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?
11.30.2009
11.25.2009
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.
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.
11.23.2009
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.
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.
11.19.2009
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…
11.18.2009
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?
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?
11.17.2009
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?
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?
11.16.2009
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.
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.
11.13.2009
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
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
11.12.2009
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.
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.
11.11.2009
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...
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...
11.09.2009
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…
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…
11.06.2009
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
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
11.05.2009
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
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…
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…
11.03.2009
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.
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.
11.02.2009
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.
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