Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Reading Outside of Class

In an effort to make myself a better source for my students, I have resolved to start reading more. I will be interested to see how much I am actually able to get through during my lunch periods, in off periods, and what not...when I am not supposed to be grading.

Since I anticipated this to be a problem, I chose a book that would, at the very least, further my knowledge of the subjects I am teaching. This was my choice: We will see if I can finish it before the end of the 1st Quarter (the end of October) and what will be even more interesting will be to see if I can post a review. I am excited though...good to emerse myself in the Greek world (I'm already reading Homer, Thucydides, etc) and to engage a modern mind trying to explain them to the modern world. Good times.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Something every teacher should know

How many kids they could take in a knock down, drag out, fight.

31

Created by OnePlusYou - Online Dating Site

Monday, September 22, 2008

Change is a good thing

Especially when Blogger has made it increasingly easy to change everything wit the simple click of a button. Me likey.

In Defense of Palin Pt 2

To Continue ...

2. Sarah Palin's persona is a boon to the office. She unites a party that has been looking for a leader they can support. The more experience she acquires, the more tether she will be gathering up for her own run for President. She is charming, relate-able, and more than all of that...she exhibits the values that Conservative Republicans such as myself have been waiting to see up for election to the highest offices in the land.

We need a communicator in the driver's seat. McCain is able to talk to the American people...but everyone knows that Obama gives the better speach (which is not to say, "is the better speaker" because, as everyone who is not drinking Obama-aid will acknowledge, he's down-right bad when he's off the cuff. He's dangerous and gaffe prone...because his unfiltered thoughts are dangerous and offensive to many; think about the way he talked about "punishing" his daughter by holding her responsible for her poor choices). McCain's tenure will not be the golden age of rhetoric in American politics. But Palin might be that ray of sunshine...and that's exciting. I want a leader I don't have to translate for, and I believe she offers us that...which makes her an exciting pick.

Republicans who never enjoyed the era of Reagan, but were raised hearing nearly mythic tales of his abilities to navigate politics, the press, communists and stand for articulate morality (inotherwords...Republicans like me...roughly in their early to mid 20's) have been waiting for someone we could be excited about. When George W Bush first ran for President, I knew essentially nothing about politics. I didn't vote, because I was a Freshman in college and didn't care enough to wait in line; not something I am proud of, but its where I was at. Four years later, a lot changed, and though I argued long and hard for the reasons to keep the Republicans in office, I had learned something that my civics class never managed to communicate effectively: the President is the communicator if chief, and we need the President to be able to lead, not just in action, but in word (that sounds backwards, I realize, but its true nonetheless; I believe, firmly, that President Bush has led in action with regard to many important issues...but at a critical time, when communication was desperately needed, he failed miserably). It is exciting, in a way that nearly defies explanation, to see leaders in the wings of my party that will offer an alternative to this problem; leadership that can ignite passion throughout the party and, more importantly, in the nation as a whole, through the force and power of their words, married to the testament of their own example. Its inspiring and challenges us all to reconsider the low bar we are willing to tolerate from our leaders. It is much needed.

The truly unfortunate reality is that the counter-balance to the Religious-Right Republicans in our society has been a really unbalanced Progressive Left. That the Democratic party has nominated one of the most Liberal Senators to run for President speaks of the alarming power this portion of the party holds over the party as a whole. I feel for my Democrat Christian friends...I don't understand why they are supporters of Obama, but I do feel for them. Their party is, seemingly, married to supporting unlimited Abortion; they will negotiate, unreservedly, with known terrorists; they will withdraw troops from an ever more successful project for Liberty in the middle of the Middle East, ignoring the advice of the commanders on the ground in favor of their own opinions.

In otherwords, they have given control of the party to the far-Left wing...and middle ground is difficult to discover. The sad result of this truth is that it is not acceptable to promote the success of the Democrats, even when the Republicans have gross failures of leadership...because the alternative is both immoral and unsound for our continued security. Those issues come before the question of the morality of social programs (or lack thereof) or the issues of national spending, debt, education, healthcare, etc. Life and Security trump all other rights (not by a lot, because Life and Secuirty are not EVERYTHING...but by enough to make the difference in an election that offers me only one clear choice in support of those values). I can tolerate a well defined, reasonable argument on many topics...suggesting that a woman's right to choose comes before the right to life for the unborn is so wickedly perverted that I cannot come to table with Pelosi, Obama, Reid, Clinton, Biden, etc.

I believe Palin might offer an opportunity to rediscover the vast middle ground that unites us, instead of continuing the dissent on the issues that divide us. Her appeal crosses long established lines...there are women in both parties, moms in both parties - should she be elected as VP and then go on to race again for the top spot, I believe "With malice towards none and forgiveness towards all..." We have come a long way from the War of the States, yet our nation is deeply divided. On both sides seeds of disdain and emnity are sown; perhaps it is because I am of the Right, but my perception is that the hateful, dismissive manners of the Left make a reunion more and more unlikely. Individuals of the social upper-crust speak in terms that are not acceptable in general society about the leaders of our society...which lowers the debate and weakens our general powers of debate and thought as a result. Politics is a contact sport...but for it to remain halthy, we need politicians that can remind us of our commoninity, rather than divide us in a war for power. I believe that the Gov. of Alaska, with home-town charm, and wit-with-a-smile, can offer that.

Friday, September 19, 2008

As of 9/18/08


BOARD OF REGISTERED NURSING:

Licensee Name: LEIGH SHERI
License Type: Registered Nurse
License Status: ACTIVE


Can we say...woohoo?



Tuesday, September 16, 2008

In Defense of Palin Pt 1

It is always good to be challenged to defend my opinions about, well, anything...but especially things that perhaps I haven't fleshed out seriously. There is always the chance I haven't thought about them (or haven't considered the counter-arguments to my self-proclaimed position of truth and reason) and by working to defend my prior thoughts, frequently I learn more about why I hold certain positions...or I learn to change my position to a better one.

This is my preface to defending Palin. None (I started to say "Many"...but lets be honest...) of my arguments are not original...which is somewhat fair, since none of the critiques leveled at her on this blog are original either. Enough. Here are my thoughts.

1. Palin's experience (or apparent lack thereof) is not detrimental...is anything, it recommends her to the position of VP.

We can talk about the comparison of Obama and Palin's respective experiences in government (though, again, Obama is running for the top job...Palin is the second stringer). Obama has mostly run for office his entire political career. He has rarely stuck around long enough to contribute to the process...even before he was active politically (on a national level) as part of the academic world, he barely contributed to the ongoing discourse in a tangible, lasting way. No papers of import.

Contrast this with Palin's record, during her admittedly short period in politics. Of course I am being terribly biased. Obama has accomplishments to hang his hat on. Debunking/debating the merit of those is a future post's responsibility. My task, in this post, is to defend my belief that Sarah Palin is qualified to be a great VP, and if need be President. She has exhibited foresight and a commitment to implementing changes that will effect infrastructure and, as a result, the real day to day lives of Americans. She is unpopular amongst politicians of her own state, while being wildly popular with the actual people. These things all speak well of her ability to not only lead, but act in our best interest.

We could discuss the value of executive experience VS legislative experience. The President is the chief executive...which means that those who have handled the top job in any nearly any level of government have more familiarity with what it takes to be President than those that don't (in fairness, the federal government is significantly different from all other levels of government...and having experience at that level does and should count for something). In this case, we have 3 senators and one Governor in the election. It is somewhat of a mystery to me why, when Congress has an approval rating lower than the President's, we put members of Congress on the ballots, but we did. Still, Palin offers something that nobody in the race offers; executive experience from outside of Washington and the Capitol. That may not sound important...but looking at our nation, it certainly seems to resonate with the desires of our nation, and I think it will turn out to be an asset in governing.

Lets also recognize that whoever the next President/VP is, there will be several advisers for them. They will not be making decisions based solely on their own research, their own experience, or even their own opinions. This should make us all feel a little safer...especially if a lightweight such as Obama does get the big chair. Should Palin be the one to navigate the waters of Iraq, N. Korea, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Venezuela, etc in the event of McCain's death, I believe she will be capable of taking on those challenges. This is, in part, because of her seemingly default response to new and potentially frightening challenges. This is, in part, because I am convinced that she, as a Conservative, leans towards a position that lends itself to one of peace through strength. From her natural leadership to her personal convictions (which one can see easily by taking even a cursory look at her personal life), I believe she embodies qualities that make a good, possibly even great leader. If duty called her to the plate, she would be up to the task, based on her own character. The tools for the job, in part, come with the job. What characterizes the person that uses them is what determines who we vote for.

Yearning and Burning

As I am now in the midst of the school year, and already having to navigate through parent/teacher meetings, I can remember very clearly my parents encouraging me to be proactive, not reactive, in nature. To lead, rather than follow in life. As a student who found school a general waste of time (until high school...then it was the math, science, keyboarding, and other practical classes that were wasting my time...until I could get to photo, Literature, History, choir, pottery, etc...and then theatre & wrestling after school...) I was frequently on the receiving end of discussions aiming to change my behavior in a positive way. To get me to focus, to work hard...to strive as if I cared.

The problem was...I didn't. I didn't understand how or why it mattered...it was just boring and difficult (Algebra II) or too easy to bother working hard (History and Lit).

Coming to college, many things changed. Part of growing up involved learning to take pride in my work. Part of winning the heart of a girl-genius-nurse meant no longer being content with my slacker status. Part of trying to find meaningful connections with people meant I had to be someone thoughtful people wanted to talk to...which meant thinking more myself. I did not suddenly become a brilliant student...it is safe to say I am a better student (in some ways) 4 years after school ended than I was during my time at Biola and Torrey.

Part of it revolves around the cultivation of a real earnest desire to grow and change. I am not saying this in a self-congratulatory manner; my desires are deeply flawed. At more than one point, a spirit of competition and envy for the excellence of my fellows drove me far more than my desire to find the good, the true, or beauty. Fortunately, while still suffering from my own soul-sickness, I was emersed in good things. By God's grace, some things began to catch...and I started to yearn for good things, true things, beautiful things, rather than other things. To yearn for real things, and choose them over false pleasures and vain things.

How do we stoke our hearts to yearn for the things of the Lord? How do we turn our souls to seek the Lord...how can we emerse ourselves in Him, long enough to extinguish the misguided pangs that would distract us from the real things that can change who we are?

Lord God have mercy on us; find us when we are lost, draw us to you, even as we seek after our own desires.

Monday, September 15, 2008

I Miss My Wife, or Why Having Your Wife at Home is Better Than Almost Anything Else

Sheri is taking the Nursing Boards today.

Its been a long, long two weeks of September.

We moved up to Valencia in August. I work up here now. Sheri still works down there (right next to Angel stadium). The gas alone was killing us...and she had to find time to study for the boards...a serious problem.

Then, out of the blue, we had friends that offered to put Sheri up at their house down in Brea during the week, or whenever she had a stretch of days when she needed to be down in that area for work, etc. It was an unlooked for blessing.

It has meant that I am getting a taste of being a sinlge parent. I am alone, in a house that still needs a lot of work to get it "right"...I don't have a car (we are still a one car family). I have been getting into the school year, getting Aiden to school, starting the football season as "headcoach" (ridiculous...but fun)...and I don't sleep well at all when my wife is not at home.

On Friday, I had to go home because I had a such a bad headache...because I am just not getting enough sleep. The boy misses mommy and is sad at night. So many things are not right...and its all because she's not home with us.

Fortunately, this will be done, completely done, by the end of September. Until then...two more long, long, long weeks of September left...

Reasons I Love My Job

1. The Students.

My students are bright, pleasant, cheerful, and open to learning. They have hope for a good tomorrow...and by spending time in the class with them, I am inspired to be a better person myself. My experience with teach has been, for some time now, a sanctifying one. I frequently fail...but to do the job well, as I look at my students, I know that I have more work to do...and I want to make a real go of it.

2. The Administration...seriously. I don't believe they even know I have a blog...but that is neither here nor there. This isn't about brownie points...its a very real acknowledgement. I have been blessed, throughout most of my time teaching, with excellent administrators. Sometimes I failed them...sometimes their bosses forced them to fail me. At Trinity...well, my bosses (from the very top on down too!) have the vision. They want education to expand the souls of the students...not merely equip them to pass tests and get jobs, based on the ridiculous suggestion that people with larger souls are more desireable people as a whole. They support the teachers in a way that separates them from many, many schools (I know this from stories from other teachers...) It is a blessing, and its one I thank God for regularly.

3. The opportunity to grow in this school. To some extent, the ceiling is set by my own ambition. Nearly every suggestion I have made regarding class content, class events, class structure, etc has been met with one basic question; how does it further the purpose of the class? If it is reasonable and if I can show how it supports the mission of the class...I get the green light. I am amazed by this approach towards growing the school...and excited by what that means in the years to come.

On the ABC Interview


Just a brief thought on the supposed stumble regarding the "Bush Doctrine" by Palin last week: it makes no sense to commit to an as-of-yet undefined term.

Gibson hadn't defined what the ambiguous doctrine is (in fact). No politican worth their salt would commit to supporting such a nebulous thought, without further follow-up from the questioner. She affirmed the essentials of the Bush position, without tying herself irreversably to a term that carries enormous baggage. She stepped lightly.

I'll be honest and say that I wish she could have answered more directly some of his loaded questions. In reality though, its probably better that she didn't.

Thursday, September 04, 2008

Striking the Right Tones


So...Gov. Palin took a very hefty whack at her critics last night. Opinions are even starting to change about her ability to handle Joe Biden in the debate in Oct...I have to say, I have believed she could handle it, but I think conventional wisdom is shifting the more we hear her speak. She's so capable of taking out your kneecaps, warmly, endearingly, smiling the whole time.

She was bright, pleasant, enjoyable, and dangerous for those that take her lightly. She was unifying for the base...Republicans who have been waiting for the next real Reagan may just get one in Palin. She's a whole package...she excites the base, while being relatable to everyone else. She knows how to play to the room (can we all agree that it is refreshing to have politicians that know they need to communicate on TV?) but still conveys normalcy, rather than the jaded type of political wisdom that is there so often from professional politicans. Whether she ever gets the top job or not, she makes young Republicans happy, because we've always contested that it is possible to live as a Conservative, think as a Conservative, and govern as a Conservative without falling into the stereotype of being and "old, out of touch white man". She's not the top of the ticket...the top of the ticket is much closer to the stereotype...but having her on the ticket at all speaks volumes for the future of the party...even under the guidance of a more stereo-typical candidate, such as John McCain.

Rather than the candidate of change bowing to the establishment, a more established candidate pushed the party towards a real reformer that represents the values the future of the party want more of.

The biggest message of her speech? Small town values aren't merely quaint, old fashioned and going out of style. America has far more people who what to be considered normal than vicitims. America is filled with many more people who don't go the Ivy schools and struggle with real family decisions and are impacted by the civil servants of small town government more than the professional politicans of Washington. America has far more people of Religious conviction than bitter, disillusioned hicks.

This is one of the reasons why McCain will not try to produce his own stadium of adoration. He will speak in the forum that first started momentum for his campaign...in a much more intimate, townhall setting. Republicans aren't making a grab for "independents"...they're making a play for America, period. Families, real people, real towns, actual concerns and relatable leaders.

Its not new...Obama (and now Biden...which is really funny, because Biden IS a suit...) typically avoids the suit look. Most talks, he prefers the white shirt, rolled up sleeves. Regular Joe. One of the people. Of course...he's not...but he is trying to condescend to the regular people, in an attempt to convince them that HE is their man. Hard to out relate an actual regular mom...harder still when you're in no way "regular". Obama's magical qualities will turn out to be a problem in a campaign where really being one of the people is actually an issue, rather than a mere cosmetic discussion. Harder still to out manuver the Governor with your experience in the community.

Of course, the press don't understand the situation. We've called for someone normal for so long that now, when there's someone normal on the ticket...well, who invited them? Its amusing to see them fall over themselves. I don't believe they will reconcile themselves to Palin, even though it is becoming increasingly difficult to justify their disdain. They had put their money on the Obama race...and Palin opens up their foregone conclusion to new debate. Grrrr. Argh. Boo. Hiss. I expect more of the same. They're frustrated by their inability to turn the discourse back. As they get more desperate, watch for more mountains out of molehills...more vicious backhands on issues not related to politics. Its only getting started...though I have to say, I think we're closer to seeing the complete demise of Obama's campaign than ever before. If Palin gets any more likeable, it will collapse in on itself.

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

'Tis the Season

Our life has been, well, busy of late.

Pictures WILL come...but we're doing the home-making thing. It never ends. Even if I weren't committed to my new home until I am 56, I am secured to the new place by the bonds of paint, sawdust, Spackle, blood, sweat, and tears (those are mostly Sheri's...)

I'm starting school. Sheri's working, and studying for her boards (in 2 weeks! ACK! hence the tears...) Aiden is in preschool and is hopefully happier to there than at home, as home tends to be full of things he cannot do, since we're still trying to get it into at least working order, from the move.

We are working on one car...which meant that I got to walk Aiden to school today, and then bike myself to school, with roughly 5 minutes before class started to catch my breath.

I'm tired, mostly.

Many evenings of late, once Aiden is asleep, Sheri and I have had the energy to essentially watch some TV to unwind and then go to bed. We're wiped. And every time we tell anyone about where we're at, the general response is a look of pity, a sigh/pat on the shoulder, and these words; "Its just a season."

This is kindly meant, and I have appreciated the perspective. But the thing I realized this morning, as I returned from taking Aiden to school, and put my bag together and then darted out myself, was that I don't want this season to last. That may sound obvious, but something my Dad said to me the other day when I said those words myself made me think; he encouraged me to avoid allowing the excuses of this difficult season to become habits that become a part of our normal life.

This is really important, since life is never, really, all that normal. You pick up habits along the way, and if you're not careful before you know it you are the person you are going to be. If you are going to have a say in what sticks, you have to fight, even in the midst of "a season" to keep certain things merely seasonal, and to never entirely lose those practices you want to be characterize your "real" life.

I did not marry Sheri to spend my evenings with her watching TV. We did not have Aiden to ignore him or keep him entertained but not interact with him. I am not teaching so I don't have to think about good books and difficult thoughts. We are not working on a house to avoid having a home.

I did not receive salvation from Christ only to call out to Him in my moments of need, but ignore him when I am feeling just fine.

It is easy to make excuses, but being a whole person is not a quick or easy task; it requires vigilance and honest to goodness work. It requires that I give the little energy I have, during the little free-time I have, to love my son and teach him about life, rather than play a game, reading a fluff book or even sleeping. It demands that I use the time I have when Aiden is healthily occupied to work on lesson plans or make the home a better place for my wife and son. First and foremost, it requires that I spend more time meditating in quiet relfection on the great goodness of God, rather than filling my mind with every other argument I can find about politics, or pop-culture, or whatever else that so easily distracts. Of necessity, my actions will be influenced by what I spend my time thinking about...ultimately Christian service can only flow from someone that is honestly seeking to please the Lord in all things. How else can I expect, at the end of the day, to know my Savior better? To serve Him as I want to want to serve Him? Or for my son to know me? Or to have a wife...30 years from now, when we aren't fighting to make the house/job/transportation/income/boards/etc juggling act work?

The season cannot be the reason that we live as we live. If we are to have anything in the end, we must counter-act the natural tendency to excuse ourselves because of circumstances. Ultimately, I want more than just whatever I would settle for because I am tired.