Hugh Jackman, cell phones, and life

Yeah, it was one of those moments that some will remember for a lifetime, either with laughter or mortification. Apparently, Broadway shows don't have the cute little videos that movie theaters sport reminding viewers to turn their phones to silent. So, Hugh Jackman had to remind someone himself, right in the middle of a tense scene in his live performance. No, mom, I can't talk now!!

read more and see video

gather ye rosebuds

Most of my class stared at me dully when I announced that we would be looking at poetry. A few said they liked it, but most said it was boring or that they didn’t understand it. Shakespeare, especially, they all hated, mainly because his language is so archaic and makes no sense to them. They laughed, though, when I read his humorous Sonnet 130. And when one of the sassiest women in my class stood up and read Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman,” complete with hip swings and head thrown back, the class clapped and cheered for her. Maybe it’s not that they don’t like poetry, maybe it’s just that they’ve never taken time with it, never had the opportunity to sit in its presence, listen to it, dwell with it, laugh at it together, cry at the “Ballad of Birmingham.” Not that they would admit it, but I think a few more people liked poetry at the end of the day than at the beginning.

Joe-College t-shirts ordered to pay KU Athletics $667,507

That's a whole lot of t-shirts. I mean, you could probably sell a shirt to every person at a KU football game and still not come up with that kind of money. So where is all that money going to go? That's right, to the lawyers, God bless them. Of course, they have families to feed, too, but could this have been avoided?

Read more and share your thoughts here.

my happy place

I asked my students today to write about what their perfect rooms would look like. A few of them shared with the class, and this may have been their most interesting feedback so far. One had a room that sounded like a club, another a room that sounded suspiciously like the playboy mansion (at least what it looks like on TV). One man’s sounded very serene with a big window facing east to let in the morning sunshine and peaceful music playing on hidden speakers. I had no idea how self-revealing this assignment would be, but in describing their ideal spaces they were describing something of the spaces within them. I learned that the sacred and holy appears very differently to different people. Different as our sacred spaces may be, though, we all embody and live within the holy. It’s a tiny peek at the vastness of god.

journeys

Last night I attended a going away party for a foster child of some friends. They’ve had the little boy since he was 3 weeks old, and he’s now almost a year and a half. He had a great sendoff with gifts, toys, letters, a photo album, and lots of friends. As we ate, talked, and laughed together, I thought about how I was truly impressed by the great amount of love displayed by these men. They have taken in several foster children in the last few years, and though they know from the beginning they will most likely have to say good-bye, they pour out their love and care into the children for the short amount of time that they are their parents. It takes an amazing quality to be able to love and then let go like that. There is sadness in the good-bye, of course, but they do it with great courage and generosity, and then open their arms up to the next child who needs their love. What a beautiful place to start life.

Dangerous Book: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

I reviewed this book in response to a reader's request. Yes, it's another book from the 70's, published the year I was born, but still so very true today. Though I don't know that it's ever been banned (too dense for people who normally ban books to understand), it is one of the more dangerous books I've read. If you are brave enough to read it, you'll want a firm grasp on your sanity. Or not. Actually, it may be best to approach it with a willingness to let go of your sanity. It's all an illusion, anyway.

Read review here.

Simple living

I’ve had to make some lifestyle changes recently, live more simply and frugally. It’s not new to me; I’ve been poor before. Actually, I shouldn’t say poor. I have a good job, no debts, a roof over my head, a car to drive, and no worries about whether I’ll have food to eat. Many people do not have these luxuries, so I’m not poor. I have had a significant decrease in income level, though, so have found ways to simplify life.

1. No more manis and pedis: I didn’t grow up with regular visits to the salon, so this isn’t too hard to give up. I have noticed, though, that it’s a little more difficult to give up beauty treatments at 35 than it was at 25. But, that’s just all the more incentive to keep up my workout routine. If I maintain a kickin’ body, who’s going to notice my nails?
2. Less eating out: Since most restaurants’ meals are way too big, and fast food is just plain gross when you think about it, this isn’t a bad thing. I’ve always enjoyed cooking, and I’m trying to incorporate more fresh produce into my meals (without cutting back on necessities like cookies and ice cream). This is also the perfect time to enroll in a cooking class at the college where I teach, since I can take classes for free there.
3. Free entertainment: The possibilities here abound. Kansas City is lush with free or cheap museums and beautiful parks. The coffee shop I live above has free movies on Friday nights and free live music on Saturday nights. Instead of attending the symphony, I joined a community orchestra (whose concerts are free, go to www.olatheorchestra.org). As a big plus, this led to my joining a professional quartet. Instead of attending sporting events or watching football in a sports grill, I play Ultimate Frisbee pick-up games, which has the triple bonus of avoiding the nasty nachos, playing at no cost, and getting a great work-out. In fact, I’m less and less sore after every game now.

This is just the beginning. I’m finding that simpler living can actually lead to richer, healthier living. That said, I’m not giving up the pedis forever. They will be first back on the list.

a spoonful of sugar

First, thank you to all who e-mailed me about yesterday’s blog post. I didn’t know the affect it would have on other women. Your voices can be heard.

I baked cookies for my students today. It’s that whole Mary Poppins “just a spoonful of sugar,” philosophy. What’s the medicine, you ask? Well, a whole day of modifiers yesterday: prepositional and verbal phrases, misplaced modifiers, dangling modifiers. They all had this glazed over look in their eyes by the end of class, even my best students. Heck, I had a glazed over look in my eyes. I know the grammar bores them to tears, but they’re hanging in there, and I admire them for that. I can already see an improvement in their writing skills, so it’s paying off.

I had to come down pretty hard on a few students who are still learning how to respect authority. It’s tough on my soul, especially since my soul still isn’t up to full strength. I know resisting authority has been a necessary survival technique for several, and so I try to find the right combination of compassionate patience and firmness. But by the end of the day, I just wanted to crawl into bed and pull the covers over my head.

Instead, I baked cookies. A spoonful of sugar for me, too.

Story of courage

I recently met and befriended a young woman, “Susan,” whom I greatly admire. She shared with me her story, and it is one of great courage. She has given me permission to share her story (but not her real name) with you.

In college, Susan was the victim of date rape. She was emotionally devastated by the incident but afraid to report it. The man was very popular on the campus, charming and well-liked. She feared that no one would believe her, and that would only deepen her emotional trauma. With the encouragement and help from a very good friend, though, she did finally report the incident. When it came out, the initial response was mixed. Many supported her, but others did not believe her. Eventually, though, other women that the man had victimized also came forward. They, too, had feared coming out with the truth, but when they stood together and gave all their stories, the pattern of his behavior was undeniable. He faced very real consequences for his actions, and Susan told me that all of the women who testified said that, difficult as the process was, they found a peace that they had not known before. They felt a certain release, and were relieved to finally know that he could not harm more women.

I admire Susan and all women who find the strength to stand up for themselves, even when it is painful and difficult. She is now working in a place where she helps other women find the strength and support they need to take charge of their lives, especially when it means taking risks and naming truth.

it's only life, after all

My students are learning grammar, reading comprehension, and writing skills from me. From them, I am learning what it means to forge ahead in life even when you have been dealt a bad hand, how to pick yourself up and keep going, and how to develop new dreams for the future. They are very real in what they share with me in their writing, and I feel incredibly privileged that they allow me a glimpse into their realities. The inner strength that many possess is remarkable; I am truly in awe. While I am helping them reach educational goals and instill confidence in themselves, they are teaching me that as ugly and messy as life sometimes is, we go on. We have to.

Winning is about a lot more than winning the game

Matt Ziesel, freshman at St. Joseph Benton High School, wanted nothing more than for coach to put him in the game. So, in the last 10 seconds of the season's third game, coach put him in and called for the "Matt play." Thanks to some great teammates and a rival team with big hearts, Ziesel scored a 60-yard touchdown on his very first play of the season.

Read more and watch the video here.

Celebration

Spirit of Hope MCC was packed yesterday. It was the installment of the new senior pastor and the blessing of the former senior pastor as he moves into retirement. We were blessed with joyful music, liturgical dancers, a brief history of the denomination and local congregation, and an inspiring sermon. After the service, everyone headed downstairs for a fried chicken lunch. I love this congregation more and more every time I attend. Accepting and loving anyone and everyone comes so naturally to them that it doesn’t even seem to require any effort. It’s just who they are. It was a church created for the outcasts, which is many more of us than we care to admit. It is usually the most honest who come to realize that they are the outcasts, and to tell the truth, there is some peace that comes with that recognition.

Or maybe not

I used Hemingway as an example in class when talking about the different uses of the word “tight.” He uses it to mean “drunk.” I haven’t read Hemingway in a long time, and for a brief moment I thought maybe I should pick up one of his books to read. Then I came back to my senses. Why do that to myself?

Should we laugh or cry?

A young man burglarizing a home decided to stop to check his facebook page before leaving. Apparently he was not a detail oriented person, so he forgot to log off before leaving. The owner comes home, finds the broken window, eventually looks at her computer, and there he is. Wonder what his status update was.

Read more of my thoughts on this.

What is the teacher reading?

I am reading “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” for my dangerous book series. It’s slow going, though, to be honest. It’s not that I don’t love the book; it’s one of my favorites. Maybe it’s just a little too morose for me right now, or maybe I’m struggling because I know how it ends, and I don’t want to go there. The philosophy in it has always intrigued me, though, so I will continue. In fact, I make a pledge to you, my readers, to complete the book and write an article on it by next week. Also, I will be visiting a synagogue for my next place of worship highlight, so if anyone has a recommendation, I’m open. I have already been advised to wait until after Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, so it will be in a few weeks.

Reading Comprehension

I learned some new vocabulary in class today. If something is “bussy” that means it’s “tight,” (cool, great). If I say “this meal’s on fire,” that doesn’t mean it’s spicy, it means it tastes good. The list goes on, some more appropriate than others. For example, I had no idea there were so many words for someone who was drunk. Yes, that’s right, we were talking about figurative language in Language Arts today, and my students caught on very quickly and gave me several of their own examples. Of course, when I threw out a few of my own, they looked at me strangely.

“Class, what do I mean when I say that movie bombed?”

“It was a great movie?”

“No, not that the movie was the bomb. The movie bombed.”

“We have no idea what you’re talking about.”

I’ve never felt so old. I don’t know if it’s a generational or cultural gap. Maybe both. But I laughed and had a good time with them, and they thought that was really dope of me.

At Peace

As I was tucking in my daughter last night, she said, “Mommy, my head is tired, but my body still has energy.” I had to laugh. That’s how I feel sometimes after a day of teaching and writing. My head is exhausted, but my body wants to go for a run. They argue about it for a while, take turns letting the other win. The best is when they are both tired, or both energetic, at the same time. Then they are unstoppable. Or very relaxed. Either way, it’s a peaceful way to be.

Moving forward

Last week I asked one of my classes to write a paragraph about a difficult decision they had faced, what they decided or didn’t decide, and the consequences of that decision. I was surprised by how candid many were in their papers. I was also surprised at how much adversity these young people have faced in life already. They are all pressing forward, though, hopeful for something better. For many of them, their past decisions will follow them for a long time, but they are finding new strength. What an incredible privilege to work with such individuals.

The great Serena Williams

In a tense match point at the US Open, an unwise line judge called a foot fault on Serena Williams. Honestly, this judge can not have been thinking clearly, but that's neither here nor there. Williams lost her temper, the judge scampered over to the tournament ref, and Williams was disqualified from the tournament. And so now more people are watching the US Open on youtube than would have watched otherwise. It's great coverage for the other player, too, what's her name.

But don't criticize Williams. It's her fire that makes her great.

Raymore police shoot family cat. Oops.

I tried not to laugh when I read this story. It's really very sad. Seriously, though, a little over the top? The image of the police taking a 19 year old house cat out to a field and executing it reminds of a very bad Mel Brooks movie.

Anyway, of course I had to write an article about it.

Don't say good-bye

Well, summer is officially over. That’s right; the Halloween candy is stocked and the haunted house billboards are up. The holiday season is upon us. Time for those with SAD to up their dosage and turn on their lights. But wait, it’s still over 80 everyday, most of the leaves are still green, and the grocery store is still carrying the summer ale. Why are we always so anxious to jump into the next season? Let’s enjoy every last drop of what is before us, first. I’m even considering wearing my white cotton pants this weekend, a full week after labor day. So there.

this day

Yesterday, I asked my students to write a paragraph on “the best day of my life.” One young woman asked me, “what if I don’t have one?” I told her to just write about a really good day. “I don’t have one of those, either,” she said. So, holding back any sign of tears, I told her to write about what her best day would look like if she could design it. She smiled and began writing. Do you have a best day yet? Are you working on writing a new one?

Steve Jobs, his Apple, and his liver

Welcome back, Steve! We're all so happy to see you. Would you look at the amazing liver on that guy? Ok, so he's back big time now, addressing his adoring fans, rescuing Apple, and leaping tall buildings in a single bound.

Brand spanking new article:

What will you and your liver do in this life?

Call and response

Happy Wednesday, my blog friends. Ok, so I’ve been slack in my Examiner articles, so I need some inspiration from all of you. Let me know what you would like me to write about next. It can be a breaking news item, a doctrinal question, a Biblical quandary, or the question of the meaning of life (since we already know the answer is 42. We do know that, right?) Please, just no 600 page books.

It's harder than it looks

It’s one of those short work weeks- just three days of teaching for me. Ah, but those short ones can be deceiving. It’s like running suicides in basketball practice. On Wednesdays, instead of 10, we would run just 5. Half the amount! So, instead of psyching myself up for running, I would go in with the mindset of, “oh, this will be no problem,” and those 5 somehow ended up more painful than the 10. So, instead of thinking, “this short week will be no problem,” I’m thinking, “ok, 3 whole days of teaching ahead of me. Better gear up. Watch out, students, we’ve got a lot to learn.”

Happy Labor Day

In honor of labor day, my coffee shop is closed. I’m glad for Rebecca, of course, but sad for me, as I will be working on lesson plans that I put off all weekend. Fortunately, I restocked with a pound of Sumatra beans on Friday, so should be good to go. Maybe I’ll even write an article today, since my Van Jones article seemed to hit a sore spot with many of my readers.

End of the week

After my first week of teaching, I have a whole new level of respect for all the teachers I’ve had, and I’d like to apologize to all of them for making their jobs more difficult. It’s not easy to hold the attention of a classroom of students, no matter their ages, and reading papers is just plain taxing. It makes me wonder why any professor assigns a paper more than 2 pages long. It is rewarding too, though. To watch a student finally get it, or to hear her voice finally come out in her writing, is a joy to witness and in which to participate. They are bright, shining souls.

Play hard

My daughter’s Karate class started back up again last night. Now, she’s a tough girl, but I’m concerned that she may be a little too cute for Karate. I mean, she gives me a little wave and a thumbs up after every escape move. And she flashes a big toothy grin to her sparring partner. Maybe her aunt Jessica can work with her on her fighting face. She also had to overcome extreme cuteness in order to intimidate her basketball opponents. It’s a problem I’ve never had to deal with personally- the cuteness that is.

Ohio Judge duct tapes defendant's mouth shut

How could I not take advantage of this human interest story? There's something in this for everyone.

Read more here.

Where to go from here

First, thank you to two alert readers who informed me that “prithee” means “I pray thee” and is an interjection. As luck would have it, I told my students it was an interjection, so I won’t have to go back and confess my ignorance to them. At least not this time.

With the longer than expected class time, I have gobbled up four days worth of lesson plans in two days. The good news is, I’m finding that I can’t give too much time or practice to writing. It is a lost skill, it seems, so I am privileged to help them explore the horizon of composition. Today they wrote on the invigorating topic of “what I did this morning.” It can only get more exciting from here.