It's in there somewhere...

Day 66:

While at a store this evening that we hardly frequent, I was asked by the cashier if I was a club/card member. I wasn’t sure if I was but I gave her my cell number anyways just to check.

It didn’t work.

Eager to keep the five bucks she said I’d save I told her the Wife’s number.

It wasn’t that one either.

Then I tried our home phone number.
No such luck.

So either we weren’t members, or we used some other number to establish our membership.

As I was telling this patient person my various numbers I had a flash back…

When I was a young child my mother would take me to the store with here where she would often pay with a check. The routine required her to show her driver’s license to verify the checks belonged to her.

Well, just about every time my mother would have to resort to unpacking her entire purse, a purse who’s contents often contained random things (like this one time when she pulled out the TV remote that had been missing for four days) just to find her identification. Even as I type this I can recall the humiliation I would feel as the other customers in the line looked upon us with impatience.

And yet here I was this evening, unpacking my mental phone book as I rang off a bunch of numbers to this cashier before me.

Today I learned that somewhere, even if only deep within, and even though we swore when we were kids that we’d never end up being like our parents, that at the end of the day we are our parents’ child.

By the way, it turns out that we ARE members.

I found out when I tried the phone number of the first apartment we had when we were first married….how’s that for digging deep?!

Strange Messages

This is the second entry of the day because last night I forgot, again, to post after typing it out...so check out today's and "yesterday's" posts...



Day 65:

Remember when last month I called back a stranger who had dialed a wrong number when he left a message on my home voicemail?

Well, today I was that guy. I was dialing someone whose number ends with 6805, but I was dialing 6850. And as you might guess, I left a message on a stranger’s voicemail.

Today I learned to dial carefully…

I wonder if she’ll call back letting me know I have/had the wrong number

Patron-izing

Day 64:

On Thursday my students will be taking a quiz on the material from our Meso-America Unit. The information comes from Chapters 11 and 12. Chapter 13 is on the Renaissance and the book often turns itself to that section as I’m opening it each period.

Most people like of the art and artists when they think of the Renaissance, and that makes sense. But today as pages from Chapter 13 turned up when I opened the textbook I kept thinking about the patrons of the arts, the wealthy upper class members that financed the artists so they could produce their masterpieces.

A series of thoughts unfolded and I thought what it would have been like to have been such a figure. Imagine, being someone that saw the talent of a young Raphael or Michelangelo and letting them know that for the rest of their life their living expenses would be cared for so they that could produce their art. What a treat that must have been.

And then I thought how we play out the role of patron every time we purchase music, or go see movies, or buy someone’s art.

And then I thought about a video I saw the other day and wondered if this guy will one day have a patron the way Da Vinci did….




Isn't he rad?!

I’m not sure what I learned today, but I sure enjoyed thinking some thoughts.
Where have your thoughts taken you late?

Great Exercisations

Day 63:

When I came home today I had intended to spend a solid 45 minutes on the elliptical machine out in the garage. I had a couple of hours before I’d have to head to Crew and thought today would be a good day to reengage my exercise efforts. I had it all planned out; I'd elliptical to an episode of Heroes and then take a stab at my abs while catching up on The Daily Show (I love Netflix and Hulu).

Approximately 13 minutes into my session my phone rang with a request that I come in early – I finished out 20 minutes, but my cardio was cut short.

A similar thing happened to me the other day.

My Mrs.’s birthday was on the 12th, so while she was out with friends I spent the afternoon of the 11th grabbing some grub to make her breakfast in bed on the morning of her day. I went off to Crew that day before she got home and I wanted her to think nothing was up on my end, so I hid the grocery store goodies, along with the flowers I bought her, up in the rafters of our garage (yes, I put the flowers in water).

On my way to the 2nd shift I was pleased that I had accomplished my checklist between gigs, and especially glad I didn’t delay because now it meant I would not have to go to the store in the morning…or so I thought.

At 5:35 on the morning of her birthday, the Mrs. cough was back in full force. I felt so terrible for her; after all, it was her birthday. To top it off, we were out of cough syrup. So at around 6 am I was off to the store to grab some meds and on my way there I thought how funny it was that I had tried to get everything I needed done the day before so that I could avoid this very drive.

I do not share my going to the store for Mrs. on her birthday to establish a ‘woe was me’ situation. I’m simply sharing it in conjunction with how today’s great intention of exercise was suspended, I'm trying to point out how things don't always go as we want them to.

Today I learned that sometimes it doesn’t matter how hard we plan and prepare for something, (or in the case of the Birthday Bug, how hard we try to avoid some things) sometimes things just aren’t meant to be.

Today I also learned that this possible outcome should not mean we shouldn’t try.

Nutty News

Day 62:
We do not subscribe to a newspaper service. Nor do we have a cable TV account; I get the magazine “The Week”, but when it comes to staying current on current events, that’s about it. So on occasion I’ll turn to online outlets and these were three headlines that caught my attention (in this order) this evening:
“Reality show mom gives birth to 19th child”
“Facebook draws criticism for privacy changes”
“U.S. to pay 3.4 billion to settle Native American Suit” (you read that correctly - it says billion)

I have opinions about each story, but I’m really only interested in commenting on one right now.

I do not have a Facebook, so maybe I can’t relate to how this change would upset its users. But from where I stand, those with a digital book containing far more than their face in photos should not be up in arms over a privacy feature change that actually makes most of the information they uploaded to the web accessible to anyone.
And how’s that for irony?! This new ‘privacy’ feature actually requires you to opt to make your stuff private, and if you don't, then all your junk is out there free to flap in the world wide wind.

Today I learned another reason why I don’t yet have a facebook…but I think I’m thinking about starting a shinjournal (I heard that shinjournal is giving kneebinder some competition lately and it may even pass it up in popularity – what’s a guy that’s looking to connect with others, while really only being able to keep a digital distance, to do?).
And why the heck are the words wind and wind spelled the same?!

Today I learned that right now, at this very moment, I'm too tired to care about either.

But this is not to say that I'm too tired to care about other stuff. For example, I do hope that Josie Brooklyn grows up without being bullied by her niece, the one that happens to be a month older than she is....

Nike Town

Day 61:

Today I learned that approximately 80% of the Christmas trees sold throughout the US are supplied by the great state of Oregon.

Finite Matters

Day 60:

We’re 1/3rd of the way done…

Today I assigned double homework for my students. I didn’t feel too bad about it because they didn’t have any homework on Monday. However, as it turned out, I photo-copied the wrong assignment for them.

I caught my mistake late in the day.

This means most students will do homework that bears no relevance to what we’re learning.

I feel horrible about this.

Today I learned to pay attention to detail…

What did you learn today?

A Ducket in the Bucket

Day 59:

The Mrs. read an article recently about how much to tip the various people that provide us with a service of some sort. You know, the waiter, the cleaners, the person that cuts your hair, people like that. She told me that the author of the article wrote that people shouldn’t tip service providers for doing their job – that tips are for those that go above and beyond.

This conversation between the Mrs. and I came up while we were waiting for our food at The Habit.

Mrs. couldn’t recall what the article said about tipping cashiers, and we couldn’t tell if the high school girl behind the counter had provided us with ‘above and beyond’ service. Although we didn’t actually speak this to each other, I think we would both agree that if one day our daughter (the daughter that we don’t even yet have) is taking orders at a burger joint, we’d be happy to hear her happily share when she returns home from her shift that she earned some tips for giving her service with a smile.

And yes, although it was modest, we did give her a tip – and she seemed grateful.

Today I learned that generosity can come in any size or denomination.

What have you given to others lately?
How are you giving gratitude for the giving you’ve been gifted?

Teeth and Tomorrow

Day 58:
The superintendent of LAUSD is likely to push a budget through tomorrow that will cut teachers’ pay this year by four days. That same budget will either contain a 12% pay cut for teachers next year, or else, according to the superintendent, 8,000 employees will loose their job.

In all reality, it’ll probably a combination of both.

As one might expect, teachers throughout the LA area are angry, scared, and a whole host of other things.

I am such a teacher.

My household has already endured a budget crisis – a crisis that removed the Mrs. from her classroom. A crisis that has resulted in the Mrs. having to pick up numerous tutoring jobs because substituting everyday pays nowhere near what she earned as a full-time classroom teacher. A crisis that has resulted in me working as a seasonal sales associate at J.Crew…

Which is where today’s lesson was learned.

In speaking with a co-worker tonight I learned that he has a passion to pursue a career in dentistry. In the ten minutes or so that we talked about his plans, he shared his hopes of going back to school, of becoming a dentist, of providing for his loved ones, and of joining dental charity groups such as Homeless Not Toothless.

I share part of his story with you because as he shared some of it with me it helped me to put into perspective the bigness and balance of life.

Here I am feeling gypped and jaded about the educational arena and the negativity it will once again yield over my life; meanwhile, right in front of me is a guy who’s eager with excitement to pursue his promising, positive future.

Needless to say, the contrast is stark and was nearly deafening.

While realizing the polarity of our positions I became inspired by his optimism - I became refreshed by his reality to come.

Today I learned that all is not dark.

We are in possession of the Fun-Keys

Day 57:


Today I decided that whatever yesterday was, it would remain there.

We are not required to be the byproduct of our circumstances. We have the freedom to choose. To choose how to respond – to choose who will respond.

Today I learned to turn funky-town into a city that I will only visit on the rarest of occasions.

What metaphorical towns are you staying away from?

Gumption

Day 56:

Today has been a weird mental day.

Somewhere along the line it seems like I’ve lost motivation…to do anything.
I’ve completed tasks today, sure. But I have not done so because I’ve been motivated to do so, I’ve just done them.

Even now, I’m lacking the desire to toss out these thoughts.

I guess if I were to sum it up, well, it’s like I’m mentally detached…like I’ve lost interest. Rereading what I’ve put down sounds depressing, which is strange because I do not feel sad. In fact, I’m not sure that I’m feeling anything about this state, but I do know I’m lacking the desire to think, produce, or inspire.

This is not the me I know.

A former student commented to me today that I was more ‘fun’ last year. I’m not entirely sure what she meant, yet I can’t help but agree.

Where am I?

Today I’m learning that I need to learn how to motivate myself.

I hope tomorrow I learn that today was nothing more than a temporary funk.

Dashboard Confessional

Day 55:

The Mrs. asserts that I am incapable of existing in quiet. This stems from the fact that I do not, ever, engage in an activity without some sort of background noise, whether it be music, talk radio, or something of the sort. She claims I am afraid of being alone with my thoughts.
As you might imagine, I deny all accusations.
These were a few of my thoughts on the way home from picking up dinner at Trader Joe’s…
-Man, I’m tired. I can’t imagine how weary the wife must be after a day of subbing AND giving 3 tutoring sessions.
-I thought it wasn’t supposed to rain until this weekend…then why the cloudy sky today? Wait, remember, and enjoy the natural environment.
-I can’t believe today was her (my student teacher’s) last day. Did I do my best to prepare her? Who am I to carry a title of Master Teacher? This is only my 6th year. I can do better. I can be better.
-Then why not?
-I entered this profession eager to make a difference. I aimed to become a professional. I do not want to leave, but am preparing to depart per the state of the district and state’s financial situation. (I am angry over the mismanagement and incompetence, but know that at the end of the day, I can really do nothing but respond for the sake of my family.)
-I wonder what lies beyond the river bend.
-Hmmm, Thousand Oaks high school appears to have a sporting event tonight. I wonder what it is…
-I wonder what time I’ll make it to bed tonight.
-I wonder why a lot of things….

And most of the time it is to music. But I must admit…
I wonder why…

Today I learned that I think louder than I thought I did...and that even when I try, I cannot smother it.

What thoughts are motivating your learning?

Rapid Fire

Day 54:
In no particular order, these are the lessons from today…

-While covering for a PE teacher during my conference period, one of the other PE teachers and I were chatting for a minute. During this brief conversation, he commented at how beautiful the day was. In doing so, he simply gestured to the hills above our campus and said, “Just look at that.”
Today I learned to make time to enjoy my natural environment.

-While leaving the gas station, I paused before pulling out to let another driver through. I technically had the right-of-way, but I thought this was yet another simple opportunity to spread kindness. Before the beneficiary realized I was allowing him to pull out ahead of me, I was getting honked at by someone behind me; I held my ground and let the pick-up driver go first.
Today I learned most people probably only appreciate random kindness when it benefits them.

-While waiting in line at the DMV, I wondered if the appointment I had made back in October would matter at all – by the length of the line I had some solid suspicions.
Today I learned, after being able to leave within 15 minutes, that making appointments at the DMV really pays off.

-While hanging Christmas lights ‘round my garage this evening my neighbor came out and gave me some company. While that personal project became a two-man mission, the Mrs. walked his dog, Maya.
Today I learned that living in community is Good.

What have you learned today?

Kindness and Callbacks

Day 53:

When I came home today there was a wrong number that had left a message on our home voicemail.

It was clear that the gentleman that left the message sincerely thought he dialed the correct number; he spoke clearly and confidently, and I guess I could see how he might have thought he dialed accurately since our outgoing message is rather generic and indistinguishable.

It was an honest mistake – one that perhaps most of us have made.

And perhaps like must of us would naturally react, I immediately motioned to push the number on the phone that would erase the message, but as my finger was about to press down 3, I pulled it back.

“Wait a minute,” I thought. “As simple as it is, this could be an opportunity for me to help someone out.”

So I replayed the message, wrote down the number Mr. Stranger left, and called it back. I think I was motivated to this action because if I were to leave a message on a wrong number I would want to know it. And after all, all I would have to do when he answered is inform him that he called the wrong number, and that his intended audience does not know he called them, because he didn’t. (By the way, the ‘because he didn’t’ part is only there for your benefit, I wouldn’t have actually stated that part.)

Either way, I was unable to communicate the what-I-thought-to-be-helpful message because no one answered….I wonder if he ignored the call because he, ironically, didn’t recognize my number.

What’s the lesson? Why is this relevant?

I think this event from today stands out as a lesson for me because being kind and considerate really can be that easy – today I learned that we don’t have to change the whole world to show that we can be a positive change to the world we live.

My effort had no impact whatsoever, but it did reveal to me that we are more than a work in progress; if we choose, we can become a work of progress.

How are you progressing?

2nd Time of Double-Posting

Well it seems I have done it again - I neglected to post yesterday's entry. Well, here's to consistency...

Day 52:
When I got to school this morning I retraced my steps from the day previous, I was in search for one of my misplaced reusable water bottles. I generally take two 750ml bottles to school, so having just the one required that I rely on my detective abilities and find the missing drink.
I went back to the library hoping I’d find it left behind from a meeting I attended after school, but to no avail.
I asked a friend if I had left it in his car, but no such luck.
So there I was stuck, with but only one bottle of water to quench my thirst.
Upon returning home this evening I’ll be darn if that missing one wasn’t sitting right by the couch.
Today I learned that things aren’t always where I thought I left it. In fact, it turns out that most of the time things are right where I put it.

Day 51:
A friend asked that I pick up something for him from a food boutique near my house. He asked that I bring it to him tomorrow since it would be our last day of school for the week.
Assuring him that I could fulfill the favor, I set out well before closing time from an afterschool engagement that kept me near school; as long as I was there before 6pm, I could deliver. But as fate would have it, traffic put my effort at a stand still.
With minutes remaining I found myself having to jeopardize my driving record and speed towards my destination along surface streets, for the freeway was anything but free-flowing.
As the minute hand moved past 6pm, I began plotting a fantastic story that would surely persuade the shop to stop from closing its doors to serve this patron.
As I drove up I found an employee vacuuming – a sure sign that the sign had been flipped from open to close.
But alas, the door was still open.
Perhaps this oversight would work to my benefit.
“I know you’re closed, but I see the door is still open and I was wondering if….” I rehearsed the plea in my head as I ran towards the door.
Trying to downplay my panting, I entered the door and asked if I could still place an order.
“Oh sure, we don’t close until 6:30,” she kindly replied.
“6:30!”
I wish I could put numbers in CAPS, because placing an exclamation point at the end of my mental response denies all reality.
Today I learned that they details ARE important.

When Monday = Friday...and vice versa

Day 50:
As I went to add today’s post (I write most of my entries in Word before uploading them) I saw that I never posted Friday’s lesson….that was a lesson unto itself.

So here is today and Friday...

Day 49
Today a friend twice used a word that I had never heard of; the term is austerity. At first I thought she said posterity. Austerity, posterity – you hear the confusion, right?

Although they have similar sounds, they have quite contrary meanings. Posterity refers to a future reality, as in “I am committing my acts of today for the sake of posterity,” where as austerity refers to a very present condition, like adhering to a strict, often personal, economy. As in, "Times are so tight that I'm following a level of austerity," or something like that.

Today I learned a new term to expand my vocabulary, and I’m excited. It also forced me to ask a string of questions that I’ll pass on to you as well…

What new words have you learned lately?
In other words, are you expanding your vocabulary?
Or better yet, is your vocabulary expanding you?

Day 50 – for reals
Not too long ago I experienced the dread of losing data from a computer without having any backup files. Thankfully much of what I lost was either irrelevant or in a first draft version on a disk or thumb drive.

However, this was not the case for my digital music library from iTunes.

Despite a concerted effort, I was unable to relocate any remnants of the lost files on my computer. Therefore, I was left to read through the Help menus Apple puts out to assist those of us that confidently assert that when it comes to losing data, “It won’t happen to me.”
Well, it was during this somber research that I discovered that even if you have a digital receipt for lost music files (or video files for that matter), iTunes will not allow you to download those purchased songs/albums unless you pay for them, again.

Oh, this is unacceptable.

And then, a few clicks and many small print paragraphs later, I read that if the purchased items are on an iPod, then they CAN be transferred back onto the iTunes library….

Hooray!

Today I learned to ALWAYS back up data.
Today I learned that when trouble-shooting, reading through the fine-print can most certainly pay off.
Today I learned that I won’t really know if the second thing I learned today is true until tomorrow – when I connect my iPod up to my semi-defunct computer.

Snack Shack

Day 48:

Tonight the Mrs. and I volunteered in the snack shack at a high school many of our students graduate to when they leave our middle school.

It was rad seeing many of my former students; most of them were shocked to see me there.

What did I learn today?

I’m still processing the day – still soaking up the smiles from my students.

Perhaps I’m learning that appreciating the bright moments can be more thoroughly enjoyed without an analysis.

Boy, it sure was nice seeing those kids…

Song and Glance

Day 47:
You’re not gonna believe what you’re about to read. I say this because most people do not experience an event like I witnessed this evening. Just like last time, I went to Joe’s without one of those reusable bags, but that is not today’s story.

Per my traditional routine, I told the checker that I would not need a bag for six items I had – paper nor plastic.

There was an older gentleman gathering his bags before me and he heard what I said. Then without hesitation, he said, “Oh, no bag? Well, if ever you find yourself in a pinch, just remember…”

And then perhaps the most unusual thing happened.

This perfect stranger began to belt out an operatic serenade in Italian. Translation – this man in his 70s began to sing, quite loudly, a song in a foreign language.

True to human nature anyone and everyone in ear shot gave the gentleman a strange facial expression. I on the other hand became both embarrassed and inspired.

I was embarrassed because there was part of me that was nervous that most watching would think this fella and I were together, which wouldn’t be too far fetched considering our proximity.
However, the more ideal version of me was in awe.

I know I have only been around for less than three decades. But still, I have never seen someone just open up in song in full volume. That man was brave – that man is a singer.

Today I learned that being who we are is far more important and valuable than who we’re afraid of being in public.

Today I learned that we are the only one of us there is, which means, it’s up to us to share it, just like that 70 year old did with me, and all the others in ear shot tonight at Trader Joe’s.

There is only one You in all the world – are you sharing it?

Abide and Peek

Day 46:

On Tuesdays at my school students are let out at 1:29pm so the faculty can hold Professional Development meetings.

Today’s meeting required for the various departments to get together to engage in departmental discourse. Surprisingly, the administration ordered us to meet in the classroom of a Math and Science teacher.

The ‘why’ is unknown; however, the ‘what happened’ is clear.

While sitting in this foreign land I was able to take in some sights. Strewed about were instructional posters from which I was able to learn. From simply looking around I was able to glean ideas that would, or at the very least could, make me a better teacher.

And in that environment the essence of this project was embodied.

The point of these 180 days is to open my heart, ears, eyes and mind to the world around me so that I might learn.

The point of this project is to become a learner so that I might become a better doer, a better be-er, a better me-er.

Today I learned that lessons abound.
Today I learned that all I must do is look around.
Today I learned that when I seek, it shall be found.

What have you found lately?

Applying the Brakes

Day 45:
Another Monday.

Part way through there was something that arose that nearly caused me to generate a negative reaction. Check that. Today I almost chose to give a negative reaction to something.
However, per this project, I took a moment and took a breathe.

Long story short, I refrained from delivering a spiteful e-mail to someone; I stopped myself from delivering a message that was anything but loving.

Today I learned how to put on the brakes.

Helping Hands

Day 44:

A couple of girls came in after school today seeking some assistance on an 8th grade history project. I must admit that it felt nice that a few former students would come back to their 7th grade teacher looking for some guidance.

I had but brief moment to offer help; even still, in those mere minutes I was overcome with a sense of pride, and joy.

Today I learned how warm it feels to be sought after for help.

Hoping it was helpful...

Jason

Selective Sources

Day 43:

I recall as a kid resisting things my parents would tell me. But when that same information came from someone else, I seemed to have had no problem accepting it. It’s fascinating how young people seem to know everything while their parents know next to not much.

Today I found out that I was recently a secondary source of the same information. You know, that information that was first given by a parent.

It feels kinda funny. Makes me wonder what it’ll feel like when I’m the parent figure in this scenario.

Today I learned that at least part of being a parent must include telling you kid(s) stuff you know they won’t listen to, but doing it anyways because…because....I don’t know why – guess I’ll learn that when I’m a parent.

Ben was right, and wrong

Day 42:

On Sunday we went shopping for some shelves for our office, with the intention of putting then up today, Veterans Day - our mid-week day off. But on the way home yesterday I remembered something Ben Franklin said, "Why put off for tomorrow that which could be done today?"

So against my normal preference we came home and hung the shelves.

I was proud of my new attitude towards home improvement efforts, and the wife was pleased with the ahead of schedule accomplishment.

And with one task done, I set out to post the lesson learned from being diligent. That was until the wi-fi in my home decided it no longer wanted to provide the service it was designed to give.

And thus I learned that Ben was, or at least could be, wrong.

And like that, a new lesson was learned.

Today, which really means yesterday, I learned that sometimes there are things beyond our control; which just proves that life is a learning experience...

The Standout Student

Day 41:

Last week my students took a test covering two chapters. A handful of students scored at 69% or below. The reason behind such poor performances for these students could stem from any number of sources. The critical point is helping them to regain a positive academic stride.

In an effort to help get them back on track I decided to, for the first time ever in my teaching, offer a re-do. I spoke to those scoring a D or F on the test and offered them a re-do on their test if they committed to coming in tomorrow at lunch for a study session and then again on Friday at lunch to retake the test.

In making this offering I told them the choice was entirely up to them, but that once they signed next to their name, they were committed.

All but one signed up.

I’m not sure how I feel about the response.

On the one hand I’m impressed at how interested/committed these students are in repairing their grade; I don’t know that I was this interested or concerned with grades when I was their age.

On the other hand I’m saddened by the seemingly blatant disregard by the one.
I think today I learned that as teachers there is only so much we can do to help students with their grades.

During my teacher training a professor of mine once said, “As a teacher there will be times where you have to be willing to let students chose to fail. It’s sad, but it’s their choice – you can do nothing about that.”

I think I learned today that his statement is truer than I want it to be.
I know I learned today that I am choosing to not give up on that one…

Did you know...

Day 40:

Did you know that 29 is the highest possible hand in a game of cribbage?
Did you know that the 29th state added to what would become the united 50 was Iowa? (it happened on 12/28 back in 1846).
Did you know that the Romans assembled the number 29 like this: XXIX? And did you know that their modern descendants, the Italians, call 29 ventinove?
Did you know that while This Is It was #1 at the Box Office last weekend, “Rock with You” was celebrating its 29 year anniversary?
And did you know that it was 29 years ago that the US boycotted the Moscow Olympics?

Me neither.

But today I learned these tidbits of information because throughout the day my adorable wife sent me 29 random yet informative facts, the collective total wittingly representing the number of birthdays I am celebrating today – and what a lovely day it has been.

Since the minute I woke up I have been showered with Love.

The day was kicked off with a few facts filling my morning routine and a favorite, albeit fatty breakfast.
At the park-n-ride the carpool greeted me with some oven lovin’ brownies.
At school the classes welcomed me into each period with birthday songs.
During the day my phone buzzed with voicemails and text-messages containing words of warm wishes.
And some classy students from last year overwhelmed me with caramel cake and caring cards aplenty.

29….I am loved well beyond my years.



Today I learned that Freddie Mercury, at the age of 29, gave the world Bohemian Rhapsody.
I also learned that Alexander Graham Bell was 29 when he gifted to us the telephone.

I don’t know if in my new age of 29 that I’ll be able to be as generous as those extraordinary men, but I am inspired to try.

I’ll start today by sharing a few favorite videos.


One that marks the day I lived…




The other marking how I hope to…



Thanks for the Love,
Jason

Eye Examination

Day 39:

Today’s Agenda:
Wake @ 5:20am
Carpool @ 6:35am
@ school by 7:05am
Hold Homeroom
Cover a class during my ‘off’ period
Teach 2 periods of 7th Grade History
Cheer on my homeroom @ lunch as they play in a basketball game against another HR
Teach 3 periods of 7th Grade History
Carpool home
Make deposit @ bank
Pick something up @ mall
Ship something from FedEx @ 24hr Kinkos

All this, and I don’t know what I learned.

Today I learned that I need to pay more attention.

As I sit here on the sofa I’m wracking my brain with stories from today that could serve as lessons learned. But that is not the point of this project – this does not exist for the sake of story telling. I am here to learn.

Today I learned that I need to pay more attention – I need to open my eyes fully, and look closer

Not November 4th...

I wrote the below post somewhere around 7pm last night, but I somehow forgot to post it....

Day 38:

There is an old saying that one should never discuss religion, politics, or sex in polite company.

This of course means that today I broke from the ranks.

I had a conversation with a co-worker friend today about the different world religions (sorry to disappoint by it not being about sex). We come from different cultural (including religious) backgrounds, so it was pretty cool that we were able to have this extremely open, comparative conversation.

And as with almost any informal religious talk, the Golden Rule came up. I think the “treat others the way you’d like to be treated” rule is deemed golden because so many religions promote it. Or maybe it got the title from a specific religion. Or maybe, and perhaps more likely, this rule’s label comes from an Americanized marketing effort.

Regardless of how it got its name, today I learned that I could do a better job at giving gold…

Recognition and Receipts

Day 37:

Two activities activated some questions for me today….

At school today I posted some exceptional student work on a bulletin board in my class. While doing so I couldn’t help but realize that this recognition also served as an indicator of the progress so far this year; the posted work speaks of the student accomplishments as well as the material we’ve covered.

This made me wonder.

Why do we stop posting human accomplishment on the fridge once a person turns a certain age? Does the discontinuation of this paternal ritual declare that humans no longer possess a need or desire of praise for a job well done? I know adults rarely ace math exams, but how cool would it be if an adult were able to proudly post on his or her fridge the certificate a mechanic gives you after an oil change that read, “Well done. You’re taking great care of your car!”

After school today I returned something to BestBuy because it wasn’t working properly. And without a hassle I got my money back (I must admit that it probably helped I had the original packaging and receipt).

But how cool would it be if in real life when something didn’t work right, we just got to take it back?

Imagine….“Did I just hurt your feelings? Here, let me just take that back. Look, I even have my receipt. If you give me a chance I can make it like it never happened.”
Oh wait, I guess we kinda do – I think it’s called apologizing.

Today I learned that I can’t wait to put some adult level accomplishment on my fridge.
I also learned avoiding mistakes is best since there are not return policies in the store of life; but when necessary, apologies can serve to restore.

Running to Push

Day 36:

I went for a run today. My heart and mind are proud, but my legs ache.

You see, I am not a runner – and running is not me.

I went for a run on Saturday. That effort was out of desire to restart a physical routine that better matched my morning regime.

Today’s run was born out of desire to ease the pain in my legs. For a few minutes there I didn’t think I would make it.

My mind was clear, my heart felt right, and although they were sore, my legs were not tired.
“So what the heck?!” is what I thought as the hill on the horizon looked down on me, mockingly.

But then this song’s turn came up.

Isn’t it funny how sometimes a song knows exactly when you need to give it a listen?

While panting along the path I felt as though Chris Carraba’s lyricism here had been written for my struggle up the hill. My heart was sturdy, but my lungs were not living up to their end of the bargain.

I reiterate, I am not a runner.

But there is something to be said about pushing yourself to do something you don’t normally do, it’s something almost inspiring; it’s like that act of perspiration acts as an inspiration for you to transfer that mold-breaking, momentary new you into other environments of your life.

A transformation that pushes your self into being a better sibling, a better soulmate, a better student of life and love - to push your self to be a better You.

I always knew that the act of running is exercise, but today I learned that running promotes an exercise that is entirely separate from the physical.

Two Geeks in a Squad

Day 35:
When the alarm summoned me from my slumber this morning at 5:21 I had no idea what costume to sport at school, I just knew I wanted to coordinate with the Mrs.

The Mrs. is not one for doing stuff that’ll make her stand out, particularly in public. I on the other hand tend to embrace it. But because she is so straight up rad she went against her inclination and together we geeked it up, oversized backpack and all.

Today I (re)learned that my wife rocks…

Friend to the Friendly

Day 34:

I just avoided what could have been a large mistake.

The Mrs. and I were watching a TV show just now when a friend of hers called. At first I got a bit annoyed because later on tonight I won’t be home and I thought that it would be most opportune for Mrs. to speak to her friend then.

But then I caught my double standard.

My plans this evening involve hanging with a buddy I haven’t seen in a few weeks – we’re just going to have dinner and catch up. The near double-standard was that I almost became unfair because I felt the Mrs. should spend the moments we had left with me before I go out with my buddy.

I know.

The person who called was her friend, a friend she hadn’t spoken with for a few weeks. As I write this she is still on the phone.

I’m glad the phone rang because it helped me realize a few things.

Friends are good.

Today I learned that catching a mistake before it happens is a good thing.
I also learned that ‘letting’ your friends have friends is good too.

So Long Sweet Summer

Day 33:

According to the equinox calendar summer ended on September 21, even though fall hadn't yet shown its true colors. But for me, summer ended this evening.

For me the end of summer wasn’t marked by Labor Day, it didn’t end with the start of school.

For me, summer ended this evening as I deflated the rafts for our pool – a task I delayed so as to not have to face the reality of a season gone by.

As the air was forced from these lazy day devices I felt the sweetness of summer dissipate…the days containing long afternoons spent floating sunny-side-up for the sake of soaking up her rays will not return for another nine months.

Tonight I learned that I already miss summer.

Skinney Well-fed

Day 32:

Have you ever gone to dinner at a restaurant and when your entrée arrived you immediately realized that you’d need a doggy bag because the portion seemed to be more than you could manage to eat?

I had that very experience tonight when the Mrs. and I went to dinner with her father. The only problem was that I ate the whole thing.

Most of the time my eyes are bigger than my stomach, but today I learned that tonight my stomach was just as big.

Today I also learned that I should have left well alone with my pasta dish – my cream sauce pasta dish mind you.

But no, not me, I had to have the Crème Brule as well.

Today I learned why they place so many buckle notches in your belt.

Stuffed…

Green Thumbs

Day 31:

The Mrs. and I belong to a produce co-op. It’s a pretty cool set up because every week we get to pick up locally grown fruits and vegetables; the coolest part of it all is that we’ve increased our consumption of Mother Nature’s edible goodness.

Anyhow, I only today read the newsletter that came with this week’s treats and I learned something about organic farming.

In order for a farm to be considered organic “it takes 36 months and one day from the last non-Organic application of anything to the land to accomplish the prescribed cleansing.”

Cleansing. Interesting.

The learning of this prompted me to ponder three things.

Primero: Mother Nature is pretty bad ass for having the ability to shed the toxins pumped into her for decades and rejuvenate herself to her natural state.

Segundo: Humans can’t be so bad if we’ve figured this out, and at least sometimes put it into practice.

And finally, imagine if it took the human race 3 years and a day to dump our toxins and get back to our natural state. Thankfully, in order for us to release ourselves from our refuse all we have to do is take a moment to make the decision that we’ll no longer live in a way that is harmful to ourselves or others. All we have to do is decide that we don’t have accept or be the negativity that pollutes our social settings.

Looking forward to living the lessons that come with learning how to plow…

Grateful Greeting Cards

Day 30:

I’m horrible at writing and sending cards. It’s not coming up with the inside content that I’m bad at; it’s the actual writing and sending of them. Point blank, I just don’t do it.

This one Mother’s Day I gave my mom a gift, one that I thought was really thoughtful. I was in college so naturally money was tight, but I still went out and got a nice gift. What I didn’t get was a card – I just didn’t think of it.

I never seem to.

A few weeks ago a two heaping handfuls of parents volunteered in my class in a variety of capacities. Over the last few days I’ve started writing thank-you notes to express my gratitude. It feels nice.

Today I learned that giving my gratitude with pen and paper is good for the heart, mind, and soul. Now I just have to remember to deliver them…

What are you grateful for?

100 years from now...

Day 29:

While waiting for the Nyquil to kick in, which may take some time because it has to combat an all- afternoon nap, I read something that trumped the lesson I intended to share.

The Week, the sole magazine I subscribe to (because it has a little of everything), reports in its Health and Science section that soon enough, living to be 100 years old could be normal in developed nations.

According to a Danish study that drew data from 30 countries, babies that were born in the year 2000 will very likely live to be 100. The study goes on to state that if health trends maintain their current trajectory here in the U.S., those born today could easily live to be 104.

Crazy.

When I was young I don’t know that I ever thought much about how old I’d be when I stopped being. But for today’s toddlers to be able to one day imagine living past 100, wow.

There are or will be obvious concerns about such an aged population living within a country. The requirements for having stable health care and retirement systems in place alone can be intimidating.

But in all actuality, it’s kind of exciting.

It’s exciting because it means that today’s parents and teachers have the opportunity to raise up tomorrow’s parents and teachers – those that will work to address the complications that could come with living for a century or more.

Today’s parents and teachers get to instruct and instill tomorrow’s wisdom with the problem-solving skills, integrity, and common-sense that will be required to handle the reality of having tens of millions of folks live into their triple-digit ages.

Today’s parents and teachers have the awesome opportunity to take today’s young ones, and help them look forward to a future that will undoubtedly be riddled with obstacles, but that can without a doubt, be tackled.

Today I learned that although I may not live to be 100, there is a long road yet ahead.

Today I learned that I’m excited to be on the journey.

Gesundheit

Day 28:
This is how it went it went yesterday.

(sneeze, sneeze, sneeze….sneeze)
Colleague: “Are you sick?”
Me: “Me? No, I won’t get sick until December. I only get sick twice a year. December and May.”

And like that, today I got sick.

Today I learned that being sick sucks.

Learning to be 'All Ears'

Day 27:

Today I learned I’m becoming too comfortable, borderline too confident, when I speak with people. The more direct way to put this would be to plainly say I’m becoming lazy.

During a meeting today I found myself quasi-debating a matter with some peers. The conversation nearly turned to debate because we did not understand each other, or so I thought.

It turns out that the real issue was that I wasn’t listening clearly to my colleagues and instead was talking too much, and way too fast. In fact, someone even said something like, “Wait Jason, we can’t listen that quickly, we can only take in 3 minutes at a time…”

It was then that I realized I’m getting lazy.

Listening takes work, a lot of it, and knowing this fact is nothing new. But if the key to being an effective communicator is being an excellent listener, then I’ve got a long way to go.

The bad news is…I’m not as good a communicator as I thought.
The good news is…today I learned about what I need to do to improve.
The great news is…this is something I can do.
The best news is…I get to practice tomorrow.

Looking forward to suiting up for practice…

Pants

Day 26:

On an outing to the outlet mall this evening I think I took a step towards learning how to walk away from purchasing clothing items I don’t really need.

Let me explain.

Much to the Mrs.’ frustration, I am notorious for finding deals off the clearance rack. She explains that what’s most annoying about these finds is that more often than not the garments I grab are a perfect fit. This alignment invariably results in my giving into the temptation and buying the ‘super-sale’ shirt, shorts, belt, you name it.
But today was different.

Today I was able to walk away from a pair of pants that both fit nicely and were priced perfectly.

Today I recalled what I had learned last year from the reality found in The Story of Stuff.

Today I was able to channel the strength of the Beavan family by foregoing the purchase of something I didn’t really need anyway.

Today I learned that just because it’s on sale, if I don’t need it, then I don’t need to buy it.

Buon Compleanno a Voi

Day 26:

The Mrs. and I had dinner at Macaroni Grill this evening. A few tables away sat a father and his two sons. It was apparently one of the boys' birthday because a singing server came over and sang the little boy Happy Birthday in operatic Italian.

By the looks of it, the boy could have cared less. This little guy, which must have been all of 6 years of age, seemed aware of only one thing - the bowl of birthday ice cream that sat before him.

As I watched the boy clap for the server when she was done with his song, the clap appeared as though he was pretty convinced she was singing for someone else at his table. This observation made me wonder how many times we're blessed by someone or something without recognizing it. Not that we don't see it or acknowledge it, but that we don't realize the gift is ours.

I know that my life is showered full of blessings.

Today I learned that I need to raise my awareness of these blessings, so that I may extend my gratitude of them.

Head, Heartbeats, Feet and Soles, Feet and Soles...

Day 25:

The Mrs. suffers from migraines, and tonight she had an episode that took us to the urgent care. The visit provided relief and a prescription offering hope of future relief in the event the doctor induced relief is temporary, which doesn’t leave me hopeful.

When I was at CVS filling the prescription I found my mind easily distracted with the drugstore world, a world that appears to have everything, a world that taught me a little bit about my inner self.

While I waited I learned that my diastolic pressure is below average, (although I couldn’t tell you whether that is good or bad) and that my resting heart rate is 51 bpm. I also learned, according to Dr. Scholls and his fancy pants foot-fit computer, that I have weak arches and low foot pressure.

As I walked past the book aisle one about taming one’s tongue caught my eye and as I perused it I learned that the word loquacious means something along the lines of ‘motor-mouth’. What a diplomatic way to say, “Shut-up”.

Tonight, as I found ways to keep my mental motor moving by learning these seemingly insignificant things, I realized that I do not like to rest the mind to simply listen, or meditate, or pray, or reflect.

Perhaps more on this tomorrow…because I learned yesterday that it’s good to chew something like this over.

Trying to quiet the mind…

Thinking to learn

Day 24:

A few weeks ago I posted a video from Regina Spektor in connection to a man and his heart-full generosity.

I bring Spektor up again now because today I found out that she was on Saturday Night Live this past weekend. Upon this discovery I experienced a sensation that made me think.

I know I’ve only been turned on to Spektor for a short while, but I couldn’t help but think that most of the people I know don’t know of her or her music. This small reality made me feel like a member of some exclusive community. And with her appearance and performance on SNL, I couldn’t help but feel like the rest of the world was catching up and turning on to something I ‘already’ knew – and I must confess that it felt kinda cool.

Today I’m pondering what there is to knowing about something sweet before others do that makes us feel sorta special when they ‘finally’ find out.

Today I’m wondering why being ahead of the curve can serve to create a temporary sense of cool confidence.

Today I’m learning that chewing something over can be a lot like learning.


Here’s one of the numbers Spektor tossed out on Saturday…

Things I swore to never do...

Day 23:

There were two things I did today that I swore I would never do again.

I’ll share the lighter one first.

A few weeks ago I gave an oath to never entering a Trader Joe’s without a recyclable bag ever again.

Failure.

In my defense, I didn’t leave the house thinking I would make a stop at Joe’s food market. But there I was leaving the check out aisle, holding:
-frozen peas
-frozen carrots
-frozen chicken stir fry
-frozen sweet and sour sauce
-frozen gnocchi (the gorgonzola kind; and don’t judge my frozen purchases, I was buying for a rainy day)
-and kfir
with no bag, frozen arms, and the lesson learned that I need to keep one of Joe’s bags permanently in the trunk, because you never know.

The other “I promise to never…” came on my way to Joe’s.

As those living in So. Cal know, it was raining this evening, which meant that as I drove past a guy walking with a ½ broken umbrella, well, I felt sorry for the guy and I thought this would be a great opportunity to flesh-out the helpful attitude I missed out on before, the one I'm trying to adopt .

I know, I know.

I swore to my mother the day I got my driver’s license that I would never give a ride to strangers, but in that moment I felt so badly for the guy.

The MORONIC thing was that I pulled over to ask the guy if he needed a ride.
The GOOD thing was that he politely said, “Oh, so kind of you to stop and ask, but I’m just walking because I walk every night.”
The ODD thing was (no, the odd thing was not that this guy walks in the rain) that this guy was Luis, the dude that fixed my vacuum at the shop he works at in Woodland Hills.
The COOL thing was that it was him, and not some ax murderer.
The LESSON thing was, “Jason, don’t ever do that again...because you never know!”

Nap Time: No Bueno

Day 21:

I’m convinced I would not have made it through college without naps. The problem is that this habit forming ritual is still a big part of my weekly routine.

Tonight the Mrs. and I have plans with a friend and I am running mega late, because I took a nap.

Today I learned way more than what I’m about to throw down, but today’s lesson is that although my desire to lie down may help lighten the lids, it does not help my punctuality.
Today I'm learning that I am tired of being late, and that naps aren't worth it if the post nap activity is rushed - because it completely unravels the restfulness.

Quarterly Calls

Day 20:

When I was at the store today I saw something that caused a double take. Right outside the store was something I hadn’t seen in quite some time - it was a pay phone. But what really caught me by surprise was that there was a man that appeared to be repairing it. This could not be, I thought. No, he must be taking it out.

But there was a part of me that was not sure. There was an even bigger part that needed to find out.

So I walked up to the man that was on the other side of middle-aged and our interaction went something like:
Me: Hey there.
Him: (silence)
Me: Hey, how’s it going?
Him: (silence)
Me: Excuse me sir, are you repairing that phone or are you taking it down?
Him: Nope, I’m fixing it.
Me: Oh, cool. (feeling like I needed to demonstrate my appreciation for his efforts in restoring life into a dying artifact, I responded with…) It’s kinda nice to see that they still get serviced.
Him: (silence)
Me: Well, thanks for fixing it. Have a nice rest of your day.
Him: Thanks, you too.

He never looked my way.

As I walked to the car I chuckled to myself and reflected on this learning moment.

Today I learned that some people really take to heart the “don’t talk to strangers” bit.
But what I really learned is that as convenient as modern technology can be, it’s kinda sad watching former fixtures of society being so readily replaced and or forgotten.

Here’s a link to help you find a payphone if ever your cell puts you in a pinch. Which makes me wonder, are collect calls still made? Does today’s youth even know what a collect call is?

Pride

Day 19:

I heard about a guy who speaks about a bucket.

To him a bucket is a metaphorical item.

It refers to a holding place. A place where ideas and emotions are contained for fermentation. A place where growth and maturity occurs.

Today’s lesson comes from my bucket.

The other day a former student of mine came to me concerned. She shared a story where she had been caught ‘cheating’. According to her current teacher, she had shared some notes with a classmate during an open notes test; during a test where students were to use their own notes.

According the directive, she committed a violation. Therefore, her test was taken from her and she earned only 50%.

Upon this incident, she came to me seeking some advice.

Knowing who she is and what is stands for, I told her it sounded like she had committed a lapse in judgment. I advised her to go to her teacher and confess the lapse and assure him that such an occurrence would not happen again.

She was resistant at first.

Yesterday she came to me to tell me that she followed my advice.

She went to say that her effort was well received and that she felt good for doing so. I was proud of her.

Here’s what I learned.

Upon reflection of this conversation today, I learned that I needed to have told her that I was proud of her.

Today I learned that there will be times in my life where people will, for some unknown reason, come to me seeking advice. And if what I give is honorable and good, and if they follow it, then I need to acknowledge it, in the moment.

Today I learned that I need to be better at encouraging people.

In my young life I have been encouraged beyond my greatest expectation – the least I can do is pass it on.

If you’re reading, in the event we do not meet in the near future, well done….I’m proud of you.

Mr. J.C. León

Like No One's Watching

Day 18:

There is a new Fall Show that has generated a following in the León Residence. The show has a character named Rachel that leaves behind a gold star whenever she signs something or puts her name somewhere. She explains that she does this because it represents, metaphorically speaking, how she’ll one day become a star.

Rachel is the kind of teenage girl that fully embodies the quote:
“Dance like nobody is watching, love like you’ve never been hurt, sing like no one is listening, and live like it is heaven on earth”.

Today while I was reading a blog I frequent I came across a video from a natural born character. Now this guy sings and dances like no one is watching…



I have no idea how old this guy is. Nor do I know the motivation for this video. But what is apparent is his passion to perform. This guy may never be a star by Hollywood’s standards, but he sure made me smile.

Today I learned that it doesn’t matter if you don’t have movie contract, if you love what you do and it can put a smile on your face, that’s star-status enough…

and the boy behind BeenerKeeKee1995 proves it.

Imaginations on Fire

Day 17:

The Mrs. and I went to a shopping plaza this evening to run an errand and I saw something that bummed me out a bit, but it also inspired me.

Fire Your Imagination, a ceramics shop in our town, recently closed its doors. A few weeks back there was a sign warning of their departure from our community. The saddened sign read something like, “After 16 years of being a part of this community, we regret to inform you that Fire Your Imagination will be closing. We hope that our time and place in this community provided warmth and smiles while you showed off your creativity…”

The economic downturn turned down the lights on this shop.

As we walked by the empty place where people use to set fire to their creativity, I thought about a couple of things.

First, aside from walking upright on this sphere, I haven’t done a single thing that has lasted for 16 years. This struck me because hanging out with middle schoolers all day can make a guy my age feel older than he really is, but today I felt like a kid in diapers as that reality set in. Heck, 16 years ago I wasn’t even 16 years old.

Segundo, I want to live a life that will generate warmth and smiles in my community.

Today I learned that, like Fire Your Imagination, I have no idea when the times may call my plans to an end.

Which means that today I learned that if one day I want to be able to look back at my time and place in my community and feel like I made a contribution, from where I stand now, I need to look forward, set my mind ablaze, and figure how to do that - and then do it.

Looking forward to 16 years from now…

Here's a spot of some imagination from the Mrs., two sis's, and myself:

What's around the bend?

Day 17:

To keep the boredem at bay I use a book in my class that contains historical fiction stories. The students take turns reading aloud. We don't read pop-corn style because I feel it would disrupt the flow of the story, instead, the reading pattern follows the rows the students are seated in.

Today as we read about Attila the Hun and his attacks on the Roman Empire I kept noticing that while some were reading there were others that were counting the number of classmates ahead of them, and then began to turn the pages as they counted paragraphs. I'm pretty sure these counters were looking ahead to see if they would have to read, and if so, to see which paragraph would be theirs.

At first I was baffled as to why this mattered. But then I think I got it.

I wanted to tell them to pay attention and follow along, but for a brief moment I couldn't help but relate.

I don't know a single person that likes it when life drops down surprises, and I'm not talking about parties or presents. There just seems to be something about not knowing what the future holds that makes us uneasy.

Will she say 'yes'?
Will they accept our offer on the house?
What if the cuts include me?

These questions make us nervous. These questions set the butterflies free - they cause us to sweat a bit.

So to cope we look as hard as we can into the near future in an effort to anticipate, to see if we'll have to brace for the impact. We try to prepare for what may come.

The worst part is the not the knowing.

Today, as my students counted paragraphs, I learned that not knowing is not easy.
I learned that no matter how hard to we try to prepare, it doesn't alleviate the scare.
I learned that if given a chance we'd opt to take a glance to see if it'll be good or bad, happy or sad.

Today I learned that perhaps we need to learn to live more in the now.
Perhaps we need to take the future as it comes.
For if we anticipate what may come with too much accuracy, its arrival may come without a wow.

Dearly Beloved

Day 16:

The Mrs. and I have already chosen our children’s names. We’re nowhere near ready to have them, but we’re pretty confident with what we’ll call them.

The one area of conflict is the spelling of a girl’s name. For the sake of holding onto something we know that no one else does, I’m not gonna share it with you. But I will tell you that my way is right.

I bring this up because I saw that name with ‘my’ spelling on something today and I brought it to her attention.

She laughed as I spoke of it because I made no introduction of the topic of conversation. I simply said,
“Stop the press. Do you know the name of the company that makes this thing?”
Mrs: No.
Me: It’s blank. And they spell it my way! See I win.

And then she laughed.

Today I (re)learned that I like making my Mrs. laugh.

Today I (re)learned that laughing with a loved one is not only important, it’s also therapeutic.


Looking forward to laughing from this day forward…til death do us part...
One of the Js from jnjleon

When I grow up...

Day 15:

I walked to get a hair cut today and it made me think about quite a few things. As I pounded the pavement I pondered the degree to which we trust strangers – to use scissors near our head, to drive next to us on the freeway, to give us correct change at the store, etc. The stroll also inspired gratitude for living within walking distance to my barber shop. In fact, I think sometime soon I’m gonna try to get around in my neighborhood without the use of my car; maybe I’ll try this for a weekend or during winter break or something.

Anyhow, while I was sitting in the hair-chair I noticed a frame fastened to the wall containing a certificate. This certificate was declaring that my lady barber was at some time officially trained and qualified to cut my hair.

I got to thinking on the walk home about what getting that paper really means.

Let me explain…

Next door to the barber shop is a Tae Kwon Do studio. Across the street is a Pet Hospital. On the corner is a Jiffy Lube. I bet each one of these is home to a wall that holds a piece of paper indicating that the operators of the aforementioned businesses are certificated to do so. In other words, as I walked by these offices and buildings I realized that everyone of them, the martial arts master, the doggie doctors, and the grease guys went through some sort of training so they could earn a certificate in order to be a doer of whatever it is they do.

The paper says they can ‘do’.

Which made me wonder, why is it that adults ask kids what they want to be when they grow up? Aren’t they already be-ing?

Isn’t what we’re really asking them is what they want to do when they grow up?

Today I learned I need to change the wording on a questionnaire I have my students fill in at the beginning of the year.

Or maybe I’ll keep the question, but turn it into a multiple choice:

What do you want to be when you grow up? (circle all that apply)
Kind Caring Compassionate
Supportive Loving Lovable
Generous Hospitable Others-minded

And then maybe I’ll add this follow up question right after...

Why wait til you grow up?

Looking forward to what I’ll be tomorrow…

I wonder if Nas will change the chorus to:

"I know I can, (echo: I know I can) Do what I want to Do (echo: do what I want to do)"

Probably not, it kinda kills the rhyme...

Sticks and Stones

Day 14:

I’m not sure if it’s because we had a 3-day weekend or if it’s because today marks the 2-week period for this project, but I’m starting to notice that I’m not noticing the lessons within each day.

I knew this would happen, but I thought I had anticipated it.

At the start of this project I bought a pocket-sized composition book so I’d have a little place to place little reminders about that day’s lessons – but I’m even forgetting to tote that around.

Here’s what I remember from today…

On day twelve I realized that I needed to hose off my hard heart and gratefully seize the opportunity to help others. Today I feel like I did the opposite. I wasn’t unhelpful, but I’m pretty sure I was a bit hurtful.

Today I took part in two group conversations where I took a part the words of someone else and held them against their owner.

It was unnecessary; I wish it were unnatural.

I’m learning I have a tendency to hold onto something someone says, put it my pocket, and pull it out at a later, self-serving time.
I’m learning that my mom is right when she says I’m a pretty critical person.
I’m learning that there’s nothing pretty about such a personality trait.
I’m learning that I need to more readily choose kindness over contempt, that I need to be patient instead of pugnacious.

Today I learned that the words I use can only be as kind as my mind is in that particular moment.
Today I learned that I need to maximize my moments of mental kindness…

Two Things from Trader's

Day 13:

The Mrs. and I went to Trader Joe’s today to pick up two things. We were there to just get a baguette, and some basil.

Two things.

We walked in without one of the reusable bags we normally take because who needs to use a bag when you’re only getting two things?

We walked out with nine things.
We walked out with nine things without the use of a single bag.
We did this so that we might better learn the lesson that when we are going to Trader Joe’s, we need to ALWAYS take at least one bag.


Today I learned that the Boy Scouts of America were wise guys when they prudently chose “Be Prepared” as their motto.

Scouts honor…

May I help you?

Day Twelve Revisited:

I had the ‘opportunity’ to help someone today. I put the term opportunity in quotes because when the assistance was requested I was far from thrilled to help. I even went so far as to think, “Why can’t this guy figure it out on his own?”

Shameful.

The time it took was minimal, the effort required was even less. And yet, the moments leading up to it I found myself dreading the commitment I had reluctantly made.

Today I learned that I was mega lame today.
Today I learned that I should not offer to help if I’m going to do so with a hard heart.
Today I learned that I should always offer to help.

Today my hard heart taught me that I need to turn on the sprinklers, that I need to soften the soil surrounding the sanguine organ planted in the middle of my chest.

Today I learned that helping is the hose that will likely get the job done....

Back-to-School Night

Day Twelve:

I just got back from Back-to-School night. The day was long, but exciting. My ears are ringing and my mind is racing.

Even still, I feel too tired to recall the lessons of the day.

I know I learned them; in fact, they’re on the tip of my tongue. The problem is I need them to be on the tips of my fingers.

Hopefully tonight’s dream will consist of a recap as the feature presentation.

Looking forward to tomorrow’s double-feature…

Downs and Ups

Day Eleven:

Today I learned I spoke too soon about the situation I thought I avoided on Day Nine...
...I lost about 10 students due to schedule changes and I’m pretty bummed on it.

Today I learned (for the umpteenth time) that I speak too often with the assumption that the other person knows what I’m referring to without ever really getting from me the necessary conversational clues...
...My opening line went something like, “So, basically, it’ll go down like Ben said.”
I got the deer in headlights look.
Which Ben? What did he say and when did he say it? And what is the ‘it’ that’ll be going down?

Today I learned that no matter how down I feel, a few jokes from Mitch is a good pick-me-up....

Hoping you get picked up too…

What's for dessert?

Day Ten:

I just finished eating a fudge brownie topped with a piece of cheese cake.

It was delicious.

Mere minutes have passed and something in my stomach is already saying it was a mistake. Perhaps my midsection and mind are all confused by the mixed messages found in how I started my day when contrasted to how I’m finishing…

Since the beginning of the school year I’ve been doing a smoothie for breakfast regiment a friend turned me on to. This concoction is full of fruits, vegetables, yeast flakes, whey protein powder, and good-for-the-body-and-mind oils.

Why the regiment?

This sunrise session stemmed mostly from wanting to break the habit of my missing the morning manna, and because I was tired of being tired by 10 a.m.; the hope was that a good-for-you breakfast would be a great way to start the day.

So far the starts have been great.

Since sippin’ the smoothie I feel more energized throughout the morning and I’m even beginning to appreciate the transformation from a guy that could only wake, shower, and leave, to a guy that now makes sure he has his breakfast.

But as great as the mornings are, I’m bummed on how the sweet tooth seems to prevail when the sun sets.

Tonight I’m learning (and if you were to ask my stomach, it would say ‘the hard way’) that the fruit-full efforts of my morning are being counteracted when I succumb to my sweet-mouth (I fear it really is quite worse than just a single sweet tooth).

I need to learn that I can have a cup of calcium without its cavity-laden cookie counterpart, that it's okay to grow a milk mustache without also having the pie.

Looking forward to fixing tonight’s wrong with a right breakfast…

Sticking to 7th Grade

Day Nine:

A fair amount of students adjusted their schedule today. This student shuffle turned out better for me than I anticipated.

About this time of year, generally a few weeks in, students’ schedules often change to help balance class sizes. For a short bit last week it looked like I was going to lose an entire period and have a whole set of new students added to accommodate the balloon class of 6th graders we have.

I honestly wasn’t looking forward to this possibility. In fact, I requested that such a move occur only if nothing else could be done. It’s nothing against 6th graders, I really just didn’t want to pick up a new class and effectively start the whole year all over a week into the school year.

To my elation our principal told me this morning that I would be keeping my classes.

As the class that was facing possible closure came through today I realized the reason I was opposed to picking up a new set wasn’t the inconvenience, it was the students standing before me.

Today I learned that although there are a few names I’m still learning, I’m more attached to my students than I thought – and that is a cool feeling.

Looking forward to making even better bonds,
Mr. León

O-Positive

Day Eight:

I read today about a guy named Al Fischer. Al is a 75-year old man from Long Island, N.Y. with a big heart, as evidenced by his giving of his 320th pint of blood this past week. Since his first blood donation back in 1951, Mr. Fischer has donated about 40 gallons.

That’s a lot of Giving.
That’s a lot of Heart.
That’s a lot of Life.

This mind for generosity reminds me of a lyrical phrase in a song from an artist I’ve recently been turned on to. Regina Spektor says…

“…this is how it works. You peer inside yourself. You take the things you like and try to love the things you took. And then you take that love you made and stick it into some. Someone else's heart pumping someone else's blood…”

I doubt that Al and Spektor have met. But I get the feeling they’re singing the same song.

Today I learned that I wanna live more like Spektor sings, and Al gives…
J.C. León

Here's the song in it's entirety:

When words are either too much, or not enough...

Day Seven:

I have a B.A. in Applied Communications.

This basically means I have piece of paper asserting that I know, at an above average level, how to communicate with others. Whether it is with words (both written and spoken), body language, within the context of business or casual social settings, I am academically trained to know the meanings behind words as well as how to get the message across.

But remember, this is only according to a piece of paper.

Tonight the Mrs. and I were engaged in a conversation where I learned that a paper can mean nothing if the process is overlooked.

Tonight I learned that regardless of one’s ability to speak, there is a far greater power in the ability to listen.
Tonight I learned that sometimes people want ears, not answers.
That sometimes people needs hugs, not words.
Tonight I learned that a lot of the time, I just out right talk too much.
Tonight I did not learn how to listen, but that I need to, more.

Learning to open the ears,J.C. León

What Credit Crunch?

Day Six:

In my class students are required to take notes in a spiral notebook or composition book. Places like Staples or Office Depot put school supplies on sale well before my students even start school, so they are unable to know what they’ll need or take advantage of the sales.

Knowing this, each year I’ll buy a slew of packets of lined paper and notebooks to help my students get the sale prices while also saving their folks a trip to the said supply stores. Over the last couple of days there have been a number of students that needed to purchase a notebook from me; the students wind up paying a whopping 25 cents. (By the way, I only ‘charge’ what I pay and use the recoupment to purchase more supplies for next year’s bunch.)

If a student doesn’t have a quarter on them I simply ask them to pay later, but I don’t really enforce this. In fact, whenever this happens I consider it a quarter lost, but that’s okay because it’s for a good cause.

Suffice it to say that this good cause cost a lot of quarters this week.

But then came today.

Like I said, I don’t keep track of who owes a quarter, but I’m convinced that everyone of my students that bought on credit cleared their balance today. I was so impressed period after period today as students from each class made good on their purchase promise and handed in quarters.

I was proud of them.
I was inspired by their integrity.
I was hopeful for a financial future that such honesty can bear.

Today I learned that I have some pretty sweet students.

Motivated by the money-mindedness of my students…J.C. León

Perfect Strangers

Day Five:

I really like to go mountain biking. Would I call myself a Mountain Biker? Perhaps. But the truth is I probably don’t go often enough to warrant the title.

Today I went mountain biking with a friend and a friend of a friend. Both riders (which is what many mountain bikers are often called) have been riding for quite a while; they are both very experienced and they both have some sweet rides (aka bikes).

Anyhow, both riders taught me a lot about the sport…
stuff like how to best shift gears, how to adjust my saddle (which is the lingo when referring to a rider’s seat), and the science behind tire pressure.

It was during these literal lessons that I learned it is best to surround ourselves with people that know more than we do. I would have not known what I now know about mountain biking if it were not for these two riders that allowed a rookie like me to join them.

About a mile into our ride my derailer (the component on my bike that allows me to shift gears) snapped and broke.

This was bad news for a couple of reasons.

One being that I could not finish the radical ride I had set out to complete.
The other being that I had to now walk back to my car – way uncool.

But while we trying to figure out how to make my journey back to the trail head fairly easy, the friend of a friend simply said to me, “I have a high-end bike that I don’t use that you’re welcome to use for as long as you’d like, if you’re interested”

Overcome by the generosity, I simply said, “Oh, that’s too kind. But thanks.”

To which this friend of a friend matter of factly responded…
“Look. If you’re going to get into our sport, then you’re gonna need people to help you out along the way. I can be one of those people.”

My mind was boggled.

Seriously?

I just met this guy today.
I just showed this guy that I apparently have the ability to break bikes, and without hesitation here he is offering me to use his bike, one that is certainly more expensive than mine.

Seriously?

Today I learned that Generosity rules.

Today I learned that I need to be more generous with my….
Time
Attention
Kindness
Affection
Generosity

This is especially because each one of these can be given for absolutely nothing - they're free.

Long story short, today I learned that Nice People still exist.

Looking forward to being the next Nice Guy someone new meets,
J.C. León

The difference between having your cake and eating it too...

A movie I liked to watch a lot when I was a kid was the Mighty Ducks. For all of those that are unfamiliar with this cinematic genius, the Mighty Ducks is a flick about an underdog hockey team that is led by a guy who’s forced to coach as court-ordered community service.

But for as many times as I watched it, there was this one phrase that was used a lot throughout the movie that I never really understood.

This puzzling phrase was most often said to Banks, the mega talented player from the rival team that ended up having join the Ducks because of division/resident lines. Bitterly, the Ducks players used to refer to him as Cake-Eater.

I never knew that meant, until tonight.

The San Diego Chargers are m favorite NFL team and tonight was their season opener against the Oakland Raiders (their rivals) for the 2nd game of Monday Night Football, so naturally I was excited to watch. The problem was the timing of the game was set against the time I had set to work on some things I needed to get done.

Easy fix.

“I’ll bring my laptop and finish my work while watching the game” I convincingly told myself.

Yeah. Easy. Until easy became complicated.

To some extent, my desire to both watch the game and finish my work is known as wanting to have your cake, and eat it too.

I had my cake – Heck, it even had tons of icing on it as the Chargers won in the final minutes of the 4th Quarter.

But the eating of it didn’t go so well. In fact, I’ll be up pretty late because as you might have guessed, the work didn’t get entirely finished.

So with that, I think tonight I finally learned what the Ducks meant when they called Banks a Cake-Eater.

Tonight I learned, or should I say was reminded, of what it means to prioritize.

Why I Hate Musical Chairs

Day Three:

I consider myself to be a person that can handle stress pretty easily. I may even go as far as to say that it takes quite a bit for me to get stressed over something.

But for about 4 minutes this morning during the second period of the day I got stressed.

The stress started to seep in when a new student greeted me at the door telling me he was enrolling into the largest class I have. This class is so large that one table/desk is home to 3 students, instead of the usual pair. This class is so large that I had to request 3 more seats from the Plant Manager because there was already a student sitting on my stool instead of a chair, one on a borrowed chair from next door, and another using the chair from my desk.

Then a T.A. (student helper) was added to the class.

Then I got stressed.

Almost immediately I began to quietly complain about how lame it was that I had a class where 4 students didn’t have chairs and 3 didn’t have real desks.

Knowing that the Plant Manager probably couldn’t get chairs to me until later, I went back next door to see if there were any other chairs I could use for the period.

While I was next door I realized that whether I wanted it to or not, how I re-entered the classroom was going to be a lesson I would teach my students.

The questions rapidly revealed themselves:

Am I going to let this situation have me show that it’s okay to have a negative reaction to things when they don’t go as planned?
Or am I going to take control of myself and model that even when things don’t go as we planned them, we still have the choice, the power to generate a positive response.

For a moment I thought, “Forget what I teach them…I gotta get some chairs!”

But as I walked back into my class I realized that they deserved better than what I wanted to give.

After everyone was situated, after I took a few breaths, I addressed the class and explained that in life there will certainly be times where things will occur that we never could have anticipated; some of them good and some of them bad. And when the bad things happen, we have a choice.

Will we react negatively, or will we respond positively?

I went on to confess that I began to react to the chair situation rather than respond.

It felt good to be transparent with them, to share my frustration and realization. I felt like I seized upon a teachable moment, one we would never read about in our textbook. I hope it resonates with them.

I need it to resonate with me.

On the way home traffic was ridiculous. This naturally means there was that one driver switching through the lanes trying to advance the extra 20 feet per lane change, which of course means my frustration over the traffic quickly turned into stress-level anger over this driver.

Then my mind wandered back to my 2nd period and how it was short on seats.

Then I learned the lesson that I had tried to teach my students.

And then the traffic wasn’t so bad.


Looking forward to opportunities where I’ll get to practice my response…

J.C. León

The Blue Pen

Day Two:

It’s funny to me how a seemingly unrelated series of events can be synced together mentally to create a learning experience. In other words, I didn’t know what I learned today until my day was near its end.

Here’s what happened at school today.

At the end of the class period right before Nutrition a student apparently left behind a pen on a desk. I say apparently because I didn’t notice it but in the class following the break, a break where I should say most students do not eat something nutritional, a student came to me with a pen in hand declaring that it was left behind. Although it was a rather plain looking pen I thanked the student for their honesty in turning it in; and then I promptly established a ‘lost in found’.

I’ll be honest. I created this lost-n-found for looks. I wanted the lost-n-founder to think they did a good thing, because in truth they did, but the contradictory thought behind my action was, “Dude, you could have either kept it or tossed it. Either way, you didn’t have to actually tell me that someone left behind a pen.”

Then nothing else of much significance happened for the rest of the school day.
Here’s what happened tonight at home before entering this post.

While reading a magazine I subscribe to, I read that last week a bus driver named Alberto Rios from Argentina found something while cleaning up at the end of his shift. Mr. Rios found a brief case that was left behind containing 1.8 million pesos, or approximately $460,000.00. Without giving it too much thought Mr. Rios retraced his steps and found its owner; he was rewarded for his honesty and efforts with $80. When asked why gave it back, he said, “There are things that test you. My father always told me, What belongs to you is yours, what does not is not yours.”

Upon reading those words I flashed back to the end of my day at school.

I was closing up my class and just about to head home with a little girl came in and asked if I had found a pen she thinks she may have left behind.

“I don’t think so. What makes you think you left it here?”, I said recalling I had this student early in the day, which to me meant she could have left it anywhere.

“Because I went to all my other classes and it wasn’t there. So if it’s anywhere, it must be here.”

Having forgotten about the newly erected lost-n-found, I began to give her bad news and send her on her way. But as she was exiting my class she saw her pen in a jar on the back table and exclaimed, “Here it is! Oh good, I thought I lost it.”

And then she just walked out the door.

I thought nothing of those two occurrences regarding the blue pen until I read about Albert Rios this evening.

And just like, lessons were learned.

Today I learned that Finders do not have to be Keepers. In fact, the world would likely be home to happier people if Finders worked to keep Losers from Weeping.

Today I learned that it doesn’t matter if it’s a pen, or almost half a million bucks – if it’s not yours, it’s not yours.

Today I learned to open my eyes even wider because today contained a lesson that slapped me in the face twice, and if it weren’t for Albert, I would have missed it.

Today I learned that I probably lived through a bunch of lessons that I definitely missed.


Off to reflect and refocus my lesson lenses…
J.C. León

There is no GPS in Middle School

Day 1:

Whenever someone I’m meeting for the first time learns that I teach 7th grade, I always seem to get the same look. It’s a facial expression that seems to scream, “Ooh, really?!”

It’s as if the ‘ooh’ carries a note of sympathy for the pain I must certainly be bearing while the ‘really?!’ portion of the grimace wants to vocally utter “And this is an actual choice YOU made?”

I get the same look every time.

I think this face stems from a place that the person I’m meeting has tried for some time to block from his or her memory. Looking back at my own experience of junior high I suppose I can see where they are coming from. But believe me when I say that it’s not so bad. In fact, 7th graders can be some pretty cool people.

I teach 7th grade World History at a 6, 7, 8 middle school. This means that my students are the most middle of all middle schoolers.

On our campus one can easily identify a 7th grader from one who’s in 6th or 8th. A 7th grade student carries him or herself with a little more confidence than a 6th grader, but not so much so that it would challenge the ‘established understanding’ that an 8th grader is top rung.

At our school students do not know their new schedule until they get it in Homeroom. And even though most of the 7th graders are familiar with the campus, campus maps are available for them. But to prove that they are no longer 6th graders, many of them pass up the chance to equip themselves the extra tool that could help make their first day, the first day of what will likely be the most awkward school year of their childhood, a smooth one. But who needs a map when you’ve got new clothes, a bag packed with pristine pens and paper, and a fresh smile for ‘just in case’?

Heck, if I were in their shoes I’d probably pass up the map too.

And then comes the 1st period of the day.

3 kids that should show up in my room after Nutrition somehow find themselves in there during the wrong period. Two periods later, the same thing happens to another pair of boys. At the end of the day I end up seeing a student enter my classroom for a second time sporting the look of “This feels too familiar to be right…am I in the right class? Wait, what period is it?” In their defense, our school has a schedule that takes some getting use to. It’s one of those where on Monday Period 1 follows Homeroom, but on Wednesday it’s Period 3.

But these are 7th graders.
They’ve been here before.
They know how this works.
Why are they lost?

Today I learned that it doesn’t matter how prepared we think we are, there’s always the chance we’ll get disoriented. This means that as we head out on our journeys, regardless of whether we’re wearing the right shoes, toting the right bag, or even carrying the right attitude, we should never under estimate our need upon others to help us find our way if ever we get off track.

Each one of those lost students today had a brief moment of quiet panic as they realized they were in the wrong place. It was clear that they wanted nothing more than to discreetly correct their error without having to undergo any amount of humiliation, at least any amount beyond the self-inflicted kind.

Each time I was amazed with how the anxiety appeared to melt away as a soft voice and smile helped to show the way, helped to right the wrong.

Even more, I was amazed at how their accidental classmates were more often than not the ones that offered the help – and how they did so with such kindness.

Today I also learned that as people, we don’t just need people – we need kind, compassionate people.

Today I learned that in that sense, I need to be more like my 7th graders.

I’m looking forward to getting lost in my future and to relying on cool people like you to help me find my way…