work. The biggest problem is there hasn't really been any homework since late May.
The schoolies have taken great pride in coming home and saying, "Well, Dad, you have homework!"
OK, I expected that. Fill out all the forms, cover the books and make sure all the ducks are in order.
This week, I expect the fight.
Sure, you can have a snack, but I want the homework done. I don't want to argue. I don't want to hear how tired you are after school.
If the homework doesn't get done, well, you'll be more tired tomorrow. Welcome to the vicious cycle.
My goal this year is to try to make homework fun. Let's play a game. Get the math done, get a treat. Spelling done? Another treat. Reading? OK, it's time for dinner, no more.
Somehow, I don't think it will work out that way.
So, the first week of school is out of the way. That means now things can really get down to business.
I warned everybody this weekend to expect homework to start, probably today.
Since they are all still in summer mode (my fault, maybe), the cold slap of the homework bug is going to be a major wake up.
Now, instead of getting off the bus, throwing down the bags and tossing around the Frisbee, it's going to mean get the sharpened pencil and get back to work. The biggest problem is there hasn't really been any homework since late May.
The schoolies have taken great pride in coming home and saying, "Well, Dad, you have homework!"
OK, I expected that. Fill out all the forms, cover the books and make sure all the ducks are in order.
This week, I expect the fight.
Sure, you can have a snack, but I want the homework done. I don't want to argue. I don't want to hear how tired you are after school.
If the homework doesn't get done, well, you'll be more tired tomorrow. Welcome to the vicious cycle.
My goal this year is to try to make homework fun. Let's play a game. Get the math done, get a treat. Spelling done? Another treat. Reading? OK, it's time for dinner, no more.
Somehow, I don't think it will work out that way.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Rise and Shine --- What we learn
Good Morning and welcome back to Tuesday!
You know, Monday gets a bad rap, but Tuesday can be a little tougher. It's too late to say we are recovering from the weekend and next weekend is too far away. Tuesday doesn't even get a cool nickname.
Speaking of names, you know how actors and actresses change their names so it will be easier to remember. For instance, the name Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam doesn't exactly roll off the lips. Change it to Akon and, well, it's a star in the making.
Maybe politicians should think about doing the same. Really, if you are in office with the name Weiner, you really should be more careful if you send out some racy photos. There wouldn't be as much of an outrage if he became Anthony Вайнер or Anthony Zakila or Anthony Clinton.
One other thing, have you noticed in this world of technology we've become more connected than ever, but somehow are less connected.
It used to be, the phone rang, you answered it and talked to somebody. Now, you can see who is calling the cell phone as it's ringing and decide whether or not to answer. You can then quickly delete the voicemail or just ignore it completely.
There's nothing worse then sending a message (be it text or e-mail) and have it ignored. Too many things go through your mind. Was it ignored? Did it not go through? Is the phone broken? Is somebody in trouble?
Ah, technology, a whole new way to ignore people.
Then again, maybe we wouldn't have this:
You know, Monday gets a bad rap, but Tuesday can be a little tougher. It's too late to say we are recovering from the weekend and next weekend is too far away. Tuesday doesn't even get a cool nickname.
Speaking of names, you know how actors and actresses change their names so it will be easier to remember. For instance, the name Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam doesn't exactly roll off the lips. Change it to Akon and, well, it's a star in the making.
Maybe politicians should think about doing the same. Really, if you are in office with the name Weiner, you really should be more careful if you send out some racy photos. There wouldn't be as much of an outrage if he became Anthony Вайнер or Anthony Zakila or Anthony Clinton.
One other thing, have you noticed in this world of technology we've become more connected than ever, but somehow are less connected.
It used to be, the phone rang, you answered it and talked to somebody. Now, you can see who is calling the cell phone as it's ringing and decide whether or not to answer. You can then quickly delete the voicemail or just ignore it completely.
There's nothing worse then sending a message (be it text or e-mail) and have it ignored. Too many things go through your mind. Was it ignored? Did it not go through? Is the phone broken? Is somebody in trouble?
Ah, technology, a whole new way to ignore people.
Then again, maybe we wouldn't have this:
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Rise and Shine --- One last blast
Good Morning and welcome to the real first week of school!
Of course, some schools started last week, but there weren't buses at every corner and there weren't students walking all over the place. Today's the day when the morning (and afternoon) traffic picks up. Drive carefully, it's back to the grind.
So, even though the students I know started school last week, we tried to squeeze every bit of summer out of the season.
Earlier this summer, we hit museums, playgrounds, movies and parks. We've taken one-day road trips. We played games and had catches.
So, not wanting to let go (especially with the weather turning so nice), we blew out the weekend.
We went to a festival, road bikes and topped it all off with a Wilmington Blue Rocks game Monday.
Sure, everybody was tired, but you have to squeeze it all in. Some people do picnics or cookouts for Labor Day. Some watch tennis. Some play tennis.
Whatever, it's all about enjoying every single moment.
Now, life will be dominated by homework and getting everybody to school.
It's a different kind of fun.
Of course, some schools started last week, but there weren't buses at every corner and there weren't students walking all over the place. Today's the day when the morning (and afternoon) traffic picks up. Drive carefully, it's back to the grind.
So, even though the students I know started school last week, we tried to squeeze every bit of summer out of the season.
Earlier this summer, we hit museums, playgrounds, movies and parks. We've taken one-day road trips. We played games and had catches.
So, not wanting to let go (especially with the weather turning so nice), we blew out the weekend.
We went to a festival, road bikes and topped it all off with a Wilmington Blue Rocks game Monday.
Sure, everybody was tired, but you have to squeeze it all in. Some people do picnics or cookouts for Labor Day. Some watch tennis. Some play tennis.
Whatever, it's all about enjoying every single moment.
Now, life will be dominated by homework and getting everybody to school.
It's a different kind of fun.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Butterflies
Good Morning and welcome to the end of summer!
The stomach is churning. The head is spinning. The hands are shaking. The nerves were enough to make sleep turn into a pointless proposition.
It's the first day of school. The children are fine (well, at least as fine as you can be heading to school after a couple months off). It's Dad who's trying to shake it off.
I know I worry too much, but this time of year always turns my stomach into a gymnastics meet.
I worry about Liam heading into middle school. I know he can handle the work, but it's a whole new world. I just want him to do the best he can. I want him to blossom. I don't want him to worry about lockers, books, new friends or old friends. He's been excited about the start of a new school year. He likes learning. I'm sure he'll do fine, but I can't help but want to wrap him up.
Brendan is going to a new school this year as a third-grader. He's tough. I know he'll adapt. I know he'll become a leader. He's the type other children follow, even those who don't know him. Still, I want to throw him on my shoulders and run.
Malena smiles. She dances. She sings. Now, she's off to kindergarten. The flower is blossoming. I'm going to watch the clock all day until school is done. Then, I'm going to swoop her up and not let go.
Most of all, though, I'll miss the fun of summer. I'll miss the late mornings and the bike rides. I'll miss the crazy arguments. I know time moves forward, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.
The stomach is churning. The head is spinning. The hands are shaking. The nerves were enough to make sleep turn into a pointless proposition.
It's the first day of school. The children are fine (well, at least as fine as you can be heading to school after a couple months off). It's Dad who's trying to shake it off.
I know I worry too much, but this time of year always turns my stomach into a gymnastics meet.
I worry about Liam heading into middle school. I know he can handle the work, but it's a whole new world. I just want him to do the best he can. I want him to blossom. I don't want him to worry about lockers, books, new friends or old friends. He's been excited about the start of a new school year. He likes learning. I'm sure he'll do fine, but I can't help but want to wrap him up.
Brendan is going to a new school this year as a third-grader. He's tough. I know he'll adapt. I know he'll become a leader. He's the type other children follow, even those who don't know him. Still, I want to throw him on my shoulders and run.
Malena smiles. She dances. She sings. Now, she's off to kindergarten. The flower is blossoming. I'm going to watch the clock all day until school is done. Then, I'm going to swoop her up and not let go.
Most of all, though, I'll miss the fun of summer. I'll miss the late mornings and the bike rides. I'll miss the crazy arguments. I know time moves forward, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Time to rest
Good Morning and I was wondering if it was worse that the Phillies lost or Brett Myers got the win?
Back in the day, I remember getting through most of the afternoon at school in a haze. It was OK in the morning, but by lunchtime, you could see the heads of your friends starting to dip every once in a while.
Knowing this, I tried to get classes that used little or no brain power late in the day.
Then, while taking a walk around the Internet yesterday, I stumbled on THIS STORY from the L.A. Times.
According to several studies, a later start time in school meant better grades and better behaved students.
Just think about it. Instead of rousting everybody out of bed and dressed (the first battle of the day), rushing through breakfast (the second), then running red lights and stop signs to get everybody there on time (the third), maybe going in an hour later wouldn't be so bad.
Everybody would be better rested. Students would be more engaged with their teachers. We might all be a little calmer.
Now, if I could only convince my bosses its a good idea.
Back in the day, I remember getting through most of the afternoon at school in a haze. It was OK in the morning, but by lunchtime, you could see the heads of your friends starting to dip every once in a while.
Knowing this, I tried to get classes that used little or no brain power late in the day.
Then, while taking a walk around the Internet yesterday, I stumbled on THIS STORY from the L.A. Times.
According to several studies, a later start time in school meant better grades and better behaved students.
Just think about it. Instead of rousting everybody out of bed and dressed (the first battle of the day), rushing through breakfast (the second), then running red lights and stop signs to get everybody there on time (the third), maybe going in an hour later wouldn't be so bad.
Everybody would be better rested. Students would be more engaged with their teachers. We might all be a little calmer.
Now, if I could only convince my bosses its a good idea.
Sleeping Policeman - watch more funny videos
Monday, August 23, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Not ready
Good Morning and welcome to another week!
A lot of people look at the beginning of a new school year as a celebration. You see commercials with parents jumping up and down as the children go off on the bus.
Well, with a week to go before another year begins, I don't feel that elation.
I know they have to go back some time, but it always comes to early for me. I enjoy running around with the young ones. I enjoy riding bikes. I even enjoy hearing the yelling (OK, not as much, but still...).
I like the noise. I miss the lazy afternoons swimming. I yearn for just one more minute outside throwing the ball around. I've enjoyed the museums, the walks, the runs this summer.
Pretty soon, it's going to be all about homework and getting ready for the next day.
I'm not ready for that. So, this week, I'll try to cram as much summer as we have left into every moment.
Really, for me, there's no other choice.
A lot of people look at the beginning of a new school year as a celebration. You see commercials with parents jumping up and down as the children go off on the bus.
Well, with a week to go before another year begins, I don't feel that elation.
I know they have to go back some time, but it always comes to early for me. I enjoy running around with the young ones. I enjoy riding bikes. I even enjoy hearing the yelling (OK, not as much, but still...).
I like the noise. I miss the lazy afternoons swimming. I yearn for just one more minute outside throwing the ball around. I've enjoyed the museums, the walks, the runs this summer.
Pretty soon, it's going to be all about homework and getting ready for the next day.
I'm not ready for that. So, this week, I'll try to cram as much summer as we have left into every moment.
Really, for me, there's no other choice.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Lunch
Good Morning and welcome to another beautiful day!
I remember going to school (OK, the memories are sketchy at best, but I know I attended because I have plenty of photos).
Once a month during elementary school we were treated with a hot dog day. Everybody left the lunch boxes at home and were able to get a couple of hot dogs for some small amount. It was fun. There was ketchup on the table and then we went outside and ran around.
Over the years, the school lunch has grown to include everything, much of which isn't the healthiest thing around (not like hot dogs were, but that was just once a month).
Back when parents packed lunches every day, we got a peanut butter sandwich, maybe some chips and an apple.
Now, children are given pizza, candy, whatever. It's all mass-cooked (mostly off-site) and filled with nothing but white flour and hollow calories.
A group today is even saying school lunches are a threat to national security Apparently they believe today's school lunches are making children obese and not able to handle military training.
While I don't really care if they can handle military training or not, there is a major problem here. I still make the children take a home-packed lunch every day. They get fruit, nuts, pretzels and either a sandwich or maybe some hummus.
I know, that makes me a communist, but so be it. I've been called worse (plenty worse).
Parents need to take back the school lunch. We have no say, really, on what tests the teachers are pushing onto the students, but we do have control on lunch.
At least I think we do.
I remember going to school (OK, the memories are sketchy at best, but I know I attended because I have plenty of photos).
Once a month during elementary school we were treated with a hot dog day. Everybody left the lunch boxes at home and were able to get a couple of hot dogs for some small amount. It was fun. There was ketchup on the table and then we went outside and ran around.
Over the years, the school lunch has grown to include everything, much of which isn't the healthiest thing around (not like hot dogs were, but that was just once a month).
Back when parents packed lunches every day, we got a peanut butter sandwich, maybe some chips and an apple.
Now, children are given pizza, candy, whatever. It's all mass-cooked (mostly off-site) and filled with nothing but white flour and hollow calories.
A group today is even saying school lunches are a threat to national security Apparently they believe today's school lunches are making children obese and not able to handle military training.
While I don't really care if they can handle military training or not, there is a major problem here. I still make the children take a home-packed lunch every day. They get fruit, nuts, pretzels and either a sandwich or maybe some hummus.
I know, that makes me a communist, but so be it. I've been called worse (plenty worse).
Parents need to take back the school lunch. We have no say, really, on what tests the teachers are pushing onto the students, but we do have control on lunch.
At least I think we do.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Rise and Shine -- Back into the fray
Good Morning and welcome to the start of a nice week!
Well, at least weather wise it's supposed to be nice. After spending a week away on vacation, it's tough to get back into the work mood.
Of course, it's not like you can slowly jump back into the void.
There's always something going on around here, but besides the start of a new Phillies season, we have Tiger Woods and Donovan McNabb to take our focus away.
So, for all those Eagles fans out there who wanted a change, well, you got it. McNabb was only the best quarterback the franchise has ever seen. He won more games and took the franchise to heights it never was before.
It really is amazing how Philadelphia fans like to get rid of some of the better players who come through. They've run out Charles Barkley, Scott Rolen, Curt Schilling, Allen Iverson, just to name a few. Heck, I can remember back when fans wanted Mike Schmidt out of town.
Oh, to be back on the island and listening to the water.
Well, at least weather wise it's supposed to be nice. After spending a week away on vacation, it's tough to get back into the work mood.
Of course, it's not like you can slowly jump back into the void.
There's always something going on around here, but besides the start of a new Phillies season, we have Tiger Woods and Donovan McNabb to take our focus away.
So, for all those Eagles fans out there who wanted a change, well, you got it. McNabb was only the best quarterback the franchise has ever seen. He won more games and took the franchise to heights it never was before.
It really is amazing how Philadelphia fans like to get rid of some of the better players who come through. They've run out Charles Barkley, Scott Rolen, Curt Schilling, Allen Iverson, just to name a few. Heck, I can remember back when fans wanted Mike Schmidt out of town.
Oh, to be back on the island and listening to the water.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Back to School Night
Good Morning and welcome to a nicer day!
Every school has them this time of year (most sometime this past week), it's time for Back-To-School Night (or Parent Night or Teachers Don't Have Enough Time to Really Say Anything Night).
They are all the same. Everybody gathers in a central location. The principal gives the same speech he/she gave last year. The teachers are introduced. The teachers leave the room in a parade. There is a call for involvement in a home/school group. There is a call for fundraising. There are calls for volunteers.
Meanwhile, parents are either zoning out, snoring or trying to figure out who made those ridiculous chairs and if the inventor really found them comfortable.
Then the parade of parents head for the door, which is really too small for everybody to fit through at once, although, as if the principal has some really bad halitosis, everybody tries to fit through.
There is a rush to your student's room. A quick look around, a lot of squeezing into too-small desks and the teacher talks. And talks. And talks.
Then, after more talking by the teacher about school work, the genious of homework, classroom rules and how 'this is the best class she/he ever had,' it's time to go home.
The parents stagger out with too much information crammed into their old brains.
What was said? I don't know.
What are the students doing this year? I don't know.
How's the teacher? I don't know.
What's your name? I don't know.
Is there a better way to do all this? I don't know.
Hey, at least there was no loud snoring this year.
So, since we all need a wake up call, here you go:
Every school has them this time of year (most sometime this past week), it's time for Back-To-School Night (or Parent Night or Teachers Don't Have Enough Time to Really Say Anything Night).
They are all the same. Everybody gathers in a central location. The principal gives the same speech he/she gave last year. The teachers are introduced. The teachers leave the room in a parade. There is a call for involvement in a home/school group. There is a call for fundraising. There are calls for volunteers.
Meanwhile, parents are either zoning out, snoring or trying to figure out who made those ridiculous chairs and if the inventor really found them comfortable.
Then the parade of parents head for the door, which is really too small for everybody to fit through at once, although, as if the principal has some really bad halitosis, everybody tries to fit through.
There is a rush to your student's room. A quick look around, a lot of squeezing into too-small desks and the teacher talks. And talks. And talks.
Then, after more talking by the teacher about school work, the genious of homework, classroom rules and how 'this is the best class she/he ever had,' it's time to go home.
The parents stagger out with too much information crammed into their old brains.
What was said? I don't know.
What are the students doing this year? I don't know.
How's the teacher? I don't know.
What's your name? I don't know.
Is there a better way to do all this? I don't know.
Hey, at least there was no loud snoring this year.
So, since we all need a wake up call, here you go:
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Bedtime? What's that?
Good Morning and hopefully you got a good night's rest!
By about 8 most nights, I'm pretty much out of it. That's what happens when your alarm goes off every morning at 3 a.m.
So, about 7:30 p.m., it's time to get the troops ready for the bedtime ritual, which usually involves a lot of arguing and, sometimes, yelling.
Coming off the summer bedtime of about 9 p.m., the school-time sleep schedule appears to start too early for these three children.
Here's how it goes:
7:30 p.m.: "OK, guys, time to get ready for bed. Let's get a quick bath and put on the pajamas."
Five seconds later (spoken in unison): "WHY? WHY?"
7:40 p.m.: "OK, it's time to get ready for bed. Everybody upstairs."
Five seconds later: "It's TOO EARLY!"
7:50 p.m.: "Really, guys, lets get moving upstairs."
Five seconds later: "Your not going to bed why should we."
8 p.m.: "All right, enough fooling, up."
Five seconds later: "WHY? WHY? WHY?"
Five seconds later: "Move it."
So, after getting everybody bathed and dressed, the dance continues.
"OK, everybody's teeth brushed?"
"NO. No. No."
"All right, brush teeth."
A little while later, everybody's in bed. It's time for the 'Good Night's'
"Wait, I didn't brush my teeth."
"ARGHHHH!"
It would be kind of funny if it didn't happen EVERY NIGHT. Then again, it wouldn't be so, I don't know, interesting?
Eventually, everybody gets to sleep. Eventually.
Soon, it will be time to start it all over again. Maybe, I'll try some soft music tonight (although I don't know if this one would work for me).
By about 8 most nights, I'm pretty much out of it. That's what happens when your alarm goes off every morning at 3 a.m.
So, about 7:30 p.m., it's time to get the troops ready for the bedtime ritual, which usually involves a lot of arguing and, sometimes, yelling.
Coming off the summer bedtime of about 9 p.m., the school-time sleep schedule appears to start too early for these three children.
Here's how it goes:
7:30 p.m.: "OK, guys, time to get ready for bed. Let's get a quick bath and put on the pajamas."
Five seconds later (spoken in unison): "WHY? WHY?"
7:40 p.m.: "OK, it's time to get ready for bed. Everybody upstairs."
Five seconds later: "It's TOO EARLY!"
7:50 p.m.: "Really, guys, lets get moving upstairs."
Five seconds later: "Your not going to bed why should we."
8 p.m.: "All right, enough fooling, up."
Five seconds later: "WHY? WHY? WHY?"
Five seconds later: "Move it."
So, after getting everybody bathed and dressed, the dance continues.
"OK, everybody's teeth brushed?"
"NO. No. No."
"All right, brush teeth."
A little while later, everybody's in bed. It's time for the 'Good Night's'
"Wait, I didn't brush my teeth."
"ARGHHHH!"
It would be kind of funny if it didn't happen EVERY NIGHT. Then again, it wouldn't be so, I don't know, interesting?
Eventually, everybody gets to sleep. Eventually.
Soon, it will be time to start it all over again. Maybe, I'll try some soft music tonight (although I don't know if this one would work for me).
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Rise and Shine --- The world as it is
It appears to be a good morning to fly a kite!
It doesn't take much (sometimes) to see the world as it really is or can be.
Take for instance all that much ado about nothing yesterday when President Barack Obama was about to make a speech to school students. I actually saw a parent on morning television saying he would keep his child out of school on the first day as a protest against the school showing Obama's speech.
Now, what exactly is wrong with the president (or anybody really) talking to students about the joys of school.
Do you really think it's the downfall of society? Are some brains really so much jelly they have to 'protest' anything out of Washington?
Truth be told, it's probably a small minority of people who were upset. How come those people get the most play.
I have a theory about all this hubbub. Maybe Fox News gets such high ratings because it's funnier than the Comedy Channel. The comedians (intentional or unintentional) are what get our blood boiling. It's good for water cooler talk and arguing.
Then, thanks to a little dancer, you can easily be brought back to the real world.
Instead of worrying about the 'socialists taking over,' we can step back, see that people are trying to make things better and go along for the ride.
The blither blather can fade away in one fell swoop. Just take a 4-year old girl who wants nothing more than to dance to a ballet class.
If it doesn't give you hope for the future, nothing will.
It doesn't take much (sometimes) to see the world as it really is or can be.
Take for instance all that much ado about nothing yesterday when President Barack Obama was about to make a speech to school students. I actually saw a parent on morning television saying he would keep his child out of school on the first day as a protest against the school showing Obama's speech.
Now, what exactly is wrong with the president (or anybody really) talking to students about the joys of school.
Do you really think it's the downfall of society? Are some brains really so much jelly they have to 'protest' anything out of Washington?
Truth be told, it's probably a small minority of people who were upset. How come those people get the most play.
I have a theory about all this hubbub. Maybe Fox News gets such high ratings because it's funnier than the Comedy Channel. The comedians (intentional or unintentional) are what get our blood boiling. It's good for water cooler talk and arguing.
Then, thanks to a little dancer, you can easily be brought back to the real world.
Instead of worrying about the 'socialists taking over,' we can step back, see that people are trying to make things better and go along for the ride.
The blither blather can fade away in one fell swoop. Just take a 4-year old girl who wants nothing more than to dance to a ballet class.
If it doesn't give you hope for the future, nothing will.
OBAMA SAYS "SKIP SCHOOL TO STAY IN SCHOOL" - watch more funny videos
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Back to school
Good Morning and welcome to the real end of summer!
Today is Back To School day at the house. Most of Labor Day was spent getting clothes together, putting names on notebooks (and everything else) and packing the school bag for the first day.
For the first time, Liam (10 going on 15) is excited about going back to school (he's starting fifth grade). Sure, there is some nervousness, but nothing like the last few years. In fact, I'm probably more upset than he is about school starting. (I always get a few stomach pains at the end of summer. I enjoy being with the family so much, that any break from that routine is tough).
Anyway, while walking the dogs Monday night, the neighbor was asking Liam about starting school. Then turned to me and said, 'Don't you wish it was you getting ready for school?'
Now, that is a rather innocuous question. He was laughing. I was laughing. I said, 'Yeah. That way I wouldn't have to worry about going to work.'
Then, while lying awake last night, I thought about my answer. Sure, being of school age is fun. Sure, learning (although I didn't realize it then) is fun.
If I had never gone to work, though, I never would have met an angel. It happened, in of all places, a library (work library, but a library all the same).
For some reason, the angel smiled at me and I knew, just knew, the world was (is) a beautiful place.
After that day (through even today), I saw (see) the angel everywhere. The angel is in the clouds. In the sun. In trees. In flowers. In the other room. In this room. In the rain. In music.
Now, I have to go back to school to make the angel see the amazing world she has created.
Thank you.
Today is Back To School day at the house. Most of Labor Day was spent getting clothes together, putting names on notebooks (and everything else) and packing the school bag for the first day.
For the first time, Liam (10 going on 15) is excited about going back to school (he's starting fifth grade). Sure, there is some nervousness, but nothing like the last few years. In fact, I'm probably more upset than he is about school starting. (I always get a few stomach pains at the end of summer. I enjoy being with the family so much, that any break from that routine is tough).
Anyway, while walking the dogs Monday night, the neighbor was asking Liam about starting school. Then turned to me and said, 'Don't you wish it was you getting ready for school?'
Now, that is a rather innocuous question. He was laughing. I was laughing. I said, 'Yeah. That way I wouldn't have to worry about going to work.'
Then, while lying awake last night, I thought about my answer. Sure, being of school age is fun. Sure, learning (although I didn't realize it then) is fun.
If I had never gone to work, though, I never would have met an angel. It happened, in of all places, a library (work library, but a library all the same).
For some reason, the angel smiled at me and I knew, just knew, the world was (is) a beautiful place.
After that day (through even today), I saw (see) the angel everywhere. The angel is in the clouds. In the sun. In trees. In flowers. In the other room. In this room. In the rain. In music.
Now, I have to go back to school to make the angel see the amazing world she has created.
Thank you.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Rise and Shine
Good Morning out there in the great wide world!
So, Bill Clinton upstaged the rest of the speakers at the Democratic National Convention last night. Really, though, is that much of a surprise. Here's a former two-term President who knows how to work the crowd. When you watch somebody who is the best doing what they do best, it's exciting.
By the way, skeletons and all, Bill Clinton would probably be elected president again if he could run.
Anyway, the Phillies head to Chicago after coughing one up against the Mets last night, the Eagles are fleecing their fans with another 'preseason game' against the Jets tonight and Larry Mendte is still floating around out there somewhere.
So, how is all that connected. Well, it's not really, but as we approach Labor Day weekend and the unofficial end of summer, the mind does wonder.
Funny thing about summer. In June, when school is done and the children are at home, there seems to be a long stretch ahead. Then comes July and you're into some kind of routine which usually means keeping them occupied so they don't want cookies all day (it doesn't work).
Now, we are a week away from school (Yeah, I know, some have already started) and the routine shakes up. After getting all the school supplies, there's a small amount of nervousness and excitement running through their little bodies. It can lead to some intense times where the energy level leaps through the roof. Of course, they are getting up around 6 a.m. and ready to go. Let's do everything we did all summer in the next two hours, then start over.
Somehow, though, when school does start, getting them up by 7:30 a.m. takes a lot of work. That is, until the weekend, when the summer returns.
Speaking of the mind wondering and back to school:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
So, Bill Clinton upstaged the rest of the speakers at the Democratic National Convention last night. Really, though, is that much of a surprise. Here's a former two-term President who knows how to work the crowd. When you watch somebody who is the best doing what they do best, it's exciting.
By the way, skeletons and all, Bill Clinton would probably be elected president again if he could run.
Anyway, the Phillies head to Chicago after coughing one up against the Mets last night, the Eagles are fleecing their fans with another 'preseason game' against the Jets tonight and Larry Mendte is still floating around out there somewhere.
So, how is all that connected. Well, it's not really, but as we approach Labor Day weekend and the unofficial end of summer, the mind does wonder.
Funny thing about summer. In June, when school is done and the children are at home, there seems to be a long stretch ahead. Then comes July and you're into some kind of routine which usually means keeping them occupied so they don't want cookies all day (it doesn't work).
Now, we are a week away from school (Yeah, I know, some have already started) and the routine shakes up. After getting all the school supplies, there's a small amount of nervousness and excitement running through their little bodies. It can lead to some intense times where the energy level leaps through the roof. Of course, they are getting up around 6 a.m. and ready to go. Let's do everything we did all summer in the next two hours, then start over.
Somehow, though, when school does start, getting them up by 7:30 a.m. takes a lot of work. That is, until the weekend, when the summer returns.
Speaking of the mind wondering and back to school:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
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