It makes sense to me

U.S.S.A.

That's not a typo, and this is not an anti-Obama rant. Look around. Socialism has been embedded into this country for decades. Bloomberg reports today that the Social Security trust funds will run out of money sooner than expected. CBS points out that Arizona, as a state, is not allowed to Mexicans from entering our country illegally because that's the federal government's job, and the federal government reserves the right to not do its job.
I work for a public school in the state of Texas. Funding for education has been cut drastically in our state recently. Parents used to have to pay for their children's education. Folks used to not retire, they just worked less hard and families supported each other. The only difference between our country and the USSR of the cold war is that the USSR wouldn't let people just walk across its borders.
Before you get all up in arms while listening to your talk radio show about the way our country is heading (and has been since its inception), make a list of the government money you're willing to do without. No cute picture or wisecracks to go with this post. Just for for thought.

Learners

I work all day with teachers. I'm not a teacher, but I have a great appreciation for what teachers do. But I've learned how to separate the good teachers from the not so good teachers: try to teach them something new.

The mediocre to bad teachers will be completely incapable of learning a new concept. The good teachers will absorb and respond and learn anything you try to teach them. It's amazing to observe some refusing to use the same methods that they insist their students use. They just ask for help and get the quick fix rather than try to figure things out for themselves. "I don't know much about computers," or "I just don't understand technology" rings through the hallways almost as much as "I'm not a math person," or "I can't memorize a bunch of dates and names."

Good teachers continue to learn. Excellent teachers look for things to learn. They practice what they preach. They know that short of a mental handicap, anyone can learn any concept. The only factor determining whether you will learn something is how bad you want to know about it.

One student in 4th period math will claim the teacher is not good at his job, while another student in 6th period math will tell you that same teacher is the best one she's ever had. One teacher on one campus will tell you that software you provided is not working properly, while another teacher on another campus will tell you that same software has revolutionized how they differentiate their instruction.

People are funny. Especially when they don't know they're being funny.

Waxing Nostalgic

I'm digitizing my wedding video today. Maybe I'll post it to YouTube when I'm done. I have a feeling that may be the most permanent way to store it.
A few things come to mind as I see bits and pieces flash by on the screen while I work:

• Video recording technology has improved a lot since 1988.
• Most teenagers would probably be amazed to know that we had camcorders in the 1980's.
• The rest of the teenagers who are not amazed probably don't know what a camcorder is.
• I was WAY too young to be getting married.
• I think maybe early 20's is a good time to get married. Definitely not late teens.
• My wife was cute back then. She's pretty now.
• When I see how I was dressed during the rehearsal, Zack Morris comes to mind.
• Neither of our moms looked particularly happy at the rehearsal.
• We had a harp at our wedding. I never noticed until now that a harp is shaped a little like a heart.
• I had no doubt back then that we would still be married in our 40's (almost 24 years now).
• I have no doubt that we'll still be married in our 50's, 60's, etc.
• I credit that fact more to Kristi than to myself.

Good Day

Today is going to be a good day. Not because of anything I will accomplish. Not because of anything I don't have to accomplish. It will be a good day even though I have to deal with people who are difficult. It will be a good day regardless of the circumstance that surrounds me.

Today is going to be a good day because I will make it one. Because...

"I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!"

#2 Son is on his way

I spent half of Easter weekend getting my #2 son registered for classes in Lubbock. It looks like he's an official Chaparral now. All I know is that it's a long way from here to Lubbock (and I really don't think it matters where "here" is, it's going to be a long way.

His initial smart money is going to knock down the cost to around $2500 per semester. Not bad. Hopefully he'll get a local scholarship or two that can cover the rest. I like having smart children.

I'm almost certain that he'll be making about one trip home per semester. Did I mention that Lubbock is a long way from here? Paying around $120 for fuel to get home and back means that he'll have plenty of time to stay at school and study instead of coming home for the weekend.

Anyway, I pray for success for him and expect nothing less. I'll have to start retiring my ACU purple clothing from #1 son and start acquiring the royal blue of LCU. My problems are few.

It's Fab 5 Night!

Ever since watching a documentary about Michigan's Fab 5, I watch the NCAA basketball championship game with a different attitude. It's fun to watch the talent of the what are possibly the best 10+ athletes in college sports. It's also disheartening to see how many millions of dollars are made off those kids' talents without them receiving any more than the cost of four years of college.

I think it would be awesome if every championship game featured two teams warming up in plain t-shirts and shoes that are last year's model. Then the winning and losing players both wear the same plain, unmarked, untrademarkable shirts and hats. What would they do, not let the returning players play the next year? Fat chance.